Univision Beats ABC, CBS, NBC or FOX on 14 Out of 28 Nights in the May Sweep
Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®
To understand the internet you have to be open to change.
Content Is King
Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne May 27, 2006
To come here you have to be able to read.
Monte says to ability to read is the most powerful weapon in the world
MBN®
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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 ®
( unofficially the sixth largest supplier
of NEWS by and American company
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 but we can’t get things ready in time.
SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY
International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news
More exciting changes coming each day.
Watch for the MBN® Politically incorrect SUV
MONTEBUBBLISM: Parents tell children not to do things because they have done them first and gotten into trouble for doing them.
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
HEE HAW RELEASES SLOT MACHINE VEGAS STYLE...
New Single, "Good Time," All Day Video Premiere on VH1 Soul and a 'Soul Spotlight' Rotation
MoneyTV, Week of 5/26
U.S. Kids Spent $18 Billion Last Year, While Parents Spent $58 Billion Just to Feed Them
Hands-on Mobile Announces Global Distribution and Massive Marketing Push for 'X-Men: the Last Stand' Suite of Mobile Products; X-Men Marketing Campaigns in 12 Countries and Distribution in More Than 35 Countries
Tu Ciudad Magazine Celebrates One-Year Anniversary; June/July Issue Features First-Ever 'Best of Latino L.A.' Guide, Journal Excerpts From the Set of Jack Black's 'Nacho Libre,' and an Interview With the First Lady of Los Angeles
Hilton and Discovery Kids Partner to Offer Summer of 'Discovery'; Family-Friendly Offerings Begin Memorial Day Weekend
Emmy Award-Winning, Animated Star Wars Action-Adventure CLONE WARS Debuts on iTunes Beginning May 25
Univision (A Spanish language station) Beats ABC, CBS, NBC or FOX on 14 Out of 28 Nights in the May Sweep
Mobile Ready Entertainment Corporation Announce Strategic Alliance and Software Platform Agreement With KlikVU
Digital Video Is Rolling as the 2006 New York Minute Online Film Festival & Competition Opens
Celebrates the Art of Rapid-fire Storytelling
Snapple and WFNX Bring Sizzling Sounds and Cool Tastes to Boston
40 Days and 40 Nights of Commercial-free Music, Free Concerts and the Best Free Stuff on Earth
Brian Littrell Announces The 'Welcome Home' Tour With Special Guests Ana Laura and Brandon Heath
Backstreet Boy Member Performs Hits From His Debut Solo Project Welcome Home :Kicks Off at the Nokia Theater In Times Square, June 11Manilow Grows!
Manilow Store at Las Vegas Hilton Expands to Meet Growing Demand
Western Writers of America to Honor THE REBEL Creator, Idaho-based Publisher
Azteca America Makes Upfront Presentation to Los Angeles Clients
- Eyes Los Angeles for its Corporate Headquarters -
- Two Upcoming Novelas Unveiled -
- New Entertainment Show and Sports Programming Added to Revamped Network News -
One Week Left to Win the Ultimate Rock Road Trip
Hard Rock International Offers Fans the Chance to Travel the Globe with the Ambassadors of Rock Tour
Time is Running Out to Enter Rock's Greatest Sweepstakes
NIGHT STALKER: THE COMPLETE SERIES*
Luciano Pavarotti has been forced to postpone his June concerts in Canada and Washington due to an unexpected set-back in his recovery from recent treatment for a painful lower back condition.
Nicky Clarke Hair Cut for 4head Dreaming Girl
The Next Mobile Craze - Calling Tunes
VH1 Rocked Sin City at Its First Annual 'VH1 Rock Honors' Paying Homage to the Music and Influence of KISS, Queen, Def Leppard and Judas Preist
Lee National Denim Day Announces New Cause Partner
Viggo Mortensen Tells Grads 'Activism Not a Dirty Word'
UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND BUDWEISER DECLARE JUNE 2, 2006, NATIONAL BREAK-UP DAY
FILM STUDIO AND BUDWEISER CELEBRATE ARRIVAL OF VINCE VAUGHN & JENNIFER ANISTON ROMANTIC COMEDY WITH DAY
Superscape 3D Mobile Games on Movistar Panama
QUALCOMM Introduces World's First Universal Mobile TV Chip
- Single-Chip Modem Drives TV to the Phone for Global Mass Markets by Supporting Three of the World's Leading Standards -
Hollywood Couple, Adrianne Curry and Christopher Knight, Say 'I Do' with Custom Designed Whiteflash.com Wedding Bands
Ali & Big Gipp Score #1 Record at Rhythm Crossover Format
New Album 'Kinfolk' Debuts Later This Summer
Photograve(TM) Corp. Introduces Lovely Lockets(TM) Photo-engraved lockets are waterproof and scratch-proof for lifetime protection
After tying up with NTL, Richard Branson is considering a return to music TV to take on the might of MTV.
Christie's to Showcase One-of-a-Kind Jewels Specially Designed by Dame Elizabeth Taylor
Wave House Hosts MTV's 'Summer Sizzle '06' as It Kicks Off in San Diego With 'Spankin New Sounds of Summer Music Week'
San Diego's Trend-Setting Wave House(R) to Host MTV: Music Television, May 29-June 2 for Filming of Popular 'Total Request Live' Program, Airing 3:30 p.m. ET/PT Daily
SPORTS & AUTOS
Carson Palmer's Journey to Recovery Travels Through a HydroWorx Underwater Treadmill
NBA 2006 Finals Trophy Tour Stops at Fort Bliss, Texas, Courtesy of Toyota and the USO
With the first pick in the NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select...
Sportsbook.com posts odds who will be first pick in 2006 NBA Draft
Toyota Announces Pricing for 2007 Camry Solara
The Next Patrol Vehicle You See May be a Subaru
- Memorial Day travelers in Kitsap County will be first to see new traffic safety enforcement vehicle -
Gas-Saving Alternatives For Summer Travel From Concierge.com
26% of People Claim that Soaring Gas Prices are Stalling Holiday Plans
Range Rover Equipped with New Technology and an Enhanced Prestigious Interior for 2007 Model Year
OpenTV Develops Indy 500 Application for ESPN
'ESPN 2006 Indianapolis 500 Application' and 'Indy 500 DishHOME Mosaic' to be Deployed on Dish Network
From Posing on the Beach to Spiking on the Beach: Molly Sims to Compete in AVP Cuervo Gold Crown Huntington Beach Open
Actress/Model Looks to Qualify for Main Draw of the AVP Professional Beach Volleyball Tournament this Weekend
Honda Develops Bio-Fabric for Use in Automobile Interiors
22,000 gazelles in the streets of Casablanca
DOD
By a 78-15 vote, the Senate today confirmed Air Force Gen. Michael V. Hayden as CIA director.
USAA Educational Foundation Offers Identity-Protection Tips
Gary Sinise and Lt. Dan Band on USO Tour to Naval Support Activity, Millington, Tenn
NEWS AND NEWS IN SPANISH
27,000 Were Eligible, Only 100 Made the Annual List
Entrepreneur Names the Movers and Shakers in the SMB Market
U.S. Adults Remain Very Pessimistic About Situation in Iraq, According to Latest Harris Poll
President Bush's approval rating ties lowest point
2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee Begins May 31 in Washington, D.C.
Fox Should Be Spending His Remaining Time in Office Fixing Mexico, not Meddling in U.S. Immigration Policy, Says New Coalition
Statement From Bill Gates on Senate Passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Microsoft's Chairman and Chief Software Architect Applauds Senate Action
Statement by Kirk Pickerel, President and CEO, Associated Builders and Contractors, Regarding the Senate Immigration Reform Legislation
Western Growers Hails Senate Passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform Package
National Agriculture Policy Group Appeals to Congressional Leaders for Swift Resolution in Upcoming Conference Committee to Complete Historic National Immigration Policy Reform
One in Three Americans Has Diabetes or Precursor to It
Study Shows Prevalence Still Rising; Minorities Twice as Hard Hit
More Research Finds Complications Worse in Teens with Type 2 Than Type 1
College Debt Has Profound Effect on Financial Security, Well-Being and Life Choices for Years to Come
Falta una semana para ganar el último Rock Road Trip
Southwest Airlines Customers Can Now Book Tickets to Universal Orlando(R) Resort Theme Parks on Southwest.com
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION STATUS REPORT: SS06-025
NASA EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT: E06-016
Azteca America Hace su Presentación de Preventa Ante los Clientes de Los Ángeles
- Los Ángeles en vista para su sede central corporativa
__________________________________________
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
HEE HAW RELEASES SLOT MACHINE VEGAS STYLE...
Party at MGM Grand includes Buddy Alan Owens, The Buckaroos, Dwight Yoakam, Little Jimmy Dickens, John Corbett and more!
The HEE HAW slot machine was in the spotlight during a special event Monday, May 22 in Las Vegas on the eve of the Academy of Country Music Awards. Invited guests from both the gaming and country music industries celebrated the launch of the HEE HAW slot while paying tribute to the television show's co-host, Buck Owens who died in March.
Buck Owens' band, The Buckaroos, along with Buck's son, Buddy Alan Owens, performed for party guests that included actor and country singer John Corbett, and Grand Ole Opry great Little Jimmy Dickens. The highlight of the night was the appearance of Dwight Yoakam who stopped by to perform several songs made famous by the late Buck Owens. The crowd was on their feet when Yoakam joined The Buckaroos and Buddy Alan Owens in "Streets of Bakersfield," the #1 hit Yoakam and Buck Owens partnered together on in 1988. Country artist, Aaron Tippin, himself a guest on HEE HAW and a friend of Owens, also performed with the band.
The party marked the official launch of the HEE HAW slot machine, made by Bally Technologies, Inc., in a partnership with Gaylord Entertainment, owner of the HEE HAW franchise. The machine, which is based on the classic HEE HAW television show that ranks among the most popular TV programs of all time, features HEE HAW co-hosts Buck Owens and Roy Clark, well-known down-on-the-farm regular Junior Samples and country legend Minnie Pearl. The HEE HAW slot machine is a multi-level progressive game on the five -reel S9000 machine driven by Bally's advanced ALPHA 0S™ technology.
Bally has begun a sales rollout of the HEE HAW machine to casinos nationwide. The machine which made its debut on the gaming floor of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is already proving popular with the fans it seems, as there is often a line of people waiting for their chance to play. The machine can also be found at the MGM Grand Detroit, Greektown Casino in Detroit, Thunder Valley Casino near Sacramento and Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino near San Diego.
"The HEE HAW game is off to a great start and we believe the combination of our unique S9000 machine and the HEE HAW brand will deliver powerful results for casino operators while giving players a highly entertaining gaming experience, " said Mickey Roemer, Senior Vice President of Products and Marketing for Bally Technologies. "HEE HAW hits the perfect sweet spot for slot-player demographics and we're thrilled the brand is so full of life more than 35 years after the television show first went on the air."
The HEE HAW television series debuted on CBS on June 15, 1969 and ran weekly for more than 20 years. By 1977, HEE HAW was the nation's No.1-rated non-network show and it ultimately became one of the longest-running syndicated TV shows in history with more than 585 one-hour shows produced. HEE HAW reached 90 percent of U.S. households and was seen on 220 television stations at its height. HEE HAW attracted hundreds of celebrity guests from virtually every segment of the entertainment industry, including Hugh Hefner, Dolly Parton, Minnesota Fats, Garth Brooks and Richard Petty. Quite risqué for its time, HEE HAW is still remembered by many for the group of women cast members known collectively as the "HEE HAW Honeys."
The HEE HAW brand, much like that of the Dukes of Hazzard and the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, continues to connect with millions who enjoy the unpretentious attitude inherent in rural comedy and down-home fun. Recently, HEE HAW surpassed the 1 million sales mark in total DVD sales and is moving into other product lines, including a contemporary line of wearables being placed in boutiques across the country.
About Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE:GET)
Gaylord Entertainment, a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn., owns and operates three industry-leading brands - Gaylord Hotels (www.gaylordhotels.com), its network of upscale, meetings-focused resorts, ResortQuest (www.resortquest.com), the nation's largest vacation rental property management company, and the Grand Ole Opry (www.opry.com), the weekly showcase of country music's finest performers for 80 consecutive years. The company also owns Gaylord Program Services, Inc., owner of all rights and trademarks for Hee Haw, America's all-time favorite country music and comedy television series. The company's other entertainment brands and properties include Ryman Auditorium, General Jackson Showboat, Springhouse Links, Wildhorse Saloon, and WSM-AM. For more information about the company, visit http://www.gaylordentertainment.com/.
About Bally Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BYI)
With a history dating back to 1932, Las Vegas-based Bally Gaming Technologies designs, manufactures, operates and distributes advanced gaming devices, systems and technology solutions worldwide. Bally's product line includes reel-spinning slot machines, video slots, wide-area progressives and Class II, lottery and central determination games and platforms. As the world's No.1 gaming systems company, Bally also offers an array of casino management, slot accounting, bonusing, cashless and table management solutions. 
The Company also owns and operates Rainbow Casino in Vicksburg, Miss. Additional information on the Company can be found at http://www.ballytech.com/.
(C)MBN 2006(Joyce Chow & William Hoehne)
New Single, "Good Time," All Day Video Premiere on VH1 Soul and a 'Soul Spotlight' Rotation
-- Leela James' new video for the single, "Good Time," will be added to 'Soul Spotlight' rotation and an All Day Premiere on VH1 Soul. The video will premiere on Monday, 5/29, every hour on the hour and a 'Soul Spotlight' all week, which means it will receive 100+ spins in its first week.
What has Leela been up to in the last three months? On March 14, a digital EP of her live performance in New Orleans went on sale exclusively through iTunes (made available for download by other online retailers in April). The DMD went on sale the day after James appeared with Marc Broussard and Solomon Burke in a tribute to late soul legend Wilson Pickett at the 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. James has also performed with Jamie Cullum in a tribute to Aretha Franklin at the UK Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in London last November.
James, whose throaty gospel-influenced voice has been described as "Chaka Khan meets Mahalia Jackson," was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for "Outstanding New Artist" and a Soul Train award for "Best New R&B-Soul Artist." You can check out Leela James at one of the upcoming dates, listed below.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
Tuesday, 5/30 New York, NY Irving Plaza
Thursday, 6/1 Glenside, PA Kenswick Theatre
Saturday, 7/1 Detroit, MI Comerica Festiva
SOURCE: Warner Bros. Records
MoneyTV, Week of 5/26
-- 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:
Invisa Inc. (OTCBB: INSA) VP of Operations Carl Parks spoke of the company's sensing technology currently being marketed to the access control gate market.
Dragon Capital Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: DRGV) Spokesperson Marc Seigel detailed recent company financial reports.
Manhattan West Mortgage CEO Roger Schlesinger unveiled 100% mortgage financing, with a 580 credit score, up to $1 million.
Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTCBB: CBAI) CEO Matthew Schissler announced the company was commencing an "aggressive" acquisition strategy to consolidate the industry.
Universal Express, Inc. CEO Richard Altomare spoke of the company's Dubai funding and announced the signing of a Letter of Intent to purchase a lost luggage recovery company.
XsunX, Inc. (OTCBB: XSNX) CEO Tom Djokovich spoke of the construction progress of the company's new facility in Golden, Colorado.
The Green Baron.com Editor-in-Chief Matt Chipman discussed possible investor reaction to the Enron verdicts.
Creator Capital, Ltd. CEO Alex Downie spoke of his Brazilian and Argentinian football negotiations to bring the content to China.
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 to 60 million U.S. homes on Saturdays at 11:00 AM ET, Sundays at 8:30 AM PT, & 9:30 AM ET and Mondays at 6:30 PM ET.
MoneyTV is broadcast to 45 million TV homes in Western Europe, Wednesdays at 7:30 PM.
MoneyTV is also broadcast on NBC-TV in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Sundays at 8:00 AM.
A complete menu of TV listings is available at the MoneyTV web site, http://www.moneytv.net.
MoneyTV television program, Copyright MMVI, 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.
SOURCE: MoneyTV
U.S. Kids Spent $18 Billion Last Year, While Parents Spent $58 Billion Just to Feed Them
According to The Kids Market in the U.S., a new report from Packaged Facts, preschoolers aged 3 to 5, younger kids aged 6 to 8, and tweens aged 9 to 11a compact consumer group that's nearly 36 million kids strong continue to pack a punch in purchasing power, which in 2005 was estimated to be $18 billion,
The report projects the kids market will experience substantial growth during the next four years, reaching $21.4 billion in disposable income by 2010.
Concurrently, families spend more than $115 billion on kids in key consumer areas, such as food, clothing, personal-care items, entertainment, and reading materials. Almost half of this total expenditure on kids, $58.3 billion, is devoted to food purchases. By Packaged Facts estimates, annual expenditures by families on consumer goods for kids will reach approximately $143 billion by 2010.
Besides "tricky" marketing to this big-money demographic because of distinct tastes, buying habits, levels of influence over purchasing decisions, and influences, such as race, education level of parents, and household income, there are wider-ranging kid issues that have focused on the business and societal risks related to kid marketing.
Don Montuori, the publisher of Packaged Facts, concludes that "... marketers would be wise to adapt to the rapidly evolving consumer attitudes and habits of today's media-saturated kidsand their familiesby going beyond what's politically correct..."
MySpace Creates Unprecedented Campaign for ''An Inconvenient Truth''; Documentary Aligns with Leading Social Networking Website to Raise Public Awareness of Global Warming Through High-Traffic Placement of Film Profile and Movie Theater Buyout
LOS ANGELES --(Business Wire)-- May 25, 2006 MySpace.com, the leading Internet lifestyle portal, announced today that it has joined forces with Al Gore to create an unprecedented campaign for the global warming documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth." The campaign, which launched today and runs for the next several weeks, is the broadest effort MySpace has undertaken on behalf of a social cause.
"MySpace has a unique ability to mobilize its community around an urgent cause. We are thrilled they are participating in the promotion of 'An Inconvenient Truth,'" said former Vice President Al Gore. "In doing so, they are helping us raise awareness about the planetary emergency posed by global warming."
"This partnership is the latest greatest campaign in MySpace's ongoing effort to highlight important social issues and raise consciousness among our vast network of users," said Chris DeWolfe, CEO and co-founder of MySpace.com. "As with our campaigns for Hurricane Katrina relief and other social causes, MySpace is a tremendous platform for members to activate around pressing issues like global warming," added DeWolfe.
MySpace's campaign for "An Inconvenient Truth" includes a custom-designed community to raise awareness and facilitate conversation about global warming. Among other features, the community's home page offers a personal environmental impact calculator so every user can assess his/her individual contribution to global warming. The site also provides eye-opening facts about global warming and useful tips for reducing carbon emissions and living a green lifestyle.
In addition to the customized community, MySpace's Music channel will feature an Artist on Artist interview between Gore and a world-renowned musician who is part of the MySpace community. The MySpace Movies channel will spotlight an interview with the film's director, Davis Guggenheim. MySpace is also contributing a significant amount of ad space to raise awareness about the threats posed by global warming. As part of the company's commitment to civic initiatives such as environmental awareness, the campaign will move beyond MySpace's online network, culminating in a 10-city MySpace theater buyout on June 16 with free tickets going to members of "An Inconvenient Truth's" MySpace community.
"We're contributing the ad space, the marketing, and the technological support because we believe so strongly that we have a responsibility to use the online world to make the offline world a better place," said MySpace President and co-founder Tom Anderson, whose bulletins to MySpace members drive extraordinary traffic on the site.
"Many leading social organizations have used MySpace to reach people about significant causes that impact our daily lives," said Anderson. "If we don't step up, who will?"
About MySpace.com
MySpace is the premier lifestyle portal for connecting with friends and discovering culture. By integrating web profiles, blogs, instant messaging, e-mail, music streaming, music videos, photo galleries, classified listings, events, groups, college communities and member forums, MySpace has created a connected community. As the second ranked web domain in terms of page views, MySpace.com is the most widely-used and highly-regarded site of its kind. MySpace is committed to providing the highest quality member experience and will continue to innovate with new features that allow its members to express their creativity and share their lives, both online and off.
Hands-on Mobile Announces Global Distribution and Massive Marketing Push for 'X-Men: the Last Stand' Suite of Mobile Products; X-Men Marketing Campaigns in 12 Countries and Distribution in More Than 35 Countries
Hands-On Mobile (formerly MFORMA), a leading global publisher of mobile lifestyle, games and personalization products, today announced the global release of a suite of mobile products which coincides with the upcoming eagerly anticipated theatrical release of "X-Men: The Last Stand," from Twentieth Century Fox. Hands-On Mobile is supporting the launch with global marketing activity of Super-Hero proportions, with marketing campaigns running simultaneously in 12 countries and distribution reaching more than 35 countries around the world.
Leveraging its unrivaled global footprint, Hands-On Mobile will unleash a massive integrated promotional campaign that will include print advertising, television and radio spots, outdoor billboards, web and WAP advertising, SMS and MMS broadcasts, mailings, sweepstakes, and prepaid cards to herald the arrival of the "X-Men: The Last Stand" mobile suite of products. Marketing campaigns will run in 12 global hubs including France, United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Thailand, Australia and North America.
"We are excited to extend our marketing efforts to multiple continents, including North America, Latin America and Europe, with the launch of the 'X-Men: The Last Stand' suite of products," commented Hands-On Mobile's VP of Marketing Paul Baldwin. "Our global marketing capabilities allow us to promote our X-Men products with leading international operators around the globe."
"The X-Men: The Last Stand" content suite, from Hands-On Mobile's critically acclaimed Marvel Mobile line of mobile products, includes the official mobile game, as well as more than 100 personalization products including wallpapers, screensavers and themes based on characters from the motion picture, marking the largest suite of products the company has ever released.
"By leveraging our unprecedented global presence, Hands-On Mobile will ensure that mobile customers in more than 35 countries around the world will be able to actively engage with their favorite X-Men characters on their handsets," said Hands-On Mobile's President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Sacks. "They will enjoy the world of imagination and adventure that the Marvel Mobile line of products has provided to fans over the years."
"X-Men: The Last Stand" mobile game is co-published with Activision and based on the script written by Zak Penn of the X-Men movies and comic book legend Chris Claremont. The mobile game immerses players in an original storyline that preludes the upcoming "X-Men: The Last Stand" feature film. The mobile game allows players to truly become popular characters from the X-Men universe including Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Iceman, Cyclops and Magneto. Players can command the authentic X-Men movie superpowers, including Wolverines' combat rage, Nightcrawler's aerobatic and teleportation and Iceman's freezing abilities. They can even battle Marvel villains such as Lady Deathstrike, Pyro and Silver Samurai. This globe-spanning adventure has more than 12 different stages taking players from Canada to Hong Kong.
Hands-On Mobile will also release "X-Men: The Last Stand - Mind Maze" to coincide with "X-Men: The Last Stand" DVD release later this year. This maze game allows players to compete against the clock by avoiding and capturing enemies while gathering points along the way.
For more information, please visit http://www.marvelmobile.com
About Hands-On Mobile, Inc.
Hands-On Mobile is a leading global publisher of mobile lifestyle, games and personalization products targeting all market segments of the mobile handset marketplace. With operations in four continents, Hands-On Mobile develops, publishes and distributes mobile content to more than 150 of the world's leading operators in 40 countries. Hands-On Mobile provides operators and their customers with the world's best entertainment brands and applications and provides brand owners with the shortest route to market. The Hands-On content catalog is diverse, including BREW, Java, SMS, MMS, and WAP games, and music, sports, lifestyle, personalization, and information-services subscription products. Hands-On Mobile is a U.S. corporation with headquarters in San Francisco and offices in San Diego and Los Angeles, California; London and Bollington, England; Krakow, Poland; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Shanghai and Beijing, China; and Seoul, Korea. For more information about Hands-On Mobile's products and organization please visit http://www.HandsOn.com.
About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc., formerly known as Marvel Enterprises, Inc., is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world.
Marvel, and related characters names and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. TM & (C) 2006 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. Super Hero(es) and Super Villain(s) are co-owned registered trademarks.
Hands-On Mobile is a trademark of Hands-On Mobile, Inc. All other product or company names are trademarks of their respective owners.
Tu Ciudad Magazine Celebrates One-Year Anniversary; June/July Issue Features First-Ever 'Best of Latino L.A.' Guide, Journal Excerpts From the Set of Jack Black's 'Nacho Libre,' and an Interview With the First Lady of Los Angeles
On newsstands today, the June/July issue of Tu Ciudad Magazine celebrates its one year anniversary with a service guide to the "Best of Latino L.A.;" journal excerpts from Culture Clash's Richard Montoya on the set of Jack Black's summer comedy, "Nacho Libre;" and an interview with Corina Villaraigosa.
Ciudad preps Angelenos for summer with an 18-page feature spotlighting the first-ever, comprehensive Latino service guide to popular, eclectic and unique offerings in food; entertainment; art and culture; sports; fashion; nightlife; and destinations. Nearly 100 categories highlighting everything from best taco stand to best tres leches to best coffee stand, best nightlife to best tattoo shop, best art gallery to best wine bar and much more. Comfort food favorites such as Porto's Bakery make the list, as well as off-the-beaten-path favorites like one-stop shopping favorite, El Mercado de Los Angeles. With summer visitors coming to the Southland aching to explore L.A., this service guide is a must-have.
In Ciudad's "Oaxacan Smackdown" feature, actor Richard Montoya invites readers into his behind-the-scenes, first-person account of what it was like working alongside the one-and-only Jack Black in "Nacho Libre" directed by Jared Hess (Napolean Dynamite). Montoya's two week journal lures readers in with witty commentary such as his Day One entry: 'The first unsettling piece of business is the size difference between my trailer and J.B.'s...Where's Jack? I ask. "Opening his PlayStation and Xbox gifts" I am told. Never mind. I humbly remind myself that I am lucky to be here. Jack has earned his toys. My last film was Encino Man.' Co-starring with Black, Montoya plays Padre Guillermo in the upcoming summer comedy.
As Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa garners daily press, so too has Corina Villaraigosa. Ciudad brings readers an intimate glimpse of the humble and down-to-earth First Lady of Los Angeles in a feature titled, "You Can Quote Me." When asked how she responds to being referred to as First Lady, she replies, "...I think there are certain expectations that they have, and I'm not sure what those expectations are. But I hope I represent the city of L.A. well. I'm getting used to the title."
Also in the June/July issue:
-- SEX Y LA by Ayn Carrillo. A "Sex in the City" perspective on relationships. In this issue, Ayn "comes out of the closet," confessing she is not only married, but married to a non-Hispanic, and cites her father's reaction to the pairing.
-- EL CENTRO. An eclectic mix of trends, tidbits and personalities. In this issue, timed to the World Cup, Power 106's Jeff Garcia and The LA Times' Gregory Rodriguez take sides in "I Love Futbol / I Hate Soccer."
-- EATS. Recipes and restaurant reviews. In this issue, the spotlight is on Chef Generoso Bahena of Malverde in Lynwood's Plaza Mexico serving fine, regional Mexican cuisine.
Tu Ciudad Magazine is available May 25 at stores throughout Southern California including Ralphs, Albertson's, Vons, 7-Eleven, Rite-Aid, Sav-on Drugs, Barnes & Noble, Borders and newsstands throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties.
Hilton and Discovery Kids Partner to Offer Summer of 'Discovery'; Family-Friendly Offerings Begin Memorial Day Weekend
To kick off the 2006 summer travel season, Hilton Hotels and Discovery Kids Channel are teaming up to create the "Hilton Discovery Kids Package," a family vacation promotion available at all participating Hilton Hotels in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, families can receive the best available rate on summer accommodations by reserving their "Hilton Discovery Kids Package" online at http://www.hilton.com. Parents and kids have the opportunity to enter "Travel Should Spark Discovery" promotion for a chance to discover a foreign land during a seven-night/six-day vacation at one of eight exotic participating Hilton Hotels locations worldwide.
Starting June 30, kids aged 12 and under will be welcomed at check-in with a complimentary Hilton Discovery Kids Pack. Filled with all the essentials for an adventure-filled vacation, the pack includes complimentary continental breakfast, an exclusive Discovery Kids DVD that features four episodes of the fan-favorite, hit series "Endurance," an activity book and a complimentary one-month subscription to Cosmeo, the revolutionary new homework help tool that harnesses the power of broadband and media to help kids achieve academic breakthroughs. The summer package marks the beginning of a longer relationship between Hilton and Discovery Kids to develop innovative programming that merges education and fun for family travels year-round.
"Summer vacations should stir creativity, pique curiosity and spark discovery," said Jeffrey Diskin, senior vice president of Hilton brand management. "A fun and unique way to indulge the curiosities and interests of our younger guests, this Discovery Kids program encourages education, adventure and learning through travel and reinforces our brand philosophy that travel should educate and awaken the mind."
After their Hilton stay, kids will also have the opportunity to share their vacation for a chance to have their stories air on television. By sending in photos and/or video, accompanied by a short description of his or her summer adventure and explorations to "Show Us Your Summer" at DiscoveryKids.com, their video may be selected to air on Discovery Kids Channel, and online at DiscoveryKids.com.
"Learning shouldn't be limited to the school year," adds Discovery Kids GM Marjorie Kaplan. "This new creative partnership with Hilton extends Discovery Kids content that entertains and empowers kids beyond watching programs on television. As summer vacations take kids to new places and they experience new things, they now can share the knowledge they've gained with their friends and other kids around the country."
The recipient of a record 14 Daytime Emmy(R); nominations in 2006, Discovery Kids is setting new standards in programming for children. From the Emmy(R)-winning DISCOVERY KIDS ON NBC block to the commercial-free READY SET LEARN! preschool programming strand and the growing Discovery Kids Channel, Discovery Kids is providing young viewers with the highest-quality entertainment on the air today. Discovery Kids Channel is currently available in 38 million homes in the United States.
For more details on the "Travel Should Spark Discovery" Sweepstakes, "Show Us Your Summer," or to sign up for the "Hilton Discovery Kids Package," families can visit http://www.hilton.com or call 1-800-HILTONS.
About Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels has been and continues to be a pioneering innovator in the full-service hospitality segment, operating under the belief that Travel is more than just A to B.... Travel Should Take You Places(TM). With a name that is synonymous with excellence in hospitality and respected throughout the world, Hilton celebrates the accomplishment, enlightenment, renewal and celebration that travel enables. This commitment to personal guest achievement influences all decisions about products, programs and amenities, and is underscored by the belief that travel can and should be transformative. Each unique Hilton Hotel was specially built to reflect the sense of place of its location and each team member chosen to reflect a commitment and support of the local culture and community. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.hilton.com and to learn more about our innovations for your own personal journey, please visit http://www.hiltonjourneys.com.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in 170 countries and territories with nearly 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 27 network entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Espanol, Discovery Kids en Espanol, Discovery HD Theater, FitTV, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir), Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Real Time. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ:DISCA) (NASDAQ:DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.
Emmy Award-Winning, Animated Star Wars Action-Adventure CLONE WARS Debuts on iTunes Beginning May 25
The epic adventure of the Star Wars galaxy comes to the iTunes(R) Music Store (http://www.itunes.com) today when Cartoon Network's Emmy Award-winning animated series STAR WARS: CLONE WARS becomes available for purchase and download, Lucasfilm Ltd. has announced.
Beginning today, the 20 chapters of STAR WARS: CLONE WARS Volume 1 will be available on iTunes, with the action-packed STAR WARS: CLONE WARS Volume 2 following later in June. Each chapter, or episode, will be available for $1.99 with the full season of Volume 1 available for $10.99 and can be viewed, after download, on a computer or on an iPod(R).
"As animated shorts, CLONE WARS is the perfect content to watch on an iPod," said Tom Warner, Senior Director of Marketing for Lucasfilm Ltd. "iTunes is a convenient new way to explore these rich, exciting stories that expand the Star Wars universe."
The original animated series produced by Cartoon Network Studios, Lucasfilm Ltd. and renowned director Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack, Dexter's Laboratory) follows the exploits of heroic Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu and a legion of Jedi Knights as they fight against the forces of the Dark Side. In 2004 and 2005, Clone Wars was honored with Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or More).
Hailed for its "fast and furious action" (USA Today) and described as "a thrill ride through the world of Star Wars" (San Jose Mercury News), CLONE WARS Volume 1 picks up where Attack of the Clones left off, while Volume 2 leads directly into Revenge of the Sith.
The series originally aired on Cartoon Network and became the No. 1-rated show on basic cable among boys 9 to 17 years old and 12- to 17-year-old teens. More than 23 million people watched at least one episode of STAR WARS: CLONE WARS during its Cartoon Network run.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.
Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world's leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion picture and television productions, the company's global businesses include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound; LucasArts; Lucasfilm Animation; Lucas Licensing; and Lucas Online. Lucasfilm's feature films have won 19 Oscars and its television projects have won 12 Emmy Awards.
Cartoon Network, currently seen in more than 88 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable's highest rated networks. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.
Univision Beats ABC, CBS, NBC or FOX on 14 Out of 28 Nights in the May Sweep
During its second sweep period included in the Nielsen Television Index ratings service, the Univision Network out-delivered at least one of the other four major broadcast networks among Adults 18-34 on 14 out of 28 nights, or half the entire sweep period. In addition, among total viewers (P2+), Adults 18-24, Adults 18-34 and Adults 18-49, Univision finished the May 2006 sweep as the 5th ranked broadcast network in prime time. The network also delivered its second highest Adult 18-49 prime time audience performance compared to any May sweeps period. -0-
Sweep Overview
-- During the May 2006 sweep, Univision was the #2 most-watched
broadcast network among Adults 18-24 in the Monday-Friday 8-9p
and Monday-Sunday 8-9p time period, consistently beating ABC,
CBS, NBC, UPN, and WB. Among Adults 18-34, Univision was the
fourth largest broadcast network in the Monday-Friday 8-9p
hour, and during Monday-Sunday Univision ranked #5.
-- Univision out-delivered Telemundo by more than four times the
total viewers (P2+), 3,355,000 vs. 829,000, and nearly four
times the Adult 18-34 and Adult 18-49 primetime audiences,
1,080,000 vs. 276,000 and 1,922,000 vs. 501,000 respectively.
-- On Wednesday, May 24, the last night of the sweep period,
Univision was the #3 ranked broadcast network among Adults
18-24, Adults 18-34, Kids 2-11 and Teens 12-17, beating CBS,
NBC, UPN, and WB according to Nielsen Fast Affiliate overnight
ratings.
Program Highlights
-- 5.3 million viewers (2+) watched the suspense-filled finale of
the second edition of "Bailando Por Un Sueno" (Dancing for a
Dream) on Sunday, May 7th. It was the highest rated telecast
of the emotionally charged dance competition featuring real
people paired with celebrities dancing their way to fulfilling
a worthwhile, very personal dream for them and their loved
ones.
-- Additionally on finale night, Univision was the third
ranked broadcast network among Adults 18-34, Teens 12-17
and Kids 2-11, beating CBS, NBC and WB.
-- Following the tremendous Sunday night success of the first two
editions of "Bailando Por Un Sueno," Univision debuted "Reyes
De La Pista" (Kings & Queens of the Dance Floor) on May 14th.
Nearly 4 million viewers (2+) tuned in to watch past winners
of "Bailando Por Un Sueno" I & II in an exciting championship
dance-off in its premiere, including 2.3 million Adults 18-49,
1.3 million Adults 18-34 and 309,000 Teens 12-17.
-- Lastly, "Bailando Por Un Sueno" and "Reyes De La Pista" helped
Univision achieve a record Sunday night performance (7p-11p)
during the May 2006 sweep compared to any May sweeps period
among Total Viewers (2+), Adults 18-34, Adults 18-49, Teens
12-17 and Kids 2-11. (Compared to any sweeps period, this is
the second highest Sunday night performance for Univision.)
-- From 7p-11p on Sunday nights, Univision nearly doubled its
audience levels in the May 2006 sweep as compared to the May
2005 sweep.
Demographic May 2006 Sun 7-11p Avg % Growth Over '05
Total Viewers 2+ 3.7 Million +60%
Adults 18-34 1.3 Million +51%
Adults 18-49 2.2 Million +71%
Kids 2-11 524,000 +68%
Teens 12-17 268,000 +79%
-- With only one month on the air, "La Fea Mas Bella" (The
Prettiest Ugly Girl) is already delivering 3.9 million viewers
(2+) and 2.2 million Adults 18-49 at 8pm.
-- Compared to the first month performance of "Rubi,"
Univision's second highest ranked novela of all time, "La
Fea Mas Bella" is delivering more viewers (2+), Adults
18-49 and Persons 12-34.
-- In addition, "La Fea Mas Bella's" Teens 12-17 audience
levels are thus far higher than the first month
performance of many of Univision's top novelas of all
time, "Amor Real," "Rubi," "La Madrastra," and "Apuesta
Por Un Amor."
Source: NTI (4/27/06-5/24/06), NHTI for previous May sweeps periods.
2005-2006 Season Highlights Through 5-24-06
-- On one out of every two nights during the season, Univision
beat ABC, CBS, NBC, or FOX among Adults 18-34.
-- Among total viewers (P2+), Adults 18-34 and Adults 18-49,
Univision finished the 2005-2006 season as the 5th ranked
broadcast network in primetime.
-- Univision wrapped up the 2005-2006 season as the fourth
largest broadcast network in primetime among Adults 18-24,
beating NBC, UPN, and WB.
-- Lastly, Univision out-delivered Telemundo nearly four times
the total viewers (P2+), 3,614,000 vs. 1,017,000, and more
than three times the Adult 18-34 and Adult 18-49 primetime
audiences, 1,190,000 vs. 355,000 and 2,027,000 vs. 617,000
respectively.
Source: NTI (09/19/2004-05/24/2006) Monday-Saturday 8-11pm, Sunday
7-11pm. NHTI for Univision pre 12/25/2005 and pre 01/30/2006
for Telemundo.
Locally, Univision stations enjoyed equally impressive May sweep
results.
-- In Los Angeles, Univision's KMEX was #1 in the market, beating
all other stations among Adults 18-34 and Adults 18-49, in
Primetime, Daytime, Early and Late News, and Total Day.
-- Miami Households placed Univision's WLTV in the #1 position
during Primetime, Early News and Total Day.
-- In Dallas, Univision's KUVN was #1 in the market, beating all
other stations among Adults 18-34 during Primetime, Total Day
and Late News and, along with Adults 18-49, in Daytime and
Early News.
-- In San Francisco, Univision KDTV, was also #1 for Adults 18-34
in Daytime and #1 for both Adults 18-34 and Adults 18-49 in
Early News.
-- In Chicago, Univision's WGBO, was also #1 for both Adults
18-34 and Adults 18-49 in Early News and Early Fringe.
Source: NSI (4/27/06-5/24/06)
Univision Communications Inc. (NYSE:UVN) is the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States. Its operations include Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 98% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 86% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavision, the country's leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 62 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group which owns and/or operates 69 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 4 stations in Puerto Rico; Univision Music Group, which includes Univision Records, Fonovisa Records, La Calle Records and a 50% interest in Mexico-based Disa Records labels as well as Fonomusic and America Musical Publishing companies; and Univision Online, the premier Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S. located at http://www.univision.com. Univision Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa's pay television channels in the U.S., and a non-voting 14.9% interest in Entravision Communications Corporation, a public Spanish-language media company. Univision Communications is headquartered in Los Angeles with television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States.
For more information, please visit http://www.univision.net.
Mobile Ready Entertainment Corporation Announce Strategic Alliance and Software Platform Agreement With KlikVU
Mobile Ready Entertainment (PINKSHEETS: MBRN), a holding company and aggregator of digital media, wireless and content for mobile devices, is pleased to announce that they have signed a strategic alliance agreement with KlikVU an ASP service provider of video delivery systems and encoding.
L. Joshua Eikov, Chief Executive Officer of Mobile Ready Entertainment, said, "We are very pleased to enter into this alliance with KlikVU. The KlikVU platform will put us in a very good position to offer services and content delivery to consumers and the mobile community at large."
In light of a recent report from KenRadio.com that found that the US is at 70% wireless penetration which reaches 200M subscribers. The report went on to explain how Verizon and Cingular both added 1.7M customers in Q1 2006 and that wireless revenue from US businesses will grow to $52B in 2010. With these statistics at hand Mobile Ready is preparing the mymobileready.com platform and using the KlikVU platform to create a streaming video and audio channel for the mobile phone.
"We are happy to be serving Mobile Ready as an ASP and know that our platform will provide the best possible service to the customers of Mobile Ready," commented Lowell Feuer, CEO of KlikVU.
About Mobile Ready Entertainment Corporation
Mobile Ready Entertainment Corporation is a wireless and media holding company specializing in the entertainment and educational vertical market segments. Through our subsidiaries we will develop, market and sell wireless application software and entertainment based content for mobile devices. Our value proposition is to unlock, integrate and seamlessly deliver all types of data to wireless devices, whether streaming movies, music video or television content and digital radio delivery to the growing consumer market via channel and content partners -- anytime, anywhere. We deliver these products and services globally across most of the major cellular networks and prominent wireless device operating systems. For more information about Mobile Ready, please visit its website at www.mymobilereadyec.com.
About KlikVU
KlikVU is an ASP provider of streaming video and CODEC conversions for providing media on the Internet and wirelessly. KlikVU offers the most comprehensive service for content providers, filmmakers, educational institutions and corporations to publish their multimedia properties online worldwide.
SOURCE: Mobile Ready Entertainment
Digital Video Is Rolling as the 2006 New York Minute Online Film Festival & Competition Opens
Celebrates the Art of Rapid-fire Storytelling
Got a minute? Make a movie! The 2006 New York Minute Film Festival wants your 60-second masterpiece.
Almost overnight, mobile video and advertising has emerged as the next step in the evolution of personal consumer media choices. For major advertisers and entertainment interests, the race is underway to figure out how to use video iPods, online video space and cell phones to get effective messages where the next generation of consumers will see them.
The New York Minute Film Festival (http://www.nymff.com/), launched the first major online film competition to showcase 60-second works of amateur and professional filmmakers last year. The second annual competition opens tomorrow, with entries accepted until early October and award winners announced in November 2006.
"We welcomed entries from filmmakers in 16 countries last year and are already fielding calls from around the globe," said Jeff Cahn, one of the festival founders and partners at Convergence (http://www.convergenceny.com/), the visual media company that launched the festival last year and is donating the infrastructure to support it.
"The filmmaker's challenge is to tell a compelling story in 60 seconds. In this noisy world, where people are assaulted by a barrage of content, visual artists and advertisers have to find a way to break through. The festival provides a forum where the minute masterpieces of creative communicators can be seen by millions," said Chip Smith partner/editor, Convergence.
WYD Media Management, LLC, (http://www.wydmedia.com/) is handling advertising sales and sponsorships: "Advertising and entertainment interests must associate with this new medium," according to Ron Hartenbaum, WYD president. "This is a spectacular way for major brands to become familiar with its power."
A portion of the proceeds from the festival will benefit MOUSE, a charity pioneering innovative technology-based school programs for inner city public schools.
"The 2006 New York Minute Film Festival extends the digital media revolution in a way that creates exciting content and, more importantly, enhances the filmmaking community," said Jeff Cahn.
Visit http://www.newyorkminutefilmfestival.com/ for complete information on rules and submission guidelines or email info@newyorkminutefilmfestival.com
http://www.nymff.com/
http://www.convergenceny.com/
http://www.newyorkminutefilmfestival.com/
Snapple and WFNX Bring Sizzling Sounds and Cool Tastes to Boston
40 Days and 40 Nights of Commercial-free Music, Free Concerts and the Best Free Stuff on Earth
Today, the WFNX Radio Network and Snapple announced the first-ever "Summer Free For All," 40 days and 40 nights of the best music on earth -- commercial-free! To kick off the festivities, Wendy "The Snapple Lady" unveiled the Snapple/WFNX "Guitarmeter" -- a ten-foot tall, guitar-shaped thermometer stationed outside of Store 24 in Copley Square -- and raffled off a First Act electric guitar. Snapple will help Boston beat the summer heat for the next 40 days by handing out free Snapple product outside of Store 24 in Copley Square (717 Bolyston Street) any day the noon temperature tops 85 degrees*. Bostonians will also be among the first to taste Snapple's newest innovation, White Tea.
With Snapple's support, the WFNX network of alternative radio stations in Boston and Southern New Hampshire will be broadcasting commercial-free from Memorial Day weekend through the Fourth of July. In addition, Snapple and WFNX are pairing up for lots of free concerts and promotions and free Snapple.
"We're excited to bring Bostonians commercial-free radio, free concerts and loads of free Snapple," said Holly Mensch, Vice President of Marketing for Snapple. "Snapple has a strong fan base in Boston, and we wanted to reward them with a summer full of great music and surprises."
Free From Commercials
As an alternative music pioneer, WFNX maintains a reputation for boldness and innovation. The "Summer Free For All" program was specially designed so that nothing has the sound or feel of a traditional commercial. Short, infrequent messages and event announcements are being seamlessly woven into the station's music programming to make sure listeners know where and when to find the best stuff in Boston.
We jumped at this commercial-free opportunity," said Andy Kingston, WFNX Network General Manager. "As a true Alternative Radio station, WFNX is constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional radio and this program is certainly reflective of that. Even though WFNX maintains a relatively low number of commercials in its normal programming, the next 40 days will still be a big treat for our listeners thanks to Snapple!"
Free-For-All-Concerts
Snapple and WFNX will treat alternative music fans to free concerts during the six-week program. The first and largest show will be headlined by Dashboard Confessional on Thursday, June 1, at Boston's City Hall Plaza. Known for encouraging audience participation during live shows, the band will perform outdoors for an expected audience of more than 15,000 concertgoers.
Snapple will also host exclusive "Snapple Cap Shows" with celebrated alternative bands -- and there's no velvet rope to get in! Rather than having to purchase or present tickets, fans only need to bring three Snapple bottle caps to gain entry. Any additional caps become currency for branded merchandise. Once inside, they will be introduced to new Snapple White Tea. The shows will take place at the premiere Boston venue, Axis, kicked off by Hawthorne Heights on June 23 and followed by Yellowcard on June 28.
The Best "Free" Stuff In Boston
Snapple promotions over the six-week "Summer Free For All" will allow thirsty Bostonians to quench their thirst for free music, free Snapple and other fun, free stuff.
-- Snapple Goes Mobile: No need to remember phone numbers or search
online... Snapple will meet you wherever you are! Text SNAPPLE to 22122
for a chance to win prizes and receive concert updates, sweepstakes
alerts, exclusive party invites and more. Additionally, a mobile
storefront will offer fun, clever ringtones, wallpapers and talking
voicetones. It will also allow for sweepstakes entry and "Snapple
Summer Free For All" mobile alerts.
-- Snapple Beach Attack: WFNX/Snapple street teams will be flooding local
beaches and retailers with some of the best stuff in Boston: contests
and prizes, promotional giveaways, the latest music and concert
information, and ice-cold bottles of Snapple Iced Teas, and new Snapple
White Tea.
-- Retail Remix: Snapple and WFNX will be spinning music and passing out
samples at local retail outlets. Thirsty Bostonians can find cool
tastes and great tunes at Brooks Drugs, Tedeschi's, Lil Peach and
Store 24.
For additional information, visit: http://www.fnxradio.com/.
About WFNX
The WFNX Radio Network is part of a consortium of three alternative radio stations owned by the privately held Phoenix Media / Communications Group. 101.7WFNX (WFNX-FM) / Boston, MA; 92.1FNX (WFEX-FM) / Manchester, NH and 92.1FNX (WPHX-FM) / Portsmouth, NH form the network. The Phoenix Media / Communications Group also owns and operates an AM Sports radio station, WPHX-AM in Sanford, ME in addition to its Boston Phoenix, Providence Phoenix, Portland Phoenix newspapers and Stuff At Night magazine, as well as several other media related ventures.
About Snapple
Snapple is the leader in great-tasting premium beverages. Founded in 1972 by three childhood friends, Snapple got its start in Greenwich Village, New York and is now available throughout the United States and 80 countries worldwide. Snapple prides itself on developing, producing, and marketing a wide variety of premium beverages, including ready-to-drink iced teas, juice drinks, 100% vitamin-fortified juices and water. Known for its down-to-earth approach to marketing and its beloved spokeswoman, Wendy "The Snapple Lady," Snapple continues to delight fans across the world. In 2003, Snapple made history by becoming an official beverage of New York City. For more information, visit http://www.snapple.com/.
About Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages
Snapple is a leading brand in the beverage portfolio of Plano, Texas-based Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages (CSAB), a subsidiary division of Cadbury Schweppes plc (NYSE:CSG) . CSAB is one of the largest producers of soft drinks and premium beverages in the Americas. CSAB's brand portfolio includes Dr Pepper, 7 UP, Snapple, Mott's, RC Cola, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist Soda, Canada Dry, Hawaiian Punch, Schweppes, Diet Rite, Slush Puppie frozen drinks, Clamato, Mr & Mrs T Mixers, Holland House Mixers, Rose's, Mistic, Yoo-hoo, Orangina, IBC, Stewart's, Nantucket Nectars, and other well-known consumer brands. For additional information on Cadbury Schweppes and its products, visit http://www.cadburyschweppes.com/.
Source: Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages
Web site: http://www.fnxradio.com/
http://www.snapple.com/
http://www.cadburyschweppes.com/
Brian Littrell Announces The 'Welcome Home' Tour With Special Guests Ana Laura and Brandon Heath
Backstreet Boy Member Performs Hits From His Debut Solo Project Welcome Home
Kicks Off at the Nokia Theater In Times Square, June 11
Recently honored by the Gospel Music Association with his first Dove Award and having released Welcome Home, his first solo project May 2, Brian Littrell is readying for the launch of his first solo tour on June 11. Littrell will be joined by label mates, Ana Laura and Brandon Heath.
"I can't wait to get out on the road and perform these songs live. They mean a lot to me and I'm excited to get to share them with live audiences," comments Littrell. "We'll be performing in several different venues and are already getting a lot of great feedback from fans. I'm thankful to have this opportunity to hit the road and tour this album."
Tony Johnsen, one of Brian's agents at Creative Artists Agency, notes, "Because of Brian's history as a Backstreet Boy, his winning a Dove Award this year, and the momentum behind the radio single, 'Welcome Home,' there's great anticipation in the market and the response to these dates has been incredible. Brian has developed a loyal following and his fans are coming out to support him on this tour."
Welcome Home Tour Dates:
*All dates and locations subject to change
June 11 New York, NY Nokia Theater Times Square
June 12 Hartford, CT Webster Theater
June 13 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock Cafe
June 15 Milwaukee, WI The Pabst Theater
June 16 Chicago, IL House of Blues
June 17 Shakopee, MI Valley Fair Amusement Park, Amphitheater
June 18 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection
June 20 Canal Fulton, OH Alive Festival, Clay's Park
Brian Littrell is widely-known as a 13-year member of the legendary pop group Backstreet Boys. He has contributed to worldwide sales in excess of 75 million records and has amassed legions of fans around the globe. Last summer, Backstreet Boys released Never Gone, their first studio album in five years. Brian lives in Atlanta with his wife Leighanne and their three-year-old son Baylee. Littrell will continue to perform with Backstreet Boys and looks forward to sharing his solo album with fans.
Produced by Billy Mann (Jessica Simpson, Ricky Martin); Dan Muckala (Backstreet Boys, Mandy Moore); and the production team of Mark Kibble and Dave Thomas (Take 6, Mariah Carey, CeCe Winans). Welcome Home reveals Littrell's heart and plants a stake in the ground recognizing his source of greatest hope. A straight-ahead pop record, lyrically the project illuminates God's unequivocal love for humanity and outlines the possibilities for life when people dedicate themselves to a higher calling.
For further information on Brian Littrell, please visit: www.brianlittrell.com
For information on Ana Laura and Brandon Heath please visit: www.analauramusic.com and www.myspace.com/brandonheath
Source: Reunion Records
Web site: http://www.brianlittrell.com/
http://www.analauramusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/brandonheath
Manilow Grows!
Manilow Store at Las Vegas Hilton Expands to Meet Growing Demand
Legendary performer Barry Manilow is about to celebrate yet another milestone -- the expansion of the very successful Manilow Store at the Las Vegas Hilton. After selling out many of the items of memorabilia at the Manilow Store in the Las Vegas Hilton, the hotel has been quietly renovating and expanding Manilow Central to give fans even more Manilow!
The newly expanded Manilow Store, located inside the Las Vegas Hilton, home of the hit show "Manilow: Music and Passion," is scheduled to be completed on May 28 and will boast numerous products for fans of the performer. In addition to the previously popular items such as Barry bobble heads and Manilow calendars and towels, the store will launch the new M Line of fragrances, which includes a woman's perfume, unisex cologne, and candles for the home.
The fresh M Line will also introduce a new section for M Line Wine, which will include Cabernet, Zinfandel and Pinot Grigio wines as well as glassware, wine chocolates and accessories. And just in case fans still want more, the M Line will bring in to the Manilow Store a number of new pieces of jewelry.
"Manilow: Music and Passion" at the Las Vegas Hilton was recently extended through 2008. To view upcoming show dates visit www.musicandpassion.com.
Source: Barry Manilow
Web site: http://www.musicandpassion.com/
Western Writers of America to Honor THE REBEL Creator, Idaho-based Publisher
Author Andrew J. Fenady, whose credits include the Nick Adams TV series THE REBEL and the 1970 John Wayne movie CHISUM, will receive the Owen Wister Award for lifetime contribution to Western literature, Western Writers of America has announced.
And WWA will also present Caldwell, Idaho-based publisher Caxton Press the first Lariat Award, to be given periodically to an individual, publishing company or other institution for outstanding service and commitment to Western literature and to WWA.
Fenady and Caxton Press will be honored here during the WWA's annual convention, June 13-17. The nonprofit Western Writers of America (www.westernwriters.org) was founded in 1953 to promote and recognize literature of the American West.
Fenady, a Toledo, Ohio, native who lives in Los Angeles, has been a Western novelist, motion picture screenwriter and producer, song lyricist, stage play writer and creator of network television MOVIE OF THE WEEK features and TV series.
In addition to creating THE REBEL, which aired from 1959 to 1961, he also wrote the show's theme song, THE REBEL-JOHNNY YUMA, which became a hit for Johnny Cash. He was a WWA Spur Award finalist this year in the Best Original Paperback category for RIDERS TO MOON ROCK.
Fenady also helped produce and write the 1965-66 Chuck Connors series BRANDED. Other novels include THE SUMMER OF JACK LONDON and DOUBLE EAGLES.
Caxton traces its roots to 1895, when Albert E. Gipson began a horticultural magazine in Caldwell. In 1903, he sold the magazine and within a year the Gem State Rural Publishing Company dissolved and reorganized as a commercial printer. The name and emblem of William Caxton, England's first printer, was adopted out of respect for Caxton's reputation as a printer, writer, historian and free press proponent.
The company's first real publishing venture was in 1925, when Fred E. Lukens' book IDAHO CITIZEN became a commercial success. Today, Caxton publishes about a half dozen new titles each year, focusing on nonfiction Western Americana topics. Its writers have included literary notables Vardis Fisher, Ayn Rand and Bill Gulick.
Source: Western Writers of America
Web site: http://www.westernwriters.org/
Azteca America Makes Upfront Presentation to Los Angeles Clients
- Eyes Los Angeles for its Corporate Headquarters -
- Two Upcoming Novelas Unveiled -
- New Entertainment Show and Sports Programming Added to Revamped Network News -
Azteca America, the fastest-growing Hispanic television network in the United States, is eyeing greater Los Angeles for its corporate office headquarters, which would build on the February shift of its entire network news operations to Glendale.
The executive shift is expected to take place in the next three months at a yet-to-be-specified location.
Los Angeles Council President Eric Garcetti gave opening remarks to an audience of clients and station supporters during an Upfront presentation of new network programming initiatives and congratulated company management for its relocation decision.
Azteca America's first ever Upfront presentation in Los Angeles gave West Coast clients a taste of the traditional East Coast event. Launched in 2001, Azteca America's flagship station, KAZA, has garnered a 10% audience share, with weekday afternoon and primetime viewers ages 18-49 and weekend primetime ratings up over 75% from last November to February sweeps.
The event marked five years since the launch of the KAZA Azteca 54 station as the network has grown from one to 45 stations. The network currently has official network status, according to Nielsen Media Research, with coverage that reaches 70% of the U.S. Hispanic population.
"Our relocation to Los Angeles is a bold move that signals a new direction, with a new management team for Azteca America to take us to the next level of expansion," said Chairman Luis J. Echarte.
On a network level, full-day audiences composed of adults between 18 and 49 years old grew 150% to a 5% share among U.S. Hispanic audiences, according to Nielsen, from February 2005 to February 2006. During the weekends, from 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm, share has grown to 12% for the same target audiences.
"While our primary production base continues to be the vast resources of TV Azteca in Mexico, we have some exciting programming initiatives that will be produced from Los Angeles this year," said CEO Adrian Steckel. "Our programming production capacity is unprecedented. And this means flexibility and innovation for our clients."
Azteca 54 General Sales Manager Jorge Jaidar presented clients with extensive options of live events and product placement opportunities to complement traditional television spot sales.
Azteca America executives presented upcoming thrilling programming that further boosts the network's programming grid, such as Los Protagonistas a Nivel Mundial with soccer updates from Germany; top quality boxing from Boxeo Azteca; two new novelas with ample success in Mexico, Amor sin Condiciones and Amores Cruzados; new versions of our smash musical reality shows, La Academia V and La Academia USA; newscasts and entertainment shows produced in Azteca America's digital studio in LA and much more.
Company Profile
Azteca America is the fastest-growing Hispanic network in the United States. The network is a wholly owned subsidiary of TV Azteca S.A. de C.V., one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television content in the world. Azteca America currently has presence in 45 Hispanic markets, including: Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Phoenix, Brownsville-McAllen, Albuquerque, San Diego, Fresno-Visalia, Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Denver, Philadelphia, Orlando, Austin, Tampa, Washington DC, Corpus Christi, Tucson, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, Monterey-Salinas, Hartford, Salt Lake City, Bakersfield, West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, Santa Barbara, Lubbock, Odessa, Palm Springs, Omaha, Amarillo, Yakima, Naples-Ft. Myers, Wichita, Reno, Boise, Victoria, Oklahoma City, Charleston and Chattanooga.
Web site: http://www.aztecaamerica.com/
One Week Left to Win the Ultimate Rock Road Trip
Hard Rock International Offers Fans the Chance to Travel the Globe with the Ambassadors of Rock Tour
Time is Running Out to Enter Rock's Greatest Sweepstakes
Calling all rock fans! Time is running out on your chance to live like a rock star, travel around the world, stay at first-class hotels, party with celebrities at exclusive events and see the best concerts in the world! To celebrate Hard Rock International's 35th anniversary, one lucky consumer will have the chance to win the ultimate rock road trip and attend concerts on Hard Rock's global Ambassadors of Rock Tour. So, do you have what it takes to become the ultimate rock roadie?! Fans have less than one week to prove it! Official rules and sweepstakes entry are available through May 31, 2006 on http://www.hardrock.com/.
FIRST STOP ... LONDON!
Hyde Park will be rockin' this July, with Hard Rock Presents Hyde Park Calling, a two-day concert event, featuring rock legends Roger Waters and The Who. The festival will be one of London's premier music events, with more than a dozen top bands performing on two stages, including chart toppers Texas, Razorlight, The Zutons and The Lightning Seeds. Legendary rocker Roger Waters will headline the July 1 concert, which promises to be a show to remember, as the Pink Floyd front-man will perform the hit album, "Dark Side of the Moon," among several other fan favorites. Tickets for the festival are available at http://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. Hard Rock Cafe London will also feature a star-studded celebrity V.I.P. party on Friday, June 30 to celebrate 35 years of Hard Rock.
GET OUT YOUR PASSPORT ...
As part of the colossal celebration, one lucky consumer 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 Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, New York, Chicago, Hollywood (Fla.), Orlando and Caracas. Concert details and additional events will be announced in June.
HOW TO ENTER ... TICK-TOCK - TIME IS ALMOST OUT!!!
Official rules and sweepstakes entry are available through May 31, 2006 on http://www.hardrock.com/. One grand-prize winner receives roundtrip airfare and first-class hotel accommodations for two to London, Tokyo, Singapore, New York and either Orlando or Hollywood, Fla, as well as two tickets to each concert and $250 in cool cash to spend. Two first-place winners will take in all of the fun in London, including airfare and first-class hotel accommodations, concert tickets and of course, entry to the V.I.P. 35th anniversary party at Hard Rock Cafe London.
ROCKIN' THE WORLD FOR 35 YEARS
From a humble beginning, a simple cafe in London, Hard Rock International has grown into one of the top global brands with cafes, hotels and casinos around the world. In addition to the Ambassadors of Rock Tour, Hard Rock will celebrate its 35th anniversary with limited-edition Ambassadors of Rock merchandise, including apparel, glassware and other collectibles, and of course, Hard Rock's world-famous pins. Cafes around the world will also mark the milestone anniversary with special events. For local event details, visit http://www.hardrock.com/.
About Hard Rock International
With 121 high-energy Hard Rock Cafes, 11 Hotel & Casinos and two stand- alone Casinos in more than 41 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 http://www.hardrock.com/.
Source: Hard Rock International
Web site: http://www.hardrock.com/
http://www.hydeparkcalling.co.uk/
NIGHT STALKER: THE COMPLETE SERIES*
Stars Stuart Townsend, Gabrielle Union, and Producer Frank Spotnitz
Sign DVDs at Best Buy in West Hollywood
to celebrate May 30th DVD release
WHO: Stars of the show, Stuart Townsend, Gabrielle Union, and
Executive Producer, Frank Spotnitz,
WHAT: Caught up in an obsessive hunt for his own wife's murderer,
crime reporter Carl Kolchak (Stuart Townsend) discovers
that his imagination is no match for the evil that lurks in
the dark. Paired with skeptic Perri Reed (Gabrielle
Union), Kolchak stops at nothing to uncover the
supernatural side of the night. From Frank Spotnitz, the
producer of The X-Files; NIGHT STALKER: THE COMPLETE SERIES
is so good, it's scary.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 30th, 7:00-9:00 PM
WHERE: Best Buy
1015 N LA Brea Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Luciano Pavarotti has been forced to postpone his June concerts in Canada and Washington due to an unexpected set-back in his recovery from recent treatment for a painful lower back condition.
Terri Robson, Luciano Pavarotti's London-based manager, said in a
statement today, "Luciano Pavarotti was admitted to a New York hospital
with back problems earlier this year. He subsequently underwent surgery,
which was pronounced 100% successful. In a statement, issued last month,
his doctors announced that he would be fit and able to recommence
performing in June. However, he went on to develop an infection during his
stay in hospital; this condition has unfortunately delayed his recovery
time. He is currently undergoing a course of intensive physiotherapy in New
York."
The Luciano Pavarotti Canadian and Washington, D.C. Farewell Concerts
were due to begin in Montreal on June 3. This and the other June concert
dates (Toronto - June 6; Calgary - June 11; Vancouver - June 16 and
Washington, D.C. - June 21) have been rescheduled to October 2006. The new
dates are: Calgary - October 14; Vancouver - October 18; Montreal - October
22; Toronto - October 25 and Washington, D.C. - October 31.
Tickets already purchased for the original dates will be valid for the
re-scheduled October concerts. For further information:
* October 14, Calgary, Pengrowth Saddledome 403-777-0000
* October 18, Vancouver, GM Place 604-280-4444
* October 22, Montreal, Centre Bell, 514-790-1245
* October 25, Toronto, Air Canada Centre, 416-870 -8000
* October 31, Washington, DC, Verizon Center 202-397-SEAT, 703-573-SEAT
and 410-547-SEAT
Pavarotti's tour will recommence in July in the UK, where he has
concerts in Glasgow SECC (July 5), Chatsworth House (July 8), Southampton
Rose Bowl (July 12) and Warwick Castle (July 15).
Says Robson, "Luciano apologises to his many disappointed fans for
having to reschedule these concerts -- happily, he is now well on his way
to recovery and very much looks forward to continue celebrating his career
with the Pavarotti Worldwide Farewell Tour."
Main Luciano Pavarotti website: http://www.lucianopavarotti.com
Website for Canadian concerts: http://www.lucianopavarotti.ca
Website for Washington concert: http://www.lucianopavarotti.us
SOURCE Maestro Concerts
Nicky Clarke Hair Cut for 4head Dreaming Girl
Even the rain did not stop the 4head Dreaming Girl having a hair 'do' by celebrity hair dresser Nicky Clarke.
Clarke was invited in by the 4head team so that the Dreaming Girl could leave Chelsea looking her 'very best'.
Commenting on the 4head Dreaming Girl, Nicky Clarke said: "The 4head Garden is the sort of garden I love. I really like the Gothic and mystical atmosphere of the Garden. The driftwood that forms the stumpery is great - brilliant place for people to chill out in."
Nicky adds: "The dreaming girl adds a bit of fun to the garden."
Source: 4head Garden of Dreams
The Next Mobile Craze - Calling Tunes
- Hot mobile trend - Calling Tunes - music tracks people hear down the phone line when they call you
- Number of people using the service growing by a third each month
There are signs that the UK is beginning to be gripped by a new mobile craze called Calling Tunes, music tracks that people hear down the phone line when they call a mobile. A great way to personalise your mobile, the UK Calling Tunes service from Orange has had 150,000 downloads since its launch at the start of the year, with the number of users growing by a third each month through word-of-mouth.
Mobile lovers today can pick from over 500 Calling Tunes from 14 different categories - ranging from urban to indie music, film and TV anthems to animal noises - and have them play down their mobile phone line over the repetitive ring ring whilst callers wait for an answer.
Calling Tunes for the famous
Some suggested sounds from the Calling Tunes list that should be playing down the mobile lines of the famous:
- Kylie - I'm a Survivor, Destiny's Child. Proving that she's back and stronger than ever
- Jordan - My Humps, The Black Eyed Peas. Celebrating her eye-catching style
- George Michael - Knight Rider Theme. In recognition of questionable driving habits
- Theo Walcott - Superstar, Jamelia. All eyes are on the next football boy wonder
- Prince Harry - Toy Solider, Martika. Because he's in the army now, and he means business
This Week's Calling Tunes Top Ten
1. Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
2. Pump It - Black Eyed Peas
3. World At Your Feet (World Cup 2006 Anthem) - Embrace
4. From Paris to Berlin - Infernal
5. Big Brother Theme
6. Sweet Child o' Mine - Guns 'n' Roses
7. Insomnia - Faithless
8. I See You Baby - Groove Armada
9. A-Team Theme
10. SOS - Rhianna
Investigations have shown that Orange customers are choosing their Calling Tunes for a variety of reasons - a significant song that has sentimental value; a chart topper which is getting them dancing at the weekend; a song that encapsulates their personalities perfectly, or one that simply makes their friends smile. One message is coming through loud and clear, it's proving a great way for Britons to express themselves and to personalise their phones.
"This year you'll subject pals to around 20,000 ring rings whilst they wait for you to pick up your mobile, in that time friends could have listened to over 160 songs - we think Calling Tunes are the answer," said Mark Ashford, Head of Music, Orange UK.
"When people hear a Calling Tune, they're genuinely surprised. People want to know how they can get rid of the dull ring ring on their mobile phone line and have the latest number one playing, the A Team theme tune or even a cow mooing!"
Calling Tunes can be experienced by any of Orange's 15 million customers and can be found through Orange World, or 477 on Orange mobile phones, or through the Orange.co.uk website. Calling Tunes cost each GBP2.50 to buy.
About Orange
Orange, wirefree and any other Orange product or service referred to in this release are trademarks of Orange Personal Communications Services Ltd. In the UK, Orange provides high quality GSM coverage to 99% of the UK population, and offers roaming to pay monthly customers on 423 networks in 163 countries and to pay as you go customers on 160 networks in 79 countries. At the end of March 2006, Orange had over 14.9 million active UK customers. Across the world, Orange has 86.5 million customers.
In May 2005, Orange gained the top ranking for customer satisfaction among mobile phone contract customers in the annual J.D.Power and Associates 2005 UK Mobile Telephone Customers Satisfaction Study. It is the seventh time Orange has been ranked top by the study. In October 2005, Orange won the Mobile Choice Consumer Awards - voted for by readers of Mobile Choice magazine - for Best Network Operator for the fifth year running. In the same month, Orange also won Best International Mobile Operator at the World Communications Awards. The judges said: "Orange is so solid, you cannot expect more."
Information about Orange can be found on the Orange website at www.orange.co.uk and media information can be found at www.orange.com
Source: Orange
VH1 Rocked Sin City at Its First Annual 'VH1 Rock Honors' Paying Homage to the Music and Influence of KISS, Queen, Def Leppard and Judas Preist
JAIME PRESSLY HOSTED WITH TRIBUTE PERFORMANCES BY FOO FIGHTERS, GODSMACK, THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS, PAUL RODGERS, TOMMY LEE, SLASH, SCOTT IAN, GILBY CLARKE, ROB ZOMBIE AND SURPRISE GUEST ACE FREHLEY
Special Appearances by Kiefer Sutherland, Gina Gershon, Jaime Kennedy, Natasha Henstridge, Brittany Snow, Jim Breuer and Penn Jillette
'VH1 Rock Honors' Premieres May 31 at 9PM*
VH1 rocked sin city HARD! Tonight rock royalty received the ultimate form of flattery as some of today's hottest rock acts honored legendary bands KISS, Queen, Def Leppard and Judas Priest at VH1's first annual "VH1 Rock Honors."
Taped at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, "VH1 Rock Honors," which premieres Wednesday, May 31 at 9PM*, saluted the ground-breaking bands of rock, the once in a lifetime events and the influential people who made a lasting mark on the history of hard rock.
The night opened with rock royalty as the Foo Fighters joined Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor for an explosive performance of "Tie Your Mother Down." Queen and Paul Rodgers proved why they are the champions of rock as they performed a medley of Queen's hit songs "Under Pressure," "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions."
Godsmack delivered the ultimate rock smack-down with their rendition of Judas Priest's "Hell Bent For Leather," "Metal Gods," The Hellion," "Electric Eye" and "Victim Of Changes." As Judas Priest took the stage, the crowd chanted their name and head-banged their way through the outlaw classic "Breaking The Law." They went wild when front man Rob Halford, on a motorcycle, showed the crowd why "You've Got Another Thing Coming."
The All-American Rejects fired up the stage with their rendition of the Def Leppard hit "Photograph." Def Leppard had the crowd roaring with "Rock of Ages" and "Rocket."
The final performance of the night featured an All Star band tribute to KISS with surprise guest Ace Frehley, Tommy Lee, Slash, Scott Ian, Gilby Clarke and Rob Zombie performing KISS' "God Of Thunder." KISS ended the night by taking the stage in full make-up with a no holds barred performance of their ferocious hit "Detroit Rock City" and " Love Gun"
The show also included appearances by Kiefer Sutherland, Gina Gershon, Jaime Kennedy, Jim Breuer, Natasha Henstridge, Brittany Snow and Penn Jillette.
MHD: Music High-Definition channel, MTV Networks new High Definition Television channel will air "VH1 Rock Honors" on Wednesday, May 31 at 9 PM*, during its first-ever simulcast. VH1 Classic will also air "VH1 Rock Honors" beginning the week of June 5.
Beginning Tuesday, May 30, VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel will offer exclusive performances from "VH1 Rock Honors" honorees and tribute bands that will not be seen during the show's television broadcast. Additional VSPOT content will include exclusive interviews with "VH1 Rock Honors" honorees, presenters and performers and "Air to the Throne" air guitar performances from the red carpet. Check it all out on VSPOT at http://vspot.vh1.com/.
For more information go to http://www.vh1.com/ and check out interactive honoree profiles, exclusive programming, show information and more.
On Memorial Day weekend, The VH1 Radio Network will present a "VH1 Rock Honors Special: Queen, Judas Priest, Def Leppard and KISS Get Honors. Hosted by VH1 Classic personality Eddie Trunk, the one-hour radio special will feature music and exclusive interviews from the bands being saluted at VH1 Rock Honors and from musicians the honorees have inspired to rock!
The VH1 Radio Network will present a live simulcast of VH1 Rock Honors on Wednesday, May 31st at 9 PM*.
"VH1 Rock Honors" is sponsored by Verizon Wireless, Aquafina, Crest(R) Whitening Plus Scope(R) Extreme, TACO BELL(R), Pantene(R) Pro-V(R), Nationwide Insurance, Degree for Men, Listerine Pocket Mist(R) and Sirius Satellite Radio.
"VH1 Rock Honors" is directed by David Mallet and executive produced by Lee Rolontz and Rick Krim for VH1 and Greg Sills and Paul Flattery for Choe Productions.
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 87 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and VH Uno. Connect with VH1 at http://www.vh1.com/ .
Mandalay Bay Events Center continues its tradition as one of the world's premier entertainment venues in the world. The 12,000-seat multi-purpose Events Center has hosted championship boxing events including De La Hoya vs. Trinidad and Vargas vs. Mosley. The Events Center also has been the home to sold-out concert audiences for such performers as Bette Midler, Kenny Chesney, Van Halen, The Eagles, Britney Spears, Andrea Bocelli and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Live televised events have included the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMA), Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Finals and Brian Boitano's Skating Spectacular.
*all times ET/PT
Contacts: Lori Hornik/VH1
212-846-7131
Tracy McGraw/VH1
212-846-7879
Scott Acord/VH1
310-752-8075
Source: VH1
CONTACT: Lori Hornik, +1-212-846-7131, or Tracy McGraw, +1-212-846-7879,
or Scott Acord, +1-310-752-8075, all of VH1
Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://vspot.vh1.com/
Lee National Denim Day Announces New Cause Partner
Lee Jeans today announced a new partnership for Lee National Denim Day, the largest single-day fundraiser supporting the fight against breast cancer. The Women's Cancer Programs of The Entertainment Industry Foundation will be the new beneficiary of Lee National Denim Day as the fundraiser enters its second decade.
"All of us at Lee Jeans are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished in creating Lee National Denim Day," said Liz Cahill, director of advertising and public relations for Lee Jeans. "We have seen firsthand what the passion and the power of a simple idea like Lee National Denim Day can achieve. We want to leverage that passion and power toward specific research projects that can help us find the cure for breast cancer. "
"The Entertainment Industry Foundation is extremely honored to begin a partnership with Lee Jeans," said Lisa Paulsen, President and CEO of EIF. "With Lee Jean's crucial support, our women's cancer programs can continue to fund some of the most promising research in the country focused on better detection methods and improved treatment options for breast cancer. We also plan to announce a Lee Jeans-funded research project later this summer."
The beneficiary for the first 10 years of Lee National Denim Day was the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Komen Foundation received more than $61 million in the first decade with the bulk of the dollars going toward education and awareness programs. Last year, people at nearly 30,000 companies and organizations wore denim on Lee National Denim Day in exchange for a $5 donation to fight breast cancer.
"Lee National Denim Day may be changing beneficiaries in 2006, but the core purpose of the program remains the same," said Cahill. "We look forward to starting the second decade of Lee National Denim Day and we won't stop until we find a cure for breast cancer."
Net proceeds from Lee National Denim Day will support groundbreaking breast cancer early detection and treatment research with application to other women's cancers, as well as local community breast cancer programs.
Lee(R) Jeans is a division of VF Corporation. (NYSE:VFC) . Headquartered in Merriam, Kan., Lee manufactures and markets brand denim, casual pants, shirts, fleece and knit apparel. A brand committed to the community, Lee Jeans founded Lee National Denim Day(R), the largest single-day fundraiser for breast cancer. VF Corporation is a leader in branded apparel including jeanswear, outdoor products, intimate apparel, image apparel and sportswear. Its principal brands include Lee(R), Wrangler(R), Riders(R), Rustler(R), Vanity Fair(R), Vassarette(R), Bestform(R), Lily of France(R), Nautica(R), John Varvatos(R), JanSport(R), Eastpak(R), The North Face(R), Vans(R), Reef(R), Napapijri(R), Kipling(R), Lee Sport(R) and Red Kap(R).
The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), as a leading charitable organization of the entertainment industry, has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to support charitable initiatives addressing critical health, education and social issues.
EIF is committed to saving lives by raising awareness about the importance of early detection of breast and reproductive cancers, and providing funds to advance early detection and treatment research, as well as support to community programs that assist the millions of women and their families at risk of or affected by cancer.
Through EIF's National Women's Cancer Research Alliance and EIF's Revlon Run/Walk For Women, EIF funds some of the most promising research being conducted today to develop new and more effective approaches to the treatment of women's cancers. EIF grants have helped accelerate research that has contributed to the development of a breakthrough gene treatment called Herceptin(R), the first successful drug that seeks out a particular gene found in one of three cases of the most aggressive form of breast cancer. EIF grants have also supported other state-of-the-art therapies bringing new and innovative treatment approaches to breast cancer worldwide.
More recently, EIF launched its Women's Cancer Research Fund. Focused on early detection of cancer, the initiative is supporting EIF's Breast Cancer Biomarker Discovery Project - an ambitious, groundbreaking scientific project where a group of internationally recognized scientists and clinicians from some of the best scientific institutions in the world are collaborating to develop a blood test that will detect breast cancer in its beginning stages, when survival rates are highest.
For questions about EIF's women's cancer programs and information about breast cancer, visit eifoundation.org or call 800-426-0010.
Web site: http://www.eifoundation.org/
Viggo Mortensen Tells Grads 'Activism Not a Dirty Word'
"Lord of the Rings" star Viggo Mortensen told the graduates of St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, that "activism is not a dirty word" and urged them to be active citizens, particularly to make changes in the country's health-care system.
Mortensen, star of "A History of Violence," graduated from St. Lawrence in 1980 and spoke to the University's 567 graduates at Commencement on Sunday, May 21, in Appleton Arena on campus. He also received an honorary doctor of arts degree at the ceremony, held indoors for the first time in 21 years. "Much has changed in this country and the world since 1980," he said, "but the value of active citizenship is greater than ever. Making an earnest attempt to connect with people and issues outside of one's own limited personal circle will always be worthwhile. My liberal arts education at St. Lawrence taught me as much, and for that I am grateful."
He added, "Plato once said that 'One of the penalties of refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.' Recent election results and subsequent political appointments in this country seem to bear that admonishment out."
Specifically, Mortensen urged those gathered to become active in changing what he sees as an inadequate and inequitable health-care system. He stated, "Among the most revered of teachings in any religion or spiritual code of ethics, including those attributed to Jesus Christ, is the admonition to care for the least fortunate among us. This lesson seems to have gone unheeded by many in the health care and insurance business, and, most tellingly, by the politicians who do their often uncharitable and obstructionist bidding. This is especially galling in light of how many of these same politicians regularly trumpet their avowed Christian values as badges of honor and electability."
Continuing, Mortensen said, "People cannot be mentally focused, positive and actively engaged citizens if they are constantly worried that the only thing keeping them from financial ruin is to dangerously delay seeking or altogether deny themselves and their dependents necessary medical attention. You can, if you will, as informed individuals, do something -- however little -- to call attention to this most important problem in your own communities."
Also receiving honorary degrees and speaking at the ceremony were alumni Rev. Richard Gilbert, Class of 1958, and Barbara Tewksbury, Class of 1973, the William R. Kenan Professor of Geology at Hamilton College.
Web site: http://www.stlawu.edu/
http://web.stlawu.edu/commence/index.html
http://www.newswise.com/
UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND BUDWEISER DECLARE JUNE 2, 2006, NATIONAL BREAK-UP DAY
FILM STUDIO AND BUDWEISER CELEBRATE ARRIVAL OF VINCE VAUGHN & JENNIFER ANISTON ROMANTIC COMEDY WITH DAY
Universal Pictures and Budweiser have announced that on June 2, 2006, miserable couples across the world can and should make the big break. Henceforth, the partners proclaim, this day shall forever be known as National Break-Up Day.
In keeping with the spirit of Universal Pictures' new film "The Break-Up," starring Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn, National Break-Up Day takes a twist on an old subject. It is a day where we may all stand undivided nationwide -- and, with one voice -- get divided.
Site visitors to www.nationalbreakupday.com will find tried and true tests to determine if it is really time to break-up. With break-up checklists, sample dialogue to help get you on track, compatibility quizzes and e-cards to 86 soon-to-be exes, the no longer lovestruck will turn newly lovelorn in moments. The audience can even submit their best "break-up stories" and "break-up lines" through the National Break-Up Day web site, or videotape a retelling or reenactment of that not-so-special day and post it to "The Break-Up" page on Google Video (http://video.google.com/breakup).
For those women who just can't take one more day of their men leaving the toilet seat up and the guys sick to death of their ladies' nagging, there is no longer any need to suffer. For partners around the globe who have been waiting for just the right opportunity to say to their spouse, "I can't take you anymore," National Break-Up Day has arrived. Universal and Budweiser are just giving those in need the simple tools to send their not-so-loved one packing.
About "The Break-Up"
Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston star in "The Break-Up," which starts where most romantic comedies end: after boy and girl have met, fallen in love, moved in to start their happily-ever-after...and right when they wind up driving each other crazy.
Pushed to the breaking-up point after their latest "why can't you do this one little thing for me?" argument, art dealer Brooke (Aniston) calls it quits with her boyfriend, Gary (Vaughn), who hosts bus tours of Chicago. What follows is a series of remedies, war tactics, overtures and underminings suggested by the former couple's friends, confidantes and the occasional total stranger. When neither ex is willing to move out of the condo they used to share, the only solution is to continue living as hostile roommates until somebody caves.
But somewhere between protesting the pool table in the living room, the dirty clothes stacked in the kitchen cupboards and the sports played at sleep-killing volume in the middle of night, Brooke begins to realize that what she may be really fighting for isn't so much the place but the person.
"The Break-Up" stars Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston, under the direction of Peyton Reed ("Bring It On," "Down With Love"). The writers are Jeremy Garelick, Jay Lavender with story by Vaughn, Garelick and Lavender. Vaughn produces with Scott Stuber ("You, Me and Dupree").
NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.
Web site: http://www.nationalbreakupday.com/
http://video.google.com/breakup
Superscape 3D Mobile Games on Movistar Panama
Superscape Group plc (LSE: SPS) announces that two of its 3D mobile game titles are now available on the Movistar Panama network.
The games are:
Independence Day 4 3D
A game based on the 20th Century Fox film, players must save the world from alien invaders
Superscape Basketball 3D
This is a fast-paced 2-on-2 basketball in stunning 3D where the camera follows the action of dazzling passes and in-your-face dunks. Players select a team, control passing, shooting, blocking, stealing, all-star play making alley-oops, behind the back and high flying jams. They can compete in single exhibition games or play a season against increasingly challenging teams.
Kevin Roberts: "Movistar Panama is a new network for our games, and I am delighted that the two titles they have chosen for their customers are both compelling, state-of-the-art 3D games."
About Superscape
Superscape is the world's leading publisher of 3D mobile games. The company was the first in the world to develop and launch international standard (JSR 184) compliant solutions for the delivery of innovative games on mass-market handsets. Superscape is quoted on the London Stock Exchange and has corporate offices in Hook, Hampshire (UK) and San Clemente, California (USA), together with development and production facilities in Moscow.
www.superscape.com
Trademark acknowledgements
Independence Day and ID4 (TM) & (c) 2005 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.
Source: Superscape Group plc
QUALCOMM Introduces World's First Universal Mobile TV Chip
- Single-Chip Modem Drives TV to the Phone for Global Mass Markets by Supporting Three of the World's Leading Standards -
QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) , a leading developer and innovator of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and other advanced wireless technologies, today announced its single-chip Universal Broadcast Modem (UBM) solution supporting three of the world's leading mobile broadcast standards. The UBM solution unifies the world's leading mobile TV standards into a single, cost-effective chip with support for FLO(TM) technology, as well as for Digital Video Broadcasting -- Handheld (DVB-H) and one-segment Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting -- Terrestrial (ISDB-T), creating a common platform that handset manufacturers can leverage to address multiple standards.
"Mobile TV on handsets is gaining momentum in the wireless industry, even as network operators continue to evaluate the various standards available," said Mike Concannon, vice president of strategic products for QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies. "Our UBM solution addresses the industry's need by providing a single universal chip that supports three of the world's leading standards, enabling mobile handsets to receive real-time content regardless of the broadcast technology selected by operators."
The UBM solution includes support for FLO, which is part of the MediaFLO(TM) system, DVB-H, and one-segment implementations of ISDB-T to address the needs of network operators in Europe, Asia, North America and elsewhere for the deployment of mobile broadcast services. The UBM solution offers a high level of integration to deliver a single-chip FLO solution for the North American market that also includes specific enhancements necessary for deployment outside of North America.
The UBM is designed as a companion to QUALCOMM's Mobile Station Modem(TM) (MSM(TM)) baseband chipsets, but also can be used with other products. The UBM leverages the processing power of the Enhanced Multimedia and Convergence Platforms, eliminating the need for additional dedicated application processors for more power-efficient devices with smaller form-factors. Specific performance features of the UBM solution include:
* Support for the entire UHF bandwidth -- 470 to 862 MHz;
* Tunable modes 5, 6, 7 and 8 MHz channel bandwidths; and
* Support for single- and multi-frequency networks.
Designed to be compatible with both CDMA2000(R) and WCDMA/UMTS devices, the UBM solution is expected to sample in the first quarter of 2007. For more information, please visit www.cdmatech.com/ubm.
QUALCOMM Incorporated (www.qualcomm.com) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., QUALCOMM is included in the S&P 500 Index and is a 2006 FORTUNE 500(R) company traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market(R) under the ticker symbol QCOM.
QUALCOMM is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. FLO, Mobile Station Modem and MSM are trademarks of QUALCOMM Incorporated. CDMA2000 is a registered trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA USA). All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Source: QUALCOMM Incorporated
Web site: http://www.cdmatech.com/ubm
Web site: http://www.qualcomm.com/
Hollywood Couple, Adrianne Curry and Christopher Knight, Say 'I Do' with Custom Designed Whiteflash.com Wedding Bands
Whiteflash.com custom designed one-of-a-kind wedding bands for the upcoming nuptials of Adrianne Curry, winner of America's Next Top Model, and Christopher Knight, of Brady Bunch fame. The two met on the set of VH1's Surreal Life last year and have been heading toward wedded bliss ever since. Whiteflash.com, a diamond and jewelry e-boutique, was heralded by Kiplinger's Magazine as "Lord of the Online Rings." The company's world-renowned jewelry artisans handcrafted the famous couple's wedding bands.
"We wanted to create something for them that is truly show stopping. For Adrianne, it was important that we design a unique band that complements her engagement ring," says Debi Wexler, co-founder and CEO of Whiteflash.com. Wexler and Brian Gavin, a 5th generation expert diamond cutter from South Africa, embarked on the e-diamond business together in 2000 and have since grown the company to a global customer base.
Working one-on-one with the couple by phone and via email, designers created a simplistic design for Knight -- a 3.5 mm half round band cast in 950 platinum. For Curry, it is a curvaceous (950 platinum) design that plays up to her engagement ring from the Sirena Collection by Merit Diamonds.
Curry, now a noted fashionista who models for the likes of Macy's, Merit Diamonds, Famous Stars and Straps, and Ed Hardy, amongst numerous others says, "I was amazed by the clarity of the diamonds and originality of the designs Whiteflash.com shared with me. It was difficult to narrow it down to just one!" Whiteflash.com sent several samples to the soon-to-be Mrs. Knight to show the company's capability in custom designed settings and the sparkle emitted from the company's a 'A Cut Above' diamonds.
"Our customers typically are 'wowed' by the quality of our diamonds," says Wexler, "because they simply out-sparkle the competition."
Just which design made the final cut? Spiraling gracefully down the shank of Curry's band -- measuring 3.8 mm wide at the top and then tapering to 2.5 mm at the base -- are six .20 carat 'A Cut Above' diamonds from the company's exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamonds. "Hearts & Arrows refers to the pattern seen through the top and bottom of the diamond," says Gavin, "which signifies the highest level of cut quality."
Gavin pioneered the cut of the 'A Cut Above' diamond; revolutionary, all 57 facets of an 'A Cut Above' diamond align perfectly to maximize the diamond's ability to attract and reflect light. "Light, even diffused by office lighting and soft candlelight, reflects from inside the crown (or top) of the diamond, from facet to facet, and then out of the crown again," says Gavin. He adds, "This is what enables our diamonds to really sparkle." And for Whiteflash.com's 'A Cut Above' diamonds, sparkle is what they do best.
Whiteflash.com is the only jeweler in the country to back their Hearts & Arrows diamond with an elite true patterning guarantee, meeting presentation criteria Gavin set forth at the International Diamond Cut Conference (IDCC). "Fewer than one in a million diamonds are cut to Hearts & Arrows precision and only the most elite carry the 'A Cut Above' guarantee," says Gavin.
All 'A Cut Above' diamonds are produced in the same cutting facility in Antwerp.
Catch Chris and Adrianne's journey to the Altar as "My Fair Brady: We are Getting Married!" premieres Sunday, May 28th at 9:00PM on VH1.
About Whiteflash.com
Whiteflash.com is the first company in the U.S. to offer an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamond and bring the sheer beauty of "super ideal cut" to the Internet. Brian Gavin, a 5th generation diamond cutter, and Debi Wexler, a computer entrepreneur, together founded Whiteflash.com in 1999 bringing an expansive selection of loose diamonds to the Internet, including an exclusive brand of Hearts & Arrows diamonds. 'A Cut Above' (ACA(TM)) is unmatched in its brilliance, fire and sparkle and remains the only Hearts & Arrows diamond sold online with advertised standards and a "true patterning" guarantee. Whiteflash.com also offers original, handcrafted platinum and gold settings, diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, custom designs and specialty jewelry.
For more information, log on to http://www.whiteflash.com/
Web site: http://www.send2press.com/
Web site: http://www.whiteflash.com/
Ali & Big Gipp Score #1 Record at Rhythm Crossover Format
New Album 'Kinfolk' Debuts Later This Summer
Hot off the heels of their smash hit #1 single "Grillz," Ali, of the platinum selling group St. Lunatics, and "Dirty South" impresario Goodie Mob alum Big Gipp score the #1 most added record at the rhythm crossover radio format this week with their debut single, "Go 'Head" from their collaborative CD Kinfolk. Kinfolk, due in stores late summer '06 is on superstar rapper Nelly's record label, Derrty Ent., an imprint with Universal Motown Records.
"Go 'Head," produced by up and coming St. Louis native Trife, is an anthemic summer song that combines "midwest swing" with southern crunk. The "Go 'Head" video was directed by newcomer Melina and will be serviced to video outlets soon.
"Gipp and I started hanging out a while back and found that we had a lot in common," says Ali. "We're both considered leaders in our crews, we're fathers and even though we have different styles, we respect each other's skills." Gipp describes their collaborative effort as "the best of both worlds -- the St. Lunatics kicked off the midwest movement and Goodie Mob helped establish southern rap, that's why I say it's the best of both worlds. Plain and simple."
In that spirit, Kinfolk has a mix of songs featuring "St. Louis" kin: Nelly, Murphy Lee and Derrty Ent. newcomers, Chocolate Tai and Avery Storm; "Atlanta" kin Cee-lo and other southern all-stars include Juvenile, David Banner, Three 6 Mafia and Bun B. The album collab also contains a mix of mid- west and southern producers including the St. Louis hit-makers Jason "Jay E" Epperson and The Track Starz, Atlanta's uber-producer Dallas Austin and other talented newcomers.
Ali made his debut on Nelly's 9X platinum groundbreaking debut, Country Grammar (2000). The St. Lunatics member was also featured on the groups' platinum certified album, Free City (2001). In 2002, he released his own noted solo album, Heavy Starch. Ali guested on various albums including the Longest Yard soundtrack as well as the Coach Carter soundtrack. Gipp has been one of the main cogs in the "Dirty South" movement since the mid-'90's as a leader of the groundbreaking, platinum-plus group Goodie Mob. The thought- provoking, Atlanta based foursome broke down the wall of East Coast/West Coast dominance in 1995 with their debut album Soul Food. The pioneering group's subsequent albums, including 1998's Still Standing, and their steadfast alliance with fellow "Dirty South" phenoms Outkast, forever cemented their reputation as one of hip-hop's most innovative groups. The original members began embarking on their own journeys in 2002, with Gipp releasing his first solo album, Mutant Mindframe, in 2003.
Currently, Ali & Gipp are gearing up for promotional performances, details to follow.
Source: Universal Motown
Web site: http://www.universalrecords.com/
Photograve(TM) Corp. Introduces Lovely Lockets(TM) Photo-engraved lockets are waterproof and scratch-proof for lifetime protection
For over a decade, Photograve(TM) Corp. (http://www.photograve.com) has been a pioneer in the personalized jewelry industry. Now, with the release of its new Lovely Locket(TM), the company has gone a step beyond photo-engraved pendants. Photograve Corp. introduced the new lasered Lovely Locket line of personalized jewelry this week. Lovely Locket lasers a photo right inside the customer's choice of locket; lockets are available in 14k Yellow Gold, 14k White Gold or Sterling Silver. Each carries a lifetime guarantee with a certificate of authenticity and is water- and scratch-resistant, unlike your average paper-inserted locket. "Lovely Lockets will change the way people perceive lockets," stated Photograve Corp. Vice President Daniel Schifter. "Because the photos are lasered right onto the lockets, they can be worn all the time (in the shower, etc.) with absolutely no damage to the photos, unlike traditional paper-inserted lockets. Our process eliminates the dilemma of finding a photographer to shrink down your photos, and is near photo quality. It's a new concept in personalized jewelry." The Lovely Locket process is simple for customers and jewelers alike. The customer can choose one or more photos to be engraved or color-lasered onto one side of the locket; the jeweler then sends the photos to Photograve Corp. via mail, e-mail, color fax or through the Photograve.com Web site. Within a week, the locket is shipped back to the jeweler. Photograve Corp. even offers rush turnaround in as little as one day for last-minute shoppers. For a limited time, jewelers who add Lovely Lockets to their product offerings will receive a free countertop display from which they can sell the lockets; no inventory or investment is required. Schifter stated, "Once shoppers see the display, the lockets really sell themselves." Any jeweler who sells 20 Lovely Lockets will receive a free color fax machine, making it easy to fax customers' photos in high resolution. (Limit one fax machine per client.) "We have made it easy for jewelers to sell Lovely Lockets," said Schifter. "Photograve Corp. is dedicated to supporting our retailers through exemplary customer service." Jewelers interested in carrying Lovely Locket or any other Photograve Corp. product can call 1-800-897-5608 or learn more at http://www.photograve.com.
After tying up with NTL, Richard Branson is considering a return to music TV to take on the might of MTV.
The ink is not yet dry on the NTL-Virgin Mobile merger, but already there are reports that Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson is planning to launch a music channel to take on the MTV machine.
If any company has the credentials to create a credible challenger channel, it is Virgin. Given its strength in music retail, live events, digital downloads and radio, its lack of a branded TV offering seems an oversight.
But what does it take to compete in a world of converged media where AOL, Apple, Google, MySpace, Napster and the music labels are already encroaching on MTV's turf?
Patrick Johnston, head of business development at Entertainment Media Research, says there is a business case for Virgin to launch a TV channel, but not if it expects it to be a stand-alone profit centre. 'Virgin could try the basic video-channel approach,' he says. 'But the audiences are so small and fickle that there is hardly any ad money there, unless it sells across channels or media like Emap, whose channels are manifestations of its magazine and radio brands.'
Alternatively, Virgin could adopt the MTV model, with a flagship entertainment channel and supporting channels viewers can default to. 'But the programming needed for that is incredibly expensive, even for a company like MTV that can amortise its costs across dozens of international markets,' says Johnston.
Branson will know this, because he has owned a 24-hour music channel before, which he sold to ITV in 1987 (see box). So instead, Johnston believes that a Virgin TV channel would be focused on harnessing the brand for the benefit of the whole business. 'Branson is a master at this. Audiences visit the Virgin Radio website even if they don't like the music, simply because of the brand,' says Johnston. 'And Branson defied expectations by (making a success of the) Virgin Mobile business.'
Viewed this way, a Virgin TV channel could do two key things. First, a Virgin channel exclusive to NTL - complementing, not replacing, MTV - might encourage customers to subscribe to NTL rather than SkyDigital.
Second, it would give Virgin a chance to drive audiences back to cash-generating businesses such as shops or digital downloads, says Mark Cullen, chief executive of branded TV company Enteraction.
'If it can pick up video rights for a decent price, it might be worth running a channel as a 24/7 branding exercise,' he adds.
A spokesman for Virgin says it is too early to comment on its plans, but maybe Branson is not thinking in terms of a linear music channel, says Cullen.
'For the Virgin Group, a transactional service could work. It would be possible to design an interactive shop front that is entertaining but also sells tickets to events, for example.' It might even offer on-demand music in the mould of BT Vision, the hybrid broadband TV platform launching later this year, which plans to offer 500 concerts and performances as an on-demand service.
Even if Virgin does not become a direct competitor to MTV as a TV channel, there is no doubt that any new offering will contribute to the pressure being piled on the broadcaster.
Channels such as Emap's The Box - one of 12 non-MTV music channels on the Sky EPG - may not have the same scale of ambition as MTV, but they drain audience.
This also applies to companies offering music content via non-TV platforms.
Napster and iTunes are obvious competitors, but so is mobile operator 3, which claims its customers accounted for 17% of all digital audio downloads purchased last month. It would not be a great leap for a company that is ostensibly a mobile operator to develop as a frontline music video provider.
Angel Gambino, MTV Networks' UK vice-president, commercial, strategy and digital media, respects the threat posed by Virgin, but views digital channel E4's music activity as a bigger threat to MTV's audience share. But she sees her company as going on the offensive to counter this. 'MTV has been in this business for 25 years and we are as progressive as anyone in providing services across multiple platforms,' she argues.
A snapshot of MTV's business underlines the point. It responded to the rise of Freeview by introducing music channel TMF to the platform and brought MTV Overdrive, a broadband channel, to the UK in April. In mobile TV, MTV Snax and MTV Trax are leading music services on Vodafone and 3.
And the recently-announced MTV Urge - a joint-venture with Microsoft, offering music across all genres via blogs, radio and paid-for downloads, backed by state-of-the-art search and navigation tools - is widely viewed as MTV's answer to iTunes.
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) estimated that digital music sales in 2005 accounted for 6% of the $13.2bn (£7bn) global recorded music market, three times the 2004 figure, and all the signs are that this growth will continue.
Whatever MTV loses in terms of TV channel ad revenue, it will seek to recoup through new subscription and transactional services. 'MTV is content-led,' says Gambino. 'But if we are quick, clever and commercially aggressive, we have an opportunity to massively expand these new revenue streams.'
Viewed this way, the real story is not about Virgin competing with MTV in the TV space, as the two would need each other as platform and content provider. Rather, the question is which brand will benefit most from the shift to the digital music arena.
THE CHANGING MUSIC LANDSCAPE
1981: MTV launches in US
1984: Virgin launches The Music Channel 1987 MTV Europe starts; Virgin sells TMC
1994: VH1 launches
1996: EMAP launches The Box
1997: MTV Europe launches UK service 1998 MTV2 launch starts digital roll-out
1999 Three more MTV digital channels launch; Virgin Mobile launches
2000: Emap launches Q Television
2001: MTV Dance launches; Emap launches four more music channels
2002: Emap's The Hits airs on Freeview
2003: Online music file-sharing service Napster goes legit; Sky launches Scuzz, The Amp and Flaunt
2004: Apple launches iTunes in Europe
2005: Rupert Murdoch buys MySpace; MTV Overdrive launches; MTV launches Snax and Trax on mobile; iTunes adds video content; AOL debuts music service
2006: MTV takes on iTunes with Urge; Virgin Mobile launches live digital TV, hits 4m customers and merges with NTL.
Christie's to Showcase One-of-a-Kind Jewels Specially Designed by Dame Elizabeth Taylor
Christie's, Dame Elizabeth Taylor and House of Taylor Jewelry, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOTJ) today announced that selected jewels designed by the legendary icon would be offered at auction by Christie's in New York, Hong Kong and Geneva. The specially designed jewels will be provided to Christie's exclusively through House of Taylor Jewelry.
"We are honored to partner in this important endeavor with one of the most adored artists, humanitarians and now certainly designers of our time," said Stephen Lash, Chairman, Christie's. "This marks a fantastic continuation of our many years of working with this legend, having teamed with her in historic fund-raising auctions in support of her work through amfAR and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation to promote the research and treatment of HIV/AIDS, as well her own purchases of great jewelry pieces. Her knowledge of jewels stems in large part from her pre-eminence and aesthetic taste as perhaps the world's greatest private collector of great jewelry."
The first exclusive and unique creations to be sold directly by Christie's will be featured in their October 11th Magnificent Jewels auction in New York.
Dame Elizabeth conveyed her personal excitement about creating special pieces for the world's leading auction house, stating, "Until the launch of House of Taylor Jewelry, many people didn't know how much I love to design pieces that I wear and for people that I love. I've never thought of the jewels in my collection as trophies. I don't believe I own any of them or the designs I create that become jewelry. Like the pieces in my personal collection I am their custodian ... here to enjoy them, give them love and to share them.
"As they go off to auction at Christie's, I hope whoever buys them gives them a really good home. My relationship with Christie's began many years ago. My love affair with Christie's came about with the launch of my book, 'My Love Affair With Jewelry,' with a wonderful introduction by François Curiel, Christie's worldwide head of jewelry. This magnificent auction house did such a beautiful job of displaying my personal collection and celebrating my passion for beautiful jewels that they eclipsed the possibility of my ever designing for any competitor.
"Stephen Lash and the extraordinary team at Christie's have been quietly generous and greatly supportive of my work for people with HIV/AIDS. They make loving, ongoing contributions to my foundation and brought tremendous energy to the launch of my book.
"Designing for their auctions is another chapter in the story of our relationship. Something wonderful is about to happen."
Dame Elizabeth also expresses her passion for jewelry as the majority shareholder and the creative genius who inspired House of Taylor Jewelry, Inc., an international jewelry company serving fine jewelry retailers worldwide.
Jack Abramov, president and chief executive officer of House of Taylor Jewelry, said, "The strategic alliance between Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Christie's underscores the global appeal and the magnificent quality of our House of Taylor Jewelry collection. It is a strong testament to our company's marketability and demonstrates the soundness of our corporate growth strategies."
About Christie's
Christie's is the world's leading auction house, a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service, and international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th and 19th centuries, and today remains a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie's offers nearly 1,000 sales annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewelry, photographs, collectibles, wine, cars and more. Christie's has 90 offices in 30 countries and 16 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Tel Aviv and Hong Kong. Most recently, Christie's has led the market with expanded initiatives in emerging markets such Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai. In 2005 Christie's annual global sales increased +38% to $3.2 billion, the highest total in company history and propelling the auction house into global market leadership.
For more information visit Christie's on the Web at www.christies.com.
About Dame Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor is the star of more than fifty-five films, among them National Velvet, A Place in the Sun, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Butterfield 8, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Cleopatra. For nearly two decades, she has been a leader in HIV/AIDS activism, including her founding role in the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and establishment of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF). In 2005, she established the Elizabeth Taylor Endowment Fund at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
She has also been an extraordinarily successful businesswoman with her bestselling line of fragrances. The recipient of numerous honors and awards, she was made a Dame of the British Empire in the year 2000. In 1987, France bestowed upon her its most prestigious award, the Legion d'Honneur, and in 2001 President Clinton recognized her with the Presidential Citizen's Medal. In 2002, Miss Taylor received a Kennedy Center Honor for an extraordinary lifetime of contributions to American culture through the performing arts. She has won two Academy Awards for Best Actress, and in 1993 she received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for her work on behalf of AIDS. She also received the BAFTA Fellowship from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, as well as the Lifetime Achievement award from the American Film Institute. She received the Britannia Award for Artistic Excellence in International Entertainment from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Fellowship in 2005. Dame Elizabeth is the majority shareholder of House of Taylor Jewelry, Inc., an international jewelry company which began trading on NASDAQ on March 1, 2006 under the ticker symbol "HOTJ."
Elizabeth Taylor lives in Bel Air, California. She has four children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
About House of Taylor Jewelry, Inc.
House of Taylor Jewelry is a Los Angeles-based international jewelry company whose principal shareholders include entities owned by Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Kathy Ireland, along with members of the Abramov family. It serves fine jewelry retailers worldwide with diverse jewelry collections marketed under the brands Elizabeth(R), House of Taylor Jewelry(R), and Kathy Ireland Jewelry(R) Exclusively for House of Taylor Jewelry. More information on the company can be found at www.hotj.com.
Web site: http://www.hotj.com/
http://www.christies.com/
Wave House Hosts MTV's 'Summer Sizzle '06' as It Kicks Off in San Diego With 'Spankin New Sounds of Summer Music Week'
San Diego's Trend-Setting Wave House(R) to Host MTV: Music Television, May 29-June 2 for Filming of Popular 'Total Request Live' Program, Airing 3:30 p.m. ET/PT Daily
Hip San Diego hangout, Wave House, is the chosen venue for the kick-off of MTV's "Spankin New Sounds of Summer Music Week." MTV's week-long event, beginning Memorial Day at Wave House will feature appearances by Jack Black, Ashlee Simpson, Nicole Richie, Panic at the Disco, Lauren Conrad, Cheyenne and more. Set to perform live are Pink, T.I., Chamillionaire, Sean Paul, Chris Brown, Busta Rhymes, Christina Milian and Young Jeezy.
Hosted by MTV's newest VJs Stephen Colletti of 'Laguna Beach,' Damien Fahey, Vanessa Minnillo and Susie Castillo, fans from throughout San Diego and visitors from around the region will get a chance to view live MTV's exclusive filming at Wave House.
"We are pleased to host MTV's talent and fans at Wave House," said Tom Lochtefeld, owner and CEO of Wave House. "The MTV phenomenon generates huge waves in the entertainment and lifestyle world, and if there are waves, we surf!"
One of Lochtefeld's other companies -- Wave Loch, Inc. -- manufactures a key component to the unique MTV/Wave House sound stage, the 'Bruticus Maximus.' "This 10-foot barreling psycho wave will put a little swell into the MTV set," said Lochtefeld. "Just add Wave House's unique environment of outdoor Kava bars, open air barbecues, fire rings, hammocks, tropical palms, meandering boardwalks and wave shows, and what more could you want? It's the quintessential California beach experience, and will make for one sizzlin' summer for MTV."
MTV's "Spankin New Sounds of Summer Music Week" will film and then air from Wave House beginning May 29 through June 9. Exclusive video premieres, performances by some of the hottest stars in music and numerous celebrity guest appearances will be among the highlights.
Wave House(R) is located in the heart of Mission Beach adjacent to Belmont Park at the corner of Mission Blvd. and West Mission Bay Drive
.
About Wave House(R)/Belmont Park
Located on the boardwalk in the heart of San Diego's Mission Beach, Wave House(R) ( http://www.wavehouse.com/ ) is a key component in the revitalization of Belmont Park ( http://www.belmontpark.com/ ), a seven-acre beachfront commercial/recreational development that offers the quintessential California experience for locals and visitors alike. In addition to the Bar and Grill, adjacent Wave House(R) elements include: the Wave House(R) Athletic Club with its state-of-the-art gym equipment and FlowRider(R) sheet wave attraction, the historic Plunge swimming pool and advanced mind/body classes, such as Yoga and Bosu training; a historic amusement park with seven attractions, including the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.
About WAVE LOCH'S Bruticus Maximus(R)
Affectionately known as the 'B-Max', this beast uses 800 horsepower to create a perfect 10' barreling wave. Water is propelled to a speed of 30 miles per hour, upon which flowboarders accomplish maneuvers unimaginable on an ocean wave.
Web site: http://www.wavehouse.com/
http://www.belmontpark.com/
http://www.waveloch.com/
SPORTS AND AUTOS
Carson Palmer's Journey to Recovery Travels Through a HydroWorx Underwater Treadmill
Two years ago it was Terrell Owens, then of the Philadelphia Eagles, suffering from a potentially career-ending injury. Before that it was Duce Staley. Both utilized HydroWorx therapy pools as integral parts of their rehab. Terrell Owens returned in time for a Super Bowl MVP-caliber performance. Staley returned to continue as a productive running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is in need of a HydroWorx underwater treadmill.
Riding on the coattails of Palmer's Pro Bowl season, the Bengals were making their first playoff appearance in 15 years. On his first pass of the game - a 66-yard strike that momentarily filled the Cincinnati hopeful with joy, the Bengals quarterback tore ligaments in his left knee when he was hit by Pittsburgh Steeler, and 300-plus-pound defensive end, Kimo von Oelhoffen.
Palmer waited two days before having surgery, which took place in Houston, on Jan 10. Palmer is now in week 20 of an arduous rehabilitation program - albeit unusually smooth up to this point. Palmer's goal? To play in Cincinnati's 2006 season opener, against the Chiefs on Sept. 10th, knowing full well that a normal range of recovery from such a debilitating injury is eight to 12 months.
After a number of months focused primarily on rebuilding atrophied muscles and regaining full range of motion, Palmer returned to Cincinnati to continue his rehabilitation at the Bengal's facility - equipped with a HydroWorx 2000 therapy pool. "The HydroWorx pools without a doubt are the most versatile pieces of equipment that we have in our training room at Paul Brown Stadium. The applications are virtually limitless," says Paul Sparling, Head Athletic Trainer for the Cincinnati Bengals.
The HydroWorx 2000 is the flagship model of its Pennsylvanian-based namesake. The floor of the pool is an 8-foot-by-12-foot treadmill that can rise to floor level for easy access by the injured Palmer. It can be adjusted to any depth of up to six feet and can run at speeds of up to eight miles per hour.
This primary feature has allowed Palmer to begin walking, and now jogging, at a much earlier stage of rehab. Through the principal of buoyancy, Palmer is able to jog neck deep in water while taking most of the weight of his body off his knee. Additionally, underwater cameras allow Bengals athletic trainers to observe movements and diagnose any gait irregularities.
In the near weightless environment of an underwater treadmill, an injured athlete can walk or run without over-taxing the joint. The result is typically a speedier, more complete recovery from injury or surgery. That is a bottom-line issue and it is precisely why growing numbers of sports teams and universities are choosing HydroWorx. Top spinal research and sports medicine facilities, most notably Dr. James R. Andrews of the Andrews Institute, have invested in HydroWorx pools as well.
Web site: http://www.hydroworx.com/
NBA 2006 Finals Trophy Tour Stops at Fort Bliss, Texas, Courtesy of Toyota and the USO
The NBA and Toyota, in conjunction with the USO, are sending NBA Legend Tim Hardaway and New Orleans Hornets Chris Paul to Fort Bliss, near El Paso, Texas, June 1 on the NBA's 2006 Finals Trophy Tour. This is the third stop on a five-base tour, which includes one-day interactive festivals at the military bases in the heartland of the United States. At each base, the NBA and Toyota will bring a fleet of NBA finals-themed vehicles, including the specially designed Toyota Tundra "Trophy Mobile," the Larry O'Brien Trophy and an interactive NBA-themed activity center. The festivals will feature contests, shooting games, and a variety of activities for children of military personnel.
"The NBA is proud to partner with Toyota and the USO on executing the tour as a way to thank and honor military personnel and their families for their service to our country," said Heidi Ueberroth, Executive Vice President Global Media Properties and Marketing Partnerships for the NBA. "Toyota and the NBA focus on creating memorable experiences for NBA fans through unique vehicles and basketball interaction, so we are pleased to deliver the NBA experience and the Larry O'Brien Trophy to these military bases."
"Our military men and women face some of life's most difficult situations in service to our country," said Don Esmond, Toyota's Senior Vice President and also a Marine Corps helicopter pilot in Vietnam, where he earned a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart. "We appreciate their dedication and commitment, and we're glad we can help bring some fun and excitement to everyone through the NBA experience."
"The USO is pleased to support the NBA and Toyota in bringing the tour to military bases in the United States," said Edward A. Powell, USO President and CEO. "The NBA has a long history of support for service members, and NBA players and Legends participated on the USO's first tour to Baghdad in 2003."
The remaining stops on the 2006 NBA Finals Trophy Tour are: June 24 at Fort Riley North, Kan.; and July 3 at Fort Carson, Colo. The tour also has visited Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.; and Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
This tour continues the USO tradition of bringing professional athletes to troops serving far from home. NFL players Bryce Fisher, Patrick Kerney and Max Starks recently returned from a USO tour marking the 40th anniversary of the NFL-USO partnership. Last year, NBA Legends Artis Gilmore and Darryl Dawkins visited military personnel serving in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, and Gilmore, Gail Goodrich, Spencer Haywood and Dan Roundfield brought the Larry O'Brien Trophy to troops in Kuwait.
About the USO
For more than 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T, Inc., BAE Systems North America, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Military Channel, S&K Sales Co. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit http://www.uso.org/.
Web site: http://www.uso.org/
With the first pick in the NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select...
Sportsbook.com posts odds who will be first pick in 2006 NBA Draft
While hoops fans in Detroit, Miami, Dallas and Phoenix are focused on their team's chances of raising the Larry O'Brien trophy in June, fans of the teams at the opposite spectrum of the NBA hierarchy are turning their attention to the promise of the entry draft. With one of the most wide open draft fields in years, no consensus number one pick has come to the fore, prompting Sportsbook.com to offer odds on who will be first player to shake David Sterns' hand on the evening of June 28.
The current favorite with odds makers is Texas Longhorn standout LaMarcus Aldridge at 2-1. However, he is far from being a lock at the number one spot. Other possibilities include LSU's Tyrus Thomas, who came out of nowhere to steal the show at the NCAA Tournament in March, and seven foot Italian star Andrea Bargnani, who many compare to Dirk Nowitzki. Both players are listed as 9-4 bets with Gonzaga's Adam Morrison, the leading scorer in the NCAA last season, at 3-1. Washington's Brandon Roy (10-1), Connecticut's Rudy Gay (12-1) and Villanova's Randy Foye (15-1) round out the top candidates.
What makes this year's top pick so uncertain is that fact that Toronto is already loaded at the positions where most of the top prospects would play, with Chris Bosh and Charlie Villanueva forming a solid young core at the small and power forward spots. Though the latest rumors suggest Bryan Colangelo, the team's GM, is enamored with Bargnani, the Raptors could just as likely trade the pick.
"If the Raptors trade the pick then determining in advance who the first selection is going to be will be even harder," said Alex Czajkowski, Sportsbook.com. "The reality is that without a clear favorite, a team's specific needs may be the biggest factor in who goes first this year, so you need to know who the Raptors are trading the pick to in order to make an educated guess."
Recent drafts without a consensus number one pick, like LeBron James or Yao Ming, have produced mixed results for teams holding the coveted spot. For every gem like Elton Brand and Dwight Howard, there's a lemon like Kwame Brown or Michael Olowakandi.
"Drafting is not easy to do," added Czajkowski. "Everybody bets on the draft, including the GMs who put their reputation and careers on the line when they select 18 and 19 year old kids to lead their franchises into the future."
2006 NBA DRAFT - WHO WILL BE FIRST OVERALL PICK
LaMarcus Aldridge (Texas) 2-1
Andrea Bargnani (Italy) 9-4
Tyrus Thomas (LSU) 9-4
Adam Morrison (Gonzaga) 3-1
Brandon Roy (Washington) 10-1
Rudy Gay (Connecticut) 12-1
Randy Foye (Villanova) 15-1
Patrick O'Bryant (Bradley) 20-1
Marcus Williams (Connecticut) 20-1
Shelden Williams (Duke) 25-1
Ronnie Brewer (Arkansas) 30-1
Rodney Carney (Memphis) 30-1
JJ Reddick (Duke) 50-1
For complete NBA odds please visit sportsbook.com
About Sportsbook.com:
Sportsbook.com is the largest sportsbook and casino on the planet, where millions of adult Americans bet on sports, play poker and enjoy blackjack and other casino games online in a regulated and licensed jurisdiction. Named the "Best US Sports Book" by the industry's top magazine, eGaming Review, Sportsbook.com has been leading the online gaming industry since 1996. Dwarfing its nearest competitors in the US, Sportsbook.com has been the first to achieve every significant industry milestone, from record turnover to active users to number of bets--achieving a peak of fifteen bets per second. As the US online gaming leader, the firm and its products have been featured on CBS 60 Minutes, CNN, ESPN, Wall Street Journal, Barrons, Financial Times, USA Today and in every major newspaper in the US.
Sportsbook.com is the flagship brand for Sportingbet PLC, , the world's leading publicly traded online gaming company. Sportingbet PLC, headquartered in London, England, has been voted number one in the industry for two years in a row by the authoritative eGaming Review Power 50 Survey.
Source: Sportsbook.com
Toyota Announces Pricing for 2007 Camry Solara
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2007 Camry Solara Coupe and Convertible.
For 2007 model year, the Camry Solara receives one of Toyota's most extensive mid-year changes to date and raising the bar in the sporty coupe segment. The 2007 Solara offers several exterior and interior styling changes, additional standard safety equipment, and enhanced audio and convenience features.
Solara's exterior enhancements include newly designed halogen headlamps, grille, front bumper, and integrated fog lamps. From behind, Solara will feature restyled LED tail lamps, bumper and rear spoiler. The Sport grade adds unique HID headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear under bumper spoilers, side rocker molding, rear spoiler and tailpipe diffuser.
Inside, Solara adds newly designed optitron instrumentation with unique sport meters in Sport models, interior trim color and fabric, six-disc CD changer audio system with MP3 playing capability and an audio auxiliary jack for connectivity to most portable music players, as standard equipment. SLE models get standard hands-free calling capability via Bluetooth(TM) technology and all 2007 Solara's get seat mounted side airbags and curtain side airbags (curtain side airbags not on convertible) along with a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System as standard equipment.
The standard powertrain for the 2007 Solara is a 155 horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i. A powerful 3.3-liter V6 delivering 210 horsepower is also available.
With the additional standard equipment and performance upgrade, the 2007 Solara will receive an average MSRP increase of only $382 or 1.5 percent. The Solara SE with a four-cylinder engine will carry a base MSRP of $19,930 for the five-speed manual and $20,760 for the automatic. The price for the SE grade with the V6 and automatic transmission will be $22,260. The base MSRP for the Sport grade will range from $22,200 for the four-cylinder with a five-speed manual transmission to $24,530 for the V6 and automatic transmission. The MSRP for the premium SLE with a four-cylinder and automatic transmission will be $23,905. The MSRP for the SLE V6 and automatic transmission will be $26,905.
The base MSRP for the Solara Convertible SE with a V6 and automatic transmission will be $27,190. The Solara Convertible SLE with a V6 and automatic transmission will start at $30,460. The Solara Convertible Sport, a new model, with a V6 and automatic transmission will start at $29,460.
The new prices will take effect when the 2007 Solara goes on sale in early June.
Web site: http://www.toyota.com/
The Next Patrol Vehicle You See May be a Subaru
- Memorial Day travelers in Kitsap County will be first to see new traffic safety enforcement vehicle -
As drivers in Kitsap County hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, there won't be a new Sheriff in town, but there will be a new vehicle for the Sheriff in town. At a public ceremony today in Port Orchard, the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) and Subaru will unveil their latest effort in working together to enhance traffic safety.
With assistance from WTSC, the Peninsula Subaru Dealership and the Subaru Northwest Region, the Sheriff's Office will put into service a brand new 2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Sedan to be used as an unmarked traffic safety enforcement vehicle. The primary role of the vehicle will be to conduct school zone safety enforcement and to combat aggressive driving.
"Over the past several years, the Sheriff's Office has noted a growing concern by Kitsap residents about aggressive driving behavior in this county," said Sheriff Steve Boyer. "To address this problem we have implemented a county-wide traffic safety initiative, designed to be phased into operation in several stages," added the Sheriff. "To date, this initiative has included the addition of two full-time motorcycle patrol deputies; the establishment of a school zone and speed enforcement position; hosting of the Kitsap County Traffic Safety Coordinator; and now the introduction of a new, low profile, traffic safety enforcement vehicle."
Peninsula Subaru will host the public unveiling of the new Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT patrol vehicle with representatives on hand from the Sheriff's Office, WTSC, Subaru, Kitsap County Public Works and the Board of County Commissioners. The new vehicle has already been properly outfitted with the necessary emergency and police related equipment installed by the technicians from Kitsap County Public Works.
"We chose the Subaru Legacy because we were looking for an all-wheel drive vehicle with solid performance and handling capabilities," said Mike Merrill, Sergeant, Traffic Division, Kitsap County Sheriff's Office. "We also needed a vehicle that could perform in all types of weather conditions that we experience here in the Northwest and we ultimately were impressed with the Subaru Legacy's active safety features and its high safety ratings."
The Subaru Legacy holds the distinct honor of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Pick Gold" award for its performance in crash tests that measure the ability to protect occupants in front, side and rear impact crashes (http://www.iihs.org/). Beyond its many accolades for passive safety, the Subaru Legacy boasts a whole host of active safety features including Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive coupled with its unique boxer engine, 4-wheel long-travel independent suspension, and 4-channel/4-sensor anti-lock braking system, to name but a few. The combination of these safety features gives drivers enhanced performance and handling characteristics that provide a feeling of confidence and control.
"At Subaru, we believe that safety shouldn't be an option and that's why we are the only vehicle manufacturer to have all-wheel drive standard on every vehicle we make," said Jim Pernas, Regional Vice President, Subaru Northwest Region, Subaru of America, Inc. "It's our commitment to safety that made this partnership with the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office and the WTSC a perfect fit. Peninsula Subaru is a top dealer for Subaru nationwide, earning the Subaru Stellar Performer Certification for an outstanding track-record in customer loyalty and fixed operations, and we are very proud of their active community involvement and commitment to their customers."
For information on Peninsula Subaru, visit http://www.peninsula.subaru.com/.
About Subaru Northwest Region
The Subaru Northwest Region, headquartered in Portland, Ore, is responsible for Subaru business in Alaska, Calif., Idaho, Mont., Nev., Ore., Wash., and Wyo. Also located in the region are Subaru Port Operations in Vancouver, Wash., as well as a parts warehouse in Portland. The Subaru Northwest Region makes up approximately one quarter of total Subaru sales for the brand.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru is the only car company that features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every vehicle in its product line. For additional information visit
Source: Subaru of America, Inc.
Web site: http://www.subaru.com/
http://www.peninsula.subaru.com/
Gas-Saving Alternatives For Summer Travel From Concierge.com
26% of People Claim that Soaring Gas Prices are Stalling Holiday Plans
Gas prices have risen more than 35 percent from May 2005 to May 2006. According to early estimates from the Travel Industry Association of America, 26 percent of people claim that soaring gas prices are stalling their holiday plans.
Before you let the ExxonMobils of the world keep you from hitting the road, Concierge.com, the premiere travel planning site and online home of Conde Nast Traveler, has a few gas-saving alternatives for you to consider ... a way to make your summer greener: http://www.concierge.com/ideas/globalstyle/tours/detail?id=1258
Hoof it Over a Glacier
* www.alpineclubofcanada.ca
* Join Alpine Club of Canada for a week of hut-to-hut hiking in the
Canadian Rockies backcountry. Even beginners (physically fit ones) can
join in.
* The huts themselves are basic A-frame structures with woodstoves and
bunk beds.
* Meals are mostly dehydrated ingredients and are prepared by the hikers
as a team (and actually aren't half bad).
Your Car Ain't Welcome
* www.mackinacisland.org
* Michigan's Mackinac Island is the summer colony that has been drawing
city dwellers for centuries. Horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and
sailboats are the main sources of transportation.
* Fire Island in New York, Bald Head Island in North Carolina, and
Virginia's Tangier Island all opt for leaving cars in the garage as well
Go Where Few Have Gone Before
* While Washington tussles over whether to open the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, go ahead and experience it now.
* Arctic Treks and Arctic Wild specialize in week-long rugged adventures
into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, in which you'll hike, raft,
and camp among wild caribou, musk ox, and snowy owls.
* A tiny prop plane drops you off in the Brooks Mountain Range, where
you'll hike along trail-free carpets of wildflowers, raft class III
rapids, and camp among wild caribou.
Drink 'n' Bike
* Drinking and driving don't mix, but wine country bike tours are
brilliant.
* Among them is Discover Adventures, the Georgia-based operation that
specializes in two, four, and six-day tours of the upcoming wine regions
of North Carolina and Georgia
* In North Carolina, the Brookstown Inn servers as the base camp for daily
excursions out onto the rolling hills and vineyards of the Yadkin
Valley.
Test Your Endurance
* www.usara.com
* Adventure Racing, which merges several sports (usually a combination of
biking, paddling, and trekking), has been soaring in popularity in the
past few years, jumping from 35 annual events in 2000 to just over 350
last year.
* Races are held in cities around the country and vary in intensity, but
beginners can take a stab at one of the Sprint races, which last a
couple of hours and require teams of only two.
* Wisconsin's Wild Adventure Summer Sprint Race on June 10, entrants will
mountain bike, trek, and kayak through the St. Croix river valley for up
to six hours, breaking for the occasional mystery challenge like playing
a game of catch blindfolded. www.wildadventurerace.com
Canoe the Northeast
* www.northernforestcanoetrail.org
* On June 3 the ribbons will be cut on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail,
740 miles of historic rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. The trail has
been divided into 13 sections allowing for various levels of endurance.
* Camp and paddle your way through New York, Vermont, Quebec, New
Hampshire, and Maine.
* The trail's online maps will help you plan a paddling and camping trip
or locate the best places to stay from basic cabins to fancy lodges.
* Learn the history of the storied people who carved the trails before
you.
Ride to Work on a Horse
* www.lazyel.com
* The Lazy E-L Ranch, 70 miles southwest of Billings, Montana, is a cattle
ranch.
* This is a working vacation that may reorganize your priorities: your to-
do list includes riding the fences, doctoring calves, and herding
cattle.
* The ranch disputes the notion that ranchers and conservationists can't
get along goats are used instead of pesticide to eliminate weeds.
* There are rooms in the lodge, but for the truly pre-industrial
experience, ask for the riverfront cabin. There's no electricity or
running water, only an outhouse, some cooking supplies, and a wood-
burning stove to keep you company.
For the complete list of pollution solutions visit www.concierge.com
Concierge.com The new Concierge.com incorporates original, interactive features on every aspect of travel; highlights from Conde Nast Traveler, re-engineered for optimum online browsing; almost 200 original, in-depth, insider guides to top destinations around the world; a "destination finder" that lets readers narrow down the perfect place for any trip; almost 10,000 photographs of hotels, destinations, landmarks, and more; a suite of interactive tools to help readers make smart travel plans; a range of travel deals targeted to specific destinations; and a powerful search function to aid navigation.
CondeNet
CondeNet is the leading creator and developer of upscale lifestyle brands online, providing enjoyable, useful services that build upon the heritage of the world's most prestigious magazines. The company publishes significant online properties in the categories of food (Epicurious.com), travel (Concierge.com), and fashion (STYLE.COM and MEN.STYLE.COM); these titles have won numerous accolades from bodies including the American Society of Magazine Editors, the James Beard Foundation, Media Industry Newsletter, and the Webby Awards. Based in New York, CondeNet is owned by Conde Nast, a privately held media company.
http://www.concierge.com/
http://www.lazyel.com/
http://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/
http://www.wildadventurerace.com/
http://www.usara.com/
http://www.mackinacisland.org/
http://www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/
Range Rover Equipped with New Technology and an Enhanced Prestigious Interior for 2007 Model Year
The Range Rover gains a series of enhancements to its cabin, chassis and off-road upgrades for the 2007 model year, reinforcing its position as the world's most complete luxury SUV.
The intuitive Terrain Response(TM) system is fitted as standard on all Range Rovers at 2007 model year, allowing the driver to select one of five distinct vehicle settings to suit the terrain. Key software and hardware settings for the vehicle's powertrain, transmission, braking, stability- control and suspension systems are optimized to tackle these specific conditions.
An optional rear 'e' (electronic) differential is now available (standard on Supercharged models) and works with the vehicle's standard center 'e' differential.
Interior enhancements apply across the Range Rover line-up for 2007 model year. The cabin gains better stowage space (including electronically-released twin glove-boxes), an updated airbag layout, a cleaner center console design, an electronic park brake, and a new fascia, as well as substantially improved air conditioning and ventilation.
The new front seats are now available with optional cooled-air ventilation, in addition to the standard heating feature.
"To maintain the Range Rover's outstanding reputation, we continuously look at how we can update and upgrade the vehicle," says Richard Beattie, Land Rover North America's Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing. "We have further refined Range Rover substantial equipment levels to meet the requirements of both new and existing Range Rover customers."
Land Rover North America is part of Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover with headquarters in Irvine, California. Land Rover established operations in the U.S. in 1986, and now imports and distributes Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and LR3 vehicles manufactured by Land Rover in Solihull, England. Land Rover's worldwide operations are wholly owned by Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan. For information about the Land Rover retailer nearest you, call 1-800-FIND-4WD or log on to http://www.landroverusa.com/.
OpenTV Develops Indy 500 Application for ESPN
'ESPN 2006 Indianapolis 500 Application' and 'Indy 500 DishHOME Mosaic' to be Deployed on Dish Network
OpenTV Corp. (NASDAQ:OPTV) , a leading provider of enabling technologies for advanced digital television services, today announced that it has developed the 'ESPN 2006 Indianapolis 500 Application' and the 'Indy 500 DishHOME Mosaic' for deployment on the Dish Network. The applications will enable an enhanced experience for viewers of the Indianapolis 500 race on Sunday, May 28, 2006.
Dish Network subscribers will have access to an Indy 500-themed DishHOME Mosaic (channel 100) on race day that will feature six different in-car camera feeds, each of which may be clicked on for viewing in full-screen mode. It will feature an Indy 500 race-themed motion background and will be ESPN Interactive TV-branded.
Prior to the race, the interactive Indy 500 application will be deployed by Dish Network to its subscriber base on Thursday, May 25, 2006. The application is accessible through the "Sports" menu category in the DishHOME Mosaic (channel 100). It features several pieces of enhanced content, including quarter-screen video of the ESPNEWS channel leading up to the race day; quarter-screen video of one in-car camera during the race; driver biographies and statistics; league standings; IRL schedule; and "The Milk Tradition."
"The Indianapolis 500 is the perfect sporting event for these types of enhanced applications," said Tim Evard, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Americas for OpenTV. "Leveraging our extensive experience building interactive applications, and our close working relationship with EchoStar, we were able to design and develop this captivating application for ESPN, giving them exactly what they wanted, when they wanted it. We think the compelling nature of these types of applications, and our longtime experience in this sector, uniquely position us to offer our customers, both on the operator and the programming side, the types of advanced television solutions that help their programming stand out in today's world. We look forward to continuing these efforts with one of the world's most recognizable programming brands in ESPN."
EchoStar, which has built the world's most extensive interactive and enhanced television platform utilizing OpenTV technology, reaches more than 12 million households. With this project for ESPN, OpenTV has effectively leveraged for ESPN's benefit the highly popular Mosaic application used for multiple programming events by EchoStar.
About OpenTV
OpenTV is one of the world's leading providers of technologies and services enabling the delivery of digital and interactive television. The company's software has been integrated in over 67 million digital set-top-boxes in 96 countries. The software enables enhanced television, interactive shopping, interactive and addressable advertising, games and gaming, personal video recording, and a variety of consumer care and communication applications. For more information, please visit www.opentv.com.
Source: OpenTV Corp.
Web site: http://www.opentv.com/
From Posing on the Beach to Spiking on the Beach: Molly Sims to Compete in AVP Cuervo Gold Crown Huntington Beach Open
Actress/Model Looks to Qualify for Main Draw of the AVP Professional Beach Volleyball Tournament this Weekend
Actress and supermodel Molly Sims, who graced the pages of the 2006 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, may soon find herself on the sports pages for another reason. The Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) announced today that Sims will attempt to qualify for the AVP Cuervo Gold Crown Huntington Beach Open, May 26-29, in Los Angeles. She will be partnering with Amber Willey, a rising star on the 2006 AVP Tour.
Sims, who stars on NBC's hit series Las Vegas, is no stranger to professional sports competition; she once competed as a professional swimmer before pursuing a successful career in modeling. She hopes that athleticism coupled with her 5'9 stature will enable her to experience the same success on the beach volleyball court that she's had in front of the camera.
"I've always considered myself an athletic woman and I thought it would be fun to come out to spend the day with the AVP," said Sims. "What better tournament to play in then the Cuervo Gold Crown Open. It's one of the most exciting tournaments on the beach and always brings out the best in the players and the fans."
The AVP Cuervo Gold Crown Huntington Beach Open is the second of three Cuervo Gold Crown events, and offers more first-place prize money than any other events on the AVP Tour. In addition to the increased purse at each Cuervo Gold Crown event, there will be a $25,000 bonus for the top men's and women's teams based on cumulative performances in the three events.
The Huntington tournament will feature top professional beach volleyball athletes including 2004 Olympic gold medalists Misty May and Kerri Walsh, 2004 Olympic bronze medal winners Holly McPeak and Elaine Youngs, and Rachel Wacholder. On the men's side, three-time Olympic gold medal winner Karch Kiraly, Olympian Stein Metzger and 2004 AVP MVP Mike Lambert and 2000 Olympic Gold Medalists Dain Blanton and Eric Fonoimoana.
The Cuervo Gold Crown Boulder Open, the third event of the AVP's triple crown, will take place in Colorado, August 27-29. Both of the remaining Cuervo Gold Crown events will air on FOX Sports Net.
About the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc.
AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc. is a leading lifestyle sports entertainment company focused on the production, marketing and distribution of professional beach volleyball events worldwide. AVP operates the industry's most prominent national touring series, the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, which was organized in 1983. Featuring more than 150 of the top American men and women competitors in the sport, AVP staged 14 events throughout the United States in 2005. In 2004, AVP athletes successfully represented the United States during the Olympics in Athens, Greece, winning gold and bronze medals, the first medals won by U.S. women in professional beach volleyball. For more information, please visit http://www.avp.com/ .
About Jose Cuervo
Jose Cuervo is the largest producer of tequila throughout Mexico and around the world, exporting more than 50 million liters annually. The Jose Cuervo portfolio of tequilas includes Jose Cuervo Especial, the number one tequila worldwide, Jose Cuervo Clasico, Jose Cuervo Black, Jose Cuervo Tradicional, Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia, Jose Cuervo Golden Margaritas, Authentic Jose Cuervo Margaritas and Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix.
Jose Cuervo Tequila is imported and marketed in the United States by Diageo North America, a subsidiary of Diageo plc. Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wine and beer categories. These brands include: Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, and Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE
Web site: http://www.diageo.com/
http://www.avp.com/
Honda Develops Bio-Fabric for Use in Automobile Interiors
Honda Motor Co., Ltd., announced it has succeeded in developing bio-fabric, a plant-based fabric with excellent durability and resistance to sunlight, for use as a surface material in automobile interiors. Bio-fabric offers the benefit of offsetting CO2 emissions produced during incineration in the disposal stage with CO2 absorption that occurs during the growth stage of the plants that are used as raw materials. Despite this benefit, plant-based fabric has not been used commercially for automobile interiors due to concerns about limited durability and aesthetic issues.
The new bio-fabric developed by Honda overcame such issues, and achieved a soft and smooth material appropriate for the surface of automobile interiors, with high durability and excellent resistance to sunlight to prevent color fading after prolonged use. In addition to seat surfaces, this bio-fabric can be used for the interior surface of the doors and roof and for floor mats. Honda will install these bio-fabric interiors to the company’s all-new fuel cell vehicle which will be introduced to the market within next three years.
A polyester material called PPT (polypropylene terephthalate) is the basic material of the bio-fabric. PPT is produced through polymerization of 1-3PDO (propanediol), which is produced from corn, and terephthalic acid, a petroleum-based component. In order to improve stability as a fabric, Honda applied a multi-thread structure for the fiber. In addition, unprecedented aesthetic properties were achieved by leveraging the flexibility of this fiber.
Based on the concept of LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), Honda has been striving to reduce CO2 emissions throughout the entire life cycle of an automobile – from production and usage to disposal. Due to the use of a plant-based ingredient in the production of raw materials, the newly developed bio-fabric will enable Honda to reduce energy used during the production process by 10 to 15% compared to the production of petroleum-based polyester materials. The use of a plant-based ingredient can reduce 5 kilogram CO2 emissions per automobile. Further, the new bio-fabric does not require changes in existing fabric production processes, and is suitable for mass production. Honda will first introduce bio-fabric interiors with the new fuel cell vehicle, then try to gradually expand the application to new models from 2009 and beyond.
22,000 gazelles in the streets of Casablanca
24 May 2006
The 8th edition of the Fun Run set a new participation record, with more than 22,000 gazelles – as they are nicknamed in Morocco – aged from 15 to 75 taking over the streets of Casablanca for a unique and unforgettable experience.
The brainchild of an Olympic champion
This race was created in 1993 at the initiative of the first Moroccan, African and Muslim female Olympic champion, Nawal El Moutawakel, an IOC member and President of the Moroccan Sport and Development Association (the event organiser). After retiring from competition, five years after her 400m hurdles gold medal in Los Angeles en 1984, Nawal El Moutawakel began using her fame to serve others. “I used to run for pleasure”, she said, “and that opened up so many horizons and helped me deal with so many social pressures. I regard myself as an ambassador for sport and my country, with the duty to pass on my hard-won experience and the true values of sport, to relieve those who suffer from prejudice and unequal opportunities.”
Beyond borders
There could be no better expression of this fight for equality than this women’s race. And the best response to this challenge is the fact that the Casablanca Run has become an unmissable event for Moroccan women and a growing number of top female athletes from other countries. This year, 32 countries were represented – another record for this Casablanca race! And a delegation of 15 women representing the IOC had also made the trip as a sign of solidarity.
More than a race
For all these gazelles, the Casablanca run is more than just a 10km race. Crossing the finish line is, of course, the aim, but it is also about sharing moments of joy, courage and perseverance, and forging unbreakable bonds of friendship. For these 22,101 gazelles had come to Casablanca above all for the pleasure of running.
For the record, it was Ethiopia’s Tayba Erekesso who won, in 31’53, ahead of Morocco’s Zhor El Khamch (32’07) and Kenya’s Magdalene Syombua Makuzi (32’14).
Official website of the Moroccan Sport and Development Association www.amsd.ma
DOD
By a 78-15 vote, the Senate today confirmed Air Force Gen. Michael V. Hayden as CIA director.
Hayden, who has served under John D. Negroponte as principal deputy director of national intelligence since April 2005, succeeds Porter Goss. "I commend the Senate for confirming Michael Hayden as director of the Central Intelligence Agency by a bipartisan majority," President Bush said in a White House statement shortly after the Senate vote. "Winning the war on terror requires that America have the best intelligence possible, and his strong leadership will ensure that we do. "General Hayden is a patriot and a dedicated public servant whose broad experience, dedication, and expertise make him the right person to lead the CIA at this critical time," the president's statement continued. "I look forward to working with Ambassador Negroponte, General Hayden and the other leaders of our intelligence community as we continue to address the challenges and threats we face in the 21st century. I congratulate General Hayden and his family on his confirmation and thank him for his continued service to our nation." Hayden's 36-year Air Force career has included a six-year stint as director of the National Security Agency as well as various other assignments in the intelligence arena. He has held senior positions at the Pentagon, in U.S. European Command and on the National Security Council, and he served in the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria during the Cold War. It was not immediately clear when he will be sworn into his new post
Gen. Michael V. Hayden is Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Washington, D.C. Appointed by President George W. Bush, he is the first person to serve in this position. General Hayden is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the national intelligence program. He is the highest-ranking military intelligence officer in the armed forces.
General Hayden entered active duty in 1969 after earning a bachelor's degree in history in 1967 and a master's degree in modern American history in 1969, both from Duquesne University. He is a distinguished graduate of the university's ROTC program. General Hayden has served as Commander of the Air Intelligence Agency and as Director of the Joint Command and Control Warfare Center. He has been assigned to senior staff positions at the Pentagon, Headquarters U.S. European Command, National Security Council and the U.S. Embassy in the People's Republic of Bulgaria. The general has also served as Deputy Chief of Staff, United Nations Command and U.S. Forces Korea, Yongsan Army Garrison, South Korea. Prior to his current assignment, General Hayden was Director, National Security Agency, and Chief, Central Security Service, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
EDUCATION
1967 Bachelor of Arts degree in history, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pa.
1969 Master's degree in modern American history, Duquesne University
1975 Academic Instructor School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
1976 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
1978 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
1980 Defense Intelligence School, Defense Intelligence Agency, Bolling AFB, D.C.
1983 Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va.
1983 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. January 1970 - January 1972, analyst and briefer, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB, Neb.
2. January 1972 - May 1975, Chief, Current Intelligence Division, Headquarters 8th Air Force, Andersen AFB, Guam
3. May 1975 - July 1975, student, Academic Instructor School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
4. July 1975 - August 1979, academic instructor and commandant of cadets, ROTC program, St. Michael's College, Winooski, Vt.
5. August 1979 - June 1980, student, Defense Intelligence School (postgraduate intelligence curriculum), Defense Intelligence Agency, Bolling AFB, D.C.
6. June 1980 - July 1982, Chief of Intelligence, 51st Tactical Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, South Korea
7. July 1982 - January 1983, student, Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va.
8. January 1983 - July 1984, student, air attaché training, Washington, D.C.
9. July 1984 - July 1986, air attaché, U.S. Embassy, Sofia, People's Republic of Bulgaria
10. July 1986 - September 1989, politico-military affairs officer, Strategy Division, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
11. September 1989 - July 1991, Director for Defense Policy and Arms Control, National Security Council, Washington, D.C.
12. July 1991 - May 1993, Chief, Secretary of the Air Force Staff Group, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
13. May 1993 - October 1995, Director, Intelligence Directorate, Headquarters U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany
14. October 1995 - December 1995, special assistant to the Commander, Headquarters Air Intelligence Agency, Kelly AFB, Texas
15. January 1996 - September 1997, Commander, Air Intelligence Agency, and Director, Joint Command and Control Warfare Center, Kelly AFB, Texas
16. September 1997 - March 1999, Deputy Chief of Staff, United Nations Command and U.S. Forces Korea, Yongsan Army Garrison, South Korea
17. March 1999 - April 2005, Director, National Security Agency, and Chief, Central Security Service, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
18. April 2005 - present, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Washington, D.C.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant June 2, 1967
First Lieutenant June 7, 1970
Captain Dec. 7, 1971
Major June 1, 1980
Lieutenant Colonel Feb. 1, 1985
Colonel Nov. 1, 1990
Brigadier General Sept. 1, 1993
Major General Oct. 1, 1996
Lieutenant General May 1, 1999
General April 22, 2005
(Current as of August 2005)
The U.S. Army band will perform at the National Memorial Day Concert, Sunday at 8 p.m., on the U.S. Capitol Grounds, Washington, D.C. Senior Department of Defense Officials will participate in a wreath-laying and remembrance ceremony at Arlington Cemetery, following a performance by the U.S. Navy Band, beginning 10:20 a.m., Monday. Six hundred service members, who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, will march in the National Memorial Day Parade, noon, Monday, in Washington, D.C. Service members include Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve from 50 States. Media desiring interviews with participating service members should contact the following Public Affairs Offices: Air Force, (703) 695-0640; Army, (703) 692-2000; Navy, (703) 697-5342; Marines, (703) 614-4309; National Guard, (703) 607-5934; Army Reserve, (404) 464-8500, Coast Guard, (202) 267-1587.
USAA Educational Foundation Offers Identity-Protection Tips
It doesn't take much information for a determined identity thief to succeed, a certified financial planner with USAA Financial Planning Services told American Forces Press Service today. The identity theft issue is at the forefront for millions of veterans who learned this week that computer equipment containing their personal information was stolen from the home of a Veterans Affairs Department analyst. A little personal information that can be easy to find on the Internet -- name, date of birth and address, for example -- can make stealing someone's identity relatively easy, June Walbert said. "Clearly our personal information is up for grabs," she said. "We have to face the fact that we live in the information age." Walbert suggests exercising due caution. Tearing up paper financial statements may be good enough unless a persistent identity thief takes the time to fit them back together like a puzzle. Cross-shredding financial documents is the best way to make sure information doesn't end up in the wrong hands. Electing to receive financial and credit card statements via the Internet is an even better option, Walbert said.
Using Internet transactions, she said, is actually safer than receiving the paper statements in an unsecured mailbox. "(Security of personal information) is something financial institutions work on daily to ensure that there's not some new trick of the trade out there that's going to enable people to access their customers' identification number and balances," she said. "Financial institutions are extremely diligent about it, because they know the risk that is out there." She also suggests making a photocopy of all credit and debit cards so if a wallet or purse is stolen, what was stolen doesn't become a guessing game. The copies provide a record of card numbers as well as phone numbers for the credit companies. They should, however, be kept in a secure place, like a lock box. The USAA Educational Foundation has some additional suggestions for preventing identity theft, including memorizing a Social Security card instead of carrying the card in a wallet or purse.
This holds true for personal identification numbers, as well, Walbert said, adding that each card should have a unique personal identification number. Personal information should not be provided over the phone, by e-mail or the Internet unless the recipient is a known and trusted source. Also, before entering personal information via a Web site, users should make sure the site uses encryption technology. A site that is encrypted may display a yellow padlock symbol in the browser's status bar or a pop-up window that indicates encryption is being used. When it comes to banking, the foundation suggests not having unnecessary personal information printed on checks. Also, depositing checks at the bank is much safer than leaving them at home in an unsecured mailbox for the postal service to collect. Doing business with responsible companies that take steps to protect their customers from identity theft is also a good idea, foundation officials said. Monitoring financial statements and credit reports is also recommended. If these items are checked for unauthorized activity, any fraud or identity theft can be quickly handled. In the recent case of Veterans Affairs' loss of the personal information for 26.5 million veterans, extra precautions should be taken, Walbert said.
She offered suggestions to maximize the options Veterans Affairs has offered veterans for reporting suspicious activity. "What they need to do is call the credit reporting agency and put a fraud alert on their account," she said. This asks the credit agencies to double-check any inquiries into the credit report and history. There is no charge for this service. "As a result of that, you get a free credit report by putting that fraud alert on your credit report," Walbert said. The agency receiving the request for the fraud alert should share that information with its sister agencies, but Walbert said making this request of all three credit agencies is good practice. It also generates a free credit report from each agency. She added that veterans should remember that the information on each report can vary because not all debtors report to all credit agencies. "Just make sure it's all yours, and use it as your baseline," she said. "They additionally can get that annual credit report that is by virtue of the Fair Credit Reporting Act," Walbert said. "They can get one from each of the three agencies as a result of that act. So do the fraud alert now, then strategically use those other three reports." She suggested users get a free credit report from one of the agencies a month after placing the fraud alert, another from one of the other agencies a month after that, and the third in the next month. "Know that even if you are applying for a credit card or a line of credit (after requesting a fraud alert) ... you are going to have to go through a more stringent process to get your credit checked and approved as well," she said. "So be aware that there is a hassle factor, but it's well worth it." She also encouraged veterans affected by the Veterans Affairs loss of information to go online daily and check their credit and debit card activity. If any of the activity can't be attributed to the cardholder, veterans should call the financial institution immediately, Walbert said. "The bottom line here is a good offense is the best defense," she said. USAA is a financial services organization serving military members and their families worldwide.
Gary Sinise and Lt. Dan Band on USO Tour to Naval Support Activity, Millington, Tenn.
ARLINGTON, Va., May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Actor, director and producer Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band will perform a concert for sailors at Naval Support Activity Mid-South, Millington, Tenn., June 2. Currently starring in the hit CBS series "CSI: New York," Sinise also is known to troops as Lt. Dan in "Forrest Gump."
This is the 19th USO tour for Sinise, who recently returned from a solo visit to the Persian Gulf. The concert is the second stop for Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band on a stateside tour of military bases. The first was Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. Additional stops include Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.
A long-time supporter of military personnel and veterans, Sinise was among a group of celebrities on the USO's first tour to Baghdad in June 2003. Other tour stops include Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and locations in Europe and the Pacific. Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band frequently perform at military bases in the United States.
Following a USO tour to Iraq, where he visited with school children, Sinise co-founded Operation Iraqi Children, which provides educational materials to students in Iraq through donations from the American people. He also is the national spokesman for the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation, which is building a memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring disabled veterans. AT&T, Inc. is the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours.
About the USO
For 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T, BAE Systems North America, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Military Channel, S&K Sales Co. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit http://www.uso.org/.
NEWS AND NEWS IN SPAINISH
27,000 Were Eligible, Only 100 Made the Annual List
Entrepreneur Names the Movers and Shakers in the SMB Market
Entrepreneur magazine and PricewaterhouseCoopers have named the fastest-growing new businesses in the United States for its 12th Annual HOT 100 listing from the 27,000 companies eligible. These top 100 entrepreneurial businesses seized the opportunity, found their niche and pushed the envelope to boast $1.7 billion in combined total sales-up $200 million from last year.
Entrepreneur's annual HOT 100 list is a portrait of the current state of the small to midsize business market, highlighting trends and singling out those emerging companies that account for the fastest-growing and strongest segment of the U.S. economy.
"Small and midsize businesses have always been the backbone of the U.S. economy. Entrepreneurs employ the most Americans, contribute more than half of the nation's GDP and retail sales, and create the overwhelming majority of the nation's new jobs and innovations," says Rieva Lesonsky, senior vice president and editorial director of Entrepreneur.
Earlier this year, Entrepreneur revealed what was on business owners' minds in its first annual "Entrepreneurial Challenges Survey," and the HOT 100 companies are clearly confronting these issues in the day-to-day operations of growing their businesses. "We see a complete convergence of what the survey revealed and what the HOT 100 are dealing with," adds Lesonsky.
Substantiating what the 300 CEOs of privately held U.S.-based businesses revealed in the "Entrepreneurial Challenges Survey," the CEOs of the HOT 100 companies wholeheartedly agreed that keeping employees happy is extremely high on the list of priorities.
Forty-three businesses on the 2006 list offer flextime, compared to 34 in 2005; and 33 offer telecommuting, five more than last year. Whether improvements in technology or a greater emphasis on work-life balance have made this new way of working possible, CEOs of fast-growing companies realize its importance: they all say fast-growth is largely contingent on having the best staff on hand to manage it all.
Other highlights from the HOT 100: Business services companies continued their solid showing, and staffing companies did exceptionally well, jumping from four companies last year to 10 this year. Health-care and pharmaceutical-industry businesses also continued to be strong categories. The top three locations for HOT 100 companies were California, New York and Florida.
For the complete story and listing, pick up a copy of the June 2006 issue of Entrepreneur magazine, or visit us on the web at www.entrepreneur.com/hot100.
About the Hot 100
Drawing on multiple resources, including the proprietary "MoneyTree Report" of VC investing by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association with data from Thompson Financial, PricewaterhouseCoopers provides Entrepreneur with an initial list of fast-growing companies. Entrepreneur mails each company a questionnaire that the entrepreneurs must complete and submit along with their current financial statements. Entrepreneur then measures each company's sales growth from the date of inception, listing the companies in growth order.
To be considered for the list, businesses must meet the following criteria: they must have been founded no earlier than 2001; the founder must be actively involved in daily operations and have a controlling interest in the business; 2005 sales must have been at least $1 million; and they must have fewer than 1,000 employees.
About Entrepreneur Media Inc.
Entrepreneur Media Inc. is an organization of people dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs worldwide to start and grow successful companies. To provide entrepreneurs with the relevant information they need to make informed decisions, Entrepreneur Media Inc. offers a full range of products and services. Products include: Magazines -- Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur's StartUps, Entrepreneur Mexico, Entrepreneur Philippines, Entrepreneur Hungary and Entrepreneur Russia; Websites -- Entrepreneur.com, SoyEntrepreneur.com, Smallbizsearch.com, EntrepreneurPress.com, Smallbizbooks.com, and Freebks.com; Book Publishing -- Entrepreneur Press, Entrepreneur eBooks and Business Startup Guides; Also -- Conferences and Custom Publishing.
Source: Entrepreneur Media Inc.
Web site: http://www.smallbizsearch.com/
Web site: http://www.soyentrepreneur.com/
Web site: http://www.freebks.com/
Web site: http://www.smallbizbooks.com/
Web site: http://www.entrepreneurpress.com/
Web site: http://www.entrepreneur.com/hot100
Web site: http://www.entrepreneur.com/
U.S. Adults Remain Very Pessimistic About Situation in Iraq, According to Latest Harris Poll
President Bush's approval rating ties lowest point
U.S. adults remain very pessimistic about the situation in Iraq, and are not confident that U.S. policies there will be successful. As a result, President Bush's job approval rating in handling the situation in Iraq hasn't changed in two months -- two-thirds (68%) give the president negative marks -- tying an all-time low.
These are the results of a nationwide Harris Poll of 2,085 U.S. adults surveyed online by Harris Interactive(R) between May 9 and 16, 2006.
Specifically, this poll finds:
* President Bush's rating on his handling of events in Iraq is currently
68 percent negative, 29 percent positive. This is virtually identical to
March's ratings when, by 68 to 30 percent, U.S. adults gave the
President negative marks. This remains the lowest measure for the
president.
* In this new poll, 43 percent of U.S. adults think that the situation for
U.S. troops is getting worse, down three percentage points from the 46
percent who felt this way in March. Only 20 percent now think things are
getting better, a slight improvement from 17 percent in March.
* Six in 10 (61%) U.S. adults are not confident "that U.S. policies in
Iraq will be successful." This has remained the same from March. Only 22
percent are confident about U.S. policies in Iraq; a slight improvement
from March's 20 percent.
* By 47 to 38 percent, a plurality of U.S. adults believes that "taking
military action against Iraq" was the wrong thing to do. In March, a
nearly identical 48 to 37 percent plurality also felt this way.
Concerning the possibility that there will be civil war in Iraq in the next six months, just under three in 10 (29%) U.S. adults say that such a war is extremely or very likely, with another 19 percent saying that it is likely. Four in 10 adults (40%) think that it is somewhat likely or not at all likely. These feelings have not wavered from those in March, when 30 percent felt a civil war in Iraq was likely as compared to 38 who felt that civil war wasn't as likely.
TABLE 1
RATING OF PRESIDENT BUSH - HANDLING OF IRAQ
"Overall, how would you rate the job President Bush has done in handling the
issue of Iraq over the last several months?"
Base: All Adults
2003
March April May July Sept Nov
% % % % % %
Positive (NET) 56 67 63 49 47 41
Excellent 29 38 34 21 16 15
Pretty good 27 29 28 29 31 26
Negative (NET) 43 32 36 50 51 58
Only fair 16 15 18 22 19 19
Poor 27 17 18 28 32 38
Not sure 1 1 1 1 2 1
2004
Jan March April May June July Sept Dec
% % % % % % % %
Positive (NET) 51 49 43 42 41 39 41 42
Excellent 20 18 15 13 13 15 14 12
Pretty good 31 31 29 29 27 24 27 30
Negative (NET) 46 49 55 56 58 58 58 57
Only fair 20 19 18 18 19 17 17 19
Poor 26 30 37 39 39 40 41 37
Not sure 2 2 2 2 1 3 2 2
2005 2006
Jan March May July Sept Oct Dec Jan March May
% % % % % % % % % %
Positive (NET) 39 42 37 34 34 32 29 36 30 29
Excellent 13 18 13 11 10 11 9 12 8 9
Pretty good 26 24 24 23 24 21 20 25 21 20
Negative (NET) 59 56 61 64 65 66 68 61 68 68
Only fair 17 20 19 20 18 16 17 20 20 21
Poor 42 36 42 44 46 50 52 41 48 47
Not sure 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3
Note: Percentages may not add up exactly to 100% due to rounding.
TABLE 2
CONFIDENCE THAT U.S. POLICIES ON IRAQ WILL BE SUCCESSFUL
"How confident are you that U.S. policies in Iraq will be successful?"
Base: All Adults
2003 2004
Sept Nov Jan Feb March April May June July Sept Dec
% % % % % % % % % % %
Confident 27 25 31 31 31 26 25 25 26 29 29
Not
confident 46 51 45 48 46 52 55 53 51 54 51
Not sure 27 24 24 22 22 22 20 22 23 18 20
2005 2006
Jan March May July Sept Oct Dec Jan March May
% % % % % % % % % %
Confident 25 30 26 23 23 24 22 26 20 22
Not
confident 56 49 54 59 59 61 62 55 61 61
Not sure 19 21 20 19 18 15 16 20 20 18
Note: Percentages may not add up exactly to 100% due to rounding.
TABLE 3
MILITARY ACTION - RIGHT OR WRONG THING TO DO
"Thinking about everything that has happened, do you think that taking
military action against Iraq was the right or wrong thing to do?"
Base: All Adults
2003 2004
Sept Nov Jan Feb March April May June July Sept Dec
% % % % % % % % % % %
Right thing 55 49 55 52 51 49 47 44 43 43 43
Wrong thing 32 37 31 34 33 37 38 42 42 43 43
Not sure 13 13 15 14 16 14 14 14 15 13 14
2005 2006
Jan March May July Sept Oct Dec Jan March May
% % % % % % % % % %
Right thing 39 41 39 38 37 34 35 40 37 38
Wrong thing 46 45 48 49 49 53 53 46 48 47
Not sure 15 15 13 14 14 13 12 13 15 15
Note: Percentages may not add up exactly to 100% due to rounding.
TABLE 4
SITUATION FOR U.S. TROOPS - GETTING BETTER OR WORSE
"Do you think that the situation for U.S. troops in Iraq is ... ?"
Base: All Adults
2004
Jan Feb March April May June July Sept Dec
% % % % % % % % %
Getting better 24 22 24 9 11 19 18 15 18
Getting worse 36 38 38 64 65 49 45 54 50
No real change 31 31 30 20 19 26 30 26 25
Not sure 8 9 8 6 5 6 7 6 6
2005 2006
Jan March May July Sept Oct Dec Jan March May
% % % % % % % % % %
Getting better 13 21 21 17 19 19 20 22 17 20
Getting worse 53 41 39 44 43 44 43 36 46 43
No real change 28 33 34 35 33 33 32 35 32 31
Not sure 6 6 6 4 5 4 5 7 6 5
Note: Percentages may not add up exactly to 100% due to rounding.
TABLE 5
LIKELIHOOD OF IRAQI CIVIL WAR IN SIX MONTHS
"Given the recent events in Iraq, how likely do you think Iraq will have a
civil war in the next six months?
Base: All Adults
March May
% %
Extremely/Very Likely (Net) 30 29
Extremely Likely 16 13
Very Likely 15 15
Likely 21 19
Somewhat/Not At All Likely (Net) 38 40
Somewhat Likely 31 29
Not At All Likely 7 10
Not sure 11 13
Note: Percentages may not add up exactly to 100% due to rounding.
Methodology
The Harris Poll(R) was conducted online within the United States between May 9 and 16, 2006 among 2,085 adults (aged 18 and over). Figures for age, sex, race, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online.
All surveys are subject to several sources of error. These include: sampling error (because only a sample of a population is interviewed); measurement error due to question wording and/or question order, deliberately or unintentionally inaccurate responses, nonresponse (including refusals), interviewer effects (when live interviewers are used) and weighting.
With one exception (sampling error) the magnitude of the errors that result cannot be estimated. There is, therefore, no way to calculate a finite "margin of error" for any survey and the use of these words should be avoided.
With pure probability samples, with 100 percent response rates, it is possible to calculate the probability that the sampling error (but not other sources of error) is not greater than some number. With a pure probability sample of 2,085 adults one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/- 2 percentage points. However that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
These statements conform to the principles of disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.
J27799
Q501, 505, 510, 515, 520
The Harris Poll(R) #43, May 26, 2006
By David Krane, Vice President, Public Affairs and Government Research, Harris Interactive(R)
About Harris Interactive(R)
Harris Interactive, the 13th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world, provides clients with research-driven insights and strategic advice to help them make more confident decisions, leading to measurable and enduring improvements in performance.
Widely known for The Harris Poll(R) and for pioneering online market research methods, Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States (www.harrisinteractive.com), Europe (www.harrisinteractive.com/europe), and Asia offices and is supported by its a wholly-owned subsidiary Novatris (www.novatris.com) in Paris and an independent global network of affiliate market research companies. Harris Interactive is headquartered in Rochester, New York, and Europe operations are based in London.
To become a member of the Harris Poll Online(SM) and be invited to participate in online surveys, go to www.harrispollonline.com. EOE M/F/D/V
Web site: http://www.harrisinteractive.com/
http://www.harrispollonline.com/
http://www.harrisinteractive.com/europe
http://www.novatris.com/
2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee Begins May 31 in Washington, D.C.
The 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee will begin Wednesday, May 31, in Washington, D.C., featuring top spellers from across the U.S. and including competitors from Europe, Guam, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, American Samoa, Canada and New Zealand.
The 275 champion spellers, ranging in age from 9 to 15 years old, will be competing for the Scripps National Spelling Bee Championship, which will be determined during the closing rounds of the competition Thursday, June 1. The spellers have qualified to compete in the national competition by winning locally sponsored spelling bees in their home communities. The national competition will be held in the Independence Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Washington.
Live television coverage of the 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee will be moving to primetime this year on the ABC Television Network. ABC will broadcast the championship rounds of the bee in high definition from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT on Thursday, June 1. Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts will host the ABC broadcast.
Preliminary championship rounds of the bee will air live earlier in the day on ESPN, which has televised the final rounds of the bee in their entirety since 1994. The ESPN broadcast is scheduled for noon to 3 p.m., EDT. SportsCenter anchor Chris McKendry will host the ESPN broadcast.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation's largest and longest running educational promotion. The competition is administered on a not-for- profit basis by The E. W. Scripps Company in Cincinnati and 268 local sponsors. The majority of local spelling bee sponsors are daily and weekly newspapers.
The purpose of the National Spelling Bee is to help students improve spelling, increase vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all of their lives. The program is open to students who have not reached their 16th birthday on or before the date of the national finals and who have not advanced beyond the eighth grade by Feb. 1, 2006.
The spelling bee is primarily an oral competition conducted in rounds until only one speller remains. The first round of the competition consists of a 25-word written test. Rounds One through Four will be held Wednesday, May 31. The championship rounds will be held on Thursday, June 1.
The National Spelling Bee word panel has compiled a list consisting of more than 1,000 words that will be used in the national competition.
All 275 competing spellers receive cash prizes that range from $25 to $20,000 for the national champion. All spellers receive a commemorative watch, the Samuel Louis Sugarman Award, which consists of a $100 EE U.S. Savings bond, Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged, on CD-ROM from Merriam-Webster and a $20 gift certificate from Franklin Electronic Publishers. Franklin will award the top 10 to 12 finishers a limited edition electronic dictionary.
The national champion also receives an engraved loving cup, a $5,000 cash award from Franklin Electronic Publishers, a $5,000 cash award from LeapFrog Enterprises Inc., a $5,000 scholarship from Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation; from Merriam-Webster, a $2,500 U.S. Savings Bond and a reference library; and from Encyclopedia Britannica, reference materials valued at more than $5,000.
Biographies of this year's spellers and information about the 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee can be found online at www.spellingbee.com.
About Scripps
The E. W. Scripps Company (NYSE:SSP) is a diverse and growing media enterprise with interests in national cable networks, newspaper publishing, broadcast television stations, electronic commerce, interactive media, and licensing and syndication.
The company's portfolio of media properties includes: Scripps Networks, with such brands as HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network, Fine Living, Great American Country and HGTVPro; daily and community newspapers in 18 markets and the Washington-based Scripps Media Center, home to the Scripps Howard News Service; 10 broadcast TV stations, including six ABC-affiliated stations, three NBC affiliates and one independent; leading online search and comparison shopping services, Shopzilla and uSwitch; and United Media, a leading worldwide licensing and syndication company that is the home of PEANUTS, DILBERT and approximately 150 other features and comics.
Source: The E. W. Scripps Company
Web site: http://www.spellingbee.com/
http://www.scripps.com/
Fox Should Be Spending His Remaining Time in Office Fixing Mexico, not Meddling in U.S. Immigration Policy, Says New Coalition
You Don't Speak for Me!, a new coalition of American Hispanics opposed to an illegal alien amnesty, is condemning Mexican President Vicente Fox's overt effort to meddle in the internal affairs of the United States and exert influence over U.S. immigration policies. The Mexican president is currently on a tour of Western states, during which he is openly lobbying for passage of an illegal alien amnesty and guest worker program.
As he has often done during his more than five years in office, Fox is once again presuming to speak on behalf of American Hispanics and attempting to create the impression that there is widespread support for amnesty among U.S. citizens of Hispanic heritage. However, millions of American Hispanics are offended at the idea of any foreign leader meddling in the domestic affairs of the United States.
"Who enters and is allowed to live in the United States is a sovereign matter for the American people and their elected representatives to decide, without any interference from the president of Mexico or anybody else," stated retired Col. Albert Rodriguez, chairman of You Don't Speak for Me! (YDSFM). "Given the fact that millions of Mexicans have fled the country since he has been in office, it is not even entirely clear that President Fox speaks on behalf of Mexican citizens living illegally in the U.S., much less millions of American citizens who happen to share his ethnic heritage."
A recent poll by the Zogby organization indicates that the majority of Hispanic voters in the U.S. are opposed to amnesty for illegal aliens and want American immigration policies vigorously enforced. "American Hispanics are, first and foremost, Americans," said Rodriguez. "American Hispanics, like all other citizens, are concerned about the staggering costs associated with mass immigration, the impact on jobs, schools and other vital national institutions, and the threat that our porous borders pose to the security of the nation. American Hispanics do not appreciate having their country used as Mexico's dumping ground, or themselves used as pawns by the leader of a foreign government."
YDSFM called on President Fox to use his remaining six months in office to focus on curing the social and economic conditions in Mexico that drive many desperate citizens of that country to migrate illegally to the United States, rather than on lobbying the American people to grant amnesty to tens of millions of illegal aliens. "President Fox has had the past five and half years to address the serious problems that face his country, and to achieve real improvements for the citizens of Mexico. Instead his policy has been to point his unemployed and impoverished people in the direction of the United States. His idea of helping Mexico's downtrodden is to provide them with maps to trek across the desert.
"Now, he is brazenly demanding that the United State grant amnesty to the people he has encouraged to leave and is trying to enlist the support of American Hispanics," Rodriguez continued. "American Hispanics have a message for Mr. Fox: 'We are Americans and we will not be used for your political purposes.'"
Source: You Don't Speak for Me!
Statement From Bill Gates on Senate Passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Microsoft's Chairman and Chief Software Architect Applauds Senate Action
"By passing comprehensive immigration reform legislation today that makes prudent adjustments to the annual H1-B visa and green card caps for high skilled employees, the U.S. Senate has taken a critical step forward in its important work to ensure that our nation remains the global leader in technology innovation.
"Today, U.S. technology companies face difficult challenges in hiring and retaining highly skilled workers for key positions. This threatens our ability to innovate and compete, and ultimately to generate new jobs here in the United States. Under current H1-B visa and green card caps, scientists and engineers who would like to use their skills to help U.S. companies succeed instead will work in countries where immigration policies welcome highly skilled workers. The fact is that for the United States to remain competitive, we must first be able to compete globally for talent.
"I applaud the Senate for recognizing that U.S. competitiveness depends on our ability to recruit and retain the world's best minds, no matter where they are from. In particular, I commend Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) for his critical leadership on this issue. I'm hopeful that these crucial provisions will be included in the final immigration bill that emerges from the Senate-House conference and is ultimately sent to the president."
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
NOTE: Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/
Statement by Kirk Pickerel, President and CEO, Associated Builders and Contractors, Regarding the Senate Immigration Reform Legislation
The following statement is being issued by Kirk Pickerel, President and CEO, Associated Builders and Contractors, regarding the Senate immigration reform legislation:
"While Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) commends the Senate for approving the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act (S. 2611), we are very concerned that this important legislation will vastly expand antiquated and wasteful Davis-Bacon Act wage laws.
"We fully support the underlying principles of this legislation and applaud the Senate for working to reform our nation's broken immigration system. However, Associated Builders and Contractors cannot support a measure that wrecklessly extends Davis-Bacon Act provisions to temporary workers on private construction projects, where the act does not traditionally apply.
"The Davis-Bacon Act is a depression-era wage subsidy law whose time has run out. Davis-Bacon Act wage rules increase the cost of public construction projects anywhere from 5 percent to 38 percent above what the project would have cost in the private sector. S. 2611 would expand these inflationary wage rules into the private sector, a steep cost that will ultimately be borne by U.S. taxpayers.
"ABC will work closely with House and Senate conferees in the coming weeks to ensure that these antiquated provisions are removed during conference negotiations and that vital reforms for our nation's immigration system are put into place in a timely manner."
Editors Note: Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association representing more than 23,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms in 79 chapters across the United States. For more news and information, visit ABC's website, http://www.abc.org/.
Source: Associated Builders and Contractors
Web site: http://www.abc.org/
Western Growers Hails Senate Passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform Package
National Agriculture Policy Group Appeals to Congressional Leaders for Swift Resolution in Upcoming Conference Committee to Complete Historic National Immigration Policy Reform
Western Growers officials today cheered the U.S. Senate's historic passage of comprehensive immigration reform as a momentous victory for the nation and all who have been seeking effective resolution of the country's immigration policy crisis. The Senate approved the bill late this afternoon on a 62 to 36 vote after weeks of emotional debate.
"The passage of the Senate's comprehensive immigration reform bill is one of the most important events for our industry, as well as our country, in many years," said Tom Nassif, President and CEO of Western Growers. "The long term viability of the American fresh produce industry hinges, to a great extent, on the availability of a stable, legal foreign workforce. Without immigration reform that workforce will not be available and the future of this sector of American agriculture will be in jeopardy. That is the stark reality that faces us and that is why we are extremely pleased to see the Senate exhibit the political courage to do what needed to be done and approve this landmark legislation."
"The final hurdle now is the Conference Committee. It is essential that the committee members produce a comprehensive immigration reform bill for the President to sign," said Nassif. "It is also important for our Congressional delegations in California and Arizona to understand that without comprehensive immigration reform and a workable guest worker program, there will never be strong immigration enforcement. No guest worker program equates to no border enforcement. It's that simple. We support strong immigration enforcement and we appeal to our leaders in Washington to complete the job on immigration reform by coming up with a final comprehensive immigration reform bill."
Western Growers is an agriculture trade association whose members grow, pack and ship ninety percent of the fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables grown in California and seventy five percent of those commodities in Arizona. This totals about half of the nation's fresh produce.
Source: Western Growers
One in Three Americans Has Diabetes or Precursor to It
Study Shows Prevalence Still Rising; Minorities Twice as Hard Hit
More Research Finds Complications Worse in Teens with Type 2 Than Type 1
More than 73 million Americans -- one-third of the adult population -- now have diabetes or may be on their way to getting it, according to a study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
A separate study also published this month finds that it may be necessary to lower cholesterol even further than previously believed in order to prevent heart attacks in people with type 2 diabetes. A third study reports that teenagers with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop early symptoms of heart and kidney disease than teens who have type 1 diabetes, even when those with type 1 have been diagnosed with diabetes for a longer period of time and maintain poorer glycemic control.
Prevalence of Diagnosed Diabetes Still Rising
Researchers at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the prevalence of diabetes in America continues to climb. The study showed 9.3 percent of adults age 20 and older (19.3 million people) had diabetes in 1999- 2002. While the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes has remained essentially stable since 1988-1994 at 2.8 percent, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes rose sharply during the same period -- from 5.1 percent to 6.5 percent of the population.
Another 26 percent of Americans had impaired fasting glucose (IFG), a form of pre-diabetes. In pre-diabetes, glucose levels are higher than normal, even though they are not yet high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Pre-diabetes often leads to diabetes within 10 years, if steps are not taken to prevent it.
"Despite the fact that we now know how to prevent type 2 diabetes in many cases -- through lifestyle changes that include weight loss and increased physical activity -- we continue to see this disease climb," said lead researcher Dr. Catherine Cowie, Director of the Diabetes Epidemiology Program at NIDDK. "We also need to do a better job of diagnosing the one-in-three people with diabetes who don't know they have it, and the 26 percent of the adult population who have IFG."
"Obviously, we aren't doing enough to convince people they need to make changes in their lives," said Robert Rizza, MD, President, Medicine & Science of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). "Diabetes is a chronic and often debilitating disease that can cut short your life. The fact that we know how to prevent type 2 diabetes and we're still seeing this kind of increase is devastating."
The study compared data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to that of the 1988-1994 NHANES. It found that minorities continue to suffer disproportionately, with prevalence rates nearly twice as high for African Americans and Mexican Americans as Caucasians. The report noted that Americans pay a high price for the rise in diabetes. The disease cost the U.S. an estimated $132 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity in 2002.
To reach lead researcher Catherine C. Cowie, PhD, please contact Joan Chamberlain, NIDDK Press Office, at 301-496-3583, or email niddkmedia@mail.nih.gov.
Higher Doses of Medication, Lower Cholesterol, and Fewer Heart Attacks
Lowering LDL cholesterol to below 80 mg/dl with atorvastatin significantly lowers the risk of heart attack in people who have both diabetes and heart disease, according to a study conducted by researchers from around the world. The study found that patients who took 80 mg of atorvastatin lowered their LDL cholesterol levels to 77.0 mg/dl and reduced heart attacks 25 percent more than patients who took just 10 mg of atorvastatin and lowered their LDL levels to 98.6 mg/dl.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes lower their LDL cholesterol to below 100 mg/dl because of their increased risk for heart disease and stroke. That's already lower than the level recommended for people who don't have diabetes (130 mg/dl). More than 65 percent of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.
This study suggests that people who have both diabetes and heart disease should lower their LDL levels even further. The study was conducted over a five-year period by researchers at the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom; the Heart Research Institute, Sydney, Australia; Institut Pasteur, Lille, France; and American universities in California, Texas and New York.
To reach lead researcher Dr. James Shepherd, at the University of Glasgow, email jshepherd@gri-biochem.org.uk or phone 44 (141) 211-4628.
Complications Among T2 Youth Compared to Those Among T1 Youth
Teenagers with type 2 diabetes develop more serious complications than teens with type 1 diabetes, even when they have lived with the disease for a shorter period of time and maintain better glycemic control, according to a study by researchers in Australia.
The study found youth who had type 2 diabetes developed significantly higher rates of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, and microalbuminuria, an early sign of kidney disease. The teens who developed type 2 were also more likely to be obese, which could be a factor in the development of these complications. Teens with type 1 diabetes were more likely to develop retinopathy, damage to the blood vessels in the eye that can lead to blindness.
To reach lead research Dr. Maria Craig, email mariac@chw.edu.au.
Diabetes Care, published by the American Diabetes Association, is the leading peer-reviewed journal of clinical research into the nation's fifth leading cause of death by disease. Diabetes also is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, as well as the leading cause of adult blindness, kidney failure and non-traumatic amputations. For more information about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association Web site http://www.diabetes.org/ or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).
Source: American Diabetes Association
College Debt Has Profound Effect on Financial Security, Well-Being and Life Choices for Years to Come
Among Those Graduating College with Debt: - 34% say they have sold possessions to make ends meet - 42% say they live 'paycheck-to-paycheck' - 27% say they delayed getting a medical or dental procedure
Material Granny? 31% with Outstanding College Loans Say Madonna Will Become a Grandmother Before Their Debt is Paid Off
Failing Grades: One-Third of Indebted Graduates Give Parents 'D' or 'F' for Financial Preparations
9-in-10 Say Graduating Without Debt is a 'Big Advantage in Life'
College debt has a profound effect on well-being, financial security, and career and lifestyle choices for years after college, according to "The College Debt Crunch," a survey of college graduates released today by AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc.
"Large amounts of college debt put graduates in a hole that can take years, even decades from which to emerge," said Richard A. Davies, Senior Managing Director, Retirement and College Savings Plans, AllianceBernstein Investments, the retail asset management arm of AllianceBernstein, L.P. "Funding a college education isn't just about those four years; it's about a young adult's ability to start a family, buy a house and, ultimately, even to one day retire.
"College funding is a fundamental financial and life planning issue," Davies said. "When you saddle young adults with debt, they're not just borrowing their college tuition; they're borrowing from their future."
The Internet poll of 1,508 college graduates ages 21 to 35 examined their college finances and experiences, as well as their current circumstances, attitudes and lifestyle. The poll was conducted between April 24 and May 1, 2006 by the national polling firm of Mathew Greenwald & Associates, Inc.(1)
The Real World: College-Debt Edition
College debt can have a profound effect on quality of life. While the first decade out of college is financially challenging for many people, it is particularly so for those with college debt.
Asked whether they would describe themselves as "living paycheck-to- paycheck," 42% of respondents with college debt said that described them "very well" while only 24% of those who graduated without debt said so. Moreover, more than one-third (34%) of those with college debt reported having sold personal possessions such as furniture, clothing and CDs to make ends meet - compared with just 17% of the debt-free.
For parents and students alike, the stakes are rising quickly. According to the College Board, over the past decade total charges (defined as tuition, fees, room and board) at private four-year university have risen at an average annual rate of 5.3% and total charges now average $29,026 per year; at four- year public colleges the average annual increase has been 6.0% and total charges now average $12,127 per year.(2)
"College financing is a challenging issue for most American families, and the fact that college costs are climbing much faster than the rate of inflation does not make it likely that the problem will go away anytime soon," Davies said. "The problem is that the full dimension is not felt for years afterwards. It's as if survey respondents are saying, 'If only I knew then, what I owe now.'"
Not surprisingly, those who graduate college without debt remain in a much better financial position for years afterwards.
Respondents who graduated with no college debt are also more likely to be satisfied with their current savings levels (42% vs. 23% for people with debt), express a much higher level of financial satisfaction (52% vs. 32%) and have higher accumulated average savings ($53,900 vs. $36,500).(3)
College Debt: Here Today, Here Tomorrow
College debt is not easily eliminated. Sixty-nine percent of respondents who reported that they or a spouse had undergraduate and/or graduate debt are still paying it off - not surprising, perhaps, given that respondents were one-to-15 years out of school. The average outstanding balance is more than $29,000.
Of those who are still paying off household college debt, 39% said it will take them more than 10 years and 31% said pop icon Madonna will become a grandmother before they finish paying off their college loans.
"College debt is not here today and gone tomorrow," Davies said. "For these young adults the situation can be even worse than it appears as they are typically carrying credit card debt, car loans and even mortgages. For too many young adults, the designation 'Generation Debt' can be an apt one."
Forty-three percent of respondents with college debt used a credit card to pay tuition and/or other college expenses. Of those, almost one-third (32%) carried that debt for more than five years.
Circumstances for those with college debt could get even worse if interest rates rise further. More than half (53%) of those in households still paying off college or graduate school debt say a continued rise in interest rates would have a "major impact" on their ability to pay off education debt. As it is, about three-in-10 (29%) said they regularly or occasionally skip payments.
College debt has a personal downside as well. Of respondents in households that are still paying off college or graduate school debt, 48% said that education-related debt had contributed to feelings of anxiety or sleeplessness, 38% said it had contributed to depression, 34% said it had contributed to arguments with a spouse or significant other and 24% reported that education debt had contributed to compulsive shopping or spending.
Life Events Delayed, Career Dreams Deferred
The impact of college debt is not just a financial one. The results of the survey also showed how college debt can affect life events and career choices.
In terms of life events, respondents still paying off education-related debt individually and/or for a spouse say their debt has required them to delay some key "rites of passage" into adulthood:
-- 44% have delayed buying a house
-- 28% have delayed having children
-- 32% were forced to move back in with a parent or guardian or live at
home longer than expected.
The indebted have even neglected some basic needs: 27% say their financial situation has caused them to delay getting a dental or medical procedure.
Career choices are also affected by debt: among those graduating college with debt, 43% report having postponed graduate school, compared with 25% of the debt-free. Thirty-nine percent of those with college debt said they had left a job they liked because they didn't make enough money; that compares with 30% of those who left college without debt.
It all adds up to less optimism about themselves and their careers. Almost half (48%) of respondents with debt said they were below where they expected to be at this point in their life when they graduated college; 34% of respondents with no debt responded that way.
"The numbers only tell part of the story. The psychological and emotional underside of college debt does not receive the attention it deserves," said Jennifer DeLong, Director, College Savings Plans, and manager of AllianceBernstein's 529 plan offering, CollegeBoundfund(R). "It's hard to feel like you're making progress in life, when 10 years after graduating you're still receiving a monthly reminder of your college obligations."
The Impact of College Debt Spans Generations
The survey found that college debt hinders long-term prospects as well as the ability to save for one's own children's college education.
More than half (55%) of those with household education debt said that debt has limited how much they've been able to save for retirement. Just 23% of those with household education debt said they save more each year than they pay out in college loans or other debt obligations.
College debt can also impact one's confidence in their ability to play financial catch-up. Thirty percent of those with college debt (vs. 21% of the debt-free) said they were not confident in their ability to make investment decisions.
Among those graduates who have or plan to have children, 24% of those who graduated with college debt say they have started saving for their children's college education; that compares with 32% of those who graduated college without debt.
"One goes to college for four years but can pay the price for 40 years," DeLong said. "But even more troubling is the way a failure to plan for college can cross generations. Unless Americans come to understand the long-term consequences of failing to save for college, too many of today's parents will still be paying off their college loans at the same time they're paying for their children's tuition."
Of those with college debt, 47% said they think their family "should have done more to save for college." That compares with 18% of the debt-free. Just about one-third (32%) of those with college debt would give their parents or guardians a "D" or "F" for their financial preparations.
Impact on College Choice and Experience
The survey also found that college debt and college finances in general had a large effect on the college years - from school selection to the whole college experience. Better than one-in-five (22%) of those with debt said their finances "greatly limited their college choice" and once they got there the effect was also great. Seventy-six percent of respondents with debt said they "worried about money a lot in college."
While many respondents reported working at least part-time during college, the experience was much harder on those with debt:
-- 55% of respondents with debt said the jobs they held during college
affected their ability to study - vs. 40% with no debt;
-- 42% of respondents with debt said the jobs they held during college
affected their grades - vs. 30% with no debt;
-- 63% of respondents with debt said the jobs they held during college
limited their ability to participate in extra-curricular activities -
vs. 46% with no debt;
-- 45% of respondents with debt said the jobs they held during college
limited their ability to participate in internships - vs. 30% with no
debt.
Indebted or debt-free, all respondents agree that college finances matter: 87% of all respondents agreed that "having money in college gives you access to opportunities that can be beneficial to your future." Better than nine-in- 10 (91%) of all respondents agreed that "people who graduate without any college debt have a big advantage in life."
Lessons Learned: Financial Advice Matters
The survey found that those who graduated college with debt and who have engaged a financial advisor tend to fare significantly better than those who go it alone.
In households in which one or both spouses graduated with education- related debt, 41% of those who use a financial advisor have paid off that debt (vs. 28% of those without an advisor). Of those still paying off debt, 51% of those with an advisor expect to pay it off within seven years (vs. 38% of those without an advisor). Finally, just 18% of "advised" households with education debt who have or are planning to have children say their debt has significantly impacted their ability to save for a child's college education (vs. 26% of those without an advisor).
"Professional financial advice can make a big difference in one's ability to pay off college debt and put in place a plan to ensure the next generation isn't similarly burdened," Davies said. "When it comes to paying for college, the good news is that you have 18 years to plan, there are tax-advantaged solutions and you don't have to go it alone."
ABOUT ALLIANCEBERNSTEIN INVESTMENTS
For over 40 years, AllianceBernstein Investments, Inc., the retail unit of AllianceBernstein L.P., has helped investors build and preserve wealth by providing innovative investment solutions from a diverse line of investment vehicles including mutual funds, college savings (529) plans, retirement products and separately managed accounts.
As a globally recognized leader in growth, value and fixed income investing, AllianceBernstein services over four million client relationships with approximately $146 billion in assets under management, for both US and non-US investors, as of March 31, 2006.
Our parent company, AllianceBernstein L.P., is comprised of three additional businesses which combined had assets under management totaling approximately $635 billion as of
April 30, 2006.
ABOUT THE SURVEY
(1) Of the 1,508 surveyed, 1,007 interviews were conducted with graduates
who left college with at least some debt, and 501 who graduated
college without debt. In order to accurately reflect the views of
all college graduates, the overall survey results have been weighted
by education, gender and age to be representative of the U.S. college
graduate population. The margin of error at the 95% confidence level
for the entire sample of 1,508 is plus or minus 2.5 percentage
points. The margin of error for those graduating with debt is plus
or minus 3.1 percentage points and the margin of error for those
graduating without debt is plus or minus 4.3 percentage points.
(2) College Board, "Trends in College Pricing," 2005
(3) Includes savings, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds, mutual
funds, retirement savings plans and other investments.
Source: AllianceBernstein Investments
Falta una semana para ganar el último Rock Road Trip
- Hard Rock International ofrece a los fans la oportunidad de viajar por el mundo con los embajadores de Rock Tour
- El tiempo para participar en la mayor lotería del Rock se está acabando
Aviso a los fans. El tiempo se agota y con él tu oportunidad para vivir como una estrella del rock, viajar por el mundo, hospedarse en los mejores hoteles, ir a fiestas con famosos en eventos exclusivos y ver los mejores conciertos del mundo. Para celebrar el 35 aniversario del Hard Rock International, un consumidor afortunado tendrá la oportunidad de ganar la última gira por carretera y asistir a los conciertos de los embajadores globales de Rock Tour de Hard Rock. ¿Tienes lo que se necesita para convertirte en un roquero de gira? Los fans tienen menos de una semana para averiguarlo. Las reglas oficiales y la participación están disponibles a partir del 31 de mayo de 2006 en http://www.hardrock.com.
PRIMERA PARADA: LONDRES
Hyde Park temblará con el rock este julio, con Hard Rock presentando Hyde Park Calling, un concierto de dos días, caracterizando leyendas de rock como Roger Waters y The Who. El festival será uno de los primeros eventos musicales de Londres, con más de una docena de los principales grupos actuando en dos escenarios, incluyendo los teloneros Texas, Razorlight, The Zutons y The Lightning Seeds. El legendario roquero Roger Waters abrirá el concierto del 1 de julio, lo que promete ser un espectáculo digno de recordar, ya que el principal hombre de Pink Floyd cantará los temas de su álbum "Dark Side of the Moon," entre otros temas favoritos. Las entradas para el festival están disponibles en http://www.hydeparkcalling.co.uk.
Además de grupos reconocidos y el Hard Rock Cafe, el festival incluirá una zona comercial, una zona de relajación y descanso y una zona "chill out". Hard Rock Cafe London incluye un evento V.I.P. con una celebridad el viernes 30 de junio para celebrar los 35 años de Hard Rock.
SACA TU PASAPORTE ...
Como parte de toda esta celebración, un consumidor afortunado tendrá la oportunidad de vivir la vida de una estrella del rock, viajar por el mundo a los conciertos de los embajadores del rock de Hard Rock. Además del primer evento en Londres, la gira de los embajadores del rock incluirá espectáculos con los mejores artistas en Singapur, Tokio, Osaka, NuevaYork, Chicago, Hollywood (Fla.), Orlando y Caracas. Los detalles del concierto y los eventos adicionales se anunciarán en junio.
CÓMO PARTICIPAR ... TIC- TAC... EL TIEMPO SE ACABA...
Las reglas oficiales y de participación en el sorteo están disponibles desde el 31 de mayo de 2006 en http://www.hardrock.com. El ganador del gran premio recibirá la tarifa aérea para la gira y alojamientos en hoteles de primera clase para dos a Londres, Tokio, Singapur, Nueva York y también Orlando o Hollywood, Fla, así como dos entradas para cada concierto y 250 dólares estadounidenses en efectivo para gastar. Los dos ganadores de primera clase disfrutarán de toda la diversión en Londres, incluyendo los alojamientos en hoteles de primera clase, entradas para conciertos y, por supuesto, la fiesta V.I.P. del 35 aniversario en Hard Rock Cafe London.
DANDO ROCK AL MUNDO DURANTE 35 AÑOS
Desde un humilde comienzo, una sencilla cafetería de Londres, Hard Rock International se ha convertido en una de las principales marcas globales con cafeterías, hoteles y casinos en todo el mundo. Además de la gira de los embajadores del rock, Hard Rock celebrará su 35 aniversario con el merchadising de edición limitada de los embajadores del rock, incluyendo ropa, cristalería y otros coleccionables, y por supuesto, los famosos pins de Hard Rock. Las cafeterías de todo el mundo también celebrarán este aniversario con eventos especiales. Para detalles de los eventos locales, visite http://www.hardrock.com.
Acerca de Hard Rock International
Con 121 potentes locales Hard Rock Cafes, 11 hoteles y casinos y 2 casinos en más de 41 países, Hard Rock International es una de las marcas más conocidas a nivel mundial. Iniciada con una guitarra de Eric Clapton, Hard Rock posee la mayor colección de recuerdos musicales, que se exhibe en los distintos locales de todo el mundo. Hard Rock también es una marca conocida por todos los productos que ofrece relacionados con la moda y la música, los escenarios Hard Rock Live y su galardonado sitio web. Hard Rock International, Inc. es propiedad de The Rank Group Plc (Nasdaq: RANKL). Para más información acerca de Hard Rock, visite http://www.hardrock.com.
Southwest Airlines Customers Can Now Book Tickets to Universal Orlando(R) Resort Theme Parks on Southwest.com
Customers can take a trip to a universe of excitement and adventure by booking tickets to Universal Orlando(R) Resort, home of Universal Studios Florida (R) and Universal's Island of Adventure (R) theme parks, on southwest.com! Types of available tickets include: one-day/one-park tickets, plus a special multi-day ticket offer. To book your next adventure go to:
www.southwest.com/hotfares/attractions.html#universal?src=PR_universal0506 "Southwest knows that entertainment is the key to any great family vacation, and we are continuously searching for online enhancements to make planning that away-from-home adventure even easier," said Anne Murray, Southwest's Senior Director of Online Marketing. "We are extremely excited to partner with Southwest in providing their Customers the opportunity to purchase theme park tickets online for their vacation. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Southwest," said Al Callier, Universal's Vice President of Brand and Interactive Marketing. In addition, southwest.com is kicking off the Universal Orlando(R) Resort Theme Park adventure with a "Double Your Days" online promotion. Purchase two days of unlimited park-to-park admission to both Universal Studios Florida(R) and Universal's Islands of Adventure(R) theme parks and get two additional days FREE with each ticket, for a total of four days of admission (all four days must be used within seven consecutive days including first day of use). Also enjoy free access to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk(R) entertainment complex for seven consecutive days (including first day of use). This offer is only available online. Southwest Airlines, the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 62 cities in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,000 flights a day and has almost 32,000 Employees systemwide. http://www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines -
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION STATUS REPORT: SS06-025
The residents of the International Space Station turned their attention to spacewalk preparations this week as they gear up for a six-hour excursion outside the complex June 1. During the spacewalk, the crew will repair and retrieve U.S. and Russian hardware. Expedition 13 Commander Pavel Vinogradov and NASA Flight Engineer and Science Officer Jeff Williams gathered equipment for the spacewalk, charged batteries for the Russian Orlan suits they will wear and checked out systems in the Pirs Docking Compartment airlock. The spacewalk will be staged from Pirs. This will be the 65th spacewalk in support of station assembly and maintenance and the 18th conducted from this airlock. This will be the sixth spacewalk in Vinogradov's career and the second for Williams. The crew members will climb into their spacesuits next Tuesday to test their mobility and to handle tools they will use while conducting their work outside. Vinogradov and Williams shifted their wake and sleep cycles this week to match the hours they will work on June 1.
They will enjoy some off-duty time this weekend before resuming spacewalk preparations on Monday, with final communications and systems checks on their suits. During the spacewalk the crew will install a new hydrogen vent valve on the hull of the Zvezda Service Module to bypass a similar valve that is clogged. The vent valve is part of the Russian Elektron oxygen-generation system that separates oxygen and hydrogen from water in the device's plumbing unit. The oxygen is then circulated into the cabin atmosphere while hydrogen is released overboard. The spacewalkers will also recover a thruster residue collection device from Zvezda, retrieve a contamination monitoring device and a package of biology experiments and reposition a cable for a navigation antenna on the aft end of Zvezda to be used next year for the unpiloted rendezvous and docking of the new European Automated Transfer Vehicle. Williams will also replace a camera on the station's Mobile Base System railcar that moves up and down the truss of the complex. A Mission Status Briefing to preview the spacewalk will be broadcast on NASA TV at 2 p.m. EDT May 30 with question-and-answer capability for reporters at agency centers. Coverage of the spacewalk on NASA TV begins at 5:30 p.m. EDT June 1. On the maintenance front, Vinogradov finished replacing a gas analyzer device for the Russian carbon dioxide removal system, known as Vozdukh. It had been operating at a slightly decreased rate in cleansing carbon dioxide from the cabin atmosphere. Russian specialists reactivated the system following the installation of the new gas analyzer. Vozdukh is now operating normally. As part of the Crew Earth Observations experiment, Williams snapped the first shots of the Cleveland volcano erupting on the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. From their perspective in orbit, astronauts have been the first to spot and confirm the volcanic eruptions on several occasions. This is the first early sighting of a new eruption in recent years. On Tuesday, Williams discussed the progress of his mission with The Associated Press Television Network and conducted an amateur radio discussion with students at a school in Venice, Italy. Williams began runs of an experiment, designated the Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions.
The fluid physics experiment, last operated during Expedition 7, studies the behavior of fluids that change their properties when in a magnetic field. It obtains basic data on a new class of smart materials that can be used to improve or develop new brake systems, seat suspensions robotics, clutches, airplane landing gear and vibration damper systems. For experiment information, visit: http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/inspace/ Williams also continued checking the camera for the ground-commanded Binary Colloidal Alloy Test, or BCAT-3 activity. The EarthKAM camera and equipment is taking time-lapse photography once every hour of BCAT sample 3. BCAT-3 uses small particles called colloids to study fundamental physics. It gathers data that may provide insight into a wide range of applications, from the development of new pharmaceuticals to new rocket engines. NASA's payload operations team at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., coordinates U.S. science activities on the station. The next station status report will be issued in the early morning hours on June 2, following the spacewalk, or earlier if events warrant. For information about crew activities and station sighting opportunities, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/station
NASA EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT: E06-016
Mission: Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II Launch Date: July 22, 2006 Launch Times: 3:11 - 3:13 p.m. and 4:19 - 4:34 p.m. EDT Technicians are testing individual STEREO systems on both the "A" and "B" spacecraft. Workers cleaned the black light on spacecraft "A," completed vertical alignments, and installed the solar array ordnance. They also attached the high gain antenna to the spacecraft's rotation fixture, and closed out blankets. Technicians installed the batteries on the "A" and "B" spacecraft last week. In addition to testing, upcoming work for spacecraft "B" includes solar array installation and integration of the high-gain communications antenna in mid-June. The build-up of the Delta II rocket at Pad 17-B is scheduled to begin on June 1 with the first stage. Pad workers will start to erect the nine solid rocket boosters on June 2. The second stage will be hoisted into position and mated to the first stage on June 20. The crew will raise the 10-foot fairing into the pad clean room on June 21. STEREO will build a three-dimensional, global picture of the sun and study the star's influence on Earth. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/stereo
Azteca America Hace su Presentación de Preventa Ante los Clientes de Los Ángeles
- Los Ángeles en vista para su sede central corporativa -
Azteca America, la cadena de televisión hispana de más rápido crecimiento en los Estados Unidos, planea radicar su sede central corporativa en el gran Los Ángeles, sobre la base de la mudanza en febrero de todas las operaciones de la red a Glendale.
Se espera que el desplazamiento de ejecutivos tenga lugar en los tres meses siguientes, a un lugar todavía no especificado.
El presidente del Concejo de Los Ángeles, Eric Garcetti, formuló las palabras de apertura a una audiencia de clientes y amigos de las estaciones durante una presentación de preventa de la nueva programación de la cadena, y felicitó a los directivos de la compañía por la decisión de relocalización.
La primera presentación de preventa de Azteca America en Los Ángeles ofreció a los clientes de la costa oeste el sabor del tradicional evento de la costa este. Presentada en 2001, KAZA, la estación de bandera de Azteca America, ha logrado un porcentaje de audiencia del 10%, con espectadores en horarios centrales y vespertinos en días de semana en la franja de edad de 18- 49 años, y un crecimiento de más del 75% en los ratings en los horarios centrales de fin de semana, según las encuestas de audiencia de noviembre pasado a febrero.
El evento marcó los cinco años desde la presentación de la estación KAZA Azteca 54, en que la cadena ha crecido de una a 45 estaciones. La cadena actualmente cuenta con el estatus oficial de red, según Nielsen Media Research, con una cobertura que alcanza al 70% de la población hispana de los Estados Unidos.
"Nuestra mudanza a Los Ángeles es una movida audaz que apunta a una nueva dirección, con un nuevo equipo gerencial para Azteca America que nos lleve al siguiente nivel de expansión", manifestó el presidente Luis J. Echarte.
En el nivel de la red, las audiencias de todo el día compuestas de adultos de entre 18 y 49 años de edad crecieron un 150%, hasta alcanzar un 5% de participación entre las audiencias hispanas de los Estados Unidos, según Nielsen, de febrero de 2005 a febrero de 2006. Durante los fines de semana, de 12:00 del mediodía a 7:00 de la tarde, la audiencia ha crecido al 12% para las mismas audiencias objetivo.
"Si bien nuestra base de producción principal siguen siendo los vastos recursos de TV Azteca en México, tenemos algunas interesantes iniciativas de programación que se producirán este año en Los Ángeles", dijo el CEO Adrian Steckel. "Nuestra capacidad de producción de programación no tiene precedentes. Y esto supone flexibilidad e innovación para nuestros clientes."
El gerente general de ventas de Azteca 54, Jorge Jaidar, presentó a los clientes amplias opciones de eventos en vivo y oportunidades de venta de productos para complementar las ventas tradicionales de spots televisivos.
Los ejecutivos de Azteca America presentaron atractivos programas de próxima salida al aire que mejoran aún más la grilla de programación de la cadena, como Los Protagonistas a Nivel Mundial, con novedades del fútbol desde Alemania; box de primera calidad desde Boxeo Azteca; dos nuevas novelas de gran éxito en México, Amor sin Condiciones y Amores Cruzados; nuevas versiones de los exitosos "reality shows" musicales, La Academia V y La Academia USA; programas de noticias y de entretenimientos producidos en el estudio digital de Azteca America en LA, y mucho más.
Perfil de la compañía
Azteca America es la cadena hispana de más rápido crecimiento en los Estados Unidos. Es una subsidiaria totalmente controlada de TV Azteca S.A. de C.V., una de las mayores productoras televisivas de contenidos en español del mundo. En la actualidad Azteca America tiene presencia en 45 mercados hispanos, entre los que se incluyen: Los Ángeles, Nueva York, Miami, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, San Francisco-Oakland-San José, Phoenix, Brownsville-McAllen, Albuquerque, San Diego, Fresno-Visalia, Sacramento- Stockton-Modesto, Denver, Filadelfia, Orlando, Austin, Tampa, Washington DC, Corpus Christi, Tucson, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, Monterey- Salinas, Hartford, Salt Lake City, Bakersfield, West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, Santa Bárbara, Lubbock, Odessa, Palm Springs, Omaha, Amarillo, Yakima, Naples- Ft. Myers, Wichita, Reno, Boise, Victoria, Oklahoma City, Charleston y Chattanooga.
Visite: http://www.aztecaamerica.com/
Source: Azteca America
