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Posted by monte at 03:20 PM | Permalink

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Posted by monte at 03:08 PM | Permalink

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

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

Posted by monte at 03:06 PM | Permalink

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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/

Posted by monte at 03:04 PM | Permalink

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

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/

Posted by monte at 03:00 PM | Permalink

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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.

Posted by monte at 02:58 PM | Permalink

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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/

Posted by monte at 02:57 PM | Permalink

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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.

Posted by monte at 02:53 PM | Permalink

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 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/ .

Posted by monte at 02:51 PM | Permalink

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part 1

(C)MBN 2006 (William Hoehne)

Posted by monte at 02:10 PM | Permalink

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Posted by monte at 01:44 PM | Permalink

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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

Posted by monte at 01:42 PM | Permalink

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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

Posted by monte at 01:32 PM | Permalink

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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/

Posted by monte at 01:31 PM | Permalink

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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

Posted by monte at 01:28 PM | Permalink

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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

Posted by monte at 01:26 PM | Permalink

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North American Leg Kicks Off September 12th in Philadelphia

-- 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/

Posted by monte at 01:24 PM | Permalink

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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/

Posted by monte at 01:23 PM | Permalink

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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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Website Relaunch Features New Broadband Video Player that Brings the Good, Weird and Wonderful Things You Love About TV to 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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Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne, July 15, 2006

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

Info@montebubbles.net

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

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.

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

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/

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/.

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".

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/

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

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 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/

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, 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

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/

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/ .

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.

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 .

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 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/

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 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 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/.

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/

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/

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/

-- 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/

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

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/

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/

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/

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 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/

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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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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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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 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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-- 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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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 Offers Free Music Downloads and Internet Radio Services for Buyers of

MAGIX Music Studio 11 deluxe and MP3 Maker 11

About eMusic

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sales@montebubbles.net

Recent Posts

sales@montebubbles.net

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 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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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 scientists have determined the formation of clouds is affected by the lightness or darkness of air pollution particles. This also impacts Earth's climate.

"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.

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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:

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:

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.

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

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.

Entertainment Specialist - selected from merchants that specialize in the retailing of entertainment hardware and software.

Non-Traditional Retailer - awarded to retailers who employ unique business models for the rental or sale of DVDs.

Online Retailer - designated for retailers that sell or rent DVDs online.

Rental Specialist - honors businesses that specialize in renting DVDs among public companies or chains of 100 or more stores.

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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  "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."

  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'."

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DoD 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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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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     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

     * $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

     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

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 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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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:

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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 'Comin' To Your City' Tour Features Patriotic New Single, Local Heroes and a                            Summer Full of Adventure

    *  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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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.

# # #

©A.M.P.A.S.®

Hertz Canada Sponsors Free Drawing for Trip for Two to Germany

Canadian residents who rent with Hertz now have even more incentive to join the car rental company's expedited rental programs, Hertz #1 Club and Hertz #1 Club Gold. Through a new promotion, customers who rent from Hertz using their Hertz #1 Club or #1 Club Gold number will be eligible to win a trip for two to Germany.

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.

Ethics Resource Center Launches 'Donate Your Data' Program

Organizations asked to donate ethics and compliance data
from internal surveys in order to improve research on ethics

The research-based nonprofit
Ethics Resource Center (ERC) announces "Donate Your Data," a
new charitable contribution program that allows companies to
donate data accumulated from their internal ethics and
compliance surveys in order to further the ethics center's
research and benchmarking abilities.

Many organizations conduct regular employee surveys to learn
more about ethics, compliance, risk and misconduct in the
workplace. "While the data from these surveys are useful for
understanding the dynamics of an individual organization, it
also has tremendous potential to benefit the ethics industry
as a whole when merged with data from other organizations,"
said Dr. Patricia Harned, President of the Ethics Resource
Center.

ERC's "Donate Your Data" program allows organizations to
donate ethics- and compliance-related data, from current or
past surveys, for use in ongoing research on topics of key
concern to business leaders. Data from entire surveys or
from individual questions (including ethics questions in HR
surveys) are of interest. Donated data will enrich the
overall data set that ERC uses to formulate thoughtful
research pieces on topics that are important to business
leaders, such as ethical culture and the effectiveness of
training programs. Where the data has been collected in a
comparable manner, it will also enhance ERC's benchmarks for
ethics and compliance program effectiveness.

"We're proud that our data can be put to good use to further
research," commented Mike Campbell, Chairman, Employee
Ethics Committee, Science Applications International
Corporation (SAIC), a donor organization. "We're able to
advance learning without compromising the integrity of our
survey effort." In addition to expanding ERC archives and
improving the value of its research, the data may be used to
support the research endeavors of business school faculty
and graduate students who are periodically granted limited
access to ERC data.

Donations of datasets are considered in-kind,
tax-deductible, charitable contributions to ERC. In
addition, ERC will enter into a contractual agreement with
each donor organization to ensure the confidentiality of
donor companies and their survey respondents.


The Ethics Resource Center (ERC), a 501(c)(3) educational
organization, conducts research to help strengthen the
character of business, and provides resources to educate the
public about organizational ethics issues across all
sectors. Additionally, the ERC provides benchmarks for
gauging the effectiveness of organizational ethics and
compliance programs. For more information, visit
http://www.ethics.org.

Administrator Preston: Release the Names

American Small Business League Calls on New SBA
Administrator to Release the Names of Small Business
Contractors

Earlier this week, Steven
C. Preston was sworn in by President Bush as the new
Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
During his confirmation hearing last month, Preston promised
to improve oversight for small business contracting, which
has been plagued by fraud, abuse, and a lackadaisical
attitude by the SBA. American Small Business League
President, Lloyd Chapman, is calling on Mr. Preston to live
up to his pledge by, first of all, releasing the complete
list of firms that were coded as small businesses for the
purpose of federal contracting during fiscal year 2005.

On June 21, 2006, the SBA announced that a "record-breaking"
$79.6 billion in federal contracts were awarded to small
businesses last year. However, research conducted by the
ASBL has exposed the fact that giant defense contractors,
such as Boeing, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop
Grumman, and L-3 Communications, have received billions in
small business contracts over the last several years.

A 2005 list of the top 100 contractors that ASBL obtained
from Eagle Eye Publishing, a Virginia-based research firm,
shows that this trend is continuing and may be growing
worse. Chapman would like to see the new Administrator come
forward with the details of what companies the SBA is
including in its total small business procurement
calculation.

"Steve Preston can prove what kind of Administrator he
intends to be by allowing the public access to the truth
about federal small business contracting-that large
businesses are walking away with the lion's share of small
business awards," stated Chapman. "It's my hope that Mr.
Preston will have enough integrity to admit the facts and
implement the necessary reforms to keep Fortune 500
companies off of the small business contractor list. We'll
soon know whether Preston will be part of the problem or
part of the solution."

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.

As President Bush Heads to G8 Meeting, New Book Provides
Insight on How KGB Colonel Got to Chair Club of
World-Leading Democracies

 The Group of Eight (G8)
meeting, an annual political summit of the heads of
governments, will meet July 15-17, 2006. For the first time,
this meeting of leaders, whose countries together represent
65 percent of the world's economy, will be held in Russia.
The chair for the meeting will be none other than Russian
President Vladimir Putin.

Most people aren't familiar with how Putin rose from KGB Lt.
Colonel to the Russian Presidency and ultimately sitting as
the chairperson for the G8, which includes Canada, France,
Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the
United States. Now a new book tells the story of the KGB
take-over of Russia, and how events unfolded that led to
this historic meeting.

Alex Konanykhin, a businessman whom the media called
"Russia's Bill Gates," has just released an autobiography,
"Defiance," which offers a detailed, first-person account of
his experiences, including the KGB take-over of Russia. His
daring and true story explains how it all began with the KGB
taking over his vast financial empire, culminating twelve
years later when they seized the business empire of his
partner, Michael Khodorkovsky.

In "Defiance," Konanykhin, who was named the "New York
Businessman of the Year" by the National Republican
Congressional Committee, illustrates the risks and rewards
of doing business in Russia. "Defiance" details how
Konanykhin and his wife, Elena, became pawns in a high-level
political game between the United States and Russia.

As a ransom for keeping the FBI office in Moscow
operational, the U.S. government tried to extradite the
Konanykhins back to Russia, acting on fake charges
fabricated by the Kremlin. "Konanykhin didn't only have KGB
after him," reported 60 Minutes. "He had the FBI, the
Justice Department and even the CIA after him."

Konanykhin's real-life story is, in the words of the judge
who presided over his political asylum case, "a tale worthy
of a spy novel." The judge ruled that the Russian government
"engineered the case against Konanykhin to punish him for
exposing corruption amongst Russian government and business
officials." The Washington Post called the hearing "a
spellbinding seminar on international intrigue."

A must-read for everyone who is interested in Russian
business or politics, "Defiance" can be ordered at
http://www.DefianceTheBook.com.

DEFIANCE, or How to Succeed in Business Despite Being
Hounded by the FBI, the KGB, the INS, the Department of
Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, Interpol and
Mafia Hit Men. ISBN 0-9727377-0-7, published by Renaissance
Publishing.

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.

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Final Draft and Final Draft AV are registered trademarks of Final Draft, Inc.

 An Insider's Commentary on Islam: Muslim Woman Provides
Firsthand Perspective on Her Religion and Its Impact

-- Hot topics in the media these
days include women's issues, the resilience of the human
spirit, self-healing and homosexuality. Author Ni'mat Marie
takes all these issues and more one step further in her new
book, Mother's Wit: A Muslim Woman's Perspective (now
available through AuthorHouse).

The book is a compilation of commentaries written by Marie
over a period of seven years. Her writings are intended to
provide a source of encouragement and to serve as a reminder
that through reconnecting their spirits with the source of
all power - the creator of the heavens and earth - people
can rediscover the roots of inner peace.

"Exposure to a Muslim woman's outlook should provide an
educational and enlightening experience by [helping others
to] learn what is in our holy book, the Holy Qu'ran," the
author explains.

In addition, her book is a resource for those who have a
propensity for understanding how a Muslim woman from America
thinks, she says.

"The objective that I attempt to achieve in writing this
book is for it to serve as an eye-opener for the American
public. Mainstream media have inundated the public with
negative exposure about the Muslim female and Muslims in
general. This negative one-sided portrayal has led to
deception and confusion by promoting an inaccurate
perception," she says.

Marie makes great strides in her attempt to rectify that
perception with this work. For example, she reminds readers
that the word "Islam" denotes peace. "The truth of the
matter is that fairness is held in high esteem in our holy
book ... a book for humanity," she says. "By engaging the
public with commentaries that I have written, I hope to
provide better insight for the public about the religion of
Al-Islam. In a reader-friendly style, I express through my
writings individual and social concerns and various life
scenarios that have affected the general population within
our society, using references from the Holy Qu'ran."

Marie, whose birth name is Cynthia Marie Bridges-McLaine, is
a native of Philadelphia. In her senior year of high school
she began searching for deeper meanings of life. She is now
a wife and mother of eight children. Along with her busy
schedule of taking care of her family, she manages to
squeeze time in for her talents. She attends college
part-time and continues to upgrade her education. More
information is available at http://www.motherswit.com.

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

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.

# # #

©A.M.P.A.S.®

 ViewCast's Niagara® GoStream™ Now Shipping Portable, compact encoder creates streaming video content for Internet TV and mobile video devices

 - ViewCast Corporation today announced that its Niagara GoStream, a single-channel, portable streaming media encoder, is now shipping to customers. GoStream's availability has been highly
anticipated since its market introduction at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) trade show in April.

GoStream creates and presents video and audio over the Internet with a simple, easy-to-use operator interface, and is designed both for streaming experts and beginners. It is portable and can quickly transfer from indoor environments to remote locations. GoStream is targeted to organizations looking for a low-cost solution to meet their streaming video needs.

"The availability and simplicity of GoStream encoders will enable a broader audience to leverage streaming technologies. ViewCast customers can now establish video communications from anywhere with the simple press of a button," said Dave Stoner, ViewCast president and chief operating officer.

GoStream features the EZStream® event buttons, allowing users to load pre-defined encoding profiles for a specific event and begin a streaming session. The encoder's EASE control menu can be used to Encode audio and video content, Access the system's health status, Setup the unit's
network connections and Export video content to video storage devices, including the Apple Video iPod® and Creative Zen Vision® portable media players.

GoStream includes ViewCast's Niagara SCX® software with a new Web-based interface. The software provides detailed settings and control over encoder profiles installed on GoStream and includes the ability to encode in Windows Media®, Real® and Flash formats. GoStream also supports digital rights management (DRM) for Windows Media.

The first GoStream was shipped to Cherokee County School District in South Carolina."We have used other ViewCast products in the past and have been happy with the results," said Trad Robinson, a member of the Cherokee Country School District's IMS department. "We purchased the GoStream because of its versatility and ease of use. We plan to use it to stream a wide variety
of school activities, such as distance learning, professional development, graduation, and potentially sporting events."

For more information on the Niagara GoStream product please go to:
http://www.viewcast.com/pages.asp?page=niagara-GoStream

Posted by monte at 12:14 PM | Permalink

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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 25^th 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.

Posted by monte at 12:44 AM | Permalink

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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

Posted by monte at 12:38 PM | Permalink

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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.

Posted by monte at 12:10 AM | Permalink

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- 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

Posted by monte at 12:09 AM | Permalink

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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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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

Posted by monte at 12:06 AM | Permalink

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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

Posted by monte at 12:04 AM | Permalink

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 -- 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

Posted by monte at 11:55 PM | Permalink

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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.

Posted by monte at 11:49 PM | Permalink

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~ 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

Posted by monte at 11:48 PM | Permalink

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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

Posted by monte at 11:47 PM | Permalink

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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.

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.

Posted by monte at 11:42 PM | Permalink

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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.

Posted by monte at 11:41 PM | Permalink

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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

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.

Posted by monte at 11:39 PM | Permalink

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April 26, 2006

A Conversation with Oscar® Winner Paul Haggis

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

 

 

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.

©A.M.P.A.S.®

 COMVU LAUNCHES WORLD'S FIRST LIVE VIDEO BROADCAST SOLUTION FROM A
MOBILE PHONE TO A MASS AUDIENCE

Revolutionary Technology Opens Doors to Citizen Journalism Via a 3G
Phone Direct to the DVB-H Network for Quality Worldwide Broadcast

(NAB 2006: LAS VEGAS, NV) - ComVu, a leading company in the personal
mobile video broadcasting industry, today announced the world's first
live video broadcasting from a 3G camera phone direct to the DVB-H
(Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld) network.  ComVu is working closely
with Modeo, a pioneer in mobile television broadcast technology, to
provide millions of citizen reporters with the ability to broadcast breaking
news live to a global television audience. ComVu's demonstration of
user-generated video broadcasting using Windows Media technologies from a
camera phone to a Modeo-enabled device will be hosted at Microsoft's
booth SL1161 at the NAB 2006 convention in Las Vegas, April 24-27.

"It's an exciting time for the broadcast industry when millions of
mobile consumers can view high quality television on Modeo integrated DVB-H
smartphones with Windows Media technologies," says William Mutual, CEO
of ComVu. "ComVu currently offers mobile newscasters an efficient way
to broadcast live to a few thousand simultaneous viewers. However, with
DVB-H, ComVu will enable the ultimate distribution solution for citizen
powered journalism and user generated content with immediate reach by
next year to an audience in the tens of millions worldwide."

Traditionally, broadcast television networks were the exclusive domains
of the big media giants. In the last decade, streaming media over the
Internet allowed for a much larger number of organizations to
participate in broadcasting; however, it lacked scalability and ease of use. 
Now, ComVu and its partners offer the best of both worlds using Windows
Media technologies and the DVB-H technologies - it is scalable, available
for average citizens to broadcast and provided in the mobile realm. 
DVB-H is the latest development within the set of DVB transmission
standards and meets the specific requirements of handheld, battery-powered
receivers.

The NAB demonstrations will use camera phones leveraging the Windows
Mobile 5.0 powered camera phones, equipped with ComVu's PocketCaster
software to broadcast live video to Modeo-enabled devices. ComVu's live
broadcasts are delivered using Windows Media technologies, including
Windows Media Video and Windows Media Audio (WMA).

"The combination of Windows Mobile 5.0 powered devices and the Windows
Media platform is creating exciting new mobile media opportunities,"
said Chad Hodge director of Windows Digital Media at Microsoft Corp. "By
leveraging the ComVu PocketCaster application the same Windows Media
technologies that are used to deliver professional content to mobile
viewers over Modeo's network can be used for consumers to gain access to a
global audience."

ComVu sits at the forefront of converging developments in wireless and
entertainment, where mobile phones are gaining high-end cameras and
powerful processors, and where everyday people are creating and sharing
their own content.  ComVu's cutting edge software is aided by Windows
Mobile's flexible and open platform - designed to help multimedia partners
develop innovative content for people on the go. Research group Informa
Telecoms & Media believe that there will be 74 million DVB-H
subscribers by 2010, more than 50% of all mobile TV handset sales. Modeo has
announced plans to officially launch its DVB-H mobile broadcast network and
its commercial-grade multicast mobile broadcast center during 2006 in
select major U.S. markets, including New York City. The company
currently is working on deployment of the network to the top 30 U.S. market
with launches targeted throughout 2007.


About ComVu

ComVu Media, Inc. offers the first service for broadcasting live video
from a mobile device to a global audience. With the push of a button on
a camera phone, now bloggers, citizen reporters, families, friends and
corporate professionals can broadcast events live. Viewers can watch
real-time video streams on mobile devices or desktop computers. In
creating a personal broadcasting service, ComVu has pioneered two fields:
transmission from a mobile device and the world's first ''do-it-yourself'
streaming video network. ComVu's mobile video sharing service
integrates: "one button" live video streaming capabilities, automated video
archiving on ComVu's servers, and a secure broadcast video blog. For more
information please visit www.comvu.com.

DOD

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty


            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a
Marine
who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.



            Lance Cpl. Aaron W. Simons, 20, of Modesto, Calif., died
April 24
while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar
province,
Iraq.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st
Marine
Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

 

Posted by mbn at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

options

April 25, 2006

NAB Coverage starting this evening

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

 

 

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)

 

Peter Jennings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Brokaw

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dan Rather

 

 

(c) By MBN 2006 (Taken by Joyce L Chow)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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April 24, 2006