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Lionsgate Signs on to DELIVER US FROM EVIL

 

Studio Secures Domestic Rights to Writer/Director Amy Berg's Documentary About Notorious Pedophile Catholic Priest Protected by Church Hierarchy

Fall Release Planned for Film, Winner of Top Prize at L.A. Film Festival

Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) , the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, announced today it has acquired domestic distribution rights to DELIVER US FROM EVIL, a documentary about a pedophile Catholic priest whose serial rapes were known to, and concealed by, the American Church for over 30 years. The feature film debut by Emmy Award-winning writer/director Amy Berg, DELIVER US FROM EVIL made its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival, where it won the top nonfiction prize, the Target Documentary Award. The film is the first production from Berg's company, Disarming Films, and was produced by Berg, Hermass Lassalle and Frank Donner. DELIVER US FROM EVIL is slated for a Fall 2006 release. The announcement was made by Lionsgate President of Theatrical Films Tom Ortenberg.

"DELIVER US FROM EVIL is a powerful and important film, and we at Lionsgate are very proud to be associated with it," said Ortenberg. "Clearly this is an unusually emotional story, and Amy Berg handles it with great restraint and sensitivity. Yet she does not flinch in her reporting, and has created a devastating portrait of a sexual predator and the official culture that enabled him to victimize the children and families that trusted him. We believe the tremendous response we saw at the L.A. Film Festival is going to be echoed throughout the country."

Said Berg, "Lionsgate has no peer as an advocate of topical documentaries, and I'm gratified by their commitment to my film. They understand the intricacies of marketing a film like this, and I know they'll spare no effort in bringing DELIVER US FROM EVIL to the widest possible audience."

DELIVER US FROM EVIL traces the destructive path of Father Oliver O'Grady, the most notorious pedophile priest in the modern history of the Catholic Church. Over the course of 20 years, O'Grady sexually molested hundreds of boys and girls in Northern California under the knowing eye of Church hierarchs, who simply shuttled him from one parish to the next. A broad spectrum of brave abuse survivors and Oliver O'Grady himself tell the whole truth of their stories and how their experiences impacted their lives. As it investigates how and why Church leaders like Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony allowed O'Grady's crimes to continue unchecked, DELIVER US FROM EVIL uncovers answers that go all the way up to the Pope and all the way back to the Fourth Century.

The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Ortenberg and Jason Constantine, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions, and by Josh Braun and Craig Emanuel, on behalf of Disarming Films. Berg is repped by Endeavor.

ABOUT LIONSGATE

Lionsgate is the leading independent filmed entertainment studio, winning this year's Best Picture Academy Award(R) for Crash, generating two consecutive years of $300 million-plus domestic theatrical box office, operating a $500 million-plus home entertainment business and producing a broad slate of prime time television series for fiscal 2007. It is a premier producer and distributor of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, and video-on-demand content. Its prestigious and prolific library of more than 5,500 titles is a valuable source of stable, recurring revenue and a foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

www.lionsgate.com

* * * * *

Source: Lionsgate

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Diane Lane Cuts Hair on Live TV for Pantene(R) Beautiful Lengths(TM)

 

Pantene and Entertainment Industry Foundation(TM) Kick Off Campaign with Hair Donations Across the Country

In a public and provocative call to action, award-winning actress Diane Lane appeared on live national television in New York this morning and cut her hair to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths. Pantene's campaign, the first of its kind, was launched in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) and encourages people to grow, cut and donate healthy hair to make no-cost wigs for women who have lost hair due to cancer treatment.

"This simple act of cutting my hair is going to make a profound difference to a woman who is fighting to regain both her health and sense of self," Lane said. "My dream is that every woman who hears about Pantene Beautiful Lengths will become inspired to grow her hair and donate a natural resource that only she can give."

A long-haired Lane is currently appearing as the face of a Pantene Beautiful Lengths public service announcement (PSA) in national publications. The PSA urges people to follow Lane's example and "make the kindest cut of all."

Lane isn't the only person to undergo a "kickoff cut" today for the campaign. She is supported by 50 women volunteers from across America who are cutting and donating eight inches of their hair in a nationally coordinated wave of local market cutting events. Additionally, these 50 Pantene hometown ambassadors will spend the next six months getting the word out about the campaign in their communities and rallying more people to get involved. Each ambassador volunteered for the role because cancer had directly touched her life in some way -- an increasingly common point of connection among Americans today.

"We know that one in three women will get cancer in her lifetime, and 58 percent of women say that they fear hair loss more than any other side effect of treatment," commented Sonsoles Gonzalez, Vice President and Global Franchise Leader for Pantene. "At Pantene, our passion for women's hair and women's health inspired us to create a personal, powerful way Americans can support women in a life-changing struggle. Thanks to the generosity of people who grow, cut and donate their hair, Pantene Beautiful Lengths will create beautiful, real-hair wigs for women living with cancer."

Hair donations will be made into real-hair wigs by campaign partner HairUWear(R). In addition to creating wigs, Pantene has made a $1 million donation to the Women's Cancer Research Fund(TM) (WCRF), an EIF initiative committed to saving lives by raising funds and awareness for millions of women and their families at risk of or affected by cancer.

More information about Lane, the Pantene Beautiful Lengths hometown ambassadors, and ways that anyone can get involved are available at http://www.beautifullengths.com/ or by calling 1-800-642-3754.

About P&G Beauty (NYSE:PG)

P&G Beauty sells more than 130 different brands in over 180 countries worldwide that touch and improve lives daily. P&G Beauty had more than $19 billion in global sales in fiscal year 2004/05, making it one of the world's largest beauty companies. The global leading beauty company at mass, P&G Beauty brands include: Pantene(R), Head and Shoulders(R), Olay(R), Max Factor(R), Cover Girl(R), Gillette(R) Complete Skin Care for Men, Always(R), Joy(R), Hugo Boss(R), Wella(R), Herbal Essences(R), Clairol Nice 'n Easy(R) and SK-II(R). Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G Beauty and its brands.

About EIF

A philanthropic leader of the entertainment industry, the Entertainment Industry Foundation distributes hundreds of millions of dollars -- and provides countless volunteer hours -- to support charitable initiatives, addressing some of the most critical issues facing society today. The WCRF is an initiative of the Entertainment Industry Foundation that supports innovative research, education, and outreach directed at the development of more effective approaches to the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all women's cancer. For more information, visit http://www.eifoundation.org.

About HairUWear

From wigs and temporary pieces to professional hair extensions, HairUWear manufactures more hair additions than any other company in the world. Their human hair and synthetic collections blend popular style trends with cutting- edge technology to give women the power to instantly transform their hairstyles. The HairUWear family of brands includes Put on Pieces, the Raquel Welch Signature Collection of wigs and Great Lengths professional hair extensions. For more information, please visit http://www.hairuwear.com.

Source: P&G Beauty

Web site: http://www.beautifullengths.com/
http://www.pg.com/
http://www.eifoundation.org/
http://www.hairuwear.com/

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The Hilarious, Wholesome Major Motion Picture Adventure Featuring One of the Most Beloved Characters in History 'Curious George' Swings Onto DVD September 26, 2006

 

Will Ferrell and Drew Barrymore Give Voice to This Heartwarming Treat the Whole Family Will Enjoy

'Fabulous family entertainment' - Janet Stokes, Film Advisory Board

Kids and parents will go bananas when their favorite inquisitive little monkey, "Curious George," ventures onto DVD September 26, 2006 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. This animated major motion picture, based on one of the most recognizable and beloved characters of all time, tells the heartwarming and hilarious tale of an incurably curious monkey with an insatiable taste for exciting adventures and his human friend Ted, otherwise known as The Man with the Yellow Hat. Set to a chart-topping soundtrack of songs by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jack Johnson, and produced by Ron Howard and Imagine Entertainment, the film features the incredible voice talents of Will Ferrell, Drew Barrymore, Eugene Levy, Dick Van Dyke, Joan Plowright and David Cross. A must-own DVD for fans of all ages, the G-rated "Curious George" is an instant classic that delivers wholesome family entertainment sure to delight kids and parents again and again. The DVD is priced at $29.98 SRP. Preorder close is August 1, 2006.

"Curious George's" visuals and story are delightfully true to the beloved original stories by H.A. and Margret Rey. One of the best known and beloved children's brands of all-time, the stories of "Curious George" have been passed down among generations of families for years. Known for being one of safest entertainment properties for kids, awareness for the character among mothers has reached almost universal proportions. Recently awarded the Parents Television Council Seal of Approval and the Film Advisory Board's Award of Excellence, the "Curious George" feature film continues the successful legacy of this powerhouse family brand.

"CURIOUS GEORGE" CAPTURES CRITICS' HEARTS

Critics across America found the sweet simplicity of this family favorite impossible to resist. "Curious George" is an "amusing, exciting and hilarious adventure!" raves Janet Stokes of the Film Advisory Board. "They've done justice to a childhood friend!" Dean Richards, WGN-TV gushes, adding, "A family classic comes to life with real sweetness!" Joel Siegel of "Good Morning America" calls "Curious George" "A little nostalgia for parents, a wonderful first film for very young kids" and Roger Ebert of "Ebert & Roeper At the Movies" gives ""Curious George" a definitive "Thumbs up!"

INTERACTIVE BONUS FEATURES TO DELIGHT THE ENTIRE FAMILY

After watching the film, kids and parents will love the DVD's many interactive bonus features, including:

* JACK JOHNSON "UPSIDE DOWN" MUSIC VIDEO WITH SING-A-LONG: Join "Curious

George" and Jack Johnson in this fun sing-a-long the whole family will

enjoy.

* "DRAWN" TO GEORGE: Families will love learning how to draw their

favorite inquisitive monkey.

* MONKEY AROUND WITH WORDS: Kids will go bananas with this fun bonus

feature that will help them learn words.

* MONKEY IN MOTION: See how an animation artist makes George come alive.

* DELETED SCENES: Enjoy even more monkey business with these fun deleted

scenes.

* MORE THAN 10 MINUTES OF INTERACTIVE GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

- VIRTUAL COLORING BOOK: Kids will love this onscreen coloring

book.

- THE EVER CHANGING COLORFUL CHAMELEON: Help pick the colors and

patterns of George's jungle friend, the Chameleon.

- WHERE'S GEORGE?: Families will enjoy this game of hide and

seek with George.

- BANANA HUNT: HELP HUNGRY GEORGE FIND THE BANANAS: George is

hungry and needs your help to find his favorite food ...

bananas!

* DVD ROM: Features include downloadable coloring sheets that the kids

will love!

SYNOPSIS

The unforgettable fun begins when museum guide Ted (voiced by Will Ferrell) journeys to the African jungle to find an artifact that will save his museum from closing. There he meets "Curious George," a pint-sized chimp with insatiable curiosity and a nose for adventure. It's monkey see, monkey do when Ted returns home by ship and the adorable simian stows away to be with him. Back home, George manages to throw a monkey wrench into Ted's life when his outrageous antics get his friend fired. In the end, George and Ted work together to save the museum and win the heart of a lovely elementary school teacher (Drew Barrymore). A remarkable family treasure, "Curious George" features an all-star voice cast that also includes Eugene Levy, Dick Van Dyke, Joan Plowright and David Cross.

For more information please visit: www.curiousgeorgemovie.com

CAST & FILMMAKERS

Cast: Will Ferrell, Drew Barrymore, David Cross, Eugene Levy, Joan

Plowright, Dick Van Dyke

Director: Matthew O'Callaghan

Screenplay By: Ken Kaufman

Story By: Ken Kaufman and Mike Werb

Produced By: Ron Howard, David Kirschner, Jon Shapiro

Based on the books by: Margret and H.A. Rey

Executive Producers: Bonne Radford, Ken Tsumura, James Whitaker, David

Bernardi

Music By: Heitor Pereira

Original Songs By: Jack Johnson

Edited By: Julie Rogers

Production Designer: Yarrow Cheney

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

DVD

Street Date: September 26, 2006

Pre-Order Close: August 1, 2006

Copyright: 2006 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Price: $29.98 SRP

Selection Number: 26159 Widescreen; 26160 Full Frame

Running Time: 1 Hour 28 Minutes

Layers: Dual Layer

Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1; Full Frame 1.33:1

Rating: G

Technical Info: English, Spanish & French Dolby Digital 5.1; English SDH;

Spanish/French subtitles

 

Universal Studios Home Entertainment is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is a part of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80%-owned by General Electric, with 20% owned by Vivendi.

 

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

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

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

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'Animating Comic-Book Heroes' / Panel Discussion at Comic-Con International 2006

 

WHAT: "ANIMATING COMIC-BOOK HEROES"

-- panel discussion at --

COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL 2006, San Diego

WHO: SPIDER-MAN: Spencer Cook, animation director, Imageworks

SUPERMAN RETURNS: Andy Jones, animation director,

Imageworks

HELLBOY: Dovi Anderson, Animation Mentor teacher and senior

animator

SPIDER-MAN: Chris Williams, Animation Mentor teacher and

lead animator

WHERE: San Diego Convention Center - Room 6A

111 W. Harbor Drive

San Diego, CA 92101

WHEN: Thursday, July 20, 2006 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

WHY: What challenges do animators face bringing comic book heroes

and villains to life? How do they determine the best

technique to use to create digital characters? How do

animators go about balancing respect for iconic characters

with cinematic needs? Top artists from Sony Pictures

Imageworks, the award-winning digital production studio, and

from Animation Mentor, the online character animation school

where all the teachers/mentors are working studio animators,

discuss the challenges of animating comic book characters,

show examples of their work, and demonstrate their personal

techniques and solutions. Together, the panelists have

worked on many top films including: SPIDER-MAN 1 and 2,

SUPERMAN RETURNS, BLADE, FINAL FANTASY, ANIMATRIX and MATRIX

RELOADED.

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Blue Man Group and ToyQuest Announce the Launch of Musical Instruments

 

Blue Man Group and ToyQuest, a LA-based toy company, have collaborated to create a line of state-of-the-art Blue Man Group-inspired musical instruments. The instruments are available exclusively at FAO Schwarz through mid August, and will then be available at major retail outlets everywhere.

The Keyboard Experience and Percussion Tubes both feature proximity sensor technology, pre-programmed songs, interchangeable instrument sounds, and iPod or MP3 player compatibility, so kids can create, record, and play back their own musical creations.

"We were extremely excited by the opportunity to collaborate with ToyQuest. Their commitment to creating a quality experience for the child was paramount, and we couldn't be happier with the end result," said Chris Wink, co-founder and original Blue Man. Matt Goldman, co-founder and original Blue Man added, "We've been so fortunate to be expressing ourselves creatively on stage for many years, it feels important to create projects and products which encourage creative self-expression for others as well, children and their parents in particular."

"Our goal was to harness the energy, excitement, and creativity of Blue Man Group while completely reinventing the way kids approach and interact with music," states Bob Del Principe, ToyQuest Vice President of R&D. Del Principe adds, "Anyone who has seen a Blue Man Group performance is amazed at the bizarre and clever musical instruments they use in their shows. Working with their creative team, we were able to capture that feel, sound, and look. These instruments are like nothing you've ever seen before."

The instruments feature multiple technologies that enable kids to mix and layer music with a simple wave of their hands resulting in an all new music making experience. They also come with original Blue Man Group music and a pre-installed library of instruments and sounds. Instrument sounds include Blue Man Piano Smasher, Blue Man Tubes, as well as traditional sounds such as piano, trumpet, xylophone, and more. Prices range from $69.99 to $79.99 and are designed for children ages eight and older.

Josh Weichbrodt, Marketing Manager at ToyQuest adds, "The music market is evolving. Kids today own iPods and MP3 players filled with their favorite music. We wanted to take that music and bring it to a new level of enjoyment." Weichbrodt continues, "We developed technologies that make our Blue Man Group instruments compatible with any MP3 player. Kids can just plug it in and jam along with their favorite band. Now they can explore their own musical creativity while listening to their favorite tunes."

About ToyQuest

ToyQuest develops, manufactures and markets high quality proprietary toys and toys licensed from popular intellectual properties worldwide, including Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Brothers, Star Wars, Sesame Street, Little Tikes and Six Flags. ToyQuest uses innovative technology to design products that are fun for children and build on their natural creativity. For more information, visit http://www.toyquest.com/.

About Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to create a form of entertainment that is totally unique. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man experience. The company's appeal to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds is a quality that distinguishes all of their endeavors, which also include scoring projects (most recently the animated feature Robots), commercial projects (such as Intel), and television programs (such as the recurring storyline of Blue Man Group in Arrested Development).

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

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Angelina Jolie to Star and Plan B to Produce 'A MIGHTY HEART' for Paramount Vantage

 

Paramount Vantage will produce and handle worldwide distribute for "A MIGHTY HEART" based on the book "A MIGHTY HEART: THE BRAVE LIFE AND DEATH OF MY HUSBAND DANNY PEARL" by Mariane Pearl and Sarah Crichton. The film will star Academy Award Winner Angelina Jolie as Mariane Pearl and will be directed by Michael Winterbottom ("WELCOME TO SARAJEVO," "24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE"). Brad Pitt and Dede Gardner of Plan B, Andrew Eaton and Revolution Films will produce. The announcement was made today by John Lesher, President of Vantage.

"I hope the film will serve as a lasting remembrance of Danny's life and the incredible journey Mariane endured to uncover the truth. I am tremendously proud to join Michael, Angelina, Brad, along with Mariane in sharing this courageous story with all those who have been touched by it," said Lesher. "Michael Winterbottom has given an authenticity to so many thought provoking films during his career and Danny and Mariane's story will be treated with the same respect and urgency he has brought to his considerable body of work."

The film is based on Mariane Pearl's account of the terrifying and unforgettable story of her husband, Wall Street Journal reporter Danny Pearl's life and death. "I am delighted that Angelina Jolie will be playing my role in the adaptation of my book," said Pearl. "I deeply admire her work and what she is committed to. I am also happy that Michael Winterbottom a versatile and talented director who genuinely loves truth will be working on this project as well." The story covers Danny's reasons for being in Karachi, Pakistan, the complete story of his abduction, the intense effort to find him during the weeks following his disappearance and his eventual murder. Mariane Pearl is an award-winning documentary film director who produced and hosted a daily radio show for Radio France International and has written for Telerama.

Picked up in turnaround from Warner Bros., the film was originally set-up at the studio by then Plan B partners Pitt and Brad Grey. Lesher commented "Brad Pitt's Plan B has proven to be first class creative partners and both Brad Grey and I are looking forward to developing numerous projects with them in the coming years."

Pitt stars, alongside Cate Blanchett and Gael Garcia Bernal, in the upcoming Paramount Vantage release of Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's "BABEL." The film will be released by Vantage on October 27, 2006. In 2007 the studio will release Mike White's "YEAR OF THE DOG," a Black and White Productions film along with Plan B. Dede Gardner of Plan B is producing.

Jolie's upcoming projects include Universal's "THE GOOD SHEPHERD," directed by Robert De Niro and co-starring Matt Damon and Robert Zemeckis's "BEOWULF" for Paramount. She is represented by Media Talent Group.

About Paramount Vantage

Paramount Vantage is the specialty film division of Paramount Motion Picture Group, which is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIAB) , one of the leading global entertainment content companies, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics.

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Motorola Lança Lojas Emblemáticas Globais com Inauguração em Xangai

 

 

O local na China é o primeiro passo num esforço global para auxiliar os consumidores usufruírem de todos os atributos dos seus produtos

 Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) uma líder global em comunicações sem fio, lançou hoje uma iniciativa em âmbito mundial visando inaugurar lojas ostentando a marca Motorola em importantes mercados com a abertura da sua primeira "Loja Emblemática Global" (Global Flagship Store) numa área comercial bastante movimentada no centro da cidade de Xangai.

Aplicando a mesma abordagem de design inovador, responsável pela distinção dos premiados aparelhos telefônicos móveis da Motorola, as lojas Emblemáticas Motorola oferecem um layout exclusivo e interativo, com equipe altamente treinada, personalização de telefones e experimentar os pods. O intuito de todos é de criar um ambiente profundamente experimental, o qual incorpora a gama completa de produtos da Motorola e reaviva a visão da Motorola, de mobilidade perfeitamente integrada -- a qualquer hora, em qualquer lugar.

"As Lojas Emblemáticas da Motorola são projetadas para auxiliar os consumidores usufruírem de todos os atributos dos seus produtos Motorola, começando com uma experiência de compra aperfeiçoada e sua continuação por todo o período que eles tenham as ferramentas para a conexão e a comunicação", disse Jeremy Dale, vice-presidente de marketing do varejo da Motorola. "Acreditamos que através de serviço personalizado, um ambiente varejista inovador e estimulante, e uma ampla presença destas lojas no mercado, estaremos oferecendo uma experiência ao consumidor perfeitamente integrada e estaremos incentivando as vendas gerais de toda a família de produtos da Motorola".

A Motorola tem utilizado os últimos dois anos profundamente envolvida num esforço global de pesquisa e desenvolvimento em torno do novo conceito do varejo, e como resultado concebeu esta abordagem que está centrada ao redor do consumidor.

Divertimento é o elemento chave das lojas, oferecendo aos usuários a oportunidade de personalizar seus telefones utilizando gravação a laser e "tatuagens personalizadas em telefones", bem como programas exclusivos de treinamento de técnicos autorizados na loja e na fábrica, visando auxiliar com os questionamentos e para qualquer serviço necessário.

Além das próprias Lojas Emblemáticas Motorola, a Motorola está planejando tirar proveito do estilo de design modular da Loja Emblemática, para lançar as lojas "loja dentro da loja" (store-in-store) e lojas não emblemáticas.

"Os principais elementos da Loja Emblemática Motorola são: modular, escalável e flexível, assegurando que as várias incorporações dos nossos designs exclusivos logo serão encontradas em lojas mundialmente", disse Dale. "A Motorola somente estará lançando lojas emblemáticas, lojas ou "lojas dentro de lojas" se forem beneficiar os nossos clientes e parceiros que estarão inaugurando e operando as lojas".

A loja de Xangai da Motorola (Shanghai Motorola Flagship Store) é a primeira de quatro já planejadas para o continente chinês, com importantes locais adicionais por toda a Ásia e ao redor do mundo a seguir. "Os consumidores chineses são tão sofisticados quanto quaisquer consumidores em âmbito mundial", disse Michael Tatelman, vice-presidente corporativo e gerente geral de Dispositivos Móveis da Motorola no Norte da Ásia. "O lançamento das nossas lojas Emblemáticas na China não apenas nos oferece a oportunidade de nos tornarmos a marca preferida para os sofisticados consumidores chineses, como também nos oferece uma oportunidade única de "afiar" o conceito de varejo para mercados em âmbito mundial".

"O objetivo da Motorola com as Lojas Emblemáticas não é nada menos do que a reinvenção da cultura do varejo móvel e a transformação da experiência do consumidor, e da nossa missão de sempre poder auxiliar na realização do potencial humano deles através do poder da tecnologia" disse Tatelman. "As Lojas Emblemáticas representam uma magnífica oportunidade de reavivar a nossa visão, de mobilidade totalmente integrada para os consumidores, de uma maneira experimental, humana e divertida".

Sobre a Motorola

A Motorola é conhecida mundialmente por inovação e liderança em comunicações sem fio e em banda larga. Inspirados na nossa visão de Mobilidade Totalmente Integrada, os funcionários da Motorola estão comprometidos em auxiliá-lo a conseguir conexão e permanecer conectado com facilidade e com total integração com as pessoas, as informações e o entretenimento que você queira e necessite. Desejamos conseguir isto projetando e entregando produtos "irresistíveis", experiências "imperdíveis" e redes poderosas -- juntamente com um complemento total de serviços de suporte. Uma companhia que faz parte da lista Fortune 100 com presença e impacto global, a Motorola registrou vendas em 2005 de US$36,8 bilhões. Para informações adicionais sobre a nossa companhia, o nosso pessoal e as nossas inovações, por favor, visite http://www.motorola.com/ .

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Pictures from Vsda Keynote

 

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(C)MBN 2006 (William Hoehne)

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Epic Records and Jessica Simpson Create the First Ever Personalized Song

 

Hot Summer Smash 'A Public Affair' Becomes Premiere 'Custom Cut'

Fans in search of Jessica Simpson's new summer smash "A Public Affair" can now purchase the song in a completely personalized version. This is the first time music fans have been offered the innovative opportunity to put their own name into a customized pop song so that the lyrics are literally calling out their name. The idea -- dubbed Custom Cuts -- was created by Epic Records and will be up and running exclusively at Yahoo! Music starting July 18th and then at JessicaSimpson.com and other music sites a week later.

When fans arrive at Yahoo! Music (http://music.yahoo.com/jessicaforyou) or JessicaSimpson.com, they will be able to purchase the song from a list that includes 500 names to choose from. The song contains three personalized shout outs. Instantaneously, the custom version downloads -- and is immediately compatible on all portable devices, including the iPod. If the person's name is very unique, songs will be delivered in approximately 1-3 weeks.

The star-studded video for "A Public Affair" directed by Brett Ratner debuts on MTV on July 19th. Jessica Simpson's fifth album A Public Affair hits stores on August 29th.

Web site: http://www.epicrecords.com/
http://www.jessicasimpson.com/
http://music.yahoo.com/jessicaforyou

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Chevy Rock & Roll 400 Matches Star Power of Barenaked Ladies with Horsepower of NASCAR at Richmond International Raceway

 

Kevin Harvick and Barenaked Ladies Unveil New Racecar Today at XM Satellite Radio Headquarters

Chevrolet announced live today from the XM Satellite Radio studios that Barenaked Ladies will perform at the popular Chevy Rock & Roll 400 pre-race concert at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 9. Barenaked Ladies and NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick unveiled the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy Monte Carlo SS racecar that he will drive, which features images of the band. Chevrolet also announced the "Chevy SS Rocks" sweepstakes with a grand prize VIP backstage pass to the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 that includes meeting the band and Harvick and taking home the signed hood of the racecar. Register to win at http://www.chevyssrocks.com/ .

Barenaked Ladies will perform a mix of new and classic songs at the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 just prior to the debut of their first original album in three years -- Barenaked Ladies Are Me -- on September 12 on their own imprint label, Desperation Records. The concert will be simulcast on XM Satellite Radio's XMLive (XM channel 200).

"Chevrolet's American Revolution races on with the SS 'Super Sport' performance lineup of products such as the 205-hp Cobalt SS Supercharged, the 303-hp Impala SS and the 391-hp TrailBlazer SS, and the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 allows us to bring awareness of these vehicles in a fun way that reflects Chevy's musical heritage," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet General Manager. "Music is part of Chevrolet's DNA. Chevy vehicles have inspired lyrics in more than 200 songs. From 'American Pie' to 'Little Red Corvette,' no other brand has so inspired popular culture, and we're eager to have talent such as Barenaked Ladies to help showcase our vehicles."

This is the seventh consecutive year that Chevrolet will be the title sponsor of the fall race at Richmond International Raceway. With more than 107,000 fans attending, the race will mark the 30th consecutive sell-out of a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at the track and will be broadcast live during primetime. The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 will determine the participants in the "Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Championship."

"The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 is one of the most prestigious races on the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series schedule," said Doug Fritz, Richmond International Raceway president. "The Rock & Roll concept, along with the drama of it being the 26th race, will again show why Richmond International Raceway is America's premier short track.

"Today's announcement is the first of several musical pairings to be announced prior to the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. Additional vehicles that will be participating in the event will be announced later.

About the Chevy Rock & Roll 400

A collaboration among Chevrolet, Richmond International Raceway and NASCAR, the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 unites pop and rock musicians with elite drivers in NASCAR for this unique industry-first program. The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 is the headlining event of the September NASCAR race weekend at Richmond International Raceway in Virginia and features Chevy Monte Carlo SS race cars adorned with paint schemes showcasing music artists. The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 race weekend also marks the first time that many of these popular artists have been directly linked to the NASCAR racing experience.

About Barenaked Ladies

Founded in 1988 by singer-guitarists Steven Page and Ed Robertson, Toronto-based Barenaked Ladies include Tyler Stewart, Jim Creeggan and Kevin Hearn. The band has sold more than 14 million records worldwide with hits such as "One Week," "Pinch Me" and "Brian Wilson." Along the way, they have developed a dedicated following and a reputation as one of North America's best-loved live acts.

About Kevin Harvick and Richard Childress Racing

Kevin Harvick currently is racing a full NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch series schedule. His Cup career stats boast an impressive six wins, 35 top-5 finishes and 73 top-10 finishes. He and wife DeLana own Kevin Harvick, Inc., which competes in the Busch and Truck series. Kevin was named "Rookie of the Year" and Busch Series Champion in 2001 and he is currently the points leader in the 2006 Busch Series.

Richard Childress Racing (http://www.rcrracing.com/ ) has earned more than 130 victories and nine NASCAR championships, including six in the NEXTEL Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. It was the first organization to win championships in the NEXTEL Cup Series, Busch Series and Truck Series. Its 2006 NEXTEL Cup Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 07 Jack Daniel's), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 GM Goodwrench/Reese's) and Jeff Burton (No. 31 Cingular Wireless). Its Busch Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 2 ACDelco), Harvick and Burton (No. 21 Coast Guard) and Burton (No. 29 Holiday Inn).

About Richmond International Raceway

One of the most popular tracks among fans, media and drivers, Richmond International Raceway was recently voted the favorite track among NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers, owners and crew chiefs in a NASCAR.com poll. For more than 50 years, the track has hosted NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races and today remains the only major facility to hold all of its events "under the lights." Richmond International Raceway is also the only 3/4-mile track in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, and the track's unique, d-shaped configuration helps produce some of the best -- if not the best -- racing in all of motorsports.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand. In addition, Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,890 to $72,235. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles.

About XM Satellite Radio

XM is America's No. 1 satellite radio service with more than 6.5 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2006 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: the most commercial-free music channels, sports, talk, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information.

XM, the leader in satellite-delivered entertainment and data services for the automobile market through partnerships with automotive manufacturers including General Motors is available in more than 140 different vehicle models for 2006. XM's industry-leading products are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. For more information about XM hardware, programming and partnerships, please visit http://www.xmradio.com/ .

Source: General Motors Corporation

http://www.gm.com/
http://www.rcrracing.com/
http://www.xmradio.com/
http://www.chevyssrocks.com/

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Winning Project to Premiere at Festival's 2006 Celebrations, July 25 to July 30

 

HBO and the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) today announced Hugo Perez as the winner of the 3rd Annual HBO/NYILFF Short Film Competition. Perez will receive a $15,000 grant from HBO to produce and direct a short film based on his original script "Betty La Flaca," which takes a humorous look at a young Latina's efforts to change her body image. The short will be completed in time for it to premiere during the NYILFF's 2006 festivities, July 25 to July 30.

"The HBO/NYILFF Short Film Competition is quickly becoming a key festival event," said Adrion Porter, director, Market Development at HBO. "It's proving to be a great way to open doors for one filmmaker to showcase his or her talent as well as receive public recognition. We're very pleased to once again foster a new talent."

Perez is a filmmaker, producer and writer whose work has often focused on his Cuban heritage. These include the short "Julieta y Ramon" and the documentaries "Cuba: The Ecstasy," "The Old Man and Hemingway" and "Dance Cuba: Dreams of Flight." Additionally he's produced and directed two documentaries on the arts titled "In the Footsteps of Orpheus" and "Summer Sun, Winter Moon" as well as the PBS series "The Writer," a collaboration with The New York State Writer's Institute and Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Kennedy which spotlights contemporary writers and poets. His writing has been featured in the New York Times Magazine, Salon and the art book Cuba: On the Verge.

"One of the most exciting aspects of our festival is the HBO/NYILFF Short Film Competition because it truly reflects our collective dedication to nurturing and providing opportunity for new filmmakers," said Calixto Chinchilla, executive director of New York International Latino Film Festival. "We're excited to see the results for Mr. Perez's hard work and creativity on opening night."

Launched in 1999, the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) is the nation's premier organization to showcase the works of the hottest emerging Latino filmmaking talent from the U.S. and Latin America. Its mission is to support these filmmakers, offer expansive images of the Latino experience and celebrate the diversity and spirit of the Latino community. NYILFF presents over seventy works in the categories of Feature Film (in Spanish and English) and Vanguard Cinema, which includes experimental works, documentaries, student works and short films; NYILFF Family Weekend is a weekend of films along with indoor and outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy. Full details can be obtained on the festival's website, www.NYLatinoFilm.com.

Home Box Office, Inc. is the premium television-programming subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., providing two 24-hour premium television services, HBO and Cinemax. Together, both networks reach approximately 40 million subscribers in the United States via cable and satellite delivery. Home Box Office's international joint ventures bring HBO branded services to more than 50 countries around the globe.

The festival is supported by The New York City Latin Media and Entertainment Commission and is presented by HBO.

Source: HBO


Web site: http://www.hbo.com/
http://www.nylatinofilm.com/

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HBO y el Festival Internacional de Cine Latino de Nueva York Anuncian el Ganador del Tercer Concurso Anual de Cortos Patrocinado por HBO y el Festival

 

El proyecto ganador se presentará en primicia durante el transcurso del festival que se celebrará del 25 al 30 de julio

HBO y el Festival Internacional de Cine Latino de Nueva York anunciaron hoy a Hugo Pérez como ganador del tercer concurso anual de cortos patrocinado por HBO y el Festival. Pérez recibirá de HBO una subvención de $15,000 para producir y dirigir un corto basado en su guión original titulado "Betty La Flaca", en el que se analiza en clave de humor el intento de una joven latina por cambiar su aspecto físico. El rodaje del corto finalizará a tiempo para ser presentado en el Festival de 2006, que se celebrará del 25 al 30 de julio.

"El concurso de cortos patrocinado por HBO y el Festival se está convirtiendo rápidamente en una de sus secciones clave", dijo Adrion Porter, Director de desarrollo de mercados de HBO. "Se está demostrando que es una manera estupenda de abrir puertas para que los realizadores hagan gala de su talento y reciban el reconocimiento del público. Estamos muy satisfechos de impulsar una vez más la creación de nuevos talentos".

Pérez es un realizador, productor y guionista cuyo trabajo se ha centrado sobre todo en sus raíces cubanas. Entre sus trabajos cabe citar el corto "Julieta y Ramón" y los documentales "Cuba: The Ecstasy", "The Old Man and Hemingway" y "Dance Cuba: Dreams of Flight". Además ha producido y dirigido dos documentales sobre el mundo del arte titulados "In the Footsteps of Orpheus" y "Summer Sun, Winter Moon" así como la serie de PBS "The Writer", una colaboración con el Writer's Institute del Estado de Nueva York y William Kennedy, escritor ganador del premio Pulitzer, sobre autores y poetas contemporáneos. Sus obras se han publicado en las revistas New York Times Magazine, Salon y en el libro de arte Cuba: On the Verge.

"Uno de los aspectos más satisfactorios de nuestro festival es el Concurso de cortos patrocinado por HBO en colaboración con el Festival porque refleja fielmente nuestra dedicación colectiva a impulsar y ofrecer oportunidades a los nuevos realizadores", señaló Calixto Chinchilla, Director Ejecutivo del Festival. "Esperamos ver, el día del estreno, que el duro trabajo y la creatividad del Sr. Pérez ha dado su fruto".

Inaugurado en 1999, el Festival Internacional de Cine Latino de Nueva York es la primera organización del país dedicada a presentar las obras de los mejores realizadores latinos noveles de los Estados Unidos y Latinoamérica. Su misión consiste en prestar apoyo a estos realizadores, ofrecer una imagen lo más amplia posible de la experiencia latina y celebrar la diversidad y el espíritu de la comunidad latina. El Festival presenta más de setenta trabajos en las categorías de largometrajes (en español e ingles) y cine de vanguardia, que incluye trabajos experimentales, documentales, proyectos de estudiantes y cortometrajes. El Fin de Semana de la Familia del Festival es un fin de semana dedicado al pase de películas y actividades al aire libre para toda la familia. Si desea obtener más información diríjase al sitio en la Web del Festival, http://www.nylatinofilm.com/.

Home Box Office, Inc. es una cadena de televisión de pago propiedad de Time Warner Inc., que emite las 24 horas a través de sus dos canales, HBO y Cinemax. Ambos canales llegan a una audiencia aproximada de 40 millones de abonados en los Estados Unidos a través del cable y vía satélite. Las asociaciones internacionales de Home Box Office permiten la difusión de su marca en más de 50 países de todo el mundo.

El Festival, que cuenta con el apoyo de la Latin Media and Entertainment Commission de Nueva York, será presentado por HBO.

Source: HBO

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DreamWorks Animation Announces Final Casting for the Highly Anticipated Summer 2007 Comedy 'Shrek the Third'

 

 

DreamWorks Animation announced today that the final cast for its upcoming computer-animated comedy "Shrek the Third" has been set. The original casts from "Shrek" and "Shrek 2" -- Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Rupert Everett, Julie Andrews and John Cleese -- will reprise their roles in this third chapter of the Shrek story.

Joining the cast for "Shrek the Third" is an all-new ensemble of actors and comedians. Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Justin Timberlake will play the role of Fiona's rebellious teenage cousin Artie, the inimitable Eric Idle (the "Monty Python" movies and series, "Spamalot" on Broadway) will play Merlin and John Krasinski (TV's "The Office") will play Lancelot. Making up a new fighting force of fairy tale princesses are: Cheri Oteri (TV's "Saturday Night Live") as Sleeping Beauty, Amy Poehler (the upcoming "Blades of Glory," "Mean Girls") as Snow White, Maya Rudolph ("A Prairie Home Companion," TV's "Saturday Night Live") as Rapunzel, and Amy Sedaris ("Strangers with Candy") as Cinderella. Ian McShane (TV's "Deadwood") will play Captain Hook.

Slated for release on May 18, 2007, "Shrek the Third" is being directed by Chris Miller and co-directed by Raman Hui. The film is being produced by Aron Warner and executive produced by Andrew Adamson and John H. Williams.

When Shrek married Princess Fiona, becoming the next King and Queen of Far, Far Away wasn't part of the plan. So when his father-in-law, King Harold, falls ill, it is up to Shrek to find a suitable heir or he will be forced to give up his beloved swamp for the throne. Recruiting Donkey and Puss In Boots for a new quest, Shrek sets out to bring back the rightful heir to the throne, Fiona's rebellious cousin Artie. Back in Far, Far Away, Fiona's jilted Prince Charming storms the city with an army of fairy tale villains to seize the throne. But they have a surprise in store because Fiona, together with her mother, Queen Lillian, has drafted her fellow fairy tale heroines to defend their "happily ever afters." As Shrek, Donkey and Puss work on changing Artie from a royal pain in the you-know-what into a future king, Fiona and her band of princesses must stop Prince Charming to ensure there will be a kingdom left to rule.

DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSE:DWA) is principally devoted to developing and producing computer-generated, or CG-animated, feature films. With world- class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced CG filmmaking technology and techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG-animated films meant for a broad movie-going audience.

Source: DreamWorks Animation

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The Who to Launch First Major World Tour in Over 20 Years

 

North American Leg Kicks Off September 12th in Philadelphia

Tickets on Sale July 17th

-- Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, the dynamic, innovative force behind The Who, announced today that they will kick off their first world tour in over 20 years on September 12th at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center. The legendary rock band is already confirmed to play 17 dates at arenas and amphitheatres across the U.S. and Canada with more U.S. shows to follow in November and December. Planned concerts for 2007 include South America, Japan, Australia and Europe to be announced later.

Anticipation for the tour is already running at an all-time high following the incredible critical and box-office response to the Who's European shows which opened in June. Fans and critics alike have hailed the show as being, "Just like the good ole days," with the same, unbridled power and emotion that exemplifies a Who show.

The Who, famous for their powerful music and energy on stage, will perform songs from their new mini rock opera, Wire & Glass, material from their upcoming studio album along with their greatest hits and rarities, certain to please long time fans. The new album, provisionally called "Who 2," and the band's first since 1982's It's Hard, is scheduled for an October 23 release.

"For the first time in 25 years we are returning to the USA with great live music -- the entire catalogue of our old stuff -- and new music. We have a great new video show, a new Mini-Opera and plans to do some special shows with special themes. Our European shows are warming us up, and we will be in great form when we start the tour in September," said Pete Townshend. "I don't think I've ever looked forward to a tour as much as this one. Roger and I are both fit and well, ready to rock."

"Pete and I are really excited to be returning to the US with some brand new music to play. We'll also be digging out some rarities that we've not played for a long time," said Roger Daltrey. "We're looking forward to reconnecting with our American fans and hopefully seeing some new ones coming along too."

Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey reunited for the Live 8 concert in London's Hyde Park as well as the 9/11 Benefit concert at Madison Square Garden. They will be joined on stage for this tour by John 'Rabbit' Bundrick on keyboard, Pino Palladino on bass, Zak Starkey on drums and Simon Townshend on guitar and vocals.

"The explosive on-stage energy from The Who makes for a truly electrifying show," said Steve Howard, executive vice president touring, CPI. "The Who is back like never before."

Tickets for select cities will go on sale beginning Monday, July 17th and will be available at all usual outlets with more dates to be announced in the weeks to come. The official tour club presale begins Thursday, July 13 at 1pm and will run through Saturday, July 15 at 9pm. Hot Seat and other special VIP packages are also available from Thursday, July 13 at 1pm. For further information including Tour Club memberships and VIP packages visit http://www.thewhotour.com/.

Every ticket sold for the tour will include a free Virtual Ticket membership in The Who Tour club. Updated throughout the tour, tour club members will be given an exclusive insider's look at every aspect of the tour. From rehearsals and preparations to coverage via audio and videos streams, downloads, set lists and news and much more.

Tickets will be priced at $97, $77, and $52 in most U.S. markets with a limited number of golden circle seats also available. There will be an 8 ticket limit per person for the public sale and 4 for the presale.

The Who World Tour is presented by Concert Productions International.

 

***Please see attached list for tour dates and venue details.

Sept 12 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center On sale: 7/17/06

Sept 13 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre On sale: 7/17/06

Sept 15 Ottawa, ON Scotiabank Place On sale: 7/17/06

Sept 16 Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden On sale: 7/17/06

Sept 18 New York, NY Madison Square Garden On sale: 7/17/06

Sept 21 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center On sale: 7/17/06

Sept 25 Chicago, IL United Center On sale: 7/17/06

Sept 29 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills On sale: 7/21/06

Sept 30 London, ON John Labatt Center On sale: 7/17/06

Oct 3 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre On sale: 7/17/06

Oct 5 Calgary, AB Pengrowth Saddledome On sale: 7/17/06

Oct 6 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place On sale: 7/17/06

Oct 8 Vancouver, BC GM Place On sale: 7/17/06

Oct 10 Portland, OR Rose Garden On sale: 8/05/06

Oct 11 Seattle, WA Key Arena On sale: 8/05/06

Nov 5 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl On sale: 8/05/06

Dec 4 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre On sale: 7/17/06

Check local listings for ticket information and on sale times.

The Who North American Tour will continue in North American November & December with additional show dates and venues to be announced.

Source: The Who

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

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Mr. T Puts the 'T' in TV Land When I Pity the Fool Premieres on October 11

 

Viewers Will Have Multi-platform Access to TV Icon Including Live Video Chat With Mr. T Immediately Following On-Air Premiere

Watch out Dr. Phil, move over Oprah and step aside Tony Robbins, TV Land today announced that Mr. T's new original series I Pity The Fool, will premiere on the network on October 11 at 10 p.m. (ET/PT). In I Pity The Fool, produced by Lionsgate, in association with Left/Right Films and Remag Guerilla, Mr. T is on a mission to change people's lives by dispensing his own brand of advice in classic T-style in every city with fools to pity.

"Life can offer lots of challenges and sometimes you just can't do it alone," says Mr. T. "I understand what it takes to overcome adversity and I'm ready to do my part to help people rise above their troubles and come out like new!"

"Mr. T is such an enormous pop culture icon and is one of the most beloved stars of our time," states Sal Maniaci, Senior Vice President, Development and Original Production, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "We're thrilled to be working with him on a show that lets people see the true T and see him experience first-hand funny situations and how motivational he can be."

I Pity The Fool features this classic TV icon in a role that he is very comfortable with -- #1 Jibber Jabber Attacker. Whether he's teaching fools some basic rules or being a motivator for procrastinators, Mr. T becomes immersed in the situation at-hand and becomes a catalyst for change. Upcoming episodes include Mr. T at a car dealership in New York seeking to motivate the employees and improve the relationship between a father and son- in-law working together, as well as Mr. T visiting a dance school to help the students ensure that they will be able to participate in their recital despite their instructor's lack of organizational skills.

Additionally, viewers can enjoy I Pity The Fool on their computer screens as TVLand.com gives fans several different ways to get their fill of T. Immediately following the premiere of the show, at 10:30 p.m. ET, fans will be able to interact with Mr. T himself in a live video chat on the site. Prior to the chat, visitors to the site will see behind-the-scenes video, sneak peeks of episodes and footage produced specifically for the Web. Other I Pity The Fool offerings on TVLand.com will include "Rules for Fools" -- video clips of Mr. T dispensing advice on finances, dating, hygiene, listening, etc., -- and video T-mail, enabling fans to send video e-cards for birthdays, new parents, and more.

Executive producers for I Pity The Fool are Stephen Belafonte (Thank You for Smoking, Never Die Alone), Ken Druckerman (Growing Up Gotti), and Banks Tarver (Growing Up Gotti).

The deal for Mr. T was brokered by The Buchwald Agency.

Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) is the leading independent filmed entertainment studio. It won the Best Picture Academy Award for CRASH this year, has generated more than 300 million dollars at the domestic theatrical box office for two consecutive years, has built a 500 million dollar-a-year home entertainment business and has numerous primetime television series slated to air in fiscal 2007. It is a premier producer of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment and video-on-demand content. Lionsgate's prestigious and prolific library of more than 5,500 titles is a stable and reliable source of recurring revenue and serves as an important foundation for the continued growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand name is synonymous with original, daring, quality product in markets around the globe.

TV Land and all related logos and titles are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

TV Land Productions was created in 2003 to develop original programming that complements the network's successful acquired programming slate. TV Land Productions has also produced The TV Land Awards Show: A Celebration of Classic TV (March 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006), the Emmy-nominated The Dick Van Dyke Show, Revisited, the network's first original special for broadcast, which premiered on CBS in May 2004, the Emmy-nominated Still Brady ... After All These Years reunion special in September 2004 and Chasing Farrah (Spring 2005), the original reality series that followed iconic Hollywood actress and sex symbol Farrah Fawcett. Over the last year, the network premiered a variety of original series and specials in 2005 including: TV Guide and TV Land Present: The 100 Most Unexpected TV Moments, Living in TV Land, TV Land Confidential and Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg. For more information about TV Land's original Wednesday night line-ups, visit www.tvland.com.

Now seen in over 87 million U.S. homes, TV Land's program mix features popular dramas, sitcoms, westerns, Retromercials and a TV-referential interstitial environment, all programmed with a specific audience in mind - the first generation of Americans to grow up watching television and features all-time Classic hits like All in the Family, I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, and Bonanza.

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

About Viacom

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Offering programming and content for television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom's world- class brands include MTV Networks (MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Comedy Central, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 120 networks around the world), BET Networks, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, DreamWorks and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at www.viacom.com.

Source: TV Land


Web site: http://www.tvland.com/
http://www.viacom.com/

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Nick at Nite Goes Back to School When A Different World Premieres on the Network on July 19

 

Nick at Nite Goes Back to School When A Different World Premieres on the Network on July 19

Prepare for big laughs on campus when the ensemble comedy A Different World joins the Nick at Nite line-up on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 with a four-hour marathon beginning at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The sitcom, the first of its kind, introduced viewers to life at a historically black college and tackled social and political issues rarely explored on television. The series will air in its regularly scheduled timeslot of 10 p.m. from Monday-Friday beginning July 22.

"A Different World is a ground-breaking series that truly had one of the most talented ensemble casts on television," states Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "Filled with cultural vibrancy, the show explored so many important issues of our time and we are proud to add it to Nick at Nite's line-up."

This comedy was a spin-off of the hugely popular The Cosby Show and aired on NBC from 1987 to 1993. Set at the fictitious, historically black Hillman College in the South, it centered around Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet), one of the four daughters on The Cosby Show. Denise is constantly trying to adjust to the changes of living away from home on her own as well as deal with her roommates Jaleesa (Dawnn Lewis), a young divorcee and Maggie (Marisa Tomei), a free-spirited and naive girl who also happens to be one of the only white students on campus. Other characters in the series include Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy), a rich Southern belle; Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison), a nerdy but fast-talking New Yorker, his best friend Ron Johnson (Darryl Bell) and Walter Oakes (Sinbad), who was the dorm director. There were various changes after the first season when Lisa Bonet left the series. Debbie Allen took over as producer and director after the first season, turning the show into one which explored more social and political issues. Controversial topics such as AIDS, racial discrimination, date rape and the 1992 Los Angeles uprisings were all addressed, and several new characters were added, such as: Kim Reese (Charnele Brown), a pre-med student; Mr. Gaines (Lou Myers), the cafeteria cook; Col. Taylor (Glynn Turman), the campus ROTC commander; Freddie Brooks (Cree Summer), an environmental activist and Lena James (Jada Pinkett), a feisty freshman from Baltimore. The series also gave more prominence to the romantic relationship of Dwayne and Whitley, who became the show's main stars.

Currently seen in more than 88 million U.S. homes, Nick at Nite features timeless hit comedies: The Cosby Show -- this Emmy Award-winning sitcom is one of the network's highest-rated shows: Full House -- this popular family comedy launched on the network in October and is one of the highest-rated and most popular syndicated programs in television; and Roseanne, one of the most talk-about and celebrated sitcoms in television history.

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

About Viacom

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Offering programming and content for television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom's world-class brands include MTV Networks (MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Comedy Central, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 120 networks around the world), BET Networks, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, DreamWorks and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com/ .

Source: TV land; Nick at Nite

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

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TV Land to Debut New TVLand.com in August

 

Website Relaunch Features New Broadband Video Player that Brings the Good, Weird and Wonderful Things You Love About TV to the Web

TVLand.com First to Feature Free Streaming Full-Length Episodes of Cult-Classic Star Trek Series on the Web

TV Land will relaunch the network's website, TVLand.com on August 24, 2006, it was announced today by Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite. Just like the network, the website will give viewers access to a library of timeless TV shows and off-beat content sure to please passionate TV fans. The centerpiece of the new TVLand.com is a broadband video player that enables users to experience the good, weird and wonderful content on their very own computer screens. From a guy who performs TV theme songs with his hands to a collection of TV Land's critically-acclaimed interstitial series as well as hundreds of exclusive celebrity interviews, the new TVLand.com will be an entertainment destination for Baby Boomers, the first generation to grow up with television.

"TVLand.com has been serving classic TV fans on the Web for nearly ten years," states Larry W. Jones, President, TV Land and Nick at Nite. "Now, we have created an online destination that not only fulfills what viewers love about TV Land, but also features the fun and off-beat content that doesn't lend itself to a linear television schedule. This site will serve as an entertainment resource rather than just another screen on which to watch programming. It is truly unique and very exciting and is the natural next step in TV Land's evolution."

As in the past, TVLand.com will continue to offer exclusive sneak peeks of upcoming TV Land acquired and original programming, games, community bulletin boards, and information about classic TV shows and stars. Additionally, the broadband player will feature several categories of video including:

* Full-length Episodes: Each month, a new cornerstone programming event

will be featured on the player. The showcase will allow users to view

full-length episodes of the featured series as well as access to shows

that have never been available for free on the Web including Star Trek.

The schedule of upcoming series available for viewing includes un-cut

episodes and bonus footage of Daniel Boone as well as select moments,

outtakes and bloopers from Three's Company in September. Mr. T's

upcoming original series I Pity The Fool will be the site's primary

focus in October; Star Trek in November; and in December, the work of

Marlo Thomas will be offered including the celebrated special Free To Be

You And Me and full episodes and bonus footage from That Girl.

* TV Land Originals: Episodes and clips from TV Land's original

programming including the TV Land Awards, Sit Down Comedy with David

Steinberg and I Pity The Fool. Additionally, fans can find sneak peeks

of upcoming episodes, previews and clips.

* Retromercials: Some of the best programming -- and most memorable

catchphrases -- comes from Madison Avenue's best commercials. Check out

this channel to see the classics that allow fans to relive great lines

like "You sunk my battleship," "Pretty sneaky, Sis" and "Where's the

Beef?" Dozens of instantly recognizable TV ads from: Wendy's, Starkist

Tuna, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup (the kids who said "You got your

chocolate in my peanut butter" were Donny Most and Robbie Benson!), Raid

Bugs, Cracker Jack starring Jack Guilford, 9 Lives Cat Food Company,

Battleship, Connect Four and many more will be available on the player.

* Promos: TV Land is opening up the vault and uploading classic and recent

promos that viewers know and love. From selling an imaginary product

called "Twip," to the world's shortest fully-realized situation comedy

(60 Second Sitcoms), TVLand.com reminds viewers why they love classic TV

so much. Additionally, fans can access TV Land's newest series of

interstitials hosted by the CBS Early Show correspondent Dave Price

which explores the impact of television on pop culture entitled "Here's

the Story." This portion of the player will also feature "TV Land

Rocks," a mockumentary series focusing on fictitious classic TV tribute

bands including a Gilligan's Island tribute band called "Radio

Castaways," a song performed by the Addams Family band entitled

"Pugsley's Sister" and a behind-the-scenes documentary on the Little

House on the Prairie tribute band called "The Half Pints."

* Classic Clips: TV Land has the most beloved shows on television -- now

TV fans can expect to see some of their favorite scenes in this portion

of the player. This is the ultimate "best of" tool for TV fans

including clips from: the "Vitameatavegemin" and "Chocolate Factory"

episodes of I Love Lucy; the famous scene from The Andy Griffith Show

when a goat full of dynamite terrorizes Mayberry; Good Times' emotional

moment when the Evans family is rocked by the death of James; Sammy

Davis, Jr. kissing Archie Bunker on All in the Family; Marsha's famous

"Oh my nose" scene on The Brady Bunch; Sanford and Son's Fred meeting

Lena Horne; Sam and Diane's first kiss on Cheers along with Woody's

"Kelly, Kelly, Kelly" song; Fonzie jumping the shark on Happy Days;

Geraldine and Reverend Leroy clips from Flip Wilson; and the Little

House on the Prairie clip in which Nellie flies down a hill and lands in

a pond. See these clips and more along with information on how TV fans

can tune-in to see full episodes of their favorite series on-air.

* Celebrity Interviews: Hundreds of exclusive celebrity interviews can be

found on this channel of the player including Mary Tyler Moore, Mr. T,

Jaclyn Smith, Drew Carey, Ted Danson, Cedric the Entertainer and many

more, as they talk about their lives and experiences in entertainment.

TVLand.com has been serving classic TV fans for nearly ten years by offering users exclusive video content, celebrity interviews, games, theme songs, bulletin boards and more. In 2005, TV Land Online was awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Enhanced Television for its TV Land Awards All Access Pass. Additionally, in June 2006, FamilyTable.info, the website for TV Land and Nick at Nite's pro-social initiative, was recognized with a Gold Award -- the highest honor in its class -- in the education category at The Broadcast Designers Association Awards as well as the Silver Promax Award. The BDA Awards are widely recognized as the ultimate accolade for outstanding design contributions in electronic media and the Promax Awards are the industry's top honors for outstanding marketing and promotion in the broadcast and electronic media industries.

TV Land and all related logos and titles are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Now seen in over 87 million U.S. homes, TV Land's program mix features popular dramas, sitcoms, westerns, Retromercials and a TV-referential interstitial environment, all programmed with a specific audience in mind -- the first generation of Americans to grow up watching television and features all-time Classic hits like All in the Family, I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, and Bonanza.

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

About Viacom

Viacom is a leading global entertainment content company, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics. Offering programming and content for television, motion pictures and digital platforms, Viacom's world- class brands include MTV Networks (MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Comedy Central, CMT: Country Music Television, Spike TV, TV Land, Logo and more than 120 networks around the world), BET Networks, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, DreamWorks and Famous Music. More information about Viacom and its businesses is available at http://www.viacom.com/.

Source: TV Land

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

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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY,NEWS

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

To understand the internet you have to be open to change.

 

(C) MBN 2006

 

   Content is King

   Content is King

 

 

  

Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne, July 15, 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®

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news

 

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

Info@montebubbles.net

 

Banner ads and other advertisements can now be purchased thru eBay:

 

(C) mbn 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

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® is proud to announce Dear Monte: talktomontebubbles@montebubbles.net

 

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: The problem today is that everyone knows it all and no one is willing to listen

 

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY,NEWS

Comedy Legend Nipsey Russell Robbed in Death

Arrest Made in Theft of His Personal Effects; Other Arrests May Follow

Random House Announces Acquisition of Andy Murray's Autobiography

Kenwood Vineyards Sponsors Debut of New Jack London Opera

Grab a Date: Thursday Night is Movie Night on Court TV(R) With Most Wanted Movies(SM)

Investigation-Themed Blockbuster Films from Turner Library to Air Thursday Nights at 8 P.M. ET/PT Starting August 17

El editor alemán Axel Springer elige la solución Smart Connection Enterprise

Skunk Steam Train Celebration Set for September 22-27

Godspeed Sails to Boston Commemorates America's 400th Anniversary

17th-Century Replica Ship Brings History to Life and Honors 'The Journey That Changed The World'

SBA Low-Interest Loans Available as a Result of Recent Storms and Flooding

Court TV(R) Unveils Fall 2006 Primetime Programming Docket Featuring High-Octane Action, Daring Rescues and Engrossing Investigations

O Say, Can You Sing, Toledo? National Anthem Project Rolls into Town to Reteach 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

iPlayMusic's Play Music Together for Macintosh Gives Kids & Families a Fun, Interactive Way to Make Music, Sing Songs and Learn Guitar

Video-Based Learning Method Develops Early Music Skills, and Allows Family & Friends to Share Performances Using iTunes, Video iPod and Email

STAR 98.7 FM, Richard Blade and the Mai Tai Bar in Long Beach Welcome the Summer's Ultimate Music Competition; The Mai Tai Bar Rumble

'Weekly Music Series Seeks Emerging Talent to Compete for Cash and Prizes'

Sprint's Steve Gaffney to Present Mobile Entertainment Session at C4-Sports Show

Chrysler Club Championship Swings Into Action

Calling All MySpace Members! See Your Name in Lights! (Part 2)

Every Single MySpace Member Who Adds the 'Mooby's Presents: Clerks II' Page to Their Friends List Will Have Their Name Added to the Ending Credits on the DVD of the Highly Anticipated Release of 'Clerks II'

Video Games for Seniors? Nintendo Says Yes

Six Flags St. Louis Celebrates 30th Birthday of the World Famous Screamin' Eagle

American Coaster Enthusiasts Travel Cross Country to Ride the Wooden Roller Coaster for 30 Consecutive Hours

'VSPOT Top 20 Video Countdown' Moves to Saturdays at 9 AM ET/PT.*

VH1's Music Radar

BET's Award-Winning Rap-It-Up HIV/AIDS Campaign Blazes Into West Palm Beach, FL on July 22

BET's Mad Linx Slated to Host Teen Health Forum with Celebrity Panel Including Actor Lamman Rucker

Micro Target Media Scores Another Event Marketing Success Using Its High-Impact Portable Restroom Advertising Structure at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game

Mitsubishi Motors to Offer Rockford Corporation Sound Systems in Six Additional Future Models

Johnny Depp's 'Scissor-Hand,' Marlon Brando's SAG Card and 'The Wizard of Oz' Original Matte Painting Are Among Over $2 Million Worth of Exclusive TV and Movie Memorabilia to Be Auctioned Friday, July 28 by Joseph Maddalena's World-Renowned 'Profiles In History'

PBS TV Series, 'THIS IS AMERICA WITH DENNIS WHOLEY' Offers Unique Window Into North Korea

First Foreign Broadcast Unit Visits Kaesong Industrial Complex

The True Story of Deployment: Soldier's New Book Chronicles Daily Life, Personal Feelings About Tour of Duty in Iraq

Ramón Ayala la Estrella del Concierto en el Festival de la Cosecha en Baytown, Texas

The Single Most Incredible Survival Story of the 9/11 Tragedy THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B

DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER

The History Channel(R) three-hour special on the Pilgrims' troubled journey and the founding of the Plymouth Colony

Part of 9/11 Week on The History Channel(R): Moments of Courage, Acts of Grace, Triumphs of Will ... COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO

World Premiere Sunday, August 13, 2006 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

The History Channel(R) Presents A Two-Hour Special Examining the World's First Superpower Through Its Astounding Architectural Achievements

EGYPT: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE To premiere in October, 2006

WiderThan Releases Statement Regarding Patent Infringement Suit

Does Not Believe Suit Has Merit

Massive 'Mount Rockmore' Sand Sculpture Highlights Groundbreaking of Hard Rock Park, the World's First Rock 'n' Roll Theme Park

$400 Million Project Represents Single Largest Tourism Investment in South Carolina History

_______________________________________________

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY,NEWS

 

Comedy Legend Nipsey Russell Robbed in Death

Arrest Made in Theft of His Personal Effects; Other Arrests May Follow

While Nipsey Russell lay dying from cancer in Lenox Hill Hospital, he was being robbed by people whom he had trusted for more than thirty years," claims his companion of 23 years, Robbi Robinson, of the beloved comedian, who died of cancer on October 2, 2005. A police report sets forth the details of Robinson's complaint. A police investigation, which has already led to one arrest, has been launched into items stolen from his apartment in a midtown residential hotel, where he had lived for more than three decades.

Robinson had moved into the hospital with Russell for the final days of his life. She first became suspicious of foul play a few weeks before Russell's death, when she says his manager, Joe Rapp, stopped taking her phone calls. At that time Russell, dubbed the "The Poet Laureate of Television" for his unique poetic comedy, suggested to her that Rapp was furious at having been left out of his will, she asserts. She said that Russell told her that in his opinion his manager already owed him a considerable amount of money, specifying the amount.

Only two people besides Russell and she had keys to his apartment, Robinson claimed. In entering the apartment after his death she knew right away that there had been a robbery. A file that Russell told her, "If anything should happen to me, make sure your put your hands on this first," was missing. That file contained a copy of his will, a list of personal financial instructions, tens of thousands of dollars in bearer bonds, the deed to Robinson's apartment, which he had purchased for her across from him on 57th Street, and other valuable items. Also missing were personal letters from luminaries such as Wayne Newton, Langston Hughes, Red Skelton; artistic works, including a radio series, tapes of such jazz greats as Count Basi e and Ella Fitzgerald and tapes of Juvenile Jury, a TV series he had written, produced and starred in for BET; as well as other valuables.

Robinson filed charges with police, presenting evidence to substantiate her claims. Missing cameras were found in the possession of a former Russell employee, Peggy Chane, who was arrested in May. Others close to the comedian are under suspicion regarding other missing items.

Contrary to reports at the time of his death that he was nonsocial and isolated, Russell and Robinson enjoyed a very active social life with their many friends, among whom were doctors, lawyers, judges, as well as other show business friends and admirers. Much fun was had by all when the comedian acted as emcee and exchanged banter and poetic commentaries with Robinson between musical numbers at her New York appearances. These nights were reminiscent of their international touring act, "Music and Merriment," in which Robinson opened with music and Russell concluded with his comedic poetry.

Russell appeared on television on "Laugh-In," "The Dean Martin Show," "To Tell the Truth," and "The Tonight Show;" on Broadway in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and "Hello Dolly;" and in films, such as "Car 54, Where Are You?" and "The Wiz."

Robinson is hopeful that with the help of God and the cooperation of good people that the stolen items will be recovered. She is planning to publish a book of original poems left to her by Russell and believes it will be the capstone of his artistic legacy. Robinson and some of his dearest friends are organizing an October tribute to the legendary comedian at the Friars Club.

 

Random House Announces Acquisition of Andy Murray's Autobiography

The Random House Group is delighted to announce that Mark Booth and Tim Andrews have acquired rights to the autobiography of Andy Murray. Century will publish the autobiography in hardback two weeks after the end of Wimbledon in the summer of 2007, with an Arrow paperback the following year.

Andy Murray is one of Britain's most promising, talented, and unique young sports stars. His temperamental, passionate, fiery style has attracted legions of new fans to tennis. Young children in particular are in awe of the kid from Dunblane who gets British pulses racing every time he steps out onto the court.

After a string of youth titles, including the Junior US Open title, Murray exploded onto the scene at Wimbledon 2005, when victories over the highly-experienced Georges Bastl and Radek Stepanek, along with a nail-biting eventual defeat to David Nalbandian, marked him out as superstar in the making.

Since then, Murray has shot up the rankings to the top 40; overtaken Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski to become British No.1, won his first ATP title at San Jose, California, and in the process became the youngest-ever Briton to hold an ATP title. He established himself a national icon, swore at an umpire live on national television, and has been marked out for greatness by the original bad boy of tennis - John McEnroe.

Andy Murray's agent, Patricio Apey of ACE Group, says,

'Andy is a great tennis player with a fierce will to win and a personality that this country has rarely seen before and we are looking forward to the telling of his journey so far - and most importantly - in his own words.'

Mark Booth, Publishing Director of Century says,

'We are absolutely thrilled to be publishing Andy Murray and we are confident that the book will be a huge critical and commercial success.'

Tim Andrews, Commissioning Editor of Century says, 'Andy Murray has made tennis exciting again. He has broken through the traditional boundaries of tennis because he is so very different to the other players out there in the game. Not only does he have the sporting X-Factor, but he's got the hopes and backing of the British public behind him.'

Source: The Random House Group, London

 

Kenwood Vineyards Sponsors Debut of New Jack London Opera

On November 11-19, 2006, the Sonoma City Opera will debut a newly commissioned, full-length opera on the life of legendary author Jack London. Written by noted librettist Philip Littell, with music by Grammy award-winning composer Libby Larsen, Every Man Jack will premiere during the Green Music Festival at Sonoma State University, with financial support from Kenwood Vineyards, its exclusive wine sponsor.

Drawing on Jack London's own writings for inspiration, Every Man Jack brings to life one of American literature's most fascinating men. Supremely talented, hugely successful, adventurous, youthful and self-made, London was a heroic figure in the early 20th century, but he also was a deeply flawed individual struggling with personal demons. It is the dichotomy of these two sides of his personality and their influence on his life path that Every Man Jack explores.

Internationally acclaimed baritone Rod Gilfry will star as Jack London. Mr. Gilfry is renowned for premiering leading roles in successful adaptations of literary works to the opera stage, while electrifying audiences and critics alike.

It is fitting that Kenwood Vineyards is the exclusive wine sponsor of Every Man Jack. For 30 years, Kenwood Vineyards exclusively has produced superb Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel with grapes from Jack London Vineyard. Located in the hills above Glen Ellen in the Sonoma Valley, Jack London Vineyard occupies a portion of the author's Beauty Ranch, where he spent the last years of his life. Each bottle of Kenwood Vineyards Jack London Vineyard wine bears a sand etched label featuring Jack London's personal "wolf" bookplate.

Every Man Jack will be presented at the Person Theatre, located on the Sonoma State University campus near Cotati, on November 11, 12, 15, 18 and 19, 2006. Ticket information is available from the Sonoma City Opera at www.sonomacityopera.org.

Kenwood Vineyards handcrafts wines to showcase the character of premium Sonoma County vineyards. Established in 1970 in the scenic Sonoma Valley, just an hour north of San Francisco, Kenwood Vineyards welcomes visitors to its tasting room daily.

Source: Kenwood Vineyards

Web site: http://www.sonomacityopera.org/

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

Grab a Date: Thursday Night is Movie Night on Court TV(R) With Most Wanted Movies(SM)

Investigation-Themed Blockbuster Films from Turner Library to Air Thursday Nights at 8 P.M. ET/PT Starting August 17

Court TV, acquired in full by Time Warner in May, takes the first step in maximizing the resources of its new corporate parent Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. by building on its movie line up with Most Wanted Movies(SM), premiering Thursday, August 17, at 8 P.M. ET/PT. Every Thursday at 8 P.M., Court TV will air a recently-produced feature film in the crime and investigation genre from Turner's vast library, with a line-up that includes action, drama and comedy. Scheduling of the films was closely coordinated between all the Turner networks to maximize audience.

"Court TV has aired films regularly for many years, but Turner's film library is a treasure trove for any programmer and really takes our movie offerings to the next level -- we felt like kids in a candy store," said Court TV COO Art Bell. "We selected these films strategically, with the goal of reaching new viewers and exposing them to our original programming through the portal of blockbuster films. It is the first of many opportunities we hope to explore as members of the Turner family."

Most films will run two hours in duration and will feature commercial breaks. Films longer than two hours will air at 7 P.M. ET/PT. The network's selections for Most Wanted Movies(SM) include such films as "Seven" (8/24); "In the Line of Fire" (8/31); "A Few Good Men"; "The Client"; "Runaway Jury"; "Pelican Brief"; "Analyze This"; "Donnie Brasco" and the August 17 premiere, "Bad Boys," starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence among many others.

Court TV, a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. company, provides a window on the American system of justice through distinctive programming that both informs and entertains. Seen in 86 million U.S. homes, Court TV Networks(SM) is comprised of Court TV News(SM), which provides live trial coverage in daytime; Court TV: Seriously Entertaining(SM) in prime time, featuring investigative drama, expert reality and compelling non-fiction series; and Court TV Extra(SM), a subscription Web-based service offering viewers an interactive opportunity to watch multiple live trials on the Internet, while accessing the tremendous resources of Court TV Online. The Court TV Web sites can be accessed via http://www.courttv.com/.

 

El editor alemán Axel Springer elige la solución Smart Connection Enterprise

Una de las mayores editoriales de Alemania ha decidido instalar la solución de edición Smart Connection Enterprise(TM) de WoodWing Software(TM) en algunas de sus publicaciones más importantes.

Axel Springer(TM) comenzará a utilizar este mes Smart Connection Enterprise para editar las revistas Computer Bild(TM), Computer Bild Spiele(TM) y AudioVideoFoto Bild(TM), y espera que el resto de la instalación finalice en octubre.

"Estamos muy ilusionados por contar con Axel Springer como cliente de WoodWing", comentó Jeroen Sonnemans, director administrativo de WoodWing Europe(TM).

"Cuando los trabajadores de Axel Springer nos explicaron qué es lo que buscaban sabíamos que Smart Connection Enterprise era su solución perfecta", afirmó Urs Felber, director administrativo de A&F. "Se trata de un sistema editorial potente y versátil, y confiamos en que mejore su flujo de trabajo y les facilite su labor".

Las publicaciones de Axel Springer se unen a una gama de clientes internacionales que utilizan Smart Connection Enterprise, cuyo número cada vez es mayor. Sonnemans afirmó que en la actualidad hay editoriales en 16 países y cinco continentes que utilizan Smart Connection Enterprise. Hay cerca de 200 compañías que son usuarios del sistema de edición Smart Connection Enterprise, haciendo que sea una de las soluciones de edición más utilizadas a nivel mundial. Smart Connection Enterprise está disponible en inglés, holandés, francés, alemán, italiano, japonés, portugués y español.

"Existen editores de todos los tipos y tamaños en todo el mundo que utilizan Smart Connection Enterprise, como revistas, periódicos, libros y otros productos", comentó Sonnemans. "Los editores han descubierto que si se utiliza InDesign(R), Smart Connection Enterprise es la mejor elección disponible".

 

Skunk Steam Train Celebration Set for September 22-27

The Skunk Train is hosting a special six-day steam engine event September 22-27 that will be unique for its route, schedule, guest speakers, amenities and the addition of a second steam locomotive.

The Skunk Engine #45, a Mikado-type 2-8-2 super-heated Baldwin steam engine, normally operates out of the Fort Bragg Station on the western end of the Skunk's 40-mile railroad. During the event, the #45 will relocate over the coastal mountain range to the Willits Station for the first time in several years. The #45 will then be joined by a second steam engine, a 1910 Baldwin 2-6-2T, from Roots of Motive Power, for unique "double-header" steam trips. A third diesel locomotive will join the train to add dynamic braking.

Passengers will be allowed to de-board the train for photo opportunities or photo run-bys.

Trips will take six to seven hours with a different set of photo run-by locations. Guests will be entertained on board by musicians and guest speakers, treated to a barbecue lunch and will receive commemorative memorabilia. The cost is $195 per trip (or $75 for children ages 3-12).

Friday (September 22): This is a one-way trip pulled by the Skunk #45 from Fort Bragg - Willits. Bus transportation back to Fort Bragg is included in the price. This is one of only two trips that cover the entire 40-mile line.

Saturday (September 23): This double-headed steam engine departs from Willits for a 6-7 hour roundtrip that includes a barbeque at Northspur.

Sunday (September 24): This double-headed steam engine departs from Willits for a 6-7 hour roundtrip that includes a special lunch on board the train.

Monday (September 25): This double-headed steam engine departs from Willits for a 6-7 hour roundtrip that includes a barbeque at Northspur.

Tuesday (September 26): This double-headed steam engine departs from Willits for a 6-7 hour roundtrip that includes a special lunch on board the train.

Wednesday (September 27): This is a one-way trip pulled by the Skunk #45 from Willits back to Fort Bragg. Bus transportation back to Willits is included in the price. This is second of only two trips that cover the entire 40-mile line.

For information about multi-day packages, hotel discounts or reservations call 800-866-1690 or visit www.SkunkTrain.com.

Source: Skunk Train

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

Godspeed Sails to Boston Commemorates America's 400th Anniversary

17th-Century Replica Ship Brings History to Life and Honors 'The Journey That Changed The World'

The Godspeed opened today at Boston's Fan Pier for the fifth stop in the 17th-century replica ship's 80-day tour of six East Coast cities. America's 400th Anniversary's Godspeed Sail brings the story of the journey that changed the world and the nation's birthplace, Jamestown, VA, to hundreds of thousands of visitors who will have a glimpse into early 17th-century America and the legacies on which our nation was founded.

Docked in Boston July 14 - 19, Godspeed is accompanied by its "Landing Party Festival," a unique combination of education, entertainment and interactive experiences that is free to the public. Live music, family entertainment, and historical and cultural displays bring to life the American legacies of representative government, free enterprise and cultural diversity that first took root at Jamestown. The Godspeed is docked at the John Joseph Moakely U.S. Courthouse Pier with its Landing Party Festival located on the adjacent Fan Pier.

The Godspeed Sail event officially opened at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 14. Jamestown 2007 Executive Director Jeanne Zeidler was joined by Stuart W. Connock, Chairman of the Jamestown 2007 Steering Committee, NASA Astronaut Christopher J. Cassidy, and Godspeed Captain Eric Speth in an opening ceremony highlighted by the presentation of an America's 400th Anniversary flag to the City of Boston as the commemorative event's host city.

"The City of Boston is honored and delighted to host the Godspeed Sail as it commemorates America's 400th Anniversary. I urge everyone to go to Fan Pier to tour this impressive replica ship and take part in the Godspeed Sail Landing Party Festival," Mayor Thomas M. Menino said.

Visitors can board the Godspeed for dockside tours with historical guides in period costume, then take a "virtual" voyage in an on-shore motion simulator. Interactive exhibits will give visitors the sense of what life was like in early Jamestown and America, while a gallery-in-the-round called "American People, American Progress" takes them on a journey through 400 years of contributions made by the Native American, European and African-American cultures that converged at Jamestown in the early 1600s.

Entertainment includes "Anniversary Voices," a live contemporary musical and dance production themed around America's 400th Anniversary. An original children's show, "Ba-baaah and the Windigo" features a cast of whimsical characters in a Jamestown story from the point-of-view of a young Indian girl and some of the indigenous animals present when the ships first arrived.

Joining these commemorative productions on the Godspeed Stage during July 14 - 19 will be a wealth of diverse Boston-area talent, including Alison Freeman, Annawon Weedon, Bob Olson, Brother Blue, Djembe Dell'Arte: Troupe Komee Josee, Hawk Henries, Liberty Belle Chorus, Lissa Schneckenburgen, Marc Bernier, Middlesex Concert Band, Pan Loco Steel Drums, United States Air Force Band of Liberty, and Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers, as well as the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums from Williamsburg, VA.

Also taking the spotlight as headline entertainment will be recording artists Scott Miller & the Commonwealth (July 15 at 7-8 p.m.); Mutlu (July 14 at 7-8 p.m.); and Louise Setara (July 18 and 19 at 3:25 - 3:55 p.m.).

Fan Pier in Boston is the Godspeed Sail's penultimate port of call. Fan Pier spans more than 20 acres along Northern Avenue (approximately nine city blocks and three million square feet) and is considered one of the most desired waterfront development sites on the East Coast. The Fallon Company is building two office buildings, a five-star hotel, condominiums and high-end retail on Fan Pier. The world-class site will also feature new public parks, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), which opens September, 2006, a Harbor Walk and a protected marina. It will soon be a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly area with breathtaking views of the water and downtown skyline. Fan Pier is easily accessible by public transportation, including the MBTA's Silver Line.

The Godspeed Sail proceeds from Boston to Newport, RI, for its final stop at the Newport Yachting Center from July 25 - July 30. To date, the Godspeed Sail has visited four ports this summer and educated and entertained nearly 400,000 visitors in the following locations: The historic Old Town Waterfront in Alexandria, VA, from May 27- June 4; Baltimore Inner Harbor from June 9 - June 12; The Great Plaza at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia from June 16 - June 19; and the South Street Seaport Museum Pier 16 in New York City from June 27 - July 6.

The 2006 Godspeed Sail is one of 10 signature events and hundreds of other community projects commemorating America's 400th Anniversary. America's 400th Anniversary will feature 18 months of special events, symposia and educational opportunities. The centerpiece event will be America's 400th Anniversary weekend, hosted in America's Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown, VA, on May 11-13, 2007. Please visit www.americas400thanniversary.com to learn more about the Godspeed Sail and other America's 400th Anniversary events and schedules.

Jamestown 2007, a sub-agency of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, is coordinating efforts to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, Va., the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Jamestown is also the site of the nation's first representative government, free enterprise and multi-cultural society. State, national, and international commemorative events to salute these legacies began in May 2006 and continue into 2008. Major corporate sponsors of America's 400th Anniversary include Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) , Verizon (NYSE:VZ) and Colonial Williamsburg. More information about the commemoration is available at www.Americas400thAnniversary.com.

Source: Jamestown 2007, Inc.

Web site: http://www.americas400thanniversary.com

SBA Low-Interest Loans Available as a Result of Recent Storms and Flooding

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announces that Sussex County and the contiguous Kent County in the State of Delaware; the contiguous counties of Caroline, Dorchester, Wicomico and Worcester in the State of Maryland, have been declared a disaster area as a result of severe storms and flooding that occurred June 25, 2006.

"As a result of this declaration, low-interest loans are available to homeowners, renters and businesses that sustained damages from the storms and flooding," said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East. "If you are a victim of this incident, you are eligible to apply for assistance," Skaggs added.

To assist disaster victims, SBA is opening a temporary Disaster Loan Assistance Center Monday, July 17th at 9:00 a.m. The Center will remain open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., until further notice and for one Saturday only, July 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Center location:

Sussex County

Fire Station #87

King Cannon Streets

Seaford, Delaware 19973

SBA offers loans up to $40,000 for renters and homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged personal property such as furniture and clothing. Homeowners are eligible for loans up to $200,000 to repair disaster damaged primary residences. Loans to businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations are available up to $1.5 million to repair damage to real estate, machinery, equipment and inventory. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are also available to small businesses unable to pay bills or meet operating expenses.

Interest rates are as low as 2.937 percent for renters and homeowners and 4.000 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based upon each applicant's financial condition.

Anyone unable to visit the Disaster Loan Assistance Center may obtain applications by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 1-800-659- 2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired), Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. EDT. Applications may be obtained, completed and returned to the Disaster Loan Assistance Center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, National Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76155. Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA website at http://www.sba.gov/disaster.

The application deadline for physical damage is September 11, 2006; the deadline for economic injury applications is April 13, 2007.

For more information about the SBA's Disaster Loan Programs, visit our website at http://www.sba.gov/disaster

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration

Web site: http://www.sba.gov/

Court TV(R) Unveils Fall 2006 Primetime Programming Docket Featuring High-Octane Action, Daring Rescues and Engrossing Investigations

Court TV Seriously Entertaining(SM) ushers in a new level of drama and excitement to the investigative genre with a compelling lineup for Fall 2006. With six series, six feature documentaries and two specials set to premiere, and five series in development, coupled with the slate of returning flagship series such as Forensic Files, Psychic Detectives and Dominick Dunne: Power Privilege and Justice, Court TV, which just completed its most watched 2nd quarter in the history of the network among adults 18-49, is poised to continue its record setting growth in 2006.

Ride along with the nation's most highly-trained law enforcers with SWAT USA(SM), get a glimpse into the true crime stories that interest our greatest storytellers in America's Crime Writers Investigate: Murder They Wrote(SM), and delve into the passion of the families effected by 9/11 -- and see how they pushed for the creation of the 9/11 commission -- in On Native Soil. Vinny Parco and his angels are busting criminals for a second season on Parco, PI(SM), and the Miami Beach Ocean Rescue Team makes a splash this season on Beach Patrol(SM): Miami Beach.

NEW ACTION SERIES

Speeders(SM)

Wednesday, August 23rd 8 P.M. ET/PT

In this half-hour caught-on-tape series, we'll see the chases, the confessions, the excuses, and the outbursts as America's finest pull over unsuspecting speeders.

SWAT USA(SM)

Premieres in September

Court TV expands the successful "SWAT" genre, with an up-close, inside look at the high-stakes world of special weapons and tactics teams across the United States. From strategy and planning to heart-pounding deployment, this half-hour series is a truly unique and exciting look at the best in law enforcement.

Beach Patrol(SM): Miami Beach

Mondays, 8:00 P.M. ET/PT

Coming off the huge success of Beach Patrol: San Diego, Court TV explores a new coast in Beach Patrol: Miami Beach, a fast-paced, hard-driving series that follows the lifeguards of the Miami Beach Ocean Rescue team.

NEW SCRIPTED SERIES

'Til Death Do Us Part(SM)

Coming in the New Year

Recalling the great anthology series such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, 'Til Death Do Us Part features fabled underground film director John Waters starring as "The Groom Reaper(SM)." Each episode of the network's first original scripted series dramatizes the events of a true crime, opening at the wedding of a happy couple, with the time-traveling Groom Reaper as an unexpected guest, foretelling the worst. Through tantalizing scenes from the marriage, the Groom Reaper reveals the story of the ill-fated relationship, leaving viewers guessing as to who will be the victim ... and who will be the culprit.

NEW INVESTIGATIVE SERIES

America's Crime Writers Investigate: Murder They Wrote(SM)

Coming in November

Court TV has recruited the masters of the American crime novel to present absorbing new takes on twisted tales and incredible true-life mysteries. In each hour-long episode, Court TV teams with one of the nation's best novelists to delve into a case that has fascinated or touched them in some way. Through documentary footage, first-person accounts and the author's own insights, each episode sheds new light on a particularly intriguing crime. Season one includes authors James Ellroy, Faye Kellerman, Jonathan Kellerman, Michael Connelly and Lisa Scottoline.

Missing Persons Unit(SM)

Wednesday, August 30, 9:30 P.M. ET/PT

In this compelling new investigative series, Court TV re-examines the most baffling missing person cases from across the country. Each 30-minute episode chronicles a race against the clock, as an investigative team reconstructs the last two days of the missing person's life to learn who they are, and where they might be found.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS

On Native Soil

Monday, August 21st 10 P.M. ET/PT

Based on the best-selling 9/11 Commission Report, and narrated by Academy Award(R) winners Kevin Costner and Hilary Swank, On Native Soil details the personal stories of tragedy and triumph that led to the formation of the 9/11 Commission and the publication of the Commission's landmark report. Directed by three-time Emmy Award(R)-winning news and film producer Linda Ellman, the documentary presents provocative new details and exclusive interviews, focusing on the human side of the largest terrorist assault ever to take place in the United States.

SPAM: The Documentary

We all know it ... it clogs our computers and may ultimately slow and damage the Internet. But where does spam come from? Who are the criminal minds behind it? In an insightful and often humorous investigation, Court TV looks into the global culture of spam, arguably one of the 20th century's most annoying and harmful innovations.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS (cont.)

The Man Who Would Be Polka King

Jan Lewan was the Elvis of polka music, selling out months of performances in Atlantic City. But he was also a criminal mastermind. This documentary is an irreverent portrait of one man whose professional career was destroyed because he began to believe he was bigger than the music.

Murder in the Dark

Not guilty by reason of ... sleep? People have been known to do some strange things while sleeping, but assault, rape, even murder? Parasomnia, a disorder that causes people to literally, be active in their sleep, is emerging as a new legal defense in violent criminal cases. Murder in the Dark goes inside an actual parasomnia case to see how well this defense holds up in court. Through the courtroom drama and exclusive access to alarming sleep clinic footage, Executive Producer Christine LeGoff (Murder on a Sunday Morning, The Staircase) shows just how violent some parasomniacs can be.

K-11: The Pink Cell

In the LA County Jail there is a unit where gay, bisexual, and transgender inmates are housed apart from the general population. It is so much nicer than the general prison that even straight people try to con their way in. K-11: The Pink Cell is a shocking, funny, and provocative look at the side of prison that the public has never seen before, produced by World of Wonder (Inside Deep Throat, The Eyes of Tammy Faye).

The Exodus Project

Exodus is run by ex-cons, with the goal of finding jobs for former inmates and freeing them from the revolving door that propels so many right back behind bars. Filled with incredible characters and fascinating success stories, this film highlights the dynamics of an organization whose administration is at as much risk as their clients.

SPECIALS

Stories of the Innocence Project(SM): Broken Words

Monday, July 31st 11 P.M. ET/PT

Court TV's acclaimed series highlights inspirational stories of redemption from the case files of Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld's Innocence Project, which has provided direct representation or critical assistance in cases involving post-conviction DNA evidence, resulting in the exoneration of more than 110 wrongly imprisoned men and women. In this episode, police in Ada, Oklahoma are stumped by a horrific crime and when the case quickly stalls, they focus the investigation on the town eccentric, Ron Williamson. Convinced there were two killers, authorities arrest Williamson and his only friend, Dennis Fritz. Both men proclaim their innocence but are found guilty: Fritz is sentenced to life in prison, and Williamson is sent to death row. Can the Innocence Project wade through faulty hair evidence, ignored suspects and questionable informants in time to save one man from a life in prison and another from death? This compelling case is also the subject of a new book from best-selling author John Grisham.

SPECIALS (cont.)

Cell Phone Justice(M)

Coming this summer

We love them, but of course, we also hate them. While they can be rage inducing, viewers might be surprised to learn that they have also become powerful eyewitnesses in the fight against crime ... Cell Phone Justice will take an in depth look at this new trend.

Disorder In The Court

Monday, August 14th 8 P.M. ET/PT

This special counts down the top 20 most infamous, shocking, and often hilariously unprecedented courtroom moments from some of the most noteworthy trials of the recent past. Combining interviews with leading legal luminaries and cultural commentators with archival footage, unforgettable video, and still photographs, 'Disorder In The Court' reveals 20 great reasons why we're all continually fascinated with the legal process.

PROGRAMS IN DEVELOPMENT

Bounty Girls(SM)

Sunshine State Bail Bonds in Southern California is home to an elite team of female bounty hunters who use their brains and beauty to track down and bust the most hardened criminals. Court TV's cameras go along for the ride, following the best in the business as they do their jobs in style.

Call 911(SM)

More than half a million 911 calls are placed every day. From home invasions to hostage situations, this half-hour brings the most intense, amazing calls to life, played out in real time, from the moment the call is made to its eventual resolution.

Divorce Story(SM)

When a marriage goes sour and a bitter legal battle is inevitable, some couples use binding arbitration to avoid a prolonged feud. In each episode of Divorce Story, Court TV follows two couples as they go through the arbitration process, resolving their conflicts once and for all. The series is produced by Craig Piligian, creator of Dirty Jobs.

Phenomena Police(SM)

The Phenomena Police are a group of active duty peace officers who investigate calls involving paranormal activity and unusual phenomena. Using forensic investigative techniques, police procedures and advanced technology, they gather evidence and find out what really went on and why it happened.

Real Hustlers (wt)

In this exciting new series, the con is on! A team of talented former con men and women led by a world-class hustler who demonstrates some of the cleverest cons of all time, offering tips on how to avoid getting conned.

RETURNING SERIES

Parco, P.I(SM)

Tuesday, August 15th 10 P.M. ET/PT

This hybrid reality/docu-drama series returns for a second season. The show follows the Parcos, a family of New York City private eyes, as they crack cases and expose secrets at their family-run private investigation firm. From cheating spouses to corrupt business partners, the series combines the most compelling elements of verite documentaries and scripted drama

RETURNING SERIES (cont.)

Body of Evidence(SM): From the Case Files of Dayle Hinman

Saturdays 10:00 P.M. ET/PT

Get inside the mind, life and career of Special Agent Dayle Hinman, one of the country's leading forensic profilers. Using intensive examination of forensic evidence and skillful psychological insight, Hinman aids the police in isolating suspects and solving some of the country's most baffling mysteries.

Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege and Justice(SM)

Fridays 11 P.M. ET/PT

Beverly Hills, the Hamptons, South Beach ... these are the playgrounds of America's wealthy and powerful. But a dark side exists beneath the sparkling surface of dazzling parties, elite country clubs, and expensive jewels. Celebrated author and popular Vanity Fair columnist Dominick Dunne has spent years chronicling the high-profile personalities caught in the web of money, murder, and mystery. Now, Dunne returns to examine new stories at the fascinating junction of crime, money and justice.

Forensic Files(R)

Wednesdays 9 P.M. ET/PT

Forensic Files(R), the network's signature original series offers new episodes featuring a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how investigators use cutting-edge forensic technology to solve present day as well as decades-old crimes. This ultimate reality series -- the real-life CSI -- is one of the highest-rated programs on Court TV. Produced by Medstar Television for Court TV.

Haunting Evidence(SM)

Wednesdays 10:30 P.M. ET/PT

From the network that started the paranormal crime-solving phenomenon with Psychic Detectives(R), comes a new original series that takes the genre to the next dimension. Haunting Evidence(SM) follows an unusual investigation with a team of unconventional experts comprised of psychic profiler Carla Baron, paranormal investigator Patrick Burns, and medium John J. Oliver. In each episode, the team -- who receive no information on the case other than the victim's name -- use their skills to visualize and describe the details of the crime with amazing accuracy.

Hollywood Heat(SM)

Thursdays 11:30 P.M. ET/PT

Each week, Hollywood Heat(SM) breaks crime and justice entertainment news, with celebrity interviews and set visits, commentary from legal and entertainment industry pundits, reports from "The Smoking Gun Hotsheet(SM)," and special on-the-street "Dismissed Juror(SM)" reports from the one and only, Joan Rivers. New host Lynne White dishes out the hottest extravagances, eccentricities and excesses of Tinseltown's biggest stars in this fast-paced, half-hour show.

RETURNING SERIES (cont.)

Hot Pursuit(SM)

From high-speed chases to dangerous crashes, this adrenaline-pumping series shows the dangers our law enforcement professionals face every day. Featuring the most amazing footage ever captured, much of it taken from the dashboard-mounted cameras in the police vehicles themselves, each half-hour episode is a wild ride.

Inside

Next premiere Monday, August 21 8 P.M. ET/PT

From the nation's toughest prisons to the elite team that guards the nation's diplomats, "Inside" takes you behind the scenes and behind the headlines into some of the most dangerous and fascinating areas of criminal justice and investigation.

The Investigators(SM)

Mondays 10 P.M. ET/PT

The original Court TV documentary series The Investigators uses well-told stories, human drama, and the process of investigation to shed light on the many dimensions inherent in the complex nature of this country's judicial system.

L.A. Forensics(SM)

Fridays 10:30 P.M. ET/PT / Mondays 9:00 P.M./ET

With unprecedented access, this new series takes viewers inside the actual case files of one of the nation's largest and most respected crime labs, the LAPD Scientific Investigation Division (SID). Each episode focuses on a gripping crime story that combines tried-and-true detective work with SID's cutting-edge forensics to eventually unravel a compelling, true-life mystery.

Masterminds(SM)

Tuesdays 11 P.M. ET/PT

These are the true stories of brilliant criminals and the amazing deceptions they've used to pull off seemingly impossible crimes. Combining the mystery of a "whodunit" with the thrill of a "howdunit," the series reveals the men and women behind the daring capers, from elite bank robbers, jewel thieves and escape artists to impersonators, kidnappers and con artists.

North Mission Road(SM)

Mondays 9:30 P.M. ET/PT

Los Angeles may be a city of illusions, but those illusions end at 1104 North Mission Road, home of the Los Angeles County Coroner where up to 20,000 cases are investigated annually. With unprecedented access to the Coroner's massive files, this show presents L.A.'s most unique and compelling cases. Each episode follows the highly trained professionals of the Coroner's Department as they use the latest in forensic medicine and investigative techniques to solve a variety of challenging mysteries.

Psychic Detectives(R)

Wednesdays 10 P.M. ET/PT

Court TV's popular series Psychic Detectives(R) started America's obsession with the talented men and women who help law enforcement solve some of the country's toughest cases. This season, the series returns with more fascinating stories of the psychics who developed the uncanny tips and unexplainable clues that have helped detectives solve baffling cases.

Under Investigation(SM)

Quarterly - next premiere Monday, July 17 10 P.M. ET/PT

Monday, September 18 10 P.M. ET/PT

Wednesday, December 20th 9:30 P.M. ET/PT

In this riveting half-hour investigative series, Court TV takes a closer look at the most talked about unsolved cases ripped from today's headlines. Last season, this compelling series examined the Greenwich murder of financier Andrew Kissel, the cruise ship mystery of groom George Smith IV, and the disappearance of Alabama teen Natalie Holloway.

Video Justice(SM)

Fridays 8 P.M. ET/PT

This new original series from John Langley, the creator and producer of Cops, illustrates how the camera has become law enforcement's most powerful tool in the fight against crime. Each 30-minute episode reveals how difficult it is for criminals to get away with crime in a world where someone is always watching.

Court TV(R), a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. company, provides a window on the American system of justice through distinctive programming that both informs and entertains. Seen in 86 million U.S. homes, Court TV Networks is comprised of Court TV News(SM), which provides live trial coverage in daytime; Court TV: Seriously Entertaining(SM) in prime time, featuring investigative drama, expert reality and compelling non-fiction series; and Court TV Extra(SM), a subscription Web-based service offering viewers an interactive opportunity to watch multiple live trials on the Internet, while accessing the tremendous resources of Court TV Online(SM). The Court TV Web sites can be accessed via http://www.courttv.com/.

Source: Court TV

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

 

O Say, Can You Sing, Toledo? National Anthem Project Rolls into Town to Reteach 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

- Two out of three Americans don't know the words to the National Anthem

- Jeep(R) brand sponsors multi-year campaign to reteach Americans the words to 'The Star-Spangled Banner'

- Toledo City Council President helps Jeep welcome the National Anthem Project to its hometown

- Public event scheduled for Sunday, July 16 at the Toledo Zoo

The National Anthem Project, an effort to reteach Americans the words to the "The Star-Spangled Banner" and spotlight school music programs, arrives today in Toledo, Ohio, hometown of the project's National Presenting Sponsor, Jeep(R). The project is part of a year-long, 50-city tour that will visit every state in the country.

Rob Ludeman, Toledo City Council President; Rhonda Shappert, Mrs. Ohio 2005; and Cynthia Sidoti, Toledo Jeep Supplier Park Plant Manager, welcomed the National Anthem Project (NAP) to the City with a press conference at the Toledo Government Center. Central Catholic High School's (Toledo) Acapella Group, singing in four-part harmony, led the audience in a stirring rendition of the national anthem.

"The Jeep brand is about freedom, being able to 'go anywhere and do anything' -- the foundation of this country," said Sidoti. "For more than 64 years, Jeep has been a part of the Toledo community, so we are pleased to host the National Anthem Project in our hometown."

The NAP will be open to the public on Sunday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Toledo Zoo, one of only two stops the tour will make in Ohio. Later in the evening, the NAP will help open Music Under the Stars, featuring the Toledo Symphony.

America Is Losing Its Voice

Created by the National Association for Music Education (MENC), the NAP is a multi-year national education initiative to reteach Americans the national anthem after a Harris Poll showed that two out of three Americans don't know the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner." The Jeep brand signed on to be the National Presenting Sponsor, building upon its 65-year heritage and role in U.S. history. First Lady Laura Bush serves as Honorary Chairperson.

National Anthem Project in Toledo

The local stop includes a singing contest and concert on Sunday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater. Attendees during Sunday's event will enjoy a concert featuring students from Byrnedale (Toledo) Junior High School and interactive activities that teach about the historical significance of the National Anthem.

Aspiring performers also have the opportunity to prove their singing skills in the NAP All-Star Contest, in which one winner from each state will be awarded a $1,000 donation to his/her local music program and given the opportunity to perform at a concert in Washington, D.C. in 2007. Attendees also will be able to support their local school music programs by joining MusicFriends, a non-profit music advocacy group; donations made to MusicFriends will be used towards large-scale awareness programs for the importance of music education.

As National Presenting Sponsor, the Jeep brand has mobilized a patriotic- themed Jeep Liberty and Jeep Grand Cherokee that are traveling with the tour. And because Jeep is the only "go anywhere, do anything" brand, attendees will have the opportunity to have their picture taken "on the moon," behind a static space suit, in one of the most patriotic images in American history.

For more information about how to get involved and support the NAP and school music education, please visit http://www.thenationalanthemproject.org/.

About the Jeep Brand

The Jeep brand's 65-year history of legendary capability has made it synonymous with freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity. In 2006, the Jeep brand continues to deliver on its promise to provide rugged, versatile, innovative four-wheel drive vehicles with the recently introduced Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Wrangler 4-door Unlimited.

This expansion of the Jeep brand grows its showroom from three to seven sport utility vehicles following last year's introduction of the Jeep Commander. The other two Jeep vehicles are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty.

The Jeep Wrangler and Liberty are produced in Toledo, Ohio.

Source: Chrysler Group

Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.thenationalanthemproject.org/

iPlayMusic's Play Music Together for Macintosh Gives Kids & Families a Fun, Interactive Way to Make Music, Sing Songs and Learn Guitar

Video-Based Learning Method Develops Early Music Skills, and Allows Family & Friends to Share Performances Using iTunes, Video iPod and Email

iPlayMusic, a leading provider of music learning and entertainment products, today announced the launch of Play Music Together, a Macintosh software and video DVD designed to enable toddlers and preschoolers to make music with parents and caregivers. This unique music learning and entertainment product includes interactive guitar and song lessons, and a dancing and singing puppet named Capo who encourages participation among the whole family.

Play Music Together includes interactive software for the Macintosh, GarageBand music projects, a printable coloring book featuring scenes from the children's songs and a bonus DVD. A video-only DVD of guitar and song lessons is also available for viewing on any television, PC or portable DVD player. Videos from the Macintosh software can be easily exported to iTunes and played on a video iPod for anytime, anywhere entertainment or learning. Play Music Together delivers programming to help preschoolers develop their musical skills through interaction with the program, while also encouraging families to learn guitar, sing and have fun together.

With more than 35 video guitar and song lessons, unique puppetry, animation and effects, Play Music Together makes it fun and easy for families to begin making music. Each guitar lesson is presented using iPlayMusic's critically acclaimed multi-angle video-based instruction method, which enables beginning musicians of any age to learn the skills and techniques necessary to play or sing songs without learning to read music.

Play Music Together features scrolling chords and lyrics, close-ups of the left and right hands and looping features that allow children to learn songs by playing or singing along at their own pace. Capo the puppet models fun songs and activities so youngsters develop an understanding and appreciation of musical elements including rhythm, tempo and pattern, while parents, teachers or caregivers play along and join in the fun. After just a few basic lessons, children of any age can play and sing-along with six popular family songs like If You are Happy and You Know It, The Wheels on the Bus, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, I've Been Working on the Railroad, The Crawdad Song and The ABC Song/Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Medley.

"Parents understand that children who develop music skills early perform better academically, and that just the act of hearing music stimulates young minds," said Stewart Putney, president of iPlayMusic. "Play Music Together was designed to provide families with a fun and entertaining way to expose their children to music, while at the same time developing early musical skills. The interactive videos, animation, colorful puppet and scrolling lyrics make it easy for the entire family to join in the learning process, and bond through their mutual enjoyment of music."

Play Music Together for the Macintosh includes special features that take full advantage of Apple's iLife suite of applications. Each song lesson includes a full GarageBand project file, complete with instrumental and vocal tracks, so families can remix the featured songs, change or add vocals or instruments, record their own performances, and share them with family and friends using iTunes, email and iWeb.

Product Demonstrations, Pricing and Availability

To view a video demonstration of Play Music Together, visit http://www.iplaymusic.com/kids-demo.html . To sign up for a free podcast, which includes a sample song lesson with Capo, visit www.iplaymusic.com or Apple's iTunes Music Store. In iTunes, simply search for iPlayMusic, then subscribe.

Play Music Together for the Macintosh is available for $39.95. The video- only DVD version of Play Music Together is sold separately for $24.95. The software will be available for Windows in early fall 2006.

Play Music Together is available from www.iplaymusic.com and will soon be carried in select retail stores. A variety of guitar lesson learning products are also available from iPlayMusic, including instructional guitar DVDs, guitar lesson downloads, guitars and accessories.

About iPlayMusic

iPlayMusic, Inc. is a leading provider of music learning and entertainment products. The iPlayMusic learning method is a video-based instruction method that enables any beginning musician to learn the skills and techniques necessary to play songs without learning to read music. Founded in 2005, the privately-funded company is headquartered in Mountain View, California. For information, call 650-387-9126, email sales@iplaymusic.com or visit www.iplaymusic.com.

Source: iPlayMusic

STAR 98.7 FM, Richard Blade and the Mai Tai Bar in Long Beach Welcome the Summer's Ultimate Music Competition; The Mai Tai Bar Rumble

'Weekly Music Series Seeks Emerging Talent to Compete for Cash and Prizes'

Get ready for the summer's hottest musical acts to take the stage at the Mai Tai Bar in Long Beach, Calif. The Mai Tai Bar Rumble is an annual music competition series which showcases the best unsigned talent in town. The Mai Tai Bar Rumble is seeking alternative and reggae-rock bands to join their summer roster and compete for cash and prizes totaling up to $20,000. Bands will showcase every Thursday night starting Aug. 3, thru Aug. 24. For complete entry details, rules and prizing please visit www.maitaibar.com.

The Mai Tai Bar Rumble is now accepting band submissions until July 31, 2006 for consideration to perform at the August showcases. Entry is free, and bands will be considered for the limited number of performance slots based on their CD submission and overall musicianship. Selected bands will be notified in advance of showcase date. Each week, a panel of judges will select the band with the night's highest score to advance to a finals round on August 24. The winning band in each category will receive cash and prizes worth $10,000.00 which includes an eight week paid residency at the Mai Tai Bar in Long Beach.

Hosting this year's Mai Tai Rumble is Los Angeles radio veteran and authority on emerging talent, Star 98.7 FM's radio personality, Richard Blade. "There is an over abundance of great unsigned talent throughout Southern California in all genres," said Richard Blade. "The Mai Tai Bar Rumble is quite unique and I'm very excited to be a part of it." Richard Blade is the most famed radio personality in Los Angeles. Born in England, Blade came on the American music scene in 1982 and within a few months became the #1 Arbitron-rated radio personality on the West Coast. Some of the artists that Richard played were Duran Duran, Berlin, Dramarama, The English Beat, Billy Idol to name a few.

Since opening last year as the first West Coast location, The Mai Tai Bar in Long Beach is increasingly growing in its reputation as the Pike's and Long Beach's best nightspot and entertainment venue. The first Mai Tai Bar Rumble in Long Beach will offer an exciting music competition to locals, fans and visitors. Locations in Oahu and Daytona Beach have successfully branded the Mai Tai Bar Rumble as the most anticipated musical event of the year.

In addition to its island inspired flare, The Mai Tai Bar is a trendsetting, tastefully chic spot offering sunset views and live entertainment seven days a week. From sipping on famous icy Mai Tais and enjoying one of the many delicious appetizers or sandwiches, the Mai Tai Bar has become a world famous award-winning hotspot in Hawaii and Florida. In 2005, it was awarded "Top Bar" by Honolulu Magazine. The Mai Tai Bar is opened weekly 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Mai Tai Bar features two weekly happy hours: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Locals can enjoy live music twice a day, every day.

The Mai Tai Bar

With locations in Oahu, Hawaii and Daytona Beach, Fla., The Mai Tai bar showcases nightly live music, a popular happy hour and exotic food and drink. Embodying the spirit of the Hawaiian Islands, The Mai Tai Bar includes tropical scenery, ocean vistas, images of waves and surf, and exceptional hospitality.

The Mai Tai bar serves a delightful array of martinis, island cocktails and mai tais as well as island style appetizers including Ahi Sashimi, Chicken Chinois, Coconut Shrimp and other delicious pupus (Hawaiian appetizers). The Mai Tai Bar was voted "Best Bar in Hawaii" in a poll conducted by the Honolulu Star Bulletin and was the recipient of the Ilima Award for "Best Bar" in Hawaii in a poll conducted by the Honolulu Advertiser.

Source: Mai Tai Bar

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

 

Sprint's Steve Gaffney to Present Mobile Entertainment Session at C4-Sports Show

Steve Gaffney, director of National Sports Marketing at Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S) , will present an educational session at the C4-Sports Electronic Media and Technology show on July 18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Gaffney's presentation, "Bringing Fans Closer to the Games They Love: Sports as Mobile Entertainment," will focus on the mobile world of sports, which is becoming one of the fastest-growing and most influential segments in the wireless arena.

Gaffney will explore the roots of sports as mobile entertainment as well as the user trends that have compelled the sports industry to view mobile devices as an integral tool in bringing fans closer to the games they love. Drawing on his knowledge and experience with NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Racing and as caretaker of sponsorships with the National Football League and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, Gaffney will reveal what's hot, what's new, and what's next on the mobile phone for everyone from the professional sports to fantasy league fan.

"Sports is so heavily driven by information flow, and now that HDTV and the Internet have been integrated, it is only natural for people to look for a 'next place' to consume information; that is the mobile platform," said Gaffney. "My presentation will discuss the nail-biting, heart-pounding adrenaline rush sports fans can find only in one place -- the palms of their hands."

Gaffney's presentation will also touch on issues such as rights management and production specifically for the small screen. He will also offer attendees a look at some of the cutting-edge features Sprint's NFL Mobile application offers football fans -- exclusively on Sprint handsets.

"Sprint is quickly becoming an industry leader in providing more fully and richly delivered content over mobile devices, such as NFL highlights and game- day information, and we are moving toward sports programming that is specifically designed for the wireless environment. I am excited to be participating in C4 and educating attendees on this popular subject, and I am looking forward to learning from other industry leaders about other sports technologies," Gaffney added.

"Because our society has become mobile by nature, it is now essential to have news content delivered to us in this fashion, whether it's business and stock reports or sports scores and highlights," said Gene Sanders, general manager, C4-Sports. "Steve has tremendous knowledge about the rising trend of content delivery through handheld devices as well as how to leverage sponsorship agreements to include content elements that enhance the fan experience. We are confident that C4 registrants attending his presentation will learn about the current state of wireless content delivery and will discover what the future holds."

At Sprint, Gaffney is responsible for managing the company's national sports sponsorships, including the PGA of America, Sprint Center, as well as the National Football League and U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association mentioned above. In addition, Gaffney drives the national marketing strategy behind the company's NASCAR Nextel Cup Series sponsorship.

Prior to his appointment at Sprint, Gaffney served as the director of Nextel Cup Marketing for Nextel Communications. His responsibilities included development and execution of the national marketing strategy and initiatives leveraging Nextel's position as title sponsor of NASCAR's premier racing series. Before joining Nextel, Gaffney was group director/consulting at Octagon Marketing, where he had primary responsibility for management of the NASCAR Nextel Cup sponsorship.

For more information or to register for the C4-Sports show online, visit http://www.c4-sports.com/.

About C4-Sports

C4-Sports is the only exclusive exposition and conference dedicated to the sports content industry. Attracting athletic directors, facility managers, sports broadcasters, coaches, and athletes from across the nation, it will provide exhibitors with the unique opportunity to network with these professionals. More than 5,000 sports professionals are expected to converge in Las Vegas on July 17-19 for this dynamic marketplace of sports technologies, products, services, and ideas. More information about C4-Sports is available online at http://www.c4-sports.com/ .

 

 

Chrysler Club Championship Swings Into Action

Amateur Golfers Across the Country Can Compete to Play With the Top Pros

- Amateur golfers across the country can participate in local Chrysler Club Championship tournaments with winners advancing to additional rounds of tournament play

- National champions to play with the top pros in PGA Tour's 2007 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Pro-Am in Palm Desert, Calif.

- Benefiting charities include American Junior Golf Association and National Multiple Sclerosis Society

- Chrysler brand celebrates more than 40 years of golf sponsorships

Have you ever dreamed about playing in a major golf tournament with Justin Leonard or Mike Weir? Or thought about walking alongside a top professional golfer toward the 18th green? Your dreams could all come true if you win the Chrysler Club Championship.

The Chrysler Club Championship (CCC), a national amateur golf tournament hosted by the Chrysler brand in partnership with Golf Digest Publications (Golf Digest, Golf Digest For Women, Golf World), offers male and female amateur golfers the chance to compete for the title of CCC National Champion and a roster spot in the PGA Tour's Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

More than 800 clubs nationwide will be participating in this year's CCC, a stroke-play event designed for top amateur golfers, attracting nearly 80,000 contenders. Golfers interested in the CCC can find a local participating club, enter the tournament or get more information by visiting http://www.chrysler.com/clubchampionship.

First-place male and female finishers at the local level will advance to one of eight regional tournaments hosted by that region's PGA Section or Golf Association.

From the eight regional competitions, 64 finalists (32 men and 32 women) will travel to Tampa, Fla., to play in the national finals, which will be a two-day stroke play event held in conjunction with the PGA Tour Chrysler Championship at the Westin Innisbrook Golf Resort (Oct. 27-28). The two national champions -- male and female -- will be rewarded with a trip to the 2007 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic (Jan. 15-21, 2007) and a spot in the playing field of the annual Pro-Am tournament in Palm Desert, Calif.

In addition to hitting the links, CCC attendees will be able to hit the road and experience the Chrysler brand's full line of award-winning products first-hand with vehicle test-drive events at more than 250 participating clubs across the country.

For the third straight year, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS) and the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) will team with Chrysler and Golf Digest Publications as the CCC's charitable partners. Both charities will receive donations collected in whole from the CCC program. Funds raised will help support research and programs to help find solutions to end the effects of multiple sclerosis and provide college golf scholarships to young men and women through competitive junior golf. To date, the CCC has helped raise more than $100,000 for charity.

"Golf has long been a part of the Chrysler Brand, and through the CCC we're able to extend it to the grass roots level," said Dave Rooney, Director -- Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications. "But more importantly, the CCC will help aspiring young men and women earn college scholarships, and raise much needed funds to find inspired solutions to end the devastating effects of MS."

In 2005, more than 55,000 amateurs competed at 565 clubs in local and regional tournaments throughout the summer. This year, two new regional tournaments were added for a total of eight. Since its inception in 2004, the CCC has grown by more than 250 percent.

Chrysler has been affiliated with golf for most of its history, and 2006 marks the 41st anniversary of its sponsorship of the Bob Hope Classic. With four events under its corporate sponsorship, Chrysler is the title sponsor of the most PGA Tour events (Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, Chrysler Classic of Tucson, Chrysler Classic of Greensboro and the Chrysler Championship).

About Chrysler Brand

Driven by the steady, consistent launches of award-winning new models, the Chrysler brand has seen a dramatic increase in sales, market share and brand image during the last 15 years. Chrysler brand sales have jumped a remarkable 357 percent since 1991, from about 130,000 units to 649,293 in 2005. No other American automotive brand has grown by that amount during the same period. The Chrysler Brand's succession of innovative product introductions -- which will include the Chrysler Aspen, the first-ever full-size SUV for the brand, and the all-new Chrysler Sebring later this year -- continues to solidify the brand's standing as the leader in design, engineering and value. The premium for the Chrysler brand is in the product, not the price.

About the American Junior Golf Association

The American Junior Golf Association is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to end the devastating effects of MS. The society and its network of chapters nationwide promote research, educate, advocate on critical issues, and organize a wide-range of programs -- including support for the newly diagnosed and those living with MS over time.

http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.chrysler.com/clubchampionship

Calling All MySpace Members! See Your Name in Lights! (Part 2)

Every Single MySpace Member Who Adds the 'Mooby's Presents: Clerks II' Page to Their Friends List Will Have Their Name Added to the Ending Credits on the DVD of the Highly Anticipated Release of 'Clerks II'

After the recent promotion where 10,000 MySpace members added the "Mooby's Presents: Clerks II" to their friends list in under three hours, The Weinstein Company announced today that beginning tomorrow July 14, any and all MySpace members, no matter how many, who add that same page to their friends list will also have their names permanently listed in the ending credits on the DVD of the highly anticipated release of "Clerks II." "Clerks II" is the sequel to Kevin Smith's ("Chasing Amy," "Dogma," "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back") 1994 Sundance hit "Clerks" and again stars the hilarious foursome including Dante Hicks (BRIAN O'HALLORAN), Randal Graves (JEFF ANDERSON), Jay (JASON MEWES) and Silent Bob (KEVIN SMITH), and their new sexy manager Becky Scott (ROSARIO DAWSON). "Clerks II" is a Weinstein Company presentation that will be distributed in theaters nationwide on July 21, 2006 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Genius Products, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: GNPI) will distribute the "Clerks II" DVD.

ABOUT CLERKS II

Ten years ago, best friends Dante Hicks (BRIAN O'HALLORAN) and Randal Graves (JEFF ANDERSON) were New Jersey mini-mall clerks slacking off together in their early 20s. Now, Kevin Smith checks back in to see what kind of changes have rocked their lives -- in work, romance and their eternally raucous life philosophy. What he discovers is that never before have so many, still done so little while having so much fun doing it. Now working in the fast-food universe at Mooby's, Dante and Randal have managed to maintain, and even hone, their in-your-face attitudes, agile skill with vulgarities and unbridled love of screwing with the customers. But they're also faced with such shocking new prospects as marriage, leaving Jersey and finding real careers.

Smith pushes his nothing-is-sacred humor right to the edge and then takes a leap as Dante and Randal invade the world of Mooby's fast food restaurant, where the slogan is "I'm Eating It." Behind the counter, where the only other employees are an uber-nerd (TREVOR FERHMAN) and an entirely too sexy manager (ROSARIO DAWSON), Dante and Randal are free to offend anybody and everybody who, so much as orders fries, in their inimitably irreverent way. But, even as riotous debates rage between them over such burning matters as George Lucas v. Peter Jackson v. Jesus, change is on the horizon. When Dante announces that he's going to leave Jersey forever and marry Emma Bunting (JENNIFER SCHWALBACH), Randal plots a going-away party so shocking it will draw the police, the fire department and potential protests from PETA, while altering their lives forever.

The Weinstein Company and View Askew Productions present "Clerks II," written and directed by Kevin Smith. Scott Mosier and Smith produced the film, with Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein and Carla Gardini serving as executive producers. The film features cameos by Jason Lee, Ben Affleck, Kevin Weisman ("Alias") and the comedians Wanda Sykes and Earthquake. It also features the triumphant return of New Jersey's inimitable duo Jay (JASON MEWES) and Silent Bob (KEVIN SMITH).

For more information on "Clerks II" visit http://www.clerks2.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/therealkevinsmith .

 

Video Games for Seniors? Nintendo Says Yes

Hundreds of Active 55+ Adults Try Brain Age and the New Nintendo DS Lite

at the Solera at Stallion Mountain Recreation Center Grand Opening

WHAT: Hundreds of seniors at the Solera at Stallion Mountain Recreation

Center in Las Vegas will have an opportunity to play Brain

Age(TM): Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day for the Nintendo DS

Lite. Ten lucky visitors will win a Nintendo DS(TM) Lite and copy

of Brain Age.

Brain Age presents players with a series of fun mental

brain-training challenges that incorporate word memorization,

counting and reading. The more often users challenge themselves,

the better they become at the tasks and the lower their estimated

DS "brain age." It is easy to pick-up and play, especially for

baby boomers who are not familiar with traditional video games.

Solera at Stallion Mountain is a new age-qualified community for

people 55 and older that offers an active adult lifestyle in a

smaller, more intimate neighborhood setting. Solera at Stallion

Mountain is located in the gated country club community of

Stallion Mountain.

WHO: Hundreds of Solera community members sampling the popular Nintendo

title Brain Age.

WHEN: Saturday, July 15, 2006

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PDT

WHERE: Solera at Stallion Mountain

Community Recreation Center

3736 Budenny Drive

Las Vegas, NV 89122

VISUALS: * Hundreds of non-traditional gamers (55+ adults) playing Brain

Age on Nintendo DS Lite

* Seniors interacting with other seniors as they learn their

"brain age"

Source: Nintendo

 

Six Flags St. Louis Celebrates 30th Birthday of the World Famous Screamin' Eagle

American Coaster Enthusiasts Travel Cross Country to Ride the Wooden Roller Coaster for 30 Consecutive Hours

Six Flags St. Louis celebrates the 30th Birthday of the world-famous Screamin' Eagle roller coaster with a 30-Hour Ride-A-Thon on Thursday and Friday, July 20 & 21. Members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts, who consider the classic wooden coasters an "endangered species," travel cross-country to ride the three-quarter mile long wooden coaster beginning at 8 AM July 20 and ending at 2 PM July 21.

Opened in 1976, The Screamin' Eagle was the last creation of famed coaster designer John Allen and said to be his favorite. Standing at 110-feet tall, 3,872-feet long and flying at a maximum speed of 62-mph, the Screamin' Eagle earned the title of "Longest, Tallest, Fastest Roller Coaster in the World" in the Guinness Book of World Records. This classic figure-eight roller coaster swoops over 11 lifts and 10 lows including an 87 and 100 foot plunge, the two longest drops known at the time of the coaster's opening. Today, the Screamin' Eagle stands in the shadow of The Boss sporting its original red, white and blue colors that it opened with in that bicentennial year. One of the most popular rides at the theme park, the Screamin' Eagle is the opponent that park goers of all ages must conquer before earning their place as a true thrill seeker. Visit http://sixflags.com/ for more statistics and photos on the Screamin' Eagle.

On July 20 and 21, American Coaster Enthusiasts from around the country take a seat on this great American coaster and mark 30 years with 30 hours of consecutive riding. Representing California, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland, Louisiana, New York and St. Louis, 20 riders make the coaster and its ups and downs, twists and turns home with only one food and bathroom break per hour. ACE, founded in 1978, is a non-profit organization with over 8,000 members involved in activities including award-winning publications, events and exhaustive preservation efforts of wooden roller coasters. In the early 1920's some 2,000 wooden coasters existed, fewer than 125 exist today. ACE has made saving or relocating endangered coasters, an integral part of Americana, a goal and major part of their purpose as an organization!

Source: Six Flags St. Louis

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

'VSPOT Top 20 Video Countdown' Moves to Saturdays at 9 AM ET/PT.*

VH1's Music Radar

wake up to today's biggest music hits as "VSPOT Top 20 Video Countdown" moves to its new premiere time and date. Hosted by Matt Pinfield, the two-hour program counts down the most popular videos of the week and brings the viewers closer to the music they love through several interactive elements. The show also welcomes musical and celebrity guests to its new set in the center of New York City's Times Square. Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Nick Lachey, Nelly Furtado, Pink, Anthony Kiedis, Dixie Chicks, James Blunt, Keane, Brooke Hogan, Paris Hilton, Five For Fighting have made appearances on the count down and look out for upcoming guests: Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, Nickelback and many more.

The viewers and VH1's broadband channel VSPOT (http://vspot.vh1.com/) have taken over VH1's weekly countdown series as the videos are chosen online by the viewers. In addition to choosing the videos, of "VSPOT Top 20 Video Countdown" viewers can log on to http://top20.vh1.com/ and rank their top 20 video picks to help determine what videos make it on the on-air countdown.

New Video Adds:

Beginning Monday, July 17

Beyonce featuring Jay-Z "Deja vu"

Paris Hilton "Stars Are Blind"

Jewel "Good Day"

Jurassic 5 featuring Dave Matthews Band "Work It Out"

The Panic Channel "Why Cry"

"You Oughta Know" -- VH1 fills you in on artists on the rise. Get acquainted with these essential new artists.

Corinne Bailey Rae -- This British songbird enjoys the lithe pop vibe of her self-titled debut's soul 'n' jazz arrangements. But there are pockets of grit in this album as well, thanks to Rae's past experience fronting an indie rock band and from her love of Led Zeppelin. The results are honest, intimate and soulful songs.

The Fray -- With the release of their debut album, "How To Save A Life," The Fray are ready to show the world that Denver actually is a "rock city." The timeless songs on their debut are soaring ballads with a ragged edge. Led by choir-trained singer Isaac Slade, the band invokes the sound of Coldplay mixed with Bright Eyes.

*all times ET/PT

Contacts: Lori Hornik/VH1

212-846-7131

KT Tunstall -- KT Tunstall has become a sensation in Great Britain with her soulful style of songwriting. Her debut, "Eye to the Telescope" is an intimate album with a rock crunch that comes from an appreciation for the beats of Bo Diddley.

James Blunt -- This ex-soldier has gone from riding in tanks to topping the UK charts with the ballad "You're Beautiful," that Elton John has compared to his own hit "Your Song." The candor and catchiness of Back to Bedlam is the reason for Blunt's success -- the CD showcases a disarmingly tender voice that speaks with the heart of a true romantic.

What's on VH1 Classic?

VH1 Classic and World Productions present the fourth installment of "Decades Rock Live," an innovative live concert series that features performances by celebrated artists from rock to soul who have influenced popular music over the last 50 years, as well as performances from some of today's hottest recording acts who have been inspired by these legends. The concert honoring Elvis Costello is set to premiere on VH1 Classic on Friday, July 21 at 8:00 PM ET/PT and will feature special guests including Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, Fiona Apple and Death Cab for Cutie.

Highlights for the Elvis Costello tribute include:

-- Surprise acoustic performance of "Alison" by Elvis Costello and Billie

Joe Armstrong.

-- "Accidents Will Happen" duet with Death Cab for Cutie.

-- "Peace, Love and Understanding" encore performance with Billie Joe

Armstrong, Fiona Apple and Death Cab for Cutie.

Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s, including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police and many more.

Source: VH1

Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://vspot.vh1.com/
http://top20.vh1.com/

BET's Award-Winning Rap-It-Up HIV/AIDS Campaign Blazes Into West Palm Beach, FL on July 22

BET's Mad Linx Slated to Host Teen Health Forum with Celebrity Panel Including Actor Lamman Rucker

BET's Rap-It-Up, the cable network's award-winning national HIV/AIDS public awareness initiative, brings its exceptional campaign to West Palm Beach to host a teen health forum at the Palm Beach Community College's Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, July 22 at 5:00 p.m. Partnering with Rap-It-Up for the community effort will be the Palm Beach Health Department and the local City Government offices of Belle Glade, South Bay and Pahokee.

The Rap-It-Up teen health forum will address the social issues, sexual behavior and attitudes impacting today's teens; and the rise of HIV/AIDS in the urban community. RAP CITY's Mad Linx will serve as the forum moderator and will be joined by local 102.3 FM radio personality Frisco, actor (All My Children and Half & Half) Lamman Rucker, AIDS activist Marvelyn Brown, Hip-Hop artists Alashus and Lil Ma, and gospel recording artist Lisa McClendon. The Palm Beach Health Department will also be onsite to administer counseling and distribute health materials, and there will also be a concert for forum attendees following the health forum. The event is free and open to the public; interested individuals should contact telephone number 561-996-3310 for more information regarding tickets.

Today's disturbing statistics have shown that the state of Florida ranks number two of top ten states with the highest number of African Americans estimated to be living with AIDS. Additionally, African Americans account for the most AIDS diagnoses, people estimated to be living with AIDS, and HIV- related deaths than any other racial group within the United States. Although African-American teens (ages 13 - 19) represent only 15 percent of U.S. teens, they accounted for 66 percent of newly-reported AIDS cases in 2003.

Since its launch in 1997, BET's Rap-It-Up Campaign has tested over 6,000 people nationwide for HIV infection; managed over one million calls to the Rap-It-Up toll-free hotline; hosted community teen forums for over 9,000 youth; and reached millions of viewers via HIV-related programming on the BET Network, including award-winning news specials, documentaries and public service announcements.

Here are more details about the Rap-It-Up Teen Health Forum:

EVENT: BET Rap-It-Up Teen Health Forum highlighting the current

social and health issues impacting today's young adults.

DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 22 at 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

(Media check-in begins at 4:30 p.m.)

LOCATION: Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center

Palm Beach Community College

1977 College Drive

Belle Glade, FL 33430

ABOUT RAP-IT-UP

Since 1997, the Kaiser Family Foundation and BET: Black Entertainment Television have partnered on an extensive public education campaign to inform young people about sexual health issues, including HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). The partnership includes special programming, public service advertisements (PSAs), online content on bet.com, and a free resource and referral service. In 2000, the campaign launched a grassroots initiative to complement the on-air and online components of Rap- It-Up. Program elements include teen forums, mobile HIV testing events, and a middle and high school curriculum on HIV/AIDS. The campaign was nominated for an Emmy for Best National Public Service Announcement in 2002 and 2001, and has received numerous other awards, including the 2002 Cable Positive POP Award for Outstanding Newsmagazine Series, the 2002 CTPAA Joel Berger Award, the 2002 NAACP Image Award, the 2002 Academy of Television Arts & Science TV Cares "Ribbon of Hope" Award, and the 2002 NBACA Community Service Award.

ABOUT BET NETWORKS

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 81 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, the Number 1 Internet portal for African Americans; BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; and BET Mobile, a service venture into the lucrative world of ring tones, games and video content for wireless devices.

Source: BET Networks

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

 

Micro Target Media Scores Another Event Marketing Success Using Its High-Impact Portable Restroom Advertising Structure at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game

Micro Target Media celebrates its most recent deployment of its high-impact portable restroom advertising structures (MTM*AdS) at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game earlier this week. The 58ft long and 8ft high bank of restrooms were wrapped on all four sides with the MLB All Star Week brand and a restroom trailer was outfitted with the MLB International, ESPN and Fox Sports brands.

Located in the MLB All-Star Sponsor Zone, the wrapped portable restrooms and trailer ensured uninterrupted visibility for MLB's brand advertising to an audience 100% qualified to care about their product as well as creating a visually pleasing restroom environment for all the fans to enjoy.

"We are excited to have the opportunity to work with one of the greatest American brands (MLB) and to help them enhance their fan's game day experience as well as promote their MLB All-Star Week brand," states Terry Popowich, Chairman, Micro Target Media.

In May, Micro Target Media's MTM*AdS were on-site at two major events, AIDS Walk New York and the Indy 500. In New York City, units were wrapped to promote Motown recording artist india.arie's new album and the AIDS Walk New York brand. The portable restrooms at the Indy 500 were wrapped to promote the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's "I am Indy" campaign.

Leif Green, Executive Director, AIDS Walk New York, comments "In fundraising event planning, portable toilets have always been a very necessary but unsightly blemish on the venue. Now, thanks to MTM, they are attractive, electrifying, and a fantastic new resource for additional sponsorship dollars."

Micro Target Media is a leading outdoor advertising company specializing in portable restroom advertising. Through exclusive media placement agreements with leading Portable Restroom Operators worldwide, Micro Target Media breaks through traditional advertising clutter to engage targeted consumers, one on one, at world-class events and construction sites.

Micro Target Media's in-house operations, proprietary systems and production facilities enable Micro Target Media to be the only provider of portable restroom advertising for key-market campaigns in North America, Europe and Asia. More information about Micro Target Media is available online at http://www.microtargetmedia.com/.

 

Mitsubishi Motors to Offer Rockford Corporation Sound Systems in Six Additional Future Models

Rockford Corporation (NASDAQ:ROFO) today announced that Mitsubishi Motors will offer the high-output Punch(R) sound of Rockford Fosgate(R) and the high-definition and clarity of Rockford Acoustic Design(TM) audio systems as optional upgrades on six upcoming Mitsubishi vehicles.

These six vehicles are in addition to four previously announced vehicles in which Mitsubishi currently offers Rockford sound systems: the Eclipse coupe, the Eclipse Spyder, and the all-new global Outlander offer Rockford Fosgate systems. The Galant will be the first vehicle in which the Rockford Acoustic Design system is factory installed.

"We are pleased to broaden and extend our partnership with Mitsubishi to give their customers what they want in a sound system," said W. Gary Suttle, president and CEO, Rockford Corporation. "They have acknowledged the positive impact, to date, of the high performance Rockford Fosgate sound systems on their customers' purchases and selection of upgrades. We expect this trend to continue with the six new models."

Suttle continued, "It is important to note that several of these programs will be for global vehicles, as well as vehicles sold in the U.S., Canada and Japan. This is a positive reflection of the value that Mitsubishi places on the worldwide appeal of the Rockford brands. As with the current programs, these new programs will run for multiple years."

Additional information on specific models will be available as Mitsubishi announces its programs for these cars.

About Rockford Corporation (www.rockfordcorp.com)

Rockford is a designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-performance audio systems for the mobile audio aftermarket and for the OEM market. Rockford's mobile audio products are marketed primarily under the Rockford Fosgate, Rockford Acoustic Design and Lightning Audio brand names.

Brand websites include: www.rockfordfosgate.com, www.rockfordacousticdesign.com, www.lightningaudio.com and www.installedge.com.

Source: Rockford Corporation

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

 

Johnny Depp's 'Scissor-Hand,' Marlon Brando's SAG Card and 'The Wizard of Oz' Original Matte Painting Are Among Over $2 Million Worth of Exclusive TV and Movie Memorabilia to Be Auctioned Friday, July 28 by Joseph Maddalena's World-Renowned 'Profiles In History'

Auction Also Features One of the Most Important Film Artifacts Ever to Be Auctioned the 'Mighty Joe Young' Armature Est: $80,000-$100,000

Fans and collectors looking for Johnny Depp, Marlon Brando, The Wizard of Oz, or just about anything related to Hollywood Memorabilia should pencil in Friday, July 28 on their calendars. Joseph Maddalena and his internationally-renowned Profiles In History, the number one company in the world for live and simultaneous Internet memorabilia auctions, will be holding their Summer 2006 auction, featuring more than 650 items of original TV and movie memorabilia, worth more than $2 million.

The six-hour auction, starting at 12 noon PDT, will be headlined by an original "Mighty Joe Young" armature. This incredible artifact, designed by Willis O'Brien and animated for the film by Ray Harryhausen, represents a milestone in visual effects technology, which helped advance stop-motion filmmaking to an entirely new level.

Also featured at the auction will be Johnny Depp's 'scissor-hand' glove from Edward Scissorhands, (expected sale price $7,000-$9,000), the original matte painting from the opening scene of The Wizard of Oz, created for the very first scene of the movie, where Dorothy and Toto are shown walking down a lonely farm road in rural Kansas, (expected sale price $120,000-$150,000), Marlon Brando's 1956 Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) membership card which was issued the year after he won the Academy Award for his performance in On the Waterfront, (expected sale price $2,000-$3,000), and Winston Churchill's personal Stetson hat worn by Churchill during his 1952 tour of the U.S., (expected sale price $7,000-$9,000).

The only flight suit in the private sector that chronicles the historical flight missions and space exploration of acclaimed Astronaut Buzz Aldrin represents another exclusive item featured in the auction. Worn by Aldrin during his training for the Gemini 12 and Apollo 11 space flights, and in 1971 while he was commander of the Edwards Air Force Base Test Pilot School, this suit represents the most important period in Aldrin's career and a milestone in space exploration.

Collectors from around the world may bid in person either at Profiles In History's gallery located at 110 N. Doheny Drive in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles; live on the Internet at www.ebayliveauctions.com; or by phone or fax. All items to be auctioned are available for review in a full-color catalogue obtainable through Profiles In History, or by visiting the company's website at www.profilesinhistory.com.

Additional items to be auctioned July 28 include:

* Humphrey Bogart Naval Officer's Hat from The Caine Mutiny.

$1,000-$1,500

* Michael Keaton full Batman costume from the 1989 Tim Burton classic,

Batman. $40,000-$60,000

* John Belushi signature black two-piece suit from The Blues Brothers.

$25,000-$35,000

* Dan Aykroyd signature jumpsuit from Ghostbusters. $8,000-$10,000

* Original Tom Jung final concept artwork for the Star Wars: The Empire

Strikes Back, re-release one-sheet poster. $8,000-$10,000

* Complete Samurai armor costume from The Last Samurai. $2,000-$3,000

* Dick Van Dyke and Matthew Garber jackets worn in the park sequence from

Mary Poppins. $35,000-$45,000

* Julie Andrews signature Bavarian dress worn in the "Do-Re-Mi" musical

sequence from The Sound of Music. $40,000-$60,000

* John Wayne western ensemble from Rio Bravo. $10,000-$12,000

* Elvis Presley white sport jacket from Fun in Acapulco. $4,000-$6,000

* Ronald Reagan personal Stetson hat with interior stamp "Made Especially

for Gov. Ronald Reagan." $3,000-$5,000

* Dan Blocker signature ten-gallon hat worn as "Hoss" in Bonanza.

$2,000-$3,000

* Original Starfleet Tricorder from Star Trek. $18,000-$22,000

* "ORCA" letters and life ring from Quint's boat in Jaws. $4,000-$6,000

 

About Profiles In History

Profiles In History is the nation's leading dealer of original historical letters and manuscripts. Collectors and history buffs alike will be captivated by Profiles In History's outstanding array of historical letters in every field: American Presidents and statesmen; Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers; scientists and inventors; celebrated authors, artists and composers; aviators and explorers; sports heroes and Hollywood legends; as well as many others who have left an indelible mark on history.

In 1995, Profiles In History expanded into the world of entertainment memorabilia auctions. Now, over 24 auctions later, it has become the preeminent auction house specializing in Hollywood memorabilia including props, costumes, artist's sketches, posters and autographs from film, television and rock n' roll. Setting numerous world record prices for Hollywood collectibles, Profiles In History draws the most prominent collectibles, some consigned directly from Hollywood producers, prop makers, costume designers and actors.

All items to be auctioned are available for review in a full-color catalog obtainable through Profiles In History's Beverly Hills' office, or by visiting the company's website at www.profilesinhistory.com

Source: Profiles In History

Web site: http://www.profilesinhistory.com/
http://www.ebayliveauctions.com/

PBS TV Series, 'THIS IS AMERICA WITH DENNIS WHOLEY' Offers Unique Window Into North Korea

First Foreign Broadcast Unit Visits Kaesong Industrial Complex

Last month, THIS IS AMERICA WITH DENNIS WHOLEY, the Washington, DC-based public affairs television series, became the first foreign broadcast team to visit the Kaesong Industrial Complex Project in Kaesong, North Korea.

Because of the recent test firing of missiles by North Korea, the timing of the mid-June visit by THIS IS AMERICA to the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea is both extraordinary and newsworthy.

THIS IS AMERICA VISITS KAESONG, NORTH KOREA gives viewers a rare opportunity to "inspect" this historic inter-Korean undertaking and close up look at North Korean factory workers on the job.

Working conditions, wages, and method of salary payment - issues of concern to some in the United States -- are addressed during interviews with the Director General of the South Korean Unification Ministry's Kaesong Project, the Chairman of the (North/South) Complex's Management Committee, South Korean businessmen who live and work in Kaesong, and several North Korean workers.

The weekly series, which devotes an entire half-hour program to the Kaesong project, will be fed to PBS stations today and to the AmericanLife TV Cable Network thereafter.

The Kaesong Project is a three-year-old economic cooperative with long- term unification overtones. The project brings together South Korean business experience and investment capital and North Korean workers and land.

The Kaesong Project now occupies several city blocks north of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Currently 15 South Korean companies employ 8000 North Korean workers in small factories making products such as kitchen utensils, wiring for appliances, and clothing. The project's goal in 2012 -- to then occupy a landmass the size of New York City -- is 300 South Korean businesses employing 500,000-750,000 North Korean workers.

The project's name is spelled KAESONG in North Korea and GAESEONG in South Korea.

THIS IS AMERICA presented a Kaesong program proposal to South Korea's Ministry of Unification in its Washington Embassy and met with members of the Ministry of Unification in March. The DPRK (North Korea) issued an invitation to Wholey and Oglesby in June.

On previous visits to South Korea, Wholey has interviewed ROK President Roh Moo-hyun, Foreign Minister (candidate for United Nations Secretary- General) Ban Ki-moon, and many key government, business, culture, and tourism officials.

Oglesby and Wholey were accompanied to Kaesong by Cameron Kim and Han Sang-Il of the Seoul-based camera crew, AFO Communications; members of South Korea's Ministry of Unification; and photographer, Oh Seung Jun.

About: THIS IS AMERICA WITH DENNIS WHOLEY

THIS IS AMERICA WITH DENNIS WHOLEY is based in Washington, DC, and produced by Dennis Wholey Enterprises, Inc. The program is broadcast on PBS stations, presented on cable by the AmericanLife TV Network, and sent to 160 countries by Voice of America Television.

THIS IS AMERICA'S principle underwriters are Hyundai Motor America and the National Education Association.

Web site: http://www.thisisamerica.net/

The True Story of Deployment: Soldier's New Book Chronicles Daily Life, Personal Feelings About Tour of Duty in Iraq

-- They are America's "weekend warriors," but in Iraq, they are a fierce fighting force that endures the struggles and situations on the latest battlefront. In a new book by Malcolm Rios, Under the Gun: Infantryman, Medic, Tattoo Artist: My Year in Iraq (now available through AuthorHouse), this Tennessee National Guardsman describes in detail the tour of duty in Iraq and the realities of serving in the war.

Beginning two weeks before his regiment's departure for the Middle East, the book includes the day-to-day journal Rios kept while stationed at Forward Operating Base Caldwell, about 45 miles northeast of Baghdad. As a medic, Rios was detached from his original squadron and reassigned, along with 14 other members of his Iron Troop platoon, and he was made an infantryman in a fire team of Bradley dismounts.

With access to the Internet, Rios sent home monthly journal entries, which make up a large portion of Under the Gun. He describes conducting daily patrols and training the Iraqi Army. He writes about tattooing fellow servicemen during downtime on two posts. The interactions between soldiers are interspersed with stories of bravery, heroism, loss and victory. Under the Gun articulates more than just firsthand accounts of combat -- it shares with the reader the frustrations of being away from home and the complexities of living and working in close quarters with men and women who are constantly in a state of alert and stress.

From where Rios called home in Iraq, one can see only desert in every direction. From this remote location, Rios relays his thoughts and feelings about serving his country in the War on Terror. This intimate account of a soldier wrestling with his own beliefs and faith, which he had been sworn to uphold and defend, illuminate the realities of modern warfare and the bravery of the modern soldier.

Brutally honest and candid, Under the Gun leaves readers with no doubt about what America's fighting forces deal with while serving in the combat environment. As thousands of America's finest give 100 percent each day, this book shines light on what they are really going through in Iraq.

Rios continues to serve with the 278th ACR as a medic for the 3rd Squadron. During high school he enlisted in the Navy and after graduating, was on active duty until 1992. He earned a degree in business administration from Tennessee Technological University and owned his own landscaping business after college. In 2002, he sold his company and moved to Springfield, Mo., to attend the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. A year later he received a master's degree in theological studies. After returning to Tennessee, he enlisted in the National Guard as a medic. A songwriter and artist, Rios is also youth leader at First United Methodist Church in Livingston, Tenn. Under the Gun is his first book.

AuthorHouse is the premier publishing house for emerging authors and new voices in literature. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.

Source: AuthorHouse

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

 

Ramón Ayala la Estrella del Concierto en el Festival de la Cosecha en Baytown, Texas

Los organizadores del Festival de la Cosecha anunciaron hoy la lista de artistas de la música para su gigantesco evento de entretenimiento que llega a Baytown, Texas en Baytown Fairgrounds, 7900 N. Main Street, el sábado, 19 de agosto de 2006. Las puertas estarán abiertas a las 11 a.m. Los boletos estarán disponibles en la entrada, cuestan US$20 para adultos y US$5 para niños de 5 a 12 años. Los niños menores de 5 años entran gratis. Los boletos también estarán a la venta en las tiendas H-E-B y Fiesta a partir del 1ro. de agosto. También están disponibles, boletos de grupo, patrocinios y casetas de vendedores. Se espera la asistencia de más de 25,000 visitantes de Baytown, Houston, Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte y comunidades de los alrededores.

El Festival de la Cosecha, que con toda certeza marcará un hito en la historia de Baytown, unirá a toda la familia para disfrutar de comida y refrescos, juegos y premios, un zoológico para acariciar animales, juegos de entretenimiento, música y mucho más.

El propósito del festival es preservar el arte de la cultura hispana y ofrecer un evento de entretenimiento familiar apetecible para todas las edades. Un porcentaje de las ganancias del evento beneficiará a tres organizaciones no lucrativas con exención tributaria 501(c): Baytown Youth Rodeo Association, Talento Bilingüe de Houston y I Have a Dream(R), Houston.

La estrella del Festival, Ramón Ayala es un compositor, acordeonista y vocalista que ha definido la música norteña con canciones distintivas y estilos instrumentales definitivos desde hace más de 40 años. Ayala, muy popular en ambos lados del Río Grande, comenzó tocando su instrumento favorito, el acordeón, a la edad de 6 años. Sus canciones con frecuencia relatan historias de amores injustos y vidas difíciles. Con más de 100 álbumes, Ayala, ganador de premios Grammy, cuenta con una presencia fuerte en el sector por más de cuatro décadas. Sus sencillos más populares incluyen "Tragos Amargos", "Señor Dios", "Mi Piquito de Oro", "Puño de Tierra", "Tejano Enamorado", "Lágrimas", "Nadie Como Tu" y "Tengo Miedo".

La lista de estrellas del Festival de la Cosecha está compuesta por el rey del acordeón Ramón Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte, Los Traileros del Norte, Los Herederos de Nuevo León, Emilio Navaira, David Lee Garza, Little Joe y la familia y DJ Kane.

El organizador del evento, Solo Zydeco Promotions, se dedica a promover festivales de música en el área de Houston desde hace más de diez años. Sus eventos más notables son el Crosby Zydeco Festival anual en Crosby, Texas cada marzo y el Zydecopalooza Music Festival en Humble por numerosos años. Para Solo Zydeco Productions, la promoción de eventos familiares es una pasión y su fuerte

The Single Most Incredible Survival Story of the 9/11 Tragedy THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B

World Premiere Monday, August 14, 2006 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

I knew what kind of danger we were in. Time wasn't on our side anymore ... I said, 'It's time for us to get out of here.' JAY JONAS

You could actually hear the floors hitting one another, boom, boom, boom, and I remember thinking to myself ... Oh s**t, this is it, we didn't make it. SAL D'AGOSTINO

I rolled to a corner and basically went into a fetal position and waited for the end. JIM McGLYNN

I thought I was going to be dead in a few seconds, and I remember feeling, I hope, I hope this is fast. MICKEY KROSS

Among the thousands of stories of courage, heroism, and tragedy of September 11, 2001, one amazing episode stands out. When the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed at 10:28 a.m. that day, and so many perished, there were 14 individuals trapped inside, beneath half a million tons of twisted steel and debris, who lived to escape and tell about it. The story of how they cheated death is told, firsthand, in the special THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B, premiering Monday, August 14, 2006 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The History Channel.

This moving special tells how these people -- 12 firefighters, an office worker, and a Port Authority police officer -- lived through the collapse of the North Tower, survived for hours, and finally, when all hope seemed lost, were rescued. The program reveals the chain of uncanny coincidences and bizarre events that enabled them to stay alive. Their interlocking stories, from the time they woke up on 9/11 to the moment when they were finally reunited with their families, together tell an incredible feat of human survival. They also tell the bigger story of the heroic efforts of the firefighters to save lives ... and of the 2,749 men and women who never made it home.

THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B tracks the terrifying events, from the growing sense of confusion as the scene grew more chaotic; the harrowing journey up and down endless, hot flights of stairs as a giant fireball burned above them; the race against time to shepherd each other out of the tower as collapse became imminent; the shocking sound of the floors hitting each other as the building fell on top of them; the feeling of bracing for death and, in the words of one firefighter, "seeing your own funeral"; and the harrowing wait for help beneath the mountain of rubble. And finally, the ray of sunshine that pierced the despair and showed them the way to safety.

The survivors walk through that day from early morning, when all was normal, to late that night, when they reunited with their loved ones after the surreal ordeal and broke down in emotion and stress as the shock of what had happened began to set in. Also sharing their personal stories: the loved ones and rescue units that tried desperately and waited anxiously to establish contact with those feared lost in the collapse, including the heroic effort to navigate the treacherous debris field and connect a lifeline to the survivors as they waited for help. In addition to being a remarkable story of survival, THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B is a tribute to those that didn't make it, to the lives they led, and the courage they showed.

Executive Producer for The History Channel is Marc Etkind. THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B is produced for The History Channel by Testimony Films. Produced and directed by Steve Humphries and co-produced by David Long.

The History Channel(R) is one of the leading cable television networks featuring compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network provides an inviting place where people experience history in new and exciting ways enabling them to connect their lives today to the great lives and events of the past that provide a blueprint for the future. The History Channel has earned three Peabody Awards, six News and Documentary Emmy(R) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(R) campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. The History Channel reaches more than 89 million Nielsen subscribers. The website is located at http://www.history.com/.

MARC ETKIND

DIRECTOR, HISTORICAL PROGRAMMING

THE HISTORY CHANNEL

Marc Etkind has been a Director of Historical Programming at The History Channel since May 2003. In his position, he serves as Executive Producer for many of the network's series, specials and pilots like: Mega Disasters, Lost Worlds and Mega Movers. He is also responsible for program development -- from its creative inception to its final execution. His special, "Last Days of World War I" was Emmy nominated for Outstanding Historical Program, and "Tsunami Waves of Death" was garnered several awards. In 2005, he also executive produced "The Man Who Predicted 9/11."

Prior to joining The History Channel, Marc Etkind was the president of Pinball Productions, a Boston based production company specializing in history and science programs. He helped produce over a hundred hours of programming for such networks as The Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and The History Channel.

Before starting his own company, Marc was a staff producer for the PBS series "Scientific American Frontiers" with Alan Alda. He also produced interactive exhibits, which can be seen in the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and The Science Place in Dallas. His book "Or Not To Be" was published by Riverhead Books.

He is a graduate of Brown University.

STEVE HUMPHRIES

PRODUCER, THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B

Producer, director and writer Steve Humphries formed Testimony Films, based in his home town of Bristol, England in 1992. He was formerly a lecturer in history and sociology at the University of Essex. Testimony is a small company specialising in history programs. Since it began Humphries has made more than eighty network history programs for BBC1, BBC2, ITV1 and Channel 4. The programs are distinguished by ground breaking research and emotional power. They are based on the intimate stories of men and women, often talking for the first time about difficult and taboo subjects. Many have won major national and international awards including the Royal Television Society Best Documentary, The BFI Archive Film Award, The Chicago Film Festival Gold Hugo and the Silver Spire at the San Francisco International Film Festival. Most of the series are accompanied by books, co-authored by Humphries, some of which have become bestsellers.

Humphries's first landmark series was A Secret World of Sex (BBC2, 1992) based on his book of the same name. In it the oldest generation spoke openly for the first time about how they had broken sexual taboos in their youth. He revealed that 30,000 women in Britain had been sent to mental hospitals during the first half of the twentieth century for having sex before marriage -- and interviewed some of them. After this he produced a number of very successful social history series for the BBC like A Labour of Love (BBC2, 1993), Forbidden Britain (BBC2, 1995), A Man's World (BBC2, 1996) The Call of the Sea (BBC2, 1997), and Veterans: Last Survivors of the Great War (BBC1 1998).

For Channel 4 Humphries has produced a number of landmark history series documentaries like Hooked: A Secret History of Addiction (Channel 4, 1998), Green and Pleasant Land, the story of the British countryside and Far Out: The Dawning of New Age Britain, the hidden history of alternative culture and communes in Britain. One of his specialties has remained sex histories with the series Married Love (Channel 4, 2003), the story of sex in marriage, The Affair (Channel 4, 2003) and Sex in A Cold Climate (Channel 4 1998). This was an expose of a nun's abuse of young unmarried mothers. It led to a huge helpline response and directly inspired Peter Mullen's feature film The Magdalene Sisters. It was voted eighth in Broadcast magazine's top ten documentaries that changed the world.

Testimony won the RTS Bristol award for best network documentary for three consecutive years between 2003 and 2005, all with Channel 4 programs -- Married Love, Horror on the Home Front and Britain's Boy Soldiers. In the past twelve months, Testimony have made programs for all the terrestrial broadcasters in Britain and are diversifying by selling programs to digital channels in Britain and overseas like UKTV and The History Channel in the United States. Steve Humphries has produced The Man That Predicted 9/11 and The Miracle of Stairway B for The History Channel.

DAVID LONG

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER, THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B

David Long is associate producer of THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B, produced for The History Channel by Testimony Films.

Some of his previous productions include: The Man Who Predicted 9/11 (The History Channel), the story of Morgan Stanley's Cornish-born security chief who predicted the attack on the Twin Towers by plane, and organized the evacuation plan that helped to save 3,000 lives; the biography Jimi Hendrix: Made in London (BBC), about how the musician achieved success in London; Lost in Space (ITV), a documentary on sci-fi fans; Cary Come Home (also for ITV), a two part biography of Cary Grant to mark the centenary of his birth (he also raised money for a statue of Grant in his hometown of Bristol); 100 Years of Hurt, the story of England versus Germany soccer matches, as they reflect changes in the relationship between the two nations.

Born in London in 1957, Dave lives in Bristol, England. Originally a teacher, he moved into television 10 years ago. He is married to Alison, an elementary school teacher, and has two grown sons. His passions include the Beatles, the Tottenham Hotspurs football club, and early Peter Sellers films; he loves New York City, Venice and Barcelona. His favorite films are Broadcast News, It's a Wonderful Life and Hard Day's Night. On his current reading list: Divided by a Common Language - A guide to British and American English and White Heat - a History of Britain in the Swinging Sixties.

LIEUTENANT MICKEY KROSS

Retired, New York City Fire Department

Recently retired Lieutenant Mickey Kross is featured in The History Channel(R) presentation of THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B, which premieres on Monday, August 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.

A native New Yorker, Kross was a member of the New York City Fire Department from 1977-2006. He recently retired as a lieutenant from Engine Company 16, the company he served with during the September 11, 2001 tragedy. Kross was in the North Tower when it collapsed and miraculously escaped injury. In the aftermath of the disaster, he spent months helping with the recovery effort at the World Trade Center.

Directly following Hurricane Katrina, Kross volunteered to go to New Orleans as part of the FDNY deployment. As the assistant to the Chief-in-Charge of Operation Chainsaw, he helped in the clean up and rebuilding efforts.

During his tenure as a firefighter, Kross spent two years at the Fire Academy teaching new recruits the skills of basic firefighting. Prior to that, he spent four years as a New York City Police Officer. He also served in the United States Marine Corp. and was based in California.

Since retiring from the department, he dedicates his time to both the 9/11 Families Association and the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation. On their behalf, he devotes a portion of his time speaking to groups of all ages about his personal experience during the tragedy and all the heroes of that day.

He resides in downtown Manhattan close to where the Twin Towers once stood.

CHIEF JOHN "JAY" JONAS

New York City Fire Department Battalion Chief

Chief John Jonas is featured in is featured in The History Channel(R) presentation of THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B, which premieres on Monday, August 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.

John A. "Jay" Jonas is a Battalion Chief in the New York City Fire Department, currently assigned to Battalion 2 in Lower Manhattan. During his 27-year career with the FDNY, Chief Jonas has served in the South Bronx, Harlem, the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and Chinatown.

On September 11, 2001, Jay Jonas was the Captain of Ladder Co. 6 and was one of the first responding units to the World Trade Center. Jonas and his unit were rescuing a woman from the North Tower when it collapsed on them. They survived the collapse and their entrapment. Chief Jonas was selected as the official representative from the New York City Fire Department to attend President Bush's address to the nation at the U.S. Capitol Building following September 11th.

Chief Jonas has been published several times in professional publications, and is the author of procedures for the FDNY to rescue trapped firefighters. Jonas has appeared on NBC's Dateline in special piece on The Miracle of Ladder Co. 6, and was featured in a September 2002 ABC television documentary based on Dennis Smith's book, Report from Ground Zero. He is the recipient of the Bishop's Cross, given by the Bishop of the New York Diocese of the Episcopal Church. Jonas received a "Men of the Year Award" from The Men's World Day Organization in Vienna, Austria, presented by Mikhail Gorbachev and Paul McCartney. Chief Jonas was also the first recipient of the New York Post's Liberty Award for Leadership. He was nominated for this award by his fellow firefighters who served with him on September 11th.

Chief Jonas has an AAS degree in Fire Protection Technology from Orange County Community College (SUNY) and a BS degree in Fire Administration from Empire State College (SUNY). He and his wife live in Goshen, NY. They have three children.

Source: The History Channel

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

DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER

The History Channel(R) three-hour special on the Pilgrims' troubled journey and the founding of the Plymouth Colony

World premiere November 2006

An epic journey ... religious devotion ... escape from persecution ... love and conflict -- The dramatic true story of the most famous European settlement in the New World

It's a story familiar to most of us from school. And in many ways, the story of the passengers on the Mayflower is like that of every immigrant who has come to America to start a new life. Yet the true story of the Pilgrims is far more complex than the one most of us learned as children -- and also more intriguing. This is a decades-long epic tale, filled with real drama, tragedy, and inspiration, revealed in the three-hour special DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER, a World Premiere on The History Channel in November 2006.

The story:

The Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony are a small band of religious extremists who flee persecution in Europe in the hopes of creating a more godly society in the New World. These are not the sober, gray-haired Founding Fathers of legend -- they're young, passionate and highly educated rebels who believe their king's religion violates the true faith. Condemned as traitors in England and forced into a life of exile and poverty in Holland, the group decides to risk all and take their chances in the wilds of America.

But, in order to realize their venture, our pilgrims have to join forces with 50 so called "strangers," people who do not share their religious beliefs. The conflict between the two groups is exacerbated by a perilous sea voyage, disease and the harsh realities of surviving in the middle of winter in a hostile land. After much turmoil and hardship the colonists form a cohesive group and find a way to forge a life for themselves in America, learning from and creating a fragile, temporary truce with the native peoples. From the treacherous ocean passage to the first years of struggle to establish a new home, the story of Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony is the story of America -- with all its contradictions.

DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER digs deeper into the facts than any previous documentary, to paint a devastating picture of the difficult lives of these early immigrants. Based on meticulous historical research and original source material including William Bradford's first-hand account, Of Plymouth Plantation, the program recreates the fascinating world of the Pilgrims in all its complexity.

Using historically accurate dramatizations, the special was shot on location at historic Plimoth Plantation, as well as in England, Belgium, Maryland and Virginia. Interviews with leading historians, scholars and modern day members of the Wampanoag community reveal the intricacy of the real story, an epic journey touched by religious fervor and intolerance, personal triumph and tragedy. Gifted actors from England's Royal Shakespeare Company provide an authentic picture of these 17th-century pioneers, presenting their stories with all the excitement and suspense of a feature film.

DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER explodes time- honored myths about this determined band, including their relationship with the Native Americans. Tempered by years of violent discrimination, they came to New England armed and ready for a hostile reception. Beyond the traditional stories of Squanto and Massasoit sharing in the bounty of the first Thanksgiving lies a far more ambivalent relationship. Members of the Wampanoag community, the tribe that coexisted with the Pilgrims, shine a provocative new light on the uneasy pact between the two groups.

Executive Producer for The History Channel is Carl H. Lindahl. DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER was produced for The History Channel by Lone Wolf Productions. Producer-Director is Lisa Wolfinger. Narrator is Edward Herrmann.

Interviews include: Nathaniel Philbrick, author, Mayflower; Len Travers, associate professor of history, U. Mass.-Dartmouth; Jonathan Perry, Wampanoag Indigenous Program; Diarmaid MacCulloch, professor of church history, Oxford University; Karen Ordahl Kupperman, professor of history, NYU; Linda Coombs, Wampanoag Indigenous Program; Francis J. Bremer, professor of history, Millersville University of Penn.; Libby O'Connell, chief historian, The History Channel; and Lisa Wilson, professor of history, Connecticut College.

The History Channel(R) is one of the leading cable television networks featuring compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network provides an inviting place where people experience history in new and exciting ways enabling them to connect their lives today to the great lives and events of the past that provide a blueprint for the future. The History Channel has earned three Peabody Awards, six News and Documentary Emmy(R) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(R) campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. The History Channel reaches more than 89 million Nielsen subscribers. The website is located at http://www.history.com/.

CARL LINDAHL

VICE PRESIDENT OF HISTORICAL PROGRAMMING

THE HISTORY CHANNEL

Carl Lindahl is Vice President of Historical Programming for The History Channel(R), developing and overseeing new series, specials and documentary strands and advancing long-term programming strategies for the network. Lindahl has executive produced many of the network's successful and critically acclaimed Specials including Alexander The Great, Witch Hunt, Barbarians, Beyond The Moon: Failure Is Not An Option II, The Battle Of Tripoli, Isaac's Storm, The True Story of Black Hawk Down, the Cine Golden Eagle Masters Award- winning Fire On The Mountain, and the Emmy Award-winning Blood From A Stone. In addition to Specials, he currently oversees THC series including Deep Sea Detectives, Man Moment Machine, Heroes Under Fire and Declassified.

Previously Mr. Lindahl served as Vice President of Program Production at Turner Broadcasting, overseeing non-fiction programming and promotion for the networks TNT and TCM. Programs he executive produced at TNT include the Emmy- winning documentaries, Moment of Impact: Stories of the Pulitzer Prize Photographs; Football America; On Hallowed Ground: Streetball Champions of Rucker Park; Whatever Happened To Micheal Ray Richardson; Muhammad Ali: The Whole Story. Programs for TCM include: Howard Hughes, and the Cable Ace Award-winning documentaries Big Guns Talk and Inside The Dream Factory.

Prior to joining Turner, Mr. Lindahl was president of Communicreations, a New York production company that developed and produced non-fiction programs, TV advertising and promotion for clients including CBS, HBO, Cinemax, Turner Broadcasting, and The Discovery Networks.

Mr. Lindahl is a graduate of Ithaca College, with a Bachelor of Science in Television and Film.

LISA Q. WOLFINGER

PRODUCER, DIRECTOR

DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER

Lisa Q. Wolfinger is Producer, Director of DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER. Wolfinger has written, produced, directed and supervised the edit on a variety of television programs. Recent projects for The History Channel include a 90-minute Halloween special about the Salem Witch Trials, WITCH HUNT, (nominated for a 2005 News and Documentary Emmy) and a four-part marquee special, CONQUEST OF AMERICA (nominated for a 2005 Primetime Emmy.)

As co-owner of Lone Wolf Documentary Group, Wolfinger is also involved in the management of the company and overall supervision of all current projects, including episodes of the ongoing series for The History Channel, DEEP SEA DETECTIVES. Outside of Lone Wolf DG, Lisa has worked with partner Charlene Joyce (Screaming Mama Productions) to develop original programming for Nickelodeon's Noggin, Hit, Disney and PBS, as well as writing/developing feature scripts (Whatley's Quest for SONY Family.) She and Joyce are currently producers on the feature Frindle, based on Andrew Clements's best- selling book of the same name. In the past year Wolfinger and L.A.-based writing partner Rocky Collins have been writing and developing dramatic series for television.

Filmmaking credits

Wolfinger is Producer, Director of DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER, scheduled to air on The History Channel in Fourth Quarter 2006. She is Producer, Writer, Director of Conquest of America: The Northeast and Conquest of America: The Southeast; and Co-Series Producer of the four-part special event series CONQUEST OF AMERICA; and Producer, Writer, Director of the 90-minute docudrama special WITCH HUNT, which premiered on The History Channel in 2004.

Wolfinger is Producer, Writer, Director of the 2003 docudrama Fire on the Mountain, about the catastrophic Storm King Mountain fire that claimed lives of 14 wildland firefighters, which received the CINE Master's Series and Special Jury Award, 2004; Bronze Tele Award, 2004; and an Emmy nomination for Research, 2004. She is Producer, Writer, Director of the 2000 program Mayday!: Lost at Sea, a National Geographic Special broadcast nationally on PBS; and of ZOOM: Paracho, ZOOM: Marissa and ZOOM: Clayton"; guest segments for the popular children's program premiering on WGBH in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

She is Producer, Writer of the 2000 documentary The Beast of Loch Ness for the Nova series on WGBH; and of the documentary Titanic's Lost Sister, for Nova on WGBH, which won the New York Festivals' Silver World Medal, 1997, and the Golden Hugo Award, Chicago International Film Festival, 1996. Wolfinger is Producer, Writer, Co-Director of the documentary ER, Life on the Edge, nationally broadcast on PBS in 1995, about Detroit Receiving Hospital, the only level-one trauma center in the U.S.; and the independent documentary Steve Tobin: Portrait of a Sculptor, 1998. She is Associate Producer of the one-hour documentary Ballad of a Mountain Man, for PBS's The American Experience, 1989.

Other Credits

Wolfinger is Editor, "Fidelity Infomercial" (1993), and "Earthshare Infomercial" (1992); and Apprentice Editor, "Space Worker," which premiered nationally on PBS (1988). She is Treatment Writer for "Vanished: The Amelia Earhart Mystery," a documentary proposal created for WGBH/NOVA (1998); for "Cannibals," a documentary proposal for National Geographic Special.

Wolfinger is Director of the documentary "Paracho," about a small town in Mexico devoted to the craftsmanship of classical guitars; of "U-505 Exhibit: Oral History Project," created for the Museum of Science and Industry (1999). Wolfinger also worked on the 1995 training films "Running on Empty" and "The Hidden Wound," produced for the Detroit Receiving Hospital; and on a student documentary, "Neil Welliver: Portrait of an Artist."

Education

Wolfinger attended the ecole Hamaide, Belgium; the French Lycee, Denmark; and Cranborne Chase School, England. She attended the University of Sussex, England, from which she received a BA in European History with French and Russian; and the Sorbonne, Paris, where she studied European History. She maintains fluency in French through location managing, research and interpreting work in France, including the two productions Daredevils of the Sky and Hitler's Lost Sub.

JONATHAN PERRY

DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER

Aquinnah Wampanoag tribal member Jonathan Perry appears in DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER as both expert interviewee and actor. He was Assistant Producer of Mystic Voices LLC: The Pequot War (2002), a documentary that was nominated for four Emmy awards and received two.

His film credits include: a portrayal of a Pequot ambassador in the documentary, and a Native war captain in Massacre at Mystic, one of the documentaries in Ten Days that Unexpectedly Changed America on The History Channel in 2006. He demonstrated the gathering of materials and the building of a traditional home in a Simon and Carr film production for an ongoing video exhibit at the Pequot Museum and Research Center, and portrayed a Wampanoag warrior in a joint National Geographic Scholastic film and W.I.P. Thanksgiving Educational project. Jonathan appeared in the PBS reality series Colonial House. He has been interviewed by international TV crews and appeared in a Chronicle Television segment about living history museums in Massachusetts.

Jonathan is the assistant manager of the Wampanoag Indigenous Program (W.I.P.) at Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum. As such, he appreciates having the opportunity to impact thousands of visitors each year from around the world in a positive way, leaving them with a realistic sense of the complexities of 17th-century Wampanoag government, material culture, and spiritual beliefs. Jonathan is on the executive board of the Aquinnah Cultural Committee; they are developing a tribal museum on Martha's Vineyard.

LEN TRAVERS

HISTORIAN

DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER

Len Travers is Associate Professor in the Department of History, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Professor Travers holds a doctorate from Boston University, in American and New England Studies (1992); a master's degree from Boston University in American and New England Studies (1989); and a bachelor's, magna cum laude, from University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (1980).

Travers edited the book American Holidays and National Days: A Historical Guide (Westport, CT: The Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006), and is author of the book Celebrating the Fourth: Independence Day and the Rites of Nationalism in the Early Republic (Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 1997). He also authored the CD-ROM Inhabitants and Estates of the Town of Boston, 1630- 1800 (Co-publication of the New England Historical and Genealogical Society and the Massachusetts Historical Society, 2001).

Published articles include:

* "The Paradox of 'Nationalist' Festivals: The Case of Palmetto Day in

Antebellum Charleston." In William Pencak, et al., eds., Riot and

Revelry in Early America. University Park, PA: Penn State Press, 2002.

* Entries for New Dictionary of National Biography (2002): "Myles

Standish," "John Underhill," and "Edward Winslow."

* "The Thwing Index: Inhabitants and Estates of the Town of Boston,

1630-1800." New England Ancestors (Fall 2001).

* "'You see I am addicted to facts:' Annie Haven Thwing and the Crooked

and Narrow Streets of Boston." Massachusetts Historical Review 1

(1999).

* "'In the Greatest Solemn Dignity:' The Capitol Cornerstone and Ceremony

in the Early Republic." In Ronald Hoffman and Peter J. Albert, A

Republic for the Ages. Chapel Hill, N.C.: University of North Carolina

Press, 1999.

* "The Missionary Journal of John Cotton, Jr., 1666-1678." Massachusetts

Historical Society Proceedings (1999).

* "Science, Medicine, & Technology" chapter for American Eras:

Revolutionary America, 1754-1783. Columbia, South Carolina: Manly,

Inc., 1998.

* "Hurrah for the Fourth: Patriotism, Politics, and Independence Day in

Federalist Boston, 1777-1818." Essex Institute Historical Collections

vol. 125 no. 2 (1989): 129-161.

* "Sinews of Trade, Sinews of War: The Paper Money of Massachusetts."

Massachusetts Paper Money 1690-1780: The Collections of the

Massachusetts Historical Society. Portland, Maine: Massachusetts

Historical Society, 1988.

* "'Our Fathers were Englishmen:' Reconstructing an Early Seventeenth-

Century 'American' Dialect." American Speech: 1600 to the Present;

Dublin Seminar for New England Folklife Annual Proceedings 1983. Boston

University, 1985.

* Kerry W. Buckley, ed., A Place Called Paradise: Culture and Community

in Northampton, Massachusetts, 1654-2004 (University of Massachusetts

Press, 2004) for The New England Quarterly.

* Matthew Dennis, Red, White, and Blue Letter Days: An American Calendar

(Cornell University Press, 2002) for Reviews in American History.

* Roger Thompson, Divided We Stand: Watertown, Massachusetts, 1630-1680

(University of Massachusetts Press, 2001) for the Journal of American

History.

* Richard W. Cogley, John Eliot's Mission to the Indians before King

Philip's War (Cambridge, Mass., 1999), for The William and Mary

Quarterly.

* Elizabeth C. O'Leary, To Die For: The Paradox of American Patriotism

(Princeton, 1999), for The American Historical Review.

* John Seelye, Memory's Nation: The Place of Plymouth Rock (Chapel Hill,

1999), for The Public Historian.

* David Waldstreicher, In the Midst of Perpetual Fetes (Chapel Hill,

1997), for The American Historical Review.

Current Projects:

Prof. Travers is currently working, as co-editor, on The Correspondence of Rev. John Cotton, Jr. (1640-1699), a volume in the Colonial Society of Massachusetts Publications series; on "The Journal of Abner Barrows, 1756- 1758," Bulletin of the Fort Ticonderoga Museum; and doing research on the family correspondence of Jean-Paul Mascarene, 1724-1743, manuscript collections at the Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston, Massachusetts, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Ottawa, Ontario.

Related Professional Experience:

Prof. Travers also works as a historical consultant and commentator. Among past projects, he served on the Board of Directors, Old Colony Historical Society, Taunton, Massachusetts, 1998-2001, and was Assistant Director, Center for the Study of New England History, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston, Massachusetts, 1994-1999.

Source: The History Channel

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

Part of 9/11 Week on The History Channel(R): Moments of Courage, Acts of Grace, Triumphs of Will ... COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO

World Premiere Sunday, August 13, 2006 at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Hijackers prepare for their own deaths. A firefighter sends his wife off to work, 81 floors up in the World Trade Center. Loved ones scramble to reconnect amid the rubble. Wives watch on television, knowing their husbands may die. The September 11, 2001 disaster unfolded in many ways for many people, and a myriad of different stories intersected in Lower Manhattan, at what is now known as Ground Zero. The shock, fear, courage, and triumph of 9/11 is presented through the eyes of those who lived it in COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO, a special presentation premiering Sunday, August 13, 2006 at 8 p.m. ET/PT 9/11 on The History Channel.

Exactly when the 9/11 story began to play out is a different story for different people. For much of America, it started on the morning news and continued over a terrifying few hours that stretched into days, weeks and beyond. For the firefighters of Ladder Six in New York City, it began when the roar of a low-flying plane interrupted their morning coffee at the station. For hijacker Mohammed Atta, it started months earlier, in flight training schools in Florida. World Trade Center security director John O'Neill, a 25- year FBI veteran and a leading authority on terrorism, had warned America of the looming threat following the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993, and even predicted that the terrorists would attack the towers again. COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO follows these storylines and many others in the time leading up to the attacks in New York to the brutal aftermath, with dramatic recreations, personal interviews, and archival footage, in the process showing the tragedy and triumph that became the twin hallmarks of 9/11.

COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO doesn't just tell the stories of individuals, but re-creates how the events unfolded, minute-by-minute, with very real tension and uncertainty building. Would more planes hit? Could the fires be put out? How much time until the towers fall? And most importantly, who was affected. This re-telling of the 9/11 tragedies dramatically conveys the emotional intensity of people's lives, as all the elements rush toward a convergence during 102 pivotal minutes -- starting from the impact of the first plane and continuing to the collapse of the North Tower.

Highlights of COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO include:

* The early efforts to pursue the terrorists, including warnings from

Italian officials) and the secret memos to President Bush advising that

Bin Laden was "determined to strike on U.S. soil."

* The story of John O'Neill, a 25-year FBI veteran who was the U.S.

government's leading expert on Al Qaeda, but who quit his post in

frustration to become head of security at the World Trade Center.

* Tracking the terrorists in their planning for the attacks, including

their preparations for death and the infamous purchase of boxcutters the

night before.

* The heroic efforts of Rick Rescorla, a corporate security head for

Morgan Stanley Dean Witter who was instrumental in helping evacuate the

Towers. Friends and loved ones recall corresponding with him over the

phone as the Towers burned.

* Selfless acts that serendipitously resulted in survival, including the

stories of Ladder Six Captain Jay Jonas and bank executive Brian Clark,

both of whom delayed their escapes from the Towers to help others who

were trapped.

* The reactions to the hijackings in flight control centers, and the

chilling realization that the planes were headed for New York and

Washington.

* Firefighters recall the painstaking climb up stairways carrying 110

pounds of equipment, and the race back down to escape the collapse,

including several who were trapped under the collapse and lived to tell

about it.

Executive Producer for The History Channel is Carl H. Lindahl. COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO is produced for The History Channel by Story House Productions.

The History Channel(R) is one of the leading cable television networks featuring compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network provides an inviting place where people experience history in new and exciting ways enabling them to connect their lives today to the great lives and events of the past that provide a blueprint for the future. The History Channel has earned three Peabody Awards, six News and Documentary Emmy(R) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(R) campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. The History Channel reaches more than 89 million Nielsen subscribers. The website is located at www.History.com.

Source: The History Channel

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

The History Channel(R) Presents A Two-Hour Special Examining the World's First Superpower Through Its Astounding Architectural Achievements

EGYPT: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE To premiere in October, 2006

Network also to Launch New Weekly Series ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE Focusing on Other Great Civilizations the following week

Peter Weller to Host Both Series and Special

Five thousand years ago -- nearly two millennia before the Romans built their first mud huts -- ancient Egyptians began creating edifices so vast and architecturally sophisticated they remain to this day among the most impressive structures ever built. For thousands of years, without the benefit of computers, cranes, trucks or power tools, Egypt's mighty pharaohs commissioned the construction of monumental masterpieces -- pyramids, temples, fortresses, harbors and canals -- whose scale, beauty and craftsmanship still boggle the mind. But Egypt's road to architectural and imperial glory was paved with blood, betrayal and outright disaster.

Hosted by actor and art historian Peter Weller, the two-hour special EGYPT: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE explores these timeless engineering feats through the prism of each pharaoh's indomitable personality. EGYPT: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE premieres in October 2006 on The History Channel(R). The new series, ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE, launches the following week.

Egypt's massive pyramids, lavish burial temples, impenetrable forts and towering obelisks were the result of unparalleled architectural genius, unrivaled technology and millions of man-hours of backbreaking labor. As Egypt's succession of pharaohs alternately conquered and ceded vast expanses of what is today the Middle East, they pushed their royal architects to stretch the boundaries of imagination and human potential, essentially inventing the science of structural engineering as they went along. Using cutting-edge computer graphics and interviews with noted Egyptologists, and shot in high-definition, EGYPT: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE brings to life an astonishing ancient world. This fast-paced follow-up to the critically acclaimed ROME: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE from The History Channel covers the extraordinary period from the First Dynasty in 3000 B.C. to the end of the reign of Ramesses the Great in 1212 B.C., chronicling the great pharaohs and the startling accomplishments that helped make Egypt the world's first empire.

Highlights include:

* Menes, the founding king of the First Dynasty and the first pharaoh to

unify Upper and Lower Egypt into one kingdom, oversaw the construction

of the world's first dam, a massive, 50-foot-high wall that protected

Egypt's capital Memphis from the Nile's ravaging flood waters.

* An enterprising young pharaoh named Djoser, in 2668 B.C. commissioned a

colossal burial tomb which would become the first stone building ever

erected on Earth, and the first of Egypt's 100 pyramids.

* Pharaoh Snefru, who married his half-sister in an effort to solidify his

claim to the throne, was a benevolent leader but a brutal warrior who

looted neighboring kingdoms to finance his architectural ambitions.

Through a series of trials and catastrophic errors, he elevated the art

of pyramid building to a new level.

* Snefru's son Khufu built on his father's engineering experience to

create the biggest and most perfect pyramid ever constructed: the Great

Pyramid at Giza. Each of the building's four 700-foot sides was almost

perfectly symmetrical, and each corner of the pyramid was level within

fractions of an inch.

* Essentially inventing military architecture, Pharaoh Sesostris III, the

great warrior, conquered gold-rich Nubia with the help of a network of

17 vast and sophisticated fortresses stretching hundreds of miles into

enemy territory.

* The rebel pharaoh Akhenaten (father of Tutankhamen) who, based on a

religious vision, moved Egypt's capital to a barren patch of desert

virtually overnight -- requiring his engineers to develop far faster

building techniques. Within two years, the bustling city housed 20,000

people.

* Ramesses II, who fathered more than 100 children, combined engineering

and ego on an unprecedented scale to build two temples at Abu Simbel,

one for himself and one for his beloved queen, Nefertari. Carved out of

the face of a virgin cliff, Ramesses' monument was adorned by 69-foot

solid rock statues and a lavishly decorated sanctuary built 200 feet

inside the mountain.

Executive Producer for The History Channel is Dolores Gavin. Host is Peter Weller. EGYPT: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE was produced for The History Channel by KPI. Producer, Writer, Director is Christopher Cassel. Executive Producers are Vincent Kralyevich, William Hunt, and Kristine Sabat. Narrator is Michael Carroll.

ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE: THE SERIES

This October, The History Channel will launch a new weekly hour-long series, ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE, focusing on the architectural triumphs of other great civilizations. The series launches with episodes GREECE, GREECE: AGE OF ALEXANDER, THE AZTECS and episodes on the Maya, Chinese, Russians, Carthaginians, Persians, and Byzantines as well as on Great Britain, the Renaissance: Age of Architects and Napoleon's Empire. Similar in format and structure to the special, each of the programs will use the society's engineering accomplishments as a prism through which to view its history and culture.

The History Channel(R) is one of the leading cable television networks featuring compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network provides an inviting place where people experience history in new and exciting ways enabling them to connect their lives today to the great lives and events of the past that provide a blueprint for the future. The History Channel has earned three Peabody Awards, six News and Documentary Emmy(R) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(R) campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. The History Channel reaches more than 89 million Nielsen subscribers. The website is located at http://www.history.com/.

Source: The History Channel

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

WiderThan Releases Statement Regarding Patent Infringement Suit

Does Not Believe Suit Has Merit

WiderThan Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ:WTHN) , a leading global provider of integrated mobile entertainment solutions for wireless carriers, responded today to the announcement made yesterday by TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSYS) , that it has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against Mobile 365, Inc. and WiderThan Americas, Inc. for patent infringement.

WiderThan does not believe the lawsuit asserting infringement of United States Patent No. 6,985,748, issued earlier this year has merit. WiderThan plans to defend itself vigorously.

About WiderThan

WiderThan is a leading provider of integrated mobile entertainment solutions for wireless carriers. Our applications, content and services enable wireless carriers to a broad range of mobile entertainment, such as ringback tones, music-on-demand, mobile games, ringtones, messaging and information services, to their subscribers. WiderThan currently provides mobile entertainment solutions to more than 45 wireless carriers in over 20 countries, including SK Telecom in Korea, Cingular Wireless, Sprint Nextel, T- Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless in the United States, Bharti Airtel in India and Globe Telecom in the Philippines.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

Any statements in this announcement about the future expectations, plans or prospects of WiderThan, including statements containing the words "believe," "plan," "anticipate," "expect," "estimate," "will" and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including factors described in WiderThan's annual report on Form 20-F. These factors include the fluctuations of revenues and earnings, our reliance on SK Telecom to generate a majority of revenues and as a partner to develop and test services, the fact that the markets in which we operate are highly competitive, the challenges of global expansion, the lack of any contractual obligation for our carrier customers to use our services, the fact that a substantial portion of our revenues are subject to pricing decisions of carrier customers, the consolidation among our potential customer base, the dynamics of the wireless carrier markets in which our largest potential customers compete with one another, the fact that our carrier customers could begin developing and/or providing some or all of our carrier application services on their own, our dependence on ringback tone service for a significant portion of our revenue, potential increases in royalty rates payable to music label companies, currency exchange rate fluctuations, maintaining an effective system of internal controls and complying with regulations required by the telecom industry and in Korea. The forward- looking statements included in this announcement represent WiderThan's view as of the date of this release. WiderThan anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause WiderThan's views to change. However, WiderThan disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this document. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing WiderThan's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this announcement.

Source: WiderThan

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

 

Massive 'Mount Rockmore' Sand Sculpture Highlights Groundbreaking of Hard Rock Park, the World's First Rock 'n' Roll Theme Park

$400 Million Project Represents Single Largest Tourism Investment in South Carolina History

Construction officially began today on Hard Rock Park, the single largest tourism investment in South Carolina's history and the first new major theme park to be built in the U.S. in nearly a decade. The $400 million park is scheduled to open in the spring of 2008.

To celebrate the occasion, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, park management and other gathered dignitaries scooped out ivory-toned Myrtle Beach sand at the site with customized multi-colored electric "guitar shovels" specially designed for the occasion to unveil a massive, 250-ton sand sculpture interpretation of Mount Rushmore at the site.

In true Hard Rock fashion, instead of U.S. presidents, 'Mount Rockmore' as it was dubbed, featured the countenances of rock legends Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix. The monument was carved by artisans as a tribute to rock 'n' roll legends who have inspired, influenced and entertained generations of music lovers.

With more than five years in creation and design, the innovative Hard Rock Park will feature six unique "rock environs" celebrating rock's culture, lifestyle, legends and irreverence. Appealing to the family audience, the destination theme park will offer a diverse blend of rides, shows and interactive elements creating a totally immersive full day experience.

The 150-acre park is expected to entertain as many as 30,000 guests per day and will create more than 3,000 jobs, providing an economic boon to the state.

Gov. Sanford said, "For generations, Myrtle Beach has been a major draw for tourism in our state, particularly when it comes to being a place for families to enjoy their vacations. With the addition of a major international attraction like Hard Rock Park, it's one more reason for folks to visit the Grand Strand and South Carolina.

"Hard Rock Park represents the largest single investment in tourism infrastructure in our history and we believe that this project will significantly accelerate the growth of the state's largest export - tourism," Sanford added.

Steven Goodwin, CEO of HRP Myrtle Beach Operations LLC, who will operate the park said, "People always talk about the rock revolution. Well, why not a revolution in the evolution of theme parks? This will be a type of entertainment that no one has ever seen before."

Hard Rock Park's creators have spent years collaborating with experts in the themed-entertainment industry as well as musical legends and rock culture aficionados to create a high quality mix of rides, shows and interactive elements. The design of the park promotes a social interaction in a fun atmosphere for people of all ages.

Oliver Munday, Vice President of Hard Rock International, who has licensed the Hard Rock brand to the project said, "Hard Rock Park provides a great opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in rock 'n' roll music and the culture. We pride ourselves on having the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia ... and Hard Rock Park will showcase some of our finest pieces to help tell the story of music within the park."

Munday then presented the park with its first item of memorabilia: the authentic Magical Mystery tour bus from the classic Beatles movie.

Source: Hard Rock Park

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Brand New Episodes of Crank Yankers to Air on MTV2

 

Hilarious Puppet Crank Call Series Finds New Home on MTV2

MTV2 announced a deal today that will bring brand new episodes of Crank Yankers to the network. Originally premiering on Comedy Central in 2002, MTV2 has greenlit eight new episodes of the hysterical, critically acclaimed series that features actual prank calls made by show regulars and celebrity guests re-enacted by its colorful cast of puppets.

"Just when you thought it was safe to answer the phone ... Crank Yankers is back and we're thrilled that MTV2 is the place for viewers to find brand new episodes," said Tony DiSanto, Head of Programming, MTV2. "The show's devious sense of humor fits right in with our creative sensibility ... and we're looking forward to running up the phone bills."

"With all the trouble in the world, it's comforting to know that MTV2 understands how vital crank phone calls made by puppets are to this nation," stated Daniel Kellison, a Partner in Jackhole Industries.

Crank Yankers is produced by Jackhole Industries (The Man Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Andy Milonakis Show), the production entity comprised of Jimmy Kimmel, Daniel Kellison, and Adam Carolla. Past show regulars have included Jimmy Kimmel, Adam Carolla, Wanda Sykes, Jim Florentine, Dane Cook, Sarah Silverman and Tracy Morgan. Past guest celebrity voices included Dave Chappelle, Ludacris, Seth MacFarlane, Dennis Leary, Stephen Colbert, Eminem and SNL's Fred Armisen. The puppets are designed by Funny Garbage, and the title music is by Fountains of Wayne. Crank Yankers is executive produced by Jimmy Kimmel, Daniel Kellison, and Adam Carolla. Tony DiSanto serves as the Production Executive on the show for MTV2.

MTV2 is coming off its highest rated second quarter in network's history among P12-34, posting growth for the fourteenth consecutive quarter. Now in over 61 million homes and possessing the highest concentration of young males (M12-24: 33%) in all of television (50+ million subs), MTV2 reached new ratings milestones in channel history during the months of April, May and June 2006 among P12-34 anchored by the launch of the Sic' Emation block with Celebrity Deathmatch becoming the highest rated MTV2 series premiere telecast ever.

For more information on MTV2, please visit http://www.mtv2.com/.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 100 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Source: MTV

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Lebanon: Foreign Office advises against all travel

 

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE News Release (LEBANON) issued by The Government

News Network on 14 July 2006

The Foreign Office revised its travel advice for Lebanon following the recent

Israeli air attacks on sites throughout Lebanon.

The relevant points in the summary now read:

"Following the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers on the border between

Israel and Lebanon on 12 July 2006, and the subsequent Israeli strikes on

sites across Lebanon, we are advising against all travel to the country.

"Beirut airport is currently closed following Israeli airstrikes. There is

also a naval blockade of all ports and the main Beirut-Damascus highway

is closed. If you are currently in Lebanon you should stay put for the time

being, exercise caution, keep in touch with the Embassy and heed local advice.

We are keeping the situation under close review but you should get ready

for departure at short notice if the situation changes, including by having

travel documents in order. We will post further information on this website

as we get it."

The previous advice read:

Following the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers on the border between

Israel and Lebanon on 12 July 2006, and the subsequent Israeli strikes on

sites across Lebanon, we are advising against all but essential travel to

the country. We also advise against all travel to areas of southern Lebanon

south of a line between Tyre and Marjayoun. Both runways of Beirut airport

are currently closed as a result of Israeli airstrikes.

"If you are currently in Lebanon you should exercise caution, keep in touch

with the Embassy and heed local advice. We are keeping the situation under

close review."

Full details of the revised travel advice for Lebanon are available on the

Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

FCO Travel Advice can also be obtained on the following telephone number:

0845 850 2829.

FCO Travel Advice is kept under constant review. This advice is based on

our latest assessment of the situation in Lebanon.

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IT Employment Continues Upward Trend in June

 

 Employment of IT workers continued to grow last month despite an overall jobs report that many experts characterize as weak. In June 2006, employment of IT workers increased 2,400 from the previous month to 3,657,600, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.4% from June 2005. For the past 12 months, employment of information technology (IT) workers increased by more than 152,000, according to the National Association of Computer Consultant Businesses (NACCB).

"The increase in June," said Mark Roberts, NACCB CEO, "is indicative of strong demand for IT professionals including those that work within IT services sector. Businesses continue to require more IT talent to help increase productivity and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. The number of IT employees has continued to grow consistently since last year."

"We are seeing strong demand for the services of IT staffing and solutions companies. When demand for IT talent is high, it often outstrips the ability of companies to recruit the necessary IT skillsets or staff projects through their internal resources. Companies will turn to IT services firms to either supplement their own staff or outsource entire projects," Roberts said.

For complete IT Employment Index please visit: http://www.naccb.org/employment-index/july2006_it_release.pdf.

The IT employment index is published by the National Association of Computer Consultant Businesses (NACCB), the national trade association representing IT staffing and solutions firms.

Technical note: NACCB's IT Employment Index is the first specific measurement of IT employment. This unique measurement of total IT employment is created monthly by studying the ongoing staffing patterns of a dozen IT and computer related occupations in 16 industries and industry sectors employing significant numbers of IT workers including the manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, financial, information services, business and professional services, and education and health industries. The monthly IT Employment Index is based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, which is subject to monthly revisions, and therefore, the Index is revised accordingly. The IT Employment Index is also subject to annual revisions and was benchmarked in May 2006.

ABOUT NACCB

NACCB is the only organization solely devoted to representing IT Staffing and Solutions firms and their employees who are creating a new paradigm for the flexible workforce driving the 21st Century economy. These firms provide IT staff augmentation, IT solutions, IT project management, and IT consulting services to America's businesses. NACCB represents over 300 IT services companies serving as the industry voice for public policy. NACCB also supports member companies in efficiently delivering high quality services to their clients. NACCB is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia.

Source: National Association of Computer Consultant Businesses

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U.S. consumer confidence holds steady amid oil price increases and Middle East unrest, according to RBC CASH Index

 

-- Although Americans' attitudes about the future direction of the economy continues to fluctuate slightly, consumer confidence is holding steady in July, according to the most recent results of the RBC CASH (Consumer Attitudes and Spending by Household) Index, which measured the attitudes of 1,000 Americans earlier this week. A softening of confidence rather than an increase in negativity, which was seen across all measures of the Index, produced a slight dip in overall consumer sentiment. As a result, the RBC CASH Index for July, released today by RBC Financial Group, stands at 80.1, compared to 84.1 in June.

-- Although Americans' attitudes about the future direction of the economy continues to fluctuate slightly, consumer confidence is holding steady in July, according to the most recent results of the RBC CASH (Consumer Attitudes and Spending by Household) Index, which measured the attitudes of 1,000 Americans earlier this week. A softening of confidence rather than an increase in negativity, which was seen across all measures of the Index, produced a slight dip in overall consumer sentiment. As a result, the RBC CASH Index for July, released today by RBC Financial Group, stands at 80.1, compared to 84.1 in June.

"Despite mortgage rates rising to a four-year high - approaching 6.75 per cent for a 30-year fixed-rate loan - the price of oil testing a record high above $75 per barrel and the national average of mid-grade gasoline remaining above $3.00 per gallon in recent weeks, consumers appear to be wavering only slightly in their outlook," said T.J. Marta, Economic and Senior Currency Strategist for RBC Capital Markets. "The modest drop in the overall index reflects the fact that the Fed's 2.25 per cent hike in interest rates since June 2005 is only now beginning to impact economic growth. The RBC CASH Index supports our view that consumers will moderate their spending in coming months."

The RBC CASH Index is a monthly national survey of consumer attitudes on the current and future state of local economies, personal finance situations, savings and confidence to make large investments. The Index is composed of four sub-indexes; RBC Current Conditions Index; RBC Expectations Index; RBC Investment Index; and, RBC Jobs Index. The Index is benchmarked to a baseline of 100 assigned at its introduction in January 2002. This month's findings are based on a representative nationwide sample of 1,000 adults polled from July 10-12, 2006 by survey-based research company Ipsos Public Affairs. The margin of error was plus or minus 3.1 per cent. Highlights of the survey results include:

- Consumers' confidence in future conditions cooled somewhat this month

bringing the RBC Expectations Index to 34.2, down from 40.4 in June.

Expectations regarding personal financial situations held steady as

37 per cent of Americans said they expected improvements in personal

financial strength, compared to 38 per cent with similar expectations

in June. And while the number of Americans who believe they or someone

they know will be at risk of losing their job due to economic

conditions in the next six months decreased to 15 per cent, compared

to 16 per cent last month, the proportion of Americans who feel this

possible job loss is "not likely" also declined slightly in July 2006

(54 per cent not likely in July, compared to 57 per cent not likely in

June).

- However, the RBC Current Conditions Index, at 96.6, held steady when

compared to the 99.4 registered last month. Consumers do not show

signs that their opinions are becoming any more negative about current

conditions; rather, their attitudes are slightly less strongly

positive than before. Americans are also slightly less confident in

their ability to make household purchases (38 per cent more confident

in July, compared to 40 per cent more confident in June) and their

ability to invest in the future (40 per cent more confident, compared

to 44 per cent more confident in June 2006).

- Although confidence in the ability to invest in the future dropped

somewhat, Americans' attitudes toward major purchases improved

slightly (35 per cent more confident in July 2006, compared to

32 per cent more confident in June 2006). The result was

a marginal increase in the RBC Investment Index for July 2006, which

stands at 89.6, compared to 88.4 in June.

- Job security dipped slightly this month. The RBC Jobs Index stands at

116.9 in July, down from 124.1 in June. This month only 36 per cent of

Americans reported they are more confident about their job security

than six months ago (compared to 43 per cent more confident in June

2006). Those feeling less confident include individuals who feel the

country is off on the wrong track (57 per cent less confident); women

age 45 or older (53 per cent less confident) and, Americans with an

annual household income of less than $25,000 (54 per cent less

confident).

The entire RBC CASH Index report can be viewed at www.rbc.com/newsroom/rbc-cash-index.html

About RBC Financial Group

Royal Bank of Canada (TSX, NYSE: RY) uses the initials RBC as a prefix for its businesses and operating subsidiaries, which operate under the master brand name of RBC Financial Group. Royal Bank of Canada is Canada's largest bank as measured by market capitalization and assets and is one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies. In the United States, RBC provides personal and commercial banking, insurance, full-service brokerage and corporate and investment banking services to about 1.5 million clients through RBC Centura, RBC Insurance, RBC Liberty Insurance, RBC Dain Rauscher and RBC Capital Markets. The company employs approximately 70,000 full and part-time employees who serve more than 14 million personal, business and public sector clients through offices in North America and some 30 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.rbc.com.

Source: RBC Financial Group

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NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery Set to Land Monday


nasa

Commander Steve Lindsey and his crew onboard the Space Shuttle Discovery will complete their mission, STS-121, with a landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., set for 9:07 a.m. EDT on Monday, July 17. Discovery began its 13-day mission to the International Space Station on July 4.

Landing at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility is slated to occur on orbit 203 at the mission-elapsed time of 12 days, 18 hours and 29 minutes. The deorbit burn will occur at 8:04 a.m. A second Kennedy landing opportunity is available at 10:42 a.m., with the deorbit burn at 9:40 a.m.

Two landing opportunities are available at the back-up landing location on Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., on Monday. However, mission managers are expected to attempt a landing only at Kennedy Monday unless there are technical reasons that would necessitate other plans. The first opportunity at Edwards would be 12:11 p.m. EDT and the second at 1:46 p.m.

If landing occurs as scheduled, this will be the 62nd landing at Kennedy in the history of the shuttle program. Discovery will be serviced and prepared for its next mission, STS-116, targeted for December.

About an hour after touchdown, the STS-121 crew members will meet with their families and undergo initial physical examinations. A post-mission press conference with the crew is scheduled at Kennedy's News Center no earlier than six hours after landing.

If Discovery lands at Edwards, an augmented Kennedy convoy team will be onsite to safe the vehicle, disembark the crew and move the orbiter to the mate/demate device, the structure used to prep the shuttle for its ferry flight back to Kennedy atop NASA's modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.

Kennedy's News Center will open for landing activities at 10 a.m. EDT Sunday, July 16, and close at 4 p.m. On landing day, the News Center will open at 5 a.m. and close at approximately 5 p.m. The STS-121 mission badges are in effect through landing. The pass and identification building on State Road 3 will be open on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Monday from 5 to 7 a.m. The last bus will depart from Kennedy's Press Site for the Shuttle Landing Facility an hour before landing.

For the latest information on the STS-121 mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

 

 

Source: NASA

Web site: http://www.nasa.gov/

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MAGIX PARTNERS WITH EMUSIC AND LIVE365


  

MAGIX Offers Free Music Downloads and Internet Radio Services for Buyers of

MAGIX Music Studio 11 deluxe and MP3 Maker 11

 
MAGIX www.magix.com , a worldwide leader in multimedia software and services, announced today partnerships with the music download portal eMusic and Internet radio network Live365, making music lover’s money go a lot further. 
 
When consumers buy MAGIX Music Studio 11 deluxe, the world’s most successful music creation software1, they receive a special 30 day free trial to the Internet radio network Live 365.  MAGIX customers can enjoy Live365’s “Preferred Membership” premium radio subscription service for free with unlimited access to 10,000 stations in 260 genres, commercial-free in CD quality.  They can also try out Live365’s broadcasting service and start their own Internet radio station to share their music and ideas with a worldwide community of four million fans.
 
In addition, customers who purchase the most successful MP3 software in the world1, MAGIX MP3 Maker 11, will be able to download 100 songs for free from eMusic, the world’s largest retailer of independent music and second largest digital music service.  eMusic supplies more than 1.5 million tracks from 4,000 of the world’s leading independent labels in every musical genre, which can be downloaded as MP3s, edited with MAGIX MP3 Maker 11 and saved on your cellphone or other mobile device.
 
“We’re delighted that three strong partners have been able to join forces in this cooperation,”
said MAGIX CEO Jürgen Jaron. “Our software solutions provide all the options necessary for editing, enjoying, and transferring music to mobile players.  eMusic and Live365, the leading music download and Internet radio providers, are the perfect musical complement to our products.”
 

About eMusic

 
Delivering more than one million downloads each month, eMusic is among the top digital music services, offering a diverse catalogue of one million tracks from established and emerging artists in every genre from the world’s top independent labels.  Founded in 1998, eMusic was the first service to sell songs and albums in the popular MP3 format and the first company to launch a digital music subscription service.
 
About Live365
 
With thousands of stations and more than 4 million listeners a month, Live365 is the world’s largest Internet radio network. The company gives individuals and organizations a “voice” to be able to reach a global audience, while offering more than 4 million radio listeners per month an unparalleled choice in music and other audio content. Through easy-to-use tools and services, anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can create his or her own Internet radio station. As a result, Live365 offers the most diverse array of high-quality radio available today, with thousands of stations spanning myriad genres and representing over 150 countries.
 
About MAGIX
 
MAGIX AG, Berlin, is an international provider of software, online services, and digital content for the use of multimedia products and services in personal communication. MAGIX provides private and professional users with a range of technologically sophisticated and at the same time user-friendly software, online services, and digital content for the design, editing, presentation, and archiving of digital photos, videos, and music. In 2005, based on sales of products through retail distribution of photographic, music, and video software, MAGIX held a leading market position in Germany and various other European countries, and was one of the three leading market players in the USA.
 
1Refers to the number of software products sold by retailers according to monthly measurement by Media Control Germany (Source: media control Panel) (PC/CD-ROM non-games Germany according to criteria of VUD), GfK Charts Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Chart Track UK, NPD Data Charts PC/CD-ROM non-games US, Italy, Spain, Nordic. May 2005 to May 2006.
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July 14, 2006

Recent Posts

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(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

Recent Posts

 

 

(C)MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

sales@montebubbles.net

 

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The Lost Archives December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July

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Wi-Fi TV Introduces Traffic Cams to Its Live Internet TV Delivery and Adds More News, Travel, Weather, and Education Channels

 Expanding its live TV offerings, Wi-Fi TV (PINKSHEETS: WTVN) today added live traffic cams as part of its array of live TV channels, live chat and breaking news stories.

"The future of TV will be based on the Internet because you can watch the picture on any device from a cellular phone to a laptop computer to a big screen TV, and you can get all the live interaction, such as chat and click-to-purchase, which only the Internet allows," said Lisa Pahl, a Director of Wi-Fi TV Inc. "The key to Wi-Fi TV is to allow a combination of Internet TV related features all in one place," she added.

The traffic cams are similar to other live webcams accessible on Wi-Fi TV (www.Wi-FiTV.com) which include webcams for geographic locations (Times Square, beaches), wildlife (Pandas, Sharks, Tigers), bars and nightlife spots.

Wi-Fi TV has also added more 24/7 live TV channels devoted to particular topics including various Religions, News, live governmental webcasts, Education, Cities (including Chicago, Las Vegas and others), Comedy, Music (including Rock, Classical, and others), and Spanish language stations.

About Wi-Fi TV, Inc.

Wi-Fi TV can be seen over the Internet in the United States, Latin America and globally. More than 200 channels of live TV programming, Country and Category specific breaking news and free voice over IP phone calls are available at www.Wi-FiTV.com. Wi-Fi TV viewers from 130 countries around the world are tracked on the home page (www.Wi-FiTV.com) by the independent NeoTracker.

Wi-Fi TV offers a free five minute trial with no sign-up required, a free 14 day trial and a choice of monthly recurring subscriptions for $2.95 or a annual subscription for $24.95. Members get unlimited, no additional cost access to hundreds of channels and other features.

Wi-Fi TV, Inc. has opened a new content and technology demo room for the press in Newport Beach, California. For further information, contact Colby Marceau, 949-716-9397, info@wi-fitv.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements made in this press release which are not historical facts contain certain forward-looking statements; as such term is defined in the Private Security Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning potential developments affecting the business, prospects, financial condition and other aspects of the company to which this release pertains. The actual results of the specific items described in this release, and the company's operations generally, may differ materially from what is projected in such forward-looking statements. Although such statements are based upon the best judgments of management of the company as of the date of this release, significant deviations in magnitude, timing and other factors may result from business risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the company's dependence on third parties, general market and economic conditions, technical factors, the availability of outside capital, receipt of revenues and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the company. The company disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement. This press release shall not be deemed a general solicitation

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What's in a Name? The Jewelry Factory in Norristown Changes Name to Jewelry Exchange and Sales Skyrocket

The Jewelry Factory in Norristown recently changed their name to the "Jewelry Exchange," and management couldn't be more pleased. "We thought there might be some confusion in the marketplace, and we were expecting a decline in sales for a few months," a company spokesman stated. "However, to our surprise and delight, sales have increased steadily since the name change took effect."

The Jewelry Exchange is the nation's leading chain of independent jewelry stores, and operates in about 70% of the country under that name. In some markets, the company operates under the name the "Jewelry Factory" or the "Jewelry Source."

 

The company decided to rename the store in the Philadelphia suburb in order to solidify the brand name and create more cohesion with the national advertising campaigns. The name change took effect on June 8, 2006.

"We believe that our sales are growing because our customers enjoy our value, large selection, and casual shopping environment -- with no commissioned salesmen," the spokesman stated. "And, especially in these times -- with high gas prices taking a bite out of people's budgets -- our customers appreciate our factory-direct pricing, which saves them up to 80% on their jewelry purchases."

The Jewelry Exchange is owned by Goldenwest Diamond Corporation, and is the largest private importer of diamonds in America. The Jewelry Exchange was also recently named one of the top 25 jewelers in America. For more information, call (800) 441-0715 or go online at www.jewelryexchange.com

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NASA EXPLAINS PUZZLING IMPACT OF POLLUTED SKIES ON CLIMATE

nasaNASA scientists have determined the formation of clouds is affected by the lightness or darkness of air pollution particles. This also impacts Earth's climate.


In a breakthrough study published Thursday in the online edition of Science, scientists explain why aerosols -- tiny particles suspended in air pollution and smoke -- sometimes stop clouds from forming and in other cases increase cloud cover. Clouds deliver water around the globe, and they also help regulate how much of the sun's warmth the planet holds. The capacity of air pollution to absorb energy from the sun is the key.
 

"When the overall mixture of aerosol particles in pollution absorbs more sunlight, it is more effective at preventing clouds from forming. When pollutant aerosols are lighter in color and absorb less energy, they have the opposite effect and actually help clouds to form," said Lorraine Remer of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. Remer worked closely with the study's lead author, the late Yoram Kaufman of Goddard, on previous research into this perplexing "aerosol effect."

With this new understanding, scientists working to predict how the Earth's climate is changing will be able to take a big step forward. The effect of the planet's constantly changing cloud cover has long been a problem for climate scientists. How clouds change in response to greenhouse-gas warming and air pollution will have a major impact on future climate.

Using this new understanding of how aerosol pollution influences cloud cover, Kaufman and co-author Ilan Koren of the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, Israel, estimate the impact world-wide could be as much as a 5 percent net increase in cloud cover. In polluted areas, these cloud changes can change the availability of fresh water and regional temperatures.

In previous research by the authors and their colleagues, both effects that aerosols have on clouds were seen with data from NASA satellites. Over the northern Atlantic Ocean, clouds that often produce heavy rain storms grew taller and were more frequent when plumes of pollution from North America or dust from Africa's Sahara Desert were present. However, when smoke from large fires billowed into the sky over South America's Amazon River basin, clouds were consistently fewer than when the air was relatively clear.

With these observations alone, the scientists could not be absolutely sure the aerosols themselves were causing the clouds to change. Other local weather factors such as shifting winds and the amount of moisture in the air could have been responsible, meaning the pollution was just along for the ride.

"Separating the real effects of the aerosols from the coincidental effect of the meteorology was a hard problem to solve," Koren said. In addition, the impact of aerosols is difficult to observe, compared to greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, because aerosols only stay airborne for about one week, while greenhouse gases can linger for decades.

To tackle this problem, Kaufman and Koren assembled a massive database of global observations that strongly suggests it is the darkness (absorbs sunlight) or brightness (reflects sunlight) of aerosol pollution and not weather factors that cause pollution to act as a cloud killer or a cloud maker. These measurements were culled from the NASA-sponsored Aerosol Robotic Network of ground-based instruments at nearly 200 sites worldwide.

The scientists conducted an extensive survey of sky conditions at 17 locations (including Washington, Rome, Beijing, and Mexico City) that represented different types of air pollution and weather patterns. Automated instruments that act like a camera's light meter to record how much sunlight was coming from the sky took readings several times an hour at different times of the year.

No matter where in the world the measurements were taken or in what season, Kaufman and Koren saw the same pattern. There were lots of clouds when light-reflecting pollution filled the air, but many fewer clouds were recorded in the presence of light-absorbing aerosols.  "The probability that such a consistent relationship between aerosols and their effects on clouds is due to some other factor is very unlikely," Koren said.

NASA's satellites, computer models, and technology will continue to advance our understanding of how aerosol pollution affects the Earth's climate. NASA's formation of flying satellites, with the cloud-piercing instruments onboard the Cloudsat and CALIPSO spacecraft, are helping answer challenging questions such as the role of clouds in global warming and the influence of aerosols on rainfall and hurricanes.

Source:  NASA

For more information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/environment/pollution_clouds.html

 

 

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July 13, 2006

VSDA's Home Entertainment 2006 Awards

HARRY POTTER FLIES A WAY WITH TWO HOME ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS
CRASH, MADAGASCAR, AND MADDEN NFL 06 ALSO MULTIPLE WINNERS

Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, Crash, Madagascar, and Madden NFL 06 carried the 2006 Home Entertainment Awards by winning two awards each at the Venetian in Las Vegas.

The Home Entertainment Awards are presented by the Entertainment Merchants Association (EMA) in recognition of outstanding achievement in home video.

"This year's Home Entertainment Award recipients are the most diverse selection of titles to date," said EMA President Bo Andersen. "Among the recipients are network and cable television shows, entertainment that the entire family can enjoy together, and two of the most successful movie and video game franchises ever created."

The list of Home Entertainment Awards is as follows:

 

Category
Title
Studio

 

Archival TV Series of the Year
Six Feet Under, Seasons 3,4,5
HBO Video

 

Current TV Series on DVD
24, Season 4
Twentieth Century Fox Home
Entertainment

 

Children's Title of the Year
Madagascar
Dream Works Home Entertainment

 

Direct-to-Video/Limited Release of the Year from an Independent Studio
Half Light
First Look Home Entertainment

 

 

 

 

Direct-to-Video/Limited Release of the Year from a Major Studio
Family Guy Presents Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story (UNR)
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

 



 

Documentary Title of the Year
March of the Penguins
Warner Home Video

 

DVD Extras of the Year from an Independent Studio
Saw II
Lionsgate

 

 

 

 

DVD Extras of the Year From a Major Studio
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - 2 Disc Set/special Edition
Warner Home V ideo

 


 

 

Family Title of the Year From an Independent Studio 
The Prince and Me 2
First Look Home Entertainment

 

 

 

 

 

Family Title of the Year From a Major Studio
Madagascar
Dream Works Home Entertainment

 

 

Foreign Language Title of the Year
House of Flying Daggers
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Marketing Campaign of the Year From an Independent Studio 
Crash
Lionsgate

 

 

Marketing Campaign of the Year From a Major Studio
Wedding Crashers
New Line Home Entertainment

 

 

Music DVD of the Year
The Eagles: Farewell I Tour Live
From Melbourne
Rhino/W arner Strategic Marketing

 


 

Packaging of the Year From an Independent Studio
Saw: Uncut Edition
Lionsgate

 

 

Packaging of the Year From a Major Studio
Sin City
Buena Vista Home Entertainment

 

 

Rental Title of the Year From an Independent Studio
The Prince and Me 2
First Look Home Entertainment
 

 

 

Rental Title of the Year From a Major Studio
Walk the Line

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment 


 


Sell-through Title of the Year From an Independent Studio
Crash
Lionsgate

 

 

Sell-Through Title of the Year From a Major Studio
Hany Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Warner Home Video

 

 

Sleeper of the Year
Sideways
Twentieth Century Fox Home
Entertainment
Special Interest Title of the Year
Dave Chappelle: For What It's Worth-Live At the Fillmore
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

 

 

 

Adult Title of the Year
Pirates
Digital Playground
GameCube Game of the Year
Madden NFL '06
Electronic Arts
PlayStation 2 Video Game of the Year
Madden NFL '06
Electronic Arts
Xbox Video Game of the Year
Halo 2 - Multiplayer Map Pack
Microsoft Game Studios
     

 

2006 DVD TECHNICAL AWARDS
FINDS LOST Is Tops RE- ISSUE OF TITANIC ALSO CAPTURES 2 AWARDS

The hit television series Lost received two 2006 DVD Technical Awards for Best Commentary and Best Overall Presentation­Television Release and the Special Collectors Edition of the epic film Titanic won for Best Video Transfer From a Non-Digital Source and Best Supplementary Material at this evening's VSDA Awards Show at Home Entertainment 2006.

"The DVDs available today feature an unprecedented amount of visual and audio quality as well as interactivity and special features for the die-hard movie fan," said Bo Andersen, President of the Entertainment Merchants Association. "DVDs of Lost and Titanic allow viewers to have a richer experience than when watching the programs on television or pay-per-view, and the features that are included give legitimate retailers a huge advantage over pirated copies."

VSDA's 2006 DVD Technical Awards honor DVD titles that have demonstrated the most innovative and entertaining features through the use of the latest DVD technology.

The winners of the 2006 VSDA Technical Awards were:

 

Category
Title
Studio
Best Audio Presentation
From the Earth To The Moon
HBO Video
Best Commentary
Lost
Buena Vista Home
Entertainment
Best Direct Digital Transfer
Robots
Twentieth Century Fox Home
Entertainment
Best Video Transfer From a
Non-Digital Source
Titanic-Special Collector's Edition
Paramount Home
 

 

Entertainment
Best Menu Features
Saw: Uncut Edition
Lionsgate
Best Music DVD-Concert Release
The Who: Quadrophenia Live with Special Guests
Rhino Entertainment

 

 

Best Music DVD-Non
No Direction Home-Bob Dylan
Paramount Home
Concert Release

 

Entertainment
Best Re-Mastered DVD
Harold Lloyd Comedy Collection
New Line Home
Entertainment

 

Best Supplementary Material
Titanic-Special Collector's Edition
Paramount Home
Entertainment
Best Overall Presentation-  Adult Product
Pirates
Digital Playground

 

 

Best Overall Presentation-
Foreign Language Release
Howl's Moving Castle
Buena Vista Home Entertainment
 

 

 
Best Overall Presentation- Direct-to-DVD Release
Looney Tunes, Volume 3
Warner Home Video
 

 

 

Best Overall Presentation -
Television Release
Lost
Buena Vista Home Entertainment

 

 

Best Overall Presentation - Theatrical Release

Harry Potter & The Goblet Of Fire
Wamer Home Video
 

 

 

 

GREASE IS THE WORD
IT’S GOT GROOVE, IT’S GOT MEANING
AND A PLACE IN THE VIDEO HALL OF FAME

The Entertainment Merchants Association (EMA) inducted Grease, the 1978 movie musical about summer love and the senior year in high school starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, as the third entry in the Video Hall of Fame.

After a summer at the beach and discovering that "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing," high schoolers Danny Zucko (Travolta) and Sandy Olsson (Newton-John) meet again in the halls of Rydell High School after Sandy's parents decide to extend their stay in America. Complications arise when Sandy starts to hang out with the Pink Ladies and learns that Danny is the leader ofthe leather jacket-wearing T-Birds. Surrounding these two lovers' struggle to be true to themselves and each other is a National Bandstand Television dance contest, a car race between the T -Birds and the rival Scorpions, and plenty of singing. Stockard Channing, Frankie Avalon, Sha-Na-Na, Frankie Valli, and others round out the cast of one of the most popular and successful musical movies of all time.

John Travolta was previously honored by the home entertainment industry as Video Star of the Year in 1997.

Grease joins Scarface and The Godfather in the Video Hall of Fame. The Video Hall of Fame recognizes movies that have continued to perform well in both video sales and rental over an extended period of time. Home entertainment retailers and distributors that are members of EMA select inductees to the Video Hall of Fame.

 

EMA ANNOUNCES RETAILER OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Entertainment Merchants Association (EMA) announced the recipients of the 2006 Retailer of the Year awards during the Opening Session of VSDA's Home Entertainment 2006. The Retailer of the Year awards are given annually to recognize successful video store operators.

"The annual Retailer of the Year awards recognizes companies that have prospered in the face of changing trends and formats by innovating ways to best serve customers," said Bo Andersen, President of the Entertainment Merchants Association. "These retailers are among the very best at serving their customers and are a credit to the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the industry."

The award recipients are as follows:

George Atkinson Award (Single Store) - named in honor of the late George Atkinson, who founded the video rental industry when he opened the world's first video store in 1977.

Movie Merchants, Sonoma, CA Video Quest, Joliet, FL
Video Zone, South Deerfield, MA


2-4 Stores
The People's Choice Video Express, Waukegan, FL

The People's Choice Video Express,

5+ Stores
Backstage Video, Bridgewater, VA

iDEA Chairman's Award - awarded on behalf of the Independent Dealers of Entertainment Association (iDEA) to an independent video retailer for specific accomplishments of a store or store operation such as specific category development, sell-through initiatives, tanning, games, and online.

Digital Dogpound, Evansdale, IA

Entertainment Specialist - selected from merchants that specialize in the retailing of entertainment hardware and software.

Circuit City, Richmond, VA

Non-Traditional Retailer - awarded to retailers who employ unique business models for the rental or sale of DVDs.

BMG Columbia House, New York, NY

Online Retailer - designated for retailers that sell or rent DVDs online.

Amazon.com, Seattle, WA

Rental Specialist - honors businesses that specialize in renting DVDs among public companies or chains of 100 or more stores.

Netflix, Los Gatos, CA

VSDA's Home Entertainment 2006, presented by the Entertainment Merchants Association (EMA), brings together retailers, distributors, and suppliers of DVDs and video and computer games to learn about upcoming releases and industry developments and to celebrate the $32 billion home entertainment industry.

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Vatican news

 Declaration Concerning Archbishop Milingo
- Theme of World Peace Day 2007
 
___________________________________________________________
 
DECLARATION CONCERNING ARCHBISHOP MILINGO
 
The Holy See Press Office released the following declaration at midday today:
 
  "The Holy See has not yet received precise information concerning the aim of the journey to the United States of America by Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo, emeritus of Lusaka, Zambia.
 

  "In any case, if the declarations attributed to him concerning ecclesiastical celibacy were to prove authentic, the only thing to do would be to deplore them, Church discipline on this matter being well known."


 OP/ARCHBISHOP MILINGO/...                                                    VIS 060713 (90)
 
THEME OF WORLD PEACE DAY 2007
 
VATIn a brief communique made public today the theme was announced of the 40th World Peace Day, due to be celebrated on January 1, 2007: "The Human Person: Heart of Peace."
 
  This theme for reflection, chosen by the Holy Father, "expresses the conviction that respect for the dignity of the human person is an essential condition for peace within the human family," says the communique. "Only through an awareness of the transcendent dignity of each man and woman can the human family follow the path that leads to peace and to communion with God."
 
  The communique continues: "Today, perhaps more persuasively and with more effective means than in the past, human dignity is threatened by aberrant ideologies, assailed by the misguided use of science and technology, and contradicted by widespread incongruent lifestyles. Indeed, ideologies that find their inspiration in nihilism or fanaticism (material or religious) seek to deny or to impose supposed truths upon reality, upon man and upon God."
 
  The note highlights the fact that "often science and technology (especially biomedicine), rather than serving the common good of humanity, are instrumental in serving an egotistical vision of progress and wellbeing. Moreover, propaganda and the growing acceptance of disordered lifestyles contrary to human dignity are weakening the hearts and minds of people to the point of extinguishing the desire for ordered and peaceful coexistence. All this represents a threat to humanity, because peace is in danger when human dignity is not respected and when social coexistence does nor seek the common good.
 
  "The Church," the communique adds, "has the mission of announcing the Gospel of Life, the central position of mankind in the universe and God's love for humanity. Therefore, to the challenges of the present time, the Church responds with a Christian anthropology based on the three pillars of human dignity, sociality and activity in the world, oriented in accordance with the order stamped by God on the universe, and with a view to an integral and solidary humanism that tends towards the development of all of man and of all men."
 

  The communique concludes by affirming that "any offence to the person is a threat to peace; any threat to peace is an offence to the truth of the person: 'The human person is the heart of peace'."


 .../THEME WORLD PEACE DAY 2007/...                                  VIS 060713 (400)

  Telegram for Terrorist Attacks in India
- Presentation of Holy See Financial Statements for 2005
- Other Pontifical Acts
 
___________________________________________________________
 
TELEGRAM FOR TERRORIST ATTACKS IN INDIA
 
Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano has sent a telegram to the appropriate ecclesiastical and civil authorities in India for the recent terrorist attacks on eight trains in the city of Mumbai, which caused the death of at least 170 people:
 

  "Deeply saddened by the news of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI assures all affected of his spiritual closeness in prayer. While deploring these senseless acts against humanity, the Holy Father commends the many deceased to the loving mercy of the Almighty. Upon their grieving families and the numerous injured he invokes the divine gifts of strength, consolation and comfort."


 TGR/BOMB ATTACKS/SODANO:MUMBAI                               VIS 060712 (120)
 
PRESENTATION OF HOLY SEE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR 2005
 
Cardinal Sergio Sebastiani, president of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, announced this morning in a press conference on the Holy See consolidated financial statements for 2005 that the year closed with a surplus of 9.7 million euro. This, he said, "represents the most significant value of the last eight years." The year 2004 had closed with a surplus of 3.08 million euro.
 
  In terms of the institutional activity of the Holy See (Secretariat of State, congregations, councils, tribunals, the Synod of Bishops and various other offices), the president indicated that the sector closed the year with a deficit of 36.9 million euro, an increase with respect to 2004 which had closed with a deficit of 23.2 million euro.
 
  Cardinal Sebastiani pointed out that the sector of financial activities (7 consolidated administrations, the most important of which is the Extraordinary Section of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, APSA) showed a surplus of 43.3 million euro, an improvement on last year's surplus of 6.1 million euro. This is due, the cardinal explained, "to the improvement of the situation of the financial markets which occurred in the course of 2005. Indeed, a net positive fluctuation of 21.7 million euro was registered in 2005 while a net loss of roughly 11 million euro occurred in 2004 due to fluctuations in the rates of exchange." For its part, the real estate sector closed with a surplus of 22.2 million euro, slightly down on last year's closing figure of 24.9 million euro.
 
  The activity of the media institutions connected with the Holy See (Vatican Radio, the Vatican Printing Office, L'Osservatore Romano newspaper, the Vatican Publishing House and the Vatican Television Center), closed with a deficit of 11.8 million euro, "substantially due to the negative results of Vatican Radio (about 23.5 million euro) and of L'Osservatore Romano (4.6 million euro)," said Cardinal Sebastiani. Nonetheless, "the Vatican Printing Office closed its financial statement with a surplus of 653,000 euro, and the Vatican Television Center closed with a profit of 650,000 euro. ... The Vatican Publishing House also closed its 2005 financial statement with a surplus of 934,000 euro and with a rise of 3.8 million euro in the volume of the activity." In this context, the cardinal recalled how the Vatican Publishing House has been entrusted with the exercise and the guardianship of the copyright of "all the documents by means of which the Supreme Pontiff exercises his teaching."
 
  The final part of the economic report, concerning other income and expense, closed with a negative result of seven million euro, reflecting the costs incurred during the period of vacant see in April 2005.
 
  In closing, the president of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See indicated that in the Vatican on July 4, Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano had presided at the 40th meeting of the Council of Cardinals for the Study of Organizational and Economic Problems of the Holy See. On that occasion, said Cardinal Sebastiani, as well as the consolidated financial statement of the Holy See for 2005, the cardinals also examined that of the Governorate of Vatican City State, which closed with a surplus of 29.6 million euro.
 

  Offers from the faithful to Peter's Pence, the fund which goes to the Holy Father's works of evangelical solidarity, came to 46,741,000 euro in the year 2005, an increase of 14.95 percent with respect to 2004.


 OP/FINANCES HOLY SEE/SEBASTIANI                                   VIS 060712 (590)
 
OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
 
 The Holy Father:
 
 - Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the archdiocese of Imphal, India, presented by Archbishop Joseph Mittathany, upon having reached the age limit. He is succeeded by Coadjutor Archbishop Dominic Lumon.
 
 - Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Great Falls-Billings, U.S.A., presented by Bishop Anthony A. Milone, in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.
 

 - Appointed Bishop Dulcenio Fontes de Matos, auxiliary of Aracaju, Brazil, as bishop of Palmeira dos Indios (area 10,795, population 567,000, Catholics 476,000, priests 38, religious 32), Brazil. He succeeds Bishop Fernando Iorio Rodrigues, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.


 RE:NER/.../...                                                                                   VIS 060712 (140)


- Holy Father Begins a Brief Holiday in Valle d'Aosta
- Fr. Lombardi, New Holy See Press Office Director
- In Brief
- Other Pontifical Acts
 
___________________________________________________________
 
HOLY FATHER BEGINS A BRIEF HOLIDAY IN VALLE D'AOSTA
 
 At 10.30 a.m. today, Benedict XVI left Rome by plane and, following an hour-long flight, arrived at the airport of Saint Christophe in the Valle d'Aosta region of northwestern Italy. He then travelled by car to the residence of Les Combes where he will spend a 17-day vacation.
 
  As he did last year, the Pope will stay in a chalet belonging to the Salesian Order, the same as that in which John Paul II also used to spend his holidays. The building, made of wood and stone, has two floors and is surrounded by a large garden. It stands at an altitude of 1,200 meters and has views over Mont Blanc and other mountains on the French-Italian frontier as well as over the Italian-Swiss Alps.
 
  The only two public ceremonies the Pope is due to attend during his vacation are scheduled for July 16 and 23, when he will pray the Angelus from the house in which he is staying. Access to this event is open to everyone, says a communique from the diocese of Aosta, and all those wishing to do so may go to Les Combes to hear the Holy Father and pray with him.
 
  Benedict XVI will stay at Les Combes - located some 20 kilometers from the city of Aosta within the municipality of Introd - until July 28.
 
  Following his vacation in Valle d'Aosta, the Pope will move to his summer residence of Castelgandolfo, 30 kilometers south of Rome, where he will remain until the end of September.
 

  The Pope's next apostolic trip, the fourth since the start of his pontificate, will take him to Germany from September 9 to 14.


 BXVI-VACATION/VALLE D'AOSTA/...                                        VIS 060711 (300)
 
FR. LOMBARDI, NEW HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE DIRECTOR
 
The Holy Father appointed Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. as director of the Holy See Press Office. Fr. Lombardi was born in Saluzzo, Italy in 1942 and ordained a priest in 1972. He is currently director general of the Vatican Television Center and of Vatican Radio, posts he will continue to hold in his new office.
 
  Benedict XVI accepted the resignation from the office of director of the Holy See Press Office presented by Joaquin Navarro-Valls, thanking him for his long and generous service. Joaquin Navarro-Valls was born in Cartagena, Spain in 1936 and has been director of the Holy See Press Office since 1984.
 
  Given below is the text of a letter to journalists written by Fr. Lombardi for the occasion of his new appointment, and a declaration by Joaquin Navarro Valls:
 
  Fr. Lombardi's letter:
 
  "Dear friends,
 
  "As I prepare to assume this new responsibility at the Holy See Press Office I am, naturally, grateful to the Holy Father and to the Superiors for the trust they place in me; but my thoughts also go out especially - and with affection - to you and to all our colleagues in the media whom I am called to serve.
 
  "Like you, I have been working for some time to ensure that the activity of the Holy Father and the reality of the Church are known and understood objectively and adequately.
 
  "Dr. Navarro-Valls performed his own long service in this field with exceptional ability, intelligence and dedication. We are all profoundly grateful to him and continue to depend on his friendship.
 
  "I cannot hope to imitate him, but you may depend upon my commitment - within my limits but with all the power at my disposal - to serve the Holy Father and your own good work. I know I shall be able to depend on the collaboration generously offered - both to me and to you - by all the staff of the Press Office, beginning with Vice Director Fr. Ciro Benedettini.
 
  "I also ask for your benevolence, so that this shared portion of our journey may be more fruitful.
 
  "I entrust these sentiments to the Lord on the feast day of St. Benedict upon which, perhaps not by chance, I receive my appointment to this new service."
 
  Joaquin Navarro-Valls' declaration:
 
  "I am very grateful to the Holy Father who has seen fit to accept my oft-expressed readiness to leave, after so many years, the post of director of the Holy See Press Office.
 

  "I know that I have, over these years, received much more than I have been able to give, more than I am at present capable of fully comprehending."


 OP/NEW DIRECTOR/LOMBARDI:NAVARRO-VALLS             VIS 060711 (460)
 
IN BRIEF
 
THE POPE HAS SENT A MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATION to Hans-Adam II, prince of Liechtenstein for the second centenary of the sovereignty of the principality. "An important element of the identity of Liechtenstein," says the Holy Father in his Message, "is its inhabitants' solid adherence to the Catholic faith and their faithfulness to the See of Peter."
 
CARDINAL SECRETARY OF STATE ANGELO SODANO has sent a telegram to Bishop Mario Paciello of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy, giving assurances of the Pope's constant prayers for the young brothers Francesco and Salvatore of Gravina in the Italian region of Puglia, who have been missing for more than a month. It is the Holy Father's hope, the telegram reads, "that this painful case may soon reach a happy conclusion."
 

THE OFFICE OF LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS of the Supreme Pontiff today announced that at 6.30 p.m. on Monday July 17, Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, archpriest of the Roman Basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls, will take possession of the diaconate of St. Mary in Portico, Piazza Campitelli 9, Rome.


 .../IN BRIEF/...                                                                                  VIS 060711 (180)
 
OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
 
 The Holy Father:
 
 - Appointed Bishop Jose Antonio Eguren Anselmi S.V.C., auxiliary of Lima, Peru, as metropolitan archbishop of Piura (area 33,510, population 1,451,100, Catholics 1,407,567, priests 94, religious 219), Peru. The archbishop-elect was born in Lima in 1956, he was ordained a priest in 1982 and consecrated a bishop in 2002. He succeeds Archbishop Oscar Rolando Cantuarias Pastor, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
 
- Appointed Bishop Robert Le Gall O.S.B., of Mende, France, as metropolitan archbishop of Toulouse (area 6,372, population 1,075,000, Catholics 725,000, priests 347, permanent deacons 18, religious 804), France. The archbishop-elect was born in Saint-Hilaire-du-Harcouet, France in 1946 he was ordained a priest in 1974 and consecrated a bishop in 2002. He succeeds Archbishop Emile Marcus P.S.S., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.
 
 - Appointed Bishop Gonzalo Restrepo Restrepo, auxiliary of Cali, Colombia, as bishop of Girardota (area 2,445, population 203,000, Catholics 183,000, priests 56, religious 99), Colombia.
 
 - Appointed Fr. Soundaraj Periyanayagam S.D.B., rector of the Don Bosco Orphanage in Katapadi, as bishop of Vellore (area 12,265, population 9,003,000, Catholics 155,700, priests 143, religious 700), India. The bishop-elect was born in Periya Kolappalur, India in 1949 and ordained a priest in 1983.
 
 - Appointed Bishop Javier Augusto del Rio Alba, auxiliary of Callao, Peru, as coadjutor archbishop of Arequipa (area 26,306, population 939,000, Catholics 845,000, priests 177, religious 482), Peru. The archbishop-elect was born in Lima, Peru in 1957, he was ordained a priest in 1992 and consecrated a bishop in 2004.
 

 - Appointed Archbishop Andre Dupuy, apostolic nuncio to the European Communities, as apostolic nuncio to the Principality of Monaco.


 NER:RE:NEC:NN/.../...                                                                    VIS 060711 (310)
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DoD Identifies Casualties

Seal of the PentagonDoD Identifies Marine Casualty


            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.



            Sgt. Justin L. Noyes, 23, of Vinita, Okla., died July 2 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

 DoD Identifies Army Casualty


           The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.



           Spc. Damien M. Montoya, 21, of Holbrook, Ariz., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 9 from a non-combat related cause.  Montoya was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

 DoD Identifies Army Casualty


           The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.



           Sgt. Irving Hernandez Jr., 28, of New York, N.Y., died in Mosul, Iraq, on July 12 when he encountered enemy small arms fire during combat operations.  Hernandez was assigned to the  1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty 

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.



            Sgt. Duane J. Dreasky, 31, of Novi, Mich., died on July 7, in the Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV in Habbaniyah, Iraq, on Nov. 21.  Dreasky was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st  Battalion, 119th Field Artillery, Lansing, Mich.

 

A sailor assigned to 9th Naval Construction
Regiment died due to enemy action while operating in Iraq's Anbar
province yesterday, and the Defense Department has identified earlier
casualties in the war on terror.

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next
of kin.

The Defense Department identified four soldiers and a Marine who died
recently in Iraq or from injuries sustained there:

- Marine Sgt. Justin L. Noyes, 23, of Vinita, Okla., died July 2 while
conducting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned
to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, 3rd
Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

- Army Staff Sgt. Omar D. Flores, 27, of Mission, Texas; Spc. Troy C.
Linden, 22, of Detroit Lakes, Minn.; and Spc. Joseph P. Micks, 22, of
Rapid River, Mich., died in Ramadi, Iraq, July 8, when a makeshift bomb
detonated near their Mine Protected Vehicle. All three soldiers were
assigned to the 54th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade, Warner
Barracks, Bamberg, Germany.

- Army Sgt. Duane J. Dreasky, 31, of Novi, Mich., died July 10 at
Brooke Army Medical Center, in San Antonio, of injuries sustained when a
makeshift bomb detonated near his Humvee in Habbaniyah, Iraq, on Nov. 21.
Dreasky was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 119th
Field Artillery, Lansing, Mich.

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U.S. officials are condemning a terrorist video reported to show the mutilated corpses of American soldiers


Seal of the Pentagon
The terrorists say the video is of two American soldiers captured near
Yusifiyah, Iraq, June 16 and killed sometime later. The soldiers were
members of the 1st Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of Multinational Division Baghdad.

"Multinational Division Baghdad condemns the release of the video in
the strongest of terms," the command said in a news release. "It
demonstrates the barbaric and brutal nature of the terrorists and their
complete disregard for human life."

The video, uploaded on a terrorist Web site yesterday, shows the
mutilated bodies of two men dressed in Army camouflage uniforms. The video
shows the terrorists hoisting the severed head of one of the soldiers and
makes the other soldier's identity clearly recognizable.

Officials called it ironic that the U.S. Congress and military are
debating the nature of Geneva Accord protections as this grisly video is
playing.

Terrorists know the value of videos like this, U.S. military officials
in Baghdad said. They noted that snipers in Iraq often have
videographers taping their murders and that people can buy DVDs of the murders in
stores in Iraq and throughout the Middle East.

These videos are little more than "snuff films," officials said. The
airing of the video on the Internet only reinforces coalition
determination "to catch the perpetrators of this crime and bring them to justice,"
the release said.
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A Multinational Division Baghdad AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter crashed southwest of Baghdad today, U.S. military officials reported.

Seal of the Pentagon

The two pilots survived and were transported to a Camp Taji medical
facility. The aircraft was conducting a combat air patrol. The cause of
the incident is unknown, officials said. A MNDB quick reaction force and
a downed aircraft recovery team secured the area. Additional
information is being withheld pending investigation.

In other new from Iraq, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers
detained five suspected terrorists and discovered two caches containing
bomb-making materials yesterday in Baghdad. Three of the suspects are
believed to be foreign fighters, officials said.

Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division, uncovered 130 mm mortars, 57 mm
anti-aircraft rounds, 20 and 30 mm anti-aircraft rounds, as well as several other
bomb-making materials.

Also, coalition forces killed a terrorist and detained seven others
following a small-arms firefight outside the Al Abbas Mosque in central
Baghdad July 11.

Following the firefight, the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division soldiers and Iraqi policemen from 6th Brigade, 2nd National Police
Division, cordoned off the mosque and questioned the imam about the
gunmen.

The Iraqi commander of responded to the scene and spoke to the imam.
Following their conversation, the imam agreed to cooperate with the U.S.
soldiers and turned over rifles, machine guns, a rocket-propelled
grenade, and the body of the dead terrorist. The soldiers also found rifles
and machine guns in a vehicle used by the terrorists. No coalition or
Iraqi security forces were killed or injured in the incident.

In a separate incident, Iraqi and coalitions forces detained nine
terrorists in Baghdad on July 11.
Iraqi soldiers from 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, Iraqi
policemen, and U.S. soldiers from Multinational Division Baghdad's 4th Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, captured the terrorists, who are
believed to have been preparing for an attack in the western Baghdad
neighborhood of Ameriya, officials said.

After receiving a report from an Iraqi army commander that men with
mortars were seen near the Maluki Mosque, soldiers from 1st Battalion,
12th Infantry Regiment, were informed that Iraqi police were attacked by
small-arms fire as they came upon the terrorists while on patrol. Four
police officers were killed and eight were wounded. Two police trucks
and a civilian truck were also burned in the firefight, U.S. officials
said.

Later, a firefight began in an area several blocks north as 8th
Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, soldiers pursued eight terrorists. One
terrorist was killed as soldiers returned his fire. The soldiers from
followed two more terrorists to another building located several blocks east,
where the soldiers discovered six more terrorists. A cordon was set
around the area, and Iraqi soldiers and police and U.S. soldiers searched
the building.

The soldiers found a wounded terrorist and eight others attempting to
provide aid. A U.S. Army medic provided first aid to the wounded man
before he was detained for questioning. Iraqi authorities took the wounded
man and the eight others into custody.

Also on July 11, an Iraqi civilian was rescued from his kidnappers by
soldiers of 9th Iraqi Army Division, and Multi-National Division
Baghdad's 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division, during an unplanned cordon-and-search operation in
Masara village, in the northwestern area of Baghdad.

The kidnappers were captured during the operation and are in custody.
No injuries or damage to MNDB personnel or equipment were reported.

In addition, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers recovered a
makeshift bomb south of Baghdad on July 10. The soldiers observed two
suspicious men digging on the side of the road and sent a quick reaction force
to the location. Before they arrived, MNDB soldiers observed the
suspicious individuals enter a van and speed off. When the soldiers, from 1st
Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division, arrived on the scene where the van was initially spotted, they
found makeshift bomb-making materials.

Later that day the van was spotted by coalition helicopters patrolling
the area. The soldiers responded and cordoned off the area. An
explosive ordnance disposal team was called to the area to conduct a controlled
detonation to destroy the van. No injuries or damage to MNDB personnel
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Can Motorola attract the youth market through music?


 

Rokr ads by O&M feature real people
BEIJING -- Motorola Corp. is reaching out to China's youth market with a music-optimized Rokr model and a web site (motomusic.com.cn) that lets users download ringtones, MP3s, music videos and other exclusive content -- a move that could alter the country's entire music industry.

"By monetizing digital content, mobile music is going to save the music industry in China," said Ian Chapman-Banks, Motorola's VP-Asia/Pacific and general manager, marketing and business development for mobile devices, North Asia, based in Beijing.

The company says it operates the largest digital-rights-management music-download site in mainland China, with full track and ringtone downloads for up to 15,000 songs costing 25 cents each. In a market known for rampant piracy, the site offers international music labels such as EMI, Warner Music Group, Sony BMG and Universal a format to easily, legally sell tracks through a method that compensates for the country's unique challenges.

In a market where credit cards remain scarce, for instance, users pay for downloads (or phone-to-phone transfers via Bluetooth technology) through their mobile-phone-service plan. Charges can also be deducted automatically from Motorola phones installed with prepaid SIM cards.

While Chinese may not be used to paying for services with credit cards, they are used to downloading data with their phones. In fact, they lead the world in that, with 97% of Chinese mobile-phone users downloading data, compared with fewer than half of American users, according to the global research company GMI. In a price-sensitive market, mobile handsets also are less expensive than popular MP3 players like Apple's iPod.

Redefining Motorola's image
Playing to the popularity of music in China as a form of self-expression meets Motorola's primary goal, making its brand more appealing to the youth market in one of the largest and fastest-growing mobile-phone markets in the world. Motorola was once the market leader but has lost that position to Nokia.

"We're trying to redefine what we are. We're repositioning ourselves from the consumer perspective," said Mr. Chapman-Banks. Chinese youth "are not buying phones for calling, they are buying them for functions like SMS messaging, cameras, music, Internet surfing, games, even as a personalized fashion statements."

Motorola's latest Rokr model, the E2, has a built-in MP3 player with dedicated music keys on the handset's side and front that let users navigate playlists, play/pause, skip backward/forward and hold. Users can transfer songs from a PC to the handset with a USB cable and listen to songs via a standard 3.5mm headset or wirelessly via the built-in stereo Bluetooth audio connection. It also has a 1.3 megapixel camera for pictures, video capture and playback.

Ads star edgy young Chinese, not models
The U.S. company is marketing the E2, which was launched in China and Hong Kong in May, with an ad campaign featuring young Chinese who fit the target market -- young, cool and funky. None are professional models; they were discovered by Motorola and its ad agency, Ogilvy & Mather, walking around Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Hong Kong. The TV campaign will air through the end of September, while the print and outdoor ads will run until through July. The campaign may eventually run outside Greater China.

Youthful consumers in China are now as edgy and sophisticated as their Western counteparts, however, and experts warn that the music-download site may not live up to their expectations and demands. Although it is easy to navigate and has a contemporary feel, it appears to offer far fewer titles than claimed by Motorola and most of the foreign artists are represented by one label, Sony BMG. Almost a quarter of the site's content comprises Maoist-style folk, revolutionary and ethnic tunes that appeal to a much older audience.

"It is all the more surprising given this is supposed to be a cutting-edge youth targeted site and Motorola's killer app toward youth. Real music fans will not find the selection compelling," said a branded-entertainment executive in Beijing. "The site illustrates the problem hardware manufacturers have going into content. Does Motorola risk being caught between service providers and true music services?"

While the company's music strategy "puts them in the game with Nokia and Sony Ericsson, long-term success will be contingent on its willingness and ability to broaden selection and create new functions. It will be difficult to compete long-term with Apple's iTunes software, Microsoft's upcoming Live Wi-Fi service and music-oriented mobile virtual network operators such as Virgin Mobile. Motorola will have to work harder to match titles to target audiences tastes or risk reinforcing the traditional Motorola brand perception as older, conservative and not with it," he added.

$513M in digital music sales
Motorola isn't the only company trying to appeal to music lovers in China. Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and Samsung have also introduced music handsets and domestic brands are trying to improve tone quality, storage capacity, and layout design to catch up with foreign brands.

Also, there is speculation that China Mobile, the country's dominant service provider, will wake up to the potential of music downloads and move to control the market directly. China's digital-music sales will reach $513 million this year, according to the China Audio-Video Association, up from $450 million last year. Annual sales are expected to reach $1.02 billion by 2008, and $1.6 billion by 2010.

Total sales volume of music handsets reached 10.26 million units in China in 2005, according to Analysys International. The number of mobile subscribers in China continues to increase, passing 400 million in February 2006, but the market is still growing by 4 million to 5 million each month. Once 3G services are rolled into the market starting next year, take-up of value-added services such as music and video downloads could skyrocket. Half of all new mobile subscribers will have 3G phones with greater bandwith capacity for data transmissions by 2008, and 3G subscribers will account for 13.7% of the total mobile telecommunication subscribers in China by then.

Creating music ecosystem
Eventually, said Mr. Chapman-Banks, "70% of the handsets in China will be mobile music phones. From the marketing perspective, it's a dream. Motorola is creating an ecosystem for everybody in a way that fundamentally changes the music industry."

The company is teaming up with individual artists, labels and music broadcasters such as Viacom's MTV Networks, for example, to offer unique content on its site. It is also working with labels on integrated-marketing campaigns to help drive awareness about new album releases and concert dates.

"The services are good, but it remains to be seen whether they can be rolled out and [is Motorola] too far behind to catch up? If they can get those [music] services out in time, it will be really good [for the company] but the marketer partnerships are not very exciting," said Shaun Rein, Shanghai-based managing director of China Market Research Group. "If they want youth market like the people in the ads, they should be trying to partner with more hip and cool Chinese companies, not typical large foreign firms."
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Bush Administration Stalls Implementation of Women's


 In spite of six-year-old
federal legislation and a federal court order, the Bush
administration continues to stall implementation of the
women's procurement program. This has resulted in the loss
of billions of dollars in federal small business contracts
to women entrepreneurs. The government's latest delaying
tactic was to issue a "proposed rule" through the Small
Business Administration requiring a public comment period.

The U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce points out that the
SBA's new proposal changes the language of the original
legislation and calls for stringent certification
requirements which will significantly slow the ability of
many women business owners to participate in the program. If
adopted, the policy will be stricter than the certification
requirements for disabled veterans.

In a recent interview with GovExec.com, Margot Dorfman, CEO
of the Women's Chamber stated, "At every turn, the SBA has
sought to sabotage the implementation of this important
program for women as established in 2000. Now they seek to
change the laws established by Congress."

"Republican women business owners need to stop listening to
what President Bush says and start paying heed to what he
does-I say actions speak louder than words," stated Lloyd
Chapman, President of the American Small Business League.
"Bush's refusal to implement the women's procurement program
clearly shows his lack of commitment to women entrepreneurs.
All women business owners, both Democrats and Republicans
alike, need to keep this in mind the next time they step
into a voting booth."

Chapman added, "I think every woman business owner owes the
U.S. Women's Chamber a debt of gratitude for their
unwavering commitment to see that this program is properly
implemented."

Comments on the SBA's proposal can be sent through the U.S.
Women's Chamber Web site at
http://www.capwiz.com/sblink/issues/alert/?alertid=8889136 .
The deadline to submit a comment is Monday, July 17, 2006.

About the ASBL

The American Small Business League was formed to promote and
advocate policies that provide the greatest opportunity for
small businesses - the 98% of U.S. companies with less than
100 employees. The ASBL is founded on the principle that
small businesses, the backbone of a vital American economy,
should receive the fair treatment promised by the Small
Business Act of 1953. Representing small businesses in all
fields and industries throughout the United States, the ASBL
monitors existing policies and proposed policy changes by
the Small Business Administration and other federal agencies
that affect its members.

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Marketers Look To Agency For "Big Idea"

recently released by the Association of National Advertisers, found that 67 percent of marketers develop integrated marketing programs across most or all of their brands, but only 33 percent say they are very happy with their efforts.

The survey also found that 30% of marketers say that general advertising adds the most value to a company's marketing communications programs, which is a dramatic decrease from 51 percent of marketers ranking it most important in 2003. According to the report, trends thought to be hot, such as videogame advertising and mobile marketing, were viewed as least significant to the marketing mix.

Bob Liodice, President and CEO of the ANA, said "With the ever-changing, fragmenting media environment, it is... important...f or marketers to develop and execute a comprehensive integrated marketing communications strategy." (measurable brand communications programs across multiple channels with one consistent message).

More highlights of the survey:

  • 63% of marketers rank organizational issues as the greatest challenge to successfully integrating their marketing efforts
  • 72% percent of marketers feel the development of the "Big" creative idea that can be leveraged across all marketing channels is the most important contribution an agency can make toward an integrated marketing campaign
  • Almost 50% of marketers want their agencies to be media neutral when developing an integrated marketing program
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Southwest Airlines Offers Low Air Fares From $49 One-Way; Nation's Low Fare Leader Cooks Up Airline Tickets From $49 One-Way

Southwest Airlines is offering more travel deals with low fares from $49 to $159 one-way with a 21-day advance purchase. The low fares are available only at southwest.com and vary by destination and day of travel. To book airline tickets, go to: http://www.southwest.com/jp/luvhome.shtml?src=PR_sysSale_071106 .

"Low fares are in our DNA ... it's what we were built on," said Kevin Krone, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution. "We provide low fare options to our Customers by being highly efficient, and we keep them coming back with our Employee's great Customer Service."

     The following are examples of the low airfare offers (see Airfare Rules):      * $49 one-way fares are available between Oakland and Reno/Tahoe; between        Philadelphia and Pittsburgh; and between San Diego and Tucson.      * $99 one-way fares are available between Nashville and Detroit; between        Birmingham and St. Louis; and between Boise and Las Vegas.      * $109 one-way fares are available on Tuesday and Wednesday and $159 one-        way fares are available on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and        Sunday between Baltimore/Washington and Los Angeles; between Phoenix        and Tampa Bay; and between Albuquerque and Chicago Midway.      Northwest Fare Sale

Travel to your favorite Northwest destination with fares ranging from $49 to $99 (see Airfare Rules) one-way. These southwest.com-only airline fares are available seven days a week with a 21-day advance purchase. The following are examples of the hot low fares now available:

     * $49 one-way fares are available between Seattle/Tacoma and Spokane;        between Portland and Boise; and between Spokane and Boise.      * $79 one-way fares are available between Seattle/Tacoma and Reno/Tahoe;        between Portland and Salt Lake City; and between Seattle and Oakland.      * $99 one-way fares are available between Seattle/Tacoma and Las Vegas;        between Ontario and Portland; and between Spokane and Burbank.      Midwest Fare Sale

Arrive at your favorite Midwest destination with money to spend thanks to Southwest Airlines' low one-way fare from $49 (see Airfare Rules). These low fares can only be found at southwest.com and are available seven days a week with a 21-day advance purchase. Examples of the super low $49 one-way airline tickets are between Chicago Midway and Nashville; between Kansas City and Indianapolis; and between St. Louis and Detroit.

Heartland Fare Sale

Travel to the Heartland with Southwest Airlines' low one-way fares of $49 and $79 (see Airfare Rules). Fares vary by destination and are available seven days a week with a 21-day advance purchase only at southwest.com. Examples of the $49 one-way fares are between Dallas Love Field and San Antonio; between Houston Hobby and Corpus Christi; and between Harlingen/South Padre Island and San Antonio. Examples of the $79 one-way fares are between Houston Hobby and Oklahoma City; between Little Rock and San Antonio; and between El Paso and Tulsa.

Houston Fare Sale

Visit friends and family in the Lone Star State with Southwest Airlines' low airfare from $79 to $99 (see Airfare Rules) one-way. These southwest.com fares are available seven days a week with a 21-day advance purchase. Travel between Houston Hobby and Denver for $79 one-way; take a trip between Houston Hobby and Las Vegas for $89 one-way; or travel between Houston Hobby and Philadelphia for $99 one-way.

California Fare Sale

Traveling around the Golden State has never been more affordable with Southwest Airlines' low airfare from $49 (see Airfare Rules) one-way. Fares are available seven days a week only at southwest.com with a 21-day advance purchase. Examples of the $49 one-way airline tickets are available between Burbank and Oakland; between Los Angeles and San Jose; and between San Diego and Sacramento.

Florida Airfare Sale

Go see the Sunshine State with Southwest Airlines' Florida airfares, ranging from $49 to $89 (see Airfare Rules) one-way. These southwest.com-only airline fares vary by destination and are available seven days a week with a 21-day advance purchase for travel from Aug. 17, 2006, through Oct. 1, 2006.

     The following are examples of the low airfares:      * $49 one-way fares are available between Tampa Bay and Nashville;        between Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood and New Orleans; and between        Birmingham and Ft. Myers/Naples.      * $59 one-way fares are available between Jacksonville and Pittsburgh;        between Tampa Bay and Baltimore/Washington; between Orlando and Long        Island/Islip; and between West Palm Beach and Philadelphia.      * $69 one-way fares are available between Orlando and Cleveland; between        Jacksonville and St. Louis; between Tampa Bay and Omaha; and between        Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood and Louisville.      * $89 one-way fares are available between Orlando and San Antonio;        between Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood and Austin; and between West Palm        Beach and Albuquerque.      Airfare Rules

All fares (except for Florida travel as noted) are available for purchase today through July 27, 2006, and are valid for air travel from Aug. 17, 2006, through the end of Southwest Airlines' published schedule (currently Oct. 27, 2006). For Florida air travel, the fares are available for purchase today through July 27, 2006, and are valid for air travel from Aug. 17, 2006, through Oct. 1, 2006. All airline tickets must be purchased 21 days before departure. Fares are available one-way and are combinable with all other fares. When combining fares, all ticketing restrictions apply. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by destination and day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of $3.30 per takeoff and landing. Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFCs) of up to $9 one-way and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 one-way. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Airline tickets are nonrefundable but may be applied toward the purchase of future air travel on Southwest Airlines. Fares are valid on Southwest-operated published, scheduled service only and are not available through the Group Desk. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Fares are not necessarily common rated in the Bay Area or the Los Angeles Basin. Orange County's John Wayne Airport is not included in this sale.

To take advantage of Southwest Airlines' super low fares, Customers who book their air travel via the Internet can subscribe to Southwest Airlines' Click 'n Save e-mail updates as well as Southwest Airlines' newest technological innovation -- DING!

DING! delivers Southwest Airlines' hottest deals directly to Customers' desktops allowing Customers to get a jump on the latest southwest.com sales! For more information, visit http://www.southwest.com/ding .

http://www.southwest.com

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Statement From Warner Music Group Regarding Today's Decision by European Court of First Instance

 We are in the process of reviewing today's decision by the European Court of First Instance regarding Sony BMG to determine what impact it might have on a potential combination of Warner Music Group and EMI Group plc.

About Warner Music Group

Warner Music Group (NYSE: WMG) became the only stand-alone music company to be publicly traded in the United States in May 2005. With its broad roster of new stars and legendary artists, Warner Music Group is home to a collection of the best-known record labels in the music industry including Asylum, Atlantic, Bad Boy, Cordless, East West, Elektra, Lava, Maverick, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Rykodisc, Sire, Warner Bros. and Word. Warner Music International, a leading company in national and international repertoire operates through numerous international affiliates and licensees in more than 50 countries. Warner Music Group also includes Warner/Chappell Music, one of the world's leading music publishers.

The Directors of Warner Music Group Corp. accept responsibility for the information contained in this announcement. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the Directors (who have taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is the case), the information contained in this announcement is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.

 

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AMC THEATRES(R) OFFERS MOVIEGOERS NEW MORNING SHOWTIME OPTIONS AT GREAT



Movie Tickets at Best Price of the Day Before Noon Fridays, Saturdays,
Sundays and Holidays

AMC Theatres today announced the
launch of A.M.Cinema, a new program providing early-morning guests the
opportunity to see first-run movies at the best ticket price of the day.
Beginning Friday, July 14, 2006, the program invites moviegoers to visit
their local AMC theatre before noon Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays* to enjoy ticket prices of $4, $5 or $6 depending on the theatre
and market. A.M.Cinema is available at more than 300 AMC theatres in
the U.S. including AMC Loews theatres, AMC Star theatres, AMC Magic
Johnson theatres and AMC Cineplex Odeon theatres. The program will also be
offered at AMC's seven Canadian locations beginning Friday, July 21,
2006.

"A.M.Cinema creates a great value program for our guests during the
morning hours," said Phil Singleton, president and chief operating officer
of AMC Theatres. "At AMC we are passionate about our guests and the
entertainment experience our theatres provide. We are always looking for
ways to make the experience of going to a movie at an AMC theatre more
accessible to more people."

AMC originally launched A.M.Cinema as a test program on March 17, 2006
in four select markets: Charlotte (N.C.); Columbus (Ohio); Denver; and
Kansas City. The test program produced favorable results and positive
guest feedback, prompting A.M.Cinema to be rolled out circuit-wide.

A.M.Cinema is yet another example of AMC's long-standing tradition as
an exhibition innovator. An industry leader since 1920, AMC is known for
its commitment to guest satisfaction and is credited with many of the
industry's major innovations, including the multiplex and megaplex.

*Check local listings during holiday periods for A.M.Cinema showtimes.

About AMC Entertainment Inc.

AMC Entertainment Inc. is a worldwide leader in the theatrical
exhibition industry. With a history of industry leadership and innovation
dating back to the early 1900s, the company today serves more than 250
million guests annually through interests in 413 theatres and 5,603 screens
in 11 countries including the United States. The company is
headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Additional information is available online
at www.amctheatres.com.
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NewTek Ships New LightWave 3D® Version 9

The latest update to the award-winning 3D Application includes a robust new feature set, major core changes and new workflows.

NewTek, Inc., manufacturer of industry-leading 3D animation and video products, today announced the availability of the latest release of LightWave 3D® version 9.0, the next generation of the Emmy®-winning 3D application. The new release is the first in a series of major rewrites and restructuring of LightWave 3D’s core with the addition of comprehensive new features such as a node-based materials editor, optically correct cameras, adaptive pixel subdivision, Catmull-Clark subdivision surfaces, sub-surface scattering and vast render speed improvements.

“LightWave version 9.0 changes the value proposition for 3D software – we significantly improved LightWave’s core strengths of incredible power and amazing speed with this release. When you consider this along with the entire LightWave feature set, NewTek brings an outstanding value to the market,” said Jay Roth, president, NewTek 3D Division. “The fantastic work that our development team has accomplished under-the-hood provides a foundation for the implementation of innovative new capabilities faster and more effectively as we build the future. Throughout the LightWave v9 development cycle users will see the capabilities of the software further extend... and quite dramatically.”

The most noticeable changes for v9 are the addition of a node-based materials system that adds new shading models to LightWave, such as Oren-Nayar, anisotropic, and sub-surface scattering; the greatly improved rendering speed for today's high-demand scenes; and the enhancement of subdivision surfaces in Modeler and Layout, including Adaptive Pixel Subdivision, which gives the user a variety of capabilities for film-quality displacement mapping, normal mapping (including ZBrush support) and level-of-detail control at render time. LightWave now has arguably the most comprehensive toolset for matching real camera lenses, an addition that will greatly enhance the ability of visual effects artists to match 3D elements to live footage.

Among the changes that contribute to enhanced workflow in Layout are faster OpenGL performance and additional OpenGL hardware shader support, building on the initial implementation in version 8.5. For many scenes this provides a very accurate preview of the look of the final image or animation in real time, without the need to create test renders. The GUI has been enhanced to allow far more user configurability than in the past. Users can adapt the look to fit their needs and preferences to provide the best workflow for the ways they use LightWave.

"LightWave has always been a very easy tool to learn and use, with super fast modeling and outstanding lighting and rendering capabilities," said, Nicholas Boughen of Rainmaker Animation and Visual Effects. "With LightWave v9 NewTek has pushed the envelope beyond anything I've seen in a single upgrade before. The new node-based materials editor makes shading virtually unlimited. Camera tools allow you to recreate any camera in the world and many cameras that can't exist. APS exceeds sub-pixel displacement and now that modeling tools are migrating into Layout, modeling tasks in LightWave will be virtually unlimited. The render engine is much faster and more capable than ever. And you still get 999 render nodes for free, making LightWave the greatest value by an order of magnitude. No wonder so many studios render using LightWave."

LightWave 3D version 9.0 Features:

Rendering:

  • Implementation of BSP/KD Tree Algorithm to achieve improved speeds as scene complexity rises
  • Complete replacement of the original ray tracing core
  • Improved multi-threading with dynamic segmentation to insure maximum use of available CPUs
  • Typical speed improvements at 2.5x over LightWave version 8.5 for today's increasingly ambitious high-polygon count production scenes

 

Adaptive Pixel Subdivision:

  • Adaptive subdivision of a mesh based on distance from camera and visibility
  • Choice of Adaptive Sub-division methods - Per Object, Per Polygon and Per Pixel
  • Highly optimized mesh, tied to render resolution when using Per Pixel
  • Visibly similar to micro-poly displacement

 

Modeling:

  • Added Catmull-Clark Subdivision Surfaces
  • Subdivision level can be controlled via numerical values, envelopes, expressions, motion modifiers, textures, procedurals, gradients and more
  • Edge Selection
  • Edge Weights
  • N-gons (polygons greater than 4 sides) for subdivision surface modeling

 

Node Editor:

  • New Shading Models
  • Normal Maps from ZBrush 2 Supported
  • Branches can be imported and exported
  • Math Animation Nodes
  • Animated Gradient Node
  • Work how you want to work: Layers in Nodes; Nodes in Layers; Layers Only; Nodes Only
  • Full support of native controls and envelopes
  • Available in Layout and Modeler, and maintains context when switching between the two
  • Full SDK Support for third parties to create nodes (including shading models) and for third party renderers to interface with and query nodal shaders.

 

Advanced Camera Tools:

  • New rendering technology renders scenes using arbitrary camera lenses and warps. This allows for some fantastic effects, such as:
  • Camera plane deformations
  • Arbitrary projections
  • UV map generation
  • True orthographic rendering
  • Space warp simulations
  • Lens distortion duplicating physically accurate real world lenses or non-existent “imaginary” lenses
  • 360 degree panorama rendering (one camera)

 

OpenGL

  • Preview lighting scenarios within the UI
  • Less need for preview renders
  • Hardware shading of procedural textures

 

Other:

  • Timewarp – Time Re-mapping and Warping Shader
  • CCTV Shader
  • HV Deformer: HyperVoxel Particle Displacement Shader
  • Stress Map
  • Sketch Image Filter
  • Pixie Dust Volumetric shader
  • Relativity 2
  • Quaternion Rotations
  • Mesh Editing in Layout
  • Native 64-bit support
  • Multiplatform
  • Dual and multi-core support

 

Pricing and Availability
LightWave v9 is available now for US$795 for a single user license. LightWave v9 upgrades for LightWave owners are US$395. For more information or to purchase, visit: http://www.newtek.com or call NewTek Sales at 1-800-368-5441, overseas callers dial +1-210-370-8000. To locate a NewTek Authorized Reseller link to http://www.newtek.com/dealers.

About NewTek, Inc.
With headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, NewTek is a leading provider of full-featured video editing, live production, presentation, animation and special effects tools including LightWave 3D®, winner of the 2003 Primetime Emmy® Engineering Award, TriCaster™ and VT[5]™. NewTek launched the desktop video revolution in 1990 with the release of the legendary Video Toaster®. The company's products are used worldwide on projects ranging from home video to feature film. Recent television and film projects using NewTek production tools include The DaVinci Code, Garfield 2, Fantastic Four, The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl in 3D, Sin City, The Aviator, Aliens of the Deep, Battlestar: Galactica, Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight. Recent game titles include Doom III, Unreal Tournament, and Age of Mythology. Website: http://www.newtek.com

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WhiteBlox Closes Deal As Exclusive C4-Sports Online Broadcaster



Company To Air Keynote Sessions On The Internet
For Top Sports Broadcasting Trade Show

 WhiteBlox, a leading broadband network
solutions provider, has signed a deal to be the exclusive online
broadcaster
for the C4-Sports Show in Las Vegas, July 17-19, at the Las Vegas
Convention
Center.  The frontrunner of all sports industry trade shows, C4-Sports
represents the four critical components of sports technology: Content,
Convergence, Communications, and Competition.

"WhiteBlox is thrilled to be the exclusive online broadcaster for
C4-Sports," said Greg Demetriades, Chairman and CEO of WhiteBlox.  "The
unveiling of our 7-camera broadcasting capabilities for live sporting
events
has kept us on the cutting-edge of IPTV technology, and is the true
spirit
of the show itself.  We are excited that C4-Sports has chosen WhiteBlox
to
broadcast their essential sports technology events."

Hot off their breakout success as the exclusive online broadcaster for
the
Indy 500, where they debuted their multi-camera features for live
events,
WhiteBlox has quickly emerged as the premier IPTV solutions provider
for
sports across the board.  WhiteBlox will have unheard of access to
sports
industry heavyweights, including the following keynote speakers:

Mike Krzyzewski, Head Basketball Coach, Duke University Blue Devils
Leadership Through Teamwork and Victory

Ken Adelson, Sr. VP Production Operations & Planning, NBA Entertainment
The Future of Sports Media Storage Management and Distribution

Doug Towey, Creative Director, CBS Sports &
Micha Riss, Founder and Creative Director, Flying Machine
Technology and Design: A Vital Harmony

WhiteBlox will offer all keynotes speakers and various conference
sessions
on-demand for $1 at www.c4-sports.com for six months following the
show, or
visit http://www.whiteblox.com/pressRelations/pressRelations_b.html.

For courtside seats to the most dynamic sports broadcaster in the
industry,
be sure to catch WhiteBlox in action at C4-Sports Show Booth #2209.

About WhiteBlox

WhiteBlox, a leading broadband network solutions company, delivers
robust
technology and application services in a comprehensive production and
delivery suite that allows companies to become their own IPTV
broadcasters.
WhiteBlox gives customers the flexibility, control and tools to
leverage
video assets and content into dynamic, engaging and profitable networks
through use of its integrated broadband solutions. 
WhiteBlox is a company of Continental Vista Broadcasting Group, Inc.,
based
in The Woodlands, TX, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Orlando,
Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Mexico City.
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Prilosec OTC(R) and Big & Rich Team Up to Salute and Honor America's Heroes

Prilosec OTC(R) and Big & Rich Team Up to Salute and Honor America's Heroes
 'Comin' To Your City' Tour Features Patriotic New Single, Local Heroes and a                            Summer Full of Adventure

Prilosec OTC, the number-1 selling over-the-counter heartburn medicine*, has teamed up with country music stars Big & Rich on a whirlwind summer adventure that promises to entertain and educate fans. At the cornerstone of the promotion is a program designed to honor the nation's heroes, from veterans to moms to firefighters.

Who is Your Hero?

With the recent launch of Big & Rich's "8th of November" single, a song dedicated to honoring Vietnam veterans, the duo is encouraging people across the country to submit a dedication story about their personal hero on http://www.honoryourhero.com. Throughout the summer, new stories will be profiled on the website. In addition, for every story submitted, Prilosec OTC will donate $5 to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, up to $30,000.00.

"The 8th of November is very special to us, since it's about purple-heart recipient Niles Harris, a true American hero who has become our friend," said John Rich. "We are proud to be working with Prilosec OTC to honor heroes this summer and raise funds for other veterans who have sacrificed so much for this country."

"We are thrilled to partner with Prilosec OTC and Big & Rich in our efforts to highlight and bring attention to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor as a distinguished place of remembrance recognizing the thousands of veterans awarded the Purple Heart medal," said New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Bernadette Castro. "The Hall of Honor will serve all Americans and inspire people around the world to learn more about the tremendous sacrifice of the men and women who gave so much so that others may have life, liberty and freedom."

Furthering this support, Big & Rich has developed a made-for-TV 50-minute documentary about the making of the "8th of November," which will be exclusively available to consumers with a purchase of a Prilosec OTC special pack at select merchandisers nationwide. The documentary features interviews with Harris and the Vietnamese soldiers he fought against, Big & Rich's trip to the very site of the battle where Harris was wounded in Vietnam, and interviews with Big & Rich on the inspiration behind the creation of the song.

Summer Concert Tour - Are you ready for an Adventure?

In addition to honoring the nation's heroes, Prilosec OTC has jumped on board Big & Rich's summer tour and is visiting country music fans around the country. Launched in early June, the "Big & Rich Comin' to Your City Tour Presented by Prilosec OTC" will span the nation with more than 30 shows throughout summer. At each concert, consumers will have the opportunity to visit the Prilosec OTC booth to receive fun gifts and prizes, and the chance to be entered into the "Live Your Adventure" Sweepstakes.

The Prilosec OTC "Live Your Adventure" Sweepstakes will be giving away an adventure a day, from trips to Country Music concerts to white water rafting. The grand prize is an ultimate country music experience to live it up Big & Rich style. The winner and five friends will receive a luxury weekend at the Ploughboy Mansion in Nashville, a private concert from Big & Rich, their own tour bus to travel with Big & Rich to concerts, VIP concert access and much more.

"We are very excited to be working with Big & Rich this summer," said Karen Klei, Brand Manager, Prilosec OTC. "From giving back to our nation's heroes to awarding our consumers, this summer is all about adventures!"

For more information on the "Big & Rich Comin' to Your City Tour Presented by Prilosec OTC" or the "Live Your Adventure Sweepstakes" please visit http://www.PrilosecOTCcountry.com.

The Prilosec OTC Country Connection

A recent survey** found that 38 percent of frequent heartburn sufferers choose Country as their top musical choice, versus only 24 percent of people who don't suffer from heartburn at all. In other words, adult frequent heartburn sufferers are 58 percent more likely to put Country Music at the top of their list than are adults who say they don't have heartburn.

About PRILOSEC OTC

PRILOSEC OTC is the #1 Doctor-(1) and Pharmacist-(2) recommended OTC acid reducer, the first of a class of OTC heartburn medicines that works differently from every other over-the-counter heartburn medication. Prilosec OTC is the only OTC heartburn medicine that can work for 24 hours with one pill a day by directly shutting down many acid pumps in your stomach when used as directed for 14 days for treating frequent heartburn. PRILOSEC OTC is the #1 selling OTC heartburn medicine* on the market. For more information about PRILOSEC OTC, visit http://www.prilosecotc.com. PRILOSEC OTC is available over-the-counter through an alliance between P&G and AstraZeneca.

About Big & Rich

Big Rich formed in Nashville around 1998, when ex-Lone Star vocalist John Rich began collaborating with songwriter Big Kenny (real name: Kenny Alphin). The duo established a performers' roundtable at a local dive, and the event dubbed the "Muzik Mafia" soon gained a reputation for eclecticism and notable special guests. Big & Rich are known for taking country in a radically new direction-with rock and rap nestled beside twin fiddles and the steel guitar.

About the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor will serve as the only institution in the nation dedicated solely to the more than 1.7 million Purple Heart medal recipients wounded or killed in action while serving in the United States military. Through engaging interactive exhibits and videotaped recollections told by veterans themselves, the Hall of Honor will offer visitors a variety of educational experiences to increase awareness of the Purple Heart medal and its recipients.

About Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG)

Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R), Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Mach3(R). Bounty(R), Dawn(R), Pringles(R), Folgers(R), Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R), Oral-B(R), Actonel(R), Duracell(R), Olay(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Wella, Gillette(R), and Braun. The P&G community consists of almost 140,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

    *  Based on dollar sales.  AC Nielson FD+ dollar share of heartburn        (12/28/03 - 5/27/06).      ** An omnibus survey administered by International Communications Research        (ICR) on June 17-22, 2005 surveyed 1,016 adults via telephone to        determine music format preference among frequent heartburn sufferers.      (1) NDC Health, NDC Physician Recommendation Audit         (April 2005 - September 2005, Acid Reducer Category).  Data on file.      (2) Based on share of recommendations: Pharmacy Today 2005 OTC Survey,         Acid Reducers. 
SOURCE  Procter & Gamble 
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July 12, 2006

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EMA wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to Faruque Ahmed's family and friends on their lost.

This is also a sad lost for the home entertainment family
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July 12,2006

Home Entertainment Giants Adopt New Approach to Retail

 For a number of years,
suppliers and retailers have benefited from collaborative
partnerships embodied in vendor managed inventory (VMI) and
collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment (CPFR)
programs. This has helped them to achieve increased
inventory productivity and higher revenue, and to minimize
lost sales. Once considered radical innovations, such
programs are fast becoming standard operating procedure, a
basic requirement for maintaining "high value" status in the
retail channel.

Sweeping changes like radio frequency identification (RFID)
and shelf-level inventory management are posing new
challenges for these efforts. "The immense volume of
information required for continuous replenishment presents
some real problems," says Jay Ennesser, IBM's vice president
of Cross-Industry Alliances. "As these programs mature and
expand to support more customers, companies are also faced
with the challenge of continually innovating and increasing
the value they bring to the relationship. They must
continually improve their processes and performance, and
often that means finding new solutions that can create
significant value by optimizing profitability at the shelf."

An emerging leader in the effort to help suppliers turn
these challenges into competitive advantages is Los
Angeles-based WebConcepts. It is quickly becoming a driving
force in the industry's transformation of supply-chain
management standards. This is due largely to the company
founder, an innovative problem-solver bent on providing
optimal solutions.

"My goal is to enable both suppliers and retailers to make
the most of the space they have," says Ray Young, founder of
WebConcepts. "Traditionally, people focused on product
optimization. In today's world, retailers focus on how much
they can make per square-foot. We help them maximize their
revenue by focusing on shelf optimization."

When a consumer purchases a product, the retailer can
immediately track information about the sale, including the
location from which it was selected. Pinpointing sales and
inventory activity enables suppliers to optimize
replenishment and category-management efforts.

Utilizing WebConcepts' solutions, companies are finding it
easier to manage the increasingly complex task of
replenishing multiple retailers and improving inventory
performance. Young's eVMI solution allows for expert
distribution of products and tracking the like of which the
industry has never before seen. Responding hourly to
critical inventory details, suppliers can make sure their
products flow correctly, and stores can keep hot-ticket
items on the shelf.

"If someone walks into a store to buy a new DVD and the
shelf is empty, then the store and possibly the manufacturer
lose money," explains Young. "Efficient, detail-level
planning and replenishment makes these losses avoidable, but
every retail partner has different requirements, standards
and expectations. eVMI has been immensely successful in
helping suppliers and retailers improve customer service and
realize an impressive return on investment. One of eVMI's
best features is that it's highly configurable. Costly
customization just isn't required."

Young explains that the goal of never losing a sale while
pushing inventory efficiency to very high levels is now
realistically within reach, because their products are
designed to handle massive amounts of highly granular
information quickly and efficiently.

"Sony absolutely has to manage title replenishment at the
lowest level of detail, as accurately and as rapidly as
possible," says David Cortese, vice president of information
technology at Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. "It's an
incredible challenge to do this for 60 retailers, but
WebConcepts' eVMI has proven itself more than capable of
doing the job for us."

WebConcepts is making an impressive mark on the
home-entertainment industry, landing such respected clients
as Paramount Pictures, MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, and
Disney. Knowing that their solutions will be of tremendous
value to other segments of the consumer-products industry,
as well, the company is expanding its horizons.

"Our applications provide solutions to both current and
emerging needs," adds Young. "We are bringing the
supply-chain management system into the twenty-first
century, ensuring it is better aligned with consumer
demands. From the feedback we've received, our customers
couldn't be happier."

Six New Governors Elected to AMPAS Board; Eight Incumbents Returned

Six new governors, three of them serving for the first time, have been elected to represent their branches on the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Eight incumbent governors were reelected.

Newcomers to the board are Rob Epstein, documentary branch; Mark Goldblatt, film editors; and James L. Brooks, writers. Returning to the board after a hiatus are Paul Mazursky, directors; Mark Johnson, producers; and Bill Taylor, visual effects.

Incumbent governors reelected to another term are Ed Begley Jr., actors branch; Jeannine Oppewall, art directors; Caleb Deschanel, cinematographers; Tom Sherak, executives, Bruce Broughton, music branch; Cheryl Boone Isaacs, public relations; Jon Bloom, short films and feature animation; and Kevin O’Connell, sound.

Each of the Academy’s 14 branches is represented by three governors who may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Terms are staggered so that each branch elects or reelects one governor each year.

Governors who were not up for reelection and who continue on the board are: Kathy Bates and Tom Hanks, actors branch; Rosemary Brandenburg and Albert Wolsky, art directors; Roger Deakins and Owen Roizman, cinematographers; Curtis Hanson and Alexander Payne, directors; Michael Apted and Freida Lee Mock, documentary; Jim Gianopulos and Robert Rehme, executives; Donn Cambern and Tom Rolf, film editors; Charles Bernstein and Arthur Hamilton, music; Kathleen Kennedy and Hawk Koch, producers; Sid Ganis and Marvin Levy, public relations; Carl Bell and John Lasseter, short films and feature animation; J. Paul Huntsman and Donald C. Rogers, sound; Craig Barron and Jonathan Erland, visual effects; and Fay Kanin and Phil Alden Robinson, writers.

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New and existing Hertz #1 Club and #1 Club Gold members are automatically entered into the drawing each time they rent a vehicle from any participating Hertz location using their membership number. The contest is open to Canadian residents who are at least 21 years old. Rentals must take place by October 15, 2006 to be eligible for entry.

Hertz #1 Club offers members expedited reservations and rentals at airport and off-airport locations nationwide, special savings on rentals, including "Members only" discounts for each reservation, promotional offers for weekly and weekend rentals, and the opportunity to earn free rentals. Membership in the Hertz #1 Club is free.

Hertz #1 Club Gold program offers all the features of #1 Club membership and more, including the ability to bypass the rental counter altogether or to stop at a special #1 Club Gold counter to pick up rental keys and a preprinted rental contract for an expedited rental process. Membership in #1 Club Gold costs $50 annually.

Hertz #1 Club and #1 Club Gold members may alternately enter the drawing by mailing their name, e-mail address, mailing address and #1 Club or #1 Club Gold membership number to: Hertz #1 Club Germany Draw, 5403 Eglinton Ave., West, Toronto, Ontario, M9C 5K6. Only one mail-in entry is allowed per envelope. Entries must be received by October 15, 2006.

The drawing will award one prize of a seven-day, six-night trip for two to Germany, which includes round-trip transportation on Air Canada, a six-night hotel stay and a seven-day Hertz car rental. Chances of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received.

For more information on the Hertz #1 Club or #1 Club Gold, customers can call Hertz toll-free at 800-263-0600, 800-263-0678 in French, or visit www.hertz.ca.

Hertz operates from 7,600 locations in approximately 150 countries.

FINAL DRAFT™AV 2.5.2 UPDATE RELEASED
Provides Universal Support for Macs® with Intel Core Processors

– Final Draft, Inc., (www.finaldraft.com) today announced the immediate availability of the Final Draft AV 2.5.2 update to its dedicated multi-column script processor specifically designed for writing commercials, corporate videos, documentaries, presentations, DV shorts, etc. This release includes Universal Binary support for PowerPC and Intel-based Macs. Current Final Draft AV 2.5 users can download the 2.5.2 update for free. Registered users of previous versions of Final Draft AV may upgrade to the current version for $49.00 (USD). Final Draft AV 2.5 is available worldwide for $199.00 (USD). The software includes versions for both Macintosh and Windows.

About Final Draft, Inc.


Final Draft, Inc. was founded in 1991 to develop a scriptwriting program that allows the writer to concentrate on the creative process and not on Hollywood's stringent formatting rules. Since then, Final Draft has become the Hollywood professional's choice and the world's #1-selling scriptwriting program.

Final Draft is the software of choice of such industry giants as Alan Ball, Tom Hanks, Oliver Stone, J.J. Abrams and James Cameron.

Television shows such as “The Sopranos,” “Lost,” “Entourage” and “Desperate Housewives,” feature films such as “Cold Mountain,” ” Lost in Translation,” “The Incredibles,” “Sideways,” “Batman Begins” and any of the “Lord of the Rings,” “Harry Potter” and recent “James Bond” movies are all the results of scripts written with Final Draft.

Final Draft, Inc. is the recipient of the first Script P.I.M.P. Screenwriter’s Choice Award and the WriteMovies Award for Technical Achievement.

Final Draft AV received Videomaker Magazine’s 2005 award for Best Production Planning Software.

The company's headquarters is in Calabasas, California. More information about the company and its products is available at www.finaldraft.com.

###

Final Draft and Final Draft AV are registered trademarks of Final Draft, Inc.

83 Countries Invited to Submit Foreign Language Films for 2006 Oscar®

— The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today invited 83 countries to ubmit films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category for the 79th Academy Awards®.

To qualify for the 2006 awards year, a film must be released in the submitting country between October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006 and be publicly screened in 35mm or 70mm film for at least seven consecutive days in a commercial motion picture theater.

The dialogue track must be predominantly in a language or languages other than English. Accurate English subtitles are required.

Entry forms must be received at the Academy by Monday, October 2, 2006, and film prints must be received by Friday, October 13. Only one picture will be accepted from each country.

Since the category’s establishment in 1956, 102 different countries have submitted films to compete for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. The 1956 award went to Italy for “La Strada.”

Most recently, the South African film “Tsotsi” won the Oscar over a field of nominated films from France, Germany, Italy and the Palestinian Territories.

The republics of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan will receive this year their first invitation to participate.

Countries that have not received letters of invitation and are interested in submitting a film for consideration should contact Awards Coordinator Torene Svitil at (310) 247-3000, ext. 116 or via e-mail at tsvitil@oscars.org.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements for 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center© and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network.

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Tonight at the Taos in Las Vegas

An unidentified man slipped and fell at the Taos Night Club at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas earlier tonight. Anchor Bay Entertainment sponsored the opening night party celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Video Software Dealers Association trade show.

When the party came to an abrupt end, everyone had been having a good time. When everyone was directed out by members of the staff, the man was laying on the floor unconscious, bleeding profusely from his skull, with two women and a man trying to resuscitate him. One woman was taking his pulse, a second give him mouth to mouth and the man was pumping air into his hest. Nearby were what appeared to be water and the orchard from a nearby table were on the ground.

 

The assumption was he had a stroke and fell limply to the floor which allowed people not to catch him as the dance floor had been packed with people.

If he did pass away, he went out dancing.

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July 11, 2006

From VSDA

Maybe a reason why the industry is in a decline. 

From a major player in the industry.

"We are here to do business and don't have the time to talk to people like you." 

"Talk to our PR people or go to our website for information."

The tone of the show itself was set with the keynotes when there was few if any smiles on the stage other then those of winners of retailing awards.

The industry has been flat for some time as has been much of the home entertainment industry.

The flat sales tend to mirror the less disposal income that families have had to spend since 9-11.

The high cost of gas just to get back and forth to work just makes it work.

There is over saturation of the market and a lack of quality material out there.

Add this to the fact that the retailers know that digital downloads are on the way and they will be controlled by the companies turning out the product and possibly the end is near for the mom and pop stores that can't afford all the equipment that will be needed to go digital.

The shake out is coming and it can be found in expressions in the faces of those selling and in the tone of their voices.

Try as they might they know it is coming and there is nothing that they can do to stop it.

Maybe I would be testy also towards the press also if I knew what future lay ahead of me like they do.

 

William Hoehne

 

 

 

 

 

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Wild Blue Yonder to Air 'WealthTV' Content on Frontier Airlines

 

Premier Luxury Lifestyle Network to be Featured on All Frontier Flights

 Starting in September, Frontier Airlines' in-flight entertainment network, Wild Blue Yonder, welcomes aboard 30 minutes of television content from WealthTV, the premier luxury lifestyle and entertainment network distributed by more than 75 U.S. cable and telco TV service providers. The partnership allows Wild Blue Yonder to continue to deliver compelling, exclusive content to its high-end demographic of business and leisure travelers while WealthTV garners further national exposure of its programming to a target audience.

The WealthTV programming, focusing on destination travel, fashion, luxury cars, real estate, and health, will be customized for the Wild Blue Yonder format of "10-Minute TV." It will be mixed in with Wild Blue Yonder's existing lineup that airs for free on every seat-back television on all Frontier national and international flights.

"WealthTV's shows feature high-quality production and relevant content that is by nature targeted to an affluent audience, one that reflects Frontier's average $99,000 household-income demographic," said David Valdez, Vice President, National Sales for Wild Blue Yonder. "We are opening up this opportunity to advertisers whose message and brand mesh with the prestige and affluence reflected in this programming," Valdez said.

"Whether traveling for business or pleasure, airline passengers want to relax and enjoy luxury experiences while on board. Wild Blue Yonder and Frontier Airlines are delivering the experience that today's travelers are seeking," stated Charles Herring, president of WealthTV. "Featuring segments of our shows on Wild Blue Yonder will further build our brand and promote our linear high-definition services."

About Wild Blue Yonder Network

Wild Blue Yonder Network TV channel and magazine is produced for Frontier Airlines by Mphasis on Frontier, a division of Mphasis Integrated, an award-winning Denver-based communications firm. Mphasis Integrated delivers a unique business model comprised of five specialty marketing companies: HenryGill Advertising, an A.A.A.A. member and full-service advertising and media agency; Clarus Public Relations, offering media relations, internal relations and special events services; Strata Interactive, providing online and interactive marketing services; Proxy Partners, a national partner-marketing agency representing what's next in sponsorship, business development, product placement and niche advertising sales services for emerging channels; and the Wild Blue Yonder Network, the in-flight entertainment TV channel, magazine and Internet site for Frontier Airlines. To find out more, visit www.gowildblueyonder.com.

About WealthTV

WealthTV is the premier lifestyle, entertainment and informational network -- the destination for exclusive and original programming. Televised 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, WealthTV supplies viewers with informative shows that provide invaluable insight on what every American dreams of. From travel secrets to fast cars, better etiquette to better investing, WealthTV delivers these and much more. The network fills a television vacuum by delivering intellectually stimulating, thought-provoking entertainment and always-unbiased news from an insider's perspective. For more information, please visit www.wealthtv.net.

About Frontier Airlines

Currently in its 12th year of operations, Denver-based Frontier Airlines is the second largest jet service carrier at Denver International Airport, employing approximately 4,700 aviation professionals. With 52 aircraft and the youngest Airbus fleet in North America, Frontier offers 24 channels of DIRECTV(R) service and the free Wild Blue Yonder Channel in every seatback, along with 33 inches of legroom in an all coach configuration. In conjunction with Frontier JetExpress operated by Horizon Air, Frontier operates routes linking its Denver hub to 48 cities in 28 states spanning the nation from coast to coast, to seven cities in Mexico, and to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Frontier's maintenance and engineering department has received the Federal Aviation Administration's highest award, the Diamond Certificate of Excellence, in recognition of 100 percent of its maintenance and engineering employees completing advanced aircraft maintenance training programs, for seven consecutive years. In July 2005, Frontier ranked as one of the "Top 10 Domestic Airlines" as determined by readers of Travel & Leisure magazine. Frontier provides capacity information and other operating statistics on its Web site, which may be viewed at www.frontierairlines.com.

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Rolls-Royce transformará su red con servicio VoIP administrado de Nortel


 

- Acondicionamiento de red de voz, por 20 millones de dólares, ayudará a mejorar servicio de telecomunicaciones y reducir costes

Rolls-Royce, un proveedor de sistemas energéticos y de servicios líder en el mundo, transformará toda su red telefónica en una sola y avanzada red que ofrecerá servicios VoIP basándose en tecnología de Nortel* [NYSE: NT, TSX: NT] según un acuerdo de servicios administrados por siete años con un valor estimado de 20 millones de dólares.

Este acuerdo hará de Nortel el proveedor preferente de soluciones de telefonía corporativa para la nueva red de voz global de Rolls-Royce, que inicialmente atiende a 26.500 usuarios en el Reino Unido, Estados Unidos, Canadá, Noruega, Alemania y Francia.

"Seleccionamos a Nortel para esta importante transformación en infraestructura telefónica y de red porque ellos realmente entienden nuestras necesidades de comunicación y cómo simplificar nuestra infraestructura de red", dijo Jim Reed, director de adquisiciones de TI para Rolls-Royce. "La experiencia y los conocimientos especializados de Nortel en la entrega de un servicio administrado muy competitivo y completo así como también su capacidad de estructurar redes grandes y confiables diseñadas para la oferta de nuevos servicios nos convencieron para seleccionarlo como nuestro proveedor de comunicaciones preferente".

"Éste es un verdadero hito para Nortel", señaló Peter Kelly, presidente de soluciones corporativas de Nortel en Europa y el Medio Oriente. "Nuestros conocimientos especializados comprobados en administración e integración de redes de voz y datos nos capacitan para proporcionar un método que ayudará a simplificar la telefonía de Rolls-Royce y ofrecer una plataforma que también aborde sus futuros requerimientos en comunicaciones".

La nueva red de voz global de Rolls-Royce ofrecerá servicios de llamada de voz completos; voz, fax y mensajes de correo electrónico unificados, además de una plataforma para introducir servicios de movilidad avanzados para comunicaciones y colaboración virtualmente en cualquier momento y lugar.

Nortel proporcionará servicios de ciclo de vida completo para la red Rolls-Royce desde la cartera de Servicios Globales Nortel. Esto incluirá diseño, integración y despliegue de software y equipos de telefonía IP, junto con administración y mantenimiento de la red basada en TDM existente y la nueva red VoIP. La administración y el mantenimiento de red consistirá en monitoreo remoto de fallas con vigilancia de red proactiva, acuerdos de nivel de servicio definidos por usuario para respuesta y resolución, movimientos y cambios, generación de informes de clientes completos y una administración de servicio dedicada.

La solución VoIP para empresas de Nortel dará a Rolls-Royce incluirá Nortel Communication Server 1000, Nortel CallPilot* para voz, fax y correo electrónico unificados accesibles desde cualquier ubicación y los servicios de movilidad de Nortel.

Los Servicios globales de Nortel incluyen una completa gama de servicios integrados para diseño, despliegue, administración y mantenimiento de soluciones para red de múltiples distribuidores punto a punto, incluida la migración sin interrupción a tecnologías de siguiente generación.

Acerca de Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce, el proveedor líder en el mundo de servicios y sistemas energéticos para uso en tierra, mar y aire, opera en cuatro mercados globales: aeroespacial civil, aeroespacial de defensa, infantería de marina y energía.

Rolls-Royce cuenta con una amplia base de clientes compuesta por 600 aerolíneas, 4.000 operadores de helicópteros y aeronaves y corporativos, 160 ejércitos y más de 2000 clientes en compañías navieras, incluyéndose 70 fuerzas navales. La compañía tiene clientes de la industria energética en 120 países. Rolls-Royce es un líder tecnológico que da empleo a cerca de 36.000 personas en instalaciones de oficina, fábrica y servicio en 50 países. Para más información, visite el sitio web de Rolls-Royce en www.rolls-royce.com.

Acerca de Nortel

Nortel es un destacado líder en el despliegue de capacidades de comunicación que mejoran la experiencia humana, impulsan y potencian el comercio global, además de asegurar y proteger la información más importante a nivel mundial. Nuestras tecnologías de próxima generación, tanto a nivel de proveedores de servicios como de empresas, mejoran el acceso y las redes centrales, son compatibles con las aplicaciones multimedia y empresariales y ayudan a eliminar las barreras actuales, consiguiendo una mayor eficacia, velocidad y resultados gracias a la simplificación de las redes y la conexión de las personas con la información. Nortel tiene negocios en más de 150 países. Más información disponible a través de la página web de Nortel en www.nortel.com. Para conocer las últimas noticias de Nortel visite la página www.nortel.com/news.

Ciertas declaraciones de este comunicado de prensa pueden contener palabras como "podría", "espera", "puede", "anticipa", "cree", "tiene la intención", estima ", planea", "contempla", "busca" o un lenguaje similar que se consideran declaraciones prospectivas o información prospectiva de acuerdo con la legislación sobre valores vigente. Estas declaraciones están basadas en las expectativas, estimados, previsiones y proyecciones actuales de Nortel sobre el entorno de explotación, escenario económico y mercados en los que opera Nortel. Estas declaraciones están sujetas a supuestos, riesgos e incertidumbres importantes de difícil previsión, por lo que el resultado real puede diferir de manera importante. Además, los resultados o acontecimientos reales podrían diferir materialmente de los que se contemplan en estas declaraciones prospectivas como resultado de lo siguiente (i) riesgos e incertidumbres relacionados con las regularizaciones de Nortel y asuntos similares, entre los que se incluyen: Las regularización más reciente de Nortel y las dos regularizaciones anteriores de sus estados financieros, el impacto negativo en Nortel y en NNL de su regularización más reciente y el retraso en la presentación de sus estados financieros e informes periódicos relacionados; pleitos judiciales, multas, penalizaciones o liquidaciones, o cualquier otra multa administrativa importante u otras penalizaciones o sanciones, relacionadas con las investigaciones criminales y administrativas en curso que afecten a Nortel en los Estados Unidos y Canadá; cualquier pleito civil o sanción pendiente importante no incluida en el acuerdo propuesto de la demanda colectiva; cualquier pago en efectivo importante o disolución importante de las posiciones de capital de Nortel resultante de la finalización y aprobación de su acuerdo de la demanda colectiva propuesta, o si dicho acuerdo para la demanda colectiva propuesta no se finaliza, cualquier acuerdo importante o concesión de daños en relación con dichas demandas colectivas; cualquier remedio sin éxito de la debilidad material de Nortel en el control interno de la preparación de informes resultando en una incapacidad de preparar informes precisos sobre los resultados de las operaciones y la condición financiera de Nortel de una manera puntual; el tiempo necesario para poner en ejecución las medidas reparadoras de Nortel; la incapacidad de Nortel a la hora de acceder, en su actual forma, a su autorización permanente presentada ante la Comisión de Cambio y Bolsa (SEC) de los Estados Unidos, y la calificación crediticia por debajo de la calidad de inversión de Nortel y cualquier otro efecto adverso en su calificación crediticia debido a la regularización de los estados financieros de Nortel; cualquier efecto adverso en las transacciones empresariales de Nortel y el en precio de mercado de sus valores cotizados públicamente provocado por una continua publicidad negativa relacionada con las regularizaciones de Nortel; la incapacidad potencial de Nortel a la hora de atraer o conservar el personal necesario para lograr sus objetivos empresariales; cualquier incumplimiento de los requisitos necesarios y continuos para cotizar las acciones públicamente en la NYSE o en TSX por parte de Nortel que provocase que NYSE o el TSX iniciasen procedimientos de suspensión de cotización o la retirada de las acciones del mercado; (ii) riesgos e incertidumbres relacionados con las actividades empresariales de Nortel, incluyendo: fluctuaciones anuales y trimestrales de los resultados de explotación de Nortel; demanda reducida y presiones de precios sobre sus productos debido a condiciones económicas internacionales, competencia importante, política de precios de la competencia, inversión de capital precavida por parte de los clientes, una mayor consolidación del sector, tecnologías en rápida evolución, normativas del sector en evolución, lanzamientos frecuentes de nuevos productos y productos con ciclos de vida muy breves, y otras tendencias y características del sector que afecten el sector de telecomunicaciones; la suficiencia de acciones de regularización anunciadas recientemente, incluyendo el potencial de costos reales más altos en los que se podrían incurrir en relación con estas acciones de reestructuración en comparación con los costos estimados de dichas acciones y la capacidad de lograr los objetivos en cuanto a ahorros y reducciones del déficit del pasivo flotante de pensiones de Nortel; cualquier efecto adverso importante en el rendimiento de Nortel si sus expectativas sobre la demanda de productos determinados prueban ser incorrectas o debido a ciertas barreras en sus esfuerzos de expansión internacional; cualquier reducción en los resultados de explotación de Nortel y cualquier volatilidad relacionada con sus valores cotizados públicamente originada por cualquier descenso en su margen bruto, o por las fluctuaciones en el cambio de moneda extranjera; cualquier acontecimiento negativo relacionado con el contrato de suministro de Nortel y contratos de fabricación, incluyendo como resultado el empleo de un solo proveedor para los componentes de soluciones de conexión en red ópticos de importancia clave, y cualquier defecto u error en los productos de Nortel actuales o planificados; cualquier impacto negativo en Nortel por su incumplimiento a la hora de lograr sus objetivos de transformación empresarial; deducciones adicionales en los estimados para todos parte de sus impuestos diferidos; el fracaso de Nortel a la hora de proteger sus derechos de propiedad intelectual, o cualquier veredicto o sentencia adversa en pleitos sobre la propiedad intelectual; cambios por el entorno normativo de Internet o de otros aspectos del sector; el fracaso de Nortel a la hora de explotar o integrar con éxito sus adquisiciones estratégicas, o su fracaso a la hora de consumar o de triunfar con sus alianzas estratégicas; cualquier efecto negativo por el fracaso de Nortel a la hora de desarrollar de manera adecuada su control financiero y administrativo, procesos de preparación de informes, y la gestión e incremento de las actividades empresariales, o crear una estrategia de gestión de riesgos efectiva; y (iii) riesgos e incertidumbres relacionados con la liquidez, acuerdos de financiación y capital de Nortel, incluyendo: el impacto de la regularización de Nortel más reciente y de dos regularizaciones de sus estados financieros anteriores; cualquier incapacidad de Nortel a la hora de gestionar las fluctuaciones de activo líquido para financiar las demandas de capital circulante o lograr sus objetivos empresariales de una manera puntual, u obtener fuentes adicionales de financiación; altos niveles de deuda, limitaciones que impidan a Nortel capitalizar oportunidades empresariales debido a convenios de sus líneas de crédito, o limiten la obtención de deuda con garantía adicional de acuerdo con las disposiciones de los bonos que gobiernan ciertas emisiones de deuda pública de Nortel y de las disposiciones de sus líneas de crédito; cualquier incremento en la restricción de efectivo que afecte a Nortel si es incapaz de asegurar un apoyo alternativo para las obligaciones surgidas en ciertas actividades empresariales de curso normal, o cualquier incapacidad por parte de las subsidiarias de Nortel de proporcionarles la suficiente financiación; cualquier efecto negativo que sufra Nortel como consecuencia de la necesidad de realizar mayores contribuciones a los planes pensiones definidos en el futuro o la exposición a los riesgos de los créditos otorgados al consumidor, - la incapacidad de los clientes a la hora de afrontar las obligaciones de pago de acuerdo con las disposiciones de financiación de los consumidores; cualquier impacto negativo en la capacidad de Nortel de realizar adquisiciones futuras, obtener capital, emitir deuda o conservar empleados, originado por la volatilidad de los precios de las acciones y reducciones adicionales en el precio del mercado o de los valores de cotización pública de Nortel, o cualquier futura consolidación de acciones que resulte en una menor capitalización total del mercado o afecto adverso en la liquidez de las acciones comunes de Nortel. Para obtener información adicional sobre estos y otros factores, consulte la Memoria Anual de Nortel en el Formulario Form10-K/A, el Informe Trimestral en el Formulario 10-Q y otras presentaciones de Nortel ante la SEC. A no ser que lo exijan las leyes vigentes sobre el mercado de valores, Nortel rechaza cualquier intención u obligación de actualizar o revisar cualquier declaración prospectiva, ya sea como resultado de nueva información, acontecimientos futuros o cualquier otra causa.

*Nortel, el logotipo de Nortel y Globemark son marcas registradas de Nortel Networks.

Source: Nortel

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Ahee Jewelers Honors Top Four 2006 Bacardi Bayview Mackinac Overall Winning Skippers With Prestigious Tag Heuer Formula 1 Stainless Steel Sports Watches

 

Because Having the Correct Time Means Winning the Race

 Ahee Jewelers of Grosse Pointe Woods today announced the company's support of the 2006 Bacardi Bayview Mackinac Race by offering four first prizes, one to each of the four overall division winners finishing the historic 82nd consecutive sail from Port Huron to Mackinac Island.

Race chairman Lance Smotherman said, "Bayview Mackinac Race sailors are passionate about their sport, so it is only fitting that we welcome Ahee Jewelers to our growing list of extraordinary sponsors. It is a great honor for the event to have the Ahee family support our skippers and to provide them with an award for their finish times."

"Our family's passion for fine jewelry and customer satisfaction began in 1947 and continues with each generation. The beliefs and philosophies of my father, Edmund T. Ahee have flourished, along with his dedication for supporting numerous charities and community causes," said Peter Ahee, President of the Grosse Pointe Woods based company.

"The same holds true for Bayview Mackinac sailors," continued Smotherman "This is the 82nd consecutive race to Mackinac testing skill, seamanship and endurance. The race has endured because of the strong, passionate people who love the sport and who love the many joys and challenges of competition. It is historic and honored for its best in class organization and superb leadership of its race organizers, past and present."

This year, the Ahee family will award four Tag Heuer stainless steel Formula 1 Quartz Chronograph bracelet watches, one to each of the top overall division winners. They are top of the line sport watches designed exclusively for people who take leisure seriously. Meant for action ... surfing, skiing, sailing, the Tag Heuer Formula 1 is also the ideal watch to wear at the party on Mackinac and at the Bacardi Bayview Mackinac Race awards dinner in September. The Ahees will engrave each watch with the year, name of the race and the finish time.

Bayview Yacht Club sits on the banks of the Detroit River at the mouth of Lake St. Clair. Recently celebrating its 91st birthday, the club has a colorful and unique history having survived the Great Depression and World War II. Today, it is widely respected as one of the premier sailing clubs in the world and is noted for the many America's Cup and Whitbred sailors among its crews. The club is located at 100 Clairpointe in Detroit. For further information, please access the website at http://www.byc.com/ .

Edmund T. Ahee Jewelers is believed to have one of the largest and finest collections of jewelry and timepieces in the Midwest. The luxurious store is located at 20139 Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan; telephone number is 313.886.4600; website address is http://www.ahee.com/ .

Source: Bayview Yacht Club

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'Introduction to Content & Delivery Fundamentals' to Be Featured at Upcoming C4-Sports Show

 

Two Free Sessions Focused on Educating Attendees on Content Delivery

 C4-Sports, the first electronic media trade show dedicated wholly to sports technology, announced today that it will be hosting "Introduction to Content & Delivery Fundamentals," a two-day event to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center on July 18 and 19. The two sessions are open to all C4-Sports registrants and will analyze growing trends in content rights management and content delivery.

Moderated by John Abel, senior vice president, USTelecom Association, both sessions will give attendees the opportunity to question panelists about viable solutions that are available at every level of sports, regardless of budget. Attendees will learn about the business and technical challenges that arise with various content rights management and protection issues, and they will be given a technical introduction to the different content delivery methods available, such as repurposing content to mobile devices, wireless, HD format, digital signage, simulcasting, video streaming, and datacasting.

"A lot of sports professionals and content owners are aware of what is out there today in terms of content delivery methods, such as podcasting and video streaming; however, many just need an introduction in order to gain a better grasp on what it all means," said Gene Sanders, general manager, C4-Sports. "At these sessions, industry experts will discuss how to better leverage content, as well as make it more effective, in order to positively impact and drive revenue for an organization. Fans want sports content, and advertisers are willing to pay to reach these markets."

The first session, "An Overview of the HD Landscape," will be held on Tuesday, July 18, and will examine the important role content delivery plays within an organization. The session will explore the specific benefits of producing and broadcasting sports content in HD, such as increasing revenue streams and enhancing the viewing experience. Individuals participating include Steve Lampen, multimedia technology manager, Belden CDT; Dan Mance, chief technology officer, Harris Digital Signs; Joe Lograsso, vice president of sales, United States and Latin America, Miranda Technologies; Mark Daniel, lead - Global Media Initiatives, EMC Corporation; and Leigh Herman, marketing manager, Professional Audio & Video Products, Sony Broadcast & Production Systems Division.

Session two, "Profiting from Technology," scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, will educate attendees on content rights management and discuss the importance of content protection, such as encryption methods. The session will also examine new content delivery methods, such as display systems, digital signage, and wireless applications. Participants include Andre Floyd, marketing manager, SXRD Systems, Sony Broadcast & Production Systems Division; Rich Routman, vice president of business development, Collegiate Images; Richard Dixon, vice president of sales and strategic relations, Me, Inc. (a division of The SCO Group); Douglas Hines, president and CEO, ScorePAD Sports, Inc.; and Mark Lemmons, chief technology officer, Thought Equity.

"Both of these panels are filled with very high-quality people who are deep into video production, digital content asset management, licensing of content, and repurposing content for multiple platforms across different media," said USTelecom's John Abel, moderator for both sessions. "These panelists possess a wealth of knowledge that would be impossible to replicate elsewhere, and this is a great opportunity for attendees to find out about the future of sports content and how to monetize sports video and digital content assets."

"C4-Sports is revolutionary because of its specific focus, versus the 'general all-purpose event for all people's interests' show,'" said Me Inc.'s Richard Dixon, panelist for the July 19 session. "I have been attending and participating in trade shows and events throughout the world for over 35 years, and this is the one event that has been specifically targeted for showcasing technologies for sports and sports content. It is clearly on target for sports organizations, athletic directors, colleges, universities, coaches, players, and production service-related businesses."

For more information about "Introduction to Content & Delivery Fundamentals" or to register for the C4-Sports show online, visit http://www.c4-sports.com/.

About C4-Sports

C4-Sports is the only exclusive exposition and conference dedicated to the sports content industry. Attracting athletic directors, facility managers, sports broadcasters, coaches, and athletes from across the nation, it will provide exhibitors with the unique opportunity to network with these professionals. More than 5,000 sports professionals are expected to converge in Las Vegas on July 17-19 for this dynamic marketplace of sports technologies, products, services, and ideas. More information about C4-Sports is available online at http://www.c4-sports.com/.

Source: C4-Sports

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Nokia Content Discoverer Provides Global Distribution Channel for SNAP Mobile Multiplayer Games

 

Nokia's On-Device Portal Solution Makes Java-Based SNAP Multiplayer Mobile Games Available for Download And Purchase Over Millions of Nokia S60 and Series 40 Handsets

Nokia (NYSE: NOK) today announced it will provide SNAP Mobile multiplayer games for download and purchase through its Nokia Content Discoverer on-device portal solution, embedded in millions of Nokia devices based on S60 and Series 40 currently available in markets worldwide.

The new arrangement provides mobile gaming publishers and developers a global distribution channel, enabling them to reach users of all Nokia Content Discoverer enabled Nokia handsets. Nokia Content Discoverer, representing the evolution of Nokia's end-to-end Preminet content discovery and delivery ecosystem for mobile operators, offers a collection of shopping mall "stores" or "catalogs" that afford mobile subscribers easy access to downloadable content from branded content providers, leading content aggregators and their mobile service provider.

Beginning in the second half of 2006, connected multiplayer titles developed on Nokia's SNAP Mobile platform will be available in selected markets through a dedicated catalog location to any user with a Nokia handset that features the Nokia Content Discoverer client. Already embedded as an on-device portal in nine Nokia handset models comprising millions of devices currently in the marketplace, Nokia Content Discoverer is slated to ship on an additional six Nokia handset models to global markets by the end of 2006.

"The Nokia Content Discoverer on-device portal provides a powerful tool that makes it easy for mobile subscribers to experience connected multiplayer gaming on millions of handsets based on the world's leading mobile device platforms," said Petteri Putkiranta, Director of Platform Solutions, Forum Nokia, Nokia's global developer support program. "The new availability of Nokia's Java-based SNAP Mobile games through Nokia Content Discoverer gives publishers and developers a direct pathway to users seeking the interactive experience of in-game competition against friends or community members."

"Connected mobile gameplay with friends is a fast-growing trend in mobile entertainment and Nokia Content Discoverer now provides a quick and efficient way for mobile consumers to find, try and purchase the latest multiplayer game titles," said Lisa Waits, Head of Nokia's SNAP Mobile. "Using SNAP Mobile and Nokia Content Discoverer, mobile game publishers, developers and operators now have an excellent channel model to drive content and data traffic revenues from the market demand for connected mobile games."

Using Nokia Content Discoverer, mobile subscribers are able to easily discover, download and purchase localized content, applications and services, including Symbian C++ applications for S60, Java(TM) games and productivity applications, logos and background images, ring tones and True Tones, video clips and files, full-track music and Flash content. Mobile users will experience a greatly enhanced content shopping experience through Nokia Content Discoverer's advanced on-device caching of content catalog metadata and integrated preview/prelisten and installation capabilities, speeding time to discovery and download, and facilitating easy purchase of mobile content.

Nokia Content Discoverer is currently embedded in select Nokia devices based on S60 and Series 40 technology, including the Nokia Nseries multimedia computers (Nokia N70, Nokia N71, Nokia N72 and Nokia N80), Nokia Eseries devices for enterprise users (Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and Nokia E70), Nokia 3250 handsets currently available in mainland China and Nokia 6131 devices in China and other Asia-Pacific markets. The on-device portal also is slated to be shipped by the end of 2006 to markets worldwide embedded on six additional Nokia handset models, including the Nokia N73, Nokia N93, Nokia E50, Nokia 5500, Nokia 6070 and Nokia 6233.

Nokia's SNAP Mobile, the most comprehensive mobile gaming community solution, is now available for connected mobile game development and publishing, as well as mobile game community development. It delivers a quality connected game playing experience to users by harnessing the versatility of Java(TM)-based mobile content on a wide variety of Java(TM) MIDP2.0 compliant phones.

For more information on the Nokia's SNAP Mobile online communities, please visit http://www.snapmobile.nokia.com

For SNAP Mobile development tools and information, please visit http://forum.nokia.com/games/snapmobile

More information about Nokia Content Discoverer is available online at www.nokia.com/ncd

About Forum Nokia

Nokia's global developer program, Forum Nokia connects developers to tools, technical information, support, and distribution channels they can use to build and market applications around the globe. From offices in the U.S., Europe, Japan, China, and Singapore, Forum Nokia provides technical and business development support to developers and operators to assist them in achieving their goal of successfully launching applications and services to consumers and enterprises. More information is available at www.forum.nokia.com.

About Nokia

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

Trademarks:

All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

www.nokia.com

Source: Nokia

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July 10, 2006

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More Superscape Games Roll Out on the nTELOS Network

 -- Superscape Group plc (LSE:SPS) announces that nine more of its mobile games titles are now available for consumers of the nTELOS network. In May the company announced that twenty-three titles had been selected by NTELOS.

Commenting, Kevin Roberts, CEO, Superscape Group plc said: "I am delighted that we are continuing to supply so many of our games to nTELOS. In particular, there are a number of titles, including Ivan Ironman Stewart and Harlem Globetrotters, where we originally supplied the 2D version but are now providing nTELOS with the 3D game."

The new games for nTELOS are:

The Elder Scrolls(R) IV: Oblivion(tm): The pre-eminent fantasy world of The Elder Scrolls(R) IV: Oblivion(tm) is now available for mobile phones! Brimming with the depth and variety of the well known The Elder Scrolls(R) epics, players can shop for their favorite weapons, armour, or magic and discover dozens of spells. They'll be needed, as they encounter lurking Daedroth, Dremora, Goblins, and much more. Rich in levels and side quests, the game will both challenge and engage imaginative minds. For players that like their games brewed with magic and swordplay, Oblivion mobile is the perfect choice.

Ivan Ironman Stewart 3D: a series of off-road challenges across hills, ditches and jumps

Harlem Globetrotters 3D: a pick up and play game based on the world's most famous sporting team

Evel Knievel Evel-ution 2D: an extreme sports stunt game based on the exploits of the world-famous daredevil rider

Bop It 3D: this is a game of physical skill. Players must compete to the beat as commands test their reflexes across three different games, earning points as they go.

Scuba Solitaire 3D: this game takes the universal appeal of the one person card game and combines it with fantastic 3D graphic effects. The action takes place underwater with the impression that the game is being played on a glass bottom boat. Underwater creatures and breathtaking scenery surround the players in this twist on one of the world's most popular card games.

Andretti Racing 2D: stars the celebrated Mario Andretti and his F1 car. Nine challenging circuits across the globe and three different game modes make this a championship racing event.

Callaway Golf Mobile Tour 06 3D: combining four different courses, a variety of weather conditions and the world's top brand golf clubs in this exciting game of skill.

Trademark acknowledgements

Andretti Racing, licensed by Global Wireless Entertainment Inc. Callaway. These mobile applications have been produced with Callaway Golf by Global Wireless Entertainment, Inc., and published Superscape, Inc.

Callaway Golf, the Chevron device, Big Bertha, Heavenwood, i TRAX, Callaway Golf Mobile Tour are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Callaway Golf Company. Global Wireless Entertainment 1111 Sixth Avenue, Suite 404 San Diego, CA 92101 is an Official Licensee of Callaway Golf Company. www.gwe-usa.com C 2005 Global Wireless Entertainment.

Evel Knievel Evel-ution, licensed by Global Wireless Entertainment Inc Harlem Globetrotters, licensed by Global Wireless Entertainment Inc. Independence Day and ID4 (TM) & C 2005 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

Ivan Ironman Stewart, licensed by Global Wireless Entertainment Inc C 2006 Vir2L Studios LLC/Bethesda Softworks LLC, ZeniMax Media companies. The Elder Scrolls, Oblivion, Vir2L, Bethesda Softworks, ZeniMax and their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of ZeniMax Media Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All Rights Reserved.

Bop IT!, licensed by Global Wireless Entertainment Inc.

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

Source: Superscape Group plc

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Batter Up! 'Fan Club: Reality Baseball,' MSN's New Online Series, Debuts at Midseason Break

 

Exclusive online programming combines interactivity, fantasy baseball and reality TV to deliver a grand slam entertainment experience.

 Today is a big day for baseball fans: The All-Star Game is being played in Pittsburgh, and it's opening day in cyberspace for "Fan Club: Reality Baseball" (http://fanclub.msn.com/), MSN(R) Originals' innovative new online interactive entertainment series starring the Schaumburg Flyers, a real professional minor league team based in a suburb of Chicago.

Before today's launch of "Fan Club: Reality Baseball," fantasy baseball and rotisserie leagues were the closest fans could come to owning a franchise and managing their own imaginary team. Now MSN, in collaboration with LivePlanet, the Los Angeles-based production company behind the three-time Emmy-nominated multiplatform series "Project Greenlight" for HBO and Bravo, ushers fantasy baseball into the digital age with rich and compelling, always- accessible content and interactivity that puts the MSN audience at the center of a unique entertainment experience tied to the fortunes of a real-life team.

America's Favorite Pastime Reinvented

The "Fan Club: Reality Baseball" Web site (http://fanclub.msn.com/) goes live today, so fans can join the Flyers in the dugout as they push to keep their playoff hopes alive for the second half of the season. Collaborating with MSN to make "Fan Club: Reality Baseball" a groundbreaking online entertainment experience is Schematic, an interactive agency that specializes in design, technology and marketing solutions for multiplatform initiatives. Schematic has enhanced the user experience by developing interactive features that will be rolled out in the coming weeks, giving MSN visitors a first-of- its-kind opportunity to run the team every game in the second half of the 2006 season.

  Fans will be in charge of key managerial decisions, including these:   -- Selecting the team roster -- who takes the field and who "rides the      pine"   -- Determining the batting order -- from "lead-off" and "clean up" to the      "nine hole"   -- Choosing the pitching rotation -- which ace starts and which reliever      closes   -- Making off-the-field calls -- everything from on-the-road roommate      assignments to potential player trades and free agent pickups  

All MSN votes will be reflected in what the Flyers do on the diamond and in the clubhouse, keeping fans wanting to come back daily to see how their choices affect the outcome of the team.

"Fan Club: Reality Baseball" online content also includes videos detailing the first half of the Flyers' season, player profiles, game highlights and behind-the-scenes vignettes. Team players, family members and friends will blog on MSN Spaces, allowing fans to live with their ball club and learn about the dreams, demons, triumphs and difficulties of the players, coaches, wives, girlfriends and colorful clubhouse characters, on and off the playing field.

"MSN reaches a global audience of hundreds of millions of people that are passionate about great content," said Rob Bennett, general manager of Entertainment and Video Services for MSN. "By delivering great original, interactive programming like 'Fan Club: Reality Baseball,' we are giving them an opportunity to participate and shape the content experience."

"This is an incredible opportunity to bring a brand-new form of interactive storytelling to MSN's many millions of users -- a much larger audience than can typically be reached today on TV," said Larry Tanz, CEO of LivePlanet. "'Fan Club' has something for everyone: the thrills of pro sports and the drama and humor of tangled human relationships. The close-up and personal view of baseball that MSN Originals provides in 'Fan Club' is better than a reality television series. Fans run the team and call the shots. It's like they say in the great movie 'Bull Durham': baseball is full of magic and cosmic truth. 'Fan Club: Reality Baseball' puts that vivid world online and allows anyone with a PC to be a player."

MSN: the place for Breakthrough Entertainment

"Fan Club: Reality Baseball" is an example of ways that MSN offers the best available entertainment value for its audience by providing exclusive content supported by advertising and made available free to users. Utilizing Microsoft(R) technology, "Fan Club: Reality Baseball" represents an evolution in participatory unscripted entertainment relying on audience involvement to determine numerous aspects of gameplay and strategy.

Advertising opportunities tied to "Fan Club: Reality Baseball" include display and streaming video, as well as sponsorship packages incorporating MSN media and in-content integration.

MSN Originals combines video, interactive community features and rich editorial content to create unique entertainment experiences that will be deeply integrated throughout the MSN network, including MSN Lifestyle, MSN Spaces and MSN Video.

Information about MSN Originals can be found at http://originals.msn.com/. Information about LivePlanet can be found at http://www.liveplanet.com/. Information about Schematic can be found at http://www.schematic.com/.

About Schematic

Schematic is a full-service interactive agency focused on improving the digital interfaces between companies and their customers. Headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York and Atlanta, the firm provides user experience, design, technology and marketing solutions for a wide array of platforms, including the Internet, interactive television, set-top boxes, game consoles and mobile devices.

Schematic's clients include ABC, Accenture, Amp'd Mobile, AOL, BMW, CNN, Comcast, DIRECTV, Electronic Arts, ESPN, Fox, Hitachi, Intel, Microsoft, Motorola, MTV Networks, NBC Universal, The NFL Network, Panasonic, Paul Mitchell, Pfizer, Showtime, Sony, Starz!, Target, Turner and Warner Bros. For more information, please visit www.schematic.com.

About LivePlanet

LivePlanet develops and produces entertainment properties for traditional as well as digital media distribution platforms, with a focus on leveraging technology and integrating brands to tell compelling stories. Co-founded by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Sean Bailey and Chris Moore, LivePlanet currently has projects in active stages of production and development in film, television, broadband and mobile distribution platforms, working with partners ranging from Microsoft, Amp'd Mobile, The Walt Disney Company, Viacom, Dimension Films and NBCUniversal.

About MSN Video

MSN Video is one of the largest video-only streaming services on the Web, watched by more than 11 million unique users per month. In addition to streaming news, entertainment and sports video clips from more than 45 content partners, MSN Video presents a broad array of live events to online audiences worldwide. More than 50 top advertisers support MSN Video, which is available to consumers at no charge. MSN Video is available on the Web at http://msnvideo.com/ to consumers in the U.S. MSN Video is also live in Australia, Canada and Japan, and in Spanish in the U.S.; the service also is in beta testing in the U.K.

About MSN and Windows Live

MSN attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live(TM), a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services. Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase on Nov. 1, 2005; these and future beta updates can be found at http://ideas.live.com/. Windows Live is available at http://www.live.com/. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/. MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx.

About Microsoft

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

Microsoft, MSN and Windows Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC Announces Grand-Prize Winner of 2006 CENTURY 21(R) Home Run Derby(R) All-Star Sweepstakes

 

~ James Sparks Wins $250,000 Toward a Home During Major League Baseball(R) All-Star Week ~

 CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC, the "Official Real Estate Organization of Major League Baseball," truly brought it home for James Sparks of Irvine, Ky., awarding him $250,000 toward the purchase of a home in the eighth annual CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby All-Star Sweepstakes.

Sparks became the lucky recipient of this grand prize on Monday, July 10, following the 2006 CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby competition in Pittsburgh.

Randomly selected from entries received through http://www.century21.com/, http://www.century21espanol.com/, in-office displays and mail-in entry forms, the eight finalists were each paired with a Major League Baseball player competing in the 2006 CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby competition. Through three elimination rounds, the eight sluggers battled for the 2006 CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby title.

In the end, with 23 home runs, Ryan Howard, first basemen with the Philadelphia Phillies took the title, winning Sparks $250,000 toward the purchase of a new home.

"The excitement in the ball park during the CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby was unbelievable," said Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay. "The performance of Ryan Howard and the excitement of James Sparks made it a night that baseball fans will always remember. Thanks to CENTURY 21, every baseball fan was a winner tonight."

In addition, for the second consecutive year, CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC and Major League Baseball included a "gold ball" charitable element to the CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby competition. For every home run that CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby participants hit during the competition with the commemorative CENTURY 21 Gold Ball, CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC and Major League Baseball combined to donate $21,000 to their respective official charities, Easter Seals and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Collectively, the eight CENTURY 21 Home Run Derby batters recorded 14 qualifying "gold ball" home runs generating a $294,000 charitable donation.

About CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC

CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC (http://www.century21.com/) is the franchisor of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, providing comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the CENTURY 21 System. The System is comprised of more than 7,800 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in more than 40 countries and territories worldwide. CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE:CD) .

About Major League Baseball Properties

The Major League Baseball Clubs formed Major League Baseball Properties (MLBP) in 1966 as the Club's agent for marketing and trademark licensing and protection. Major League Baseball Properties is responsible for managing consumer licensing activities, developing national advertising campaigns, cultivating sponsorship opportunities with major consumer brands and corporations, growing the game and the business of baseball outside the United States and creating national marketing programs in conjunction with Clubs, broadcast rightsholders and national sponsors. MLBP also operates a full-service video and audio production unit (Major League Baseball Productions), a publishing division and stock photo licensing agency, and manages logistics for the All-Star Game and World Series as well as all other special events. For more information on Major League Baseball, log on to http://www.mlb.com/.

CENTURY 21 (R) is a registered trademark licensed to CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights (including Home Run Derby) are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. CENTURY 21 is the official real estate organization of Major League Baseball.

This program is available through participating CENTURY 21 offices and does not require the listing or purchase of real estate through a CENTURY 21 office as a condition of participation. Sweepstakes promotions and promotions which offer or advertise benefits to consumers are currently unavailable under the anti-sweepstakes laws of Fla., Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico and the real estate commission interpretations of the laws of Mo. and Okla. Sweepstakes entries could be considered consumer benefits under such laws. In addition, consumer benefits may not be conditioned upon doing business, that is, listing with or purchasing through a particular real estate office in the states of Kan., N.J., Ohio and R.I. and in Md., in connection with lotteries/games of chance.

Source: CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC

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Where Smart Health Meets Beauty ... Introducing the NIVEA Skin Care Center on RealAge.com(R)

What do you get when you mix the #1 skincare brand in the world with today's leading source of personalized health and lifestyle information? A can't miss recipe for achieving healthier, younger looking skin. As of spring 2006, NIVEA has partnered with RealAge as the exclusive skincare sponsor of the new NIVEA Skin Center on RealAge.com.

Visitors to the NIVEA Skin Center on RealAge.com can learn new ways to keep their skin looking vibrant and how to prevent the visible signs of aging the RealAgeway -- with personalized information and solutions drawn from the latest scientific and medical findings. The Center offers effective ways to fight wrinkles and information about a raft of other conditions, ranging from acne to varicose veins. Consumers can also sign up to receive their free beauty and skincare Health Guides and Tips based on the most up-to-date scientific research.

Within the NIVEA Skin Care Center on RealAge.com, lives a new interactive tool called the RealAge Skin Projector. It encourages people to upload a recent headshot of themselves to project what smoking or sun worshipping can do to their skin over time. The Center also features a RealAge Skin Assessment Test where users receive a personalized "7 Step Routine to Younger Looking Skin" with scientific advice on ways to nourish their skin -- the body's largest organ -- banish blemishes, even out the signs of hyper-pigmentation, defend against pollutants and much, much more. After taking the Skin Assessment Test users can quickly jump to http://www.niveausa.com/ where they can further their skin assessment by taking a quick mini test called the Skin Consultant which provides information on skin type and offers suggestions on which NIVEA products would work best for their skin.

NIVEA and RealAge, with the launching of this Skin Care Center, aim to motivate people to feel better and look younger.

About RealAge, Inc.

RealAge provides personalized information and solutions to help people live healthier, longer lives. So far, 13 million people have taken the patented RealAge Test, which is widely accepted as the gold standard for measuring individual health status. The RealAge Test and more than 40 personalized health assessments are available for free at RealAge.com.

About NIVEA

Founded in 1911, NIVEA is the #1 skincare brand in the world and remains synonymous with innovation and tradition. NIVEA's outstanding standard of quality and research allows for some of the most effective skincare products available in the market today including anti-aging products for both women and men. Further, The NIVEA Visage Q10 collection is the world's #1 selling anti-aging face care line. For more information about NIVEA, visit http://www.niveausa.com/.

Source: NIVEA

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Radio Sales Down Thru April

According to the RAB current revenue report, the grand total spot and non-spot dollars dropped 4% when compared to April 2005. Local ad dollars for the month also fell 4% from April of last year. National ad sales figures took the biggest hit slipping 7% April 2006 over April 2005. Non-spot dollars show potential growth opportunity rising 8% April 2006 over April 2005.

Year-to-date Radio revenue was somewhat brighter boosted by minor growth spurts from earlier in 2006. Non-spot revenue for January through April 2006 was the bright spot, jumping 9% over those same months from 2005.

To put the intermediate and long-term growth of the Radio industry into proper perspective, the Ad Sales Index equates base year 1998 to 100. The Index works similar to the Consumer Price Index so that information can be monitored on a monthly basis.

RADIO ADVERTISING BUREAU INDEX OF RADIO REVENUE POOL NUMBERS

 

APR 05-APR 06 YTD

 

JAN-APR 06 vs. JAN-APR 05

Local Revenue

 

Local Revenue

 

All Markets

-4%

All Markets

-2%

Local Ad Sales Index

134.4

Local Ad Sales Index

138.8

National Revenue

 

National Revenue

 

All Markets

-7%

All Markets

0%

National Ad Sales Index

122.1

National Ad Sales Index

145.1

Local & Nat'l Revenue

 

Local & Nat'l Revenue

 

All Markets

-5%

All Markets

-2%

Combined Ad Sales Index

131.6

Combined Ad Sales Index

140.2

Non-Spot Revenue

 

Non-Spot Revenue

 

All Markets

8%

All Markets

9%

Grand Total Revenue

 

Grand Total Revenue

 

All Markets

-4%

All Markets

-1%

Source: Radio Advertising Bureau, June 2006

Local and national revenues are based on a pool of more than 150 markets. The RAB Sales Index equates base year 1998 to 100.

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) is the sales and marketing arm of the Radio industry with nearly 7,000 members including close to 6,000 stations in the U.S., and over 1,000 associate members in networks, representative firms, sales, and international organizations.

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Hybrid Technologies, Inc. 'OTCBB:HYBT' with Volkswagen ERL Produces Lithium Powered Type 2 Bus

Hybrid Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: HYBT) www.hybridtechnologies.com, emerging leaders in the development and marketing of lithium powered products worldwide, is pleased to announce the result of its partnership with the Volkswagen Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL), located in Palo Alto, Ca.

Together, the two companies developed a new version of the traditional 1964 Type 2 Bus, symbol of the hippie era and the American independent spirit. The updated bus has been transformed in a lithium battery powered electric vehicle and includes various new technologies to explore novel design concepts for tomorrow's cars.

Hybrid Technologies replaced the original air-cooled VW engine with an electric drive, integrated lithium polymer batteries in the floor of the vehicle, and included a new battery management system. An optional array of solar panels located on surfboards on the roof of the vehicle can provide an additional source of energy to the vehicle.

The Volkswagen ERL intends to use the vehicle as a public relations tool to showcase the potential future of automotive electronics in this favorite old-timer. The common theme is centered on hidden technologies and illustrates features such as a 40-inch rear seat entertainment screen, an active sound system and LED systems for exterior lighting.

The updated 1964 bus will be a great tool for Hybrid Technologies and the Volkswagen ERL to demonstrate the potential of these new technologies and they will be proud to present the vehicle in public events throughout North America.

About Hybrid Technologies: www.hybridtechnologies.com

Hybrid Technologies Inc. is an emerging leader in the development and marketing of lithium powered products worldwide. Superior technology coupled with aggressive marketing positions Hybrid Technologies to lead the world into pollution free, zero emissions living.

About the Electronics Research Laboratory: www.vwerl.com

The Volkswagen of America, Inc. Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) focuses on providing customers with smarter cars, sooner. It aims to identify new technologies and accelerate their development into future production vehicles. Located in Palo Alto, California, the ERL is a high-profile think-tank representing the Volkswagen Group in North America. Its presence in the heart of Silicon Valley allows the Volkswagen Group to work directly with the world's leading high-tech companies, start-ups, and universities. Working closely with these partners allows the ERL to design and develop innovative features and applications, which are then integrated with Group vehicles for evaluation and testing. For additional information please visit www.vwerl.com.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc: www.vw.com

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.S. dealers.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on the Company's current expectations as to future events. However, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release might not occur, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

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LAEDC 2006-2007 Mid-Year Forecast

Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) Presents Its 2006-2007 Mid-Year Economic Forecast Update Covering 13 Areas in LA County, North and South Orange County, and Four Areas in the Riverside-San Bernadino Area

 

What:   LAEDC's 2006-2007 Mid-Year Forecast  Who:    Jack Kyser, Senior V. P. & Chief Economist, LAEDC         Leslie Appleton-Young, V. P. & Chief Economist, Cal. Assn. of          Realtors         Mary Nichols, Chair of LA DWP, Professor-in-Residence at UCLA         School of Law and Director of the UCLA Institute of the Environment         Gary Zimmerman, Senior Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco         Robert Bach, National Director, Market Analysis, Grubb & Ellis          (Call now for advanced interviews. The Forecast is out Wed morning)  When:   WEDNESDAY MORNING, JULY 12TH  Where:  Los Angeles Marriott Downtown - Grand Ballroom         333 S. Figueroa Street         Los Angeles, California 90071
Background: The LAEDC will release its entire "2006-2007 LAEDC Mid-Year Economic Forecast Update," Wednesday, July 12, 2006, at a breakfast event. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jack Kyser will explain what's driving the "quiet boom" in the economies of Los Angeles, the region and California. The LAEDC Forecast updates the industry ratings. Six receive "A's" and three others "B's." Two industries, international trade and tourism will see record levels of activity. The region's signature motion picture industry is breathing a little easier, but still faces major challenges.

 

Highlighted Links
MAYO Communications
LAEDC

The LAEDC Forecast is attended by more than 250 of LA's business, civic and political representatives. The Mid-Year Economic Forecast & Review will bring industry experts together to report on issues affecting those who live in the SoCal region. The panel of industry experts will discuss the following hot-button issues: the environment, housing, commercial real estate, sub regional economic performance, U.S. Economy and the financial markets.

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April 25th archive

April 26, 2006

A Conversation with Oscar® Winner Paul Haggis

To understand the internet you have to be open to change.logo

 

 

Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne April 25, 2006

MBN

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN news

 

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

Info@montebubbles.net

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. More then 100 pages of news a day and BROADCAST NEWS COMING SOON VIA PODCAST )

 

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY Pictures that we have taken and not published during before will be placed here on Sunday of each week for your viewing pleasure

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now

 

More exciting changes coming each day.

Watch for the MBN Politically incorrect SUV

 

 

MONTEBUBBLISM: Age does not always bring wisdom with it

 

NAB COVERAGE THIS EVENINGENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

A Conversation with Oscar® Winner Paul Haggis

New Technology In Broadcasting Platforms Doesn't Deter AM/FM Listeners

Opus 1 Music Library's Custom Cues Are Uniquely in Sync With the Demands of the Film and Television Music Business

HAI Announces 2006 Five-Star Dealers

The Cell Phone Is an Emergency Tool, a Driving Distraction and a Public Annoyance

The music DVD market continues to hang in there as the record industry deals with changing consumer behavior.

Verdict Is In:“Judgment at Nuremberg”Is “Great To Be Nominated”

COMVU LAUNCHES WORLD'S FIRST LIVE VIDEO BROADCAST SOLUTION FROM A
MOBILE PHONE TO A MASS AUDIENCE

DOD

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

 A Conversation with Oscar® Winner Paul Haggis

Paul Haggis, the two-time Academy Award® recipient who made Oscar history by writing back-to-back Best Picture winners, will be the special guest at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “A Conversation with Paul Haggis” on Thursday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

Haggis will discuss his approach to writing, his influences, and his journeys through the development process. The program, which will include illustrative clips, will be moderated by Phil Alden Robinson, Academy Governor, director and Oscar-nominated writer (“Field of Dreams”).

Haggis earned his first Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for “Million Dollar Baby,” 2004’s Best Picture winner. His original screenplay for “Crash,” 2005’s Best Picture winner, written with Bobby Moresco, resulted in Oscars for both writing and producing.

Haggis’ seemingly overnight success in feature films came after 25 years of writing for television on such shows as “The Facts of Life,” “The Tracey Ullman Show, “thirtysomething,” “Due South,” “L.A. Law,” “EZ Streets” and “Family Law.”

“A Conversation with Paul Haggis” will be presented under the banner of the Academy’s Marvin Borowsky Lecture on Screenwriting. The series provides opportunities for established film writers to share their experiences, and discuss the challenges and delights of screenwriting. Past lectures have been given by Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond, Robert Towne, Lawrence Kasdan, Richard Brooks, Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, Jay Presson Allen, Waldo Salt, Philip Dunne, John Sayles, Bo Goldman, Nora Ephron, Ron Bass, Kevin Smith, Paul Schrader and Gary Ross.

Tickets to “A Conversation with Paul Haggis” are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid I.D. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Free parking is provided in the garages located at 8920 and 9025 Wilshire Boulevard. For more information, call 310-247-3000 ext 111.

New Technology In Broadcasting Platforms Doesn't Deter AM/FM Listeners

A new study by Arbitron and Edison Media Research finds that the weekly Internet radio audience increased by fifty percent from 2005,(satellite radio awareness tops sixty percent of the U.S. population, while the AM/FM radio audience remains strong. The report chronicles this expansion of the radio market and its implications for advertisers and media planners.

The monthly audience of Internet radio tops an estimated 52 million; an increase from 37 million people in 2005. The weekly Internet radio audience also increased 50 percent over the past year, with 30 million listeners last year.

  • Online radio listeners are 36 percent more likely than the average consumer to live in a household with an annual income of more than $100,000.

Awareness of XM and Sirius satellite radio has reached equal levels of 61 percent awareness each among those age 12 and older.

  • in households with an annual income of more than $100,000, nearly double the percentage of all households.

Eleven percent of Americans say they have ever listened to an audio podcast (Internet broadcasting and downloadable music.)

  • One out of five who have ever listened to an audio podcast are 12-17 years old, and 53 percent are under the age of 35.

More than one-third of Americans say they are "very" or "somewhat" interested in HD Radio, as are more than 40 percent of satellite subscribers.

  • One-third of those would be likely to purchase an HD Radio receiver at  $100 and 58 percent would be likely to purchase at $50.

Seventy-seven percent of Americans expect to listen to AM/FM radio as much as they do now despite advancements in technology. The same holds true for 77% of Internet radio listeners, and 73% of those who have tried audio podcasting. 64 percent of Satellite radio subscribers say they plan to continue listening to the same amount of AM/FM radio.

Bill Rose, senior vice president, marketing, Arbitron, says  "... this new research reveals that these advertising vehicles are becoming increasingly viable."

Larry Rosin, President, Edison Media Research, concludes with "Our research shows that regardless of the platform, consumers see all these options as merely being new forms of radio."

 

Opus 1 Music Library's Custom Cues Are Uniquely in Sync With the Demands of the Film and Television Music Business

In the world of film and TV music, time is always an issue. For any production,
last-minute edits, additions and substitutions are the norm. In this business in particular, time is money and quality work is at a premium. When music supervisors need a custom
cue, the best in the business turn to Studio City-based Opus 1 Music Library for their ultimate satisfaction.

Opus 1 Music Library's Marrsha Sill knows about the rigorous demands of these music professionals firsthand. As Vice President of Film/TV Music, Marrsha is an expert at making certain Opus 1 delivers the exact cue or production necessary to satisfy the most exacting of music supervisors.
She says, "We love being of service to the production community because it is so rewarding. These music supervisors hold such demanding jobs; we take great satisfaction in doing everything we can to make their lives easier. Ask anyone who has worked with Opus 1 and they'll tell you about the quality of our work and the timely fashion in which it was created."

From orchestral cues to choral groups to Korean Hip Hop (Opus believes they may have invented that category), Opus 1 has the ability to create virtually any musical production required. Marrsha adds, "Our clients need not worry about anything. We record our cues as Library tracks and keep their stress level to a minimum." For example, when the hit show Lost needed a "Korean Sinatra," Opus 1 magically created one.

Some of the great music supervisors Opus 1 has created custom works for include: Ann Klein and Sarah Sheehe at John Wells Productions, music supervisors on ER and West Wing; Kevin Edelman, currently working on Pepper Dennis and My Name Is Earl; Carter Armstrong, who secures music for Warner Bros Features and is on the new Brad Pitt/Orlando Bloom film, The Assassination of Jesse James; music supervisor Jennifer Pyken, currently working on Las Vegas and Lost; as
well as Greg Sill, a renowned music supervisor currently on the new Dick Wolf show Conviction, in addition to Heist and the new CBS Jenna Elfman show, Courting Alex. And when Joe Fischer, a noted executive at Warner Bros Television Music required custom tracks for the Gilmore Girls, he too turned to Opus 1.

Alex Patsavas of Chop Shop Music Supervision in South Pasadena is one busy executive. Currently working on The O.C., Grey's Anatomy, Without a Trace, Rescue Me and Supernatural, Patsavas says, "Opus 1 creates amazing custom tracks perfect for film and television. We had great success
working with Opus 1 for HBO's Carnivale re-creating a mid-30s feel."

In addition to Opus 1's body of television work, the company excels in feature film music, as well, including the previously mentioned upcoming Brad Pitt/Orlando Bloom big screen release, The Assassination of Jesse James. Carter Armstrong, currently working on the project, sings Opus 1's
praises. Armstrong says, "Opus 1 is an outstanding resource. The licensing service is top-notch, but the custom tracking has impressed me tremendously. They've turned amazing music
around to me in record time and I appreciate them so much."

Opus 1 also brought their unique international expertise to the film Surrender Dorothy starring Diane Keaton. A J-Pop track was specifically composed for the movie, in Japanese.

And when the CBS mini-series ELVIS required a specific gospel-influenced cue, Gregory Sill, Music Supervisor and Founder of Music Makes Pictures, turned to Opus 1 for the track. When things got tight behind the music at Showtime's hit, Sleeper Cell, Greg once again looked to Opus 1. Greg
remembers, "I have come to rely on Opus 1 Music Library for all of my custom cue needs. Here is a great example of their expertise in this area. I was in a bind with a song for the Showtime series Sleeper Cell that the producers absolutely had to have and the real issue was a French Trip-Hop
composition. Opus listened to the track, and actually produced a new song in one day that the producers liked even better than the original. That is the ultimate of compliments. Opus 1 is a great resource for custom cue creation, and all other production music needs."

From Showtime's Sleeper Cell to ER and from Las Vegas to Malcolm in the Middle, the production wizards at Opus 1 have the skills necessary to pull off the impossible in a timely fashion.

See more at http://www.opus1musiclibrary.com.

HAI Announces 2006 Five-Star Dealers

     HAI, the leading manufacturer of integrated automation and
security products since 1985, announced the winners of its Five-Star Dealer
program for 2006 on March 31st at their annual Dealer Appreciation Party
held at the EH Expo in Orlando, FL.

     HAI's Five-Star Dealer program was initiated in 2001 to recognize
and reward its outstanding dealers.  “In spite of the difficulties with
Hurricane Katrina, 2005 was HAI's most successful year ever,” explains
HAI President, Jay McLellan.  “The key to that success and growth has
been the support of our dealers.  Thanks to them we're stronger and
better than ever and the Five Star Dealer program is all about growing our
businesses together.”

     Winners were selected based on various criteria, including the
number of years the dealer has been installing HAI products, number of
systems installed in the previous year, and unique marketing or
programming solutions that involved an HAI product.

     The 250 companies named as 2006 HAI Five-Star Dealers are listed
on HAI's website at www.homeauto.com.

    HAI products are sold through a worldwide network of Distributors
and installed by over 1000 trained dealers.  For more information on
HAI's award winning product line, or for information on how to become an
HAI Dealer, please visit www.homeauto.com, or call (800) 229-7256.

To download a high res picture of HAI President Jay McLellan and two
Five Star dealers at the recent HAI Dealer Appreciation party in Orlando,
FL, please click here. 
http://www.homeauto.com/mediacenter/haiprimage.asp?image=FiveStar06party.JPG

About HAI:  HAI is a privately held manufacturer of integrated
automation and security products for residential and commercial use based in
New Orleans, LA.  Incorporated in 1985, HAI has developed a full line of
award-winning automation products, including automation controllers,
communicating programmable thermostats, smart light switches, and
software that allows access and control of an automation system over the
Internet.  All products are sold through HAI's worldwide network of
Distribution Partners and installed by over 1000 trained dealers.

The Cell Phone Is an Emergency Tool, a Driving Distraction and a Public Annoyance

New findings from a national survey of cell phone owners by the Pew Research Center, the Associated Press and AOL provide a detailed picture of the role of the cell phone as an integral communications tool in modern life.

Seventy-four percent of the Americans who own mobile phones say they have used their hand-held device in an emergency and gained valuable help. But 32 percent of men and 25 percent of women admit they sometimes don't drive as safely as they should.

Americans are using their cell phones to shift the way they spend their time. Forty-one percent of cell phone owners say they fill in free time when they are traveling or waiting for someone by making phone calls, and 44 percent say they wait to make cell calls for the hours when they do not count against their "anytime" minutes.

Eighty-two percent of all Americans and 86 percent of cell users report being irritated at least occasionally by loud and annoying cell users who conduct their calls in public places.

When it comes to the features Americans would like to add to their cell phones:

  • 47% of cell owners say they would like maps
  • 38% say they would like to have instant messages from select friends sent to their cells
  • 24% of cell owners say they would like to use their phones to conduct searches for services such as movie listings, weather reports, and stock quotes
  • 24% of cell owners would like to add email to their mobile-phone functionality
  • 35% already use text messaging features and another 13% would like to add that capacity
  • 19% of cell owners say they would like to add the capacity to take still pictures

Cell owners describe how they use their phones:

  • 52% of all cell owners say they keep their phone on all the time
  • 81% of cell-only users say the device is always on
  • 22% of cell owners say they are not always truthful about exactly where they are when they are on the phone.
  • 39% of cell users ages 18-29 are not always honest about where they say they are
  • 24% of cell-using adults report they often feel like they have to answer their cell phones even when it interrupts a meeting or a meal
  • 22% believe that "too many" people try to get in touch with them because others know they have a cell phone

Finally, 23% of those who currently have landline phones say they are very likely or somewhat likely to convert to being only cell phone users

The music DVD market continues to hang in there as the record industry deals with changing consumer behavior.

According to 2005 year-end numbers from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), music DVD unit shipments dropped for the first time, down 4.1% from 2004, to 27.8 million units. The genre still commanded nearly $540 million in retail dollar value, down just 3.8% from the prior year.

The high-resolution audio formats DVD-Audio and SACD are all but dead. Unit shipments dropped 30.8% for DVD-Audio and 40.5% for SACD in 2005 — only 500,000 units of each format hit the market last year.

The only category that slipped further off unit shipments than these two formats was cassette, which was down 52.6%. CD shipments were down 8% over the previous year, to 705.4 million units.

Meanwhile, The RIAA began tracking sales of digital music video downloads for the first time in 2005, marking that segment at 1.9 million units, or $3.7 million. Downloaded singles shot up 163%, to 366.9 million tracks, constituting roughly that in dollar amount as well — $363.3 million.

Album downloads took an even bigger upswing — up 198.5%, to 13.6 million units or $135.7 million.

The RIAA also began tracking kiosk downloads and sales of digital product for the mobile market in 2005. Kiosks chalked up 700,000 downloads, including singles and full albums. Mobile content — which includes ringtones, ringbacks, music videos and full-length downloads — clocked in at 170 million downloads, or $421.6 million. 
 

Verdict Is In:“Judgment at Nuremberg”Is “Great To Be Nominated”

The 1961 Best Picture nominee “Judgment at Nuremberg” will be screened as the next installment in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Great To Be Nominated, Part Three.” The film, directed by Stanley Kramer, will be shown on Monday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Set in a German courthouse, presided over by three American judges, “Judgment at Nuremberg” focuses on the trial of four judges accused of using their offices to enforce Nazi sterilization and cleansing policies. The film earned 11 Academy Award® nominations and took home Oscars® for Actor (Maximilian Schell) and Writing – Screenplay based on material from another medium (Abby Mann). “Judgment at Nuremberg” earned Kramer his second nomination for Directing and his fourth for Best Picture. Though he did not win in either category, Kramer was honored at that year’s ceremony with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award. Other nominations for the film include Actor (Spencer Tracy), Actor in a Supporting Role (Montgomery Clift), Actress in a Supporting Role (Judy Garland), Art Direction – Black-and-White (Art Direction: Rudolph Sternad; Set Decoration: George Milo), Cinematography – Black-and-White (Ernest Laszlo), Costume Design – Black-and-White (Jean Louis) and Film Editing (Frederic Knudtson).

The film’s Oscar®-winning screenwriter Abby Mann and the widow of Stanley Kramer, Karen Sharpe Kramer, will attend the screening.

The evening’s commemorative program will feature black-and-white photos from “Judgment at Nuremberg” on the cover.

Passes for “Great To Be Nominated, Part Three” are still available at a cost of $30 for film buffs wishing to see the rest of the series. A $5 discount is available for those who wish to renew their passes from Parts One and/or Two of the series. Inclusive of “Judgment at Nuremberg” there are 17 screening dates remaining in Part Three.

Tickets for each individual screening may be purchased at a cost of $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid I.D. Tickets may be purchased by mail, in person at the Academy during regular business hours or, pending availability, on the night of the screening when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. Curtain time for all features is 7:30 p.m. and pre-show elements will begin at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call 310-247-3000, ext. 111.

April 25, 2006

NAB Coverage starting this evening

To understand the internet you have to be open to change.logo

 

 

Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne April 25, 2006

MBN

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN news

 

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

Info@montebubbles.net

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. More then 100 pages of news a day and BROADCAST NEWS COMING SOON VIA PODCAST )

 

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY Pictures that we have taken and not published during before will be placed here on Sunday of each week for your viewing pleasure

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now

 

More exciting changes coming each day.

Watch for the MBN Politically incorrect SUV

 

 

MONTEBUBBLISM: What you don't understand you attack.

 

NAB COVERAGE THIS EVENING

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

 

Sir Elton John, Bernie Taupin and Anne Rice to Host Exclusive LESTAT Post- Premiere Party

VH1 Prays to the Altar of Rock For the Month of May VH1 Goes Metal With a Slate of All-New Series, Documentaries, Specials And Movies

Counting Crows and Goo Goo Dolls Team for Summer Long Touring Extravaganza

Total TV Upgrades itself from 2D to 3D with Wasp'3D's Real-time 3D
Graphics

DOD

DoD Identifies Casualties


 

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

Sir Elton John, Bernie Taupin and Anne Rice to Host Exclusive LESTAT Post- Premiere Party

Expected Guests: Cher, Martha Stewart, Donald & Melania Trump, David Furnish, Eric McCormack, Jon Bon Jovi, Axl Rose, Star Jones Reynolds, Rosie O'Donnell,

Jewel, Rob Thomas, Walter Cronkite, Billie Jean King, Scissor Sisters,

Lorraine Bracco, Kathie Lee Gifford and the cast of LESTAT

WHAT/WHO: Following the Premiere Performance of the new Broadway

musical LESTAT, a star-studded post-party will culminate at

the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle.

The party will take place within the exhibit SIR ELTON JOHN-

ELEMENTS OF AN ICON, an extraordinary celebration of the

contribution to music, fashion and pop culture of one of the

most influential artists of our time. Elton John's private

costume collection and memorabilia are on public display

exclusively at the TIME WARNER CENTER through April 30th.

Sir Elton John, Anne Rice, Bernie Taupin & expected guests

Cher, Martha Stewart, Eric McCormack, Rob Thomas, Star Jones

Reynolds, Rosie O'Donnell, Kathie Lee Gifford, Peter Boyle,

Lorraine Bracco, Adam Duritz, Billie Jean King, Walter

Cronkite, John Edward, Jai Rodriguez, Kylie Minogue, Tony

LoBianco, the cast and crew of LESTAT, and Warner Bros.

executives Barry Meyer & Alan Horn.

WHEN/ WHERE: 9:15 p.m. - Red Carpet Arrivals

Call Times: CREWS - 8:45 p.m.

PHOTOGRAPHERS - 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Time Warner Center

10 Columbus Circle New York, NYC

BACKGROUND: About LESTAT: Inspired by Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles

and featuring the first theatrical score from the legendary

songwriting team of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, LESTAT,

will open at Broadway's Palace Theatre on April 25, 2006.

For further information contact Time Warner Center (10

Columbus Circle) - The Shops at Columbus Circle at (212)

823-6300 or for a full listing of activities log onto

www.relatedexperiences.com or

www.theshopsatcolumbusciricle.com.

VH1 Prays to the Altar of Rock For the Month of May VH1 Goes Metal With a Slate of All-New Series, Documentaries, Specials And Movies

 

VH1 Prays to the Altar of Rock For the Month of May VH1 Goes Metal With a Slate of All-New Series, Documentaries, Specials And Movies "Super Group," "Behind The Music: Ratt," "Behind The Music: Pantera," "Heavy: The Story Of Metal," "40 Greatest Metal Songs," VH1 Classic's "Decades Rock Live: Heart" and the first annual "Rock Honors" Highlight VH1's Metal Month

NEW YORK, April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- From the rocking sounds of Metal music and the stories behind the men & women who created them to the continued legacy that is Rock and Roll, VH1 debuts all-new series, documentaries, specials and movies this May that will leave you praying at the altar of rock.

Premieres:

"40 GREATEST METAL SONGS"

PREMIERES MONDAY-THURSDAY, STARTING MAY 1 AT 11 PM*

Hosted by Sebastian Bach, "40 Greatest Metal Songs," brings you the 40 most notable metal songs of all time in four rockin' half hour episodes. Whether epic, political, scary or downright silly, these tunes have one thing in common: they will rock your friggin' socks off. Who could resist jumping into the pit during Pantera's 'Walk,' banging your head 'til it hurts to Metallica's 'Master of Puppets,' or throwing up the devil horns to Iron Maiden's 'Number of the Beast'. VH1 will count down the greatest metal songs that made a whole generation turn the volume up, way up. If you can't get enough of VH1's "40 Greatest Metal Moments" then tune in to VH1 Classic Monday, May 1 beginning at 11:30 PM.* to see a sneak peak of episodes two, three and four.

"BEHIND THE MUSIC RATT" & "BEHIND THE MUSIC PANTERA"

PREMIERE THURSDAY, MAY 11 STARTING AT 9 PM*

This special edition of "Behind the Music: Ratt" contains exclusive behind the scenes footage of the band, as well as a never before seen interview with Robbin Crosby, conducted three years before his death. In the beginning, the band crawled up from the Sunset Strip's hair metal scene in the early '80s to record a fistful of multi-platinum albums and fill arenas around the globe.

Then at 10 PM, "Behind The Music" returns with the story of hard-hitting band Pantera. In the early 1990s, when hair metal was being sheered from the charts by grunge and earnest hard-rockers like Guns N Roses, Pantera, righteously flew the hard-edged heavy metal flag, almost single-handedly saving the genre from extinction.

"SUPERGROUP"PREMIERES SUNDAY, MAY 21 AT 10 PM*

VH1's "SuperGroup:" Ted Nugent, Scott Ian, Sebastian Bach, Evan Seinfeld and Jason Bonham, are poised to re-conquer the rock world (and hopefully spread a little debauchery in the process) in the ultimate musical experiment. "SuperGroup" will bring together these five hard rocking icons and present them with the opportunity to create the heaviest 'SuperGroup.' Ultimately viewers will see whether or not the band will come together as hard rock's saviors or simply implode.

"HEAVY: THE STORY OF METAL"

PREMIERES MONDAY-THURSDAY, STARTING MAY 22, AT 9 PM*

What Ken Burns did for jazz, VH1 does for heavy metal - only a lot louder. VH1's New "Rock Doc," "Heavy: The Story of Metal," traces the evolution of heavy metal music and culture, from its dark, grim beginnings in Birmingham, England to the worldwide force that it remains to this day. In a series of four chronological hours, "Heavy: The Story of Metal," explores four decades of music, each hour examining this powerful and often misunderstood genre, from metal's pioneers to its love of glam and excess; from the fight for metal's rebellious soul to its storied flirtation with the devil. VH1 Classic will sneak peek the second, third and fourth installments of the series on Monday, May 22 beginning at 10 PM.*

"VH1 ROCK HONORS"

PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 AT 9 PM*

VH1 debuts the first ever show to pay homage to the legends who influenced the sound of hard rock with the first annual "VH1 Rock Honors." This year's celebration will honor the music and influence of KISS, Queen, Def Leppard and Judas Priest. Additional performers, presenters, and special guests will be announced as they are confirmed.

Premiering on Wednesday, May 31 at 9PM*, "VH1 Rock Honors," will be taped at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Thursday, May 25. The 2-hour tribute will salute the groundbreaking bands of rock, the once in a lifetime events and the influential people who made a lasting mark on the history of hard rock.

For more information on all these shows, please log on to www.vh1.com. For additional show and music content, log onto VSPOT (http://vspot.vh1.com/), VH1's broadband channel.

On VH1 Classic:

"DECADES ROCK LIVE" CONCERT

PREMIERES ON FRIDAY, MAY 5 AT 8PM*

The third installment of "Decades Rock Live" honoring Heart will include an Alice in Chains reunion and special guests Dave Navarro, Carrie Underwood, Rufus Wainwright and Gretchen Wilson.

For more information on Metal Month on VH1 Classic and to learn more about these classic artists visit http://www.vh1classic.com/.

Metal Month on VSPOT at VH1.com and VH1 Mobile

VSPOT at VH1.com (http://vspot.vh1.com/) will create a "Metal Month" channel to all things metal beginning May 1. The dedicated channel will include exclusive interviews with "VH1 Rock Honors" honorees, presenters and performers and select video clips from the month's on-air metal programming slate, including raw VSPOT interviews and outtakes with artists like Sebastian Bach, Scott Ian, Ted Nugent, Dee Snider, Lars Ulrich, and Rob Zombie of the new VH1 Rock Doc, "Heavy: The Story of Metal."

VH1 Mobile will have the metal bands you love in the palm of your hand with one-of-a-kind metal wallpapers, original metal ringtones/ringbacks recorded exclusively for VH1 Mobile, and must-see video content from live metal and rock concerts from legendary bands such as Judas Priest and Poison. Additional video content will include interviews with metal bands from the VH1 Classic archives. VH1 mobile will also offer a rock-themed episode of the made-for-mobile series "Dingo Ate My Video."

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in over 87 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, and VH1 Uno. Connect with VH1 at www.vh1.com

VSPOT at VH1.com (http://vspot.vh1.com/) - VH1's broadband channel - brings viewers the richest music and pop-culture video content while it's happening: live events, series sneak peeks, exclusive celeb Q&A's, movie trailers, in- studio performances and original series, not to mention thousands of music videos, customizable playlists and artist interviews.

VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.

*All times ET/PT

 

Counting Crows and Goo Goo Dolls Team for Summer Long Touring Extravaganza


Counting Crows and Goo Goo Dolls have announced a major North American summer tour to begin June 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada and run through September 9 in Dallas, Texas. In total, the tour will visit over 45 cities across the US and Canada. It will be the first time the two artists have toured together in their long and illustrious careers.

Counting Crows and Goo Goo Dolls have announced a major North American summer tour to begin June 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada and run through September 9 in Dallas, Texas. In total, the tour will visit over 45 cities across the US and Canada. It will be the first time the two artists have toured together in their long and illustrious careers.

Counting Crows hail from the San Francisco Bay area and consist of Adam Duritz (vocals), David Bryson (guitar), Charles Gillingham (keyboards), Dan Vickrey (guitar), Jim Bogios (drums), David Immergluck (guitar) and touring bassist Millard Powers. Counting Crows success dates back to their 1993-debut release August and Everything After and the hit song "Mr. Jones." The band's most recent success included a # 1 hit with the song "Accidentally In Love," which was featured on the Shrek 2 soundtrack (which has sold over 1,000,000 copies), as well as nominations last year for a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award for the track. To date the band has sold over 20 million CDs worldwide. In 2004 the band released their first ever "Best Of" set Films about Ghosts which featured songs from every phase of the Counting Crow's recording career.

The Goo Goo Dolls, John Rzeznik (vocals, guitar), Robby Takac (bass) and Mike Malinin (drums), have evolved from a scrappy punk-influenced trio into the platinum-selling, chart-topping act behind such radio staples as "Name," "Iris," "Slide," and "Here Is Gone." The band are currently in the midst of a whirlwind promotional tour in support of the release of their eighth album Let Love In, which features the anthemic hit "Better Days," a rousing cover of "Give A Little Bit," and the emotional new single "Stay With You." Let Love In will be released on Warner Bros. Records April 25. The Goo Goo Dolls have a full slate of television appearances over the next several weeks, including Regis & Kelly (April 28), Late Night with Conan O'Brien (April 27), The Tony Danza show (May 2) and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (May 16). It will be a record breaking 14th appearance for the band on Leno that night.

Look for a separate announcement soon, which will include additional cities and ticket sales information regarding this highly anticipated tour.

SEE DATES BELOW

Wed 6/21 Portland, OR Clark County Amph

Thu 6/22 Seattle, WA White River Amph

Sat 6/24 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amph

Sun 6/25 Concord, CA Pavilion

Tue 6/27 San Francisco, CA Shoreline Amph/Chronicle Pavilion

Thu 6/29 San Diego, CA Coors Amph

Fri 6/30 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amph

Sat 7/1 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Pavilion

Mon 7/3 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion

Wed 7/5 Denver, CO Red Rock Amph

Fri 7/7 St. Louis, MO UMB Bank Pavilion

Sat 7/8 Indianapolis, IN Verizon Wireless Amph

Sun 7/9 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest

Tue 7/11 Cleveland, OH Scene Pavilion

Wed 7/12 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Amph

Fri 7/14 Columbus, OH Germain Amph

Sat 7/15 Pittsburgh, PA Post Gazette Pavilion

Fri 7/21 Detroit, MI DTE Music Theatre

Sat 7/22 Buffalo, NY Darien Lake PAC

Mon 7/24 Toronto, ON Molson Amph

Wed 7/26 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank

Fri 7/28 Hershey, PA Hershey Pavilion

Sat 7/29 Boston, MA Tweeter Center

Mon 7/31 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun

Tue 8/1 Gilford, NH Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center

Thu 8/3 Wantagh, NY Jones Beach

Fri 8/4 Wantagh, NY Jones Beach

Sun 8/6 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata

Mon 8/7 Saratoga Springs, NY SPAC

Wed 8/9 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods

Fri 8/11 Scranton, PA Ford Pavilion

Fri 8/18 Chicago, IL Tweeter Center

Sat 8/19 Springfield, IL Illinois State Fair

Mon 8/21 Nashville, TN Starwood Amph

Wed 8/23 Raleigh, NC Alltel Pavilion

Fri 8/25 Philadelphia, PA Tweeter Waterfront

Sat 8/26 Washington, DC Nissan Pavilion

Mon 8/28 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amph

Tue 8/29 Charlotte, NC Charlotte Verizon

Thu 8/31 West Palm Beach, FL Sound Advice

Fri 9/1 Tampa, FL Ford Amph

Sun 9/3 Atlanta, GA HiFi Buys Amph

Tue 9/5 Birmingham, AL Verizon Wireless Amph

Thu 9/7 Houston, TX CWM

Fri 9/8 San Antonio, TX Verizon Wireless Amph

Sat 9/9 Dallas, TX Smirnoff Amph

Total TV Upgrades itself from 2D to 3D with Wasp'3D's Real-time 3D
Graphics


New Delhi, India, April 25, 2006: Total TV, the recently launched
regional news channel covering Delhi, Noida and the suburbs of Delhi, has
chosen Beehive's real-time 3D graphics solution, Wasp'3D.

The channel needed to upgrade from 2D to 3D so as to improve the look
and feel and be able to compete with the national channels in India.
Beehive bagged this win on account of the value for money that Wasp's 3D
provides by incorporating multiple benefits in single solution. The
various core tasks that Wasp'3D can perform include, real-time 3D graphics,
virtual set, digital video effects, 3D compositing, chroma keying and
channel branding.

Beehive has completed implementation and training and the channel is
now on-air with Wasp'3D graphics. The client has provided extremely
positive feedback about Wasp'3D.

Commenting on the Total TV win, Mr. Ajay Pal Singh, Vice President,
Business Development, Beehive Systems, said - "We are extremely happy that
Total TV - the channel for our home turf - Delhi, Noida and suburbs,
has preferred Wasp'3D. We wish all the best to them as they aim to expand
their reach and impact beyond the regional boundaries."

Total TV will also benefit from Wasp'3D's unique Programmable Palette
(PgP) Technology which will provide the channel's designers the
flexibility and power to create infinite materials and textures by mixing and
blending four texture types with each other in a variety of ways. This
in turn will incredibly expand the creative possibilities for the
designer as he can easily create an original texture or a material without
getting restricted. The PgP technology can also blend Bitmaps (images);
Video (live and off-the disk); and DDS textures (Direct Draw Surface)
and further expand the canvas of the artist to experiment and create
something out-of-the-box.


About Beehive Systems:
Beehive Systems (http:www.beesys.com) is a global leader in developing
cutting-edge broadcast solutions meant to provide superior returns on
the client's investment. Our portfolio of end-to-end solutions is
designed to deliver out-of-the-ordinary results in real-time 3D and 2D
graphics, newsgathering, digital newsroom, interactive TV and digital logging
and archiving.

With 15 years of broadcast expertise and a commitment to deliver
maximum value to our clients, Beehive is the most respected name with
international broadcasters like CNBC, Fox-promoted STAR News, KTRK, ESPN, Sony
MAX, Astro, SCTV and many more. Beehive is the winner of the
prestigious 'Nasscom IT Innovation Award' for 2004.

 

(C) MBN 2006 (pictures by William Hoehne)

 

Jennings

Peter Jennings

Brokaw

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Brokaw

 

 

 

rather

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dan Rather

 

 

(c) By MBN 2006 (Taken by Joyce L Chow)

 

Sq

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHEN TONG

Democratization of Media" is a crucial concern as we move forward in a multi-platform and multi-lingual broadcasting world. Shen Tong, President & Founder, VFinity,(SL 3033) will discuss why next generation content management and archiving is crucial internationally when his firm previews and launches V-Business 2.0 at two VIP & Press events at NAB Las Vegas, 2006. Shen Tong

According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia online: Shen Tong is a Chinese dissident who was the leader in the democracy movement at Tiananmen Square in 1989. He left the PRC six days after the government response on June 4, 1989.
He then studied at Brandeis University and later at Harvard University and Boston University. Also, he is the co-authur of the book 'Almost a Revolution.'He is currently the founder and CEO of the company Vfinity, which makes software tools for media production, archiving, and publishing."

 DoD Identifies Army Casualties


            The Department of Defense announced today the death of four
soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They died of
injuries sustained in Baghad, Iraq on April 22, when an improvised explosive
device detonated near their HMMWV causing a fire.  This occurred during combat
operations.  All four soldiers were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 67th
Armored Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood,
Texas.



            Killed were:



            Sgt. Kyle A. Colnot, 23, of Arcadia, Calif.



            Spc. Eric D. King, 29, of Vancouver, Wash.



            Pfc.  Jacob H. Allcott, 21, of Caldwell, Idaho

 


The Department of Defense announced today the death of a
Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.



            Staff Sgt. Jason C. Ramseyer, 28, of Lenoir, N.C., died
April 20 while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar
province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd
Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.


Cpl. Eric R. Lueken, 23, of Dubois, Ind., died April 22 while
conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar province,
Iraq.


He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division,
III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

Pvt. Travis C. Zimmerman, 19, of New Berlinville, Pa., died in
Baghdad, Iraq on April 22, when an improvised explosive device
detonated near his observation post during dismounted combat reconnaissance
operations.Zimmerman was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment,
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort
Campbell, Ky.

Pvt.  Michael E. Bouthot, 19, of Fall River, Mass.

 Capt. Clayton L. Adamkavicius, 43, of Fairdale, Ky., died  of
injuries sustained in Abu Ghurayb, Afghanistan, on April 21, when he
came under enemy small arms fire during combat operations.  Adamkavicius was
assigned to the Army National Guard's 149th Brigade, 35th Infantry Division,
Louisville, Ky.

 



 

 

[ Yahoo! ] options

April 21-24th archives

April 24, 2006

Sony Delivers 'HD for All'

To understand the internet you have to be open to change.logo

 

 

 

 

Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne April 24, 2006

MBN

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN news

 

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

Info@montebubbles.net

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. More then 100 pages of news a day and BROADCAST NEWS COMING SOON VIA PODCAST )

 

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY Pictures that we have taken and not published during before will be placed here on Sunday of each week for your viewing pleasure

 

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now

 

More exciting changes coming each day.

Watch for the MBN Politically incorrect SUV

 

MONTEBUBBLISM: You want to believe sports and dog shows aren’t fixed, but you also want to believe in the tooth fairy.

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

Extending Gas per Gallon with Nitrogen, Octane Boost, and a GasBuddy

BETSY MCGOWEN JOINS THE CW AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER, KIDS' WB! ON THE CW

Sony Delivers 'HD for All' at NAB 2006

DAVE.TV TO SHOWCASE CUTTING EDGE IPTV SERVICE DELIVERING CUSTOMIZED CONTENT

InPhase Technologies, the world’s leader in holographic data storage, today announced at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention the first holographic storage systems for broadcasters

FOTOKEM SPEEDS DAILIES WORKFLOW WITH AVD AND ZAXEL SYSTEMS’ ESCORT-DIGITAL DAILIES SYNCING AND OUTPUT SOLUTION

ZAXEL SYSTEMS INTEGRATES LOSSLESS COMPRESSION SCHEME

INTO AJA’S OEM REAL-TIME DUAL LINK HD-SDI I/O CARD

PAPPAS TELECASTING TO USE INPHASE TECHNOLOGIES HOLOGRAPHIC STORAGE

Jumpcut, a new online video sharing and remixing – or mashing – service introduced today at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference in Las Vegas

InPhase, asm, and QStar will demonstrate the first holographic video archive system, in the Maxell Corp.

Shipping to customers in the third quarter of 2006, the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation enables broadcasters, and video professionals, to record and play back source material from a variety of formats, including videotape

Using the company’s patented Zaxel Lossless Compression (ZLC™), the Zaxel Video Server enables customers in professional video production, digital cinema, and image-intensive applications

Roland Systems Group U.S. is reporting better than expected ordering of their new multi-format live video mixer/switcher – the EDIROL by Roland V-440HD,

Roland Systems Group Reports Better than Expected Ordering of

EDIROL Affordable HD/PC Multi-format Mixer

Roland Systems Group U.S. Releases of RSS by Roland AR-200S Audio Recorder

SPORTS & AUTOS

Oakland Dodger Baseball

DOD

Three Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers and two Iraqi citizens were killed

Iraq Reaches 'Important Milestone' in Forming Unity Government

Army Activates First Interrogation Battalion

VA Completes Cabinet's Push for Employer Support of Guard, Reserve

'Thunder Over Louisville' Ends With Patriotic Bang

NEWS & News In Spanish

NEWSWEEK COVER: Sex, Lies & Duke NEWSWEEK: McClellan Told Bolten He Was Feeling Wear and Tear of the

Job National Health Partners Expects Significant Member and Revenue Growth from Hispanic Advertising Campaign Featuring International Superstar Lucia Mendez

National Health Partners espera crecimiento importante en miembros e ingresos de su campaña de publicidad hispana con la superestrella internacional Lucía Méndez

NEWSWEEK: Pearl Jam's Vedder on Making a New Album: '

The Home Depot to Sponsor Univision’s Exclusive Spanish-Language Broadcast of FIFA World Cup Germany 2006(TM)

Home Depot patrocinará la transmisión exclusiva en español de Univision de la copa mundial de la FIFA Alemania 2006 (TM)

VATICAN NEWS OF THE PAST WEEK

__________________________________________________

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

Extending Gas per Gallon with Nitrogen, Octane Boost, and a GasBuddy

With all the grumblings about the price of gas which can be heard round the globe and probably the universe, people are searching for ways to obtain lower gas prices, stretch their gas mileage, perhaps even car pool or if they must not go out as often. If you’re curious where your state stands, see the gas temperature map on www.gasbuddy.com and view your state or city. Not surprisingly, Hawaii as an island pays the highest gas prices. California follows paying the second highest state prices.

Southern Californians have such a fondness for driving that in “LA Story” a satirical look at life in Los Angeles with Steve Martin and Sarah Jessica Parker, he got in his car and drove several houses down to visit one of his neighbors.

Besides the obvious such as making sure your car is tuned, there are a few other tips I’ve discovered:

1) Octane booster added to your gas. While many are skeptical and I can’t quantify the difference on city mileage other than a few miles, when driving on the freeway for extended trips, the mileage increased 30%. Besides the extra mileage, it also gives your driving an extra boost.

2) Nitrogen added to your tires. Nitrogen is a inert,dry gas and as such minimizes fluctuating tire inflations pressures. Oxygen escapes from a tire 3 to 4 times faster than nitrogen. If you’re curious where in the world you can find this, check your neighborhood Costco which adds nitrogen automatically to your tires. With consistent and proper inflation pressure in your tires, your vehicle handles better, maximizes fuel efficiency and extends your tire life.

Costco traditionally has some of the lowest gas prices around. If you choose to pay less as a point, be prepared to wait or schedule your gas trips around lines.

BETSY MCGOWEN JOINS THE CW AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER, KIDS' WB! ON THE CW

Betsy McGowen will join The CW as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Kids' WB! on The CW, it was announced today by Dawn Ostroff, who will become President of Entertainment, The CW, to whom McGowen will report. A joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation, The CW is the new fifth broadcast television network scheduled to launch in the Fall of 2006.

McGowen, a senior executive at Kids' WB! since its inception in 1995, will oversee all series development, current programming and scheduling as well as brand, image and marketing for Kids' WB! on The CW.

"Kids' WB! is an integral part of The CW's future, and Betsy McGowen's continued leadership and vast experience make her the perfect executive to oversee this important daypart," said Ostroff.  "Betsy has been with Kids' WB! since its inception, and her stellar creative and marketing track record has been instrumental in establishing a dominant programming block that kids have embraced in a major way."

Prior to joining The CW, McGowen had served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Kids' WB! since May 2004, overseeing all programming and marketing aspects for network television's number one children's block. She had previously served as Senior Vice President, Kids' WB! Marketing and had held a top marketing position at Kids' WB! since 1995, where she helped shape the network's distinct brand image and on-air campaigns.

Before The WB, McGowen worked as a freelance writer/producer/editor for many clients, including Fox and the Disney Channel.  From 1992-93, she was a staff promo writer/producer for Fox Kids Network.  Prior to Fox Kids, McGowen was an offline/online videotape editor at NBC and Fox.

As previously announced, the new CW Network will consist of a six-night, 13-hour primetime lineup including Monday through Friday nights from 8:00-10:00 PM (ET/PT); Sundays from 7:00-10:00 PM (ET/PT); Sunday from 5:00-7:00 PM (ET/PT) outside of prime time as well as a Monday-Friday afternoon block from 3:00-5:00 PM (ET/PT) and a five-hour Saturday morning animation block from 7:00 AM-12:00 PM. Altogether, the network will program 30 hours a week over seven days.

Sony Delivers 'HD for All' at NAB 2006

Sony is delivering on its theme of "HD for All" at the 2006 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention here this week, highlighting applications of its high-definition technology for all levels of professional digital video production.

"Our line-up of HD systems serves the entire pyramid of customer applications, from event, documentary and corporate video at the base all the way to TV and big-budget motion picture production at the top," said John Scarcella, president of Sony's Broadcast and Business Solutions Company. "When we say, 'HD for All,' we really mean for all: All kinds of professionals, all price points, and all applications."

Sony's announcements at NAB include the continued success of its digital 24P products for TV and motion picture production, and the increasing use of its HD cameras and switchers for high-profile production installations including "Late Night with David Letterman," "Saturday Night Live," "Conan O'Brien" and "Good Morning America."

Sony is also announcing successes for its newest HD technology: the XDCAM HD(TM) line of optical disc camcorders and decks.

News 12 Networks, owned by Cablevision systems, is adopting XDCAM HD technology for all electronic news gathering (ENG) and news production applications. The group plans to roll-out 90 XDCAM HD camcorders across its channels over the next two years.

News 12 Networks operates seven 24-hour local news channels in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, and according to Norm Fein, senior vice president for news development at News 12 Networks, the advantages of Sony's optical production technology are well-suited to the daily demands of gathering and producing regional news programming.

XDCAM HD technology is also being rolled out at Gannett Broadcasting and at two PBS stations: WETA in Washington, D.C., which will start using XDCAM HD technology for its production of "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer" and WYCC in Chicago, which will begin acquiring in the XDCAM HD format. Both stations are also upgrading with a range of Sony HD gear including studio and portable cameras, and production switchers.

These two PBS member stations, along with WQED in Pittsburgh, are the latest to begin their HD conversion under the joint Sony/PBS HD Pilot Program, which was created to encourage and develop high definition television production by public TV stations.

Not only TV stations are attracted to XDCAM HD technology. Veteran director of photography Mark Falstad used the new camcorders at last month's Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Alaska. According to Falstad, the camcorders stood up to sub-zero temperatures, they were mounted onto sleds, they were dropped and weren't even enclosed in protective weather gear, but "despite the hammering the sled and the mount took, every frame was perfect."

Sony's family of HDV(TM) products for professionals has also expanded over the past year, with the HVR-A1U compact camcorder joining its larger HVR-Z1U cousin. A recent expedition up Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa was documented with the Sony HVR-A1U and, as cinematographer Joanne Hock noted, the camcorder's compact size was critical "when every ounce saved meant the difference between continuing on and having to stop."

Hock also noted that the camera's durability allowed her to keep shooting in the rugged conditions encountered during the climb, including heat, cold, humidity and dust. Also, the camcorder was "a quick learn," she said, adding that "the ability to use touch-screen pre-sets was a big time-saver. It was very easy to just pull it out, quickly check and adjust the settings, get the shot you want, put it back in your pocket and continue climbing."

Sony HD technology is also establishing a growing presence of in key market segments including the house-of-worship market. For example, Lakewood Church, which now holds its services in the former Compaq Center sports arena in Houston, has purchased eight Sony high definition cameras as part of a phased migration to HDTV.

In addition, Sony HD technology is also expanding to markets beyond traditional broadcast to the medical, government and education sectors, further enhancing the definition of "HD for All."

Source: Sony Electronics Inc.

 

DAVE.TV TO SHOWCASE CUTTING EDGE IPTV SERVICE DELIVERING CUSTOMIZED CONTENT TO MULTIPLE DEVICES USING THE POWER OF ANY BROADBAND CONNECTION AT NAB 06

Summary: DAVE.TV, an IPTV pioneer and leader in digital entertainment distribution, will showcase its exclusive IPTV Cross Platform Digital Delivery Ecosystem throughout NAB 2006 in the "ITA Content Incubator Pavilion" (SL 2407D). Please join us on Monday morning, April 24, from 8-9:30am for a special press breakfast presentation at the ITA meeting room S-101. Who: DAVE.TV (Distributed Audio Video Entertainment Television) is the first Cross Platform Digital Delivery Ecosystem that consolidates channels of video entertainment from sources around the world into a comprehensive service that delivers them to the PC, TV, portable and mobile devices while facilitating connections between Publishers, Advertisers and Consumers of digital media.

DAVE.TV also develops Internet TV and IPTV solutions and platforms for service providers such as Telcos, CLECs, MSOs and ISPs. DAVE.TV gives consumers the ability to acquire and consume content anywhere, anyplace and on any device while empowering, publishers to reach multiple platforms by enabling them to publish to only one central point to reach multiple devices/platforms while being able to choose their pricing and business model. DAVE.TV also enables advertisers to have a one-on-one interaction with consumers by delivering highly targeted advertising based on demographics and/or geographics. DAVE.TV currently delivers over 100 channels of content from publishing sources worldwide, and that number is continuing to grow rapidly.

For more information please visit www.dave.tv.

VitalStream, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: VSHI), the world leader in audio and video streaming, will launch VitalStream Media Player for Flash at booth #SL4206 at NAB in Las Vegas, NV, April 24-27, 2006.

With VitalStream's Media Player for Flash, viewing Flash video (FLV) content locally is as simple as double-clicking an FLV file. Previously, developers needed to create a Media Player within the Flash Development environment in order to view FLV content on their local computer. The VitalStream Media Player for Flash simplifies the workflow and saves development time by eliminating cumbersome steps in creating Flash video projects.

Key features of VitalStream's Media Player for Flash include:


* Standard media player controls like play, pause, volume controls and a video scrub bar
* At-a-glance data on file name, total running time (TRT), audio and video data rate and video frame size
* Zoom in and out functions for viewing video at 100% or 200%
* Access to a time code display
* Full support for all FLV files, including Flash 6,7 and 8 encoded Flash Video

Working hand-in-hand with Adobe (formerly Macromedia) to develop the Flash streaming platform, VitalStream leads the market as the first and most experienced Flash video streaming service provider. The VitalStream Service for Flash delivers a higher capacity service than other, non-certified CDN Flash providers.

VitalStream be available at NAB to discuss the role of content delivery in media, video streaming and the company's new Media Player for Flash.

InPhase Technologies, the world’s leader in holographic data storage, today announced at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention the first holographic storage systems for broadcasters.

InPhase will ship the industry’s first holographic drives to OEM customers in the fourth quarter of 2006. The company also announced its first broadcast customer, Pappas Telecasting, which will incorporate the InPhase Tapestry™ holographic drives into an archival storage system for its flagship stations, KAZR-TV/KREN-TV, in Reno, Nevada. Also, Panasonic Broadcast will show demonstrate the InPhase Tapestry holographic drive, at NAB Booth #C2518, as the ideal solution for the company’s P2 camera.

At NAB 2006, InPhase will have demonstrate a range of holographic products and systems, based on its Tapestry technology, at the Maxell Booth #C6932 in the Las Vegas Convention Center, including:

The industry’s first holographic storage drive, the InPhase Tapestry HDS-300R drive

the industry’s first video disc recorder (HVDR), the OvalRock SD Dynamic holographic video disc recorder (H-VDR)Workstation

a 9.6 terabyte the industry’s first holographic video archive solution, a 30 terabyte (TB) solution that incorporates an asm storage library, the QStar’s Data Protection archive appliance; an ASM storage library, the InPhase Tapestry holographic drive, and Maxell holographic media

a 3TB workstation archive autoloader

The InPhase HDS-300R drive records 300 gigabytes (GB) on a single disk with a transfer rate of 20 megabytes per second (MB/s), or 160 megabits per second (Mb/s). The HDS-300R will enable broadcasters to record 35 hours of broadcast-quality (19 Mbps) video on a single disk in 250 minutes (160 Mbps transfer rate). InPhase will begin shipments of the product to OEM customers at the end of 2006.

“We have followed the progress of holographic storage over the last few years, and have found the characteristics of the InPhase Tapestry drive and media to be ideally suited as an archive solution for our P2 products,” said Phil Livingston, vice president for technical liaison for Panasonic Broadcast. “Our broadcast customers have been asking for a long-life, high-density optical product with rapid access, and the InPhase HDS-300R has now arrived. We’re pleased to showcase this revolutionary technology for our P2 customers.”

The OvalRock SD Dynamic Workstation is a server emulator than can record and play back source material from standard-definition (SD), high-definition (HD), 2K (or, Academy 2K, which is 1828 x 1332 pixels), videotape recorder (VTR), data disc recorder (DDR), or act as a server emulator. Capable of videotape, Blu-Ray, and holographic record/playback functions, the workstation is agnostic of most operating systems and applications and runs most production process applications. It is compliant with x86 hardware and software and can be configured with up to 6.4 TB of hard-disk drive (HDD) RAID arrays.

The first holographic video archive solution – from asm, InPhase, and Qstar – will store more than 200 hours of HD (at 100 Mb/s) or more than 800 hours of SD (at 25 Mb/s) on 32 pieces of Maxell holographic media.

“The progress that holographic storage has made in the past year continues to answer our many questions regarding archive and production, particularly as we incorporate more high-definition programming into our networks. We are fast moving toward a file-based universe, and holographic data storage will be an integral part of this future,” said Ron Tarasoff, vice president of broadcast technology & engineering at Turner Entertainment Networks.

InPhase will also exhibit at the Maxell booth a 10-slot autoloader that holds three TB of data, or more than 66 hours of HD video (100 Mbps).

InPhase has also announced that the HDS-300R drive will be compatible with the FlashNet Archive Manager from Storage Generation, Ltd. (SGL).

“As we bring the first holographic storage products to market, we’re pleased to be aligned with some of the leading developers of next-generation recorders as well as reliable, long-term and near-term archival storage,” said Liz Murphy, vice president of marketing for InPhase. “This NAB marks the beginning of the next generation of storage for broadcasters, and we are showcasing a diverse array of solutions for this initial phase of product delivery.”

About InPhase Technologies

InPhase Technologies is the leading developer of holographic data storage (HDS) recording media and systems. Based in Longmont, Colorado, InPhase was founded in 2000, and is comprised of some of the storage industry's leading executives and scientists. InPhase is funded by venture capital investors New Venture Partners LLC, Signal Lake Ventures, Newton Technology Partners, Yasuda Enterprise Development, Japan Asia Investment Company, Nanotechnology Partners LLC, and Mr. B.J. Cassin. Corporate investors are Hitachi Maxell, Ltd., Bayer MaterialScience AG, and ALPS Information Technology Fund. For more information on InPhase, please visit the company's Web site at www.inphase-tech.com.

FOTOKEM SPEEDS DAILIES WORKFLOW WITH AVD AND ZAXEL SYSTEMS’ ESCORT-DIGITAL DAILIES SYNCING AND OUTPUT SOLUTION

TK-Digital Dailies Solution Enables Faster, Automated Transfer of

Episodic Television and Theatrical Dailies

LAS VEGAS --- AVD, a leading developer of digital video software solutions, and Zaxel Systems, a leading developer of digital video compression systems and products, today announced at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Las Vegas that the companies have collaborated with FotoKem, a premier independently-owned film & video postproduction facility, on a new, automated system for delivering digital dailies for film and television productions.

The AVD Escort Digital Dailies solution, sold exclusively by Zaxel Systems, has enabled FotoKem to save substantial time producing digital dailies for primetime series such as “Trial by Jury,” “Criminal Intent,” “Over There,” and many other productions for both the television and theatrical market. The Escort Digital Dailies system has enhanced the company’s overall digital content workflow, providing for both increased telecine revenues and more color grading time per client.

FotoKem has used the Escort Digital Dailies system since February, 2005. The Escort Digital Dailies system involves the use of multiple DDRchitect workstations to handle the audio ingest, logging, audio-to-video syncing, tape laydown and Avid digitizing outside a telecine room.

The DDRchitect is used by FotoKem for dailies in the mornings, and can be easily re-purposed as a non-linear replacement for videotape recorders (VTRs) in the afternoon.

“The traditional VTR-based router system has evolved into a multi -functional, format-independent system, with workstations that are lower-cost and designed for parallel access via a SAN infrastructure,” said Charlie Taylor, Vice President of Sales at Zaxel Systems Inc.

Integrated with the FotoKem SAN, the Escort Digital Dailies system enables multiple workstations to work simultaneously, sharing the same storage volume so that, for example, the Escort Dailies operator will load and log audio while a colorist loads video to the same storage volume.

“Our work with AVD in the development of the Escort system has proven to be a giant step forward in the automation of the dailies process,” said Rand Gladden, senior VP of digital and data development for FotoKem. “Whether working with film elements or the new digital cameras, we have seen significant improvement in efficiencies. Integrated with FotoKem’s SAN, the Escort system allows for simultaneous sharing among workstations for specific tasks, resulting in more time for color correction and improved accuracy in audio syncing and the collection of metadata. All of this equals higher quality and faster turnaround for our clients.”

The Escort Digital Dailies workflow provides automated down conversion from high-definition (HD) source material to standard-definition (SD) video.

“The FotoKem collaboration has aided us in the development of a flexible, reliable, and very fast system for delivering digital assets in an on-demand universe,” said Richard Lyons, president of AVD Burbank and the co-developer of the Escort Digital Dailies system. “The Escort software enables parallel operation for digital dailies by decoupling the tasks in telecine and automating them in a simple fashion. We have developed a networked, automated system for what had been a very time-intensive process.”

Using the Escort system, all tasks except film transfer can be done by the operator away from the telecine room. The system is designed to export ALE and FLEX files for Avid editing, as well as picture and sound reports. The system enables DPX 2K files, or dual link 1080p RGB video source material to be converted at real-time, from storage to down conversion, with burn-ins used as an option. Users can directly import WAV files from DVD media, and conduct simultaneous lay-off of daily takes to multiple formats.

About Advanced Video Design (AVD) and Preferred Video Products (PVP)

AVD & PVP, located in Burbank CA. are leaders in the development of video solutions for the entertainment, military and space industries. Over the past nine years, AVD has manufactured broadcast and film products, authored unique software solutions and provided turn-key systems engineering, integration and service. Many years before High Definition video became a predominant post-production format, AVD developed and built an 8:8:8 (1440) Telecine which was the highest quality film transfer device of its time. AVD has built software-controlled custom video systems for NASA, the Los Angeles County Sheriff¹s Dept. and the Army/Air Force. Technology developed during Research and Development led to the DDRchitect and software for the entertainment industry. AVD has a proven track record of developing and selling innovative products to the entertainment industry and government agencies. For further information, www.avdburbank.com

About Zaxel Systems, Inc.

Zaxel Systems is a leading developer of digital video compression systems and products, from HD, 2K & 4K real-time disk recorders, servers & players to SAN and NAS real-time I/O units. The company is committed to the delivery of highly reliable, cost-effective, customer-friendly and feature-rich products to the television and digital film industry. Zaxel Systems is the exclusive worldwide distributor of Preferred Video Product’s AVD DDRchitect product line. Founded in 1998, Zaxel Systems Inc. corporate headquarters is located in Sunnyvale, California. For further information, please visit the company Web site at www.zaxel.com.

About FotoKem

FotoKem is a premier independently owned film & video postproduction facility based in

Burbank, CA. Established in 1963, FotoKem is a unique full service facility that embraces the entire sequence of motion picture and television postproduction by combining full-scale laboratory services with advanced digital finishing. See www.fotokem.com for additional information.

Zaxel Systems, a leading developer of digital video compression systems and products, today announced that it has integrated its patented ZLC (Zaxel Lossless Compression) into the AJA OEM dual link high-definition (HD) and serial digital interface (SDI) I/O card, which enables customers to compress and decompress high-resolution digital video at three times the current rate for video capture, editing, and playback in both HD and standard definition (SD). The faster compression rates enable Zaxel customers to save on storage costs, enable them to connect more than twice as many workstations to SAN, and achieve faster data transfer on network.

This technology provides Zaxel customers with the only real-time solution for lossless video compression, essentially providing the power of a full-scale video server on a single video card.

The Zaxel ZLC video codec is integrated into the FPGA on the AJA card, and provides three stages of compression and decompression that enable the prediction of the value of each video pixel, based on previously viewed pixels. The technology provides real-time record and play with no latency. Zaxel guarantees bit-for-bit restoration through multiple codec cycles.

ZAXEL SYSTEMS INTEGRATES LOSSLESS COMPRESSION SCHEME INTO AJA’S OEM REAL-TIME DUAL LINK HD-SDI I/O CARD

Zaxel Systems’ Zaxel Lossless Compression (ZLCTM) Enables Three Times

Faster Compression/Decompression, Saves Money on Storage

Zaxel Systems, a leading developer of digital video compression systems and products, today announced that it has integrated its patented ZLC (Zaxel Lossless Compression) into the AJA OEM dual link high-definition (HD) and serial digital interface (SDI) I/O card, which enables customers to compress and decompress high-resolution digital video at three times the current rate for video capture, editing, and playback in both HD and standard definition (SD). The faster compression rates enable Zaxel customers to save on storage costs, enable them to connect more than twice as many workstations to SAN, and achieve faster data transfer on network.

This technology provides Zaxel customers with the only real-time solution for lossless video compression, essentially providing the power of a full-scale video server on a single video card.

“The ZLC technology is a cost-effective upgrade to one of the most powerful video compression technologies available,” said Nick Rashby, Director of Sales and Marketing, AJA. “This integration delivers the power of a video server in a single card and provides Zaxel customers with a powerful method of handling complex graphics and high-resolution imaging. We are pleased to have Zaxel as one of our OEM partners.”

The Zaxel ZLC video codec is integrated into the FPGA on the AJA card, and provides three stages of compression and decompression that enable the prediction of the value of each video pixel, based on previously viewed pixels. The technology provides real-time record and play with no latency. Zaxel guarantees bit-for-bit restoration through multiple codec cycles.

“Now, Zaxel users don't have to invest in new hardware; they can easily upgrade to the highest level of video performance with the latest technology by installing our new solution,” said Dr. Norihisa Suzuki, President & CEO of Zaxel Systems Inc. “The ZLC is designed to provide real-time video compression that renders no loss in quality, with tremendous savings in customer bandwidth and storage capacity. We are pleased to offer this technology to our customers, which represent the vanguard of video creativity.”

ZLC compresses and decompresses digital video without any loss of data. Bit-for-bit restoration is guaranteed at any raster, any resolution, any frame rate, and at any bit depth.

About Zaxel Systems, Inc.


Founded in 1998, Zaxel Systems Inc. corporate headquarters is located in Sunnyvale, California. From HD, 2K & 4K real time disk recorders, servers & players to SAN and NAS real-time I/O units, Zaxel is committed to deliver highly reliable, cost effective, customer friendly and feature rich products to the television and digital film industry.

PAPPAS TELECASTING TO USE INPHASE TECHNOLOGIES HOLOGRAPHIC STORAGE;FIRST BROADCASTER TO INTEGRATE NEXT-GENERATION TECHNOLOGYInPhase Tapestry™ System to be Part of Pappas Archive System in Leading-EdgeBroadcast Facility at KREN/KAZR-TV in Reno, Nevada


InPhase Technologies, the world’s leader in holographic data storage, today announced at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention that Pappas Telecasting, the largest privately held, commercial television broadcast group in the United States, will be the first broadcaster in the world to integrate holographic storage into its facility. The new, state-of-the-art Pappas facility that serves KAZR/KREN in Reno, Nevada – the flagship stations of the Pappas group - will incorporate the InPhase Tapestry holographic drive and media into its archive system in 2007.

The initial InPhase Tapestry product, which will ship to OEM customers in the fourth quarter of 2006, will be a 300 GB write-once read many (WORM) drive that will enable broadcasters to record 2,100 minutes (35 hours) of broadcast-quality video on a single disk at a transfer rate of 20 MB/s (160 megabits per second) in less than 4.5 hours (250 minutes). InPhase will show the Tapestry system at the Maxell Corp. booth #C6932 at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention in Las Vegas, April 24-27, in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Pappas Telecasting is launching a new automated master control facility, called the “Crystal Palace,” at an indoor shopping mall in Reno that will originate two local high-definition (HD) news programs, for both KAZR-TV and KREN-TV, for the Reno market. The facility is an all-serial digital interface (SDI), all-HD facility that will integrate the InPhase Tapestry technology into its automated program archive system.

“The holographic system that InPhase has developed, from the broadcaster’s perspective, is the most disruptive technology since the transistor. Holographic storage enables us to develop a truly all-digital, tapeless, paperless facility that will provide the highest quality images – from acquisition to archive – on discs that fit into your pocket,” said Harry J. Pappas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pappas Telecasting Companies.

Continued Mr. Pappas, “As the leading privately-held station group in the country, Pappas has always been a technology leader for our local stations. It is fitting that the ‘last of the independents’ is in the vanguard of broadcast technology. What was once considered purely ‘science fiction’ – holographic storage – is now reality, and Pappas will help bring it to light in the broadcast market.”

InPhase recently demonstrated the highest data density of any commercial technology by recording 515 gigabits of data per square inch. Holographic storage is a revolutionary departure from all existing recording methods because it takes advantage of volumetric efficiencies rather than only recording on the surface of the material.

“We have worked closely with the broadcast and cable industry over the past few years to understand core system requirements for storage, and have worked with some of the largest players in the field, yet we’re pleased to announce Pappas as the first broadcast customer,” said Liz Murphy, vice president of marketing for InPhase Technologies. “Pappas Telecasting purchased equipment sight-unseen last yea,r even before NAB. They have demonstrated a visionary approach to local station broadcast technology, and we are pleased to be a part of their build-out.”

KREN-TV recently became an affiliate of the CW network, the new network formed by the merger of the UPN and WB networks. The move was part of a long-term affiliation agreement that Pappas Telecasting signed with the CW, which also includes eight other Pappas Telecasting stations.

“The InPhase Tapestry holographic storage will be a key component of the Pappas Telecasting stations, going forward. For both near-line and online storage, holographic makes sense, and is consistent with our move to all-digital,” said James Ocon, deputy director of engineering for Pappas Telecasting, and chief engineer for KAZR-TV.

InPhase was the first to demonstrate a holographic prototype drive, at NAB 2005, and, together with Turner Broadcasting, demonstrated the first playout-to-air of a commercial from a holographic storage system.

“Today’s broadcast facilities, as they migrate to all-HD, all-digital environments, are demanding more from their storage systems, given the size of files that are shot, edited, and played out to air, and holographic storage is now able to fill this growing demand,” said Rick Doherty, president of Envisioneering. “Now that InPhase has lined up OEM vendor agreements, and is rolling out the drives and the media, broadcasters should have little resistance to experimenting with the next generation in optical storage.”

About InPhase Technologies

InPhase Technologies is the leading developer of holographic data storage (HDS) recording media and systems. Based in Longmont, Colorado, InPhase was founded in 2000, and is comprised of some of the storage industry's leading executives and scientists. InPhase is funded by venture capital investors New Venture Partners LLC, Signal Lake Ventures, Newton Technology Partners, Yasuda Enterprise Development, Japan Asia Investment Company, NanotechPartners LLC and Mr. B.J. Cassin. Corporate investors are Hitachi Maxell, Ltd., Bayer MaterialScience AG, and ALPS Information Technology Fund. For more information on InPhase, please visit the company's Web site at www.inphase-tech.com.

Pappas Telecasting Companies is the largest privately held, commercial television broadcast group in the United States in terms of U.S. Household coverage as defined by Nielsen Media Research. The company owns 27 stations, including market-leading FOX, WB, ABC, CBS, UPN and Azteca America affiliates, and operates three other stations pursuant to local marketing agreements, in most regions of the United States.

is the largest privately held, commercial television broadcast group in the United States in terms of U.S. Household coverage as defined by Nielsen Media Research. The company owns 27 stations, including market-leading FOX, WB, ABC, CBS, UPN and Azteca America affiliates, and operates three other stations pursuant to local marketing agreements, in most regions of the United States.

Additionally, Pappas owns 15 on-air digital channels, operates three others under LMAs, and has an agreement to purchase one additional digital channel. The Company holds construction permits to build 10 additional television stations, and has an option to purchase a construction permit for a full-power, five million Watt station. Pappas also is moving KTRB-AM 860 from Modesto to the San Francisco-San Jose radio market, and is constructing KPMP-AM 840 in Modesto. According to statistics from Nielsen, Pappas Telecasting television stations serve more than 16% of all U.S. television households. In addition, the company owns or operates television stations in markets reaching nearly 36% of U.S. Hispanic households and 38% of all U.S. Hispanic persons age 2+. In total, Pappas owns or operates stations in 24 Designated Market Areas. For more information, log on to www.pappastv.com.

Jumpcut, a new online video sharing and remixing – or mashing – service introduced today at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference in Las Vegas

enables users to upload video and still pictures and mix them together with video from friends or from other Jumpcut users to create real-time, collaborative group movies that can be shared over the Internet. Users do not need any additional software, and can instantly join the Jumpcut community. The service also enables users to use parts of other user’s movies in their works, and find content for use in movies.

Developed by San Francisco-based MiraVida Media, Jumpcut- available at www.jumpcut.com - is currently a free service and is compatible with Windows and Mac PCs. Users can upload files from a wide range of devices, including digital camcorders, digital still cameras, and PC devices. Also, users can also import images from a Flickr account to use within movies, or to make video slideshows. Once a user finishes remixing a movie, Jumpcut enables the finished product to be shared instantly.

ONLINE VIDEO MASHING SERVICE, JUMPCUT, INTRODUCED

BY MIRAVIDA MEDIA; ENABLES REAL-TIME VIDEO COLLABORATION

Users Can Upload, Create, Share and Remix Movies with Friends;

Create New Versions of Jumpcut User’s Movies Instantly Online

Making – and re-making – a movie just got a lot easier. Jumpcut, a new online video sharing and remixing – or mashing – service introduced today by MiraVida Media, enables users to upload video and still pictures and mix them together with video from friends or from other Jumpcut users to create real-time, collaborative group movies that can be shared over the Internet. Users do not need any additional software, and can instantly join the Jumpcut community. The service also enables users to use approved parts of other user’s movies in their works, and find content for use in movies.

Available at www.jumpcut.com, the Jumpcut service is currently free and is compatible with all Windows PCs and Macs. Users can upload files from a wide range of devices, including digital camcorders, digital still cameras, and PC devices. Also, users can also import images from Flickr to use within movies, or to make photo slideshows. Once a user finishes remixing a movie, Jumpcut enables the finished product to be shared instantly.

According to Alexa rankings, there are currently more than 100,000,000 users of Internet video sharing sites, such as YouTube, MySpace, Snapfish, and others.

“More and more people are capturing video and still images on digital cameras, cell phones, Webcams and other devices, and sharing clips and images online,” said Mike Folgner, CEO of MiraVida Media. “Jumpcut is the Internet version of a global home movie festival; it provides a clearinghouse for video which never gets stale, as users are engaged in continuously reinventing content.”

Once on Jumpcut, users can upload content, or browse and search for content shared within the community to include in their movies. By pressing “make a movie,” users can edit and order clips, while adding transitions, titles, effects and music to make a movie. After completion, users press “publish” and can instantly share their movie with anyone on the Internet, or post to a blog or MySpace page.

The Remix feature of Jumpcut enables users to make their own versions of any movie on the site. Users can re-order the clips, change the audio, drag in their own clips, and ultimately publish their version of a movie.

The Jumpcut community provides features for voting on a user’s work. By clicking on ‘I Like This Director,’ users can keep track of a fellow Jumpcut user’s work.

“The growth of online applications for media sharing and creation has now reached a seminal tipping point, where users can re-shape what they see online, instantly,” said Marc Scarpa, co-chairman of the Producers Guild of America East New Media Council. “The Jumpcut service is an ideal example of a collaborative consumer Internet application that hasn’t even been successfully developed for professionals. MiraVida has created a service that is inherently viral and, most importantly, is addictively fun.”

About MiraVida Media

MiraVida Media, Inc, based in San Francisco, was founded in June of 2005. The company’s flagship service, Jumpcut, enables a community of online users to quickly and easily make movies. For more information, visi the company Web site at http://www.jumpcut.com/

InPhase, asm, and QStar will demonstrate the first holographic video archive system, in the Maxell Corp.

The system will store more than 200 hours of high-definition (HD) video (at 100 megabits per second, or Mb/s) or more than 800 hours of standard definition (SD) video (at 25 Mb/s) on 32 pieces of Maxell holographic media. InPhase will ship the initial HDS-300R drives in the fourth quarter of 2006 to OEM customers, including asm.

The asm library provides a permanent and secure archive for video content. InPhase Tapestry-equipped asm libraries are scalable, offering as much as 1,095 TB or 24,146 hrs of HD at 100 Mb/s on 3,648 pieces of media.

The InPhase HDS-300R drive records 300 gigabytes (GB) on a single disk with a transfer rate of 20 megabytes per second (MB/s), or 160 megabits per second (Mb/s). The HDS-300R will enable broadcasters to record 35 hours of broadcast-quality (19 Mb/s) video on a single disk in 250 minutes (160 Mbps transfer rate). InPhase will begin shipments of the product to OEM customers at the end of 2006.

INPHASE TECHNOLOGIES SIGNS OEM AGREEMENT WITH asm;

WILL ENABLE HOLOGRAPHIC STORAGE LIBRARY SYSTEMS

Leading Holographic Storage Developer Pacts with Leading European Optical

Storage Library Developer to Help Grow Next-Generation Archive Market

InPhase Technologies, the world’s leader in holographic data storage, today announced at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention that it has signed an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with asm, a leading European developer of optical storage library systems. The agreement will enable the roll-out of the first holographic archival systems, using InPhase’s patented Tapestry™ HDS-300R holographic drives, for customers in the broadcast, government, medical, and I.T. markets.

InPhase, asm, and QStar will demonstrate the first holographic video archive system, in the Maxell Corp. Booth #C6932 in the Las Vegas Convention Center at NAB. The system will store more than 200 hours of high-definition (HD) video (at 100 megabits per second, or Mb/s) or more than 800 hours of standard definition (SD) video (at 25 Mb/s) on 32 pieces of Maxell holographic media. InPhase will ship the initial HDS-300R drives in the fourth quarter of 2006 to OEM customers, including asm.

The asm library provides a permanent and secure archive for video content. InPhase Tapestry-equipped asm libraries are scalable, offering as much as 1,095 TB or 24,146 hrs of HD at 100 Mb/s on 3,648 pieces of media.

“The introduction of the first holographic archive systems, from asm, will provide broadcast customers, and other data-intensive enterprises, with a reliable, scalable solution for storing and accessing vital assets,” said Art Rancis, vice president of InPhase Technologies. “As our initial customers come on line, we look forward to further work with asm to provide the next generation in optical storage technology.”

The InPhase HDS-300R drive records 300 gigabytes (GB) on a single disk with a transfer rate of 20 megabytes per second (MB/s), or 160 megabits per second (Mb/s). The HDS-300R will enable broadcasters to record 35 hours of broadcast-quality (19 Mb/s) video on a single disk in 250 minutes (160 Mbps transfer rate). InPhase will begin shipments of the product to OEM customers at the end of 2006.

“asm intends to integrate the Tapestry technology throughout the entire product line,” said Johann Deters, Managing Director of asm. “The integration will be done as a parallel process, while InPhase continues to move toward developing the drive device. When InPhase releases the drives and media, asm will be ready to deliver libraries with the new technology already integrated, so units are expected to be available in 2007.”

InPhase announced its first broadcast customer, Pappas Telecasting, at NAB 2006. Pappas will incorporate the InPhase Tapestry™ holographic drives into an archival storage system for its flagship stations, KAZR-TV/KREN-TV, in Reno, Nevada.

About InPhase Technologies

InPhase Technologies is the leading developer of holographic data storage (HDS) recording media and systems. Based in Longmont, Colorado, InPhase was founded in 2000, and is comprised of some of the storage industry's leading executives and scientists. InPhase is funded by venture capital investors New Venture Partners LLC, Signal Lake Ventures, Newton Technology Partners, Yasuda Enterprise Development, Japan Asia Investment Company, Nanotech Partners LLC, and Mr. B.J. Cassin. Corporate investors are Hitachi Maxell, Ltd., Bayer MaterialScience AG, and ALPS Information Technology Fund. For more information on InPhase, please visit the company's Web site at www.inphase-tech.com.

About asm


asm is one of the leading European manufacturers of optical storage libraries. Founded in 1993 in Westerstede / Northern Germany, asm develops and manufactures libraries for all optical storage media, including CD/DVD and blue laser. Libraries are currently available from a capacity of 750 GB to 120 TB. Up to 5000 slots and 70 drives can be integrated into a single system. Tailor-made libraries are also available and are scalable with many add-ons such as iSCSI, fiber channel, integrated server / appliance or barcode-scanners. asm is presently expanding their sales activities to the U.S. market. For more information on asm, please visit the company’s homepage at www.asm-jukebox.com.

asm is one of the leading European manufacturers of optical storage libraries. Founded in 1993 in Westerstede / Northern Germany, asm develops and manufactures libraries for all optical storage media, including CD/DVD and blue laser. Libraries are currently available from a capacity of 750 GB to 120 TB. Up to 5000 slots and 70 drives can be integrated into a single system. Tailor-made libraries are also available and are scalable with many add-ons such as iSCSI, fiber channel, integrated server / appliance or barcode-scanners. asm is presently expanding their sales activities to the U.S. market. For more information on asm, please visit the company’s homepage at .

 

Shipping to customers in the third quarter of 2006, the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation enables broadcasters, and video professionals, to record and play back source material from a variety of formats, including videotape,

Blu-Ray disc, data disc recorder (DDR), and holographic drive. The initial workstation will ship with tape drives, with holographic drives to be added in later versions.

Representing a new generation of powerful servers that can emulate a wide variety of media source types, and is compatible with most major broadcast software programs, the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation is designed to duplicate the function of most major pieces of television production equipment. Each component of the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation can integrate data from a variety of sources, process it in real time for a variety of functions, and store it onto local or remote hard disc drives or store it to holographic disc, videotape or Blu-Ray disc for archive and transport.

OVALROCK ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR HOLOGRAPHIC STORAGE;

WORKSTATION TO USE INPHASE TECHNOLOGIES TAPESTRY™ DRIVE

OvalRock Dynamic Workstation Capable of Record and Playback of SD, HD, 2K, VTR, DDR Data; Can Act as Server Emulator, Compatible with Most Broadcast Software

OvalRock, a leading designer and developer of convergent broadcast video applications, today announced at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention that it will offer a holographic video recorder, the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation. OvalRock will show the workstation, which incorporates the Tapestry™ technology from InPhase Technologies, the world’s leader in holographic data storage, at the Maxell Booth #C6932 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Shipping to customers in the third quarter of 2006, the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation enables broadcasters, and video professionals, to record and play back source material from a variety of formats, including videotape, Blu-Ray disc, data disc recorder (DDR), and holographic drive. The initial workstation will ship with tape drives, with holographic drives to be added in later versions.

Representing a new generation of powerful servers that can emulate a wide variety of media source types, and is compatible with most major broadcast software programs, the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation is designed to duplicate the function of most major pieces of television production equipment. Each component of the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation can integrate data from a variety of sources, process it in real time for a variety of functions, and store it onto local or remote hard disc drives or store it to holographic disc, videotape or Blu-Ray disc for archive and transport.

“Today’s broadcast facility is experiencing a massive shift from legacy analog equipment to the latest digital systems, and the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation enables video professionals of all types to protect their equipment investments while migrating at a reasonable pace,” said Algie Abrams, CEO of OvalRock.

Continued Abrams, “Integrating the first holographic video recording capability, with InPhase Technologies, is a unique feature of the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation that enables us to provide a seamless method of integrating existing AV signal systems and workflows into high-performance IT processing and storage environments. With the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation, customers don’t have to move their data to another piece of equipment, they merely have to change the application.”

Designed with a familiar VTR controller front panel design, with jog and bump commands, the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation includes a high-quality LCD monitor to view input and output video, waveform and vector displays, and file, bin, and edit information. With full VTR editorial functions, the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation can be externally controlled by networked or SP-DIF functions. A fully-functioning virtual VTR, capable of storing both compressed and uncompressed standard- and high-definition video data, the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation operates on an x86 platform, so that all hardware, operating systems, and applications that conform to those standards can be utilized in the system.

Continued Abrams, “A facility may have many flavors of analog and digital equipment, which perform specific functions or tasks. The OvalRock Dynamic Workstation workstation can emulate VTRs, DDRs, network servers, edit and effects and character generators, and can also provide simultaneous file and signal type translations. So, for example, a customer may have an OvalRock Dynamic Workstation running a Windows-based application for one task, but may be running a LINUX-based application for another task.”

The OvalRock Dynamic Workstation SD Dynamic Workstation is a server emulator than can record and play back source material from standard-definition(SD), high-definition (HD), 2K (or, Academy 2K, which is 1828 x 1332 pixels), videotape recorder (VTR), data disc recorder (DDR), or act as a server emulator. It can be configured with up to 6.4 TB of hard-disk drive (HDD) RAID arrays.

The OvalRock Dynamic Workstation is compatible with a wide variety of broadcast software applications, including: Adobe Premier; Avid Express; Matrox; Sonic Solutions; SAI; Louth Systems; Omnibus; Adobe After Effects; Maya; 3D Studio Max; Combustion; Adobe Photoshop; Adobe Illustrator; Windows Media; Real Networks Helix; Digidesign ProTools, and all MPEG and ASI applications.

“With the OvalRock Dynamic Workstation, the broadcast industry will have a video recorder solution that incorporates holographic storage technology, and will enable cost-effective access to legacy data,” said Liz Murphy, vice president of marketing for InPhase Technologies. “The OvalRock Dynamic Workstation enables our customers to integrate holographic storage for today’s applications, in addition to a highly-reliable solution for archival material.”

About OvalRock

OvalRock is a broadcast and electronic media designer and developer that specializes in the convergence of Electronic Media, Information and Telecommunication Systems. The company’s customers are end-users and vendors that require both strategic and tactical knowledge for the development of next-generation systems that merge a wide variety of technologies. OvalRock’s services range from design consulting and manufacturing to direct marketing. The company, based in Vista, California, was founded in 2003. For more information, visit the company Web site at www.ovalrock.biz.

About InPhase Technologies

InPhase Technologies is the leading developer of holographic data storage (HDS) recording media and systems. Based in Longmont, Colorado, InPhase was founded in 2000, and is comprised of some of the storage industry's leading executives and scientists. InPhase is funded by venture capital investors New Venture Partners LLC, Signal Lake Ventures, Newton Technology Partners, Yasuda Enterprise Development, Japan Asia Investment Company, Nanotech Partners and Mr. B.J. Cassin. Corporate investors are Hitachi Maxell, Ltd., Bayer MaterialScience AG, and ALPS Information Technology Fund. For more information on InPhase, please visit the company's Web site at www.inphase-tech.com.

 

Using the company’s patented Zaxel Lossless Compression (ZLC™), the Zaxel Video Server enables customers in professional video production, digital cinema, and image-intensive applications

including healthcare, government, and computer-aided design (CAD) – to capture, edit, and playback the highest resolution images, including 2k (2048x1080 and 2048X1556) and 4k (4096x2160 and 4096X3112), using up to one-third the storage.

Zaxel will use a quad display, with four monitors, demonstrating the Zaxel Video Server’s 4k image output.

Video is stored by the Zaxel Video Server in a mathematically lossless format, to reduce disk cost. RGB videos can be streamed through Dual Link HDSDI interface, and videos can be presented as a part of PowerPoint presentations with clipped windows.

The Zaxel Video Server enables video to be streamed, through standard PCs, at speeds up to 500 megabytes per second (MB/s), or 4 gigabits per second (Gb/s). Using four HDSDI cards, which can capture a 4k camera output, the Zaxel Video Server offers bit-for-bit compression. The Zaxel Video Server’s compression mechanism enables storage area networks (SANs) to be built and operated more easily, and at less cost, than other solutions.

A real-time record and play system with guaranteed bit-for-bit restoration through multiple codec cycles, the Zaxel Video Server runs on standard Windows platforms, including a single CPU for serial SD video; dual Xeon CPU for HD, 2K, and 4K video. Users do not need to invest in new hardware for Zaxel Video Server upgrades; they simply install the new software on their existing Zaxel Windows platforms.

 

ZAXEL SYSTEMS SHIPS FIRST VIDEO SERVER WITH LOSSLESS COMPRESSION; UP TO 4K RECORDING FOR PRODUCTION, D-CINEMA, GOVERNMENT CUSTOMERS The Zaxel Video Server Uses Patented Zaxel Lossless Compression (ZLC™); Enables Three Times Faster Compression/Decompression, Saves Money on Storage

Zaxel Systems, a leading developer of digital video compression systems and products, today announced at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention that it is shipping the industry’s first video server with lossless compression. Using the company’s patented Zaxel Lossless Compression (ZLC™), the Zaxel Video Server enables customers in professional video production, digital cinema, and image-intensive applications – including healthcare, government, and computer-aided design (CAD) – to capture, edit, and playback the highest resolution images, including 2k (2048x1080 and 2048X1556) and 4k (4096x2160 and 4096X3112), using up to one-third the storage.

The Zaxel Video Server will be demonstrated at Zaxel’s Booth# SL637, in the lower level of the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, during NAB, from April 24-27. Zaxel will use a quad display, with four monitors, demonstrating the Zaxel Video Server’s 4k image output.

“After several years of development, and tremendous early customer feedback, we are now shipping the first transparent, lossless real-time compression server, which is compatible with any professional video production house’s workflow,” said Dr. Norihisa Suzuki, President & CEO of Zaxel Systems Inc. “The Zaxel Video Server is, literally, compression without compromise. Our customers are transferring ever-larger and more complex video and image files around their networks, and we’ve created a system that delivers the highest quality image while saving server and network assets.”

Video is stored by the Zaxel Video Server in a mathematically lossless format, to reduce disk cost. RGB videos can be streamed through Dual Link HDSDI interface, and videos can be presented as a part of PowerPoint presentations with clipped windows.

“The Zaxel Video Server offers a practical, cost-effective way to store and retrieve 4k images, without using a bank of computers, and the quality satisfies our digital distribution applications,” said Bill Feightner, executive vice president, chief technology officer of EFILM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deluxe Laboratories.

The Zaxel Video Server enables video to be streamed, through standard PCs, at speeds up to 500 megabytes per second (MB/s), or 4 gigabits per second (Gb/s). Using four HDSDI cards, which can capture a 4k camera output, the Zaxel Video Server offers bit-for-bit compression. The Zaxel Video Server’s compression mechanism enables storage area networks (SANs) to be built and operated more easily, and at less cost, than other solutions.

A real-time record and play system with guaranteed bit-for-bit restoration through multiple codec cycles, the Zaxel Video Server runs on standard Windows platforms, including a single CPU for serial SD video; dual Xeon CPU for HD, 2K, and 4K video. Users do not need to invest in new hardware for Zaxel Video Server upgrades; they simply install the new software on their existing Zaxel Windows platforms.

“The compression provided by the Zaxel Video Server can be done with hardware, on an FPGA, or in a software version. The significant factor with lossless compression is that there are no component failures,” said Charlie Taylor, vice president of sales for Zaxel. “We reduce one-third of the mechanical moving devices and thereby reduce the cost of overall mechanical failure points. For our production customers, that is a critical factor in their purchase decisions.”

About Zaxel Systems, Inc.


Zaxel Systems is a leading developer of digital video compression systems and products, from HD, 2K & 4K real-time disk recorders, servers & players to SAN and NAS real-time I/O units. The company is committed to the delivery of highly reliable, cost-effective, customer-friendly and feature-rich products to the television and digital film industry. Zaxel Systems is the exclusive worldwide distributor of Preferred Video Product’s AVD DDRchitect product line. Founded in 1998, Zaxel Systems Inc. maintains corporate headquarters in Sunnyvale, California. For further information, please visit the company Web site at www.zaxel.com.

 

Roland Systems Group U.S. is reporting better than expected ordering of their new multi-format live video mixer/switcher – the EDIROL by Roland V-440HD,

which began shipping in November 2005. The V-400HD offers a professional high resolution video solution for live events, community broadcast, corporate & worship installations.

Building on the success of the EDIROL by Roland V-4, the HD mixer seamlessly mixes SD video, HD video, and computer signals up to SXGA – 8 inputs in total. The output format is selectable between 1080i, 720p, 480p, and XGA/SXGA. It offers an array of transitions, dynamic Picture-in-Picture via joystick as well as two Keyers (SD and HD).

Kim Nunney, president of Roland Systems Group U.S., comments, “we are excited about offering a solution that will allow our customers to grow into HD. With the V-440HD’s ability to handle standard video and computer inputs, many users can start using it now with their current cameras and data projectors. As they acquire HD/HDV cameras or higher-resolution display technology, the mixer will continue to serve them well.”

Among its many unique features the V-440HD has the ability to cascade multiple units together. This enables a single HD image to be spread across multiple output displays – ideal for multi-screen performance and immersive environments. In addition, V-LINK allows the mixer to be controlled from any Roland/EDIROL instrument via MIDI. Traditional touchscreen or computer control via RS-232C is also supported.

The V-440HD retails for $12,995 and is available nationwide.

About Roland Systems Group U.S.

Roland Systems Group U.S. (RSG) supplies the commercial and performance audio/video industries with application specific equipment from the RSS by Roland and EDIROL by Roland product lines. These product lines address applications for houses of worship, clubs/casinos, theaters/performing arts centers and rental and staging companies. Roland Systems Group U.S is headquartered in Los Angeles with distribution and support offices in Bellingham, Washington. RSG is a member of the worldwide group of Roland companies. For more information, visit www.rolandsystemsgroup.com

Roland Systems Group Reports Better than Expected Ordering of EDIROL Affordable HD/PC Multi-format Mixer

Roland Systems Group U.S. is reporting better than expected ordering of their new multi-format live video mixer/switcher – the EDIROL by Roland V-440HD, which began shipping in November 2005. The V-400HD offers a professional high resolution video solution for live events, community broadcast, corporate & worship installations.

Building on the success of the EDIROL by Roland V-4, the HD mixer seamlessly mixes SD video, HD video, and computer signals up to SXGA – 8 inputs in total. The output format is selectable between 1080i, 720p, 480p, and XGA/SXGA. It offers an array of transitions, dynamic Picture-in-Picture via joystick as well as two Keyers (SD and HD).

Kim Nunney, president of Roland Systems Group U.S., comments, “we are excited about offering a solution that will allow our customers to grow into HD. With the V-440HD’s ability to handle standard video and computer inputs, many users can start using it now with their current cameras and data projectors. As they acquire HD/HDV cameras or higher-resolution display technology, the mixer will continue to serve them well.”

Among its many unique features the V-440HD has the ability to cascade multiple units together. This enables a single HD image to be spread across multiple output displays – ideal for multi-screen performance and immersive environments. In addition, V-LINK allows the mixer to be controlled from any Roland/EDIROL instrument via MIDI. Traditional touchscreen or computer control via RS-232C is also supported.

The V-440HD retails for $12,995 and is available nationwide.

About Roland Systems Group U.S.

Roland Systems Group U.S. (RSG) supplies the commercial and performance audio/video industries with application specific equipment from the RSS by Roland and EDIROL by Roland product lines. These product lines address applications for houses of worship, clubs/casinos, theaters/performing arts centers and rental and staging companies. Roland Systems Group U.S is headquartered in Los Angeles with distribution and support offices in Bellingham, Washington. RSG is a member of the worldwide group of Roland companies. For more information, visit www.rolandsystemsgroup.com

 

Roland Systems Group U.S. Releases of RSS by Roland AR-200S Audio Recorder

Roland Systems Group U.S. announces the release of the AR-200S Audio Recorder. The AR-200S is a compact, half rack space digital audio recorder/player with RS-232 control designed for any application requiring high fidelity pre-recorded announcements and sound. The AR-200S serves as a dedicated playback device for theme parks museums, elevators, airports, buses, trains and trams.

Some highlighted features of the AR-200S include:

Simplified Panel, Specialized for Remote Control from Other Devices

Hi-Quality Recording and Playback

Audio Recording System Uses No Moving Parts

A Variety of Control Terminals for a Wide Range of Playback Methods

Compact Half-Rack Size Body

Allows DC-Powered Operation

Historically, the AR-200 has sold well in commercial audio market. However, the AR-200 does not have RS-232C control function and compact flash card features of the newly releases AR-200S.

About Roland Systems Group U.S.

Roland Systems Group U.S. (RSG) supplies the commercial and performance audio/video industries with application specific equipment from the RSS by Roland and EDIROL by Roland product lines. These product lines address applications for houses of worship, clubs/casinos, theaters/performing arts centers and rental and staging companies. Roland Systems Group U.S is headquartered in Los Angeles with distribution and support offices in Bellingham, Washington. RSG is a member of the worldwide group of Roland companies. For more information, visit www.rolandsystemsgroup.com

SPORTS & AUTOS

Oakland Dodger Baseball

LA Angels 4, Oakland 3 at McAfee Coliseum
LA Angels Record: (10-9)
Oakland Record: (8-11)

Winning pitcher - Kelvim Escobar (3-1)
Losing pitcher - Esteban Loaiza (0-3)
SV - Francisco Rodriguez (7)

LAA HR - V. Guerrero (4)
OAK HR - M. Bradley (3) N. Swisher (8)

V. Guerrero (4) M. Bradley (3) N. Swisher (8)

Arizona 4, Los Angeles 6 at Dodger Stadium
Arizona Record: (8-11)
Los Angeles Record: (9-10)

Winning pitcher - Brett Tomko (2-1)
Losing pitcher - Russ Ortiz (0-3)
SV - Danys Baez (5)

at Dodger Stadium (8-11) (9-10) - Brett Tomko (2-1) - Russ Ortiz (0-3) - Danys Baez (5)

ARI HR - None
LAD HR - J. Drew (3)

None J. Drew (3)

DOD

Three Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers and two Iraqi citizens were killed

and injured today by roadside bombs near Baghdad, U.S. officials announced. The soldiers were killed when their vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb northwest of Baghdad. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The incident is currently under investigation. And terrorists detonated another roadside bomb today that killed an Iraqi adult and a child, and wounded seven other children south of Baghdad, military officials said. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, arrived at the scene and called for a medical evacuation unit to transport the victims to a nearby U.S. hospital. A witness to the incident told authorities the bomb struck an Iraqi vehicle, reportedly killing the driver instantly and a child playing nearby. The seven other children were also injured in the blast. The witness also reported he saw a terrorist fleeing the area shortly after the blast occurred. Iraqi authorities are investigating the incident.

Iraq Reaches 'Important Milestone' in Forming Unity Government

After months of deadlock, Iraq reached an "important milestone" in its journey toward democracy with an agreement on top leadership posts for a national unity government, President Bush said yesterday. The parliament elected a president, two vice presidents, a parliament speaker and two deputies yesterday. President Jalal Talabani then named Jawad al Maliki as prime minister-designate. "This agreement represents compromise and consensus among many different Iraqi groups and it came after months of patient negotiations," Bush said in a speech at the California Highway Patrol Academy in Sacramento. "The agreement reflects the will of the Iraqi people who defied the terrorists by voting to choose the men and women who will lead their nation forward," the president continued. "And this historic achievement, by determined Iraqis, will make America more secure."

The new leadership has 30 days to assemble an Iraqi cabinet. "Once inaugurated, the new government will hold power for up to four years," Bush said. "Unlike the interim and transitional governments that came before, the new Iraqi government will have full constitutional authority." Although the progress is promising, there is still "a lot of work to do to get the rest of the cabinet in place," said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday during a telephone briefing. "But the most important thing is they now have a government; they will now have a government of national unity that can take on the challenges that they will have." The challenges are "major" ones, the president said, adding that "Iraq's new leaders have important responsibilities to the people who chose them."

Bush pointed out a few responsibilities, to include deploying Iraqi security forces to defeat terrorists and insurgents and gain control over the militias; rebuilding an infrastructure to enable commerce and support educational and health needs; strengthening the economy; and encouraging job creation. "It's a long list," Rice said. "Obviously the security situation is key. But this is now going to be a government that needs our help in creating the infrastructure so they can ... deliver these services, and we'll be right there for them." Although the challenges are many and varied, Iraqi leaders can rest assured they will not face them alone, Bush said. "Formation of a new Iraqi government is an opportunity for America to open a new chapter in our partnership with the Iraqi people," he said. "The United States and our coalition partners will work with the new Iraqi government to reassess our tactics, adjust our methods and strengthen our mutual efforts to achieve victory in this central front in the war of terror."

Bush suggested the new government could signal the start of a drawdown of American forces from Iraq, which number more than 130,000. "As more Iraqi forces stand up, American forces will stand down," he said. The U.S. ambassador to Iraq echoed Bush's positive outlook. "As the circumstances change, the size, mission and composition (of U.S. forces) will change," Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, said in an interview today on CNN's "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer." "I think the political process will have a very positive effect if it goes forward." A key player in the outcome will be a "good, strong" prime minister, the ambassador said. Khalilzad said the "indications are positive" that Maliki could fill that role, as he is known as a "tough minded, strong leader" who has "taken strong positions against terrorism. "He has a reputation for being a strong leader, a patriotic leader, without being subordinate or having strong ties to any of the regional players," the ambassador said. "We look forward to working with him."

Bush said there will still be tough times ahead but the enemy "suffered a real blow" yesterday. "The Iraqis are showing the world that democracy is worth the wait, that liberty is worth the sacrifice and that freedom is the future of every man, woman and child on this Earth." "This is a good day for Iraq; it's an important day for Iraq," Rice noted.

Army Activates First Interrogation Battalion

The first joint interrogation and debriefing battalion in the Army stood up April 12 during a ceremony here. Army leaders are taking lessons learned from the 2003 Abu Ghraib detainee abuse incidents in Iraq to revamp the intelligence field. Changes include the activation of dedicated interrogation battalions and a new joint training center for the intelligence career field. The 201st Military Intelligence Battalion is the first of four joint interrogation battalions -- two active and two reserve -- to be activated in the next several years.

Its mission is to conduct detainee screening and interrogation missions in support of military operations throughout the world, such as Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. "Being the first dedicated interrogation battalion in the Army, the spotlight is on these fine soldiers and their leadership," said Col. Richard Saddler, commander of the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade and keynote speaker at the ceremony. "Fortunately, they are the finest our nation has to offer, and they will do well in their upcoming missions." The 201st Military Intelligence Battalion comprises 147 active duty soldiers, all specializing in interrogation and intelligence.

The concept for the battalions came about, in part, as a result of a 2004 investigation led by Maj. Gen. George Fay into the Abu Ghraib abuse of detainees. "The Department of the Army, based on the Fay report and other weaknesses in how we conducted intelligence operations, recognized the need for dedicated interrogation battalions," Saddler said. "Prior to this, the command and control stopped at the company level. The Army needed the command and control a battalion structure can provide," explained Lt. Col. John Strycula, battalion commander, who previously served as chief of intelligence operations for U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army in Heidelberg, Germany. Also, soldiers were in smaller elements embedded in units throughout the world instead of consolidated into "highly trained units." While the Army will retain oversight and provide the manpower in theater, the battalion can plug in other services and agencies as needed, Strycula said. "We can bring on Air Force, Marines, Navy, whatever the mission calls for," he said. Strycula said he is looking forward to the challenge of commanding the first-of-its-kind battalion. "I'm honored and excited about commanding this battalion," Strycula said. "There's a lot to do, but this battalion will not fail. "This battalion will succeed because of the competency, motivation and professionalism of the soldiers you see standing before you," he added. "They are that impressive, and I am honored to serve with them." Along with the new battalion, plans for a new joint training center at nearby Camp Bullis are in the works. "This interrogation center of excellence will feature a (major training) event that all interrogation units will rotate through to ensure they are battle ready on all interrogation and warrior tasks before they go to war," Saddler said. A timeline hasn't been set, but Army leaders are taking the fast track on the initiative, Saddler said. "They are committed to improving capabilities, and doing it quickly."

VA Completes Cabinet's Push for Employer Support of Guard, Reserve

With a stroke of Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson's pen here today, all 15 U.S. Cabinet secretaries have now signed a joint statement in support of the Defense Department's Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve organization. Nicholson became the last Cabinet secretary to sign the document during a ceremony at VA headquarters. "The Department of Veterans Affairs stands foursquare in support of our Guard and Reserve troops and the ESGR mission," Nicholson said. ESGR has been a very important advocate for the job rights of returning deployed reservists and National Guardsmen, he said.

The Defense Department established ESGR in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between reserve component members and their civilian employers. The joint ESGR statement might be the only document signed by all Cabinet members, said Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs. "This is a very historic day, because today we complete the signing of the statement of support by the entire cabinet," Hall said. "I think it is very fitting, and we planned it this way, to have VA as the last signer of this, because it's the bookends. The first signer was DoD, the last is VA." Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve has more than 5,200 volunteers across the country, Hall said. "They ... make sure that when our young men and women answer the call to the colors and come back, they're able to start their education over (and) go right back to their jobs," he said. Craig W. Duehring, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, presented Nicholson with a plaque reflecting VA's support for reserve components.

 

'Thunder Over Louisville' Ends With Patriotic Bang

 

The biggest-ever "Thunder Over Louisville" festival closed out with a bang here last night, as two "Thunderators" with military ties turned the keys to start the world's largest annual fireworks show. Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Allison Barber, along with World War II veteran Bruce Voges, had the honor of setting off the gargantuan aerial display that unfolded to a medley of country music hits.

The fireworks lasted more than 30 minutes, with a finale that some observers said would have been a great show on its own. In a preamble to the show, two 60-foot American flags sailed above the Ohio River, illuminated by spotlights as they were towed by seemingly invisible aircraft, fluttering majestically against the black, cloudless sky. A narrator recounted the nation's history and heroes as the more than 800,000 spectators listened in a respectful silence that belied their numbers. The spectacular display culminated two days of Louisville embracing the nation's armed forces. On April 21, the city officially joined the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program, which highlights ways everyday Americans and the corporate sector show support for the men and women serving in the nation's armed forces.

That night, any servicemember who wanted to attend the Louisville Bats baseball game was able to do so as a guest of the city. The family of Kentucky National Guardsman Master Sgt. William K. Buechele, who's deployed to Afghanistan, received free VIP passes to Thunder Over Louisville. Wayne Hettinger, who started Thunder Over Louisville 17 years ago and serves as show producer, said the patriotic theme has always been part of the event, and that the extra Defense Department involvement this year through America Supports You was a welcome addition. "It's been a very patriotic show from the start, and (the Defense Department) just took it over the edge," he said. "So how can you go wrong with support like that?" The Navy's Blue Angels performed yesterday, and the day also featured demonstrations and flyovers by dozens of military and vintage aircraft of every shape and size. Hettinger said that's always been an important part of the event, and coordinating aerial participation is practically a year-round pursuit. "We started on that yesterday (for next year)," he said. He noted that participants and planners started trading ideas already for next year's event, adding work on the 2007 show would start in earnest probably in January." Thunder Over Louisville kicks off the city's Kentucky Derby Festival, a series of celebrations leading up to the "Run for the Roses" on the first Saturday in May. "This is the opening ceremony for two weeks of fun in Louisville," Hettinger said. In an interview with Francene Cucinello of Talk Radio Louisville 84 WHAS, Barber noted that air shows featuring military aircraft have taken on a whole new meaning. "I think that when you go to an air show today, it gives you a new sense of respect for what the men and women of our military are doing in this global war on terrorism," she said. "Five years ago when you saw an air show, you just thought, 'Wow, that's pretty impressive.' Today when you see an air show, you say, 'My gosh, these men and women are committed to serving our country. They're defending our freedom across the globe, and they're using these tools, this technology, to keep our country safe.'" Cucinello noted that while support for the military peaks in the early part of a crisis, interest can wane as the situation continues over time.

She asked what people can do to renew and put into action their desire to support the nation's people in uniform. "We'd love people to go to the America Supports You Web site, www.americasupportsyou.mil," Barber said, "and click on the button that says 'How to Help.' You'll find over 200 ways that people can support our military members. Maybe it's sending care packages, being a pen pal, donating phone cards - all sorts of things people can do." Noting Louisville's partnership with America Supports You, Barber added that the partnership proved yesterday to be much more than a formal proclamation. "We stood at a booth today for several hours, and thousands of people came by," she said. At the booth, people were able to fill out post cards to send messages of support to deployed servicemembers. "Louisville loves the military, and we're just darned grateful," she said.

NEWS

NEWSWEEK COVER: Sex, Lies & Duke

First Round of Tests Showed Some DNA Under Woman's Fingernails, Says Defense Lawyer, But Identity Inconclusive; Prosecutor Hinted That Blood and Urine Tests of Woman Would Reveal Presence of a Date-Rape Drug

Second Dancer Roberts Says Woman Drank Half of Her Own Drink, Knocked It Over and Then Started Drinking Roberts's

Results from a second round of DNA tests in the Duke rape case are expected this week, and defense lawyer Bill Thomas tells Newsweek that in the first round, which did not implicate any of the 46 members of the lacrosse team, some DNA showed up under the woman's fingernails, though tests were inconclusive about identity, Newsweek reports in the current issue.

When the case first broke in the press, Prosecutor Mike Nifong, a white man who is running for election in a racially mixed county, hinted to Newsweek that blood and urine tests of the woman would reveal the presence of a date- rape drug. It appears from medical records that the woman was sexually abused, though the precise timing is unclear. The woman apparently told Nifong that she is "100 percent" sure of the identity of her assailants. But the aggressive lawyers defending the team were quick to point out that she was identifying them only from photos of the team, not from the usual police lineup including suspects as well as people unconnected to the case. (A source familiar with the prosecution's case told Newsweek that the woman broke down and cried when she identified one of the two players indicted last week.)

In the May 1 Newsweek cover story "Sex, Lies & Duke," (on newsstands Monday, April 24), Senior Writer Susannah Meadows and Assistant Managing Editor Evan Thomas examine the case and the potentially complicated motives of the key participants, from the athletes to the exotic dancers to the local prosecutor and his political allies and foes.

According to a timeline put out by defense lawyers, one exotic dancer, Kim Roberts, 31, appeared on time, but another dancer, who was dropped off by a car, arrived a half hour late. (Newsweek, like most news organizations, does not identify alleged rape victims). According to Roberts, who was interviewed last week by Newsweek, the boys gave each of them mixed drinks. Roberts says she did not drink hers, but the other dancer did, knocking her cup over after finishing half her drink, then imbibing Roberts's.

Roberts said that she thought the other woman arrived sober. But when the two began their strip show around midnight, the other woman began having trouble. "She started stumbling," recalled Roberts. "When I think back on it, she had a glassy look in her eyes." Roberts says she "gave her a look that said, 'C'mon, girl, what's going on?'-but got no response. The dance lasted about 10 minutes, according to Roberts; the defense lawyers say it lasted only about three minutes. (The women, who did not know each other, were supposed to put on a roughly two-hour show for the $800.)

The evening ended in recriminations. Roberts called 911 and complained to police that some students at 610 North Buchanan Boulevard were taunting her and her friend with racial epithets. She told Newsweek that she yelled out at the boys, "I called the cops, you dumbasses." The transcript of the 911 call makes it sound as though she and the other dancer were just passersby being racially insulted by students. "I was angry and I had to tell somebody," says Roberts. "I didn't want everyone to know I'm a dancer." During her interview with Newsweek, she disputed the defense timeline, but she would not go on the record to be specific about the discrepancies.

Police also questioned Roberts. It is not clear what she told them, or whether her statement to police matches her later statements to Newsweek and other media outlets. Roberts did say that, within several days of the incident, she went to James D. (Butch) Williams, a prominent local attorney, to ask his advice. She says that from the outset Williams told her that he already represented one of the Duke players. Williams asked if she believed there had been a rape, and Roberts answered no. But when Williams tried to get her to sign an affidavit, she balked. She said she later became livid when she heard that Williams had shared her story with other attorneys. Seeing Williams's face appear on a TV during her interview with Newsweek, she stood up and began punching the air in anger at him. "I feel like he preyed on my naivete," she told Newsweek. "I don't want someone to play me like I'm stupid."

Court records obtained by the AP and Newsweek show that Kim Roberts was on probation from a 2001 conviction for embezzling $25,000 from a photofinishing company where she worked, helping to keep payroll records. On March 22, eight days after the alleged rape, Kim spent two hours in jail for breaking the terms of her probation (she had left the state, her attorney says, to visit her sick father.) She posted $25,000 bond and on March 30 found a lawyer, Mark Simeon. Simeon is politically active-in 2002 he ran for District Attorney and lost. He sees Roberts's case as an opportunity for him, too. "I will be there for her if and when she decides to pursue legal remedies on her own behalf," he tells Newsweek.

Simeon has a relationship with prosecutor Nifong that may shed light on the D.A.'s handling of the case. Nifong was the protégé of Simeon's rival in the 2002 race for D.A. The two men did not get along, according to Simeon. But last year, Nifong's boss, Jim Hardin, was appointed to a judgeship, and Nifong was appointed to fill his place. Nifong's term is almost up, and in Durham, district attorney is an elected post. The voters go to the polls on May 2. One of Nifong's opponents is a lawyer named Freda Black, who was passed over for the D.A. job. Black is-or was, until the Duke case-better known around town than Nifong, largely because she won a conviction in a celebrated murder case. Nifong's other opponent is a lawyer with no prosecutorial experience named Keith Bishop. Nifong and Black are white; Bishop is African-American. Durham voters are about 40 percent black, so Nifong almost surely needs to win black votes to keep his job, Newsweek reports.

NEWSWEEK: McClellan Told Bolten He Was Feeling Wear and Tear of the Job

Josh Isn't A Guy Who Says 'You're Fired,' Unless You Do Something Wrong,' Says a Bolten Friend. 'But Did I Know McClellan Would Be Gone? Oh Yeah.'

Aides Listening For Random Applause In West Wing; Could Be A Clue That Someone Was Headed Out The Door

When Andy Card was pushed out as White House chief of staff, Press Secretary Scott McClellan started to rethink his position, Newsweek reports in the current issue. He walked over to see Card's replacement Josh Bolten, who had quietly made it known that he didn't think McClellan was up to the job, according to a close friend of Bolten's who asked not to be named because he wanted to stay close. McClellan told Bolten that he was feeling the wear and tear of doing battle with the press. "Josh isn't a guy who says 'You're fired,' unless you do something wrong," says the Bolten friend, who is also a former senior administration official. "But did I know McClellan would be gone? Oh yeah. [Bolten will] go after anything that seems like it isn't working, or isn't going to change. He is very results-oriented."

Some Bush aides learned about McClellan's resignation from cable TV, report Newsweek Senior White House Correspondent Richard Wolffe and White House Correspondent Holly Bailey in the May 1 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, April 24). Nervous aides, who knew Bolten wasn't done yet, began listening for random applause coming from West Wing offices, especially during senior staff meetings. "It could be a clue" that someone was headed out the door, says a White House aide who didn't want to be named talking about the new boss. "It's really weird right now," says another senior White House official who likewise asked for anonymity. "People are worried about their jobs."

McClellan won't be the last to go. After the Big Bang of his first week, Bolten is now trying to calm rank-and-file staffers, even as he prepares to deliver more bad news. Treasury Secretary John Snow, who hasn't made much of a mark in the job, is said to be in Bolten's sights. And Candida Wolff, the president's lobbyist on Capitol Hill, is also expected to pack up. But the last thing Bolten wants is to let the firings drag out, which would only cause more frayed nerves. "If you are going to do personnel changes, you want to do it quickly," says a former administration official who asked for anonymity in talking about Bolten. "You don't want this feeling like you are on the set of 'The Sopranos,' thinking, 'Who's next?' "

National Health Partners Expects Significant Member and Revenue Growth from Hispanic Advertising Campaign Featuring International Superstar Lucia Mendez

 

National Health Partners, Inc. (OTCBB: NHPR), a leading provider of unique discount healthcare membership programs, announced today that it is initiating a national advertising campaign targeting the Hispanic marketplace and that international superstar Lucia Mendez will be starring in television and radio commercials that are currently in production as the company's spokeswoman for the campaign.

"One of the markets that we want to focus on is Hispanic consumers," said David M. Daniels, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Health Partners. "Hispanics have been severely underrepresented among the members of the U.S. population who have health insurance. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the uninsured rate for Hispanics in 2004 was 32.7% compared to 15.7% for all members of the U.S. population. Of the 45.8 million Americans who are uninsured, 13.5 million are Hispanics."

"We are very excited that Lucia Mendez has chosen to represent CARExpress as our spokeswoman for the Hispanic community," continued Mr. Daniels. "Ms. Mendez is an international superstar. Her support provides a substantial amount of credibility to the benefits CARExpress can provide to Hispanics."

"I am very proud to support CARExpress," said Lucia Mendez. "I believe CARExpress provides a tremendous benefit to members of the Hispanic community who cannot afford traditional health insurance. I thank CARExpress for developing such an innovative solution to such a widespread problem."

"Lucia Mendez has always been at the forefront of her profession throughout her career, demonstrating innovation and versatility," stated David Daniels. "We believe that CARExpress is similarly situated. CARExpress is an innovative solution to the complex problems facing the healthcare industry. Through CARExpress, we are able to help uninsured people obtain the healthcare they need at more affordable prices."

Mr. Daniels continued, "We believe that CARExpress is an ideal solution for people who do not have health insurance or who have inadequate health insurance. We look forward to working with Lucia Mendez to bring the benefits of CARExpress to the Hispanic community."

The company intends to start releasing the television and radio commercials in May 2006 in select markets throughout the United States and expects to generate a significant number of additional members and revenues from its Hispanic advertising campaign beginning in the second quarter of 2006.

Lucia Mendez

Lucia Mendez is an international superstar who has been a success throughout her career as a television actress, movie star, singer and model. She is one of Mexico's unique entertaining stars and is considered a living legend for her artistic accomplishments. Her career spans over 30 years during which she has received numerous awards. She is perhaps most recognizable for the role she has played in making soap operas popular worldwide. For more information on Lucia Mendez, please visit her website at http://www.luciamendez.com.

National Health Partners, Inc.

National Health Partners, Inc. is a national healthcare savings organization that provides discount healthcare membership programs to uninsured and underinsured people through a national healthcare savings network called "CARExpress." CARExpress is one of the largest networks of hospitals, doctors, dentists, pharmacists and other healthcare providers in the country and is comprised of over 1,000,000 medical professionals that have agreed to render their services and products to CARExpress members at discounted prices. The company is headquartered in Horsham, Pennsylvania. For more information on the company, please visit its website at http://www.nationalhealthpartners.com.

Safe Harbor Provision

National Health Partners espera crecimiento importante en miembros e ingresos de su campaña de publicidad hispana con la superestrella internacional Lucía Méndez

National Health Partners, Inc. (OTCBB: NHPR), un proveedor líder de programas singulares de atención médica con descuento para miembros, anunció hoy que está iniciando una campaña publicitaria nacional orientada al mercado hispano en la que superestrella internacional Lucía Méndez protagonizará anuncios televisivos y radiales actualmente en producción como portavoz de la compañía en la campaña.

"Uno de los mercados donde queremos centrar nuestros esfuerzos es el de los consumidores hispanos", comentó David M. Daniels, presidente y director general de National Health Partners. "Los hispanos han sido muy mal representados entre los integrantes de la población de EE.UU. quienes cuentan con un seguro médico. Según la Oficina del Censo de EE.UU., el índice de los no asegurados entre hispanos en el año 2004 fue del 32,7% frente al 15,7% para toda la población de EE.UU. De los 45,8 millones de estadounidenses no asegurados, 13,5 millones son hispanos".

"Nos complace mucho que Lucía Méndez haya elegido representar a CARExpress como nuestra portavoz para la comunidad hispana", continuó el Sr. Daniels. "La Srta. Méndez es una superestrella internacional. Su apoyo brinda una gran credibilidad a los beneficios que CARExpress puede ofrecer a los hispanos".

"Me enorgullece apoyar a CARExpress", comentó Lucía Méndez. "Creo que CARExpress ofrece un beneficio tremendo a los miembros de la comunidad hispana que no pueden permitirse el lujo de un seguro médico tradicional. Doy las gracias a CARExpress por desarrollar una solución tan innovadora para un problema tan generalizado".

"Lucía Méndez siempre ha estado en la vanguardia de su profesión durante toda su carrera, demostrando su innovación y versatilidad", comentó David Daniels. "Creemos que CARExpress ocupa una posición similar. CARExpress es una solución innovadora para los complejos problemas que enfrenta la industria de la salud. Mediante CARExpress, podemos ayudar a personas no aseguradas a obtener la atención médica que necesitan a precios más económicos".

El Sr. Daniels continuó, "Creemos que CARExpress es una solución ideal para personas que no cuentan con un seguro médico o que tienen uno inadecuado. Esperamos colaborar con Lucía Méndez para aportar los beneficios de CARExpress a la comunidad hispana".

La compañía tiene la intención de lanzar los anuncios televisivos y radiales en mayo de 2006 en mercados selectos en todo Estados Unidos y espera generar un número importante de miembros e ingresos adicionales de su campaña publicitaria hispana que empieza en el segundo trimestre de 2006.

Lucía Méndez

Lucía Méndez es una superestrella internacional quien ha tenido éxito durante toda su carrera como actriz de televisión y de cine, cantante y modelo. Es una de las estrellas singulares del espectáculo mexicano y se considera una auténtica leyenda por sus logros artísticos. Su carrera abarca más de 30 años durante los cuales recibió muchos galardones. Es quizá más reconocida por el papel que ha jugado en la popularidad mundial de las telenovelas. Para más información sobre Lucía Méndez, visite su sitio Web en http://www.luciamendez.com.

National Health Partners, Inc.

National Health Partners, Inc. es una organización nacional de ahorros para atención médica que ofrece programas de atención médica con descuento para miembros a personas no asegurados y sub-asegurados a través de una red de ahorros para atención médica llamada "CARExpress". CARExpress es una de las redes más grandes del país de hospitales, médicos, dentistas, farmacéuticos y otros proveedores de atención médico, incluyendo a más de un millón de profesionales médicos que han acordado prestar sus servicios y productos a miembros de CARExpress a precios descontados. La compañía tiene su sede en Horsham, Pennsylvania. Para más información sobre la compañía, visite su sitio Web en http://www.nationalhealthpartners.com.


NEWSWEEK: Pearl Jam's Vedder on Making a New Album: '

'

We Didn't Want to Add to the Negative Noise Pollution, But We Did Want to Do Something.' Retreated From Spotlight Because 'Sense of Normalcy as a Human' Is Threatened By Being Out There All The Time...'You Start Making Decisions Based on Public Perception of Who You Are...I Ran Screaming The Other Way'

Pearl Jam, the band that has shunned the limelight for more than a decade yet remains one of the most lucrative live acts around, has a forthcoming album with a single that already hit No. 1 on the Modern Rock charts. "There's a lot of anger and frustration in the atmosphere these days," lead singer Eddie Vedder tells Newsweek in the current issue. "We didn't want to add to the negative noise pollution, but we did want to do something. It's just not the time to be cryptic. I mean, our tax dollars for this war are being funneled through huge corporations-one of which Dick Cheney used to be head of-and there's an even greater disparity between rich or poor in this country. It offends me on a really deep level."

Senior Writer Lorraine Ali talks to the band in the May 1 issue (on newsstands Monday, April 24) about their new self-titled CD, set for release May 2. It's a compelling rock-and-roll album that still shows the band's classic-rock roots, grunge's punk base and Vedder's political conviction. The album is more than a screed against the Bush administration. "Music's at its best when it has a purpose," says Vedder. "In the days of 'Rock Around the Clock' and 'Good Golly, Miss Molly,' the purpose was, like, 'We should be allowed to do this.' We certainly haven't had to go out of our way to find a purpose now."

Vedder talks about why the group retreated from the public eye after the success of their debut album "Ten," which sold almost 10 million copies. "What's threatened by being out there all the time is your sense of normalcy as a human on this planet," he says. "You start making decisions based on public perception of who you are. I've seen people who go for it. They are that thing, and they're really good at it. They somehow made the jump still intact. Me? I ran screaming the other way."

Pearl Jam's rejection of rock stardom, their increasingly idiosyncratic records and Vedder's emerging role as an advocate for progressive causes have cost them casual fans; their last album sold one tenth of what their debut did. Does this worry Vedder? Guess. "If we can survive and play music and put out records and play live shows, and live our lives as family members, community members and friends-that's the goal," he says. "If we're able to do it within this industry, that's even better. It could even be a sign that the industry isn't too polluted."

The Home Depot to Sponsor Univision’s Exclusive Spanish-Language Broadcast of FIFA World Cup Germany 2006(TM)

Univision Communications Inc. the leading Spanish-language media company in the United States, today announced that The Home Depot(R), the world’s largest home improvement retailer, will sponsor, in part, Univision’s exclusive Spanish-language broadcast of the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006(TM)—the most important competition in international soccer and the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world. The sponsorship agreement includes World Cup matches, specials, vignettes and other branding opportunities. The FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 TM tournament will take place in 12 cities throughout Germany starting on June 9 in Munich and culminating in Berlin on
July 9.

“We are thrilled to join forces with The Home Depot on the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006(TM),” said Tom McGarrity, Univision co-president of Network Sales. “Univision historically and consistently delivers a massive audience for World Cup. This year, with seven Spanish-speaking countries in the competition, Univision and its sister networks TeleFutura and Galavision are likely to draw even larger audiences than the 2002 telecast.”

The Home Depot will be a sponsor in each of the 64 matches being televised live on Univision and TeleFutura. In addition, The Home Depot commercials will air on daily rebroadcasts on TeleFutura and Galavision networks in primetime.

“The World Cup is soccer’s pre-eminent international sporting event, showcasing the greatest talent in the world,” said Roger Adams, senior vice president, Marketing, The Home Depot. “We look forward to joining our partners at Univision in providing a vehicle for our associates and customers to watch this tremendous display of athleticism and competition.”

The Home Depot is also sponsoring a vignette series currently on the air, featuring great moments from past World Cups and focusing on assists that led to spectacular goals, reinforcing the retailer’s “You can do it. We can helpSM” tagline. The sponsorship agreement also includes two Sunday afternoon preview specials and a primetime entertainment extravaganza, “Viva el Mundial” starring “Sabado Gigante’s” (Gigantic Saturday’s) legendary host, Don Francisco.

To entice soccer enthusiasts to get their homes ready for World Cup entertaining, The Home Depot is also kicking off a “Tu Casa Es Tu Cancha” sweepstakes to run April 15–May 15. Three grand prizewinners will be awarded a $10,000 The Home Depot Gift Card to be used toward any home improvement project. To enter for a chance to win, consumers can log onto http://www.univision.com, UniClave: Home Depot; visit participating The Home Depot stores; or visit http://www.tucasaestucancha.com.

Univision Communications Inc. 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 United States reaching 98 percent of U.S.-Hispanic households; TeleFutura Network, a general interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 86 percent of U.S.-Hispanic households; Galavisión, 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 four stations in Puerto Rico; Univision Music Group, which includes Univision Records, Fonovisa Records, La Calle Records and a 50 percent 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 United States, located at www.univision.com. Univision Communications also has a 50 percent interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa’s pay television channels in the United States, and a non-voting 14.9 percent 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.com.

About The Home Depot

Founded in 1978, The Home Depot(R) is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer and the second largest retailer in the United States, with fiscal 2005 sales of $81.5 billion. The Company employs approximately 345,000 associates and has 2,056 stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. Through its Home Depot SupplySM Division, the Company operates one of the nation’s largest diversified wholesale distributors, with operations in 41 states and Canada. The Home Depot has been recognized by FORTUNE magazine as the No. 1 Most Admired Specialty Retailer and the No. 13 Most Admired Corporation in America for 2006. Its stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor's 500 index.

Home Depot patrocinará la transmisión exclusiva en español de Univision de la copa mundial de la FIFA Alemania 2006 (TM)

Univision Communications Inc. la empresa líder de medios de comunicación en español en Estados Unidos, anunció hoy que Home Depot(R) , el detallista de mercancía para mejoras domésticas más grande del mundo, patrocinará, en parte, la transmisión exclusiva en español de Univision de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA Alemania 2006(TM) — el campeonato más importante del fútbol internacional y el evento deportivo más visto del mundo. El acuerdo de patrocinio incluye partidos de la Copa Mundial, especiales, viñetas y otras oportunidades para destacar la marca Home Depot(R) . La Copa Mundial de la FIFA Alemania 2006(TM) se llevará a cabo en 12 ciudades de Alemania, comenzando el 9 de junio en Munich y culminando el 9 de julio en Berlín.

“Estamos encantados de unir fuerzas con Home Depot para la Copa Mundial de la FIFA Alemania 2006(TM) ”, dijo Tom McGarrity, copresidente de Ventas Nacionales de Univision. “Históricamente y de manera continua, Univision capta una audiencia masiva durante la Copa Mundial. Este año, con siete países de habla hispana compitiendo, Univision y sus cadenas hermanas, TeleFutura y Galavisión, probablemente atraerán una audiencia aun mayor que en la transmisión del 2002”.

Home Depot será patrocinador de cada uno de los 64 partidos que se televisarán en vivo por Univision y TeleFutura. Adicionalmente, comerciales de Home Depot saldrán al aire en las retransmisiones diarias de juegos por TeleFutura y Galavisión en horario estelar.

“La Copa Mundial es el evento deportivo internacional preeminente, donde se luce el mejor talento futbolístico del mundo”, expresó Roger Adams, vicepresidente senior de Mercadeo para Home Depot. “Nos entusiasma unirnos a nuestros socios de Univision para proporcionarles un vehículo a nuestros empleados y clientes para que puedan disfrutar de este extraordinario despliegue de deportismo y competición”.

Home Depot también patrocinará una serie de viñetas que están actualmente al aire, en las cuales se recuerdan grandes momentos de Copas Mundiales pasadas con énfasis en jugadas asistidas que resultaron en goles espectaculares, como una manera de reforzar el eslogan de la compañía: “Usted puede hacerlo. Nosotros podemos ayudar.SM”. El acuerdo de patrocinio también incluye dos especiales dominicales presentando avances del torneo, y un programa de entretenimiento en horario estelar, “Viva el Mundial”, conducido por el legendario animador de “Sábado Gigante”, Don Francisco.

Para estimular a los entusiastas del fútbol a que vayan preparando sus casas desde ahora para recibir invitados durante la Copa Mundial, Home Depot también está lanzando el concurso “Tu casa es tu cancha”, el cual estará en vigor entre el 15 de abril y el 15 de mayo. Tres ganadores recibirán una tarjeta de regalo de Home Depot con un valor de $10,000, que podrá ser usada para costear cualquier proyecto de mejoras domésticas. Para participar y tener oportunidad de ganar, el público puede entrar a http://www.univision.com, UniClave: Home Depot; visitar tiendas The Home Depot participantes; o visitar http://www.tucasaestucancha.com.

Univision Communications Inc. es la empresa líder de medios de comunicación de habla hispana en Estados Unidos. Sus operaciones incluyen Univision, la cadena de televisión en español más vista en EE.UU., con cobertura del 98% de los hogares hispanos del país; TeleFutura, la cadena de televisión en español lanzada en 2002, con cobertura del 86% de los hogares hispanos de EE.U.U.; Galavisión, la cadena de televisión por cable en español líder en el país; el Grupo de Televisión Univision, propietario y operador de 62 estaciones de televisión en los principales mercados hispanos de EE.UU. y Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, el principal grupo radial en español, propietario y/u operador de 69 emisoras de radio en 16 de los 25 principales mercados hispanos y de 4 emisoras de radio en Puerto Rico; Univision Music Group, que incluye los sellos discográficos Univision Records, Fonovisa Records, La Calle Records y 50% del capital accionario de la empresa mexicana Disa Records, y las empresas editoriales Fonomusic y American Musical Publishing; y Univision Online, el destino de Internet en español más importante de EE.UU. con portal www.univision.com. Univision Communications tiene un 50% de participación en TuTv, empresa formada para distribuir en EE.UU los canales de televisión por cable de Televisa, y una participación sin derecho a voto del 14.9% en Entravision Communications Corporation, compañía pública de medios de comunicación en español. Univision Communications tiene su sede principal en Los Ángeles, su centro de operaciones de sus cadenas de televisión en Miami y estaciones y oficinas de ventas de televisión y radio en las principales ciudades de Estados Unidos.

Para más información, por favor visite http://www.univision.net.

Sobre Home Depot

Fundada en 1978, Home Depot(R) es la mayor red de tiendas al detal del mundo especializada en mercancía relacionada con mejoras del hogar, y el segundo detallista más grande de los Estados Unidos, con ventas fiscales de $81.5 mil millones. La compañía tiene aproximadamente 345,000 empleados y 2,056 tiendas en los 50 estados, el Distrito de Columbia, Puerto Rico, las Islas Vírgenes de EE.UU., 10 provincias canadienses y México. A través de su división Home Depot SupplySM, la compañía opera una de las distribuidoras diversificadas al por mayor más grandes del país, con operaciones en 41 estados y Canadá. Home Depot ha sido reconocida por la revista FORTUNE como “la empresa detallista especializada más admirada de todas (#1)” y “la corporación más admirada de Estados Unidos #13” del año 2006. Sus acciones se comercian en la Bolsa de Nueva York (NYSE: HD) y están incluidas en el promedio industrial Dow Jones y el índice Standard & Poor's 500.

 

VATICAN NEWS OF THE PAST WEEK

EASTER SUNDAY: RISEN CHRIST QUENCHES THIRST FOR PEACE

VATICAN CITY, APR 16, 2006 (VIS) - Benedict XVI celebrated the Easter Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at 10.30 this morning in St. Peter's Square, which was decorated, as has become traditional, with flowers, shrubs and flowering plants from Holland. At midday, from the central loggia of the basilica, he pronounced his first Easter Message, expressed Easter greetings in 63 languages and imparted his "Urbi et Orbi" blessing.

On the day of his own 79th birthday and three days before the first anniversary of his election as Pope, the Holy Father said: "Today, even in this modern age marked by anxiety and uncertainty, we relive the event of the Resurrection, which changed the face of our life and changed the history of humanity. From the risen Christ, all those who are still oppressed by chains of suffering and death look for hope, sometimes even without knowing it.

"May the Spirit of the Risen One, in particular, bring relief and security in Africa to the peoples of Darfur, who are living in a dramatic humanitarian situation that is no longer sustainable; to those of the Great Lakes region, where many wounds have yet to be healed; to the peoples of the Horn of Africa, of the Ivory Coast, Uganda, Zimbabwe and other nations which aspire to reconciliation, justice and progress."

Turning to the situation in Iraq, he expressed the hope that peace may "finally prevail over the tragic violence that continues mercilessly to claim victims. I also pray sincerely that those caught up in the conflict in the Holy Land may find peace, and I invite all to patient and persevering dialogue, so as to remove both ancient and new obstacles." In this context, he called on the international community, "which re-affirms Israel's just right to exist in peace," to "assist the Palestinian people to overcome the precarious conditions in which they live and to build their future, moving towards the constitution of a State that is truly their own."

"May the Spirit of the Risen One enkindle a renewed enthusiastic commitment of the countries of Latin America," he went on, "so that the living conditions of millions of citizens may be improved, the deplorable scourge of kidnapping may be eradicated and democratic institutions may be consolidated in a spirit of harmony and effective solidarity.

"Concerning the international crises linked to nuclear power, may an honorable solution be found for all parties, through serious and honest negotiations, and may the leaders of nations and of international organizations be strengthened in their will to achieve peaceful coexistence among different races, cultures and religions, in order to remove the threat of terrorism."

The Holy Father concluded by calling on humankind in the third millennium not to be afraid, but to open their hearts to the Risen Christ. "His Gospel totally quenches the thirst for peace and happiness that is found in every human heart. Christ is now alive and He walks with us. What an immense mystery of love! 'Christus resurrexit, quia Deus caritas est! Alleluia!'."

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REGINA COELI: BE "LIVING STONES" TO BUILD THE CHURCH

VATICAN CITY, APR 17, 2006 (VIS) - At midday today, the Pope appeared at the balcony of the Apostolic Palace of Castelgandolfo to pray the Regina Coeli with the faithful gathered in the square below. The Pope travelled to his Castelgandolfo residence yesterday evening to rest after the Easter celebrations.

After recalling how the Regina Coeli prayer substitutes the Angelus during the period of Easter, the Pope affirmed that "Mary guarded in her heart the 'good news' of the resurrection - source and secret of true joy and authentic peace - that Christ, Who died and rose again, has conquered us with the sacrifice of the cross."

He went on: "We ask Mary, just as she accompanied us in the days of the passion, to continue to guide our steps in this time of spiritual joy, that we may grow ever more in the knowledge and love of the Lord, and become witnesses and apostles of His peace."

Benedict XVI then recalled how tomorrow, April 18, marks the 500th anniversary of the day Pope Julius II laid the first stone of the new Basilica of St. Peter's, "which the world entire admires for the powerful harmony of its lines."

The Holy Father also gratefully recalled "the Supreme Pontiffs who commissioned this extraordinary construction over the tomb of the Apostle Peter," and "the artists who with their genius contributed to building and decorating it." He also had words of thanks for the staff of the Fabric of St. Peter's "who oversee the maintenance and protection of this unique masterpiece of art and faith."

May this anniversary, he concluded, "reawaken in all Catholics the desire to be 'living stones' for the building of the holy Church, in which the 'light of Christ' shines out" through works of charity witnessed by the world.

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FAITH, A FORCE FOR FREEDOM AFTER THE MEETING WITH CHRIST

VATICAN CITY, APR 19, 2006 (VIS) - The meaning of Easter was the theme chosen by Benedict XVI for today's general audience, which coincided with the first anniversary of his election to the pontificate. The Pope arrived by helicopter for the audience - held in St. Peter's Square in the presence of more than 60,000 people - from his residence at Castelgandolfo where he is spending a few days following the Easter celebrations.

"How quickly time passes," said the Pope to the faithful. "A year has already gone since ... the cardinals meeting in conclave chose me to succeed the much mourned and beloved Servant of God, the great Pope John Paul II. With emotion I recall the first impact I received from the loggia of the Vatican Basilica ... with the faithful gathered in this same square."

He continued: "That meeting, which remains impressed upon my mind and heart, was followed by many others, giving me the chance to experience how real the words were that I pronounced during the course of the solemn concelebration with which I began my exercise of the Petrine ministry: 'I feel with renewed conviction that I do not have to carry alone what in truth I could never carry alone'." Apart from God's celestial protection, the Pope mentioned the closeness, understanding, love and prayers of the faithful. "I ask each of you to continue to support me, praying to God to enable me to be mild and firm pastor of His Church," he said.

"Immediately after His resurrection, Jesus called Peter to tend His flock," Pope Benedict added. "Who then could have humanly imagined the development that, over the centuries, would mark that small group of the Lord's disciples? Peter, together with the Apostles and later their successors, ... courageously spread the evangelical message, the fundamental and indispensable core of which is constituted by the Paschal mystery: the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. This is the mystery the Church celebrates at Easter: Christ's triumph over evil and death."

"The Gospel accounts narrating the appearances of the Risen One usually conclude with an invitation to overcome all uncertainty ... and to announce that Jesus, beyond death, is eternally alive, a source of new life for all those who believe. ... Faith is born from the personal meeting with the Risen Christ, and becomes a force of courage and freedom that brings us to cry out to the world that Jesus has risen and lives forever. This is the mission of the Lord's disciples in all ages including our own."

At the end of the audience, Benedict XVI returned to Castelgandolfo. In the first year of his pontificate, more than four million people have participated in his general and special audiences, his Sunday Angelus and liturgical celebrations celebrated by him.

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POPE CONDEMNS TERROR ATTACK IN TEL AVIV

VATICAN CITY, APR 19, 2006 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience, the Pope said: "With great anguish I learned the news of last Monday's terrible attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, and I feel the need to express my most firm condemnation of that terrorist act. It is not by such abominable acts that the legitimate rights of a people can by protected."

"May the Lord, Prince of Peace, remain close to Israelis and Palestinians, that they do not abandon themselves to a tragic undercurrent but resume the journey that will bring them to live in peace and security, one next to the other as children of the one Father in heaven."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 19, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Jose Mauro Pereira Bastos C.P., of Janauba, Brazil, as bishop of Guaxupe (area 13,953, population 857,374, Catholics 600,161, priests 100, religious 169), Brazil. He succeeds Bishop Jose Geraldo Oliveira do Valle C.S.S., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

On Thursday, April 13, it was made public that he:

- Appointed Bishop Luigi Conti of Macerata-Tolentino-Recanati-Cingoli-Treia, Italy, as metropolitan archbishop of Fermo (area 1,318, population 282,534, Catholics 276,921, priests 244, permanent deacons 17, religious 443), Italy. The archbishop-elect was born in Urbania, Italy in 1941, he was ordained a priest in 1965 and consecrated a bishop in 1996.

- Appointed Msgr. Leopoldo Girelli, counsellor at the apostolic nunciature to the United States of America, as apostolic nuncio to Indonesia, at the same time raising him to the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in Predore, Italy in 1953 and ordained a priest in 1978.

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SPECIAL ENVOY TO CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS FOR ST. TORIBIO

VATICAN CITY, APR 20, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter from the Pope, written in Latin and dated March 4, appointing Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez, archbishop of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as his special envoy to celebrations marking the fourth centenary of the death of St. Toribio de Mogrovejo, patron saint of the Latin American episcopate.

Accompanying the cardinal to the celebrations - due to be held in Lima, Peru from April 24 to 29 - are Msgrs. Pedro Rufino Hidalgo Diaz, rector of the Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Lima and member of the cathedral chapter; Alberto Maravi Petrozzi, rector of the major seminary of St. Toribio and member of the cathedral chapter; and Angelo Accattino, secretary of the apostolic nunciature to Peru.

BXVI-LETTER/SPECIAL ENVOY/PERU:MOGROVEJO VIS 060420 (140)

BASILICA OF ST. PETER'S CELEBRATES ITS FIFTH CENTENARY

VATICAN CITY, APR 20, 2006 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office at midday today, a press conference was held to present the celebrations being organized to mark the fifth centenary of St. Peter's Basilica.

Participating in the event were Cardinals Francesco Marchisano, archpriest of the basilica, and Albert Vanhoye S.J., rector emeritus of the Pontifical Biblical College; Archbishop Angelo Comastri and Bishop Vittorio Lanzani, respectively president and delegate of the Fabric of St. Peter's; Antonio Paolucci, superintendent of the Florentine Museums and curator of the exhibition, "Petros Eni;" and Maria Cristina Carlo-Stella, bureau chief at the Fabric of St. Peter's.

In his talk, Cardinal Marchisano traced a brief history of the basilica, beginning with the emperor Constantine's original fourth-century construction. By the end of the 14th century, in light of the frailty of the Constantinian structure, pontiffs were desirous of building a new church, a project that finally began on April 18, 1506 when Pope Julius II placed the first stone of the current basilica. Work continued for a further 130 years and involved such artists as Bramante, Sangallo, Michelangelo and Bernini.

The basilica, said the cardinal, possesses an extraordinary archive composed of 3,050,000 documents concerning the work carried out from the beginning to our own times. It is, he added, one of the most visited sites in the world, with between five and 20 thousand people crossing its doors each day.

For his part, Archbishop Comastri recalled that in 1939, "by decision of Pope Pius XII, excavation work began under St. Peter's Basilica. To great astonishment, the ancient necropolis interred by Constantine's architects in the year 320 came to light. Moving up the slopes of the Vatican hill, a small monument was found, identified as the 'Tropaion of Gaius;' this discovery was followed by that of the famous red wall with the graffiti 'Petros eni' and a series of other graffiti all testifying to the devotion to Peter in this place."

Bishop Lanzani's talk concerned the issuing of stamps and coins to commemorate the anniversary.

"The Governorate of Vatican City State will issue a series of commemorative stamps of the value of 0.45 and 0.60 euros," he said. "The first represents the commemorative medal of Bramante, produced by Cristoforo Foppa between the years 1505 and 1506. ... The second depicts the medal placed in the foundations of the new St. Peters, also the work of Cristoforo Foppa." Both stamps bear the inscription: "Templum Divi Petri in Vaticano 1506-1606."

The Fabric of St. Peter's will also mint two medals for the occasion, one in silver and one in two different metals, the work of the Italian engraver Sergio Giandomenico. One side shows the consignment of the keys to St. Peter against the background of the basilica, with the emblem of the Fabric of St. Peter's underneath and the inscription "Patriarcalis Basilica Principis Apostolorum 1506-1606" around the edge. On the other side is an image of the Holy Father with the phrase "Benedictus XVI, Pontifex Maximus."

OP/CENTENARY VATICAN BASILICA/... VIS 060420 (510)

April 23, 2006

Tom Cruise MI 3 Teaser Picture

To understand the internet you have to be open to change.

 logo

 

 

 Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne April 23, 2006

MBN

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN news

 

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

Info@montebubbles.net

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. More then 100 pages of news a day and BROADCAST NEWS COMING SOON VIA PODCAST )

 

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY Pictures that we have taken and not published during before will be placed here on Sunday of each week for your viewing pleasure

 

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now

 

More exciting changes coming each day.

Watch for the MBN Politically incorrect SUV

 

 

MONTEBUBBLISM: Time is important, what is lost can never be made up.

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

Record-breaking China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Home Products Opens at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld-Expo with Over 3,600 Booths - Largest-ever Show at New Venue With Over 30,000 Buyers Pre-registered

Kentucky Crowned MISS USA(R) 2006 During Live NBC Telecast on April 21st

Paramount Pictures to Premiere 'Mission: Impossible III' Around the World

America's leading film magazine, Premiere, will once again open the doors of its Premiere Film & Music Lounge during New York City's Tribeca Film Festival

Second Annual Giffoni Hollywood Film Festival Celebrates Child and Teen Filmmmakers From Around the World

9/11 Movie Release Supported by Military, Veterans and their Families - Nationwide

Sonic Helps Align World's Leading Consumer Electronics, Computer, and Entertainment Companies for HD Launch

Dolby Digital Selected for First HD Channel in China with 100 Percent of Programming in Surround Sound

Inecom Entertainment Company is pleased to feature Doug Sloan

CEA and NCTA Unite to Broaden Scope of DTV Education Efforts

The Number of IP TV Subscribers is Expected to Grow to 36.8 Million by 2009

Las Vegas TV Partners Acquire CMX Century Productions

The Online Games Market in India is Starting to Heat up Due to an Increase in Internet Users and Broadband Penetration

iStor Networks, Inc.

Comcast joins with CBS, NBC in Offering Prime-time Shows On-Demand

CBS Radio's David Lee Roth Replaced by Opie & Anthony in Seven Markets

Roth Failed to Hold on to Howard Stern Audience

Mobility Electronics Introduces new SIX Slot PCI ExpresS® to PCI expansion system at NAB 2006 Show

ViewCast to Showcase New Technology For Video Streaming at NAB 2006

SPORTS & AUTOS

INDY JAPAN 300 RACE

Vince Young Announces First Endorsement with Austin-Based NetSpend, National Leader in Prepaid Debit Cards

LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES AN AMBITIOUS AND VISIONARY PROJECT

SportStar Awards 2006 at the Olympic Museum

All-New 2007 Hyundai Elantra Makes World Debut at New York International Auto Show; Safety and Interior Space Put the Fourth-Generation Elantra a Class Above the Competition

World Speed Record for Diesel-Powered Truck Set Using Mobil Delvac Heavy Duty Engine Oil

Camión Diesel con Aceite para Motores de Trabajo Pesado Mobil Delvac Logra Récord Mundial en Velocidad

El nuevo Hyundai Elantra 2007 hace su debut mundial en el Salón Internacional del Automóvil de Nueva York; La seguridad y el espacio interior posicionan a la cuarta generación del Elantra una clase por encima de la competencia

DOD

Pre-Derby Festival Features 'America Supports You,' Air Show, Fireworks

U.S. Units Help Ethiopians Build Capacity

Army Reserve Changing to Meet Challenges

Sham Marriage Cases Send Message to All Service members

America Supports You: NBA Trophy Tour to Visit U.S. Military Bases

NEWS

Radio Address by President Bush to the Nation

AstraZeneca Foundation Patient Assistance Program Expands Eligibility for People with Medicare

El Programa de Asistencia a Pacientes de la Fundación AstraZeneca Expande la Elegibilidad para las Personas con Medicare

PHOTO GALLERY

____________________________________________

ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY

Record-breaking China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Home Products Opens at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld-Expo with Over 3,600 Booths - Largest-ever Show at New Venue With Over 30,000 Buyers Pre-registered

Global Sources opened the China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Home Products today in Hong Kong. It is the largest trade show ever to be held at AsiaWorld-Expo with over 3,600 booths, filling all 10 halls of the 70,000-square-meter venue.

 

The Fair is co-located with Koelnmesse's International Hardware Fair/Practical World Hong Kong, offering a range of hardware and do-it-yourself products. Both events will run from April 22-25.

Global Sources Chairman and CEO, Merle A. Hinrichs, said: "With over 1,200 mainland China suppliers exhibiting right here in Hong Kong, the Gifts & Home Products show brings a whole new era of convenience to buyers."

Many of Asia's major manufacturers are exhibiting, as well as new suppliers from mainland China's emerging sourcing centers -- including Guangxi, Shaanxi, Henan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Liaoning and Shandong.

There are over 800 booths from Hong Kong companies, and over 500 from Taiwan, plus exhibitors from South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and India.

Hinrichs added: "The Fairs are perfectly-timed with other shows in Hong Kong and China. The large number of new exhibitors at the China Sourcing Fair is drawing more buyers to Hong Kong, making it truly Asia's Trade Show Capital."

Koelnmesse GmbH, Vice-President Asia Pacific, Michael Dreyer, said: "We will build on our 80-year history of hosting the International Hardware Fair/Practical World in Cologne, Germany -- the world's largest hardware, DIY and outdoor living show -- to create new sourcing opportunities for buyers of these categories right here in Asia."

High-ranking government officials attend opening ceremony

Hong Kong and mainland China government officials participating in the opening ceremonies include:

-- Frederick Ma, JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury,Hong Kong SAR

-- Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

-- Mike Rowse, JP, Chairman of AsiaWorld-Expo and Director-general of Investment Promotion at InvestHK

-- Raymond Young, JP, Director-general of Trade and Industry, Hong Kong SAR

-- Wang Hui, Deputy Director-general of Economic Affairs Department, Liaison Office of The Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR

-- Shen Danyang, Vice President of Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce, People's

Republic of China and Executive Chairman of China Society of Convention & Exhibition

Hinrichs said: "The participation of these officials is a clear sign of the value the China Sourcing Fairs bring to Hong Kong and the global trade community."

World's largest buyers among tens of thousands pre-registered to attend

Over 30,000 buyers pre-registered to attend the trade shows -- among them representatives from KarstadtQuelle, Europe's largest department store and mail order group; Coles Myer, the largest retailer in Australia; and Black & Decker, the world's largest producer of power tools.

Other pre-registered buyers include Kingfisher, Lowe's, Newell Rubbermaid, Li & Fung, Hallmark, Kingfisher, Kmart, Otto, Tesco and Warner Brothers.

Agentrics members with US$1 trillion in retail sales to participate

Agentrics, an organization representing 50 global retailers with $1 trillion in annual sales, will also participate in the Fairs. Member companies include Carrefour, the second-largest retailer in the world; Sears, the third-largest retailer in the United States; and Metro, Germany's largest retailer.

Agentrics' Executive Chairman, Christopher Sellers, said: "Our buyers need to make their sourcing trips as productive as possible. With their specialized focus, convenient access and thousands of new, quality suppliers, the China Sourcing Fairs help our buyers source more effectively."

Global Sources is Agentrics' exclusive sourcing alliance partner in Asia.

Gifts & Home Products Fair features over 3,600 booths

Suppliers from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and India are exhibiting at the China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Home Products.

Product categories include:

-- Gifts, premiums & toys

-- Christmas & holiday products

-- Stationery & office products

-- Health & beauty products

-- Sporting & leisure products

-- Home decor

-- Kitchen & household products

-- Glassware & tableware

-- Home textiles

One exhibitor, General Manager of Guang Yong Trading, Kathleen Wang, said: "The China Sourcing Fairs have consistently delivered quality buyers who have developed into excellent customers for us. We're certain the Hong Kong shows will attract even more buyers. In fact, we've already booked eight booths for the October show and another eight at each of the shows in 2007!"

First-ever International Hardware Fair/Practical World Hong Kong co-located with Gifts & Home Products

International Hardware Fair/ Practical World Hong Kong, the world's largest DIY show, is being held for the first time in Hong Kong. Exporters from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia are exhibiting.

On exhibit is a range of hardware and DIY products, including: garden and horticulture products; tools and accessories; home improvement, security products, and fire and safety products.

New Product Galleries display hot new designs

The fair features a New Product Gallery showcasing the best new designs from China and Asia.

Unique sourcing events and conference programs featured The China Sourcing Fairs offer unique value-added buyer and supplier services, including Private Buyer Meetings.

These exclusive meetings create opportunities for pre-selected exhibitors to meet face-to-face with some of the world's top buyers, including:

-- IKEA, the world's largest furniture retailer

-- Carrefour, the world's second-largest retailer, and

-- Lowe's, the world's second-largest home improvement retailer

The Fair also features a comprehensive conference program designed to help buyers source more effectively from China. Topics include product trends, logistics, marketing and other trade topics.

China Sourcing Fair/Practical World Hong Kong show dates and times Opening hours for the China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Home Products and Practical World Hong Kong are:

-- April 22 - 24: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

-- April 25: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Easy access to AsiaWorld-Expo by Airport Express Train, free shuttle buses

AsiaWorld-Expo is one minute from Hong Kong Airport and 25 minutes from downtown via the Airport Express Train. Visitors who use an "Octopus Card" will enjoy discounted fares for same-day return trips.

Global Sources will provide free buyer shuttle bus service to and from the venue from locations throughout Hong Kong. The venue is also easily accessible by public bus, taxi and private car.

Buyers wishing to visit the trade shows can find more information, including transportation options, at http://www.chinasourcingfair.com/ .

The China Sourcing Fairs ( http://www.chinasourcingfair.com/ ) are an important part of Global Sources' sourcing and product information services, which include Global Sources trade magazines, Global Sources Online ( http://www.globalsources.com/ ) and Global Sources Direct ( http://www.globalsourcesdirect.com/ ). Further information about Global Sources is available at http://www.corporate.globalsources.com/ .

About Global Sources

Global Sources is a leading business-to-business (B2B) media company and a primary facilitator of two-way trade with Greater China. It provides sourcing information to volume buyers and integrated marketing services to suppliers.

The company helps its community of more than 479,000 active buyers to source more profitably from complex, overseas supply markets. With the goal of providing as many effective ways as possible to advertise, market and sell, Global Sources enables suppliers to sell to hard-to-reach buyers in 230 countries.

The company offers the most extensive range of media and export marketing services in the industries it serves. Suppliers using its four primary channels -- online marketplaces, magazines, trade shows and direct online sales -- are supported by its advertising creative, education programs and online content management applications.

Global Sources delivers information on 1.4 million products and more than 130,000 suppliers annually through 10 leading online marketplaces and monthly magazines, more than 100 sourcing research reports, and 14 China Sourcing Fairs and other trade shows. Buyers send more than 5.8 million inquiries annually to suppliers through Global Sources Online ( www.globalsources.com ) alone. Global Sources Direct is the company's new initiative that helps suppliers sell online.

In mainland China, Global Sources has a 25-year track record and 1,400 team members in 44 locations. Its services are backed by 35 years experience as a trade magazine publisher, 14 years as an organizer of trade shows, and 10 years as an online marketplace operator.

About Koelnmesse

Koelnmesse GmbH is one of the world's largest trade fair organizers, with an excellent track record of organizing some of the world's most successful trade events, including International Hardware Fair/Practical World Cologne, Spoga+Gafa, Anuga, imm Cologne, interzum, ISM, and Photokina, which are recognized as global leaders in their respective market segments. With over 80 years experience in organizing large-scale commercial events connecting buyers and sellers, Koelnmesse GmbH continually aims to develop world-leading trade fairs to satisfy a full range of global audience.

 

Web sites: http://www.globalsources.com
http://www.chinasourcingfair.com
http://www.globalsourcesdirect.com
http://www.corporate.globalsources.com

Source: Global Sources Limited

Kentucky Crowned MISS USA(R) 2006 During Live NBC Telecast on April 21st

This evening, during one of the year's most exciting live television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Kentucky USA, Tara Elizabeth Conner as MISS USA(R) 2006.

Ms. Conner is a 20 year-old from Russell Springs, Kentucky who is currently studying business administration at Somerset Community College.

Dancing With The Star's cycle two winner Drew Lachey and Access Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell, hosted the live telecast from the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. Commentary was provided by Carson Kressley of Bravo's "Queer Eye" along with the reigning Miss USA, Chelsea Cooley throughout the live telecast.

Celebrity Judges for the Pageant included: Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medalist Chad Hedrick; "Apprentice" regular and budding real estate developer, Donald Trump Jr.; shoe guru Steve Madden; NBC's "Passion's" star, James Hyde; "America's Next Top Model" winner and the new face of CoverGirl cosmetics, Nicole Linkletter; Super Bowl MVP, Hines Ward; television personality Jillian Barberie; and Vice President & General Manager - North America and Global Cosmetics, Procter and Gamble, Gina Drosos.

Throughout the two-hour event, the contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. During these competitions the "Top Five" finalists were selected before the crowning. Chelsea Cooley, Miss USA 2005, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the two-hour primetime telecast, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 250 million.

Final Results:

First Runner Up: Miss California USA, Tamiko Nash, will assume the duties

of Miss USA 2006 if the titleholder is named Miss

UNIVERSE 2006, or for some reason cannot fulfill her

responsibilities.

Second Runner Up: Miss Georgia USA, Lisa Wilson.

Rest of Top Five: Miss Ohio USA, Stacy Offenberger and Miss Florida USA,

Cristin Duren.

Rest of Top Ten: Miss Alabama USA, Haleigh Stidham; Miss District of

Columbia USA, Candace Allen; Miss Rhode Island USA,

Leeann Tingley; Miss South Carolina USA, Lacie Lybrand;

Miss Texas USA, Lauren Lanning.

Miss Photogenic Award: Miss Florida USA, Cristin Duren. The general public voted on http://www.nbc.com/ for the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera.

Congeniality Award: Miss Minnesota USA, Dottie Cannon. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the delegate's peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant.

The MISS USA(R) 2006 prize package includes: Official Miss USA Mikimoto pearl tiara; A Year supply of CoverGirl Cosmetics; 2 Year Scholarship from The School for Film and Television in NYC; custom designed wardrobe by Tadashi; A four day 3 night "all-inclusive" vacation from American Airlines; Show wardrobe and cash prize from Steve Madden; a year supply of haircare by Farouk Systems; a swimsuit wardrobe from BSC Swimwear Thailand; New York City apartment for the year of her reign including living expenses; and a personal appearance wardrobe.

The Miss Universe Organization, producers of the MISS UNIVERSE(R), MISS USA(R) and MISS TEEN USA(R) Pageants, is a Donald J. Trump and National Broadcasting Company, Inc. (NBC) partnership. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers by forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, and Gilda's Club.

Source: The Miss Universe Organization

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

Paramount Pictures to Premiere 'Mission: Impossible III' Around the World

 

In anticipation of the May 5 release of the action-thriller "Mission: Impossible III," Paramount Pictures will roll out the red carpet in a series of star-studded premieres around the world. The festivities begin with the world premiere in Rome on April 24 and continue with premieres in London, Paris, and New York.

 

Tom Cruise returns as Special Agent Ethan Hunt, who faces the mission of his life in "Mission: Impossible III." Director J.J. Abrams ("Lost," "Alias") brings his unique blend of action and drama to the billion-dollar franchise.

Paramount Pictures presents a Cruise|Wagner production, "Mission: Impossible III." The film is directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner from a screenplay written by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & J.J. Abrams, based on the television series created by Bruce Geller. The film stars Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames, Billy Crudup, Michelle Monaghan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Keri Russell, Maggie Q, and Laurence Fishburne. The film is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of frenetic violence and menace, disturbing images, and brief sensuality.

Paramount Pictures is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc., one of the leading global entertainment content companies, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics across virtually all media.

 

Source: Paramount Pictures

America's leading film magazine, Premiere, will once again open the doors of its Premiere Film & Music Lounge during New York City's Tribeca Film Festival

from April 27 to May 1, in partnership with LIVEstyle Entertainment. This year's events will take place at PM Lounge in New York City's meatpacking district at 50 Gansevoort Street.

The Premiere Lounge is the ultimate destination for celebrities and VIP's, and will be hosting parties for films at the festival including: Magnolia Pictures' One Last Thing, with expected cast members Ethan Hawke, Cynthia Nixon, Sunny Mabrey, Gina Gershon, Michael Angarano, Director Alex Steyermark, Screenwriter Barry Stringfellow and HDNet's Mark Cuban and Todd Wagner on April 27; Millennium Films' Journey to the End of the Night world premiere party with expected cast members Brendan Fraser, Mos Def, Scott Glenn, Alice Braga, and Director, Eric Eason on April 28; Millennium Films' Lonely Hearts with cast members John Travolta, James Gandolfini and Director, Todd Robinson on April 30; and Bold Films' Mini's First Time with expected cast members Alec Baldwin, Nikki Reed, Jeff Goldblum, Luke Wilson and Director, Nick Guthe on May 1.

"We are thrilled to bring The Premiere Lounge back to New York City for the third year during the Tribeca Film Festival. This impactful branded entertainment experience brings Premiere's access and influence to life for our advertising partners and sponsors," said Paul Turcotte, Vice President and Publisher, Premiere magazine.

"We're excited to collaborate with our studio and producer partners and host the world premiere parties for what we think are the best titles of the Tribeca Film Festival this year. Through the generous hospitality of our corporate sponsors and New York's best NYC hot spot, PM Lounge, we can continue to make the Premiere Film & Music Lounge the place to be at all the top North American film festivals including this year's Tribeca Film Festival" says David Manning, Co-Managing Partner of LIVEstyle Entertainment and Executive Producer of the Premiere Film & Music Lounge.

"We are grateful to the Premiere Film & Music Lounge and its partners for its confidence in our ability to capture the excitement of the international film community," said UNIK, owner of PM Lounge.

The sponsors who will bring exciting brand-related experiences and product offerings to the Premiere Lounge include: Stella Artois; Monster Energy; The Creative Coalition; Vonage, who will be showcasing it's award winning broadband service and phone systems through a custom Vonage Hospitality Hotline set up at PM. Attendees and celebrities on the red carpet can dial on the Vonage Hospitality Line from outside the red carpet direct to the bar and have their drink awaiting them at their table; Siku Glacier Ice Vodka, where VIPs will enjoy this ultra premium vodka uniquely blended with pure crystal clear ice, which is up to 60,000 years old, from the Qalerallit Sermia glacier in Greenland; and, Kodak who will showcase its newest, most innovative camera featuring the proprietary KODAK RETINA Dual Lens technology

This event is not affiliated, associated or part of the Tribeca Film Festival.

A detailed media alert with dates and times of all Premiere Film & Music Lounge events to follow.

LIVEstyle Entertainment is a New York City based lifestyle marketing and expert event production company. LIVEstyle specializes in engineering non- traditional brand communication solutions within music, film, fashion and sports for its clients. More information about LIVEstyle Entertainment can be found at http://www.livestylent.com/ .

Premiere, America's movie magazine, covers the unparalleled access and influence to Hollywood's A-list as well as the art and commerce of the film industry. Accessible at http://www.premiere.com/ , Premiere is part of a global network that includes editions published in France, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, and Korea. Premiere is published by Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., Inc. (HFM U.S.), the New York-headquartered subsidiary of Hachette Filipacchi Medias, the world's largest magazine publisher, a division of Lagardere SCA.

PM Lounge is one of New York City's most celebrated hot-spots where celebrities and tastemakers mingle on a nightly basis. The exclusive vibe and layout of the lounge allows for the sophistication and upscale environment that sets the style lounge parties apart from all others.

Vonage is a pioneer in the Internet telephony industry. The award winning Vonage(R) service is sold on the web and through national retailers. Vonage Holdings Corp. is headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey. For more information about Vonage's products and services, please visit http://www.vonage.com/ or call 1-VONAGE-HELP. Vonage(R) is a registered trademark of Vonage Marketing Inc., a subsidiary of Vonage Holdings Corp.

Eastman Kodak Company is the leader in helping people take, share, print and view images -- for memories, for information, for entertainment. With sales of $13.5 billion in 2004, the company is committed to a digitally oriented growth strategy focused on the following businesses: Health -- supplying the medical and dental industries with traditional and digital imaging-information products and services, as well healthcare IT solutions and services; Graphic Communications - offering on-demand color and black and white printing, wide-format inkjet printing, high-speed, high-volume continuous inkjet printing, as well as document scanning, archiving and multi- vendor IT services; Digital & Film Imaging Systems - providing consumers, professionals and cinematographers with digital and traditional products and services; and Display & Components - which designs and manufactures state-of- the-art organic light-emitting diode displays as well as other specialty materials, and delivers imaging sensors to original equipment manufacturers. More information about Kodak is available at

http://www.kodak.com/ .

.

Siku \ 'se-ku \ n meaning "ice" in Greenlandic is an ultra-premium vodka blended exclusively with pure, crystal clear ice from Greenland's Qalerallit Sermia glacier, which is up to 60,000 years old. This surprisingly crisp, clear vodka is meticulously crafted in small batches in the Netherlands and distilled five times from the finest quality grains, creating an exceptionally clean, smooth finish. Siku is a registered trademark of Premium Glacier, Inc. and licensed to Ice Cap Enterprises, SRL,(C)2006.

The Creative Coalition is the premier nonprofit, nonpartisan social and political advocacy organization of the entertainment industry. Founded in 1989 by prominent figures in the creative community, including actors Alec Baldwin, Ron Silver, Christopher Reeve, Susan Sarandon, Blair Brown and Stephen Collins, TCC educates and mobilizes leaders in the arts community on issues of public importance, specifically in the areas of First Amendment rights, arts advocacy and public education.

Source: Premiere Magazine; LIVEstyle Entertainment

Web site: http://www.livestylent.com/
http://www.premiere.com/
http://www.vonage.com/
http://www.kodak.com/

Second Annual Giffoni Hollywood Film Festival Celebrates Child and Teen Filmmmakers From Around the World

Celebrities Including Jon Voight, Will Smith and Paula Abdul Among Participants in Week's Activities

Kids from around the globe and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) will take Tinseltown by storm during the second annual Giffoni Hollywood Film Festival, April 24-29 at Hollywood & Highland Center, just steps from the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Closed to the general public, Giffoni Hollywood is an extraordinary festival that unites and inspires children and teens from around the world through the power of cinema. What sets this festival apart from the others is that the jury is comprised of children. There will be 15 short films made by kids, bringing to life the art of cinema as seen through the eyes of an adolescent. In addition, 15 feature-length films made by professional filmmakers will be screened and voted on.

This year's participating jurors comprise students from six Los Angeles Unified schools and 36 international students representing Albania, Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy and Spain. Furthermore, 1,500 students enrolled in LAUSD's Beyond the Bell after-school program have been invited to participate in the award ceremony and a special screening of the film, Hoot.

While the qualifying films are fun and educational, they must be focused on diversity, tolerance and education. There are three categories interested filmmakers can enter -- Dare to Dream is for nine to 11 year olds, Reach the Sky is for 12 to 14 year olds and Make it Happen is for 15 to 17 year olds. Each category has a panel of jurors that will decide on the Best Feature Film. As for deciding on the festival's overall Best Short Film, the collaborative panel Seeds of Celebration, comprised of nine to 17 year olds, will announce the winner.

"We all possess the power of storytelling from a very young age," said Steven Paul, co-founder of Giffoni Hollywood. "We are providing the inspiration and opportunity for these students -- regardless of nationality or ethnicity -- to showcase their talents and to share their stories with the world."

From classes and fieldtrips to celebrity-hosted events, students will follow a schedule of activities that only Hollywood can offer -- film screenings, red carpet events, celebrity sightings and meeting people from around the world. Following is a snapshot of the week's scheduled activities for Giffoni Hollywood:

-- Monday, April 24

* All day: The international students arrive in the United States

* Evening: Students will have dinner at Disneyland

-- Tuesday, April 25

* 9 a.m. -- Participants will travel to Disneyland for Team

Building Day

* 1:30 p.m. -- Students visit the set of American Idol

* 5 p.m. -- Special meet and greet at the Giffoni Club

-- Wednesday, April 26

* 9 a.m. -- Students tour Universal Studios

* 4 p.m. -- Special screening at Grauman's Chinese Theater

* 6 p.m. - Dinner hosted by Wolfgang Puck at Hollywood & Highland

-- Thursday, April 27

* 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. -- Film Screenings at Grauman's Chinese Theater

* 5 p.m. -- Bowling and dinner at Lucky Strike hosted by Will Smith

-- Friday, April 28

* 9 a.m. -- Film Screenings at Grauman's Chinese Theater

* 5 p.m. -- Taste of Italy dinner and Music night at Hollywood &

Highland with Paula Abdul

-- Saturday, April 29

* 3 p.m. -- Award Ceremony at Kodak Theater

* 6 p.m. -- After party at Hollywood & Highland

For find more information, a list of activities or to request press credentials, please visit www.giffonihollywood.com.

About Giffoni Hollywood

Giffoni Hollywood brings the 35-year tradition of the Giffoni International Film Festival to Hollywood, the world's entertainment capital. Based in Giffoni, Italy, the Giffoni International Film Festival is considered the largest children's film festival in Europe, welcoming more than 1,000 children and teens from 30 countries around the world. Now, in only its second year in the U.S., Giffoni Hollywood has attracted some of the largest international companies and brands as festival sponsors, including Washington Mutual, Virgin Atlantic, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros. and The Walt Disney Company, among others.

 

Source: Giffoni Hollywood

 

9/11 Movie Release Supported by Military, Veterans and their Families - Nationwide

Survey; By Overwhelming Majority, Members of Veterans Advantage Feel `The Time is Right to be Reminded' through `United 93' Movie

GREENWICH, Conn. --(Business Wire)-- April 21, 2006 U.S. military and veterans overwhelmingly support the timing of the world premiere of "United 93," the first 9/11 movie of its kind, according to Veterans Advantage (http://www.veteransadvantage.com), the leading nationwide membership benefit program for U.S. Active Duty military, Veterans, National Guard and Reserve and their families.

In a survey just conducted over the last week, Veterans Advantage members across the nation approve of the movie's release, because "We need to face history and our enemies - it is not too soon."

"By an 83% to 17% majority, our members feel "we need to face history and our enemies - the time is right to be reminded," said H. Scott Higgins, founder and president of Veterans Advantage, a former Army Lieutenant who served in Vietnam.

"We've even heard from many of those in harm's way today because of that fateful day, and they tell us they understand those reasons, and hope that fellow Americans understand them, too."

The military lost one of its own on that 9/11 flight when Co-pilot LeRoy W. Homer, an Air Force Academy graduate who served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield, perished with the other passengers of the flight.

In followup comments, Veterans Advantage members elaborated on the military's role in a post-9/11 world:

"We Americans have very short memories. If we didn't lose a family member or very close friend during the events of 9/11, or we're not part of the military fighting the Global War on Terror, most of us have already forgotten the tragic loss of that day. This film is not being released too soon. To keep us on our toes, we need periodic reminders that some cultures want to destroy ours," commented LTC Chip Braungart, a Veterans Advantage member, who is on active duty with the Washington D.C. Army National Guard.

"I feel that too many people in this country have already forgotten about 9/11. I think that it is a part of our history that we as a country should never forget, because it was a turning point in our nation's history," said Blake Paul Sattler, a Veterans Advantage member currently serving in the Navy. "As a service member in the armed forces, I am reminded every day that there are people in this world who want to kill us and that is something that no one should ever forget."

"United 93," which premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 25, was produced by Universal Studios. Acclaimed filmmaker Paul Greengrass (Bloody Sunday, The Bourne Supremacy) writes and directs the story of the passengers and crew of United 93, which took off from Newark Liberty International Airport on the morning of 9/11/2001, bound for San Francisco, and crashed in rural Pennsylvania, northwest of Washington, D.C.

The Voice of Veterans Advantage

Veterans Advantage was established in 2001 as a program to thank and reward active duty, veterans, Guard and Reserve with special offers and discounts on goods and services from companies that wish to thank them for their service. With more than 100,000 participants, Veterans Advantage has assembled a growing set of benefits for its members, ranging from insurance, health, travel & entertainment, home/office and computing discounts from leading national and global corporate partners, including Dell & Apple Computer, Amtrak, Continental Airlines, Greyhound Bus, Sallie Mae, North American Van Lines and over 30 others.

"Today's findings is just one way our members can have their voice heard," Higgins added. "And we are proud to offer that service."

ABOUT VETERANS ADVANTAGE

Veterans Advantage is the largest nationwide card membership program delivering new recognition and rewards for U.S. Military Veterans, Active Duty Military, Retired Military, Active and Retired National Guard & Reservists, and their family members. The card membership program provides special offers and money-saving benefits as a thank you for service to the country. Enroll at http://www.veteransadvantage.com.

Veterans Advantage

 

Sonic Helps Align World's Leading Consumer Electronics, Computer, and Entertainment Companies for HD Launch

Sonic's HDAA - AG to Help Ensure the Seamless Introduction of High-Definition Formats. Sonic Solutions(R) the leader in digital media software, is augmenting its well known High Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA) with an Advisory Group (called the HDAA AG) and, in doing so, is aligning leading computer and consumer electronic (CE) device manufacturers facilitating next-generation format playback with top-tier Hollywood content holders. The result is a multi-industry cooperative that will test and validate user interactions with the new high-definition formats and help deliver reliable, consistent, and exciting viewing experiences across multiple platforms.

"Sonic has played a major role in empowering artists and companies both large and small with DVD and CD authoring tools and interactive technologies. Sonic's relationships with consumer electronics companies, studios and creators makes the company ideally suited to found and lead the HDAA AG with new tools, resources and opportunities," said Richard Doherty, Research Director for the Envisioneering Group. "Sonic's expert-level knowledge of HD-based formats, particularly in the area of advanced interactivity, will help unite the entertainment industry during this crucial stage in the rollout of interactive, engaging HD capabilities."

HDAA and HDAA AG members have access to evaluation software to test content for standard and advanced playback modes. In addition, members are able to attend HDAA meetings, participate in technical forums, and review research, in-depth documentation and test findings contributed by HDAA and HDAA AG members.

Sonic formed the HDAA in July, 2005, to help leading authoring facilities such as Laser Pacific, Deluxe and Technicolor Creative Services prepare for the release of Hollywood next-generation titles. With the formation of the HDAA AG, authoring houses are now joined by leading CE device and personal computer manufacturers and collectively represent the high-definition value chain from creation through consumption.

For a current list of HDAA-AG members visit: http://www.sonic.com/go/professionalHD

"We're very proud to have the opportunity to take a leadership role in enabling the content creation industry to make a successful format transition," said Rolf Hartley, senior vice president and general manager for Sonic's Professional Products Group. "The work of the HDDA and HDAA AG will help ensure that the high-definition formats deliver maximum performance and optimal compatibility with the release of the first players."

About Sonic Solutions

Sonic Solutions http://www.sonic.com) is the leader in digital media software, providing a broad range of interoperable, platform-independent software tools and applications for creative professionals, business and home users, and technology partners. Sonic's products range from advanced DVD authoring systems and interactive content delivery technologies used to produce the majority of Hollywood DVD film releases, to the award-winning Roxio(R)-branded CD and DVD creation, playback and backup solutions that have become the premier choice for consumers, prosumers and business users worldwide.

Sonic products are globally available from major retailers, online at Sonic.com and Roxio.com, and are bundled with PCs, after-market drives and consumer electronic devices. Sonic's digital media creation engine is the de facto standard and has been licensed by major software and hardware manufacturers, including Adobe, Microsoft, Scientific-Atlanta, Sony, and many others. Sonic Solutions is headquartered in Marin County, California.

Sonic, the Sonic logo, Roxio, and Sonic Solutions, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sonic Solutions or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other company or product names are trademarks of their respective owners and, in some cases, are used by Sonic Solutions under license.

Sonic Solutions

Dolby Digital Selected for First HD Channel in China with 100 Percent of Programming in Surround Sound;

New China Hometheatre Channel HD Movie Channel First to Bring Chinese Viewers a Complete HDTV Experience on All Programming

Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:DLB) announced today that the China Movie Channel is launching China's third HD channel, the China Hometheatre Channel HD Movie Channel with Dolby(R) Digital 5.1. The new HD channel will be the first in China's broadcasting history to broadcast 100 percent of its programming in surround sound.

The China Movie Channel group will celebrate the launch of the China Hometheatre Channel HD Movie Channel on April 27, 2006 in a media conference at the Movie Channel Building, where media representatives will be invited to experience the high-quality HD service with both high-definition picture and Dolby Digital surround sound. The new HD channel will start broadcasting to Chinese viewers the same day. Chinese viewers with suitable HD set-top boxes and home theater systems need only subscribe to local cable broadcasters to receive the new HD channel.

"Our viewers will be excited about our move to provide them with stimulating programming both visually and audibly, making the entertainment experience more compelling," said Mr. Ya Ning, Director, China Movie Channel. "When watching television, the video and the audio are equally important to the experience, and working with Dolby insures that viewers will have the highest quality audio possible."

"China Movie Channel is taking a lead in bringing its viewers the most compelling television experience. With the launch of its new HD channel, which is broadcasting completely with Dolby Digital surround sound, China Movie Channel is part of the world's elite broadcasters moving to a comprehensive high-definition presentation," said Bill Jasper, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dolby Laboratories.

Dolby Digital is used extensively in the broadcast television industry worldwide, including North America, Europe, and Australia, via satellite, cable, and terrestrial services for both HDTV and standard-definition DTV programming. In January of this year, China Central TV announced China's first HD channel, CCTV HD Channel, which broadcasts select programming in 5.1 surround sound from Dolby. Also in 2005, Dolby worked with the Shanghai Media & Entertainment Group (SMEG) to launch China's first standard-definition cable television channel with 5.1 surround sound.

About Dolby Laboratories

Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) develops and delivers products and technologies that make the entertainment experience more realistic and immersive. For four decades Dolby has been at the forefront of defining high-quality audio and surround sound in cinema, broadcast, home audio systems, cars, DVDs, headphones, games, televisions, and personal computers. Based in San Francisco with European headquarters in England, the company has entertainment industry liaison offices in New York and Los Angeles, and licensing liaison offices in London, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, please visit http://www.dolby.com.

Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. S06/17239 DLB-G

Dolby Laboratories

Inecom Entertainment Company is pleased to feature Doug Sloan

one of Hollywood's notable horse wranglers, on the commentary track of the new "Horses of Gettysburg" DVD Box Set. Along with Ronald F. Maxwell and Mark Bussler, they talk about working with horses in movies and give additional insight into the use of horses during the Civil War.

Part of the "Civil War Minutes"(R) series, the 116-minute documentary narrated by Ronald F. Maxwell and directed by Mark Bussler, celebrates the honor and courage of the 72,000 horses and mules that fought in the Battle of Gettysburg. The film is now available for preordering with a May 2, 2006 scheduled release. The Special Edition 2-DVD Box Set of "Horses of Gettysburg" contains over three hours of special features including interviews with experts like Ronald F. Maxwell, Doug Sloan and Gettysburg National Military Park Ranger Eric Campbell.

In Sloan's interview, he explains the horse wrangler's role on a film set and details how to care for horses when filming. Sloan says, "The title of the film alone excited me. In 1863 horses were treated like cars are today; they were overlooked, overworked and taken for granted." Doug Sloan's wrangling credentials include "The West Wing," "The Last Samurai," "Gods and Generals," "Gettysburg" and "Far and Away." He's trained actors like Richard Gere, Jodie Foster, Martin Sheen and Danny Glover to ride and drive horse-drawn wagons as well.

According to Sloan, "No one knows exactly how many horses and mules were used in the Civil War, in some batteries it took 100 horses alone just to move the men, that doesn't even take into account all the mules that pulled the wagons. A film on the animals at Gettysburg is pretty neat."

About Inecom Entertainment Company

Inecom Entertainment Company finances and distributes independent films by partnering with innovative producers and working with celebrated talent such as Ronald F. Maxwell, Richard Dreyfuss, Keith Carradine and Gene Wilder.

Since 2001, Inecom has released eight feature documentaries and multiple instructional films for U.S. and international distribution including "EXPO - Magic of the White City" narrated by Gene Wilder, "Gettysburg and Stories of Valor" narrated by Keith Carradine, "Johnstown Flood" narrated by Richard Dreyfuss and "Lincoln and Lee at Antietam - The Cost of Freedom" narrated by Ronald F. Maxwell.

 

jhalapch@inecom.com

http://www.HorsesofGettysburg.com

http://www.Inecom.com.

.

CEA and NCTA Unite to Broaden Scope of DTV Education Efforts

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA(R)) and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) today announced a coordinated effort to broaden educational outreach to consumers about the transition to digital television (DTV).

"We are excited and pleased to partner with NCTA to undertake this important effort," said CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro. "Digital and high-definition television (HDTV) continue to capture the imagination of consumers across the nation. Indeed, CEA forecasts that this year sales of HDTV sets will outpace sales of analog TVs. With a hard date set for the end of analog broadcasting, we are now in the home stretch to completing this historic transition. As we continue on this journey, all industries involved have a responsibility to educate consumers about this exciting new era in television. To this end, we will combine our award-winning experience in DTV consumer education with cable's creativity and broad reach to help ensure consumers have easy access to quality information about this transition."

"The cable industry shares the view that it is vitally important for all consumers to understand the realities and opportunities presented by the digital transition," said NCTA President & CEO Kyle McSlarrow. "While cable has invested billions of dollars to jump start the digital TV transition and now offers robust high-definition packages to most customers, it is clear that there is a general lack of awareness of the impending transition to all-digital broadcasting, and the implications for TV viewers. The goal of this comprehensive campaign is to utilize the shared resources of these industries to educate consumers about this significant transition."

While specific details of the campaign are being developed, efforts likely will include: public service announcements, enhanced retailer sales force education, outreach via on demand services, bilingual education, and comprehensive cable customer communication.

The associations also will seek to work with local government and community officials to conduct constituent outreach. This joint campaign will supplement the vast efforts already underway by the individual associations.

CEA's wealth of voluntary educational and promotional initiatives already includes websites, printed collateral and media outreach. CEA currently operates four websites that promote the DTV transition through consumer and dealer education. The websites include http://www.antennaweb.org, http://www.myceknowhow.com, http://www.CEAconnectionsguide.com and http://www.ce.org/hdtv. CEA also provides a wealth of resources to help train and provide the latest information to retailers including CEknowhow.com -- CEA's online retailer certification training program - and downloadable and reproducible tip sheets, brochures and point-of-purchase materials.

A significant benefit of cable's ten-year $100 billion fiber optic investment is the aggressive rollout by NCTA member companies of new digital and HD cable services and programming. Today, 96 million homes are passed by a cable system that offers HDTV service, which represents all of the top 100 TV markets and nearly 90 percent of all TV households. In addition, nearly two dozen cable networks now provide HD programming on a full-time or part-time basis - in a variety of genres including news, sports, movies, general interest and more.

Shapiro and McSlarrow also called upon other industries and relevant government agencies to join in the effort.

"DTV education must become a national priority," said Shapiro. "While millions of consumers have made the transition seamlessly, hundreds of millions more have questions or are completely unaware. We invite industry associations, government agencies, organizations representing key constituencies and all others who can help get the word out to join in our effort."

CEA and NCTA remain committed to leading the way in providing point-of-sale educational materials and overall HDTV promotion and DTV transition education.

 

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,100 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $125 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at http://www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

About NCTA:

The National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) is the principal trade association for the U.S. cable industry, representing cable operators serving more than 90 percent of the nation's cable television households and more than 200 cable program networks. The cable industry is the nation's largest broadband provider of high-speed Internet access after investing $100 billion over ten years to build a two-way interactive network with fiber optic technology. Cable companies also provide state-of-the-art digital telephone service to millions of American consumer.

Consumer Electronics Association

National Cable & Telecommunications Association

 

The Number of IP TV Subscribers is Expected to Grow to 36.8 Million by 2009

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c35920) has announced the addition of IP TV Global Forecast - 2006 to 2009 Semiannual IP TV Global Forecast to their offering.

This latest forecast is an update to the IP TV Global Forecast - 2005 to 2009 dated September 2005. It incorporates the most recent information on IP TV deployments, including:

-- The current and planned deployments of IP TV services by large carriers in Europe.

-- The current and planned IP TV deployments by competitive and smaller carriers in Europe.

-- The current state of IP TV deployments at AT&T, BellSouth, and Verizon in the U.S.

-- The initiation of IP TV trials in China and India that indicate very large future IP TV deployments.

-- The success of a number of early IP TV deployments in Canada, Europe, and Asia.

We are forecasting that the number of DSL subscribers will grow from 97 million in 2004 to 256 million in 2009, a compounded annual growth rate of 21 percent. These DSL subscribers are the base for the IP TV subscribers

The number of global IP TV subscribers will grow from 4.3 million in 2005 to 36.8 million in 2009, a compound annual growth rate of 72 percent.

Europe is leading the market and has higher subscriber numbers than the previous forecast. Both Asia and North America have slipped a bit. Some service providers in Asia are having difficulty with marketing the service and we have tempered our enthusiasm for China a bit. The forecast for North America decreased due to a slower than expected rate of fiber deployment, especially with AT&T.

The number of global IP TV subscribers will grow from 4.3 million in 2005 to 36.8 million in 2009, a compound annual growth rate of 72 percent.

Europe is leading the market and has higher subscriber numbers than the previous forecast. Both Asia and North America have slipped a bit. Some service providers in Asia are having difficulty with marketing the service and we have tempered our enthusiasm for China a bit. The forecast for North America decreased due to a slower than expected rate of fiber deployment, especially with AT&T.

Topics Covered

1 Executive Summary

2 Global Outlook for IP TV

2.1 Europe Continuing to Move Forward

2.1.1 France Is Very Competitive

2.1.2 Telecom Enters Italian Market

2.1.3 Benelux Countries

2.1.4 IP TV Starting in Germany and the UK

2.1.5 Other Western European Countries

2.1.6 IP TV Progressing in Eastern Europe

2.2 Asia Depends on China and India

2.2.1 IP TV Will Dominate in Hong Kong

2.2.2 Taiwan Starting to Move Foreward

2.2.3 Japan Facing Marketing Issues

2.2.4 Korea Will Start IP TV in 2006

2.2.5 China Trailing in Mass

2.2.6 IP TV Starting in India

2.2.7 Activities in Other Asian Countries

2.3 The Major U.S. Incumbents Pushing IP TV

2.3.1 Large U.S. Incumbents are Starting IP TV Activities

2.3.2 Canadian Telcos Adopting IP TV

2.3.3 Smalll U.S. Independent Telcos Continuing their Advance

2.4 IP TV Emerging in the Rest of the World

3 Global IP TV Market Forecast

3.1 Methodology

3.1.1 DSL Forecast

3.1.2 IP TV Subscribers and Revenue

3.1.3 Access System Revenue

3.1.4 Video Headend System Revenue

3.1.5 Video On Demand Servers

3.1.6 Set-top Box Revenue

3.1.7 Middleware Software Revenue

3.1.8 Content Protection/Digital Rights Management Software Revenue

3.1.9 System Integration and Professional Services Revenue

3.2 Global Forecast Shows Strong Growth

3.2.1 Global DSL Forecast Shows a Big Increase

3.2.2 IP TV Subscribers Forecast Remains Firm

3.2.3 Global System Revenue Forecast

3.2.4 Global Access System Revenue Forecast

3.2.5 Global Set-top Box Revenue Forecast

3.2.6 Global IP TV Headend Revenue Forecast

3.2.7 Global IP Video On Demand Revenue Forecast

3.2.8 Global IP TV Middleware Revenue Forecast

3.2.9 Global IP TV Content Protection Revenue Forecast

3.2.10 Global IP TV System Integration Revenue Forecast

3.3 IP TV Market Forecast for Europe

3.3.1 DSL Subscriber Forecast for Europe

3.3.2 IP TV Subscriber Forecast for Europe

3.3.3 IP TV System Revenue for Europe

3.4 IP TV Market Forecast for Asia

3.4.1 DSL Subscriber Forecast for Asia

3.4.2 IP TV Subscriber Forecast for Asia

3.4.3 IP TV System Revenue for Asia

3.5 IP TV Market Forecast for North America

3.5.1 DSL Subscriber Forecast for North America

3.5.2 IP TV Subscriber Forecast for North America

3.5.3 IP TV System Revenue for North America

3.6 IP TV Market Forecast for the Rest of the World

3.6.1 DSL Subscriber Forecast for the Rest of the World

3.6.2 IP TV Subscriber Forecast for the Rest of the World

3.6.3 IP TV System Revenue for the Rest of the World

4 Opportunities, Risks, and Recommendations

4.1 Opportunities

4.2 Risks

4.3 Recommendations

Table of Figures

Table of Tables

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c35920

Las Vegas TV Partners Acquire CMX Century Productions

Las Vegas TV Partners LLC, owners of KTUD-TV, Channel 25 and Cox Cable Channel 14, today announced that it has purchased CMX Century Productions, a leading full-service production and post-production facility in Las Vegas, for an undisclosed amount.

Las Vegas TV Partners LLC, a joint venture between The Greenspun Corp. and Catalyst Investors of New York, sought to acquire CMX Century Productions from Chicago businessman Demetrius Brown when its sale was announced in 2005. Because of CMX Century Productions' resources and talent pool, Las Vegas TV Partners recognized this as an opportunity to strengthen its growing media conglomerate and capabilities.

As part of a new re-branding campaign, CMX Century Productions will get a new name, Sun Media Productions. Sun Media Productions will continue to cater to advertising agencies, television shows and local business clients.

Steve Carlston, president and managing partner of Las Vegas TV Partners, commented, "We are very excited to acquire CMX Century and fully anticipate developing Sun Media Productions into the premiere production facility in Las Vegas."

As the demands of broadcast and corporate production continue to grow, he said Sun Media Productions will continue to provide clients with the newest technology and finest creative talents around. Their services will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all under one roof. Sun Media Productions offers clients a state-of-the-art facility which includes cameras for location shoots, two edit suites, an online Avid room, a Fire HD suite, a pro tools post-audio suite, a graphics and effects suite, a 1,500-square-foot stage and a 38-foot mobile broadcast television production truck.

The Greenspun Corp. is a privately owned, family-run company that manages and oversees the financial interests of the Greenspun family of Las Vegas. The company operates its own businesses and invests in public and private securities, primarily in the media, communications, travel and tourism, real estate and gaming industries. These businesses include American Nevada Co., Green Valley Ranch Station Casino and Palms Hotel & Casino and Greenspun Media Group, with its primary businesses including the weekly newspaper and magazine publications In Business Las Vegas, Las Vegas Life magazine, Las Vegas Home & Design, Las Vegas Weekly, The Ralston Report, Las Vegas Magazine, The News local community papers, VEGAS Magazine and VegasGolfer magazine. GMG also consists of the Las Vegas Sun daily newspaper, and the Web site VEGAS.com.

Las Vegas TV Partners LLC

 

The Online Games Market in India is Starting to Heat up Due to an Increase in Internet Users and Broadband Penetration

2006 Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c35928) has announced the addition of Online Games Market in India: An Emerging Market to their offering.

The Online Games Market in India is an in-depth strategic analysis of the emerging online games market in India.

While long dormant, the online games market in India is starting to heat up with a burgeoning Internet cafe culture; increases in Internet users and broadband penetration; and most importantly investment from game operators who are promoting and educating consumers about online games. We believe India in 2006 is comparable to China in 2001 when China's games market started to develop and an online games culture started to form.

The online games market in India is also being driven by key stakeholders with a vested interest in growing the market:

1) Users are discovering online games, intrigued by the community aspects, compelling content and the interactive experience.

2) Game operators are promoting and marketing online games, educating users and creating awareness. Online games represent a viable business model given India's high rates of software piracy.

3) Internet cafe owners are stocking more games since games are one of the biggest revenue drivers and are a "sticky" activity.

4) Publishers who are not yet in India are assessing the market and weighing the risks and rewards of entering this emerging and nascent market.

5) Telecoms and PC hardware manufacturers are pushing games to drive broadband and PC penetration. Broadband is being offered as low as $10 a month by some providers.

6) Advertisers are looking to attract and appeal to the growing urban and tech-savvy gamer population.

The Indian online games market is especially being closely monitored by Korean publishers who view India as a potential multi-million dollar market with its large, young and urban population hungry for content. In an attempt to capture consumer loyalty and establish brand equity early on, Korean publishers are already creating a beachhead in India with their online games.

While the market has clear potential, we also examine the critical cultural, economic, business and technological inhibitors to growing the market.

Research Highlights

This exclusive research document provides an analysis of the online games market in India and includes:

-- An executive summary highlighting major takeaways and key points

-- Socio-economic overview including India's economic growth

-- Analysis of the Indian middle class

-- Robust discussion of inhibitors and drivers to market growth

-- Internet cafes and their role in the online games market

-- - Key metrics Size of the online games market in India 2006-2010

- Number and growth in Internet users

-- Broadband penetration

-- PC hardware penetration

-- Examination of MMOGs currently in the market

-- Online games pricing strategy

-- Billing and payment methods

-- Language and localization

-- Profiles of key players

-- An exclusive matrix comparing China and India's online games market covering online games history, market size, popular types of content, broadband, Internet trends in addition to major socio-economic indices such as population, per capita GDP, literacy rates and software piracy

-- Chindia strategy and the interest of Korean publishers in India

-- Conclusions

Topics Covered

I. Executive Summary and Key Takeaways

II. Socio-Economic Overview

III. Software Piracy

IV. Key Company Profiles

V. Online Games Market: Drivers of Growth

VI. Inhibitors to Growth

VII. China vs. India

VIII. Chindia Strategy

IX. Conclusion

List of Graphs and Charts

Companies Mentioned

-- Sify - Reliance - Tom - Indiagames - Gravity - Level Up - Nvidia - Via - Actozoft - Shanda - Netease

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c35928

 

iStor Networks, Inc.

.

the world technology leader of next generation iSCSI integrated storage controllers that provide flexible, affordable and high performance solutions today announced their partnership with Rackmountpro, a Yang-Ming International Corporation (YMI) at the NAB 2006, April 22nd to the 27th in Las Vegas, NV.

“We recognize the importance of key partnerships with companies such as Rackmountpro in applying the newest iSCSI technologies to deliver reliable solutions to customers and integrators that are part of a very strong organization as the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)", says Peter Cmaylo, Vice President, Business Development, iStor Networks, Inc.

Together, iStor and Rackmountpro are building a product portfolio that will support high performance streaming video applications utilizing the cost efficient iSCSI sub-system solutions. The Rackmountpro product solution will feature the GigaStorATX™, a highly integrated storage controller solution designed to conform to the ATX form factor specifications.

The GigaStorATX product family allows OEMs, VARs, and System Integrators to use off-the-shelf White Box Server and Storage ATX enclosures to build high performance, feature rich, and power efficient, cost effective iSCSI RAID storage solutions. GigaStorATX enables the opportunity of creating block based, cost effective RAID storage solutions by utilizing the latest storage industry technologies. The key technology difference, at the heart of the GigaStorATX is iStor`s highly integrated and powerful iSCSI/TCP/IP offload SOC (System on a Chip), with the capability of sustaining 10 GbE wire speed iSCSI traffic. The GigaStorATX offers a fully featured, integrated storage-virtualization firmware stack.

“By partnering with a proven company such as the iStor Networks, we can create a block based, cost effective RAID storage solution for our customers” says William Lin, Product Manager of Rackmountpro.

Rackmountpro will demonstrate the GigaStor ATX in Booth #SL3047.

-------------------------------------

iStor Networks, Inc., is an innovative technology leader of next generation iSCSI integrated storage controllers providing flexible, affordable and high performance solutions to OEM’s, VAR’s and System Integrators. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Irvine, California has established a global presence with offices in the United States, UK and operational facilities in Asia. For more information, visit www.istor.com

Rackmountpro.com a division of Yang Ming International Corporation, a Southern California based computer parts wholesaler with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Established in 1994, Rackmountpro.com was one of the first pioneers to specialize solely in rackmount servers, chassis, and accessories, along with other industrial servers and components. Their products are currently sold directly to the government, educational institutions, major corporations, and small businesses. For more information, please visit www.rackmountpro.com

 

Comcast joins with CBS, NBC in Offering Prime-time Shows On-Demand

ABC and Fox will soon join CBS and NBC as on-demand partners with Comcast, Steve Burke, the cable company's chief operating officer, told media buyers today at an early morning video-on-demand upfront presentation.


The breakfast presentation, at the Museum of Radio & Television in Midtown Manhattan, was an overview of what Comcast is offering on its VOD platform and a forecast of things to come.

"The window for TV product is changing dramatically," Mr. Burke said -- refreshingly without the help of that standard upfront tool, a teleprompter. He said all four broadcasters would be on Comcast's on-demand platform "in the next 90 to 100 days."

Under the current deals CBS and NBC shows are available on VOD the day after they air on the linear network. The shows are available for 99 cents and carry advertising, although not necessarily the same advertising embedded within the original broadcast. Comcast pointed to the broadcasters' embrace of VOD as a way to emphasize to buyers that on-demand is now a major medium that they should be considering.

Comcast also pushes a slew of free on-demand content, which accounts for 95% of its VOD orders and today pitched buyers on the value of advertising within those free platforms. It throws out figures such as 70% of digital cable customers use VOD monthly, and if VOD were Nielsen rated, the hours consumers spent viewing it would make it a top 10 network.

Mr. Burke suggested that VOD is poised to take off much like online video advertising has. With online video, he said, the "eyeballs came first and then it took a little while for the advertisers to get there. ... Our hope and belief is that's what's going to happen with VOD."

In the past year, advertisers' interest in VOD appears to have waned in favor of streaming video. Part their frustration with VOD stems from an execution standpoint -- ad buys across multiple cable operators can be difficult. The other frustration lies in metrics and a belief that they're not getting all the data they might like fast enough.

But the cable industry is working on both of those issues, according to executives, with companies such as Rentrak, Nielsen, Atlas, Everstream and DoubleClick. As an example of a successful cross-multiple system operator campaign, Comcast held up a VOD play it executed for Wal-Mart on Comcast, Adelphia, Cox and Time Warner Cable systems.

"We will serve up standards across the industry," said Charlie Thurston, president of Comcast Spotlight.

The presentation also touted VOD as a trove for advertisers trying to reach young consumers. According to Comcast, adults 18-to-34 are the biggest consumers of VOD. While that demo accounts for 20% of linear -- that is, scheduled or programmed -- viewing, they account for 34% of VOD viewing. In fact, the under-34-year-old crowd accounts for 66% of VOD viewing.

Comcast's newest network, called Fear, is a 24/7 on-demand, horror-themed channel with a cache of movies from its partnership with MGM Sony. Fear will be available both as a cable VOD and a broadband channel and will be licensed to other cable operators as well. Comcast has also in the past year turned its PBS Sprout on-demand play into a 24/7 linear network.

"We look at the areas underserved on TV," said Matt Strauss, VP-content acquisition, including parenting, fitness, karaoke and dating.

Comcast VP-Marketing and Communications Vicki Lins said critical mass, both in terms of usage and advertiser interest, spurred on the company's first upfront VOD pitch. And because the upfront period is when most agencies and clients are planning their video budgets, "we didn't want to miss a window of opportunity," she said.

CBS Radio's David Lee Roth Replaced by Opie & Anthony in Seven Markets

Roth Failed to Hold on to Howard Stern Audience

Buyers are mixed on the news that Opie & Anthony are replacing David Lee Roth at seven of CBS Radio's top stations. Mr. Roth's short-lived radio career ended today as the jock bid his audience goodbye. He'll be replaced with familiar voices, XM Satellite Radio's Opie & Anthony, in a first-of-its kind licensing agreement between a satellite radio company and a terrestrial broadcaster.


"This is a truly logical choice," said Rich Russo, director-broadcast, JL Media. "It's one of the smarter things CBS has done in awhile. Opie & Anthony were successful in Boston, Philly, New York, which are Roth's three big markets."

"I'm sure they'll do a better job than Roth," said Dennis McGuire, VP-regional spot director at Carat, although he expressed concern about what the move means for radio's talent pipeline. "Does this represent a dearth of personality talent for radio that they have to go backwards instead of bringing up new talent?"

Mr. Roth was part of a slew of appointments CBS used to replace Howard Stern in 27 markets after Mr. Stern left to become a key player for Sirius Satellite Radio at the beginning of this year. Mr. Roth was a novel experiment on CBS Radio's part -- put a relative radio amateur with star power behind the morning-drive mic in some of its largest markets -- but one that failed miserably as the winter ratings book will indicate. Opie & Anthony will fill the hole left by Mr. Roth in New York, Boston, Cleveland, Dallas, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and West Palm Beach, Fla.

XM gets not only the promotional vehicle of terrestrial radio to push its satellite service, but it gets a licensing fee from CBS and an extra hour of Opie & Anthony content. Additionally, because of the disparate commercial minutes between XM's Opie & Anthony show and CBS Radio's morning sow -- about eight minutes vs. 18, respectively -- XM listeners will hear 10 minutes of bonus material per hour. Both companies declined to comment on the news.

Radio watchers will recall that Opie & Anthony were yanked off the air in 2002 after broadcasting a stunt in which a couple allegedly had sex in Manhattan's St. Patrick's Cathedral. They've continued their shock jock-style show for the past two years in the relative haven of satellite radio, which isn't subject to FCC indecency regulations.

CBS Radio CEO Joel Hollander had touted Mr. Stern's replacements, including Mr. Roth, as more advertiser-friendly, thanks to cleaner shows, and said CBS would be able to appeal to a wider swath of advertisers without Mr. Stern. But some marketers may have concerns about Opie & Anthony, given their polluted past.

"Even Opie & Anthony sanitized will be edgier than Roth was," Mr. Russo said.

The duo will broadcast a cleaner version of their show for three hours, which will air between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on CBS and XM simultaneously. Then they'll broadcast an additional two hours exclusively for XM. The pair will be allowed to plug their XM show on the CBS broadcast.

TomKitten Arrives and 'People' Gets the Scoop What Everyone Is Talking About Today

TomKitten has arrived. Watercooler offers our congratulations to the proud parents of baby girl Suri. The news came a little late in the week to make magazine deadlines. In fact, for what seems the first week in forever, there was not a single Cruise or Katie reference on the cover of Life & Style or In Touch. OK weekly's cover was behind the times, saying, "Katie: Why Docs Fear for Her Health." Us Weekly's headline: "Tom and Katie: Baby Secrets Revealed." Only People captured the glad tidings with its "It's a Girl!" cover announcement.

Babytastic!

We'd also like to congratulate Brooke Shields on the birth of her daughter, Grier, whose arrival was somewhat eclipsed as a result of the Suri hullabaloo. Watercooler wonders what the odds were that Brooke and her anti-medication, depression-doubting debate partner would have their babies on the same day.

The recent birth of so many eagerly anticipated celeb babies (Donald Trump's Barron, Gwyneth Paltrow's Moses, Suri and Grier) means the end of this spring's baby boom is in sight. What will fill the pages of the tabs once they're all born? At least we have Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard's baby to look forward to. And of course, the real big event: the arrival of the Brangelina bundle.

In a brilliant bit of cross-promotion, Jann Wenner's Us Weekly has a cover story about Nick Lachey's interview with Rolling Stone, a magazine also owned by Wenner Media. Us Weekly conveniently gives us the Rolling Stone interview's vital stats. Number of times Lachey breaks down in tears: 6. Number of alcoholic beverages Lachey consumes: 4. Number of times Lachey says he still loves Jessica: 2. Apparently, Jess' ex told Rolling Stone: "I still love her. Love isn't the easiest thing to cut off." But to get the full portrait of the heartbroken man you have to buy a Rolling Stone.

Finally, over at Page Six, the cleanup begins. Rival Daily News reports that as part of the fallout from the Jared Paul Stern extortion scandal all freelance employees of the gossip page, including JPS himself, have been terminated. Now he'll have more time to devote to his Skull & Bones clothing line.

 

'Rome' Rises Rich With Extras

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a features-laden DVD.

HBO Video has been working on the DVD for the epic series “Rome” for nearly two years, said Sofia Chang, HBO Video’s VP of marketing.

Rome: The Complete First Season streets Aug. 15 with all 12 episodes of the acclaimed series accompanied by a legion of extras. The DVD features the most extensive amount of bonus features produced for an HBO original series, Chang said.

HBO began developing footage for extras as it was filming the series, now in production for the second season. The extras include “All Roads Lead to Rome,” an interactive viewing option that reveals pop-up information, mostly historical tidbits. Viewers will have the choice to further investigate the textual information, Chang said.

“All the features were designed to speak to the history,” she said.

Two “Shot x Shot” features dissect scenes in the series with making-of footage for a gladiator sequence and another for the scene celebrating Caesar’s triumph.

“The Rise of Rome” shows how filmmakers re-created the city and its people, including sets, wardrobe and military training.

“When in Rome” looks at ancient Roman culture, including the role of women, religious rituals and the moral code.

“Friends, Romans, Countrymen” introduces the characters, and a companion “Character Guide” gives profiles, relationships to other characters and other historical information.

The disc also includes eight audio commentaries with cast members, creator Bruno Heller and other filmmakers, as well as a photo gallery with 50 images from the show.

In keeping with the program’s ancient Roman feel, HBO is creating a special pack made of an ultra-lightweight wooden substrate never before used for a home video release.

HBO also is planning an epic marketing campaign centered on the title’s summer release, Chang said, with specifics to come.

“We’re going to make it the DVD event of the year,” she said.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a features-laden DVD. HBO Video has been working on the DVD for the epic series “Rome” for nearly two years, said Sofia Chang, HBO Video’s VP of marketing. streets Aug. 15 with all 12 episodes of the acclaimed series accompanied by a legion of extras. The DVD features the most extensive amount of bonus features produced for an HBO original series, Chang said. HBO began developing footage for extras as it was filming the series, now in production for the second season. The extras include “All Roads Lead to Rome,” an interactive viewing option that reveals pop-up information, mostly historical tidbits. Viewers will have the choice to further investigate the textual information, Chang said. “All the features were designed to speak to the history,” she said. Two “Shot x Shot” features dissect scenes in the series with making-of footage for a gladiator sequence and another for the scene celebrating Caesar’s triumph. “The Rise of Rome” shows how filmmakers re-created the city and its people, including sets, wardrobe and military training. “When in Rome” looks at ancient Roman culture, including the role of women, religious rituals and the moral code. “Friends, Romans, Countrymen” introduces the characters, and a companion “Character Guide” gives profiles, relationships to other characters and other historical information. The disc also includes eight audio commentaries with cast members, creator Bruno Heller and other filmmakers, as well as a photo gallery with 50 images from the show. In keeping with the program’s ancient Roman feel, HBO is creating a special pack made of an ultra-lightweight wooden substrate never before used for a home video release. HBO also is planning an epic marketing campaign centered on the title’s summer release, Chang said, with specifics to come. “We’re going to make it the DVD event of the year,” she said.

 

Mobility Electronics Introduces new SIX Slot PCI ExpresS® to PCI expansion system at NAB 2006 Show

Magma’s new PCI Express to PCI Expansion System Provides New Solution for PCI Express Based Computers

Mobility Electronics, Inc.), a leading provider of innovative portable power and computing solutions for the mobile electronic device user, announced today the release of the Magma 6 Slot PCI Express to PCI Expansion System. The new Magma PCI Expansion System will provide a simple and affordable solution for expanding the capabilities of PCI Express based computers by adding PCI slots.

Designed and built by Mobility Electronics’ Magma product group, the PCI Express to PCI Expansion System has a chassis that contains six 64-bit/66MHz PCI slots which are connected to the host computer through a 4 lane (x4) PCI Express host interface card and pair of high performance Infiniband® cables. The 6 Slot PCI Express to PCI Expansion System provides an economical migration path to PCI Express while providing a method to protect investments in PCI Hardware.

Key features and benefits of Magma’s 6 Slot PCI Express to PCI Expansion System include:

Transparent extension of the PCI Bus outside the computer

Add six PCI slots through one PCI Express® slot

Plug and Plug installation

4U black rack-mount enclosure

PCI Express host card is compatible with full-height and low-profile computer cases

Utilizes high-speed Infiniband® cables

Provides a link from PCI Express based computers to legacy PCI hardware

Cost effective solution for adding multiple PCI slots to PCI Express based computers and servers

Ideal migration path to small form factor servers, while maintaining a consistent PCI hardware configuration

Substantially increase I/O capacity

Multiple expansion systems can be used with a single computer

“With our development of the PCI Express to PCI Expansion System, we are continuing our role as a leading innovator in the PCI Expansion arena,” said Charlie Mollo, CEO of Mobility Electronics. “We’ve seen the market move towards the new PCI Express architecture; we anticipate that PCI to PCI Express expansion solutions will be in great demand. This new PCI Express to PCI Expansion System bridges the gap between old technology and new technology—it is the first product to show the transition from PCI based solutions to PCI Express based solutions.

The new PCI Express to PCI Expansion System will be available directly from Mobility Electronics and through Mobility expansion resellers. You can see all the Magma brand products on Mobility Electronics’ web site: www. magma.com.

Magma is the leading provider of PCI Expansion Systems for several industries and provides innovative expansion solutions to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), resellers and end-users in more than 45 countries.

About Mobility Electronics, Inc.

Mobility Electronics, Inc., based in Scottsdale, Ariz., is a developer of universal power adapters for portable computers and mobile electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, smartphones/PDAs, digital cameras, etc.) and creator of the patented intelligent tip technology (iTips™ Technology). Utilizing iTips Technology, Mobility Electronics' iGo® brand offers a full line of AC, DC and combination AC/DC power products for portable computers and mobile electronic devices.

Through Mobility’s San Diego, Calif. offices, the company offers PCI expansion systems for servers, desktops and portable computers under its Magma brand. The Company also offers hardware, docking systems and other accessories for the mobile electronic device market. Mobility Electronics' products are available at www.iGo.com and www.magma.com as well as through leading resellers, retailers and OEM partners. For additional information about our Magma product line, call 1.800.285.8990 or visit www.mobilityelectronics.com.

Mobility Electronics and iGo are registered trademarks, and Magma and ...improving your mobile experience are trademarks of Mobility Electronics, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE: Mobility Electronics, Inc.

ViewCast to Showcase New Technology For Video Streaming at NAB 2006 ViewCast Corporation WHERE: National Association of Broadcasters NAB 2006, South Lower Level, Booth 2840 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada WHEN: April. 24-April. 27, 2006 Floor hours: Monday, April 24 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 25 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m

ViewCast Corporation WHERE: National Association of Broadcasters NAB 2006, South Lower Level, Booth 2840 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada WHEN: April. 24-April. 27, 2006 Floor hours: Monday, April 24 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 25 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m

WHAT/WHY:ViewCast will feature multiple demonstrations of new products, including Niagara GoStream and NiagaraSCX 5.0 at Booth # SL2840. The booth is located at the entrance of the hall. Here are highlights of what's in store at NAB 2006: Niagara® GoStream: Niagara® GoStream, is a single-channel, portable streaming media encoder appliance designed for ease of use by streaming experts or novices.

This compact unit can quickly go from its DualDock rack shelf in an indoor environment to outdoor, on-location events for live Web casting. The GoStream product aims to breakdown the technology barriers of most streaming media products by simplifying the users' experience. NiagaraSCX 5.0: NiagaraSCX 5.0 is the latest version of ViewCast Corp's remote control and monitored software application for Osprey®-based encoders. NiagaraSCX 5.0 software incorporates digital rights management (DRM) for Windows Media®, MPEG-4 /H.264 and MPEG-2 encoding standards. The software will be bundled with the Niagara streaming systems and is planned to ship in May 2006. URL: http://www.viewcast.com

SPORTS & AUTOS

Dodger Baseball

Arizona 5, Los Angeles 4 at Dodger Stadium
Arizona Record: (8-10)
Los Angeles Record: (8-10)

Winning pitcher - Miguel Batista (2-0)
Losing pitcher - Jae Seo (0-2)
SV - Jose Valverde (3)

at Dodger Stadium (8-10) (8-10) - Miguel Batista (2-0) - Jae Seo (0-2) - Jose Valverde (3)

ARI HR - J. Estrada (2)
LAD HR - None

J. Estrada (2) None


 

INDY JAPAN 300 RACE

Live timing and scoring reports from the Indy Japan 300 will be available on the Internet at www.indycar.com. The live timing and scoring module provides statistical information, including track segment speeds, lap information and much more.

 

Andretti Green Racing drivers Bryan Herta, Tony Kanaan and Dario Franchitti have used their time out of the car to torment their rookie teammate Marco Andretti. The three IndyCar Series veterans have aided fans in securing Andretti’s autograph in the paddock several times this weekend and also pulled a prank in Andretti’s room at the Twin Ring Hotel. Herta removed the lightbulbs from Andretti’s room to fool the rookie into thinking his room had lost electricity. Kanaan then offered to help him, and when they returned to the room, he turned on the television, proving power had been restored and leaving the rookie in the dark room.

Marlboro Team Penske drivers Helio Castroneves and Sam Hornish Jr., are slated to join team owner Roger Penske at this weekend’s NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway to support Penske Racing South’s team of Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch. Hornish and Castroneves will accompany Penske on his plane following the Indy Japan 300 to fly back to the United States just in time to catch the race in Phoenix on Saturday night.

Crew for #17 Simmons reports damage sustained during the accident in final practice is too severe to repair. Team will use the backup car in today’s event.

INDY JAPAN 300 RACE SPECIFICS:

 

· The race is 300 miles, 200 laps on the 1.5-mile oval.

· The pit-road speed is 60 mph.

· The green flag to start the race will be shown the third time past the flag stand.

· The fuel allotment for today’s race is 135 gallons.

· Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Johnny Rutherford will drive the pace car.

 

INDY JAPAN 300 PRE-RACE:

At 12:45 p.m., the temperature was 57 degrees with a relative humidity of 41 percent and winds from the south-southwest at 6 mph. Skies were partly cloudy. The track temperature was 100 degrees, according to Firestone engineers.

12:55 p.m. – Command to start engines by Tomikada Fukuda, grand marshal of the event.

INDY JAPAN 300 RACE RUNNING:

 

Lap 1: GREEN. Bridgestone Corporation CEOSoshi Arakawa waved the green flag. #3 Castroneves leads field into Turn 1.

Lap 5: #3 Castroneves leads #9 Dixon by .9513 of a second.

Lap 10: #3 Castroneves leads #9 Dixon by 1.4195 seconds.

Lap 16: #3 Castroneves leads #9 Dixon by 1.7679 seconds.

Lap 20: #3 Castroneves leads #9 Dixon by 1.8418 seconds.

Lap 25: #10 Wheldon leads #3 Castroneves by .1761 of a second.

Lap 27: YELLOW. #51 Enge and #20 Carpenter make contact with SAFER Barrier between in Turns 3 and 4. Enge and Carpenter climb from their cars without assistance from the Delphi IRL Safety Team. Leaders under yellow are: #10 Wheldon, #3 Castronves, #9 Dixon, #6 Hornish, #11 Kanaan.

Lap 29: Leaders to pit lane for four and fuel. #6 Hornish and #9 Dixon also take wing adjustments. #3 Castroneves wins race off pit road, followed by #10 Wheldon, #27 Franchitti, #11 Kanaan and #6 Hornish.

 

Medical update for Dr. Geoffrey Billows, IRL medical official: Ed Carpenter and Tomas Enge have been checked and released from the infield care center. Both are cleared to drive.

 

TOMAS ENGE (No. 51 Cheever Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone): “I had a few problems at the beginning of the race. I was running behind Felipe (Giaffone) and suddenly I got a call from my team to come in immediately, so I started to break for the pit lane entrance on the backstretch and suddenly something broke on the front suspension. From that point, I was just a passenger.”

“I had a few problems at the beginning of the race. I was running behind Felipe (Giaffone) and suddenly I got a call from my team to come in immediately, so I started to break for the pit lane entrance on the backstretch and suddenly something broke on the front suspension. From that point, I was just a passenger.”

 

Lap 38: #26 Andretti, #14 Giaffone #17 Simmons to pit lane for fuel only.

ED CARPENTER (No. 20 Vision Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone): “Going down the backstretch I saw something break on Enge’s car, and he was throwing sparks and headed towards the pit lane. I knew it, I just knew he was going to come back up on the track, so as I headed into (Turn) 3, he turned up right and came right up in front of me. I am hating this for the Vision team. They have been busting their butts all year but we can’t get a break. We can’t seem to get the season started. Hopefully, we can get things turned around for Indianapolis and have a good month. Right now, I can’t catch a break. I felt like I should have raced St. Pete, but they wouldn’t let me. I come here and get knocked out before the first pit stop. Two cars destroyed in the two times I have been in them.”

“Going down the backstretch I saw something break on Enge’s car, and he was throwing sparks and headed towards the pit lane. I knew it, I just knew he was going to come back up on the track, so as I headed into (Turn) 3, he turned up right and came right up in front of me. I am hating this for the Vision team. They have been busting their butts all year but we can’t get a break. We can’t seem to get the season started. Hopefully, we can get things turned around for Indianapolis and have a good month. Right now, I can’t catch a break. I felt like I should have raced St. Pete, but they wouldn’t let me. I come here and get knocked out before the first pit stop. Two cars destroyed in the two times I have been in them.”

 

Lap 40: GREEN. #3 Castroneves leads field into Turn 1. Behind there is a YELLOW. #8 Sharp spins off of Turn 4. Behind, #17 Simmons makes contact with the rear of #91 Chesson. #91 Chesson makes hard contact with the inside retaining wall. Spinning car of #17 Simmons makes contact with #8 Sharp and overturns one time. Car also makes contact with outside retaining wall on the front stretch. #5 Lazier spins behind the accident.

Lap 49: #4 Meira, #14 Giaffone #2 Scheckter to pit lane for four tires and fuel.

Lap 50: GREEN. #3 Castroneves leads field into Turn 1.

 

Medical update for Dr. Geoffrey Billows, IRL medical official: P.J. Chesson and Jeff Simmons have been checked and released from the infield care center. Both are cleared to drive.

 

SCOTT SHARP (#8 Delphi Dallara/Honda/Firestone): “I don’t know (what happened). We were obviously coming off a yellow and worked hard to warm the tires. Just as soon as I picked up the throttle, it snapped on me. It’s very unusual.”

“I don’t know (what happened). We were obviously coming off a yellow and worked hard to warm the tires. Just as soon as I picked up the throttle, it snapped on me. It’s very unusual.”

JEFF SIMMONS (#17 Rahal Letterman Racing Team Ethanol

Panoz/Honda/Firestone): “I got a good restart and was really close to P.J. there but I couldn’t see what was going on. I saw him check up, and I got on the brakes as hard as I could. I still got up in the back of him then spun around going backwards and flipped over somebody and rolled. It’s really disappointing for everyone on Team Ethanol. This is not any way anyone wants to start something. Two wrecked cars in one race weekend is something I have never done before. This is not what anyone on Rahal Letterman was looking for.”

“I got a good restart and was really close to P.J. there but I couldn’t see what was going on. I saw him check up, and I got on the brakes as hard as I could. I still got up in the back of him then spun around going backwards and flipped over somebody and rolled. It’s really disappointing for everyone on Team Ethanol. This is not any way anyone wants to start something. Two wrecked cars in one race weekend is something I have never done before. This is not what anyone on Rahal Letterman was looking for.”

P.J. CHESSON (No. 91 Carmelo Hemelgarn Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone): “I need to use my favorite line ever. When you are in the back with the squirrels, you are bound to get your nuts cracked. But that’s not fair to say. There was a restart and Sharp spun around and I looked right into his eyes. I tried to pick a direction so I could get around him so I wouldn’t T-bone him. I went in to the inside and I think Jeff might have hooked up into my right rear. I feel really bad for those guys at Rahal Letterman. It was a tough weekend for Jeff, and I know that is not how he wanted his first weekend to go. The guys worked their butts off all weekend. They did a heckuva a job all weekend, and I am real proud of them. My brother James was great up in the tower. We made huge strides this weekend. I am real happy. I hate to end the weekend this way but it was just one of those things.”

“I need to use my favorite line ever. When you are in the back with the squirrels, you are bound to get your nuts cracked. But that’s not fair to say. There was a restart and Sharp spun around and I looked right into his eyes. I tried to pick a direction so I could get around him so I wouldn’t T-bone him. I went in to the inside and I think Jeff might have hooked up into my right rear. I feel really bad for those guys at Rahal Letterman. It was a tough weekend for Jeff, and I know that is not how he wanted his first weekend to go. The guys worked their butts off all weekend. They did a heckuva a job all weekend, and I am real proud of them. My brother James was great up in the tower. We made huge strides this weekend. I am real happy. I hate to end the weekend this way but it was just one of those things.”

Lap 55: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by .3458 of a second.

Lap 61: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by .4147 of a second.

Lap 65: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by .4738 of a second.

Lap 70: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by .7874 of a second.

Lap 75: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by 1.1028 seconds.

Lap 80: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by 1.6267 seconds.

Lap 85: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by 1.9153 seconds.

Lap 91: #15 Rice and #16 Patrick to pit lane for four tires and fuel.

Lap 92: #10 Wheldon and #6 Hornish to pit lane for four tires and fuel.

Lap 94: #3 Castroneves to pit lane for four tires and fuel. New leader is #11 Kanaan.

Lap 95: Leader, #11 Kanaan, and #27 Franchitti to pit lane for four tires and fuel. New leader is #9 Dixon.

Lap 96: #26 Andretti to pit lane for four tires and fuel.

Lap 97: Leader, #9 Dixon, to the pit lane for four tires and fuel. New leader is #2 Scheckter.

Lap 100: Leaders, #2 Scheckter and #4 Meira, to pit lane for four tires and fuel. New leader is #3 Castroneves.

Lap 105: After green flag pit stops, #3 Castroneves leads #9 Dixon by 3.9970 seconds.

Lap 110: #3 Castroneves leads #9 Dixon by 3.5647 seconds.

Lap 115: #3 Castroneves leads #9 Dixon by 3.1346 seconds.

Lap 120: #3 Castroneves leads #9 Dixon by 1.9482 seconds.

Lap 125: #3 Castroneves leads #9 Dixon by 1.3157 seconds.

Lap 126: #11 Kanaan to pit lane for four tires and fuel.

Lap 130: #3 Castroneves leads #9 Dixon by 1.0448 seconds. #7 Herta to pit lane for four tires and fuel.

Lap 135: #3 Castroneves leads #9 Dixon by 1.0432 seconds.

Lap 140: #3 Castroneves leads #9 Dixon by .7326 of a second. #16 Patrick and #15 Rice to pit lane for four tires and fuel.

Lap 142: #6 Hornish to pit lane for four tired and fuel.

Lap 143: #10 Wheldon to pit lane for four tires and fuel.

Lap 144: #27 Franchitti to pit lane for four tires and fuel. #27 Crew member is injured on stop after car struck tire on pit entry.

Lap 147: Leader, #3 Castroneves, to pit lane for four tires and fuel.

Lap 149: Leader, #9 Dixon to pit lane for four tires and fuel. New leader is #4 Meira. Dixon stalled on exit.

Lap 150: Leader #4 Meira to pit lane for four tires and fuel. New leader is #3 Castroneves.

Lap 151: After green flag stops, #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by .1381 of a second

Lap 155: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by 1.3321 seconds.

Lap 158: YELLOW. #14 Giaffone makes light contact with the SAFER Barrier in Turn 4, then does a quarter-spin to the right and makes contact with the outside retaining wall on the frontstretch with the nose cone. There is damage to the right side and front of the #14 Giaffone.

Lap 162: Leaders under caution are: #3 Castroneves, #10 Wheldon, #6 Hornish, #7 Herta and #11 Kanaan. Most lead lap cars to pit lane for four tires and fuel. Top three do not pit. #11 Kanaan wins race off of pit road followed by # 15 Rice.

 

Medical update for Dr. Geoffrey Billows, IRL medical official: Felipe Giaffone has been checked and released from the infield care center. He is cleared to drive.

 

Lap 167: GREEN. #3 Castroneves leads the field into Turn 1.

Lap 170: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by .9776 of a second.

Lap 175: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by 1.3351 of a second.

Lap 180: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by 1.9592 of a second.

Lap 185: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by 2.9680 of a second.

 

Medical update for Dr. Geoffrey Billows, IRL medical official: Steve Price, left rear tire changer for #27 Dario Franchitti has been transported via ground to Dokkyo University Hospital for evaluation of a leg injury.

Lap 190: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by 4.8532 of a second.

Lap 195: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by 5.7753 of a second.

Lap 199: WHITE: #3 Castroneves leads #10 Wheldon by 6.4989 of a second.

Lap 200: CHECKERED: Castroneves wins Indy Japan 300 by 6.3851 of a second. Castroneves climbs the fence on the front straightaway after the victory.

INDY JAPAN 300 POST-RACE NOTES:

· This is Helio Castroneves’ ninth career IndyCar Series victory and his second consecutive win of the season. It is the 11th time a driver has won back-to-back IndyCar Series events. Dan Wheldon was the last driver to accomplish the feat when he won three consecutive races last season.

· Castroneves’ margin of victory, 6.3851 seconds, is the largest margin of victory at Twin Ring Motegi. It is Castroneves’ first win in eight starts in Japan and his 15th career Indy-style win. Prior to today’s win, his best finish at Motegi was second in 2001.

· Castroneves has recorded 27 top-three finishes in the 69 IndyCar Series races he’s run to date (39 percent). He won from the pole position for the fourth time in his IndyCar Series career, tying Greg Ray for second on the all-time list for wins from the pole.

· This is Marlboro Team Penske second win of the season and its 17th win in the IndyCar Series. The team’s last victory came at St. Petersburg with Castroneves. The team now has 76 oval wins out of their record 126 career wins - the most of any team in open-wheel racing.

· Dan Wheldon finished second. It is his third consecutive top-two finish at Motegi and his second top-five finish this season.

· Tony Kanaan finished third. It is his fifth consecutive top-10 finish and his fourth top-five finish in four starts.

INDY JAPAN 300 POST-RACE QUOTES:

HELIO CASTRONEVES (No. 3 Marlboro Team Penske Dallara/Honda/Firestone, winner, Indy Japan 300): “"What a team, what a team. These guys are unbelievable. We were fast from the very start this week, which is good because there wasn't a lot of practice time. But today was perfect, and the car was perfect too. I said yesterday that I wanted to finish where we started, and I don't think it was ever in question. We were fast all day."

“"What a team, what a team. These guys are unbelievable. We were fast from the very start this week, which is good because there wasn't a lot of practice time. But today was perfect, and the car was perfect too. I said yesterday that I wanted to finish where we started, and I don't think it was ever in question. We were fast all day."

DAN WHELDON (No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Panoz/Honda/Firestone, finished second): “It’s a reasonable result from a points standpoint. I just didn’t have enough for Helio. At some points of the race I was very, very quick, and just tailed off at other points. All in all, it’s a great result. It would have been great to win three in a row. But it just wasn’t meant to be and we’ll move on to Indy.”

“It’s a reasonable result from a points standpoint. I just didn’t have enough for Helio. At some points of the race I was very, very quick, and just tailed off at other points. All in all, it’s a great result. It would have been great to win three in a row. But it just wasn’t meant to be and we’ll move on to Indy.”

TONY KANAAN (No. 11 Team 7-Eleven Dallara/Honda/Firestone, finished third): “Well, it was an OK day for us. We had a flat tire toward the end, I had to pit a lot earlier. The car was OK. I think I was going to be competitive, but we got a set back when we got the flat tire, and I had to pit earlier. Third place is not bad for us today.”

“Well, it was an OK day for us. We had a flat tire toward the end, I had to pit a lot earlier. The car was OK. I think I was going to be competitive, but we got a set back when we got the flat tire, and I had to pit earlier. Third place is not bad for us today.”

SCOTT DIXON (No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Panoz/Honda/Firestone finished ninth): “I’m pretty disappointed because we had such a good run going, and the Target car was just fantastic. On that last stop, I lost the clutch, stalled it and fell back too many spots too late in the race to make a decent comeback. It really is a shame. Even after messing up my first pit stop when I overshot the box by quite a bit, we were able to pick our way back and saving enough fuel that we made it into the lead a few times. Heading into that last pit stop, the No. 9 Target car was so strong that I was so confident that we could have come out ahead of Helio (Castroneves) for the lead. It’s disappointing but having a car that good today bodes well for the month of May.”

“I’m pretty disappointed because we had such a good run going, and the Target car was just fantastic. On that last stop, I lost the clutch, stalled it and fell back too many spots too late in the race to make a decent comeback. It really is a shame. Even after messing up my first pit stop when I overshot the box by quite a bit, we were able to pick our way back and saving enough fuel that we made it into the lead a few times. Heading into that last pit stop, the No. 9 Target car was so strong that I was so confident that we could have come out ahead of Helio (Castroneves) for the lead. It’s disappointing but having a car that good today bodes well for the month of May.”

VITOR MEIRA (No. 4 Panther Dallara/Honda/Firestone, finished 10th): “This was a very big day for the Panther team because we were able to move up in the championship standings. I think we need to be more aggressive with our setup. It is nice to get a Top Ten, but I think we could have had a Top Five car today. We moved a ton of aero to the front of the Network LIVE car and that was still not enough. But most importantly, being able to move up some spots in the championship right before Indy is big for all of us. When we tested at the Speedway the car was great and I know we’re going to have a very strong month of May.”

“This was a very big day for the Panther team because we were able to move up in the championship standings. I think we need to be more aggressive with our setup. It is nice to get a Top Ten, but I think we could have had a Top Five car today. We moved a ton of aero to the front of the Network LIVE car and that was still not enough. But most importantly, being able to move up some spots in the championship right before Indy is big for all of us. When we tested at the Speedway the car was great and I know we’re going to have a very strong month of May.”

BUDDY RICE (No. 15 Rahal Letterman Racing Team Argent Panoz/Honda/Firestone, finished fifth): “The day wasn't too bad considering where we had to start and the circumstances that we had to deal with during the race. This is a good start for us going into the month of May. We ran strong at St. Pete and we came here and we were good. Obviously we have room for improvement, but when you start 18th a top-five finish is great. The biggest thing that helped this race was my Argent Mortgage pit crew. Every pit stop my crew picked up several spots. My guys deserve a huge pat on the back for this result. The feeling I am getting from this year reminds me of the last time I finished fifth at Motegi (2004) and we will see if we can duplicate that result (won Indy) in May."

: “The day wasn't too bad considering where we had to start and the circumstances that we had to deal with during the race. This is a good start for us going into the month of May. We ran strong at St. Pete and we came here and we were good. Obviously we have room for improvement, but when you start 18th a top-five finish is great. The biggest thing that helped this race was my Argent Mortgage pit crew. Every pit stop my crew picked up several spots. My guys deserve a huge pat on the back for this result. The feeling I am getting from this year reminds me of the last time I finished fifth at Motegi (2004) and we will see if we can duplicate that result (won Indy) in May."

KOSUKE MATSUURA (No. 55 Panasonic/ARTA Dallara/Honda/Firestone, finished seventh): “Of course I am disappointed because I expected a better result, but seventh was not too bad. This was good for the championship points. This was the most important race for me this year, and I had a lot of fans here. The team did a great job and I didn’t make any mistakes. The car wasn’t perfect. The gearing was a little bit too short and when I was catching someone, I was hitting the [rev] limiter coming off of Turn Two. It was difficult to overtake. The last fifty laps, I thought I could overtake Buddy Rice, but the gear was too short and I couldn’t do anything. I think a lot of drivers had the same problem. Race by race, the handling of my car is getting better and better. During the month of May, I think we will have a great car and hopefully we can have a top-five finish in the Indy 500.”

“Of course I am disappointed because I expected a better result, but seventh was not too bad. This was good for the championship points. This was the most important race for me this year, and I had a lot of fans here. The team did a great job and I didn’t make any mistakes. The car wasn’t perfect. The gearing was a little bit too short and when I was catching someone, I was hitting the [rev] limiter coming off of Turn Two. It was difficult to overtake. The last fifty laps, I thought I could overtake Buddy Rice, but the gear was too short and I couldn’t do anything. I think a lot of drivers had the same problem. Race by race, the handling of my car is getting better and better. During the month of May, I think we will have a great car and hopefully we can have a top-five finish in the Indy 500.”

DANICA PATRICK (No. 16 15 Rahal Letterman Racing Team Argent Panoz/Honda/ Firestone, finished eighth): “I don't think our Argent Mortgage Honda was that fast, but I do think we were smart enough with our strategy and our pit stops were good enough and we were able to run consistently and it produced a solid result. We just weren't able to run consistently fast enough to overtake the leaders. I had one stint where I was really able to make up some time and gain position, but I battled understeer most of the day. Unfortunately when you have problems at Motegi going through [turns] three and four it will limit what you can do. Overall we weren't super fast, but we did get our result. I am disappointed that on the last restart I got chopped pretty good. Everybody was getting a little feisty with their moves and everybody was a little too bold. At least we finished and scored more points and we didn't do anything stupid."

“I don't think our Argent Mortgage Honda was that fast, but I do think we were smart enough with our strategy and our pit stops were good enough and we were able to run consistently and it produced a solid result. We just weren't able to run consistently fast enough to overtake the leaders. I had one stint where I was really able to make up some time and gain position, but I battled understeer most of the day. Unfortunately when you have problems at Motegi going through [turns] three and four it will limit what you can do. Overall we weren't super fast, but we did get our result. I am disappointed that on the last restart I got chopped pretty good. Everybody was getting a little feisty with their moves and everybody was a little too bold. At least we finished and scored more points and we didn't do anything stupid."

The next IndyCar Series event is the 90th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 28 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race will be broadcast at 1 p.m. (EDT) by ABC Sports and the IMS Radio Network. The next Indy Pro Series event is the Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 26.

Vince Young Announces First Endorsement with Austin-Based NetSpend, National Leader in Prepaid Debit Cards

NFL-bound quarterback, NetSpend fund college scholarship with All-Access card

Former University of Texas football great and sought-after NFL quarterback prospect Vince Young announced Saturday that his first professional endorsement agreement is with Austin, Texas-based NetSpend Corporation, the nation's leading marketer and processor of prepaid debit cards.

Young announced his debut endorsement partnership here at the firm's national headquarters in the company of NetSpend and University officials.

"Just as my time at U.T. helped enable me to have greater opportunities, NetSpend is empowering people all across the nation to change their lives with new freedom in their financial affairs," said Young. "I like what they are doing, and I want to be a part of it."

Young explained that in today's society, many people do not have or want a traditional bank account or credit card, so when they try to rent a car, make an airline reservation, or transact online, they are told "No." But they still need a convenient vehicle to safely control their funds and to make purchases or access cash at will, and NetSpend's All-Access prepaid debit cards are the leading solution.

"This isn't just a card, it's the end of all those no's," Young said. "The All-Access card let's people say 'Yes I can,' and that's what today and this partnership is all about."

As a first step in their new partnership, Young joined NetSpend CEO Rick Savard and founders Roy and Bertrand Sosa to present a giant $10,000 NetSpend All-Access debit card -- rather than the traditional jumbo check -- to the University of Texas College of Communication to establish an Advertising and Sports Marketing Scholarship Fund at the school.

Savard said that the company chose to partner with Young because of the person he is, his values, the way he connects with people and his leadership.

"Vince Young represents the American dream come true," said Savard. "He is a leader, an inspiration, and we are proud that he has joined us to help consumers understand their options to have access to a convenient and secure means to store and spend their money."

NetSpend has become the leader in the rapidly growing prepaid debit payments field. The company markets its own All-Access brand prepaid, re- loadable debit cards through distributors nationally. The Visa or MasterCard branded cards can be used to make purchases anywhere those cards are accepted. The cards can be funded with a deposit of any amount up to $10,000 and act as a secure, federally insured portable bank account, to be used at any of tens of thousands of retail or service locations across the nation, or at any ATM.

NetSpend also partners with prominent retailers to provide private branded cards, along with gift cards, one of the fastest growing categories of payment products.

Founded seven years ago by brothers Roy and Bertrand Sosa, privately-held NetSpend Corporation has grown to a national leader in the prepaid debit category processing close to $3 billion in funds loaded on its cards, and has a staff of more than 200 employees at its Austin headquarters.

About NetSpend Corporation

NetSpend Corporation is the leading provider of prepaid debit cards for America's underserved markets. The NetSpend platform offers an end-to-end approach that is unique in the prepaid payments industry. From customer acquisition and risk management to card fulfillment and customer service, NetSpend offers a vertically integrated product offering that powers the infrastructure for prepaid payment applications. NetSpend's partnerships include agency agreements with the leading companies serving the un-banked and under-banked markets, as well as strategic relationships with card issuers, EFT networks and payment card associations. For more information, visit www.netspend.com.

Source: NetSpend Corporation

LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES AN AMBITIOUS AND VISIONARY PROJECT

 

The IOC’s Coordination Commission for the Games of the XXX Olympiad – London 2012, led by its Chairman Denis Oswald, today concluded its first full visit to the British capital since London’s election last July at the 117th IOC Session in Singapore. The meetings, which took place over three days, demonstrated that London 2012 has an ambitious and visionary project and that it has been able to keep up the momentum of its work since its winning bid last year, to date delivering all key milestones.

The Commission heard from the Chairman of London 2012, Lord Sebastian Coe, and its Chief Executive Officer, Paul Deighton, as well as from key members of the Organising Committee (LOCOG)’s administration. The Commission was also briefed by key leaders of the different stakeholder groups involved in the London Games, including Richard Caborn, Minister for Sport; Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London; Lord Colin Moynihan, Chairman of the British Olympic Association; and David Higgins, CEO of the Olympic Delivery Authority.

Speaking at the end of the Commission’s visit to London, Chairman Denis Oswald said, “The IOC, as the ultimate guardian of the Olympic Games, is very proud to guide the London 2012 organisers through the preparation and implementation of Olympic Games that will transform the local landscape physically, socially and economically. We are especially delighted by the fact that London has really understood the ethos of the Olympic Games and the Olympic values, whereby the Games are a vehicle and catalyst for development and provide a platform to educate society through sport. London’s project is ambitious and visionary, but as sporting people we admire this ambition and look forward to playing our part in London’s Olympic journey.”

Speaking about LOCOG, Oswald noted, “The very professional approach that LOCOG has shown us during this visit and during my previous visits to London, since its election last July, has demonstrated the energy and excitement that this project is bringing to the city and the country. What is particularly encouraging is the way in which the London team has been thinking about all aspects of Games preparation and planning, and how each area of the project is intrinsically linked. This understanding, and the putting of it into practice by sharing information between departments and entities, will stand LOCOG in good stead for the coming years, and we encourage them to continue in this vein. We are also delighted to see that the IOC’s new and improved Olympic Games management processes, whereby knowledge is transferred from Games to Games, and support is given from a bid’s inception right through to Games delivery, has assisted London in making a speedy and effective transition from bid to host city.”

The Commission members received more detailed reports on the progress of several key functional areas, such as sport, Olympic venue construction, transport, finance, sustainability and environment, communications, marketing, accommodation, culture and the Paralympic Games. They also toured some of the key Olympic sites, including the Millennium Dome, the Olympic Park and Stratford International Railway Station.

Commenting on what the Commission saw during the venue tour, Oswald said, “We were able to see the first, early signs of the huge transformation that will follow, when we saw the work being done to bury electricity cables in the Stratford area. Developments for the indoor arena at the Millennium Dome were also encouraging and exciting.”

LOCOG Chairman Sebastian Coe said the Coordination Commission visit had provided an important opportunity for London Olympic organisers to demonstrate progress made in planning for the Games, highlighting commitments to delivering a lasting legacy of community and sporting benefits from hosting the Games.

"We are united in our desire to see spectacular Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012. We are also committed to ensuring that the Games leave a lasting legacy of social, environmental, economic and community benefits for London, the UK and for sport that demonstrate the power of the Olympic Games to change lives," Coe said.

LOCOG CEO Paul Deighton said the Coordination Commission visit reinforced the close working relationship that the London Olympic organisers had formed with the IOC since London was selected as Olympic host city last July. "Our plans for the London Games will benefit significantly from the highly productive meetings with the IOC's experts, and we look forward to further visits from the Coordination Commission as we move ahead together towards the London 2012 Games."

The next visit of the Coordination Commission to London will take place in 2007. The Commission visits the future host city on a yearly basis until four years from the Games when the frequency increases to two visits per year. The visits of the Commission are supplemented by the regular visits by smaller IOC teams involving the Commission Chairman, selected members of the Commission and members of the IOC administration.

SportStar Awards 2006 at the Olympic Museum

On Thursday 20 April, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne hosted the 4th edition of the SportStar Awards. The ceremony was held under the patronage and in the presence of Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Juan Antonio Samaranch, IOC Honorary President for Life, and Mario Pescante, President of the European Olympic Committees. Also present were Valentino Castellani, President of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games Organising Committee (TOROC), and representatives of the Winter Sports International Federations, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Eurosport.

Created in 2000 by TV channel Eurosport, with the support of the IOC, this event pays tribute to the European athletes who take part in the Olympic Games and who are considered as the best representatives of the fundamental values of sport. Two months after the closing of the XX Olympic Winter Games, the Olympic Museum’s visitors were able to rub shoulders with some of the best athletes of these recent Games whose feats thrilled us all. Among them were Irina Slutskaya, Philipp Schoch, Daniela Meuli, Evelyne Leu, Anette Norberg, Antoine Dénériaz, Enrico Fabris and Giorgio di Centa. At the beginning of the afternoon, a signing session had been organised, offering the Museum’s visitors and many fans the chance to see their idols close up.

For more than 10 years, Eurosport has contributed to promoting sport and the Olympic ideals to television audiences worldwide. On 23 June 1993, on the anniversary of the IOC’s creation, Olympic Magazine was launched. It is a monthly Eurosport programme in which reports cover subjects as varied as Olympic history, sports performances and the positions of the IOC.

 

All-New 2007 Hyundai Elantra Makes World Debut at New York International Auto Show; Safety and Interior Space Put the Fourth-Generation Elantra a Class Above the Competition

The all-new 2007 Elantra makes its world debut today at the 2006 New York International Auto Show. Hyundai's 2007 Elantra is the seventh all-new model from Hyundai in just 24 months, giving Hyundai the freshest lineup in the industry. All new from headlight to taillight, Elantra brings more refinement, safety and interior space to compact car shoppers.

"The all-new Elantra delivers more interior space than Civic or Corolla -- even more space than Acura TL -- and a level of ride and handling refinement that's both agile and comfortable," said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Add in great standard safety features like six airbags, anti-lock brakes and active front head restraints, and our assertive new design, and it's clear that Elantra offers unbeatable value."

24/7 Program

The Elantra marks Hyundai's seventh all-new product in 24 months when it goes on sale in fall 2006. This "24/7" product plan included the arrival of the all-new Tucson, Sonata, Accent, Azera, Santa Fe, Entourage and Elantra. From the flagship, full-size Azera, to the entry-level Accent, each of these models offers unsurpassed standard safety technologies in their segments, and each reflects the Hyundai brand's refined and confident nature.

Unsurpassed Standard Safety in the Compact Segment

All Elantra models have six standard airbags, including two advanced front airbags, two front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and two side curtain airbags protecting front- and rear-seat outboard passengers. The combination of side and curtain airbags, which help protect the head and body during side impacts, can reduce fatalities by more than 45 percent according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Side-impact airbags are expensive options on competitors such as Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, and are not available on the Chevrolet Cobalt. Side curtain air protection is Optional on Corolla and Cobalt and still not available on Focus.

Accident avoidance technologies start with Elantra's all-new chassis featuring fully independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars and motor-driven rack-and-pinion steering. The Elantra's standard power braking system has front and rear discs with a four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). ABS helps the driver maintain vehicle steering control in slippery conditions and in emergency maneuvers. EBD is integrated into the ABS, automatically adjusting the braking force to front and rear axles based on the vehicle loading conditions. Four-wheel disc brakes are a key leadership feature for the segment, as traditional rear drum brakes are still found on the 2006 Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cobalt.

Elantra's standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant's head and the head restraint during a rear collision and are highly recommended by safety-focused organizations such as the IIHS.

All seating positions feature three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints. The shingle-style rear-seat head restraints improve visibility when there are no rear seat passengers, while protecting these passengers when they are in the vehicle. There's also an energy absorbing steering column and front seatbelt pretensioners, force limiters and adjustable-height shoulder anchors. A LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in the rear-seat area provides secure attachment for child seats.

In low-speed impacts, the Elantra's five-mph front and rear bumpers help minimize damage. In higher-energy collisions, its steel unibody structure is engineered to dissipate crash energy as its crumple zones deform, while bodyside reinforcements help maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment. Hood buckling creases and safety stops help to control the deformation of the hood in a frontal collision.

Expressive and Confident Design

Elantra continues the dramatic new styling resurgence introduced on the all-new 2007 Santa Fe -- refined and confident. This new theme resonates in Elantra's assertive front appearance, rising beltline, sculpted body side and an overall lively appearance. For a more upscale appearance, chrome headlight bezels and grille bars highlight Elantra's assertive face. The profile of Elantra features confidently sculpted surfaces, an expressive bodyside character line that has a family resemblance to Azera and a clean look with bodycolor door handles and mirrors. The rear styling compliments the front design with taillamps echoing the theme of the headlamps, and the cohesive look continues with a bodycolored rear license plate garnish and integrated bumper fascia.

A "Class Above" Interior - More Room Than Acura TL

Elantra is wider and taller than its predecessor. Increasing the height 2.2 inches and moving the driver's seating position up 1.8 inches opened up the cabin for more room and flexibility. Two inches of added width deliver more front and rear shoulder room as well. This repackaging delivers a remarkably spacious interior -- one that is truly a "class above" Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla for interior room. Elantra is so roomy the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a mid-size car, not a compact car like Civic and Corolla. With 97.9 cubic feet of passenger room and 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space, the Elantra has the most interior volume (passenger volume plus trunk space) for a sedan in its class. Elantra's total interior volume of 112.1 cubic feet easily betters the 2006 Civic sedan (102.9 cu. ft.), 2007 Nissan Sentra (110.8 cu.ft.) and 2006 Corolla (103.8 cu. ft.), and, surprisingly, even surpasses the interior volume of the near-luxury Acura TL (110.4 cubic feet) sedan. Elantra trunk capacity also beats Civic and Corolla. Its 14.2 cu. ft. of trunk volume is 18 percent larger than Civic and five percent bigger than Corolla.

Thoughtful design touches bring harmony and substance to Elantra's interior. The dashboard slopes downward to give a feeling of more space and greater visibility while offering an aesthetic shape. The contrasting two-tone color schemes (available in beige and gray tones) combined with metallic finishes match the more sophisticated and upscale exterior styling. New levels of detail and craftsmanship are found throughout the interior. Luxurious supple leather is available on Elantra, but cannot be found on Civic. For the first time, heated seats are available. Another first, Elantra also offers steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls and telescoping adjustment. Blue back lighting adds a youthful, but refined ambience at night.

The center console features a two-level storage compartment and a comfortable armrest. An overhead sunglasses holder has built-in map lights, and map pockets are integrated into the front door panels. Seatback storage pockets provide additional room for small items. Storage can also be found in the dash, center stack and console. A convenient handbag strap holder is sure to surprise and delight owners. Dual front cupholders and an available rear armrest with cupholders complete the interior.

The Elantra's comfortable and versatile seating includes a multi-adjustable driver's seat with height adjustment, adjustable head restraints and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback that makes it easy to accommodate cargo.

Conveniences like standard cabin air filter, rear window defroster, tilt steering wheel, tinted glass, two-speed variable intermittent windshield wiper with mist function, dual vanity mirrors, and power windows with driver's auto-down and illuminated switches make the Elantra seem like it's a class above its modest price point. The high-volume Elantra GLS Premium Package offers a 172-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and Hyundai's first auxiliary jack, which allows iPods(R) and other portable MP3 players to be connected to the vehicle audio system. Also included are air conditioning, cruise control, fog lights, windshield shade band, rear center armrest with cupholders, power heated mirrors, power locks, and remote keyless entry with trunk open, panic alert, and alarm. XM satellite radio will be available beginning in the fall.

Super-Clean Engine

Many Elantras sold in California, Maine, New York, Vermont and Massachusetts will score high on the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide to Green Cars and be certified as Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV). The SULEV Elantra is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles and helps Hyundai meet its environmental commitments. In fact, the 2007 Elantra is projected to earn Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) certification in California, which few models in the entire automotive industry earn. Outside of the green states, the Elantra is available in Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) configurations.

Hyundai's advanced 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine powers Elantra. This sophisticated 16-valve powerplant employs an aluminum cylinder head that features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT). The combination helps give the engine a very broad power spread, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

The CVVT unit is positioned on the exhaust camshaft and controls

the intake valve timing by advancing and retarding the intake cam in relation to the exhaust cam. The CVVT system increases volumetric and thermodynamic efficiency, which helps the engine deliver improved performance at high rpm and increased torque at low rpm. With better cylinder charging, fuel economy is also increased. By optimizing valve overlap, NOx emissions are reduced due to the resulting Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) effect.

The ULEV variation is rated at an estimated 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. SULEV engines are available only with a four-speed automatic transmission, and are rated at an estimated 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 133 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm.

Two Transmission Choices

The Elantra comes standard with a precise five-speed manual gearbox. A smooth four-speed automatic with a new gated console-mounted floor shifter is available as an option and includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy at freeway speeds.

Suspension and Steering

Elantra's design team worked to solve the classic design tradeoffs between interior roominess, agility and driving comfort. On one hand, interior space and cargo room are critically important to a sedan in its class; on the other hand, secure, responsive handling and good road isolation are also priorities. The Elantra's ride quality improves upon that offered by Civic, Corolla, Focus and Cobalt. An advanced, motor-driven, engine-speed-sensing rack-and-pinion power steering ensures the new Elantra has a more agile driving feeling than the outgoing model, and key competitors.

Elantra delivers a comfortable ride and responsive handling thanks to a front MacPherson strut suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers, and multi-link suspension and twin-tube gas shock absorbers. A 23.0-mm diameter front stabilizer bar and 17.0 mm rear stabilizer bar, which is larger than its predecessor's by 5.0 mm, helps reduce body roll when cornering, and tunes the Elantra's at-the-limit handling for maximum predictability. To enhance stopping power, the front and rear brakes are larger than its predecessor's at 10.8 inches (275 mm) for the front and 10.3 inches (262 mm) for the rear.

The 2007 Elantra body stiffness is up 49 percent from the outgoing model and nine percent over Corolla. Significant increases in body stiffness levels allowed Hyundai engineers to deliver a dynamic package that left little to compromise during the shock and bushing tuning phases. The result is precise steering and handling and a well-controlled, yet comfortable ride. By improving body rigidity and applying an optimized door sealing strategy, Hyundai engineers successfully reduced road noise two decibels below a comparably equipped 2006 Honda Civic based on internal testing.

Three Trim Levels

The Elantra is available in three distinctive trim levels -- GLS, SE and Limited.

Elantra GLS - The Perfect Compact Car

In keeping with Hyundai's high-value approach to standard equipment, the Elantra GLS has a remarkable array of desirable features. The Elantra delivers standard safety technologies unsurpassed in its segment, with six airbags, ABS with EBD, 4-wheel disc brakes, active front head restraints, and adjustable head restraints for all seating positions. A partial list of other standard features includes: power windows, intermittent windshield wipers, multiple storage areas, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, tachometer, dual vanity mirrors, tinted windows, two 12-V outlets and tilt steering wheel. The Preferred Package adds air conditioning and a 172-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with tweeters. The available Premium Package includes the equipment in the Preferred Package plus power heated mirrors and locks, remote keyless entry with trunk release, panic alert and alarm, windshield shade band, fog lights, rear center armrest with cupholders, cruise control and an auxiliary jack. The available Premium-Sport Package includes everything in the Premium Package plus 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/55-R16 tires and power sunroof.

Elantra SE - Adding a Sporty Flavor

The sport-oriented SE adds all the equipment in the GLS Premium Package plus a telescoping leather steering wheel with audio controls that features seek, volume, and mute functions, leather shift knob, 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/55HR16 tires, dual illuminated vanity mirrors and trip computer. The only option is a power sunroof. In addition to the available gray and beige two-tone, the SE is also available in a sporty monotone black interior.

Elantra Limited - Luxury Meets Value

The Limited trim takes the Elantra upscale by building on the SE equipment with leather seating surfaces, leather door panel inserts, leather armrest and heated front seats. A Sun and Sound package is available that combines a power sunroof and a 220-watt premium audio system featuring AM/FM/6-CD changer/cassette/MP3 and an external amplifier.

Warranty

The all-new Hyundai Elantra lineup is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty(TM). Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Elantra buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit), which includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 700 dealerships nationwide.

Note: Claims based on Autosource Inc. upper small car segmentation.

World Speed Record for Diesel-Powered Truck Set Using Mobil Delvac Heavy Duty Engine Oil

An Australian truck using Mobil Delvac(R) heavy duty engine oil has been recognized by the Guinness World Records(TM) as the World's Fastest Diesel-Powered Truck. Driven by Frank Gaffiero, the "Bandag Bullet," a Kenworth T400 truck powered by two V8 Detroit diesel engines, is the only conventionally powered truck to achieve an average speed of 182.152 kilometers per hour (113.184 miles per hour) over one kilometer from a standing start.

The "Bandag Bullet" broke the Guinness World Record for diesel truck speed on July 16, 2005, at the Queensland International Air Show, held at the Bundaberg Airport in Australia. ExxonMobil was a sponsor and supplied the engine oil for the world record-breaking effort.

"Competing at these high speeds places extreme demands on my truck, so it's important for me to treat my engine with special care," said Frank Gaffiero, driver of the Bandag Bullet. "Mobil Delvac keeps my engine running long and strong -- whether it's breaking world records or helping me get my load delivered on time."

While setting the world record, the truck's engine reached temperatures approximately 100 degrees C (300 degrees F) higher than for typical operating conditions. Despite this, Mobil Delvac heavy duty engine oil was able to provide the protection needed for Gaffiero to achieve his goal.

Since its introduction in 1925, Mobil Delvac heavy duty engine oil has provided power and protection for truck engines around the world in all conditions -- from the extreme heat of Egypt's deserts to the freezing conditions across Siberia, from the mountainous regions of Peru to the super-highways and narrow byways of North America and Europe.

ExxonMobil, Mobil, and Delvac are registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries.

 

Camión Diesel con Aceite para Motores de Trabajo Pesado Mobil Delvac Logra Récord Mundial en Velocidad

Un camión australiano con aceite para motores de trabajo pesado Mobil Delvac(R) ha sido reconocido por Guinness World Records(TM) como el Camión Diesel Más Rápido del Mundo. Conducido por Frank Gaffiero, el camión Kenworth T400, denominado "Bandag Bullet", con dos motores diesel Detroit V8, es el único camión con combustible convencional que logra alcanzar una velocidad promedio de 182,152 kilómetros por hora (113,184 millas por hora) en un kilómetro a partir de la salida parada.

El "Bandag Bullet" batió el récord mundial Guinness para velocidad de camiones diesel el 16 de julio de 2005, en la exposición aeronáutica internacional de Queensland, que se llevó a cabo en el Aeropuerto de Bundaberg, Australia. ExxonMobil fue uno de los patrocinadores y proporcionó el aceite para motores que permitió batir el récord mundial.

"Competir a estas altas velocidad representa una gran exigencia para mi camión, por eso es importante que le brinde un cuidado especial al motor", comentó Frank Gaffiero, conductor del Bandag Bullet. "Mobil Delvac permite que el motor funcione por más tiempo y con mayor resistencia, ya sea para batir el récord mundial o para poder realizar mis entregas en forma puntual".

Para establecer el récord mundial, el motor del camión alcanzó temperaturas de aproximadamente 100 grados centígrados (300 grados Fahrenheit) más altas que en condiciones normales de funcionamiento. A pesar de esto, el aceite para motores de trabajo pesado Mobil Delvac pudo brindar la protección necesaria para que Gaffiero lograra su meta.

Desde su lanzamiento en 1925, el aceite para motor de trabajo pesado Mobil Delvac ha proporcionado potencia y protección a motores de camiones de todo el mundo bajo cualquier condición climática, desde el intenso calor de los desiertos de Egipto hasta el frío glacial de Siberia, desde las regiones montañosas de Perú hasta las grandes autopistas y los angostos caminos poco frecuentados de Norteamérica y Europa.

ExxonMobil, Mobil y Delvac son marcas de fábrica registradas de Exxon Mobil Corporation o de una de sus subsidiarias.


El nuevo Hyundai Elantra 2007 hace su debut mundial en el Salón Internacional del Automóvil de Nueva York; La seguridad y el espacio interior posicionan a la cuarta generación del Elantra una clase por encima de la competencia

 

El debut mundial del nuevo Elantra 2007 se produce hoy en el Salón Internacional del Automóvil de Nueva York 2006. El Hyundai Elantra 2007 es el séptimo modelo nuevo de Hyundai en solo 24 meses y con él, Hyundai logra la alineación más novedosa de la industria. Totalmente nuevo desde los faros delanteros hasta las luces de freno, el Elantra ofrece más elegancia, seguridad y espacio interior a los compradores de autos compactos.

"El nuevo Elantra ofrece mayor espacio interior que el Civic o el Corolla, incluso más espacio que el Acura TL, y un nivel ágil y confortable de elegancia de conducción y manejo", dijo John Krafcik, vicepresidente del Departamento de desarrollo de productos y planificación estratégica de Hyundai Motor America. "Si a esto sumamos impresionantes características de seguridad estándar tales como seis bolsas de aire, frenos antibloqueo y apoyacabezas activos delanteros, además de nuestro enérgico y novedoso diseño, queda claro que el Elantra ofrece un valor inigualable".

Programa 24/7

El Elantra será el séptimo nuevo producto de Hyundai en 24 meses cuando se ponga a la venta en otoño de 2006. Este plan de producto “24/7” incluye la llegada de los nuevos Tucson, Sonata, Accent, Azera, Santa Fe, Entourage y Elantra. Desde nuestro producto estrella, el Azera modelo full, hasta el modelo básico de Accent, cada uno de estos modelos ofrece tecnologías de seguridad estándar de una calidad insuperable en sus segmentos y refleja la naturaleza refinada y confiable de la marca Hyundai.

Seguridad estándar de calidad insuperable en el segmento compacto

Todos los modelos Elantra poseen seis bolsas de aire estándar, incluidas dos bolsas de aire frontales de avanzada, dos bolsas de aire frontales montadas en el asiento para impacto lateral y dos bolsas de aire laterales tipo cortina para proteger a los pasajeros en la parte delantera y trasera. La combinación de bolsas de aire laterales y tipo cortina, que ayudan a proteger la cabeza y el cuerpo en impactos laterales, puede reducir en más de 45% la mortalidad de acuerdo con el IIHS (Instituto de Seguros para la Seguridad en la Carretera, por sus siglas en inglés). Las bolsas de aire laterales son opciones costosas en autos de la competencia, tales como el Toyota Corolla y el Ford Focus, y no se incluyen en el Chevrolet Cobalt. La protección tipo cortina es opcional en el Corolla y el Cobalt, y todavía no está disponible en el Focus.

Las tecnologías para evitar accidentes comienzan con el nuevo chasis del Elantra, que incluye una suspensión completamente independiente, barras estabilizadoras delanteras y traseras, y una dirección asistida de cremallera y piñón.

El sistema de frenos estándar del Elantra tiene discos delanteros y traseros con un sistema de frenos antibloqueo (ABS) con cuatro sensores y cuatro canales que incluye distribución electrónica de la fuerza de frenado (EBD).

El sistema ABS ayuda al conductor a mantener el control de la dirección en condiciones resbalosas y en maniobras de emergencia. La EBD está integrada al sistema ABS, ajustando de manera automática la fuerza de frenado de los ejes delanteros y traseros en base a las condiciones de carga del vehículo. Los discos de freno en las cuatro ruedas lo destacan dentro de este segmento de automóviles ya que los modelos 2006 del Honda Civic, el Toyota Corolla, el Ford Focus y el Chevrolet Cobalt aún cuentan con los tradicionales frenos traseros de tambor.

Los apoyacabezas estándar activos de los asientos delanteros del Elantra ayudan a prevenir tirones en el cuello ya que reducen automáticamente el espacio entre la cabeza del ocupante del asiento delantero y el apoyacabezas en un choque de atrás, y han sido altamente recomendados por las organizaciones orientadas a la seguridad tales como el IIHS.

Todos los asientos disponen de cinturones de seguridad de tres puntos y apoyacabezas ajustables. Los apoyacabezas del asiento trasero, con diseño en forma de tejas, mejoran la visibilidad cuando no van pasajeros atrás, al tiempo que los protegen cuando se encuentran dentro el vehículo. El modelo también cuenta con una columna de dirección con sistema de absorción de energía y cinturones de seguridad delanteros con pretensores, limitadores de fuerza y sujetadores de hombros de altura ajustable. El sistema de sujetadores y correas más bajas para niños (LATCH, por sus siglas en inglés) en el asiento trasero brinda un ajuste seguro para los asientos de los más pequeños.

En impactos de baja velocidad, los parachoques delanteros y traseros de 8km/h del Elantra ayudan a minimizar el daño. En colisiones con más energía, la estructura de acero de pieza única está diseñada para disipar la energía del choque al deformarse las zonas rugosas, mientras que los refuerzos de la carrocería ayudan a mantener la integridad del compartimiento de pasajeros. La cubierta del motor se deforma y las trancas de seguridad ayudan a controlar la deformación de la cubierta en el caso de una colisión frontal.

Diseño expresivo y confiable

El Elantra continúa con el resurgimiento del impresionante estilo novedoso presentado en el nuevo Santa Fe 2007: es elegante y confiable. Esto se aprecia en la apariencia delantera firme del Elantra, en la curvatura elevada, en su carrocería esculpida y en una apariencia general activa.

Para lograr una apariencia de mayor nivel, los faros con biselado de cromo y las barras de rejilla resaltan la fachada firme del Elantra. El perfil del Elantra incluye superficies esculpidas con firmeza, una línea de carrocería expresiva que tiene un parecido con el Azera y un aspecto limpio con manijas y espejos del color de la carrocería. El estilo trasero hace honor al diseño delantero con luces de freno que combinan con los faros delanteros. El aspecto homogéneo continúa con una decoración trasera de la placa de la matrícula del color de la carrocería y un frente trasero integrado.

Interior de "categoría superior" – más espacio que el Acura TL

El Elantra es más ancho y más alto que su predecesor. Con un incremento de 5,58 centímetros en la altura y el asiento del conductor ubicado 4,57 centímetros más arriba, la cabina se abrió para obtener mayor espacio y flexibilidad. Con este ensanchamiento de 5,08 centímetros se logra también mayor espacio para los hombros en los asientos delanteros y traseros. Este rediseño presenta un interior notoriamente espacioso que realmente pertenece a una "clase superior" en comparación con el Honda Civic y el Toyota Corolla, en lo que a espacio se refiere. El Elantra es tan grande que la EPA (Agencia de Protección al Medio Ambiente, por sus siglas en inglés) lo clasifica como un auto mediano y no como uno compacto como el Civic o el Corolla. Con 29,37 metros cúbicos de espacio para los pasajeros y 4,26 metros cúbicos de espacio de baúl, el Elantra ofrece el mayor volumen interior (volumen de pasajeros más volumen de baúl) para un sedan de su clase. El volumen interior total de 33,63 metros cúbicos fácilmente supera al Civic sedan 2006 (30,87 metros cúbicos), al Nissan Sentra 2006 (33,24 metros cúbicos) y al Corolla 2006 (31,14 metros cúbicos) y, para mayor sorpresa, también supera el volumen interior del casi lujoso Acura TL (33,12 metros cúbicos). La capacidad del baúl también es mejor que la del Civic y el Corolla. El volumen del baúl de 4,26 metros cúbicos es 18% mayor que el del Civic y 5% más grande que el del Corolla.

Los ingeniosos toques de diseño aportan armonía y sustancia al interior del Elantra. El tablero se inclina hacia abajo para dar una sensación de mayor amplitud y visibilidad, mostrando una forma estética. Los esquemas de colores de dos tonos contrastantes (disponibles en tonos beige y gris) combinados con las terminaciones metálicas, combinan con el estilo del exterior más sofisticado y de mayor nivel. En todo el interior se observan los nuevos niveles de detalles y artesanía. La tr