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August 05, 2006

Barry Bonds 715th Home Run Ball Caught by Winning Ebay Bid of $220,100

Barry Bonds 715th home run ball was caught with a winning bid of $220,100 on eBay at 12 noon earlier today by identified bidder 52817 after 69 bids. 

 

The bidding grew even too rich for GoldenPalace.com which has received much notoriety from winning auctions such as the new species of monkey for $650,000 in 2005 or William Shatner’s kidney stone for $75,000 in 2006.

 

The projected value of the ball had been widely speculated and debated with Barry Bonds’ off-field controversy. 

 

The final bid was below the estimates Andrew Morbitzer, the fan who caught this historic ball which broke Babe Ruth’s all-time record,  had received prior to auctioning his touch with history and more than 70% over his reserve price.

 

Although the bidding was not quite as high as Morbitzer had hoped, 10% of the sales price went to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and this newlywed will have a downpayment for a home in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Add to that a life-changing experience and rounds of special appearances.  Not bad for a ball caught while visiting the snack bar at a ball game.

 

 

www.ebay.com

 

www.goldenpalace.com

 

Learning How to Fire A Gun/Self Defense and Fire Arms Options – Tasers and Gun Safety

By Joyce Chow

 

Beginning with the premise that having a gun and not knowing how to use it properly is more dangerous than not having a gun, I began my training with Ruel, a consultant for Entreprise Arms. 

 

My prior experience with the Buzz Lightyear ride at Disneyland didn’t quite count.  Nor do video game shooting experiences.  We started from the beginning. 

 

Safety was stressed every step of the way.

 

We traveled to Burro Canyon Shooting Range in Azusa in the Angeles National Forest, which is currently under expansion.  The sound of various types of shots being fired  could be heard echoing through the canyon. 

 

Prior to even bringing out the guns, I was given ear muffs to block the sound and was wearing sunglasses for eye protection. 

 

The first gun I was introduced to was a 9 mm out of the box, another 9 mm tuned for competitive shooting, and then a 45 with a laser.  The numbers correspond to the bullet size with the metric measurement being of European origination while the 45 was an American measurement, which didn’t seem quite as large as I imagined.   

 

Ruel instructed me to the proper way to stand, hold the gun and utilize the site to target accurately.  Gripping the hand gun, I locked it in between both hands as they pulled in opposing directions while the index finger remained loose to pull the trigger.  Each of the guns felt entirely different.  The trigger, the kick, the way it felt in my hand. 

 

When my grip changed a bit, the gun vibrated in my hand as the energy from pulling the trigger traveled through to my arms. 

 

With each pull of the trigger, I became more confident as I knew what to expect.  The kick no longer surprised me. 

 

Prior to my next encounter, I’ll strengthen my wrists and be prepared for a bath to loosen up the infrequently used muscles in my shoulders. 

 

 

 
Self Defense and Fire Arms Options – Tasers and Gun Safety

 

 

“Why do you want to buy a gun?” is one of the first questions you’ll be asked when you walk into a gun store and ask to buy one.

 

Having a gun and not knowing how to use it is more dangerous than not having a gun.  

 

Prior to embarking on the entire training process of gun ownership, I wondered about other options besides pepper spray and martial arts or self defense classes. 

 

Ruel, a consultant for Entreprise Arms, directed me to a Taser at Turner’s Outdoorsman.  Using compressed nitrogen, two small probes are projected and an electrical signal is transmitted where the probes make contact with the body or clothing. 

 

Unlike a gun, where some may feel reluctance to use, the Taser does not have the same associations attached, and when used is painful and can incapacitate.  We’ve heard that once shown a Taser, many will surrender, knowing that there is not the same hesitation as a gun.  The initial cost of nearly $1000 for the Taser is probably a main reason this self defense tool is not more popular by the general public.

 

The Taser is shaped similar to a gun, and in your hand, may be confused as such…giving others, including law enforcement officials,  a reason to shoot. 

 

Looking back at the guns, Ruel directed me to a shooting range where I might be able to try various types of guns.  By doing that, I would be able to get the feel of various types of guns which would further assist in narrowing down the choices. 

 

Safety was stressed each step of the way.  Following are basic gun safety rules from the State of California’s Office of the Attorney General, Firearms Division.
THE SIX BASIC GUN SAFETY RULES

 

There are six basic gun safety rules for gun owners to understand and practice at all times:

 

  1. Treat all guns as if they are loaded. Always assume that a gun is loaded even if you think it is unloaded. Every time a gun is handled for any reason, check to see that it is unloaded. If you are unable to check a gun to see if it is unloaded, leave it alone and seek help from someone more knowledgeable about guns.

     

  2. Keep the gun pointed in the safest possible direction. Always be aware of where a gun is pointing. A "safe direction" is one where an accidental discharge of the gun will not cause injury or damage. Only point a gun at an object you intend to shoot. Never point a gun toward yourself or another person.

     

  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Always keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. Even though it may be comfortable to rest your finger on the trigger, it also is unsafe. If you are moving around with your finger on the trigger and stumble or fall, you could inadvertently pull the trigger. Sudden loud noises or movements can result in an accidental discharge because there is a natural tendency to tighten the muscles when startled. The trigger is for firing and the handle is for handling.

     

  4. Know your target, its surroundings and beyond. Check that the areas in front of and behind your target are safe before shooting. Be aware that if the bullet misses or completely passes through the target, it could strike a person or object. Identify the target and make sure it is what you intend to shoot. If you are in doubt, DON'T SHOOT! Never fire at a target that is only a movement, color, sound or unidentifiable shape. Be aware of all the people around you before you shoot.

     

  5. Know how to properly operate your gun. It is important to become thoroughly familiar with your gun. You should know its mechanical characteristics including how to properly load, unload and clear a malfunction from your gun. Obviously, not all guns are mechanically the same. Never assume that what applies to one make or model is exactly applicable to another. You should direct questions regarding the operation of your gun to your firearms dealer, or contact the manufacturer directly.

     

  6. Store your gun safely and securely to prevent unauthorized use. Guns and ammunition should be stored separately. When the gun is not in your hands, you must still think of safety. Use a California-approved firearms safety device on the gun, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, so it cannot be fired. Store it unloaded in a locked container, such as a California-approved lock box or a gun safe. Store your gun in a different location than the ammunition. For maximum safety you should use both a locking device and a storage container.

     

 

 

August 04, 2006

Entertainment, Arts, Fashion & Technology

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

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

  (C)MBN 2006

Content is King

 

Edited by William Hoehne & Joyce L. Chow

To come here you have to be able to read.

Monte says to ability to read is the most powerful weapon in the world

MBN®

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news

 

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

sales@montebubbles.net

 

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

 

(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.

First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX and NBC and now there is MBN ® Now associate with Mounte Broadcasting Network

( MBN unofficially the sixth largest supplier

of NEWS by and American company

averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

 

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

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

 

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

 

More exciting changes coming each day

Sean 'Diddy' Combs Unleashes the World's 50 Most Unforgivable on the French Riviera Diddy and Sean John Fragrances Commemorate the #1 Success of 'Unforgivable' with a Two-Day Celebration in St. Tropez, France

Graceland to Celebrate Elvis Week 2006 August 8-16 The nine-day celebration of the late superstar's life is held throughout the city of Memphis with numerous events and charity benefits, culminating in the annual Candlelight Vigil on August 15th attended by thousands. This year also commemorates the Golden Anniversary of his 'break out year' of 1956.

'Here It Goes Again,' OK Go's Latest Homemade Video (on Treadmills) Added by VH1 Simon Malls Are Hot Venue for Rising Stars Like Singer Mya, MTV's Cheyenne, Girl Group Cherish, Others New Barry Manilow Album, THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES, Arrives in Stores October 31st on Arista Records Atari Scoops Double Nomination at 2006 MTV Video Music Awards - 'Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure' and 'Driver: Parallel Lines' Nominated for Best Video Game Soundtrack - CN8, The Comcast Network Receives 40 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Nominations and Special Achievement for Station Excellence Network Celebrates 10th Anniversary Year with Nominations Across Diverse Categories

GSN, the Network That First Brought Live Participation TV to America, Adds Another Night to Successful 'PLAYMANIA' Block Google's Official Video Blog Declares Beet.TV is 'Shaking Things Up' - and Bestows Five Star Rating 'Sky High at the Top of the Trop' $25,000 Exclusive Party Package for Beachfront Air Show Paddy Power to Double Prize Fund at World Strip Poker Championship if Winner Donates All to Charity! USN's 'Ultimate Shopping Network' Records Largest Daily Coin Sales Ever With First Strike, 24 Karat American Buffalo Gold Coins MAXUM Games and Marvel Comics collaborate on R.H. Stavis' Demons of Mercy 'Barnyard' Uses Sun Technology for Groundbreaking Computer-Generated Animation Attendee Update: World Premiere of STEP UP

 

___________________________________________

 

 

Sean 'Diddy' Combs Unleashes the World's 50 Most Unforgivable on the French Riviera Diddy and Sean John Fragrances Commemorate the #1 Success of 'Unforgivable' with a Two-Day Celebration in St. Tropez, France

To celebrate the success of Sean Diddy Combs' Unforgivable Fragrance in North America and the UK, Estee Lauder and the international pop icon hosted a private, celebrity-filled dinner in St. Tropez aboard the Unforgivable Yacht (a.k.a The R.M. Elegant) followed by an after-affair at VIPs in St. Tropez. Mr. Combs also relocated his infamous White Party from the sands of the Hamptons to Nikki Beach in St. Tropez.

 

The dinner, held on an extravagant 300-foot private yacht, the R.M. Elegant, was an ultra-exclusive affair for 50 of the most Unforgivable people in the world, hand-picked by Mr. Combs. Following the dinner, the Unforgivable 50 were whisked from the yacht, in tenders, to an after-affair at VIPs with a luxe, leather gift box adorned with gold embossing containing the Unforgivable Eau de Toilette, After-Shave Balm, and After-Shave Pour. Attendees at Diddy's 50 Most Unforgivable included, Kim Porter, Penelope Cruz, John Demsey (President Sean John Fragrances), John Galliano, Anne Hathaway, Russell Simmons, Paris Hilton, Stavros Niarchos, Angie Everhart, Sarah Ferguson, Victoria Silvstedt, Tasha de Vasconcelos, Buzz Aldrin, George Hamilton, Ivana and Ivanka Trump, Terry Allen Kramer, Nabila Khashoggi, May Andersen, Janice Combs, Matthew Mellon, Serena Boardman, Nelle Hooper, Ron Burkle and Brandon Davis, among others.

To recuperate after a long night of partying, Diddy hosted his White Party at Nikki Beach in St. Tropez. Here guests relaxed and soaked in the St. Tropez sun while sitting atop their limited-edition Unforgivable towels and indulging in all-American BBQ fare and ice cream.

Unforgivable was launched in North America in February of 2006 and reached number one status in record-breaking time. The North American success was mirrored in the UK where it launched at Selfridges in June 2006 and enjoyed one of the biggest launches in the history of Selfridges. Unforgivable and the future of the brand continue to look promising with its upcoming international launch in the Spring 2007.

The Sean John Unforgivable scent exudes the energy, sexiness and elegance of Sean Combs. As an aficionado of scents himself, Sean Combs personally selected only the most premium and luxurious ingredients for his signature fragrance. The notes blend a combination of breathtaking, addictive and slightly dangerous essences.

The Unforgivable fragrance is available at Department and Specialty Stores across America and Canada. Suggested Retail Price for Sean John Unforgivable is $55.00 USD for 2.5 OZ and $75.00 USD for 4.2 OZ. In the UK Unforgivable is available at Selfridges with a suggested retail price of 35 pounds Sterling for 75 ML and 45 pounds for 125 ML.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graceland to Celebrate Elvis Week 2006 August 8-16 The nine-day celebration of the late superstar's life is held throughout the city of Memphis with numerous events and charity benefits, culminating in the annual Candlelight Vigil on August 15th attended by thousands. This year also commemorates the Golden Anniversary of his 'break out year' of 1956.

Each year since Elvis' death in 1977, thousands of people from around the world have gathered at his home, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee to celebrate his life in a week of events now known as Elvis Week. This year's Elvis Week not only celebrates the life of Elvis Presley, but also commemorates the Golden Anniversary of his "break out year" of 1956 -- the year in which he released his first RCA single, made his first television appearances, released his first movie and achieved other career benchmarks.

Elvis Week (http://www.elvis.com/elvisweek/2006/ew_events.asp ) 2006 runs from August 8th-16th. For a complete, detailed list of events visit http://www.elvis.com/ .

The week is filled with numerous and varied activities such as the Annual Elvis Art Contest & Exhibit, 2006 Elvis Film Festival, Elvis Week Dance Party, Elvis Presley International Art Show and a special Graceland Scavenger Hunt.

Official Elvis Insiders (http://www.elvisinsiders.com/ ) club members from around the world gather for the Official Elvis Insiders Conference. Also returning this year is the annual Elvis Trivia Contest and the 24th Annual Elvis Presley International 5K Run and Fun Walk, benefiting United Cerebral Palsy.

The first ever EPE Elvis Tribute Artist Showcase is on Friday, August 11 and the Elvis Week Concert featuring Terry Mike Jeffrey with The Imperials takes place on Saturday the 12th.

The annual Candlelight Vigil is Tuesday, August 15th. This is the largest Elvis Week event when thousands of fans walk up to Elvis' grave carrying a candle in quiet remembrance.

 

'Here It Goes Again,' OK Go's Latest Homemade Video (on Treadmills) Added by VH1 OK Go's 'Invincible' Slated as Theme Song for NCAA Saturday Night Primetime Football on ABC OK Go's 'Do What You Want' Featured in National JC Penny Ad Campaign

Here they go again -- the ever-inventive men of OK Go have lensed another highly entertaining, low budget video to accompany their latest single from 2005's Oh No. In "Here It Goes Again" the quartet perform a synchronized treadmill routine -- and although no one was hospitalized during the making of this video, fans be forewarned, you may not want to try this at home. It is considerably trickier than the band's "A Million Ways" dance. VH1 (today it was #11 in The V Spot's Top 20 Countdown after only being on the channel for a short time) and FUSE have already added the new video, and in it's first two days on YouTube, the clip has been viewed over a staggering half million times and landed the titles of "most commented" and "most favorite." Yahoo's "The 9" also included it in their countdown yesterday. And, Technorati has the video rated as one of the most popular videos linked by blogs. Check out the video for "Here It Goes Again," on youTube.com or at:

Windows Media: http://doiop.com/okgo/higa/wm

Real: http://doiop.com/okgo/higa/real

Quicktime: http://doiop.com/okgo/higa/qt

 

With more than 9 million downloads thus far, OK Go's "A Million Ways" is the most downloaded video in music history. It launched the biggest music group to date on www.youtube.com, creating a viral sensation that garnered features in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR's "All Things Considered" and VH1's "Best Week Ever." While OK Go took "A Million Ways" to the airwaves, appearing on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Good Morning America, "Last Call with Carson Daly" and Fox's "MAD TV," everyone from Filipino schoolgirls to an Irish radio morning show team were busy posting their own versions of the dance on youtube.com, a phenomenon that inspired the band to create the OK Go Dances With You(Tube) Contest, in which hundreds of fans have sent in versions of the dance in hopes of winning a shot at performing live with the band. http://youtube.com/group/okgodance

OK Go's "A Million Ways," which was shot in their backyard for a mere $4.99 (the price of a videotape), will be screened later this month at the prestigious Edinburgh International Independent Film Festival and OK Go will perform with The Automatic at the associated Fringe Festival.

The band performs "Do What You Want," another hit single from Oh No, in television commercials for JC Penney's national back-to-school ad campaign and "Invincible" has been tapped to be a theme song for the NCAA Saturday Night Primetime Football games airing on ABC this fall. OK Go will perform on the Pontiac Garage stage in New York's Times Square as part of the NCAA Saturday Night Primetime Football launch event this month. They'll also play a special show in their newly adopted hometown of Los Angeles on August 29th at Safari Sam's as part of the Hollywood club's "Check Yo' Ponytail" series.

Upon its release last August, Alternative Press said "all 13 tunes on Oh No could rule rock radio" while Entertainment Weekly described it as "fresh slices of power-chord sunshine" and Time Magazine concluded that "A Million Ways" was "the catchy song of the summer." The album debuted at #1 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart (as did their 2002 self-titled debut). In the intervening year, OK Go -- comprised of Damian Kulash (vocals, guitar), Tim Nordwind (bass), Dan Konopka (drums) and Andy Ross (guitar, keyboards) -- have toured with Panic! At The Disco, She Wants Revenge, Kaiser Chiefs and numerous others. OK Go will tour Europe with Motion City Soundtrack this September. Dates for a fall headlining tour of the States will be announced shortly.

Source: Capitol Records LA

 

 

 

 

 

Simon Malls Are Hot Venue for Rising Stars Like Singer Mya, MTV's Cheyenne, Girl Group Cherish, Others Simon DTour Live Combines Singing Sensations and Teen Entertainment

Teens will soon be flocking to 23 Simon malls around the country as Simon Brand Ventures, the business-to-consumer arm of Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) launches Simon DTour Live(R), a free live concert series featuring the hottest emerging singing talent, teen-oriented entertainment and retail brands.

Now in its fourth year, Simon DTour Live has become a premier destination for hot musical talent. The event gives teens firsthand access to today's rising stars and an opportunity to experience some of today's hottest retail brands through interactive games, giveaways, and prizes.

Simon DTour Live is a proprietary teen marketing program and the cornerstone of Simon's teen platform, which integrates tailored brand sponsorships with exciting and interactive entertainment, events and concerts.

It also is a highly successful example of Simon Brand Ventures' strategy of engaging consumers and retailers with a fully integrated multi-media and experiential experience, according to Cathi Weiner, senior vice president - Business Development for Simon Brand Ventures.

"Teens visit Simon Malls an average of nearly five times per month, so it makes sense that our malls are a sought after destination for the hottest retail brands," Ms. Weiner said. "With the growing popularity of Simon DTour Live, we also have become a top venue for today's hottest singing talent because the tour connects today's rising stars with their target audiences and has firmly established this event as a highly successful marriage of teens, shopping and entertainment," she added.

Artists on this year's tour include the family harmonies of girl group Cherish; the high-energy power of Mya; the insistent rock and bluesy tones of Cheyenne; the raw acoustic power of New York singer-songwriter Matt White; the inspiring beat of The Summer Obsession; the adrenaline-pumping Jonas Brothers; the searing octaves of Paula DeAnda; and the deliciously eclectic style of Latina star Natalie.

The major highlight of each Simon DTour Live national tour stop will be a live performance by one or more of the featured artists. In addition to the main stage performances, Simon DTour Live also will offer teens the chance to check out the latest games, gizmos, fashions and premiums, including:

* ACUVUE(R) "Truth Booth" - Participants will have the opportunity to

share and record their very own defining moments -- from first day

of school jitters ... to trying out for a coveted spot on a team ... to

taking the dreaded road test and more. They can also enter their

stories online at an ACUVUE computer kiosk for a chance to star in an

ACUVUE ad. Plus, participants can create lasting memories in the

"Reveal the Real You/Clean and Clear" photo booth as well as receive a

customized henna tattoo.

ACUVUE will also distribute HYDRACLEAR(TM) TOUCH samples, cool new

swatch-sized pieces of material that simulate the actual feel of an

ACUVUE contact lens.

* Fanta - Fanta is bringing the beach to the mall this year and providing

free beverage samples. Additionally, teens will have the opportunity

to play tropical-related video games and receive Fanta branded

premiums, such as beach bags and lip balm.

* SCREAM Tour - Simon DTour Live at 10 Simon malls will be one of the

venues for the first round of SCREAM Tour's "R U The Next SCREAM Star?"

auditions, with co-hosts Da Brat and the official SCREAM Tour DJ, DJ

Jus. Every hour, top ranking contestants from the SCREAM Star booth

will be chosen to audition on the Fanta main stage in front of a panel

of nationally known judges selected by SCREAM Tour. Contestants will

be competing for the chance to perform on this year's SCREAM Tour V, a

management agreement with Mauldin Brand Agency and a national recording

contract with a major record label.

* So ... ? Fragrance with Attitude - The hottest teen fragrance in the UK

has made its way to the USA. Meet the Simon DTour So ... ? girls for

your free sample. The So ... ? collection includes So ... ? Kiss Me,

So ... ? Desirable, and So ... ? Wild. Check out

http://www.sofragrance.com/ for product details.

The tour launches August 5 in Garden City, NY and wraps up October 14 in the Atlanta area after visiting a total of 23 Simon malls throughout the country.

Simon will support Simon DTour Live with radio, peer-to-peer viral marketing, email blasts to artist fan databases and DTour banners on teen- related websites as well as websites of the singing artists, their record labels and http://myspace.com/ .

Additional information about Simon DTour Live and event schedule are located at http://www.simon.com/ .

About Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group, Inc., an S&P 500 company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership, development and management of retail real estate, primarily regional malls, Premium Outlet(R) centers and community/lifestyle centers. The Company's current total market capitalization is approximately $42 billion. Through its subsidiary partnership, it currently owns or has an interest in 284 properties in the United States containing an aggregate of 200 million square feet of gross leasable area in 38 states plus Puerto Rico. Simon also owns interests in 52 European shopping centers in France, Italy, and Poland; 5 Premium Outlet centers in Japan; and one Premium Outlet center in Mexico. Additional Simon Property Group information is available at http://www.simon.com/ . Simon Property Group, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG.

About Simon Brand Ventures

Simon Brand Ventures (SBV), Simon's business-to-consumer arm, has pioneered the transformation of shopping malls into a medium where consumer brands can build one-on-one relationships with shoppers who make approximately 2.4 billion visits to Simon malls each year. Simon's vast franchise of market-leading shopping centers nationwide provides SBV the foundation to monetize the distribution system through numerous consumer ventures. SBV has engaged in a number of consumer business initiatives, including the Simon Giftcard(R), launch of Simon platform programs such as Simon Kidgits Club(R), Simon Super Chefs Live!(R), Simon DTour Live(R), and Simon Evening of Giving(R); a national media delivery channel including static, digital and experiential marketing and advertising vehicles; and multiple national and local marketing alliances with Coca-Cola, Visa U.S.A. and Cingular Wireless, among others.

Source: Simon Property Group, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

New Barry Manilow Album, THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES, Arrives in Stores October 31st on Arista Records Follow-Up to RIAA Platinum #1 Album, THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE FIFTIES 13 classics from the '60s - 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling' (Righteous Brothers), 'And I Love Her' (The Beatles), 'This Guy's In Love With You' (Herb Alpert), 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' (Frankie Valli), 'When I Fall In Love' (The Letterman), 'What The World Needs Now Is Love' (Jackie DeShannon), 'Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime' (Dean Martin), 'Blue Velvet' (Bobby Vinton), 'Can't Help Falling In Love' (Elvis Presley), 'Strangers in the Night' (Frank Sinatra), 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head' (Burt Bacharach), 'There's A Kind of Hush (All Over The World)' (Herman's Hermits), and 'Cherish'/'Windy' (The Association)

Arista recording artist Barry Manilow has completed THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES, and it will arrive in stores on October 31st.

With the spectacular success of its predecessor, the RIAA platinum #1 album THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE FIFTIES still resounding across the country and around the world six months after its release, news of its eagerly anticipated follow-up album is sending fireworks through Barry Manilow fansites everywhere.

THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES once again marks a reunion between Manilow and Clive Davis, Arista founder and BMG U.S. Chairman & CEO. The two produced THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE FIFTIES together, and that magic has carried over to the new album as well.

Special pre-order campaigns at the http://www.manilow.com/ website and at Amazon will ensure fans of receiving the new album in its very first week of release.

Each song on THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES is a classic in its own right -- from his remake of the Righteous Brothers "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" (1965) to the Beatles' "And I Love Her" (1964), to Herb Alpert's "This Guy's In Love With You" (1968), the Lettermen's "When I Fall In Love" (1962) and Burt Bacharach's "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" (1969). Like the marvelous musical decade of the '60s itself, the album covers many genres, from its recollection of Herman's Hermits' "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over The World)"(1967), to Bobby Vinton's "Blue Velvet" (1963), to Jackie DeShannon's "What The World Needs Now Is Love" (1965). Manilow also pays tribute to some of America's greatest singers, whose memories are evoked on songs that are forever associated with them, including Dean Martin on "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime" (1964) and Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (1967). Two artists whose legacies were recalled on THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE FIFTIES are again paid homage on the new album, namely Elvis Presley with "Can't Help Falling In Love" (1962) and Frank Sinatra with "Strangers In The Night" (1966). One of the highlights of the album is a great duet with The Association of their two #1 hits "Cherish" (1966) and "Windy" (1967).

For Manilow, THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES punctuates one of the most successful years of his entire career, a year that began with the January 31st release of THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE FIFTIES. After his surprise appearance at Clive Davis' annual Pre-Grammy bash in Beverly Hills the following week, the album went on to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart -- the first #1 debut of Manilow's career, and his first #1 album since 1977's triple-platinum double-LP Barry Manilow/Live. And the year continues getting better for Manilow, having received his 5th Emmy nomination for the PBS Special, "Manilow: Music and Passion," for which he celebrated his 100th show. Produced by Stiletto Television, the DVD went triple platinum.

With worldwide sales exceeding 75 million, Barry Manilow is ranked as the top Adult Contemporary chart artist of all time, according to R&R (Radio & Records); with no less than 25 consecutive top 40 hits to his credit between 1975 and 1983, on the Billboard Hot 100. Among these are songs that are now part of the standard songbook, including "Mandy," "It's a Miracle," "Could It Be Magic," "I Write the Songs," "Looks Like We Made It," "Can't Smile Without You," "Copacabana (At the Copa)," "Somewhere In the Night," "Ships," and "I Made It Through the Rain.

With THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES Barry Manilow pays a loving and welcome tribute to some of the songs that inspired him to become one of the most beloved performers in pop music of the past three decades.

Barry Manilow: THE GREATEST SONGS OF THE SIXTIES (tentative track listing)

"Cherish" (1966)/"Windy" (1967) (medley duet with The Association)

"Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (1967)

"Can't Help Falling In Love" (1962)

"There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over The World)" (1967)

"And I Love Her" (1964)

"Blue Velvet" (1963)

"Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" (1969)

"This Guy's In Love With You" (1968)

"Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime" (1964)

"You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" (1965)

"When I Fall In Love" (1962)

"Strangers In The Night" (1966)

"What The World Needs Now Is Love" (1965)

Source: Arista Records

 

 

 

 

 

 

Atari Scoops Double Nomination at 2006 MTV Video Music Awards - 'Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure' and 'Driver: Parallel Lines' Nominated for Best Video Game Soundtrack -

Atari, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATAR) , one of the world's most recognized brands and leading third-party video game publishers, celebrated the announcement that two of its recent video game soundtracks have been nominated for Best Video Game Soundtrack at MTV's prestigious Video Music Awards scheduled to be broadcast globally on Thursday August 31, 2006.

Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure was released globally in February 2006 with a soundtrack featuring an eclectic array of original and licensed music. Four original tracks were executively co-produced by Sean 'Diddy' Combs, including an exclusive version of Notorious B.I.G.'s "Who Shot Ya," remixed by Serj from the band System of a Down. Other Diddy-produced tracks include "Clik, Clak, and Spray" from Pack FM, "Book of Judges" from Pharoahe Monch and "Getting Up Anthem: Part 1," performed by Talib Kweli, the voice of the game's lead character, Trane, and legendary Hip-Hop artist Rakim. Celebrated artist and producer RJD2 composed the in-game music, and the RZA, critically acclaimed leader of Wu-Tang Clan, composed an exclusive remix for one of the game's cinematic videos.

Released in March 2006, Driver: Parallel Lines featured over 70 licensed tracks which bridged the two gameplay eras of 1978 and 2006 with effortless cool. Working with Nimrod Productions Ltd, one of the most established audio production companies in the video game industry, Atari secured the services of world-renowned artists including Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, Suicide, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arthur Baker, Mylo, Paul Oakenfold and the Audio Bullys to produce brand new music exclusively for Driver: Parallel Lines. The game also boasted a remarkable line up of licensed music with David Bowie, Blondie, Iggy Pop, WAR, The Temptations, Funkadelic, Marvin Gaye, Parliament, and Average White Band amongst those scoring the 1978 gameplay era, and bands including The Roots, LCD Soundsystem, TV on the Radio, Kaiser Chiefs, Secret Machines, and The Dead 60's lending their sounds to the New York cityscape of 2006.

MTV's Video Music Awards are scheduled to be broadcast globally on Thursday 31 August 2006. For more information about Atari's entire product line up visit www.atari.com.

About Atari

New York-based Atari, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATAR) develops interactive games for all platforms and is one of the largest third-party publishers of interactive entertainment software in the U.S. The Company's 1,000+ titles include hard- core, genre-defining franchises such as The Matrix(TM) (Enter The Matrix and The Matrix: Path of Neo) and Test Drive(R); and mass-market and children's franchises such as Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues(TM) and Dora the Explorer(TM), and Dragon Ball Z(R). Atari, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of France- based Infogrames Entertainment SA (Euronext - ISIN: FR-0000052573), the largest interactive games publisher in Europe. For more information, visit www.atari.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

With the exception of the historical information contained in this release, the matters described herein contain certain "forward-looking statements" that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this release are not promises or guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. We caution you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein. Some of the factors which could cause our results to differ materially include the following: the loss of key customers, such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, GameStop and EB Games; delays in product development and related product release schedules; inability to secure capital; adapting to the rapidly changing industry technology, including new console technology; maintaining relationships with leading independent video game software developers; maintaining or acquiring licenses to intellectual property; fluctuations in the Company's quarterly net revenues and results of operations based on the seasonality of our industry; the termination or modification of our agreements with hardware manufacturers; and other factors described in our SEC filings.

The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the Company's expectations.

All rights reserved. ATARI, the ATARI logo, and classic Atari game titles and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Atari Interactive, Inc. or its affiliates.

Source: Atari, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CN8, The Comcast Network Receives 40 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Nominations and Special Achievement for Station Excellence Network Celebrates 10th Anniversary Year with Nominations Across Diverse Categories

-- CN8, The Comcast Network received 40 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award nominations at an event held August 3 in Philadelphia, earning the most for any cable network and the second highest for any network in the Mid-Atlantic region. CN8 and its founder, Comcast Cable Eastern Division president Michael Doyle, and Jon Gorchow, vice president and general manager, were also recognized with a "Station Excellence" honor for excellence in overall station operations. The awards nominations come as CN8 prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary with expansion to more than two million additional viewers, a new studio location in the nation's capital, and a new programming lineup of more live, original programming than ever before, set to launch on September 5.

"CN8's founding vision was to create meaningful, live, interactive programming that would make a difference in people's lives," said Michael Doyle, founder of CN8 and president, Comcast Cable Eastern Division. "Last night's awards confirm that we are meeting this mission, and pay tribute to our network's team of some of the brightest, most creative individuals both in front of the cameras and behind-the-scenes. As we move into the next decade of CN8's growth, we will not rest on our laurels -- we will continue to work to get better and to deliver programming that is relevant to our viewers and not offered by traditional networks."

Highlights of the 40 Emmy Nominations include recognition of CN8's marquee original programs, with three nominations for "Money Matters Today," and two each for "It's Your Call with Lynn Doyle" and "Seeking Solutions with Suzanne," along with nominations for "Nitebeat" and "Out of Bounds." Arthur Fennell, CN8 news anchor and host of the upcoming "Art Fennell Reports," was nominated for Craft Achievement in the category of Anchor-News, and reporter Nicole Fox earned recognition for Craft Achievement in the Reporter-Features/Human Interest category.

Categorically, CN8 Sports earned nine nominations for its exclusive coverage of regional events, "CN8 News" received six nominations, CN8 Creative Services earned kudos for six submissions of various promotional and graphic works, and CN8 Special Programming received five nominations. A number of CN8 individuals were also recognized, including Barry Nolan, entertainment host; Sara Edwards, senior producer/entertainment reporter; Lou Tilley, sports host; Gregg Murphy, sports anchor/host; Mick Moninghoff and Rob Kennedy, sports play-by-play analysts; and Brian Gurry, host. With these honors, CN8 has now been recognized with 314 regional Emmy Award nominations since its inception in 1996.

"It is an honor to work with such talented individuals and a pleasure to see our original shows and dedicated employees recognized by our colleagues and peers," said Jon Gorchow, CN8 vice president and general manager. "When Mike Doyle founded the network 10 years ago, many doubted its long-term potential -- it is rewarding to know that CN8 is now recognized nationally and that it continues to exceed even our own expectations."

CN8 is the nation's largest and most recognized regional 24-hour cable network, producing live interactive issues-oriented, political, sports and entertainment programming. Over the past decade, CN8 has expanded to reach almost nine million homes throughout the Northeast corridor, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Maine. By the end of 2006, CN8 will launch in Washington, D.C., and parts of North Carolina, West Virginia, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

The regional Emmy Awards, now in their 24th year, recognize excellence in news, programming and individual achievement in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The awards, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, will be presented September 9 in Philadelphia. This year's competition has prizes for seven new categories, including one honoring general managers for station excellence.

About CN8, The Comcast Network

CN8, The Comcast Network (http://www.cn8.tv/) is owned and operated by Comcast Cable Communications, Inc., a division of Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA; CMCSK), the country's leading cable and broadband services provider. CN8 has quickly become one of the nation's largest and most honored regional 24-hour diversified television networks -- serving more than 9 million cable homes on the East Coast. The network provides quality, locally produced programming in four main areas: live, interactive television; regional news; entertainment; and coverage of high school, college and professional sports. CN8 has been nominated for 314 regional Emmy Awards.

Source: CN8, The Comcast Network

 

 

 

 

 

GSN, the Network That First Brought Live Participation TV to America, Adds Another Night to Successful 'PLAYMANIA' Block Starting August 27, Sundays Will Be Added to the PLAYMANIA Late Night Block Series' Addition Will Kick Off With Tribute to the Big TV Awards Weekend

GSN, the network for games, is proud to add a fourth night to its successful live participation TV franchise PLAYMANIA, the first of its kind to air in the United States. PLAYMANIA premiered April 6 and has seen tremendous growth in its Thursday through Saturday (1:00-3:00 AM ET/10:00-Midnight PT*) air schedule, which will expand to include Sundays starting August 27; it was announced today by Rich Cronin, president and CEO of GSN.

The addition of Sunday nights falls on the same evening as television's Emmy Awards show, so PLAYMANIA will pay homage to the television world all weekend with TV-themed games and puzzles, increased prize values, guest celebrity visits and more, starting Thursday, August 24.

"As the network for games and the industry's interactive leader, we're proud to have been the first channel in America to offer live participation TV game shows," said Cronin. "This format has proven to be very successful in Europe, and we see it playing a large role in interactive television in the United States."

"Since PLAYMANIA's April premiere, we have experienced 300% growth in participation. Much of this success is due to the fact that the GSN audience loves to play games," said John P. Roberts, Senior Vice President of Digital Media and Interactive Entertainment. "This announcement is just the beginning ... we have many upcoming innovations that will thrill our growing community of self-proclaimed 'PlayManiacs'."

PLAYMANIA is a live interactive game show where viewers become contestants, playing a multitude of interactive word games, number games and puzzles. Hosted by LINGO co-host and former Miss USA Shandi Finnessey, and by British QUIZNATION star Mel Peachy, PLAYMANIA gives viewers the opportunity to compete for cash and prizes up to $5,000 by text messaging or going online to gsn.com.

PLAYMANIA is produced by GSN in conjunction with Optimistic Entertainment.

Optimistic, Optimistic Entertainment develops, produces and distributes interactive TV content and IP for its own and third party networks. Recent shows and commissions include "Flipside TV," "Pop the Q," "Celebrity Soup" and "Play Sudoku." The company was established in 2002 by Jasper Smith and David Brook. Further information on Optimistic Entertainment can be found at www.oeplc.com

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming and interactive game playing. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN features over 133 hours per week of interactive programming, which allows viewers a chance to win prizes by playing along with GSN's televised games via GSN.com. Now reaching more than 60 million Nielsen homes, GSN is distributed in the U.S. through all major cable systems and satellite providers. The network is jointly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Liberty Media Corporation. For further media information, visit GSN's press website at corp.gsn.com.

-GSN-

Source: GSN

 

 

 

 

Google's Official Video Blog Declares Beet.TV is 'Shaking Things Up' - and Bestows Five Star Rating TypePad and Media Survey Also Give Kudos to New Vlog

Google's Official Video Blog profiled the work of Beet.TV and provided a sample clip along with a five star rating.

The Google Video Blog celebrates the "creativity" of its many contributors who upload video. Beet.TV uses Google as a tool to upload and publish video.

According to the Google citation:

"Beet.TV, the self-styled 'root of the media revolution,' is shaking things up. With all that's changing in the world of online media, you can count on beet to be covering it."

Beet.TV covers online video, social networking and their implications for society and business. Launched in late March, it is published daily by Plesser Holland, a boutique public relations firm with offices in New York and Washington, D.C.

It is among the very first "business-to-business" video blogs -- meaning a video blog that covers only a particular industry sector. The publisher is also creating video blogs for other companies and institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Fordham University.

Last month, Beet.TV was honored as "site of the day" by TypePad, the software company that hosts Beet.TV and millions of other blogs.

Another industry accolade came earlier this week in a profile in Sam Whitemore's Media Survey, an essential tech public relations resource:

"Would you bookmark a web site that, in recent weeks, offered bite-sized video interviews with Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes, YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley, Rocketboom co-founder Andrew Baron, analysts Charlene Li and Esther Dyson, and journalists Steven Levy, Dan Farber, David Carr, Tom Foremski, Rafat Ali, Mary Jo Foley, Larry Walsh, Len Apcar and Patrick Houston?

"Of course you would, which is why you should check out Beet.tv, a video blog produced by a nice guy named Andy Plesser. A former San Francisco rock concert promoter and CBS-TV associate producer, Plesser by day is a principal at Plesser Holland Associates, a Manhattan-based PR firm specializing in representing media brands (CNET Networks, Salon and PR Week among them). His agency also represents non-media clients, such as ING Direct."

Relevant links:

Beet.TV: http://www.beet.tv/

The history of Beet.TV: http://plesstv.blogs.com/beettv/7-12-06-news.htm

 

Google Video Citation: http://googlevideo.blogspot.com/2006/08/highlight-beettv.html

TypePad Citation: http://featured.typepad.com/blogs/2006/07/beet_tv.html

 

 

 

 

'Sky High at the Top of the Trop' $25,000 Exclusive Party Package for Beachfront Air Show

Get ready to fly sky high at the Top of the Trop at the Tropicana Casino and Resort which will host the ultimate, exclusive party for this year's largest air show, "Thunder Over the Boardwalk," on Wednesday, August 23. This premiere package, Sky High at the Top of the Trop, is available for up to 65 guests, costs $25,000 and includes an overnight stay.

Top of the Trop, located on the 20th Floor, is completely surrounded by glass, offering stunning panoramic views of the beach, boardwalk and the city. While watching all the action at eye level, guests will be treated to an exquisite meal, including Colossal Cocktail Shrimp, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Medallions of Maine Lobster, Top of the Trop Cheesesteaks (made with filet mignon), Jumbo Lump Mini Crab Cakes, Veal Oscar, Tuxedo Chocolate Strawberries, Fresh Fruit Fondue with Grand Marnier Whipped Cream, and topped off with cigars from Tinderbox Vino 100.

"Top of the Trop not only offers one of the city's most incredible views, but also provides superior service in a top-of-the-line setting," says Pamela J. Popielarski, president and general manager of Tropicana Casino and Resort. "Sky High at the Top of the Trop will offer an experience unlike any other in Atlantic City, creating the ultimate air show party package with a unique setting, superb dining and first-class accommodations that will continue to keep the Tropicana and The Quarter as the foremost party spot in AC."

The annual aerial spectacle will feature a combination of military and civilian demonstration teams, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, who will be celebrating their 60th anniversary, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Team. Throughout the day, planes will be roaring down the beach performing formation flying stunts and solo routines.

To book the private package, Sky High at the Top of the Trop, please call 609.340.4029.

Tropicana, the largest hotel in the state of New Jersey, provides visitors with more than 18 restaurants, capable of accommodating more than 5,000 diners, and offers three times the entertainment, shopping and spa options of any other hotel casino in Atlantic City. For more information, please visit the web site at http://www.tropicana.net/.

Source: Tropicana Casino and Resort

 

 

 

 

 

Paddy Power to Double Prize Fund at World Strip Poker Championship if Winner Donates All to Charity!

Bookmaker Paddy Power has pledged to double the GBP10,000 first prize in its forthcoming World Strip Poker Championship if the event is won by someone donating their winnings to charity. This would mean a whopping GBP20,000 payday for the winning charitable organisation.

The event, being held at the Cafe Royal, Regent Street, London on Saturday 19 August, is an attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the largest ever strip poker tournament.

Interest in taking part in the event has been so strong, with applicants across 15 countries, that the organiser is now looking to expand the event. A large percentage of those playing are doing so to raise funds for their favourite charities.

Spokesman Paddy Power said, "We don't want to disappoint anyone who wants to play and we've had a lot of interest from people willing to donate their winnings to charity so we thought we'd super-size the event and encourage people to cast off their clothes for charity."

Charities or their patrons interested in participating can register at www.paddypower.com/strippoker or contact pressoffice@paddypower.com

The winner of the event will also win a package worth approximately GBP3,000 to play in the Paddy Power Irish Poker Open, Dublin over Easter weekend 2007 where they will get a shot at the GBP1 million plus prize pool.

Event details:

When: 19 August 2006

Where: Cafe Royal, Regent Street, London, W1B 5EL

How: Register free to take part on www.paddypower.com/strippoker

Other: The tournament will be played in a fully hygienic and comfortable environment with professional dealers, tables and a tournament structure that will encourage lots of poker play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

USN's 'Ultimate Shopping Network' Records Largest Daily Coin Sales Ever With First Strike, 24 Karat American Buffalo Gold Coins Over $100,000 in Revenue Achieved in Just Three Hours on Sales of Over One Hundred Coins at $999 Each; Upcoming Show on Sunday, August 6 Offers Viewers Another Chance to Buy This Year's Most Collectible Coin

USN Corporation (BULLETIN BOARD: USNR) ("USN"), owner of the "Ultimate Shopping Network," announced today its largest daily coin sales ever with a show dedicated to the U.S. Mint's 24 Karat American Buffalo Gold coins. Selling over one hundred of the first strike, mint-state (MS) 70 American Buffalos in just three hours, USN garnered over $100,000 in sales while offering viewers one of the industry's lowest prices for the coins at just $999.

Based upon James Earle Fraser's design of the Buffalo Nickel issued between 1913 and 1938, the American Buffalos are the first 24K coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint and have been made in an extremely limited run of 300,000 total coins. USN will be hosting its next American Buffalo Gold coin show on Sunday, August 6, allowing viewers another opportunity to purchase this year's most collectible coin.

"Our success in selling over one hundred American Buffalos in just three hours is a testament to our broad reach to an audience of affluent customers," said Mark J. Miller, CEO of USN. "And at $999, we are selling these highly collectible coins for far less than most other outlets, which have the same first strike, MS 70 American Buffalos retailing anywhere from $1,099 to $1,199."

In addition to the first strike, MS-70 American Buffalos, USN has a variety of other American Buffalo Gold coins from first strike, MS-69s to the ultra-rare proof issue, first strike, PCGS-PR70DCAM, selling for $5,995. "Proof" coins are the rarest of the rare, made with special dies and struck multiple times to accent the design.

Reaching over 30 million aggregated U.S. households, USN sells upscale consumer products direct to the customer at value prices on DIRECTV Channel 345, Dish Network channel 223, and various cable and broadcast outlets. The Ultimate Shopping Network's 24/7 programming offers television's most luxurious shopping experience and the network is a rapidly growing player in the multi-billion dollar television commerce industry.

ABOUT USN CORP.

USN's wholly owned Ultimate Shopping Network is quickly becoming the luxury brand in television shopping. USN has positioned itself as television shopping's version of high-end retailing with a dedication to service, quality, integrity and luxury. Today, the Ultimate Shopping Network is broadcast to more than 30 million aggregated U.S. households on DIRECTV Channel 345, Dish Network 223, and various cable and broadcast outlets. The company also has an Internet shopping site, http://www.shopusn.com/, which offers customers many of the same upscale products seen by viewers on the network at very competitive price points.

Statements in this news release about anticipated or expected future revenue or growth or expressions of future goals or objectives, including statements regarding whether current plans to grow and strengthen the company's existing network will be implemented or accomplished, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this release. Any forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, or the benefits anticipated from the acquisition will not be realized. Additionally, forward-looking statements are based on current market conditions and risks, which may change as the result of certain regulatory, political or economic events, a shift in consumer preferences, as well as those risks and uncertainties described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the events or results described in the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Source: USN Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

MAXUM Games and Marvel Comics collaborate on R.H. Stavis' Demons of Mercy

Last weekend at San Diego's Comic-Con International, next generation developer MAXUM Games announced their newest Xbox 360 title, "Demons of Mercy" and premiered a new comic series based on the game by rising author R.H. Stavis. The comic story which is being produced in collaboration with and distributed by Marvel Comics was unveiled at the convention with an exclusive first issue printing.

"We are really excited about how we are enhancing the game by including exclusive hints and secret features within the comic series. We were also very lucky to find R.H. Stavis," said James Jacoby, game producer for MAXUM. "Her background with Tomb Raider, and her ability to create fantastic characters and daring storylines, made for the perfect match."

The comic and game center around a gorgeous assassin named Mercy Dawn. An orphan adopted by the mob and trained by the Yakuza, Mercy has returned to the United States seeking revenge. Instead, she finds herself caught in a vicious war between Heaven and Hell, and only she holds the key to humanity's salvation. "It's a wonderful challenge to be telling this story in two different ways: the concise, linear comic; and the broad, non-linear game. Fans will get the opportunity to see the same story in completely different mediums, with new information each time," says Stavis as she signs for fans at the con.

ABOUT MAXUM GAMES:

MAXUM Games, LLC is a Colorado based software entertainment company developing exclusively for next-generation gaming platforms. Since its inception in 2001, MAXUM has carefully studied the game industry in-depth, in preparation for hyper-realistic interactive entertainment. With the addition of "Real-Time Collaboration", innovative new technologies, and specialized studios, MAXUM is developing the best quality action, sci-fi, and fantasy videogames for the Next Generation market. http://www.maxumgames.com/

ABOUT R.H. STAVIS:

R.H. Stavis popularity expanded globally with the fictional work for the videogame heroine, Lara Croft. As a result of Tomb Raider's success, she has been interviewed by radio and television and has contributed articles in several writing magazines. Stavis has written over 25 short stories, novels, and screenplays including the controversial top selling book, "Daniel's Veil". http://www.rhstavis.com/

Source: MAXUM Games LLC

 

 

 

 

'Barnyard' Uses Sun Technology for Groundbreaking Computer-Generated Animation

-- Nickelodeon Movies' computer-animated movie "Barnyard," distributed by Paramount Pictures, which hits theaters nationwide today, features complex computer-generated animation that required unique and creative solutions from Sun Microsystems Inc. (NASDAQ:SUNW) . The film is Nickelodeon's most challenging animated film to date -- featuring vast landscapes with vivid details, realistic shading and lighting, and scenes that incorporate more than 200 characters that move with surprising fluidity -- the complex data requires more time-intensive computing. Leveraging a rendering farm based on Sun Fire(TM) servers and Sun StorageTek(TM) data management systems, "Barnyard's" artists were able to quickly identify incomplete scenes, make necessary edits, and manage finished shots. The complex scenes were executed using high-performance 64-bit computing solutions from Sun that revolutionized how computer-generated imagery (CGI) is created and managed.

"With a state-of-the-art computer-animated movie like 'Barnyard,' a seamless interaction between the technology and artist is essential to make the characters come to life," said executive producer Aaron Parry. "Sun raised the bar by providing the only solutions that met this challenge and exceeded business expectations."

"We were thrilled that Sun was able to come up with a solution for us," said executive producer Julia Pistor. "Steve Oedekerk had some very specific and complex ideas that he wanted to see up on the screen, and Sun was integral in helping Steve and his team realize them."

Sun provided a 620-node server farm and storage solution that was crucial in the completion of the complex animation required. The solution is based on Sun Fire x64 enterprise servers powered by AMD Opteron(TM) processors with Direct Connect Architecture, and 100-terabyte Sun StorageTek 3510 and 3511 FC arrays and a Sun StorageTek tape library for online storage and backup of shot files and other movie assets. Sun Customer Ready Systems helped migrate the production from its previous 32-bit render farm, and then configured, assembled and tested the new Sun render farm for the production. In addition, Sun provided continuous on-site consultation and support to the Barnyard production team.

"Barnyard's" producers believe their Sun solution may represent the first time a studio has relied entirely upon 64-bit technology to render a full-length animated movie.

"Animated movies are evolving rapidly, demanding more and more lifelike characters and scenes that are challenging artists, directors and the technology industry to create better CGI in faster and easier ways," said Pradeep Parmar, Sun's x64 product line business driver. "Sun is excited to meet these challenges with our expanded product line and range of service offerings."

About "Barnyard"

From Steve Oedekerk and Nickelodeon Movies, two of the co-creators of "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius," and filmed entirely in CGI, comes this hilarious look at what really happens in a barnyard when the farmer's back is turned. "Barnyard" is a lighthearted tale centering around Otis (voiced by Kevin James), a carefree party cow, who enjoys singing, dancing and playing tricks on humans. Unlike his father Ben (voiced by Sam Elliott), the respected patriarch of the farm, and Miles, the wise old mule (voiced by Danny Glover), Otis is unconcerned about keeping the animals' humanlike talents a secret. But when suddenly put in the position of responsibility, the "udderly" irresponsible cow finds the courage to become a leader.

Paramount Pictures presents in association with Nickelodeon Movies an O Entertainment production, a Steve Oedekerk film, "Barnyard." Written and directed by Steve Oedekerk, the film is produced by Steve Oedekerk and Paul Marshal. The executive producers are Julia Pistor and Aaron Parry. Animation production is by Omation Animation Studios. The film is rated PG for some mild peril and rude humor.

About Sun Microsystems

A singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer"(TM) -- guides Sun in the development of technologies that power the world's most important markets. Sun's philosophy of sharing innovation and building communities is at the forefront of the next wave of computing: the Participation Age. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the Web at sun.com .

NOTE: Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Java, StorageTek, Sun Fire, and The Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. AMD, Opteron, the AMD logo, and the AMD Opteron logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Attendee Update: World Premiere of STEP UP

Monday, August 7th at The ArcLight

WHO: From the film: Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan, Mario, Drew Sidora,

Damaine Radcliffe, De'Shawn Washington, Rachel

Griffiths, Josh Henderson, Tim Lacatena, Heavy D,

Alyson Stoner, Director Anne Fletcher, Producers

Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot, Erik Feig, Patrick

Wachsberger, Executive Producer Bob Hayward, Writers

Duane Adler and Melissa Rosenberg.

Special guests: Musical sensation Ciara from the film soundtrack,

Beau Bridges, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Kelis, So You

Think You Can Dance finalists, Julie Bowen ... and

more!

WHAT: To celebrate the Los Angeles Premiere of Touchstone Pictures

and Summit Entertainment's STEP UP.

WHEN: Monday, August 7th, 2006 WHERE: ArcLight Cinemas

5:00PM Press Arrivals 6360 Sunset Boulevard

6:00PM Celebrity Arrivals Hollywood

7:00PM Screening

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOD:DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE NEWS

Seal of the PentagonDOD IDENTIFIES ARMY CASUALTY The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Hai Ming Hsia, 37, of New York, N.Y., died Aug. 1 during combat operations in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. Hsia was assigned to the 6th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany

 

DOD IDENTIFIES MARINE CASUALTY The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Joseph A. Tomci, 21, of Stow, Ohio, died Aug. 2 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

 

DOD IDENTIFIES ARMY CASUALTY The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Dustin D. Laird, 23, of Martin, Tenn., died on Aug. 2 during combat operations in Rawah, Iraq. Laird was assigned to the Army National Guard 913th Engineer Company, 46th Engineer Battalion, Union City, Tenn.

 

DoD Identifies Army Casualty The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Ryan D. Jopek, 20, of Merrill, Wis., died in Tikrit, Iraq on Aug. 2 of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy. Jopek was assigned to the Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, Waupun, Wis.

 

Two soldiers and a Marine were killed in Iraq today, and the Defense Department released the identities of three Marines who were killed recently supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. A soldier and a Marine, both assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, and a soldier assigned to 9th Naval Construction Regiment died due to enemy action in Anbar province today. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, DoD released the identities of three Marines who were killed July 29 in Anbar province: Sgt. Christian B. Williams, 27, of Winter Haven, Fla.; Cpl. Phillip E. Baucus, 28, of Wolf Creek, Mont.; and Lance Cpl. Anthony E. Butterfield, 19, of Clovis, Calif. All three Marines were assigned to 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

 

 

 

General Officer Announcement Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld announced today that the President has nominated Army Col. Simeon G. Trombitas for the appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Trombitas is currently serving as commander, Special Operations Command, Korea.

 

 

DoD Announces Units for Next Afghanistan Rotation The Department of Defense announced today major units scheduled to deploy as part of the next rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan.

This announcement involves a combat brigade, headquarters element, and combat support and combat service support units totaling approximately 11,000 service members as presently envisioned. The scheduled rotation for these forces will begin in late-2006. Decisions made by the secretary of defense at the recommendation of military commanders in Afghanistan may result in changes to this rotation and may affect units now being identified and advised to prepare to deploy. This rotation continues the U.S. commitment to Afghanistan, yet is flexible and adaptable in order to meet the evolving requirements for the mission. The major units announced today include: 82nd Airborne Division Headquarters, Fort Bragg, N.C. 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. The individual services will announce the smaller, supporting units for this rotation. In consultation with the Afghan government, commanders continue to assess the situation to ensure sufficient forces levels to best support the Afghan government. The U.S. force rotations may be tailored based upon changes in the security situation. Afghan National Army forces continue to develop capability and assume responsibility for security in Afghanistan.

 

 

 

 

_CONTRACTS _NAVY Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $200,100,000 undefinitized contract action to begin fabrication and delivery of three MV-22 tiltrotor production aircraft. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa. (35 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (35 percent); and Amarillo, Texas (15 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-06-C-0292). National Technologies Associates, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va., is being awarded an $8,243,053 modification to a previously awarded time and materials indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-02-D-3205) to exercise an option for engineering, technical and administrative services in support of the Naval Air Systems Command's comptroller competency in the areas of management studies; program records/library support; operational security program analysis; training systems technology and financial analysis. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (90 percent); Lakehurst, N.J. (5 percent); and St. Inigoes, Md. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. Alliant Integrated Defense Co., LLC, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $6,119,800 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-98-C-0006) to retrofit 1,654 AAR-47 (V)1 sensors to an AAR-(V)3 configuration for the Navy (1,008) and the Air Force (646). Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla., and is expected to be completed in July 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $569,800 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. _DOD HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING MODERNIZATION PROGRAM OFFICE The University of Alaska Fairbanks is being awarded a cost-reimbursable contract to a non-profit organization with a cumulative value of $99,955,349.00. The contract will consist of a base, plus four option years. The base value is $14,874,746.00. The University of Alaska Fairbanks will provide high performance computing resources and support in computational research in science and engineering that emphasize high latitudes associated with the artic region. The award will provide an initial funding increment of $5,924,438.36 of FY06 RDT&E funding for the base year. This is a sole source award. The contracting activity is General Services Administration, Federal Technology Service, IT Solution Division, 4890 University Square, Suite 3F, Huntsville, AL 38516. Point of Contact is Mona Neal. Task Order Number: 4THO07064562. _ARMY Raytheon, McKinney, Texas, was awarded on July 29, 2006, a $95,696,430 firm-fixed-price contract for horizontal technical integration second generation forward looking infrared. work will be performed in McKinney, Texas (60 percent), and Palm Bay, Fla. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on June 20, 2006. The Army Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-06-C-M029). Madison Research Corp.*, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on July 31, 2006, a $35,883,441 firm-fixed-price contract for chaparral missile shelf life items for the Egypt missile system. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala., and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Jan. 31, 2006. The Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-06-C-0436). James Benvenuto & Associates*, Falls Church, Va., was awarded on July 28, 2006, a $24,457,240 increment as part of a $108,923,619 cost-plus-award-fee contract for programmatic and support services to the InnoVision directorate of NGA. Work will be performed in Reston, Va. (89 percent), Bethesda, Md. (7 percent), Chantilly, Va. (3 percent), and Fort Monmouth, N.J. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on Jan. 4, 2006, and one bid was received. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Reston, Va., is the contracting activity (HM1582-06-C-0014). Nova Group Inc., Napa, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 1, 2006, a $15,682,795 firm-fixed-price contract for a hydrant fuel system. Work will be performed at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 21, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on March 6, 2006, and three bids were received. The Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-06-C-0043). Honeywell International, Tempe, Ariz., was awarded on July 31, 2006, a $7,189,665 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for digital control units. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Dec. 12, 2005. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-C-0513). * Small Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 03, 2006

Entertainment, Arts,Fashion & Technology

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

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averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

 

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

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

 

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

 

More exciting changes coming each day

Largest Holocaust Survivors Organization Invites Mel Gibson to Meet With Members

'Barnyard' Slated for Nationwide Release on August 4, 2006

Legendary Actor Mickey Rooney Headlines a Group of Stars Who Will Attend the 2006 Twilight Zone Convention

 'Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa' Wins Best Animated Film at Fantasia International Film Festival

Berry Gordy is giving back to Detroit with his after-school program

Kanye West Joins The Rolling Stones as Special Guest on 'A Bigger Bang' World Tour

C4-Sports Show Scores Major Points with Sports Media Industry

Queen Latifah Launches 2006 CURVATION(SM) PROJECT CONFIDENCE(SM) Awards at Sugar Water Festival

New Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll Presents In-Depth Profile of America's Tweens/Teens and Young Adults, Most Entertained - and Bored - Generation of the Information Age  

Platinum Recording Artist Lyfe Jennings Gives Boost to Legendary Chicago Indie Retailer, Dedry Jones, at 'The Experience' Consumer Event

Carlos Santana and Les Paul Added to Growing Number of Artists Contributing to the 'Wear Your Music' Campaign

FUNimation Acquires 'Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles' Feature Film from Harmony Gold

SONY BMG Strategic Marketing Group and Elvis Presley Enterprises to Release Two New Elvis Presley DVDs

Clay Aiken Releases New RCA Records Album 'A Thousand Different Ways' in Stores on September 19th

 

________________________________________________________________________

Largest Holocaust Survivors Organization Invites Mel Gibson to Meet With Members

 The "1939 Club," one of the largest Holocaust Survivor Organizations in the world, today said that if Mel Gibson would like to learn about the Holocaust, its members would be pleased to meet with and educate him about what it is like to be a Jew both in an anti-Semitic and free society.

William Elperin, president of the "1939 Club" said, "Mr. Gibson said he 'is asking the Jewish community, whom I have personally offended, to help me on my journey through recovery.' Our members are offering that help, by assisting Mr. Gibson in understanding the extremes of anti-Semitism and what they and their families -- many of whom were slaughtered by the Nazis -- endured."

Mr. Elperin said that if Mr. Gibson is interested, his representatives can contact him to arrange the meeting.

The "1939 Club," which takes its name from the year Hitler invaded Poland and changed the lives of its members forever, was started in 1952 with 14 members and since grown to nearly a thousand members strong. It recently undertook a successful drive to recruit second generation members, the children of "1939 Club" members, so that its legacy will continue.

A non-profit organization, the "1939 Club" is based in Southern California. The Club established the first chair on Holocaust studies at a United States university (The "1939 Club" Chair on Holocaust Studies at UCLA). One of its past presidents was instrumental in getting Thomas Kineally to write "Schindler's List" and Steven Spielberg to make the movie. The Club has ongoing programs and lecture series at UCLA, Chapman University and California State University Northridge. Along with its partner, Chapman University, it sponsors the largest annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest in the country. This year, over 4,000 middle and high school students participated.

The Club honors Righteous Persons who saved Jews during the Holocaust while others stood by and did nothing, or even worse, collaborated with the Nazis. In this regard it has honored among others: Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat in Lithuania, who, against his government's orders issued visas for Jews to escape to Japan; Carl Lutz, a Swiss diplomat to Hungary who saved upwards of 50,000 Jews; and the entire nation of Denmark which saved virtually its entire population by hiding them in their homes, churches and hospitals while arranging boats to take them to Sweden.

The Club's website, www.1939club.com, is the only place on the Internet where anyone can visit and view a full length (one to three hour) Survivor interview. Over 100 interviews of Club members are posted with more to come.

Source: 1939 Club

 

 

 

'Barnyard' Slated for Nationwide Release on August 4, 2006

"Barnyard," starring Kevin James ("King of Queens"), Courteney Cox ("Friends"), Sam Elliott ("Tombstone"), Danny Glover ("Lethal Weapon"), Wanda Sykes ("Curb Your Enthusiasm"), and Andie MacDowell ("Four Weddings and a Funeral"), and directed by Steve Oedekerk will open nationwide on Friday, August 4, 2006 in over 3,300 theatres.

From Steve Oedekerk and Nickelodeon Movies, two of the co-creators of "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius," and filmed entirely in CGI, comes this hilarious look at what really happens in a barnyard when the farmer's back is turned. "Barnyard" is a lighthearted tale centering around Otis (voiced by Kevin James), a carefree party cow, who enjoys singing, dancing and playing tricks on humans. Unlike his father Ben (voiced by Sam Elliott), the respected patriarch of the farm, and Miles, the wise old mule (voiced by Danny Glover), Otis is unconcerned about keeping the animals' humanlike talents a secret. But when suddenly put in the position of responsibility, the "udderly" irresponsible cow finds the courage to be a leader.

Paramount Pictures presents in association with and Nickelodeon Movies an O Entertainment production, a Steve Oedekerk film, "Barnyard." Written and directed by Steve Oedekerk, the film is produced by Oedekerk and Paul Marshal. Julia Pistor and Aaron Parry are executive producers. Animation production by Omation Animation studios. The film is rated PG.

Paramount Pictures is a part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc., one of the world's largest entertainment and media companies and a leader in the production, promotion and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and music.

 

 

 

 

Legendary Actor Mickey Rooney Headlines a Group of Stars Who Will Attend the 2006 Twilight Zone Convention

-- Mickey Rooney and sixteen other actors will attend the 2006 Twilight Zone Convention, August 12-13, 2006, in the Grand Ballroom of New Jersey's Hilton Hasbrouck Heights, 10 AM to 5 PM each day. This will be his first-ever appearance at an East Coast collectors' show.

Rooney gave a tour de force solo performance in the 1963 Twilight Zone episode, "The Last Night of a Jockey." Written by Rod Serling, the creator of the 1959-1964 Emmy Award winning series, it is the only Twilight Zone episode in which only one actor appears, either in image or voice.

In 1926, Mickey Rooney landed his first film role in Fox's Not to Be Trusted. The six-year-old played the part of a cigar-smoking midget. In December, Rooney will appear as a night watchman in 20th Century Fox's Night at the Museum, starring Ben Stiller. Rooney's 80-year film career is the longest in motion picture history!

Other actors who starred in the classic Twilight Zone series, scheduled to appear at the show, are: Mary Badham, Morgan Brittany, Paul Comi, Susan Gordon, Chuck Hicks, Noah Keen, Tom Lowell, Arlene Martel, Kevin McCarthy, Ed Nelson, Lois Nettleton, Tom Reese, Peter Mark Richman, Jacqueline Scott, Fredd Wayne, and H. M. Wynant. Actors will be charging a fee for their autographs.

A panel discussion will include Twilight Zone actors, George Clayton Johnson (writer of eight Twilight Zone episodes, the first episode of Star Trek, and cowriter of Ocean's Eleven and Logan's Run), and Joseph Messerli, who, at UPA studio in 1958, created the Twilight Zone logo and the galaxy of stars seen at the beginning and ending of each episode.

There will also be door prizes, raffles, displays, TV and movie memorabilia/autograph dealers and a mini-marathon of Twilight Zone episodes. Daily admission to the Convention is $15 per person. A dinner honoring the Twilight Zone actors will be held on Saturday evening. The public is invited to attend at $100 per person. There will be at least one actor seated at each table.

Up-to-date information at www.tzconvention.com

 

 

 

 

'Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa' Wins Best Animated Film at Fantasia International Film Festival

Film to be available theatrically at limited engagements nationwide on August 25

 FUNimation(R) Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation and the market share leader for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States, today announced that "Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa" won the Best Animated Film award at this year's Fantasia International Film Festival.

"This is outstanding news for an outstanding movie," said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment. "The Fullmetal Alchemist series is very popular in the United States and for the movie to win such a significant award at the Fantasia International Film Festival demonstrates the highest level of artistic quality that fans have come to appreciate from Fullmetal Alchemist."

Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa is the conclusion of the Fullmetal Alchemist anime series. Taking place two years after the stirring finale of the series, Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa again joins the dramatic adventures of Edward and Alphonse Elric, this time in alternate worlds. One world is dominated by science and one is dominated by alchemy, but both are headed for war. The Elric brothers search for a way to reunite and to stop a terrible battle.

Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa will be released theatrically at limited engagements nationwide on August 25. Fans can find theatre locations in their area by visiting http://www.funimationfilms.com/. FUNimation plans to release Fullmetal Alchemist - The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa on DVD on September 12, which will be available at major retailers nationwide.

About FUNimation Entertainment

FUNimation(R) Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, is the leading company for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution. The company's most recent initiative is the FUNimation Channel(SM), a new, 24-hour digital network featuring programming from the top anime brands in the United States.

Source: FUNimation Entertainment

 

 

Motown Magic

Berry Gordy is giving back to Detroit with his after-school program

The following article written by Susan Whitall is rerun for Motown Center with permission from The Detroit News.

For Jontash Green, the assembly last winter at Southeastern High School was just another excuse for adults to talk, and for kids to tune out.

The visitors were from Berry Gordy Jr.'s Motown Center, but to a 15-year-old Detroiter in 2006, the name Motown has a faded, old-school ring to it.

Doubtful teenage faces glowered from underneath hooded sweat shirts as the students listened to Tanya Heidelberg-Yopp and Brian Stevenson of Motown Center as they gave their pitch.

The plan was for an after-school program with veteran Motown producers like Brian and Eddie Holland and Clay McMurray giving inspirational talks. A staff of young producers would lead the kids through the process of recording a CD.

Even given Motown's history molding teenagers into recording stars and producers, what happened at Southeastern over the next few months surprised everybody.

The kids came up with a name: Young Dynasty Entertainment, and designed a logo. They recorded a lively, polished CD, half rap (the "street side") and half ballads (the "sweet side") that is good enough to be shopped to record companies.

Along the way, the 83 students who ended up in the program discovered hidden talents, were shown how to turn negative feelings into poetry, rap and songs, and had a crash course in Gordy Work Ethic 101.

The Motown After School program -- launched at Southeastern and Detroit School of Arts in February -- has been so successful Motown Center plans to expand it to more schools next year.

At the celebration party at Southeastern in June, the teens were so excited they were bouncing off the cafeteria walls. And on Aug. 8, YDE will perform a free show at 7 p.m. at the City Theater in downtown Detroit and show everyone what they've accomplished.

Program shares the magic

Eighteen years after he sold Motown Records, Gordy, 76, is obviously thinking about his company's impact on future generations.

"We were trying to figure out how to best celebrate the Motown legacy in Detroit," said Heidelberg-Yopp, a Detroit attorney and president of Gordy's Motown Center, a nonprofit group dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the Motown legacy. "We wanted to share the magic, the family love, support and teamwork."

The after-school program that Gordy and Heidelberg-Yopp devised and launched in February was intended to not only teach the nuts and bolts of the recording process, but also to give Gordy-type motivation to drifting teens.

At Southeastern and the Detroit School of Arts, the kids were taught with some of the principles Gordy used to build Motown Records.

The producers used Gordy aphorisms like "competition builds champions," "respect the mike," and perhaps Gordy's most famous line, delivered at Motown's weekly "quality control" meetings: "If you had a dollar, would you buy this record, or would you buy a hot dog?"

The rules were clear: You had to attend class, or you couldn't come to the twice-weekly Motown after-school program.

Out of 1,200 students gathered that winter day at Southeastern, some 90 volunteered for the program and 83 showed up. Green was one of them.

He was determined not to get his hopes up. With 83 kids of a similar mind-set, the program didn't start with a bang. But the adults forged on.

Much of the program -- salaries for Heidelberg-Yopp and others and day-to-day expenses -- was funded by Gordy. Then U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit, and U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Detroit, were able to help tap into U.S. Department of Education funds.

Putting the program in the Detroit School of Arts, with its population of creative high achievers, was a no-brainer. Southeastern High, which is in the middle of a struggling neighborhood, seemed a less likely choice.

Surface impressions can be deceiving.

Gordy learned that in the late '50s and early '60s, when he took working- class kids from high schools like Northern, Northwestern and Miller, many from housing projects, and honed them into world-class recording stars.

Students had hidden talents

There still was no warning in February that a baritone David Ruffin-esque singing voice was thrumming somewhere within the slight frame of Southeastern student Dartez Jones, 17.

When producers asked at an early session who thought they could sing, a voice piped up from within Jones' hoodie: "I can sing."

Because the Motown Center facilitators had stressed that nobody should be discouraged from trying, they listened.

The wiry youth, his face still obscured by the hoodie, suddenly unleashed a honey on sandpaper baritone: "Sunshine, blue skies, please go away, my love has found another and gone away."

Mouths dropped. Where did that come from?

Jones, whose teenage reserve drops as soon as you say hello, bubbled over: "Oh, that was my record. I used to watch 'The Temptations' movie (on DVD), and I'd see him do that."

Jones did so well on the Temptations song that producers constructed a hip-hop ballad around it for Southeastern's finished CD, "Young Dynasty Entertainment." Jones starts out the song singing, but then he changes gears and starts rapping, Tupac-style.

"It turned out to be a wonderful thing to do a Motown song, since this was a Motown program," said producer Marcus Devine.

By the time Motown veteran McMurray visited, the kids had shucked their initial shyness.

"These kids are hungry to be nurtured and to have their talent developed, and this program is so right on the money," said McMurray, who produced Gladys Knight's "If I Were Your Woman."

Not all the students could sing or rap; some were steered to administrative jobs like marketing (that was, after all, Gordy's path) or became part of the dance team. But several of the kids made the cut and became the CD's featured artists.

Green, who refused to have any expectations in February, is now "JT," a confident rapper, and has seen his grades rise from a C to a C plus average. The poems that 10th-grader Angelisa Walker wrote into a school notebook are now two beautiful ballads, "Boy I Love U" and "Two Tears" (and "Ask Me My Name," co-written with Amber Kindrow).

Walker sings with a youthful vulnerability that will remind older listeners of a teenage Mary Wells.

  It's give and take   The rawness of the talent didn't bother producer Devine. 

"Raw gives you something to work with," he said. "Sometimes when people are polished, it's hard to work with them because they feel they're already arrived."

To the kids' surprise, not only did the adults talk in the Motown in the Schools program, but they also listened. What the program directors heard was surprising, and sometimes heart-rending.

In an early session, spoken word artist Mike "Mike E" Ellis tried to get the students to open up. He told the kids how once, during a low period, he wondered why he was ever born.

When Ellis asked the kids to raise their hands if any of them had ever felt the same way, a flurry of hands shot up from at least half the room.

"We were surprised," Stevenson said. "Most kids are very guarded, initially suspicious of people in authority."

Jones was bored and struggled with anger, but he says the program helped him deal with those feelings.

"Mrs. Yopp gave me a good idea, she said every time I get mad, if I could just make my music, everything would be good," Jones said. "So I took that advice. Every time I get mad, I take a piece of paper, and I just write."

For his part, Motown's founder is pleased with the kids' progress. Gordy commented, through Heidelberg-Yopp: "I'm happy with the job Tanya and her team are doing with this exciting program. I'm glad to see young people growing in a positive direction."

At the party in June celebrating the CD release, far from being cool and sullen, the students were practically airborne. As the kids, parents and the Motown Center staff ate lunch catered from Lola's and played the CD, Green was happy to admit he was wrong.

"Once I started coming on a day-to-day basis I saw the progress, and how much it changed me," Green said.

After remarks by the Motown Center staff, the complete CD of six songs was played.

It wasn't planned, but a fiery confluence of teenage hormones and party atmosphere prompted first Jones, and then the rest of the kids, to leap out of their seats and lip-synch their songs.

As Jones enacted first his Temptations vocal, then a fluid, articulate rap, he seemed to lose his teenage awkwardness.

Once the show was over, the teen reverted to form. "Do you want my autograph?" he asked a visitor excitedly.


 

Kanye West Joins The Rolling Stones as Special Guest on 'A Bigger Bang' World Tour

 The Rolling Stones are returning to North America this fall with 'A Bigger Bang' then ever before bringing along one of the most important creative forces in hip-hop music today, Kanye West. The hip-hop superstar will get fans fired up on September 20th at Gillette Stadium/Boston, September 23rd at Halifax Commons/Halifax and September 27th at Giant Stadium/New Jersey. The Rolling Stones are known for bringing fans the hottest guest artists and Kanye West joins the ranks of legendary performers over the past decades such as Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam, Dave Mathews Band and Metallica.

Since the release of his three million selling, critically acclaimed-debut album The College Dropout, Kanye West, the Chicago-born 27 year old rapper/producer/hip-hop icon has been at the top of the charts. At the 47th Grammy Awards he topped all nominees with a historic ten nods and took home awards for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song and Best R&B Song. Recently named to Time Magazine's list of 100 most influential people in the world, Kanye West has proven himself to be the most vital artist in hip-hop today.

Tickets are currently on-sale and selling out fast for the Boston, Halifax and New Jersey shows. Check local listings for more information.

There are a limited number of Gold Circle seats available while the remaining 90% of the house will average $89 for stadiums and $99 for arena shows. In most cities, students will receive an additional $20 off. (Current ID required). Buys will be limited to 12 tickets per person. Additionally, 200 fans will have the opportunity to be onstage with the Rolling Stones as part of the stadium set and share in the excitement. These seats will go on-sale at a later date.

Every ticket sold for the tour will include a Virtual Ticket membership to RollingStones.com. 'A Bigger Bang' ticket purchasers are invited to enjoy unprecedented, behind-the-scenes content with the return of Virtual Ticket, the on-line tour companion the band introduced in 2002. Virtual Ticket allows fans to intimately experience the band on the road via streaming video and audio, exclusive photographs and concert set lists.

The U.S. dates for 'A Bigger Bang' tour will be sponsored by RadioShack. The North American leg of the tour will be presented by Concert Productions International and The Next Adventure and produced by WPC Piecemeal Inc.

For Official Tour Information, Fan Club Memberships, Exclusive Merchandise and more, visit www.rollingstones.com

Source: The Rolling Stones

 

 

Queen Latifah Launches 2006 CURVATION(SM) PROJECT CONFIDENCE(SM) Awards at Sugar Water Festival

Second Annual Search Aims to Honor Women Who Embody Confidence & Make a Positive Impact on Their Community

 Grammy Award-winning musician and Academy Award nominee Queen Latifah will launch the 2006 CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE Awards during the Sugar Water Festival, a national tour featuring herself, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu. The tour, which kicks off on Thursday, August 3 in Dallas, TX, is being sponsored by the CURVATION(R) brand.

The CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE Awards is a nationwide search to recognize women who personify and project the power of confidence through contributions to their local communities -- via education, fund-raising, self-empowerment and volunteer work -- to help other women to gain confidence and self esteem. This is the second year the awards are being held.

"I was extremely inspired by the entries we received last year of amazing women who were, and still are, making a difference in other women's lives everyday," said Queen Latifah, the spokesperson, inspiration and creative advisor for VF Intimates' CURVATION(R) brand of intimate apparel for today's curvaceous women. "Building women's confidence ultimately helps them to live more fulfilling lives, so I am thrilled to be able to continue to honor these unsung heroes and I encourage people to nominate outstanding women that they know for these awards," said Queen Latifah.

Five finalists will be chosen by Queen Latifah and a panel of experts. The finalists will receive a $3,000 grant towards the program or cause with which they are affiliated, so that they can continue their work in building women's confidence. The panel will choose one national award recipient who will be awarded an additional $10,000 grant to support her project or program. All finalists will be honored at a CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE Awards luncheon in New York City, hosted by Queen Latifah, in early 2007.

Queen Latifah and the CURVATION(R) brand are encouraging people nationwide to nominate inspiring women who embody the spirit of confidence for the second annual awards by visiting www.curvation.com or mailing in a completed entry form. Forms will be available by calling 1-800-787-6060 and for download on www.ywca.org. Entries must be postmarked by November 3, 2006.

Queen Latifah and the CURVATION(R) brand recently partnered with the YWCA USA to announce the CURVATION(SM) PROJECT CONFIDENCE(SM) YWCA Educational Outreach Program, a multi-faceted women's confidence research, training and education program executed through YWCAs nationwide. The program is designed to give women the tools and information they need to build their personal confidence, achieve their dreams and enrich their communities. The program was launched on the first annual NATIONAL WOMEN'S CONFIDENCE DAY(SM), which took place on June 7, 2006 in Washington, D.C.

Exemplifying the spirit of NATIONAL WOMEN'S CONFIDENCE DAY, the 2005 CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE Awards national recipient was Yvonne Pointer of Cleveland, Ohio. Yvonne turned a heartbreaking personal tragedy into a one-woman quest to make the world a safer place and empower women and girls. She established the Gloria Pointer Annual Scholarship Award, funded by the proceeds of her self-published book "Behind the Death of a Child," which was written about the tragic rape and murder of her own fourteen year old daughter, Gloria. She also founded the non-profit Positive Plus, dedicated to motivating women to become responsible and seize control of their destiny; has been a role model for the Cleveland Public School's "Girl Power" program; and has spent time building the confidence and self-respect of inmates in women's and juvenile prisons. Yvonne is planning on using the winning grant to go to Ghana, Africa, where she is working to build a school for underprivileged children.

The other 2005 finalists include Lorraine Bowman of San Diego, California; Kristin Bradfield of Phoenix, Arizona; Jillian Bullock of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania; and Mattie Palmore of Alexandria, Virginia. Further information on all 2005 finalists can be found on www.curvation.com.

The CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE Awards is part of the CURVATION(SM) PROJECT CONFIDENCE(SM) initiative, which also includes CURVATION NATION(SM), an online location where women who have embraced the power of confidence can inspire and share their ideas with an ever-widening community; NATIONAL WOMEN'S CONFIDENCE DAY; and the CURVATION PROJECT CONFIDENCE YWCA EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM. For further information on CURVATION(R) product and event updates, women can log onto www.curvation.com.

Additional Sugar Water Festival concerts dates include Chastain Park Amphitheater in Atlanta, Georgia on August 5; Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York on August 12; and Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland on August 13.

About VF Intimates

VF Intimates is a division of VF Corporation, a leader in branded apparel including jeanswear, outdoor products, intimate apparel, image apparel and sportswear. Its brands include Curvation(R), Lee(R), Wrangler(R), Riders(R), Rustler(R), Earl Jean(R), Vanity Fair(R), Vassarette(R), Bestform(R), Lily of France(R), Nautica(R), John Varvatos(R), JanSport(R), Eastpak(R), The North Face(R), Vans(R), Reef(R), Napapijri(R), Kipling(R), Lee Sport(R) and Red Kap(R). VF Corporation's press releases, annual report and other information can be accessed through the Company's home page, www.vfc.com.

About YWCA USA

Founded in 1858 and headquartered in Washington D.C., the YWCA USA is a women's membership movement whose mission is to eliminate racism and empower women. Strengthened by diversity, the YWCA draws together members who strive to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership and power to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people. Currently, the YWCA represents approximately 2 million women, girls and their families in the United States, and 25 million women worldwide. The YWCA has nearly 300 associations throughout the United States. The World YWCA is at work in more than 100 other countries. For more information about the YWCA, visit our Web site, www.ywca.org, or contact the YWCA USA at 202-467-0801.

Source: CURVATION

 

 

C4-Sports Show Scores Major Points with Sports Media Industry

 Attendees, exhibitors, and speakers at C4-Sports, the electronic media trade show dedicated wholly to sports technology, are expressing their support of the first-annual show held in Las Vegas July 17-19, which included an exhibition featuring many top technology vendors as well as the highly successful Future Media Concepts Conference, Sports Book Summit, HD on a Budget production, and the session series "Introduction to Content & Delivery Fundamentals."

"Being leaders in sports and the technology of sports, we thought this show was a terrific way to interact with both suppliers and customers and just be a part of the community," said Brian Bedol, president and CEO of College Sports Television (CSTV) and keynote speaker at C4-Sports. "These events often grow and gain momentum as people talk about them, and I believe C4 will become well known as a forum for people within the sports community to go to and focus on the use of technology in sports, rather than just technology."

"The idea of C4-Sports to just bring the sports community together seemed like a very interesting idea, and the timing was right for this type of event. The show was a chance to meet new people, talk about what we are doing, and learn from others about the variety of solutions out there that will help us to make good decisions in the future," said Ken Adelson, NBA Entertainment's senior vice president of production operations and planning.

IT, broadcasting, and video directors from many sports teams and athletic departments attended C4-Sports, including collegiate teams such as Penn State University and Florida State University, as well as professional football teams such as the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills.

"With the advent of HD and the corresponding impact that it will have on each team, I felt that it was essential that we explore and acquaint ourselves with the technology that is available today and also try to get a clear perspective of those future technologies," said Henry Kunttu, video director for the Buffalo Bills. "This show was an ideal learning opportunity to visit the technology vendors and listen to the leaders who are defining the vision of sports media. It helped us create our media goals for the present and the future."

Attendees also included editors, writers, broadcasters, videographers, and Web and graphic designers from leading sports content creators and distributors.

"I think this conference was a fantastic opportunity to gain additional insight on ways to better reach our audience through technology, and in the process produce more appealing promotions and video display for our advertisers and consumers," said David Marshall Jr., senior designer at ESPN/ABC Sports. "ESPN is truly built on technology, and I am looking forward to taking back what I learned at C4-Sports, specifically the strengths of television and video, and applying them to my work on the ESPN Web site."

Harris Corporation provided all of the digital signage for C4-Sports, and joined well-known exhibitors such as Avid, Canon USA, Pioneer Electronics, and Sony in supporting the event.

"C4-Sports was a good way to reach the sports community that we normally don't reach. In one location, the show brought together many diverse people from different sporting organizations who were there to see the seminars, look at equipment and just be exposed to products and services that will add value to their offerings," said Rich Hajdu, Harris' Broadcast Corporation's vice president of graphics and post sales for the Americas.

"We were excited to be a part of the inaugural event, which brought together such a range of different types of manufacturers and providers and allowed members of the sports community to see various technologies that will help meet their range of needs and improve their programs. We enjoyed the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the end-users for our technologies," said Andre Floyd, marketing manager for SXRD Systems, Sony Electronics.

Gene Sanders, the show's general manager, felt C4-Sports was a successful beginning phase in uniting and servicing the needs of the sports community, and was pleased at the reaction to the show's exhibition, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.

"We are already making plans to use community reaction, as well as feedback of those who couldn't attend, to improve our brand and our offerings," said Sanders. "This event was only one service we will be providing to community members, as we plan to offer technology resource services, education services, technology demonstrations, and other industry needs in a manner that doesn't lose sight of our goal -- to keep our products accessible and focused."

To learn more about this year's show and hear comments from attendees, 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

 

 

 

New Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll Presents In-Depth Profile of America's Tweens/Teens and Young Adults, Most Entertained - and Bored - Generation of the Information Age

Exclusive Five-Part Los Angeles Times Series Begins Aug. 7

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- In an exclusive five-part Los Angeles Times series beginning Aug. 7, a new Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll will present an in-depth -- and, for marketers, a worrisome -- profile of America's tweens/teens and young adults -- two highly prized consumer segments that, with their vast arsenals of electronic gear, are the most entertained -- and perhaps the most bored -- generation of the Information Age.

The survey is the first in an annual series of Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg polls focusing on pop culture, entertainment, and media consumption habits.

The five-part series will be available beginning Aug. 7 at www.latimes.com/entertainmentpoll. Corresponding poll results and analysis for each daily installment will be posted at www.latimes.com/timespoll.

  Series Highlights   Aug. 7 - Survey Overview   *  With their vast arsenals of electronic gear, they are the most      entertained generation of the Information Age.  Yet the YouTubing,      MySpacing, multi-tasking teens and young adults widely seen as      Hollywood's Most Wanted audience are feeling -- can it be? -- a bit      bored with it all.  Even in a kajillion-channel universe, there aren't      nearly enough options.   *  The revolution in entertainment, media and technology that many in      Hollywood are preparing for has yet to fully take hold.  If these teens      and young adults seem hesitant to watch filmed entertainment on their      mobile devices, there's more troubling news: The multiplex isn't that      popular, either.    Aug. 8 - Movies   *  Hollywood has followed a rigid moviemaking formula for decades: produce      long features, show them first in theaters, release them on video, then      broadcast them on television.  This dusty model just might not be good      enough anymore.   *  Cell phones and video iPods aren't the answers, yet.  Teens may not be      ready to watch short films on these devices, but they're dying for      something new and exciting.    Aug. 9 - Music   *  In the music industry, copied CDs and so-called "school-yard" piracy is      now considered a greater threat than illegal peer-to-peer downloading.      For some teens, copying purchased CDs or DVDs is legal, while copying      stolen music or movies is a crime.  A look at the widespread confusion      that proliferates as the line between piracy and legality becomes ever      murkier in the iTunes age.    Aug. 10 - Television   *  Entertainment purveyors may be rushing to package their content into      mobisodes, video downloads and podcasts -- that no one needs.  Teens      and young adults -- the generation most likely to be the early adapters      of this new technology -- have yet to fully embrace it.   *  Jon Stewart, watch out.  Of all media sources, teens and young adults      say they're least likely to get their news from edgy comedy shows, MTV      or even the Internet.  Try local TV news.    Aug. 11 - Tweens   *  A fun book ... music playing on the computer ... a PlayStation 2 game      in the console ... email ... and surfing the Web.  And homework, too.      The ability to juggle homework, entertainment and communication with      friends has become a key requirement for the modern teenager.  

Results are based on nationwide Web panel interviews, conducted from June 23-July 3, 2006, with 839 teenagers between the ages of 12-17 and 811 young adults 18-24 years of age.

About the Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll

The Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg Poll surveys public attitudes about government and politics, economics and finance, international affairs, and social and cultural issues. The national opinion polls are conceived and designed by the Los Angeles Times Poll and Bloomberg, and conducted by the Los Angeles Times Poll. The first joint poll was launched in January 2006. The Los Angeles Times Poll was established in 1978.

About the Los Angeles Times

The Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country, with a daily readership of nearly 2.2 million and about 3.3 million on Sunday. With its media businesses and affiliates -- including latimes.com, TheEnvelope.com, Times Community Newspapers, Recycler Classifieds, Hoy, and California Community News -- the Los Angeles Times reaches approximately 7.6 million or 58 percent of all adults in the Southern California marketplace every week.

The Los Angeles Times, which this year marks its 125th anniversary covering Southern California, is part of Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) , one of the country's leading media companies with businesses in publishing, the Internet and broadcasting. Additional information about the Los Angeles Times is available at www.latimes.com/mediacenter.

Source: Los Angeles Times

 

 

Platinum Recording Artist Lyfe Jennings Gives Boost to Legendary Chicago Indie Retailer, Dedry Jones, at 'The Experience' Consumer Event

Dedry Jones' Creative Marketing Brings Music Consumers Back to Bricks & Mortar Retail

Lyfe's New Album, 'The Phoenix,' In Stores Tuesday, August 15

The platinum-selling urban/pop musician Lyfe Jennings was the featured artist in "The Experience," a highly successful consumer event held at Chicago's DuSable Museum of African-American History on June 1, 2006. Granting fans an intimate performance and up-close conversation, Lyfe joined the ranks of such esteemed artists as John Legend, Patti LaBelle, CeCe Winans and Lalah Hathaway, all of whom have previously participated in this special event.

"The Experience" with Lyfe Jennings was a customer appreciation event giving Lyfe Jennings and The Music Experience an opportunity to thank consumers for their ongoing support of retail. Lyfe's performance at "The Experience" was recorded for an exclusive limited edition "live" CD which consumers will receive with the purchase of "The Phoenix," Lyfe's eagerly-awaited sophomore album, available in stores on Tuesday, August 15 from Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records. The value-added CD, "The Experience with Lyfe Jennings," is a "first" in the music industry for independent retailers across the country.

"The Experience," a series of fan-only consumer events, allows consumers to enjoy a personal conversation with an artist who is interviewed about his/her career, personal interests and latest album release. The interviews are typically followed by an intimate performance and autograph session. Each fan attending "The Experience" receives a copy of the participating artist's latest album, which is included in the event's ticket price. Dedry Jones, the creator of "The Experience," has helped drive Chicago consumers back to bricks & mortar retail through creative marketing strategies including exclusive fan-only events such as "The Experience."

Dedry Jones, a Chicago native, entered the music industry as a part-time employee of Spin-It Records while working as a graphic arts photographer and coordinator for RR Donnelly and Sons. In 1989, Dedry Jones opened the legendary independent retail store, Track One Records. In 2003, Mr. Jones opened his current retail outlet, The Music Experience. Mr. Jones was a founding member and spokesperson for The United Music Retailers, the nation's second oldest retail coalition.

Lyfe's debut album, the critically-acclaimed "Lyfe 268-192," was certified RIAA platinum in January 2006.

It's been an amazing year for Lyfe, whose recent duet with Alicia Keys, a soul-shaking version of the Curtis Mayfield classic, "People Get Ready," may be heard in the Jerry Bruckheimer film, "Glory Road."

Lyfe closed out 2005 with his highly successful "Lyfe Experience" headline tour, which included guest artists Goapele and Vivian Green. Lyfe spent the larger part of summer 2005 on tour with his Grammy-winning Columbia Records labelmate John Legend.

A two-time #1 Billboard Heatseekers album (2/20/05 & 3/6/05), "Lyfe 268-192," was released on August 17, 2004 and immediately established the worldly and poetic Lyfe as an aesthetic force of nature with mainstream and underground support.

Rolling Stone (Nov. 11, 2004) found Lyfe's songs " ... eloquent in their depiction of struggle ..."

"Filled with a genuine rawness reminiscent of Sam Cooke or Donny Hathaway," wrote the edgy New York taste-making YRB, "'Lyfe 268-192' is a thought-provoking journey into the soul of a man whose lyrics tell a melodic story of the everyday realities that affect us all, yet allows us to exhale because somebody finally gets it."

Lyfe brings the full force of his songs to his concert audiences, winning converts wherever he plays. "Bringing only an acoustic guitar to the hallowed 125th Street venue," wrote the hip-hop bible The Source (July 2004), "Lyfe won over the notoriously demanding Apollo crowd and dominated the Amateur Show competition, winning five straight times."

Source: Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records

 

 

FUNimation Acquires 'Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles' Feature Film from Harmony Gold

After 20 years, Robotech is back with a vengeance!

-- FUNimation(R) Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation and the market share leader for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States, announced today that it has acquired rights to the feature film "Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles" from Harmony Gold. In the agreement, FUNimation acquired home video, broadcast and theatrical rights to this movie that delivers the continuation that fans have been anticipating for 20 years.

"Robotech is the series that introduced an entire generation to anime," said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation. "It captured fans with its tremendous storylines and great storytelling. The Robotech series also ended on a cliffhanger that left fans waiting for 20 years. FUNimation is very excited to be part of the team that will bring expectant fans the ending they have been waiting for in Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles."

"While I watched over Robotech for the past twenty years, we were met with boundless enthusiasm from fans and companies alike," explained Frank Agrama, executive producer and CEO of Harmony Gold. "Robotech has a timeless quality that will live on forever. Then when I met this enthusiastic leader named Gen from FUNimation, I knew he had the right energy to help us take it twenty more years into the future."

Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles is the latest exciting chapter of the Robotech saga. A heroic cast of returning characters, led by Scott Bernard and Vince Grant, fight to end a decades-long struggle against an enigmatic alien race known as the Invid. However, the mysterious disappearance of the legendary Admiral Hunter will unfold in a treacherous mystery that could tear apart our young heroes and threaten their very survival!

Tommy Yune, director of Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles, explains, "Beneath the mesmerizing science fiction and anime world of Robotech, lies a palette of endearing characters that have become a part of the lives of countless fans. We couldn't leave their story unfinished. It's about time for Robotech to open this new chapter and more!"

Featuring the voices of Mark Hamill (Star Wars) and Chase Masterson (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), the animation of Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles also takes a generational leap into the future through a technological marriage of CG graphics beautifully composited with vibrant anime characters. The heightened production values showcase high-definition video, 5.1 digital surround sound, and an incredible musical score performed by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. FUNimation plans to release the Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles DVD on November 21, 2006.

About Harmony Gold

Harmony Gold has been active in the production, acquisition and distribution of quality programming worldwide since its inception in 1983, producing some of the television industry's classic and history-making programs. Visit harmonygold.com or robotech.com for additional information.

About FUNimation Entertainment

FUNimation(R) Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation is the leading company for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States. The company's most recent initiative is the FUNimation Channel(SM), a new, 24-hour digital network featuring programming from the top anime brands in the United States. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution.

Source: FUNimation Entertainment

 

Carlos Santana and Les Paul Added to Growing Number of Artists Contributing to the 'Wear Your Music' Campaign

Relix, The Magazine for Music(TM), and AZU Create Bracelets With Donated Guitar Strings From Top Artists; All Profits Go to Music-Related Charities

 Relix, the magazine for music, announced that guitar legends Carlos Santana and Les Paul have been added to the list of musicians participating in its "Wear Your Music" campaign. Created by noted designer Hannah Gasner of AZU Studio and Relix President/Publisher Steve Bernstein and sponsored by DR Handmade Strings, the Relix Band is a fashionable accessory created by previously played strings from top artists. The bracelets are available at www.relix.com/wearyourmusic.

"I think this is a terrific idea and I'm more than happy to be a part of it," said Carlos Santana. "The charity component is very important to me -- and this is a great way to repurpose something that might otherwise just be thrown away."

Participating artists currently include blues legend Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana, Maroon 5's Adam Levine, Counting Crows, Les Paul, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Peter Frampton, Dickey Betts, Mike Gordon, Warren Hayes, Les Claypool, Goo Goo Dolls, Spearhead front man Michael Franti, Hot Tuna, Ziggy Marley, David Grisman, Keller Williams, moe., Bela Fleck, Umphrey's McGee, Slightly Stoopid, Little Feat and Baaba Maal. Additional artists will be announced in the near future.

All profits go to charities personally selected by the donating artists, or to the following music-related charities: voter-registration organization Headcount; Carlos Santana's Milagro Foundation; Grateful Dead charity The Rex Foundation; SEVA, which works to reduce avoidable blindness; and Rock 'n' Wrap It Up, which delivers leftover backstage catering to people in need.

About Relix: The Magazine for Music

Founded in 1974, Relix magazine has for over three decades been one of the most trusted and respected music magazines in the United States. Relix is known as the bible of improvisational rock music -- while also covering everything from folk and blues to reggae, world beat and electronic music. With a readership of 300,000, Relix is a trusted voice for the passionate live music fan.

About AZU, Inc

AZU is committed to making exclusive designs available to the public at competitive prices. Because each unique, handcrafted piece is purchased directly from the studio, there are no additional costs between the designer of the piece and its new owner. While AZU has signature designs, no two pieces are ever the same.

 

 

SONY BMG Strategic Marketing Group and Elvis Presley Enterprises to Release Two New Elvis Presley DVDs

Elvis: '68 Comeback - Special Edition Elvis, Aloha From Hawaii - Special Edition

Bonus Content, Remastered Audio, Additional Footage

In Stores August 1, 2006

 The SONY BMG Strategic Marketing Group and Elvis Presley Enterprises released two new single-disc versions of Elvis: '68 Comeback - Special Edition DVD and Elvis, Aloha from Hawaii - Special Edition DVD on August 1 as follow-ups to the smash hit, deluxe edition box sets, which were released 2004.

Elvis: '68 Comeback - Special Edition features a new expanded version of the historic TV broadcast including additional footage of Elvis clad in his iconic black leather suit. Elvis, Aloha from Hawaii - Special Edition includes the original January 14, 1973 concert from Honolulu, Hawaii. Both discs boast bonus content including a photo gallery and hidden content as well as audio that has been remastered for optimum sound quality and rechanneled and remixed for 5.1 surround. The discs will be priced at $19.98 and have a total running time of 94 ('68 Comeback) and 87 minutes (Aloha from Hawaii)

ELVIS: '68 COMEBACK - Special Edition DVD

In the 1950's, singer Elvis Presley led the rock 'n' roll revolution in music and pop culture. In the 1960's he concentrated mainly on his successful movie career. By 1968, it had been more than seven years since he had appeared on stage in front of a live audience. In his first television special, clad in his now-iconic black leather suit, Elvis performed classic hits both on stage alone and, in sequences generally regarded as the forerunner of today's popular "unplugged" jam sessions, with friends and original bandmates. The program also included splashy production numbers. Usually referred to as the '68 Comeback Special, the actual name of the program was Elvis. Taped in June 1968 in Burbank, it first aired that December 3rd on NBC -- the network's biggest ratings victory that year and the season's top-rated show. It stands today as one of the great moments in rock music history and as a stunningly brilliant milestone in Elvis Presley's career. After this triumph, Elvis poured renewed creative vigor into his recording work, wrapped up his movie contract obligations and returned full-time to the concert stage, beginning a new and exciting era of the Elvis phenomenon.

ELVIS: ALOHA FROM HAWAII - Special Edition DVD

Elvis Presley made television and entertainment history with his Elvis, Aloha from Hawaii concert, performed at the Honolulu International Center Arena on January 14, 1973. It was beamed live via to various countries and it first aired in America on April 4th on NBC in edited form, including four "insert" songs shot just after concert. In all, the concert was seen in about forty countries by close to 1.5 billion people that year which was a global ratings smash. Never before had one performer held the world's attention in such a way. Aloha from Hawaii presents Elvis Presley at the pinnacle of his superstardom, giving one of the most outstanding concert performances of his career.

Source: SONY BMG

 

 

Clay Aiken Releases New RCA Records Album 'A Thousand Different Ways' in Stores on September 19th

The long wait for Clay Aiken fans is over. RCA Records will release the singer's third album, "A Thousand Different Ways" on September 19th. The project, Aiken's first outing since 2004, combines 10 cover versions of well-known songs from the '70s, '80s and '90s with four brand-new songs.

The album is a follow-up to Aiken's debut set, "Measure of a Man," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart and is certified triple-platinum, as well as the platinum-selling "Merry Christmas with Love," the best-selling holiday album of the 2004 season.

For Aiken, the new album's title has multiple meanings. "This is an album of love songs," he explains, "but they are about all different kinds of love. Romantic love, Friendship, Unconditional love. There are a thousand different kinds of love; a thousand different ways to tell someone you love them. And, on top of that, since so many of these songs are covers, it's realistic to say that many of them have been or could be sung a thousand different ways."

In fact, Aiken has put his own spin on some of the well-known songs he has recorded for his new album. "These are songs I heard growing up. I loved them then and I still love them today, but we decided to do them a little differently. They have new arrangements and we put our own style on some of them."

Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil's "Here You Come Again," a No. 3 hit for Dolly Parton in 1978, stands out for Aiken. "I've always loved that song," he says. "But for this album, we didn't use a country arrangement. It's a ballad version now. Adam Anders produced the most amazing arrangement and I couldn't wait to sing it."

Aiken credits Chairman CEO BMG U.S., Clive Davis for coming up with the concept for the album. "When we first embarked on making an album, my executive producer Jaymes Foster and I started out with one or two covers, then we had three. We slowly discovered that it's harder these days to come by songs that are as superb as the songs that I grew up on. Based on that, it was Clive's brainchild that we take classic love songs of the last 30 years and pair them with four new songs. He is a man who not only knows music, but really has his finger on the pulse of what listeners want to hear."

Those who have come to expect Aiken to belt out a song won't be disappointed. The album shows off Aiken's vocals in a big way with songs like the Bad English hit "When I See You Smile" and Harry Nillsson's "Without You." But Aiken will surprise fans by singing in a more relaxed style on some tracks than they have heard before, showing a different, sexier side.

Aiken fans will also be glad to know he was personally involved with the selection of every track and that he participated in every aspect of the album. "For the first album, most of the songs were chosen ahead of time. I was less of a participant in the process. The second album was a Christmas album, so we naturally chose songs of the season. This new album has much more of me in it. Right from the beginning, Clive and Jaymes wanted to find songs that were right for me. Jaymes told me, "Stay in your lane, but remember it's okay to swerve a little and see where it takes you.' That's exactly what we did."

The following is a complete track listing for the much-anticipated "A Thousand Different Ways," including writer and producer credits:

  RIGHT HERE WAITING   Originally recorded by: Richard Marx   
Written by: Richard Marx / Produced by: John Fields    
WHEN I SEE YOU SMILE   Originally recorded by: John Waite   
Written by: Diane Warren / Produced by: John Fields    
WITHOUT YOU   Originally recorded by: Badfinger and Then Harry Nilsson   
Written by: William Collings, Thomas Evans, Michael Gibbins, Peter Ham,    
and J.C. Molland   Produced by: John Fields    LONELY NO MORE   
(NEW SONG)   Written by: Andreas Carlsson, Samuel Waermo, 
Mimmi Waermo & Clay Aiken   Produced by: Andreas Carlsson
 and Samuel Waermo    SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD
   Originally recorded by: Elton John   Written by: Elton John & 
Bernie Taupin   Producer by: Per Magnusson & David Kreuger 
   EVERYTIME YOU GO AWAY   Originally recorded by: Paul Young
   Written by: Daryl Hall   Produced by: Adam Anders    
EVERYTHING I DO (I DO IT FOR YOU)   Originally recorded by: Bryan Adams
   Written by: Bryan Adams, Michael Kamen & Robert John "Mutt" Lange  
 Produced by: John Fields    I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS - 
Guest Vocals by Suzie McNeil   Originally recorded by: Foreigner   
Written by: Michael Jones   Produced by: Russ Irwin, Marti Frederiksen 
& Charlton Pettus    THESE OPEN ARMS   (NEW SONG)   Written by: 
Jon Bon Jovi & Desmond Childs   Produced by: John Fields    
BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME   Originally recorded by: Celine Dion   
Written by: Diane Warren   Produced by: Eman    HERE YOU COME AGAIN
   Originally recorded by: Dolly Parton   Written by: Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil
    EVERYTHING I HAVE - Featuring William Joseph on Piano   (NEW SONG)   
Written by: Jeremy Bose   Arranged by: Jeremy Lubbock    A THOUSAND DAYS
   (NEW SONG)   Written by: Christian Leuzzi, Aldo Nova & Emanuel Olsson
   Produced by: John Fields    BROKEN WINGS   Originally recorded by: Mr. Mister
   Written by: Richard Page, John Lang & Steve George   Produced by: Eman 
 
 
 
 

 

August 02, 2006

Entertainment, Arts, Fashion & Technology

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

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

  (C)MBN 2006

Content is King

 

Edited by William Hoehne & Joyce L. Chow

To come here you have to be able to read.

Monte says to ability to read is the most powerful weapon in the world

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averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

 

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SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

 

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

 

More exciting changes coming each day

 

 

 George Harrison and Ravi Shankar's Concert For Bangladesh 35th Anniversary Commemorated Today at Madison Square Garden

This One's for the Dogs... Literally

Lloyd Inks Worldwide Deal With Atlantic via Jazze Pha's Sho'Nuff Records; Acclaimed Atlanta R&B Singer Preps Label Debut as "You" Takes Off at Radio

Diamond to Distribute The Guardian Line

 

 

______________________________________________

 

 

 

 

George Harrison and Ravi Shankar's Concert For Bangladesh 35th Anniversary Commemorated Today at Madison Square Garden

Today marks the 35th Anniversary of George Harrison and Ravi Shankar's Concert For Bangladesh. The concert took place on August 1st, 1971 at New York City's Madison Square Garden. The show featured performances by George, Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Leon Russell and Billy Preston.

Olivia Harrison said, "The 30th anniversary was very much on George's mind back in 2001 and I am honoured to have helped complete the project on his behalf. We have done our best to maximize the effort they made all those years ago, which has not only benefited thousands of people but became a model for charitable events over the last three decades. This anniversary re-issue has generated more funds for UNICEF, as well as renewed the recognition I think George and Ravi deserve for responding to the humanitarian crisis of that time."

 

Jay Marciano presents Olivia Harrison a plaque to be  placed in Madison Square Garden's Walk of Fame  commemorating the 35th Anniversary of  Concert For Bangladesh.
(Click here for details)
Jay Marciano presents Olivia Harrison a plaque to be
placed in Madison Square Garden's "Walk of Fame"
commemorating the 35th Anniversary of
Concert For Bangladesh.

"When new Bangla Desh was born and hundreds of thousands of refugees started pouring into India, I was so pained seeing the suffering of these innocent people and my heart went out to them," added Ravi Shankar. "I wanted to help in whatever way I could and do something to raise money for the refugees. I was going to arrange a concert and play myself with perhaps a few friends. Dear George was in Los Angeles at that time and was visiting me. He saw the pain and anguish in me and was very concerned. I explained to George what was happening and asked for his help. Seeing my plight, he started to phone everyone. What happened afterwards is history. One day, no one knew of Bangla Desh and the next day the whole world was talking about it. Concert For Bangla Desh is very close to my heart as it was my conception and baby, and thanks to George it became as big as it did!"

"The Concert For Bangladesh - George Harrison & Friends," released on DVD and CD last autumn, was recently certified 3 times platinum by the RIAA. All artists' royalties from the sales of the DVD and the CD continue to go to UNICEF. In commemoration, Ravi Shankar and Ringo Starr were presented with plaques, in New York and Los Angeles respectively.

"UNICEF is honored to have been a part of this Concert and proud that 35 years later we are celebrating the humanitarian work of George Harrison," said Chip Lyons, President of US Fund for UNICEF. "Children's lives, in Bangladesh and beyond, have been saved and improved thanks to the funds raised by The Concert For Bangladesh."

Madison Square Garden has also marked the day with a permanent plaque commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Concert For Bangladesh in their "Walk of Fame."

"In 1971, at the behest of Ravi Shankar, when George Harrison pulled together musicians like Bob Dylan, fellow Beatle Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton to perform at Madison Square Garden for The Concert For Bangladesh, he created the template for all of the many music benefits that have followed," said Jay Marciano, president, MSG Entertainment. "We are proud to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Concert For Bangladesh on our Walk of Fame. Today, August 1st, the concert anniversary, George Harrison's wife, Olivia Harrison, is here to help us remember how music can help create change. It's events and benefits like these that make Madison Square Garden such a special place for both artists and fans."

Presented to Mrs. Harrison today, who said, "It is truly heartening that the significance of The Concert For Bangladesh -- and the pioneering spirit of George, Ravi Shankar and their friends, still resonates after 35 years."

For additional information please see the attached press release or visit: www.georgeharrison.com


(Click here for details)
Left to right: Chip Lyons UNICEF, Ringo Starr, Scott Pascucci President, Rhino Entertainment and Melissa Ormond from Madison Square Garden.

 

 

 

This One's for the Dogs... Literally

-- Walt Disney Home Entertainment presents "The Shaggy Dog" on DVD today and introduces a Disney first, a Bark Along "Bone-Us Feature" -- made especially for the family dog to enjoy! This special feature combines fun footage of Disney dogs playing, jumping and having fun, with a "barking and woofing" audio track option created especially for the entertainment of the canines in the house -- with or without their owners!

 



"The dogs really respond excitedly to the Bark Along," says professional trainer, Ray Beal of Birds & Animals Unlimited. "It is very entertaining and makes great company when you have to be away from them."

For the humans in the family there is an alternate audio track on the Bark Along that features a new version of the song "Woof There It Is" with new lyrics created especially for "The Shaggy Dog." Additional bonus features include: deleted scenes; bloopers and hilarious outtakes from the set; and director/producer feature audio commentary.

"The Shaggy Dog" is the fresh, funny update of one of Disney's most beloved family comedy classics. Starring the ever-popular Tim Allen ("The Santa Clause," TV's "Home Improvement"), "The Shaggy Dog" follows the hysterically hairy adventures of Deputy D.A. Dave Douglas (Allen), a workaholic trial lawyer and sometimes distant dad, who by a strange accident turns into a big shaggy dog.

Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry. Buena Vista home Entertainment is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista videocassette and DVD product. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., is a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.

 

 

Lloyd Inks Worldwide Deal With Atlantic via Jazze Pha's Sho'Nuff Records; Acclaimed Atlanta R&B Singer Preps Label Debut as "You" Takes Off at Radio

Atlantic Records has signed acclaimed Atlanta-based R&B vocalist and songwriter Lloyd to a long-term, exclusive worldwide recording contract through a pact with Sho'Nuff Records. The creative force behind Sho'Nuff is ace producer Jazze Pha, famed for his work with Nelly, Ludacris, OutKast, Usher, T.I., Lil Wayne, Field Mob, Ciara, and many others. Lloyd is currently at work on his Sho'Nuff/Atlantic debut, while his new single, "You," is rapidly building airplay momentum at radio stations across the country.

In announcing the signing, Atlantic Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman commented: "I am very happy to welcome Lloyd into the Atlantic family. He is an amazing singer and a gifted songwriter, with a hugely charismatic personality. Although he's only 20, Lloyd has been a recording artist for almost a decade, and it shows in the genuine soulfulness and depth of his music. He is about to come into his own as a major star, and we're thrilled to join with Sho'Nuff Records and Jazze Pha to bring Lloyd the breakthrough success he has long deserved."

"When surrounded by greatness, you're destined for it," said Lloyd. "Not only am I now in the company of my peers at Atlantic Records -- with the likes of T.I., Gnarls Barkley, Juvenile, Lupe Fiasco, Trey Songz and so many others -- but through Henry 'Noonie' Lee and Jazze Pha's Sho'Nuff, I'm also presented with the opportunity to create my own legacy with my company, Young Goldie Productions. We will make history. For there are only two kinds of people in this world, spectators and players. So let's play!"

"I believe that with Lloyd, we at Sho'Nuff are in a perfect world," noted Jazze Pha. "I say this because Lloyd is someone I respect and admire not only as an artist and songwriter, but as a young business person who is very in tune with the music of tomorrow. The fact that he has the sound and the look, that he can pull his records off live on stage, and that he is a real 'people person' all come together to make him an exceptional talent. Sho'Nuff!"

Born in New Orleans, Lloyd Harlin Polite Jr. moved to Atlanta with his mother and sister when he was two, following the death of his father. At the age of ten, he was recruited for the quartet N-Toon, put together by Klymaxx's Joyce Irby. Lloyd made his recording debut at 14 on their 2000 album, "TOON TIME." When the teen group disbanded, Lloyd set his sights on a solo career. His debut album, "SOUTHSIDE," was released in 2004 and featured the hit title track -- a duet with Ashanti -- and "Hey Young Girl." Since then, Lloyd has been featured on singles by Ja Rule ("Caught Up") and Tango Redd ("Let's Cheat").

 

 

Diamond to Distribute The Guardian Line

 

Chicago, ILContinuing a reputation for providing comic book specialty retailers with the best in products, Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. has picked up The Guardian Line.  This new comics series has been created through a partnership of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.), the largest African American media firm specializing in positive content, and gifted comics creator Michael Davis, who is also co-founder of Milestone Media.  The release of The Guardian Line series will be the largest in comics’ history for positive multicultural content.  “We have recruited the best artists in the comics’ field to craft a product line that will reach a vast and diverse audience,” states UMI President Carl Jeffrey Wright.  “We are thrilled to be affiliated with Diamond—the company with the resources to reach that audience.”

 

 

Since its founding in 1982, Diamond Distributors has become the world’s largest distributor of English-language comics and related merchandise.  Steve Geppi, Diamond’s founder and president, says, “The Guardian Line is a visionary concept in comics.  The series is masterfully designed and produced, and we are delighted to present it to our customers.”  The Guardian Line is set to release in the fall of  2006.

 

 

The Guardian Line

 

Launching Fall 2006

 

$2.99 per issue

 

 

www.TheGuardianLine.com

 

www.urbanministries.com

 

 

Visit the Guardian Line at Wizard World ChicagoAugust 3-6 at Booth # 739!

  

 

 
 

August 01, 2006

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(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DOD:DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Seal of the Pentagon

DoD Identifies Marine Corps Casualties

                         The Department of Defense announced today the
death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lance Cpl. Anthony E. Butterfield, 19, of Clovis, Calif.
Sgt. Christian B. Williams, 27, of Winter Haven, Fla.



Both Marines died July 29 while conducting combat operations in Al
Anbar province, Iraq.They were assigned to 3rd Light Armored
Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force,
Twentynine Palms, Calif.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

                         The Department of Defense announced today the
death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. Phillip E. Baucus, 28, of Wolf Creek, Mont., died July 29 while
conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned
to 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I
Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif

 

 

 

 CONTRACTS



AIR FORCE



CC & G Co, LLC, Denver, Colo., is being awarded a $49,900,000
indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity cost-plus-fixed-price contract. The
contractor shall provide all personnel, services, and other items
necessary to perform business reporting, analyses and management
administration support functions. The contractor shall also support the financial
management divisions, the business offices, and individual projects,
branches and divisions. All tasks shall be performed in accordance with
the Air Force Research laboratory (AFRL) statement of work dated March
24, 2006. This support is for the AFRL, Phillips Research Site, directed
energy and space vehicle directorates, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. At
this time $17,247,232 has been obligated. Initial task orders 0002-0013
have a period of performance of two years. Basic IDIQ contract has an
ordering/contractor fulfillment period of 60 months after contract
award. AFRL, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., is the contracting
activity (FA9451-06-D-0110).



Colsa Corp., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded a $12,074,704
indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity cost-plus-award fee and
cost-reimbursement contract modification. This action provides for the technical and
acquisition management support program, providing a wide range of diverse
non-engineering, technical and acquisition management support required
in the acquisition, development, production, and support of various
equipment and weapon systems within the air armament center and other
organizations at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This is an option exercise. At
this time, no funds have been obligated. This work will be complete
September 2007. Headquarters Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base,
Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-05-C-0003/P00005).



FMC Technologies, Jetway Systems Division., Ogden, Utah, is being
awarded an $8,360,493 firm-fixed-price contract. This action provides for
110 ton diesel and electric air conditioners, for a quantity of 45
diesel air conditioners, and best estimated quantity of five electric air
conditioners, technical manuals, instructional media, test data,
provisioning. At this time no funds have been obligated. Solicitations began
August 2005. Negotiations were complete July 2006. This work will be
complete January 2012. Headquarters Warner Robins Air Logistics Center,
Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity
(FA8519-06-D-0010).



ARMY



General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on
July 28, 2006, a $45,719,282 cost contract for long lead material to
reset M1A2 Abrams tank. Work will be performed in Anniston, Ala. (40
percent), Lima, Ohio (20 percent), Sterling Heights, Mich. (10 percent),
and Scranton, Pa. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by June
30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current
fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 21, 2006. The
Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the
contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).



Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded on July 28, 2006, an $8,921,028
modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for obsolescence on the
Bradley fighting vehicle system, Operation Desert Storm and legacy
vehicles/battle command vehicle and battle command on the move and is expected
to be completed by Nov. 30, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the
end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract
initiated on July 12, 2000. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command,
Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-M011).




DRS Sustainment Systems Inc., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on July 28,
2006, an $8,303,540 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for
engineering and logistics systems technical support for the M707 Knight
Vehicle system. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is
expected to be completed by July 20, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at
the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract
initiated on Dec. 8, 2004. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments, Warren,
Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-C-0003).



BAE Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded on July 28, 2006, an
$8,921,028 modification to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for obsolescence
on the Bradley fighting vehicle system, Operation Desert Storm and
legacy vehicles/battle command vehicle and battle command on the move and
is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2007. Contract funds will not
expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source
contract initiated on July 12, 2000. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments
Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-M011).



American Science and Engineering Inc.*, Billerica, Mass., was awarded
on July 28, 2006, a $6,425,944 firm-fixed-price contract for
Backscatter vans. Work will be performed in Billerica, Mass., and is expected to
be completed by Dec. 28, 2006. Contract funds will not expire at the
end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated
on March 29, 1996. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command,
Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-F-0132).



General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., was
awarded on July 26, 2006, a $5,583,963 firm-fixed-price contract for M2
Receiver Cartridges. Work will be performed in Saco, Maine, and is
expected to be completed by Oct. 23, 2007. Contract funds will not expire
at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on
March 23, 2006, and two bids were received. The Army Tank-Automotive
and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity
(W56H09-06-C-0155).



NAVY



Raytheon Systems Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Keyport, Keyport,
Wash., is being awarded a $5,087,815 firm-fixed-price modification to
previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6101) to satisfy additional
fiscal year 2006 Navy and Royal Australian Navy requirements for MK48
advanced capability and MK54 Mod 6 lightweight torpedo spares and MK48 common
broadband advanced sonar system Mod 7 heavyweight production
engineering support. The primary purpose of this contract modification is to
purchase additional spares and issue a technical issue to support fleet
operational requirements for the various torpedo product lines. This
modification combines requirements for the Navy (99 percent) and the Royal
Australian Navy (1 percent). Work will be performed in Keyport, Wash.
(90 percent), and Portsmouth, R.I. (10 percent), and is expected to be
completed by June 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the
current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington,
D.C., is the contracting activity



* Small Business


 

SPORTS & AUTOS

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

  (C)MBN 2006

Content is King

 

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Monte says to ability to read is the most powerful weapon in the world

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INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

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Banner ads and other advertisements can now be purchased thru eBay: Item number:  2200012641416

 

 

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Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.

First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX and NBC and now there is MBN ® Now associate with Mounte Broadcasting Network

( MBN unofficially the sixth largest supplier

of NEWS by and American company

averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

 

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

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

 

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

 

More exciting changes coming each day

 

Oakland Athletics /DODGER Postgame Alert

Subaru of America Sales Soar to Best July in Company History 

Kia Motors America Announces Best July Sales Ever

Hyundai Momentum Continues With Second Consecutive All-Time Record Sales Month

Chrysler Group Reports July 2006 U.S. Sales

Toyota Reports July Sales

 Troy Aikman @ Full Throttle!; Aikman's Next Touchdown Will Be His Business Jet Landing in Canton, Ohio for Induction Into the NFL Football Hall of Fame On August 5th

 

__________________________________________________________________ 

 Oakland Athletics /DODGER Postgame Alert

August 1, 2006

Oakland 2, LA Angels 3 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Oakland Record: (56-51)
LA Angels Record: (55-51)

Winning pitcher - Joe Saunders (2-0)
Losing pitcher - Joe Blanton (11-9)
SV - Francisco Rodriguez (26)


 123456789 RHE
 Oakland000001100 252
 LA Angels10000110X  390

OAK HR - J. Payton (8)
LAA HR - None 
 

 August 1, 2006

Los Angeles 10, Cincinnati 4 at Great American Ball Park
Los Angeles Record: (51-55)
Cincinnati Record: (55-51)

Winning pitcher - Aaron Sele (7-4)
Losing pitcher - Bill Bray (2-2)


 123456789 RHE
 Los Angeles004000501 10170
 Cincinnati010012000 4101

LAD HR - W. Betemit (10)
CIN HR - A. Dunn (32) D. Ross (13)

 

 

Subaru of America Sales Soar to Best July in Company History

- Sales of Subaru Impreza and Legacy 2.5i models lead company to a three percent increase year-to-date in total sales -

Subaru of America, Inc. sales soared in July posting its best July in company history, with sales totaling 18,923 units, up five percent for the month compared with the same period last year. Both the Subaru Impreza and Legacy posted double-digit gains, while total sales for the brand are up three percent year-to-date from the previous year.

"I would like to thank our outstanding Subaru retailers for their efforts in achieving yet another all-time sales month for Subaru," said Tim Colbeck, vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. "July results showed continued strength in our fuel-efficient 2.5i Subaru Impreza and Legacy models, while the Subaru Outback, Forester and B9 Tribeca crossover vehicles are succeeding as alternatives to traditional SUVs."

The Subaru Legacy posted very strong results up 11 percent with 8,301 units in July, fueled by Subaru Outback sales of 5,974 units for the month. Subaru Forester recorded 4,492 units, while Baja posted 496 units in July. Subaru Impreza continues its incredible sales year posting a record 21 percent increase over the previous July, totaling 4,014 units. Subaru B9 Tribeca also posted a strong 1,620 units for the month.

"The Subaru line-up is well positioned in the current marketplace," said Mr. Colbeck. "What makes Subaru such a compelling choice is its combination of strong fuel economy, exhilarating driving performance and go-anywhere capability coupled with the industry-leading active and passive safety that comes standard with our Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive."

For a complete sales chart and additional information about Subaru of America, Inc. and Subaru vehicles, visit our media website at http://www.media.subaru.com/.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of nearly 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics calendar year-end 2005. For additional information visit http://www.subaru.com/.

 

 

 

Kia Motors America Announces Best July Sales Ever

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced record July sales of 26,429 units, a 1.4-percent increase over the same period last year. Year-to-date sales for Kia totaled 173,007 units, a 2.3-percent improvement over the record-setting sales pace in 2005.

"Kia is charging ahead full steam with our best July ever in the company's 12-year history of selling cars in North America," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. "And it's only going to get better with our exciting and enabling vehicle line, and new product on the horizon."

The Kia Spectra posted a strong sales month in July with 7,206 units sold, and Rio had its best month of the year at 3,858 units.

Kia Motors America -- the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea -- offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information visit www.kiamedia.com.

                             MONTH OF JULY             YEAR-TO-DATE   Model                    
2006         2005         2006         2005 
   Rio                      3,858        1,948       16,957       19,043 
  Spectra                  7,206        5,981       43,279       33,541   
Sportage                 2,923        2,712       20,650       15,391   
Optima                   2,496        4,958       21,764       28,324   
Sedona                   3,309        4,801       33,404       35,229  
 Sorento                  4,868        5,000       29,846       26,263   
Amanti                   1,769          652        7,107       11,347    
Total                   26,429       26,052      173,007      169,138 

Source: Kia Motors America

 

 

 

Hyundai Momentum Continues With Second Consecutive All-Time Record Sales Month

Hyundai Motor America announced sales of 47,205 vehicles for the month of July, improving on the one-month all-time sales record set in June. Hyundai's second-consecutive all-time record saw a sales increase of 6.2 percent over last July, raising 2006 year-to-date sales 4.6 percent over 2005.

The new-for-'06 Sonata continues to lead Hyundai's line-up, followed by the fuel-efficient Elantra which resonates with consumers as gasoline prices remain high. In July, Sonata sales improved by 43.7 percent over 2005. "The second half of 2006 has started off strong," said Mark Barnes, vice president, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America. "With another record-setting month, we're continuing the sales momentum established in the first half of the year."

All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Hyundai buyers are protected by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection.

  Following is the sales breakdown for July 2006:     CARLINE  
            JULY/2006    JULY/2005       CY2006       CY2005    ACCENT
                   4,030        3,756       21,476       25,666   SONATA  
                14,039        9,768      101,400       65,302   ELANTRA  
               10,033       13,140       62,694       73,679   TIBURON   
               2,080        2,373       11,234       12,679   SANTA FE
                 8,027        7,949       32,216       47,036   XG350/AZERA
              2,569        1,551       16,487        9,653   TUCSON   
                5,095        5,894       31,697       34,853   ENTOURAGE
                1,332          n/a        4,036          n/a       TOTAL  
              47,205       44,431      281,240      268,868 

Source: Hyundai Motor America

 

 

 

Chrysler Group Reports July 2006 U.S. Sales

* Sales of Chrysler 300 rise 4 percent over July 2005 results * Dodge Charger sales increase 53 percent over July 2005 results * July retail sales increase 9 percent month-over-month versus June 2006 * Jeep Compass sales finish July at a brisk pace * Employee Pricing Plus program continues through August 31, 2006

-- Chrysler Group reported U.S. sales for July of 150,349 units, a decline of 35 percent compared to the record July sales of 240,146 units. All sales are reported on an adjusted basis unless otherwise reported.

"This month is a tough comparison against last July when our Employee Pricing Plus program delivered the strongest July in company history," said Steven Landry, Vice President - Sales and Field Operations, Chrysler Group. "However, in the face of higher interest rates and higher energy costs, the launch of our current Employee Pricing Plus program helped drive showroom traffic and grow our monthly retail sales 9 percent."

The Chrysler 300 posted a solid month of sales with 10,637 units sold during July 2006, an increase of 4 percent over previous year sales of 10,596 units. Chrysler brand vehicles posted sales of 38,124 units, a decline of 35 percent compared to record July 2005 sales of 61,193 units.

Sales of Jeep(R) brand vehicles declined 34 percent to 35,831 units. Previous year sales totaled 56,280 units. The Jeep Compass posted brisk sales of 707 units despite a late July availability. Vehicles are still arriving at dealerships nationwide, and response to the vehicle from customers and dealers has been positive.

The Dodge Charger continues to be a strong market performer with sales of 8,074, an increase of 53 percent over July 2005 sales of 5,495 units. Sales of Dodge brand vehicles totaled 76,394 units, a decline of 35 percent compared to previous year sales of 122,673. Dodge Sprinter sales totaled 1,880 units, a 5 percent increase over July 2005 sales.

The Chrysler Group announces that the Employee Pricing Plus program will continue through August 31, 2006. With Employee Pricing Plus, customers receive employee pricing on virtually all 2006 model year vehicles, plus zero percent financing for 36 months (or cash back), plus the 30-Day Return Program, allowing customers to return a vehicle for any reason within 30 days after purchase.

"Consumers are wrestling with higher interest rates and other increased household costs on a monthly basis," said Michael Manley, Vice President - Sales Strategy and Dealer Operations, Chrysler Group. "We have decided to continue the Employee Pricing Plus program with employee pricing, zero percent financing and a 30-day return program through the end of August in an effort to address their concerns and drive dealership traffic and sales."

The Chrysler Group product offensive continues with the imminent arrival of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the Jeep Wrangler in the next few weeks, along with the Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Nitro following this fall.

Chrysler Group finished the month with 560,210 units of inventory, or a 93-day supply and a decrease of 87,485 units from the end of June 2006.

     DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru July 2006  
  

DaimlerChrysler Corporation U.S. Sales Summary Thru July 2006

Month Sales DR % Vol %

Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change

Sebring 1,205 4,569 -73% -74%

Concorde 0 0 0% 0%

300 10,637 10,596 4% 0%

Crossfire 233 1,364 -82% -83%

PT Cruiser 9,734 13,077 -23% -26%

Pacifica 4,759 9,932 -50% -52%

Town & Country 11,556 21,655 -45% -47%

CHRYSLER BRAND 38,124 61,193 -35% -38%

Sales CYTD DR % Vol %

Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change

Sebring 43,874 56,574 -22% -22%

Concorde 0 210 -100% -100%

300 83,772 84,167 0% 0%

Crossfire 5,454 9,014 -39% -39%

PT Cruiser 79,887 78,625 2% 2%

Pacifica 47,227 54,694 -13% -14%

Town & Country 100,443 122,293 -17% -18%

CHRYSLER BRAND 360,657 405,577 -11% -11%

 

 

Month Sales DR % Vol %

Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change

Compass 707 0 0% 0%

Wrangler 7,935 11,704 -29% -32%

Liberty 9,702 20,245 -50% -52%

Grand Cherokee 10,124 24,331 -57% -58%

Commander 7,363 0 0% 0%

JEEP BRAND 35,831 56,280 -34% -36%

Sales CYTD DR % Vol %

Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change

Compass 707 0 0% 0%

Wrangler 43,200 52,155 -17% -17%

Liberty 79,808 103,229 -22% -23%

Grand Cherokee 82,995 131,865 -37% -37%

Commander 47,037 0 0% 0%

JEEP BRAND 253,747 287,249 -11% -12%

 

 

Month Sales DR % Vol %

Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change

Neon 361 10,049 -96% -96%

Caliber 7,187 0 0% 0%

Stratus 630 4,112 -84% -85%

Intrepid 0 N/A N/A

Charger 8,074 5,495 53% 47%

Viper 138 104 38% 33%

Magnum 1,718 4,203 -57% -59%

Dakota 7,468 13,567 -43% -45%

Ram P/U 32,793 48,710 -30% -33%

Caravan 12,804 23,969 -44% -47%

Durango 3,341 10,524 -67% -68%

Ram Van/Wagon 0 76 -100% -100%

Sprinter Van 1,880 1,864 5% 1%

DODGE BRAND 76,394 122,673 -35% -38%

Sales CYTD DR % Vol %

Model Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Change

Neon 16,742 75,996 -78% -78%

Caliber 50,881 0 0% 0%

Stratus 49,194 64,302 -23% -23%

Intrepid 0 298 -100% -100%

Charger 67,079 11,690 477% 474%

Viper 881 897 -1% -2%

Magnum 23,731 35,210 -32% -33%

Dakota 47,965 69,116 -30% -31%

Ram P/U 215,967 244,629 -11% -12%

Caravan 138,617 150,239 -7% -8%

Durango 42,212 72,671 -42% -42%

Ram Van/Wagon 0 402 -100% -100%

Sprinter Van 12,222 9,755 26% 25%

DODGE BRAND 665,491 735,205 -9% -9%

 

 

TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 150,349 240,146 -35% -37%

TOTAL CG CAR 29,268 38,272 -20% -24%

TOTAL CG TRUCK 121,081 201,874 -38% -40%

Selling Days 26 26

TOTAL CHRYSLER GROUP 1,279,895 1,428,031 -10% -10%

TOTAL CG CAR 325,795 316,797 3% 3%

TOTAL CG TRUCK 954,100 1,111,234 -14% -14%

Selling Days 177 178

Source: Chrysler Group

 

 

Toyota Reports July Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported its all-time best-ever monthly sales of 241,826 vehicles, an increase of 16.2 percent over July 2005. Calendar-year-to-date (CYTD) sales total 1,465,368 units, up 10.8 percent over the same period last year.

"Market conditions are playing to traditional Toyota strengths of fuel efficiency, a strong passenger car offerings as well as our comprehensive hybrid lineup," commented Jim Lentz, TMS executive vice president. "We fared reasonably well in the tough truck market, where fuel costs and heavy incentives are ongoing challenges."

The Toyota Division posted its all-time best-ever sales month of 214,867, up 17.7 percent. The Lexus Division reported best-ever July sales with 26,959 units sold, an increase of 5.6 percent.

Toyota Division

Toyota Division passenger cars recorded all-time best-ever monthly sales of 130,109, up 24.9 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by the Corolla, which posted July sales of 41,800 and an increase of 42.3 percent over last July. The Camry Hybrid, which went on sale in late April, reported sales of 5,023 units in July. Total Camry enjoyed combined July sales of 41,892 units, up 1.3 percent. The all-new Yaris subcompact, which went on sale in March, posted sales totaling 10,137 units for the month. The Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan posted July sales of 11,114, an increase of 19.3 percent.

Toyota Division light truck sales were up 8.1 percent, with a best-ever July total of 84,758 units. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) with all-time best-ever monthly sales of 14,755, up 107.5 percent over the same period last year. 4Runner enjoyed July sales of 9,346 units, up 4.4 percent. The all-new FJ Cruiser, which went on sale in March, reported sales of 6,309 units. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid- size SUV reported sales of 2,784 units for the month. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined July sales of 11,999.

Scion reported all-time best-ever monthly sales with 18,408 units sold. The tC sport coupe led the way with unsurpassed monthly sales of 8,780 units, up 15.2 percent. Scion xB sales were up 43.5 percent, posting July sales of 6,666 units. The xA also had July sales totaling 2,962 units, up 21.9 percent.

Lexus Division

Lexus passenger cars posted best-ever July sales with 16,157 units, an increase of 22.1 percent. Passenger car sales were led by the all-new ES 350 luxury sedan with best-ever July sales of 7,803 units, up 19.2 percent. The IS luxury sport sedans reported best-ever July sales of 4,848 units, an 877.1 percent increase. The IS 250 sales totaled 3,352, with the IS 350 recording sales of 1,496 units. The all-new limited-production GS 450h luxury hybrid performance sedan posted sales of 157 units, while combined sales of the GS 430 and GS 450h totaled 299 units. The V6 powered GS 300 added 1,776 units to the GS series total.

Lexus Division light trucks reported July sales totaling 10,802 units. The 2006 RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV reported sales of 1,220 units for the month. The RX 350 and RX 400h enjoyed combined July sales of 8,492 units.

TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales broke the 100,000-unit sales milestone, reporting 105,808 hybrid units. In July, hybrids sales totaled 20,298 units.

Sales of North American-built vehicles accounted for 50.0 percent of total July sales. There were 25 selling days this sales month compared to 26 selling days last July.

 

TOYOTA RETAIL SALES (INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII) July, 2006 ----- CURRENT MONTH --- -- CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE -

- DSR % DSR % 2006 2005 CHG 2006 2005 CHG YARIS 10,137 0 -- 32,822 0 -- COROLLA 41,800 30,557 42.3 239,103 204,611 17.5 CAMRY 41,892 43,004 1.3 260,409 259,611 0.9 AVALON 6,757 9,432 -25.5 51,793 52,393 -0.6 PRIUS 11,114 9,691 19.3 59,270 62,999 -5.4 SCION xA 2,962 2,528 21.9 19,794 15,419 29.1 SCION xB 6,666 4,831 43.5 38,041 31,964 19.7 SCION tC 8,780 7,929 15.2 46,313 42,767 8.9 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PASS. CAR 130,109 108,301 24.9 747,573 674,820 11.4 ES 350 7,803 6,810 19.2 40,392 39,258 3.5 LS 430 971 2,350 -57.0 7,687 15,971 -51.6 SC 430 460 707 -32.3 3,547 4,799 -25.7 GS 300 1,776 2,785 -33.7 13,125 15,164 -13.0 GS 430/450h 299 589 -47.2 2,443 3,524 -30.3 IS 250/350 4,848 516 877.1 31,794 3,133 920.5 TOTAL LEXUS PASS. CAR 16,157 13,757 22.1 98,988 81,849 21.6 TOTAL TOYOTA PASS. CAR 146,266 122,058 24.6 846,561 756,669 12.5 SIENNA 13,834 18,293 -21.4 94,619 96,357 -1.2 RAV4 14,755 7,394 107.5 89,770 43,343 108.3 FJ CRUISER 6,309 0 -- 27,778 0 -- 4RUNNER 9,346 9,309 4.4 64,212 61,386 5.2 HIGHLANDER 11,999 14,223 -12.3 73,356 84,635 -12.8 LAND CRUISER 238 451 -45.1 1,863 2,964 -36.8 SEQUOIA 2,653 4,325 -36.2 19,551 28,494 -31.0 TOTAL SUV 45,300 35,702 32.0 276,530 220,822 25.9 4X2 TACOMA 9,412 9,689 1.0 60,826 56,676 7.9 4X4 TACOMA 5,927 6,721 -8.3 40,377 37,666 7.8 TOTAL TACOMA 15,339 16,410 -2.8 101,203 94,342 7.9 TUNDRA 10,285 11,149 -4.1 67,743 75,578 -9.9 TOTAL PICKUP 25,624 27,559 -3.3 168,946 169,920 0.0 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. LT TRUCK 84,758 81,554 8.1 540,095 487,099 11.5 LX 470 341 893 -60.3 3,210 4,566 -29.3 GX 470 1,969 2,847 -28.1 13,728 19,080 -27.6 RX 350/400h 8,492 9,065 -2.6 61,774 63,073 -1.5 TOTAL LEXUS LIGHT TRUCK 10,802 12,805 -12.3 78,712 86,719 -8.7 TOTAL TOYOTA LIGHT TRUCK 95,560 94,359 5.3 618,807 573,818 8.4 TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 214,867 189,855 17.7 1,287,668 1,161,919 11.4 TOTAL LEXUS 26,959 26,562 5.6 177,700 168,568 6.0 TOTAL TOYOTA 241,826 216,417 16.2 1,465,368 1,330,487 10.8 MEMO: DOM. COROLLA 34,291 29,830 19.6 204,648 198,737 3.6 DOM. CAMRY 30,917 38,031 -15.5 218,874 246,391 -10.7 DOM. PICKUP 25,624 27,559 -3.3 168,946 169,920 0.0 DOM. RX 330 6,760 5,702 23.3 41,271 39,734 4.5 SELLING DAYS 25 26 177 178 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT CAR 58,144 31,008 95.0 272,258 177,299 54.4 LEXUS IMPORT CAR 16,157 13,757 22.1 98,988 81,849 21.6 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT CARS 71,965 77,293 -3.2 475,315 497,521 -3.9 TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 146,266 122,058 24.6 846,561 756,669 12.5 TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT LT TRUCK 42,647 31,377 41.4 256,979 192,328 34.4 LEXUS IMPORT LT TRUCK 4,042 7,103 -40.8 37,441 46,985 -19.9 TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT LT TRUCK 42,111 50,177 -12.7 283,116 294,771 -3.4 LEXUS NA BUILT LT TRUCK 6,760 5,702 23.3 41,271 39,734 4.5 TOTAL TOYOTA LT TRUCK 95,560 94,359 5.3 618,807 573,818 8.4 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES 49,793 48,507 6.8 327,464 307,541 7.1 Memo: Lexus Sport Utility 10,802 12,805 -12.3 78,712 86,719 -8.7 SMALL VANS 13,834 18,293 -21.4 94,619 96,357 -1.2 PICKUPS 25,624 27,559 -3.3 168,946 169,920 0.0 * NORTH AMERICAN BUILT VEHICLES COROLLA 34,291 29,830 19.6 204,648 198,737 3.6 CAMRY 30,917 38,031 -15.5 218,874 246,391 -10.7 AVALON 6,757 9,432 -25.5 51,793 52,393 -0.6 SIENNA 13,834 18,293 -21.4 94,619 96,357 -1.2 PICKUP 25,624 27,559 -3.3 168,946 169,920 0.0 SEQUOIA 2,653 4,325 -36.2 19,551 28,494 -31.0 RX 330 6,760 5,702 23.3 41,271 39,734 4.5 TOTAL 120,836 133,172 -5.6 799,702 832,026 -3.3 N.A. VEHICLES % OF TOTAL 50.0% 61.5% 54.6% 62.5% SELLING DAYS 25 26 177 178 DSR = DAILY SELLING RATE

 

 

 

 

Troy Aikman @ Full Throttle!; Aikman's Next Touchdown Will Be His Business Jet Landing in Canton, Ohio for Induction Into the NFL Football Hall of Fame On August 5th

Whether boarding a business jet to the next NFL Fox broadcast, racing to meet his NASCAR team or cruising to his Dallas Ford dealership, Troy Aikman manages his Hall of Fame career at full throttle.

You'd think after 12 bruising NFL seasons, six Pro Bowl selections, four NFC title games and three Super Bowl rings it would be time for this retired Dallas Cowboy to slow down and smell the mesquite. Not Aikman!

Since his last season with The Cowboys five years ago, Aikman, 39, has been pedal-to-the-metal. One day you might catch him huddled with Roger Staubach and NASCAR Driver Terry Labonte of their Hall of Fame racing team. The next day could find Aikman in the Meadowlands with partner Joe Buck broadcasting a Giants/Redskins game. Then it's back home to Dallas and the Ford Dealership that bears his name.

In between games, races and speaking engagements you might find Aikman taping a commercial or visiting children at a local hospital equipped with a special media room made possible by donations from the Troy Aikman foundation.

So how does this football legend from Henryetta, Oklahoma manage his schedule? With a lot of help from Gold Jets, his aircraft management company, and a well utilized Hawker 800XP business jet.

"Much of what I do requires fast and easy transportation," Aikman explained. "With the Hawker, I have a business tool that helps me manage my time and become more productive. It's very well equipped with many of the amenities you'd expect in a land based office. Here I can conduct business as usual including reviewing game footage in preparation for the next broadcast."

Aikman said he utilizes the aircraft between 30 and 50 hours a month. The rest of the time the business jet, along with the crew, is put to good use by Gold Jets as a charter aircraft to help offset the cost of aircraft ownership.

When Aikman is not traveling to his next scheduled appointment, he is at home with his wife Rhonda and three daughters, Rachel, Jordan and Alex. "Time with my family is very precious to me. The aircraft allows me to be more productive and gets me home at a reasonable time."

Although the final NFL broadcast schedule has not been published, there is one date that Aikman has written in ink: August 5, 2006, induction into the NFL Hall of Fame.

"I still can't believe it's been five years since I retired and that I'm now going to be enshrined in Canton with some of the all-time greats of the NFL," Aikman said. "For me, it's the ultimate honor and I am humbled by the whole experience."

After Canton, Aikman and Buck will broadcast two NFL preseason games then 17 weeks of regular season games. (Unlike the teams he analyzes, they don't get a bye week.) This will be Aikman's sixth season on Fox as an analyst for the number one NFL broadcast team.

"I enjoy broadcasting and the fact it allows me to remain close to the game that I love," explained Aikman who has been nominated for an Emmy award. "Success in the broadcast booth is largely dependant on those around you. We have a great crew."

The next time you hear the roar of an engine in the air, on the track or going down the street, it could be Aikman in quest of his latest venture. After all, it's hard to hit cruise control when your career is at full throttle. -0-

Quick Facts Name: Troy Aikman  Age: 39 Occupation: Fox Sports NFL Analyst 
  Co-owner, NASCAR Hall of Fame Racing   Owner, Ford Dealership, Dallas, TX 
  Former Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Noteworthy: Induction into NFL Hall of   
 Fame, August 5, 2006    Three Super Bowl Titles Aircraft Owned: Hawker 800XP 
 
 
 

 

Entertainment, Arts, Fashion, Technology

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

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

  (C)MBN 2006

Content is King

 

Edited by William Hoehne & Joyce L. Chow

To come here you have to be able to read.

Monte says to ability to read is the most powerful weapon in the world

MBN®

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news

 

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

sales@montebubbles.net

 

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

 

(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.

First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX and NBC and now there is MBN ® Now associate with Mounte Broadcasting Network

( MBN unofficially the sixth largest supplier

of NEWS by and American company

averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

 

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

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

 

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

 

More exciting changes coming each day

 

Nina Gordon to Release Second Solo Album "Bleeding Heart Graffiti" on August 8th

TV Guide Channel Offers 'Johnny Drama' of 'Entourage' a Job as Guest Host of TV WATERCOOLER... 

AOL to Launch New Video Portal

Entertainment Tonight Co-Anchor Mark Steines Named Host of Mark Burnett's Gold Rush on AOL.com

The Time Has Come to Take a Stand! X-MEN: THE LAST STAND Fox Home Entertainment's Box-Office Juggernaut Debuts On DVD October 3 With Three Alternate Endings, Several Deleted/Extended Scenes, Director Audio Commentary Plus Two Distinct Menu Viewing Options

Image Entertainment to Release Hit Urban Comedy 'MEET THE FAMILY' DVD on September 26, 2006

Princesses, Pirates and Pixies - Disney Store's Halloween Costumes Have Arrived!; This Year's Most Popular Costumes Range from Plundering Pirates on the High-Seas to Magical Mermaids Under the Sea; Princesses Continue to Top the List

Soundtrack to Blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movie 'The Cheetah Girls 2' Set for Release on August 15

TV Guide Channel(R) Announces Eight Hours of Original Programming in Celebration of the 58th Annual Emmy(R) Awards

LA Sports & Entertainment Commission's 4th Annual NFL 101/201 Called a Success - Speakers Included Reggie Bush, Eddie George, Andrea Kremer, Willie McGinest, Rodney Peete, Mike Pereira, Amy Trask and Rod Woodson

Good Night and Good Luck, The Searchers and Caddyshack Now on HD DVD August 22

President Bartlet is Back for His Final Year, Just in Time for the Holidays! Warner Home Video Releases ``The West Wing: The Complete Seventh Season'' and ``The West Wing: The Complete Series'' on DVD November 7

THE FIVE-CITY NICKTOONS NETWORK MOBILE TOUR CULMINATES IN LOS ANGELES SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 & SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

NYC to Get "A Room with a View"

_____________________________________________________

First-Ever Album From Singer-Songwriter to Be Released on iTunes

 After a six-year hiatus, indie-rock singer-songwriter Nina Gordon returns with her second solo album "Bleeding Heart Graffiti" to be released by Warner Bros. Records on August 8th. Due to high demand for Gordon's music via iTunes, the new album, produced by long-time friend and mentor Bob Rock, who also produced her debut solo album "Tonight and the Rest of My Life," will be her first album made available digitally week of release. Gordon's critically acclaimed "Tonight and the Rest of My Life" was one of the top 10 most searched albums in company with The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Radiohead not on iTunes before it became available on July 11, 2006.

Gordon, an iTunes devotee, is thrilled to finally have her music digitally accessible, stating, "It's great to have my album available on iTunes. It bugged me for years when it wasn't there, especially since iTunes has become my primary source for buying music. I was particularly annoyed when I needed to hear one of my songs, and I had to dig around the basement for a copy of my album so I could add it to my iTunes library and listen to it! I am an instant gratification kind of girl, so having my music on iTunes is especially important to me." The former Veruca Salt singer/guitarist's management company, Q-Prime, also manages Metallica, who infamously refused to allow DSP services like iTunes to carry their music. Their catalogue was released to iTunes and other services for the first time on July 25th

 

 

 

TV Guide Channel Offers 'Johnny Drama' of 'Entourage' a Job as Guest Host of TV WATERCOOLER...

 "Johnny Drama" of HBO's Hit Series 'Entourage' Has the Opportunity to

 Finally Work and Showcase His Abilities to Hollywood... -0-

What: Johnny Drama, best known for his non-featured roles (and cooking
kills) on television hasn't worked since arriving in L.A.,
riding on the coattails of his actor/brother Vincent Chase. 
TV Guide Channel is offering "Johnny Drama" the opportunity to
guest-host on TV WATERCOOLER, airing on Monday, July 31 at
8:00PM ET/PT. Will super agent Ari Gold finally give Drama the 
opportunity to show what he can do? Or, will Lloyd book Drama,
and receive $10,000 as promised by Ari...who will respond first?
Johnny Drama, Lloyd or Ari have 48 hours to respond for the job,
otherwise offers will go out to other talent.  
When: Monday, July 31 at 8 PM Eastern & Pacific  
Who:  Deborah Wilson-Skelton, Host of TV Watercooler 
"Johnny Drama," (maybe Guest-Host)
 
 

AOL to Launch New Video Portal

 

      Includes More than 45 New Video Channels With Content From 
  Leading Entertainment Brands Including A&E Television Networks, 
MTV   Networks, Turner Networks, Warner Bros. Entertainment and 
Many More             One-Stop Video Portal Has Innovative Programming 
         Guide, Integrated Video Search and Browse, Easy Video              
 Uploading and Sharing, Video Store and More              Open Platform 
Will Let AOL Extend AOL Video and          Video Search to Multiple Platform
s and Across the Web

AOL, a leader in live and on-demand entertainment video programming

and video search, today announced that it will preview a beta version of

its new AOL Video portal later this week. Available for free to anyone on

the Web at http://www.aolvideo.com, the new AOL Video is an all-in-one,

high-quality entertainment destination to find, watch and share millions

of the best videos across the Web.

 

New features on the AOL(R) Video portal include: over 45 new video-on-

demand content channels with thousands of hours of video programming

from popular entertainment brands, organized and accessible via video

search, browse, or an interactive programming guide; free streaming

content as well as the ability to purchase and download full-length

content that can be viewed on multiple devices and PCs, online or

offline; and access to millions of music videos, news clips, movie

trailers, full length TV shows, and more.

 

AOL Video also includes AOL(R) Video Search, which is based on

industry leading video search technology from Truveo(TM) and

Singingfish, and a video player that can go full screen without

losing picture quality and that supports AOL's exclusive Hi-Q(TM)

video format to watch DVD-quality videos online.

 

In addition, the portal includes AOL's new UnCut Video offering,

which makes it easy to upload and share videos online by providing

full device support, letting consumers upload and share videos

directly from their camcorder, Webcam, video-enabled mobile phone,

as well as their PC.

 

"AOL has long been a leader in online video and with the new AOL

Video portal we have created the best and easiest place online for

anyone on the Web to find, watch and share the videos they're

looking for," said Kevin Conroy, Executive Vice President of AOL.

 

"From originally produced and licensed programming to branded

online video-on-demand channels to user-created videos that people

create, upload and share on the Web themselves, AOL Video is truly

the first one-stop source that brings the best videos on the Web

together in one place and gives consumers more choice. If a video

is out there, you'll find it here on AOL Video.com."

 

New Video-On-Demand Content Channels and Programming Guide

At the center of the AOL Video portal's main page will be one of the

Web's first online interactive programming guides (IPG) that brings

together free and download-to-own video content from across broadcast

and cable television and the Web and organizes it into new, branded

video-on-demand channels.

 

At launch, the AOL Video IPG will feature paid and ad-supported

content on more than 45 video-on-demand channels, including

many programmed by new video content partners, including:

A&E Television Networks (including A&E(R) Network, The History

Channel(R) and The Biography Channel(R)), Comedy Time, Endemol

USA, Expo TV, LIME, MTV Networks (including COMEDY CENTRAL, Logo,

MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, The N, Nick at Nite, Spike TV, TV Land and

VH1), National Lampoon, Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc., SORPRESA!,

South Coast Golf, TBS, TNT, TotalVid, TV Guide, Warner Bros. Entertainment,

Wild America and WNBA.

 

In addition, AOL and its joint venture partners program a variety of

additional channels including: In2TV(TM), TMZ.com(TM), Lat34.com,

AOL Uncut Video, AOL Music, AOL News, AOL Coaches, AOL Television,

AOL Viral Videos, KOL and Moviefone. New video channels and

programming from additional partners will be added on an ongoing

basis. A complete list and descriptions of channels available at

launch is included at the end of the press release.

 

Powerful Video Search

AOL's video search engine will be prominently featured on the

new portal. AOL Video Search returns results from all of the most

active video sources on the Internet, including YouTube, Yahoo!

(Yahoo Music, Yahoo News, Yahoo Movies, etc.), Google Video,

iFilm, AtomFilms and more. Powered by AOL's Truveo and Singingfish

technologies, the AOL Video Search engine is also able to crawl and

index high-quality videos on the Web that traditional search engines

are unable to find. AOL's unique "Visual Crawling" capability automatically

discovers video files and related information on complex, dynamic web

pages - a task that is a challenge for conventional crawling technologies.

 

AOL Video Search also has significantly greater reach than any other

video search engine on the Web. Through its network of search properties -

which includes AOL Search, InfoSpace, Real, and others - AOL Video

Search, branded and white-labeled, is available to more users than

any other video search product.

 

Multi-Faceted Distribution Strategy Extends the AOL Video Experience

AOL Video is built on an open technology platform and architecture

that will enable AOL to extend the AOL Video experience across

and devices to make it easy for users to watch it on multiple screens,

including desktops, laptops, large screens (plasma), and handheld

devices.

 

Earlier this year AOL and Intel Corporation announced a joint effort to

extend a tailored version of the AOL Video experience to consumers'

living rooms via Intel Viiv technology-based PCs. The companies plan

to launch this new "10-foot" experience in the coming weeks, making

the content easily viewable on large screen TVs and other devices.

This fall, AOL plans to make available Open APIs that will enable

developers to incorporate AOL's leading Video Search results into

third-party user experiences, as well as other tools that will enable

developers and consumers to incorporate features from the AOL

Video portal for other websites. In addition, AOL is working with PC

OEMs and broadband service providers to develop co-branded versions

of the AOL Video portal.

 

The launch of the new AOL Video.com is another example of how AOL

has been building upon its online video and video search strategy,

including making key acquisitions. Over the last year, these initiatives

have included:

 

-- The record-breaking global online broadcast of the "Live 8" concerts;

 

-- Last year's launch of its innovative Video Hub destination on AOL.com;

 

-- The launch of high-quality video playback through AOL's exclusive

Hi-Q(TM) video format -- AOL.com was the first major portal to offer

high-/DVD-quality videos;

 

-- Landmark content and original programming agreements that

exemplify how AOL is creating a new model for television distribution,

such as the Warner Bros. "In2TV" offering, the first on-demand

Broadband Television Network with the largest collection of free TV

programming anywhere on the Web;

 

-- The launch of TMZ.com, the AOL-Telepictures new, on-demand

entertainment news network;

 

-- AOL's acquisition of the two foremost video search companies;

Truveo in December 2005, a complement to the acquisition of

Singingfish in 2003;

 

-- A growing index of several million videos, including the most

comprehensive coverage of some of the highest quality and most

popular video on the Web;

 

-- AOL's investment in and partnership

with Brightcove, a Web video distribution pioneer;

and -- AOL's acquisition of Lightningcast, a broadband video advertising

innovator.

 

Availability

 

The enhanced AOL Video portal (http://www.aolvideo.com) will be available

for beta testing starting later this week. For more information on the beta

test, please visit http://www.aolvideo.com, or AOL Beta Central at

http://beta.aol.com.

 

About AOL

 

AOL and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands

and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United

States. Web brands include the AOL.com(R) website, AIM(R),

MapQuest(R) and Netscape(R). AOL offers a range of digital

services in the areas of education, safety and security, communications

and music. The company also has operations in Europe and Canada.

AOL LLC is a majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and is based in Dulles, Virginia.

Note: For free video and additional information regarding AOL Video,

plese log onto http://www.thenewsmarket.com/aol to make requests.

You can receive broadcast-standard video digitally or by tape from this

site. Registration and video is free to the media. -0-

                             AOLVideo.com         New Content Partners & Video-On-
Demand Channel Line-Up               As of July 31, 2006 (in alphabetical order) 
     The AOL Video portal will bring together free and download-to-own video
 programming from content partners across broadcast and cable television 
and the Web, organized into new, branded video-on-demand channels.  
Channels Programmed by Leading Partners:  --  A&E Television Networks - 
From A&E Television Networks' bouquet of     channels, programming from 
A&E Network, The Biography Channel and     The History Channel.      --  
A&E Network - Popular, full length programs real-life and         
lifestyle series such as "Inked," "Dog the Bounty Hunter,"         "
Criss Angel Mindfreak" and "Flip This House."      --  The Biography Channel
 - Programs that showcase compelling         stories about the world's most 
interesting people in         categories including American Icons, Pop Culture &
         Entertainment, Notorious, Real West and Mysteries of the        
 Bible.      --  The History Channel - Documentaries, series and specials about
         everything from ancient history to military history, 
        technology and more, including "Digging for the Truth,"
         "Modern Marvels" and "Decoding the Past."  --  Comedy Time -
 Everything from stand-up comedy and man on the     street segments 
to original, short-form programs. Stand-up     categories include Urban, 
Latino, Observational, Relationship,     Family and Alternative.  --  Endemol USA
 - Compelling TV programming from Endemol's global     catalogue including 
animation, reality and comedy hits such as     "The People's Champions," 
"Fear Factor South Africa," "Fool Around     With...My Girlfriend/Boyfriend" 
and "Anything For Love."  --  Expo TV - Product reviews and demonstrations
 from experts and     viewers on a variety of topics including cars, electronics,
 home     and kitchen appliances, parenting gear and much more.  --  LIME -
 Videos for those seeking a healthier, greener, more     balanced lifestyle including
 videos from popular Lime television     series and documentaries as well as
 extensive online content from     lime.com.  --  MTV Networks - MTV Networks'
 full array of entertainment, comedy     and music programming from its COMEDY
 CENTRAL, LOGO, MTV, MTV2,     The N, Nick at Nite, Nickelodeon, Spike TV, 
TV Land and VH1 brands     is available for paid download, including:      --  
COMEDY CENTRAL - Cutting-edge comedy including full-length         
episodes of "Chappelle's Show," the Emmy-award winning "South
         Park," "Reno 911!," "Crank Yankers" and "Mind of Mencia.
"      --  LOGO - Original shows and specials for the lesbian, gay, 
        bisexual and transgender (LGBT) audience including "Noah's 
        Arc," and "Wisecrack" stand-up comedy, as well as "Real 
        Momentum" documentaries.      --  Nickelodeon - A vast library
 of shows from the number-one         entertainment brand for kids including 
"SpongeBob         SquarePants," "Zoey 101," "The Fairly OddParents," "Avatar: 
        The Last Airbender" and "Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius" and many 
        more, as well as Nick Jr.'s preschool favorites including  
       "Dora the Explorer" and "Blue's Clues."      --  The N - 
Award-winning and original TV shows reflecting the         
real-life issues teens face every day, including "Degrassi,"         
"South of Nowhere," "O'Grady," and "Beyond the Break."      --  
Nick at Nite - "Fatherhood," the animated comedy series based         
on Bill Cosby's best-selling book of the same name, and         
"Hi-Jinks," hit hidden-camera series where adults play         
good-natured pranks on kids of all ages.      
--  MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION - Hundreds of episodes including the hit        
 series "Laguna Beach," "Punk'd," "My Super Sweet Sixteen,"     
 
"Viva La Bam," "Wildboyz," "Pimp My Ride," "The Real World," 
        and many others.      --  MTV2 - Compelling and irreverent
 series such as "Andy         Milonakis," "Chico & Guapo," "Celebrity 
Death Match" and         "WonderShowzen."      --  Spike TV - Series 
geared to helping men Get More Action, such         as "Disorderly Conduct,
" "TNA: iMPACT!" "Muscle Car," and         others.      --  TV Land - "Sit Down 
Comedy with David Steinberg," hosted by         legendary comedian, producer 
and director David Steinberg, is         a one-on-one comedy forum 
where celebrated performers         including Larry David, Martin Short, 
Bob Newhart, Jon Lovitz         and George Lopez open up about their 
personal lives.      --  VH1 - A wide array of VH1's hit Celebreality series such as
         "Hogan Knows Best," "The Surreal Life," "Breaking Bonaduce," 
        "My Fair Brady" and others.  --  National Lampoon - 
An all-new Internet video channel from the     biggest name in comedy.
 It's everything you expect from National     Lampoon (AMEX:NLN) -- smart, 
edgy, funny, irreverent, impolite and     definitely NOT PC -- and more! 
All original, all new and all     created for the digital world.  --  
Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc. - The company that put the   
  "soap" in soap operas presents the P&G Classic Soaps channel,  
   featuring episodes from "Another World," "The Edge of Night,"   
  "Search for Tomorrow" and "Texas," including some available for   
  the first time since they ended their successful runs. In    
 addition, this channel offers original companion content for the 
    contemporary classics "As The World Turns" and "Guiding Light." 
 --  SORPRESA! - Spanish-language children's programming including  
   "Tienda Magica," "Cachureos," and "El Planeta de Remi."  --  
South Coast Golf - Golf lessons from "Hall of Fame" PGA Tour     
professionals including Dave Stockton, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite and  
   many others.  --  TBS - A collection of clips from TBS's top-notch line-up of comedy 
    series, stand-up comedy from the Laugh Factory and the Aspen
     Comedy Festival, award-winning Department of Humor Analysis shorts  
   and much more.  --  TNT - TNT original movies, plus special behind-the-scenes extras 
    and interviews from TNT's hit original series "The Closer," 
    "Saved" and "Nightmares and Dreamscapes: From the Stories of 
    Stephen King."  --  TotalVid.com - Video clips covering a variety of enthusiast, 
    educational, and instructional categories, including alternative 
    sports, cooking, home improvement, martial arts, outdoors, self 
    defense, sports instruction and travel.  --  TV Guide for Broadband -
 Videos that offer the inside track on     entertainment information including
 celebrity interviews, music     videos, and original programs like "InFANity,"
 which offers behind     the scenes footage from TV's top shows, and "Square Off," 
an     inside look at the TV industry with hosts Brian Lowry (Variety)     a
nd Andy Wallenstein (The Hollywood Reporter).  --  Warner Bros. Entertainment 
- Full length episodes of "Dukes of     Hazzard," "Babylon 5," sketches from "MADtv" 
and animated shows     including "The Flintstones" and "The Jetsons."  --  Wild America -
 The world's largest film library covering the     wildlife and nature of North America. 
 --  WNBA - Coverage of the WNBA's best and brightest games and    
 moments.  Channels Programmed by AOL:  --  AOL UnCut Video - 
Home videos, comedic clips and other footage     created by consumers. 
 --  AOL Music - Thousands of music videos, exclusive intimate     
performances, live concerts and hours of artist interviews.  --  
AOL News - Hundreds of stories and live breaking news from the AP,
     Reuters, Extra, ABC, CNN and CBS.  --  AOL Coaches - A digest 
of the best advice, tips and tools from the     leading experts in diet,
 fitness, wellness, romance, family and     money.  --  AOL Viral Videos -
 A collection of the funniest and most popular     clips that everyone is sending
 around the Web.  --  KOL - Original animated shows including "Princess Natasha" and
     "Pilar's Adventures" as well as "KOL's Saturday Morning Secret     
Slumber Party on CBS" show clips, Radio KOL videos and KOL     
Celebrity Videos.  --  Moviefone - Thousands of movie trailers, 
extended film clips and     "Unscripted," Moviefone.com's original Web 
series in which today's     biggest stars and filmmakers interview each other 
using their own     questions and those submitted by fans.  Channels
 Programmed by AOL and Its Joint Venture Partners:  --  In2TV - 
The following In2TV channels feature hundreds of full     length 
episodes of popular television series including:      --  Dramarama TV -
 Great dramatic series like "Eight is Enough,"         "Falcon Crest," "Sisters," 
"Spenser: for Hire," and "Scarecrow         and Mrs. King."      --  Get Real TV -
 Favorite game show, courtroom and relationship         shows such as "Elimidate,"
 "Change of Heart," "The People's         Court," "The Moral Court," and "The Will."  
    --  Gone But Not Forgotten TV - Critically acclaimed, but         
prematurely canceled series like "Against the Grain,"         "
Presidio Med," "Wanda at Large," "The George Carlin Show,"  
       "Max Headroom," and "Jesse."      --  Heroes & Horror TV - 
Sci-fi and horror series including "Lois         & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,
" "Babylon 5,"         "Freddy's Nightmares" and "The Adventures of Wonder Woman." 
     --  In2TV en Espanol - This Spanish language version of In2TV 
        features over two dozen popular television series in Spanish  
       that have previously only been seen in their original English  
       broadcast format.      --  LOL TV - Laugh out loud with comedy favorites 
like "Welcome         Back Kotter," "Chico and the Man," "Perfect Strangers,"   
      "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper," and "Head of the Class."      --  Superman TV 
- The Man of Steel soars throughout this channel         in a documentary film
, comic book animation, and television         series including the original "The
 Adventures of Superman,"         "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," 
and         "Superboy."      --  Toontopia TV - Top-rated animation comes to life with
 "Pinky         and the Brain," "Beetlejuice," "Freakazoid," "Histeria!" and 
        "The New Adventures of Batman."      --  Vintage TV - Classics like
 "Growing Pains," "Alice," "F         Troop," "Maverick," and "The F.B.I."   
   --  What a Rush TV - Action-adventure favorites such as "Kung Fu,"    
     "La Femme Nikita," "The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.," "The        
 Fugitive," "Dark Justice," and more.  --  Lat34.com - Dynamic and timely
 video coverage of action sports     wherever they occur.  --  TMZ.com - 
Exclusive breaking news and video from the world of     entertainment and celebrities. 

 

 

Entertainment Tonight Co-Anchor Mark Steines Named Host of Mark Burnett's Gold Rush on AOL.com

 Mark Steines, co-anchor of Entertainment Tonight, has been signed as the host of Gold Rush, the groundbreaking seven-week interactive reality event created by Mark Burnett Productions and AOL.com beginning September 13th. Steines has been with Entertainment Tonight, the #1 magazine program in syndication, since 1995. As host, Steines will offer a preview of the game on the new Gold Rush teaser site at http://www.aol.com/goldrush beginning today (July 31, 2006). Once the game begins, Steines will provide insider tips and blow-by-blow insights into each round's on-location finale.

"Mark's winning on-screen personality and entertainment savvy make him the ideal pick to host this game which revolves around pop culture and which represents the evolution of television online," said Burnett.

With over $2 million in gold hidden across the United States, Gold Rush will combine the excitement of online game play, with offline integrations and reality competitions, creating a hybrid broadband video experience.

The game will last seven weeks. Players will answer a series of pop culture challenges using clues scattered throughout the world of media and pop culture - on AOL.com, CBS Television network programming and in popular magazines. The first three players in each round to complete the required challenges will be whisked away to a specially selected location to compete - reality-style - for $100,000 in gold. The victor of the 13th and final round will claim a $1 million grand prize.

"Gold Rush is all about pop culture and as the host of the #1 entertainment show, Mark is the ideal person to help players navigate their way through the pop culture maze of Gold Rush," added Kevin Conroy, executive vice president of AOL.

As co-anchor of Entertainment Tonight, Steines reports general entertainment news, conducts celebrity interviews, attends movie premieres and other industry events, as well as makes on-set visits to feature films and television series.

Born and raised in Dubuque, IA, Steines graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, which he attended on a full football scholarship, with a degree in radio and television. His first job was at a Dubuque television station, KWWL-TV, where he rose through the ranks as an intern, sports reporter, and then reporter. Steines segued to KSPR-TV in Springfield, MO, where he was a sports anchor from 1988 - 1991. That experience led him to a sports reporter position from 1992 - 95 at KCAL-TV in Los Angeles, garnering exposure which brought him assignments for ESPN and ultimately a post on Entertainment Tonight.

His awards include a 1994 Emmy(R) Award and 1994 Golden Mic Award for the KCAL-TV special "Beyond Endurance."

Steines has appeared in the feature film Nixon, HBO's Weapons of Mass Distraction, and had a guest-starring roles on CBS' CSI: NY and UPN's Half and Half.

Gold Rush will premiere on AOL.com on September 13, 2006, with the first televised clue being broadcast September 14 on the CBS Television Network.

About Mark Burnett Productions

Mark Burnett Productions (MBP) is a leading production company in content for both primetime television and the Internet. MBP revolutionized television with hits such as Eco-Challenge, Survivor, The Apprentice, The Contender, Rock Star: INXS, Rock Star: Supernova and its upcoming co-production with Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks Television, On The Lot. MBP has also partnered with AOL on the eagerly anticipated adventure GOLD RUSH, a unique, unscripted project to be produced exclusively for the Internet. MBP also successfully reintroduced product placement as an integral part of each of its shows and has garnered a total of 33 Emmy nominations since 2001. Mark Burnett was listed as the #1 Most Valuable Player by TV Guide and in Time Magazine's Top 100 most influential people in the world today.

About AOL

AOL and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United States. Web brands include the AOL.com(R) website, AIM(R), MapQuest(R) and Netscape(R). AOL offers a range of digital services in the areas of education, safety and security, communications and music. The company also has operations in Europe and Canada. AOL LLC is a majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and is based in Dulles, Virginia

 

 

 

The Time Has Come to Take a Stand! X-MEN: THE LAST STAND Fox Home Entertainment's Box-Office Juggernaut Debuts On DVD October 3 With Three Alternate Endings, Several Deleted/Extended Scenes, Director Audio Commentary Plus Two Distinct Menu Viewing Options

 Fox Home Entertainment:

-- Special Collector's Edition Also Features X-clusive Comic Written By X-Men Creator Stan Lee... His First Original Marvel Comic in Five Years!

-- Complete The Saga With The X-Men Trilogy Pack Including All Three Action-Packed X-Films

The mutant revolution is upon us! The lines have been drawn and now everyone must pick a side as mutants clash and the final epic battle begins in X-Men: The Last Stand, erupting onto DVD October 3 from Fox Home Entertainment. The stunning climax to the X-Men motion picture trilogy directed by Brett Ratner (Rush Hour), X-Men: The Last Stand debuted #1 at the box-office to become the biggest Memorial Day Weekend film opening ever and has dominated the summer with over $233 million gross to date.

Returning X-Men favorites Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Storm (Halle Berry), Rogue (Anna Paquin), Iceman (Shawn Ashmore) and Professor X (Patrick Stewart) are joined by a host of new faces, including Beast (Kelsey Grammer), Kitty Pryde (Ellen Page) and Angel (Ben Foster) to do battle against their power-hungry counterparts led by Magneto (Sir Ian McKellen), Mystique (Rebecca Romijn), Pyro (Aaron Stanford) and Juggernaut (Vinnie Jones). Further complicating matters is the resurrection of Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) as the all-powerful Phoenix... a force that the X-Men must keep in check as the opposing Brotherhood seeks to unleash her destructive power upon humanity. Featuring three alternate endings, 10 deleted / extended scenes, two audio commentaries and two distinct menu sets allowing viewers to choose mutant sides, the X-Men: The Last Stand DVD is available for a suggested retail price of $29.98 U.S. / $43.98 Canada.

Fox Home Entertainment will also be releasing a special X-Men: The Last Stand Collector's Edition DVD that features an exclusive 100-page commemorative book with an all-new story penned by Stan Lee himself (his first original Marvel Comic in over five years). The original comic "The Unlikely Saga of Magneto, Xavier and Stan" features art by some of Marvel's legendary names, including John Romita Jr. (Spider-Man), Pasqual Ferry (Ultimate Fantastic 4), Leinil Francis Yu (The Avengers), Howard Chaykin (Hulk Girl), Ben Oliver (Ultimate X-Men), Ron Frenz (Spider-Man), Sean Chen (X-Men: The End) and Ron Lim (Silver Surfer); plus also features Stan Lee's personal favorite selections for three classic "X-Men" comic reprints. The X-Men: The Last Stand Collector's Edition DVD will be available for a suggested retail price of $39.98 U.S. / $49.98 Canada.

In addition, a special giftset of all three X-Men films packaged together for the first time in the X-Men Trilogy Pack will be available for a suggested retail price of $44.98 U.S. / $59.98 Canada.

DVD Features:

Available in separate widescreen and full screen versions, the X-Men: The Last Stand DVD is presented in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, as well Spanish and French Dolby Surround and subtitles. DVD bonus materials include: -0-

--  Audio commentary by director Brett Ratner and writers Zak Penn     and Simon Kinberg  --  Audio commentary by producers Lauren Shuler-Donner, Ralph     Winter, Avi Arad, David Gorder, plus writers Zak Penn and     Simon Kinberg  --  3 Alternate Endings (with optional commentary by Brett Ratner)  --  10 Deleted / Extended Scenes (with optional commentary by     Brett Ratner)  --  Inside Look: A Night At The Museum  --  Easter Eggs      --  Beast recites Shakespeare     --  X-Jet lands in D.C.  --  Original Theatrical Trailers  --  The World Of Marvel Trailers 

The X-Men: The Last Stand Collector's Edition includes the above single-disc DVD content presented in widescreen only plus the exclusive Stan Lee collectible book. The X-Men Trilogy Pack will include X-Men, X2: X-Men United and X-Men: The Last Stand in widescreen single-disc versions only.

Synopsis:

In X-Men: The Last Stand, a pharmaceutical "cure" for mutancy threatens to alter the course of history and the stability of the mutant community. For the first time, mutants have a choice: retain their superhuman abilities, though it isolates and alienates them, or give up their unique powers to fit in as "normal." The opposing viewpoints of peaceful mutant leader Charles Xavier and his militant counterpart Magneto, who believes in the survival of the fittest, are put to the ultimate test -- triggering the war to end all wars!

A recognized global industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming on VHS and DVD as well as video acquisitions and original productions. Each year the Company introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets -- from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce -- throughout the world. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC is a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company.      

 

 

 

Image Entertainment to Release Hit Urban Comedy 'MEET THE FAMILY' DVD on September 26, 2006

Image Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq:DISK), a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming in North America, announced today that it will release the hit urban comedy MEET THE FAMILY on September 26, 2006, on DVD in stores across North America. An irreverent, slightly risque, gag-filled comedy in the vein of "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" and "Guess Who," the film is about an African-American family who has gathered to meet shy, overweight bachelor Humphrey Rump's girlfriend and get a jolt when they discover that she's white...and as naive as a baby. How will she ever fit into this rude and crude family?

Written, directed, and produced by Stan Lerner, MEET THE FAMILY first struck gold as a dinner show playing six nights a week to sold-out audiences and rave reviews at the Los Angeles Hyatt Hotel. The success of the dinner show motivated Lerner to turn the well-regarded play into a motion picture which found success as an art house release that allowed Lerner to sell discounted tickets through third party ticket vendor GrooveTickets.com. The motion picture garnered still more favorable reviews in African-American community papers and even found favor in the trendy Los Angeles City Beat.

Lerner said, "I'm so happy to see MEET THE FAMILY coming out on DVD through Image. Anybody who's seen the dinner show or the movie knows that it'll be a DVD classic. And like both the show and the movie, MEET THE FAMILY on DVD will have a really creative marketing program behind it. We're going to sell a lot of DVDs, but we're also going to be looking hard at ways to help the community at the same time. Don't be surprised to see the whole cast barbequing away at stores across the country."

Allen Blackwell, vice president of urban programming for Image Entertainment, declared, "We work with a lot of titles day in and day out, but MEET THE FAMILY is one of those rare success stories that keeps on going. It's hard not to look forward to its release. There are just a lot of people out there who want to see this movie."

In late July 2006, Lerner will step in front of the camera for the first time in American Drug Lord, the first of two movies based on his recently completed novel, Stan Lerner's Criminal (http://www.criminalthebook.com). Lerner is also the writer, director and producer of the project. Lerner said, "Criminal the book is not under contract with a publisher yet, so it's unusual to put American Drug Lord into production. But my schedule cleared unexpectedly in July so I thought it was a great opportunity to put this one in the can." Lerner also plans to reopen the MEET THE FAMILY dinner show no later than December 2006.

About Image Entertainment:

Image Entertainment, Inc. is a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming in North America, with over 3,000 exclusive DVD titles and approximately 200 exclusive CD titles in domestic release and approximately 300 programs internationally via sublicense agreements. For many of its titles, the Company has exclusive audio and broadcast rights and, through its subsidiary Egami Media, Inc., has digital download rights to more than 1,500 video programs and over 150 audio programs containing more than 2,500 tracks. The Company is headquartered in Chatsworth, California, and has a domestic distribution facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Company's subsidiary Image Entertainment (UK) maintains a content acquisition office in London, England. For more information about Image Entertainment, Inc., please go to http://www.image-entertainment.com

 

 

 

Princesses, Pirates and Pixies - Disney Store's Halloween Costumes Have Arrived!; This Year's Most Popular Costumes Range from Plundering Pirates on the High-Seas to Magical Mermaids Under the Sea; Princesses Continue to Top the List

Disney Store's Halloween costumes have landed with this year's most popular outfits inspired by classic Disney characters from The Little Mermaid to the sea-faring buccaneers in Disney's blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest; the swashbucklin' Captain Jack Sparrow and Ruler of the Ocean Depths, Davy Jones. For the 2006 line, heroes will be more valiant, princesses will be more regal, pixies will be more magical, and pirates will have more "Arggg!" than ever before.

"This year Disney Store will take theatrical authenticity to the next level," said Amy Hauk, Senior Vice President and General Merchandising Manager, Disney Store. "Classic character costumes such as princesses have been redesigned to more closely match the Disney film characters that kids love. And this year's pirates look like they jumped straight out of the theater screen."

New deluxe costumes and an assortment of accessories and embellishments allow this year's trick-or-treaters to immerse themselves in the folklore surrounding Disney's magical characters. Disney Store will continue to offer costumes that are durable, well-made, and comfortable enough that kids will want to wear them year-round! Parents will be pleased to learn that many of this year's costumes offer separately-sold hard-constructed shoes that are character-individualized, much more comfortable and awesome for trick-or-treating indoors and out.

As an exclusive Disney Store bonus, all deluxe costumes also come with a storybook hangtag providing history and insight in to the character.

For Girls

Disney's most popular princesses will receive the royal treatment this year with enhanced fabrics and even more of the glitter and glamour that little girls crave. These revamped, deluxe versions of Cinderella, Belle and Ariel (SRP $79.50/$99.50 Canada) are the embodiment of Disney's Princesses, bringing the enchantment and fantasy alive for every little girl that wants to be a Disney Princess!

To recreate the Cinderella ballroom gown, designers have researched in depth the classic 1950 film to develop an authentic costume that includes an elegant brocade bodice highlighted with a neckline featuring an inset rhinestone, a peplum graced with a tie back bow, a shimmering crystal organza skirt, and as a finishing touch, luxurious long, silver gloves.

On September 25, to commemorate the release of The Little Mermaid 2-disc Special Edition DVD, Disney Store will present an exclusive Ariel costume inspired by the film, featuring a glittered organza wavy tail that shimmers like the magical mermaid herself.

To complete the fantasy, your princess can add on Princess dress shoes for all princess costumes which provide the sturdiness, support and comfort girls need for a long night of trick-or-treating and year-round play (SRP $12.50-$16.50 U.S./$22.50 Canada). Also sold separately, exclusive accessory sets such as glittering tiaras and sparkling necklaces offer little princesses even more dress up options.

Disney's other popular princesses such as Snow White and Sleeping Beauty also enjoy upgraded designs and fabrics, including glittery, character icon-bordered prints featuring themes and iconic art from the films (SRP $39.50/$49.50 Canada). Dress up any princess costume with a crown and a light-up wand providing extra trick-or-treating magic.

Belle, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty costumes, including separately sold shoes and accessories, will arrive in Disney Stores in early August. The deluxe Cinderella and Belle sets, as well as, Jasmine, Snow White, Mulan, Tinker Bell, Kim Possible, Minnie Mouse and Pocahontas costumes will be available by August 20 (SRP $39.50/$49.50 Canada). All costumes are available in sizes XXS-L, except for deluxe styles and Kim Possible which are available XS-L.

For Boys

In response to the high-demand generated by this summer's blockbuster sequel Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Mans Chest, Disney Store will offer its first deluxe costume for boys - Davy Jones. Based on the film character that morphs into a sea monster, the cursed Davy Jones includes a tentacle beard, a right hand claw, dimensional and textured barnacles and a garment-washed jacket that looks like it rose straight from the ocean's briny depths. Additionally, Disney Store will offer an authentic Captain Jack Sparrow costume enabling boys to take on the persona of this charming rogue. Optional accessories for both pirate costumes include a spyglass and eye patch.

Younger boys can safely and comfortably navigate trick-or-treating this year in the fully padded, suspender-upheld Lightning McQueen costume. For boys with minds for fantasy, Disney Store will offer Peter from The Chronicles of Narnia, presented in all his heraldic glory. The superhero in every young man will enjoy dressing up as Dash from The Incredibles along with Red Power Ranger from the Mystic Force television show.

All boys' costumes are available for a suggested retail price of $39.50 ($49.50 Canada) except Davy Jones deluxe costume, which retails for SRP $79.50 ($99.50 Canada). Costumes are available in sizes XXS-L, except for Pirates costumes which are available XS-L.

Plush Bubble Costumes For Infants And Toddlers

Disney Store will carry a completely new line of "bubble plush" costumes for children ages 6-36 months designed to transform them into cute and cuddly stuffed animals based on Disney's most adorable characters (SRP $24.50/$34.50 Canada). These new costumes come with plump, round foam padding, plush character hoods, booties and mittens. New designs include Mickey, Winnie-the-Pooh, Lumpy and Nemo. Additionally, Disney Store will offer a non-padded Chicken Little costume and a Jack-Jack (from The Incredibles) bodysuit sleeper (SRP $19.50/$24.50 Canada). Back by popular demand, the Minnie Mouse costume will also be available.

For the first time, parents can turn their infant girls into Disney's most popular princesses. These mini versions of the Tinker Bell and Cinderella dresses (SRP $24.50/$34.50 Canada) are replete with beautiful detail including that special Disney magic.

Costumes are scheduled arrive in stores on August 20 nationwide. For store locations in the U.S. and Canada, call 800-757-5933.

About Disney Store North America

Disney Store originated the themed retail environment when it opened its first store in Glendale, California in 1987. Disney Store currently operates over 300 locations in the United States and Canada that offer immediate access to magical Disney products. Disney Store North America is owned, and under license operated, by a subsidiary of The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc., a leading specialty retailer of apparel and accessories for children.

 

 

 

Soundtrack to Blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movie 'The Cheetah Girls 2' Set for Release on August 15

 2006 Disney Channel's Sequel Premieres August 25, Directed and Choreographed by Emmy Award Winner Kenny Ortega, Hot on the Heels of "High School Musical" Phenomenon

The soundtrack to the highly anticipated "The Cheetah Girls 2" -- sequel to the megahit Disney Channel Original Movie -- will be released by Walt Disney Records on August 15. The disc features 13 hip-hop, R&B, Latin, tango and rock-influenced songs performed by kid and tween superstars Raven-Symone, Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, Sabrina Bryan and Mexican recording artist and actress Belinda Peregrin. "The Cheetah Girls 2" premieres Friday, August 25 on Disney Channel; its anthem song and the soundtrack's lead single, "The Party's Just Begun," makes its radio debut the same month.

The Disney Channel Original Movie sequel, "The Cheetah Girls 2," takes the talented teen quartet on a whirlwind Catalan adventure as they pursue their dreams of pop superstardom. Emmy(R) and NAACP Image Award winner Lynn Whitfield ("The Josephine Baker Story") and Lori Alter return as The Cheetah Girls' protective mothers, and popular Mexican recording artist and actress Belinda Peregrin is introduced in her first English-speaking role as a would-be rival to The Cheetah Girls as they compete in the Barcelona music festival and see their dreams of stardom -- and their faith in The Cheetah Girl credo itself -- threatened.

"The Cheetah Girls 2" movie is the newest project from Emmy(R) Award-winning director and choreographer Kenny Ortega, the mastermind behind this year's "High School Musical" phenomenon, which delivered 2006's triple-platinum soundtrack and best-selling album-to-date (according to Nielsen SoundScan). Emmy(R) Award-nominated songwriting and producing talent contributing to the "The Cheetah Girls 2" include Jamie Houston, Robbie Nevil, David Lawrence and Matthew Gerrard, all of whom also contributed songs to "High School Musical."

"The Cheetah Girls 2" soundtrack follows the success of the soundtrack to the first Cheetah Girls movie, which was the #1 basic cable movie among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14. The double-platinum album became the #2 best-selling soundtrack for 2004, reached #1 on Billboard's Kids and Soundtrack charts and remained on the Billboard Top 200 chart for an incredible 62 weeks.

The all-new Cheetah Girls 2 soundtrack captures the flavor of Barcelona with the traditional Spanish lullaby "A La Nanita Nana" (performed by The Cheetah Girls with Belinda) and Spanish lyrics liberally incorporated into tracks such as "Strut," "Dance With Me" and "Amigas Cheetahs." "The Cheetah Girls 2" soundtrack includes a bonus CD-ROM "making of" feature. Additional music, video and mobile content are accessible to all Cheetah fans at TheCheetahGirlsMusic.com.

"More than ever, The Cheetah Girls sound is a high energy mix of pop and R&B that people can't help but dance to," says Adrienne.

Adds Sabrina, "It's very Cheetah but now it's kicked up a notch."

"We're really excited about how our harmonies have developed, and the new song repertoire is amazing. I can't wait for the concert tour!" enthuses Kiely.

The touring version of The Cheetah Girls (Adrienne Bailon, Sabrina Bryan and Kiely Williams) will embark on a nationwide 40-city concert tour September 15 through November 15. Purchase of "The Cheetah Girls 2" soundtrack at Target stores in the U.S. beginning August 15 will include a password to purchase up to four presale tickets for most shows on the tour, subject to availability. -0-

"The Cheetah Girls 2" CD track listing: 
1.  "The Party's Just Begun"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls 
2.  "Strut"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls
3.  "Dance with Me"(a) -- Performed by Drew Seeley featuring Belinda
4.  "Why Wait"(a) -- Performed by Belinda
5.  "A La Nanita Nana"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls with Belinda
6.  "Do Your Own Thing"(a) -- Performed by Raven-Symone
7.  "It's Over"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls
8.  "Step Up"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls 
9.  "Amigas Cheetahs"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls with Belinda
10. "Cherish the Moment"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls 
11. "Cheetah Sisters (Barcelona Mix)"(a) -- Performed by The Cheetah Girls 
12. "Everyone's a Star" -- Performed by Raven-Symone 
13. "It's Gonna Be Alright" -- Performed by Raven-Symone 
(a) Appears in film Since 2003, The Cheetah Girls have ruled the kids 
music charts with the singles "Cinderella," "Girl Power," "Together We Can" 
and "Cheetah Sisters" from the original "The Cheetah Girls" soundtrack; 
"I Won't Say (I'm in Love)" from Disney's "Hercules" for the top-selling 
"Disneymania 3" CD and concert DVD; their version of the Ray Charles
classic "Shake a Tail Feather" from the Walt Disney Pictures film
"Chicken Little"; and the title track from the group's 2005 "A Cheetalicious
Christmas" CD. The Cheetah Girls' extraordinary success also has yielded
Walt Disney Records' "The Cheetah Girls Karaoke" CD (February 2004) and
"The Cheetah Girls Special Edition Soundtrack" (June 2004). The latter 
coincided with the June 2004 Buena Vista Home Entertainment release 
"The Cheetah Girls Movie" on DVD, which quickly reached sales of one million copies. 

"The Cheetah Girls 2" soundtrack will be available August 15, 2006 for a suggested retail price of $18.98 wherever music is sold. All Walt Disney Records audio products also can be ordered by visiting DisneyRecords.com. For additional information and updates, go to TheCheetahGirlsMusic.com.

 

 

 

TV Guide Channel(R) Announces Eight Hours of Original Programming in Celebration of the 58th Annual Emmy(R) Awards

Joan and Melissa Rivers Headline TV Guide Channel's Emmy Coverage With Their Landmark 1000th Interview Live on the Red Carpet

TV Guide Channel(R), a leading entertainment destination channel available in 80 million homes nationwide, will premiere over eight hours of programming dedicated to the upcoming 58th Annual Primetime Emmy(R) Awards. The centerpiece of TV Guide Channel's Emmy programming will be five hours of live coverage from the Red Carpet on Sunday, August 27, 2006 from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. Joan and Melissa Rivers will headline the network's live coverage during the last two hour block, which will culminate with a career milestone for the ladies - the 1000th interview on the Red Carpet.

"The Emmy Awards is television's most prestigious night, and this year, TV Guide Channel will have more live coverage leading up to the awards show than any other network," said Matthew Singerman, Senior Vice President of Programming and Production, TV Guide Channel. "Our viewers will get a front row seat at all of the Emmy Awards festivities, including the Red Carpet and after-parties."

TV Guide Channel's dedicated coverage for the 2006 Emmy Awards includes the following programming: -0-

    --  JOAN AND MELISSA: CELEBRATING 1000 INTERVIEWS 
        Premieres: Sunday, August 20 at 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ET/PT 
        For more than a decade, Joan and Melissa Rivers have
         interviewed the biggest celebrities in entertainment at the
         Academy(R) Awards, Emmy(R) Awards, Grammy(R) Awards and the
         Golden Globes(R). JOAN AND MELISSA: CELEBRATING 1000
         INTERVIEWS will recount 10 memorable Red Carpet moments, as
         well as other special surprises.      --  TV GUIDE'S COUNTDOWN TO
 THE EMMY(R) AWARDS         Premieres: Sunday, August 27 at 3:00 p.m.
 - 6:00 p.m. ET/PT         TV Guide Channel will kick-off its live coverage 
at the Emmys         with Kimberly Caldwell and Rosanna Tavarez, as they 
warm up         the mikes for the Red Carpet arrivals.      --  JOAN AND 
MELISSA LIVE AT THE EMMY(R)AWARDS         Premieres: Sunday, 
August 27 at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET/PT         A milestone not to be 
missed! Joan and Melissa Rivers, the         original Red Carpet fashionistas,
 will give their 1000th         interview on Emmy night. The count will begin 
at #982 as they         speak with TV's biggest stars on the Red Carpet. Joan's 
first         interview since teaming with daughter Melissa at the 1995
         Academy(R) Awards - John Travolta - was the beginning of the
         Red Carpet phenomenon that has become a fixture of all major
         Hollywood award shows.      --  EMMY(R) AWARDS FASHION WRAP
 WITH JOAN AND MELISSA         Premieres: Monday, August 28 at 8:00 p.m. 
- 9:00 p.m. ET/PT         The award show may be over, but the fashion talk has just
         begun! Joan and Melissa Rivers will dish on what TV's biggest 
        stars were wearing on Emmy night during a one-hour special, 
        JOAN AND MELISSA EMMY AWARDS FASHION WRAP. Viewers can catch
         highlights of Emmy Red Carpet fashion that everyone in America
         will be buzzing about.      --  EMMY(R) NIGHTLIFE         Premieres: 
Tuesday, August 29 at 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ET/PT         In the EMMY N
IGHTLIFE one-hour special, viewers will get a         sneak-peek behind the
 velvet ropes of Hollywood's most         exclusive parties on Emmy night. 
The EMMY NIGHTLIFE special         will include "V.I.P." coverage of the TV 
Guide Magazine party         at Social Hollywood, including a special performance
 by         Grammy(R) award winning music artist Pink.      --  TV GUIDE SPOT(TM) 
        Available On-Demand Beginning August         TV Guide SPOT, a 
video-on-demand service available to 20         million subscribers nationwide, 
will get viewers ready for the         Emmys starting in early August. A special 
Emmy-themed "Watch         This" segment called "Emmy Watch" will take viewers
         behind-the-scenes of the Emmy-nominated shows and TV 
        celebrities. Also available on SPOT will be highlights of TV 
        Guide Channel's Emmy Nominations Special hosted by Joan and 
        Melissa Rivers, who sound off on who got nominated and who got
         snubbed. Following the Emmy Awards, TV Guide SPOT viewers can 
        access video highlights of TV Guide Channel's live coverage 
        with Joan and Melissa, including their most outrageous Red
         Carpet moments. TV Guide SPOT is available through local cable 
        operators and on broadband at http://www.tvguide.com. 

About TV Guide Channel

TV Guide Channel reaches nearly 80 million homes and is the premier television entertainment network for viewers seeking the latest information on the best programs, hottest stars and latest trends on television. Headquartered in the heart of Hollywood at its TV Guide Studios, the network combines original programming with comprehensive program listings information - all of which deliver on viewers' need for an entertaining and easy guide to what's on TV. TV Guide Channel is owned and operated by TV Guide Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.

About Gemstar-TV Guide

Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the "Company") (NASDAQ: GMST) is a leading media, entertainment and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at http://www.gemstartvguide.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties related to the transformation of our TV Guide magazine publishing business; timely availability and market acceptance of products and services incorporating the Company's technologies and content; our investment in new and existing businesses, including TV Guide magazine, TV Guide Spot and TV Guide Mobile; the impact of competitive products and pricing; ongoing and potential future litigation; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Note to Editors: GEMSTAR, TV GUIDE, TV GUIDE CHANNEL, TV GUIDE SPOT and TV GUIDE MOBILE are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. The names of other companies and products used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

 

 

 

LA Sports & Entertainment Commission's 4th Annual NFL 101/201 Called a Success - Speakers Included Reggie Bush, Eddie George, Andrea Kremer, Willie McGinest, Rodney Peete, Mike Pereira, Amy Trask and Rod Woodson

fourth annual NFL 101/201 event, which was hosted by the LA Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC), took place on Thursday, July 13 in the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland. LASEC President Kathy Schloessman reported on the success of the event, in which more than 400 guests attended.

This year's NFL 101/201 instructors included Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints running back and 2006 Heisman Trophy winner from USC; Eddie George, former Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans running back and Heisman Trophy winner; Andrea Kremer, reporter, NBC Sports (and the event's emcee); Willie McGinest, three-time Super Bowl champion and Cleveland Browns linebacker; Rodney Peete, co-host, "Best Damn Sports Show Period" and former NFL quarterback; Mike Pereira, vice president of officiating, NFL; Amy Trask, chief executive, Oakland Raiders; and Rod Woodson, NFL Network analyst and former NFL All-Pro defensive back.

"It speaks to the caliber this event has become that we were able to attract such high level individuals from the world of professional football," said Kremer. "And it's a tribute to these individuals who all donated their time to make sure the passion for NFL football continues in Los Angeles."

NFL 101/201 is the only current Southern California-based event that is officially sanctioned by the NFL. This event was originated for women and men who are unfamiliar with the rules and strategy of professional football or want to learn more about the game. NFL 101/201 offered an evening of instruction in offensive and defensive football from some of the biggest names in the sport.

Schloessman noted that this year's event included a "mini-NFL experience, where guests mingled with their favorite players and got their autographs, went 'under the hood' and looked inside an instant replay machine and had trading card photos made of themselves. They also had a chance to watch clips from NBC's show 'Friday Night Lights,' see Gordon 'Red' Batty's equipment demonstration and throw footballs at the LA Avenger's football toss."

Once the event began, guests enjoyed delicious food from presenting sponsor Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events. As emcee, Andrea Kremer gave an introduction to football and then introduced the speakers. Vince Papale, subject of Disney's upcoming movie, "Invincible," talked about being the NFL's oldest rookie. Mike Pereira roused the audience with clips of close plays, asking them how they would have called them. Gordon "Red" Batty brought NFL players' equipment onstage, explaining little known facts about the different items players wear.

Guests then went into bleachers to watch as NFL players Reggie Bush, Rodney Peete, Eddie George, Willie McGinest and Rod Woodson demonstrated offensive and defensive moves.

Later, Kremer moderated as a panel including Raiders chief executive Amy Trask, NFL's Mike Pereira and players Bush, Peete, George, McGinest, and Woodson answered questions from the audience.

"This event has become such a success, we plan on doing it again in the summer of 2007 and I can't wait to see what amazing talent we'll attract next year," said Schloessman.

LASEC is the official organization for the City of Los Angeles to seek, host, promote and retain major sporting and entertainment events that positively impact the local economy by attracting visitors to the city, giving them a reason to stay longer and return more frequently. LASEC is a private, nonprofit organization and an affiliate of LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau.

 

 

 

Good Night and Good Luck, The Searchers and Caddyshack Now on HD DVD August 22

Good Night and Good Luck, The Searchers and Caddyshack make their HD DVD debuts on August 22 from Warner Home Video. Good Night and Good Luck will be released as an HD-DVD/DVD combo and will be available for $39.99 SRP. The other two titles will sell for $28.99 SRP.

Good Night and Good Luck, the critically acclaimed Oscar(R)-nominated drama starring David Strathairn and directed by George Clooney, chronicles the real-life conflict between newsman Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy. The Searchers, with an indelible image of the American frontier and the men and women who challenged it, stars John Wayne and was directed by John Ford. Caddyshack, 18 holes of fairway foolishness with Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield and Bill Murray, did for golf what Animal House did for college fraternities.

Said George Feltenstein, WHV's Senior Vice President Theatrical Catalog Marketing, "Each time I watch a film in the new HD DVD format, I'm struck by the night-and-day difference -- resolution, contrast, vibrancy of color, crisp sound. The Searchers is a landmark Western celebrating its 50th Anniversary so what a perfect time to have it on HD DVD. As for the other titles: just look at how sharp the grass on the fairway at the Bushwood Country Club is, or the smoke from Ed Murrow's (many) cigarettes ...these are small things but they so contribute to the overall enhancement of the experience. It's a cliche but ... you have to see it to believe it."

All bonus materials on the Standard Definition versions of these titles will be included on the HD DVD versions.

Warner Home Video HD DVDs offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, HD DVD also provides a new level of interactivity, giving instant access to extra features with the debut of a seamless menu-bar that allows viewers to enjoy features and settings without leaving or interrupting the film.

With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

 

 

 

 

President Bartlet is Back for His Final Year, Just in Time for the Holidays! Warner Home Video Releases ``The West Wing: The Complete Seventh Season'' and ``The West Wing: The Complete Series'' on DVD November 7

 

-- "The West Wing: The Complete Seventh Season" Features All 22 Episodes of the Final Season Which Earned Six Emmy Award Nominations, Including One for Outstanding Drama

-- "The West Wing: The Complete Series" Includes All 154 Episodes of this Award Winning Series along with the Pilot Script and Forward by Series Creator Aaron Sorkin and Hours and Hours of Viewing Extras From All Seven Seasons!

Fans will get a double dose of their favorite president when Warner Home Video (WHV) releases both "The West Wing: The Complete Seventh Season" and "The West Wing: The Complete Series" on DVD November 7, 2006, allowing collectors the chance to finally own a complete set of this critically acclaimed series. Consumers can top off their existing collections with the addition of the final, seventh season DVD box set or take the opportunity to own the deluxe, complete series gift set, which contains the entire library beautifully packaged in one elegant, all-inclusive box.

"The West Wing: The Complete Seventh Season" contains all 22 episodes, along with never-before-seen footage and other bonus features in a six-disc set that will retail at $59.98 SRP. "The West Wing: The Complete Series" contains all 154 episodes of the series, as well as enhanced content, on 45 DVDs and will retail at $299.98 SRP.

In this final, seventh season, it's the end of one era and the beginning of another as President Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen) prepares to pass down the presidential torch and Congressman Matthew Santos (Jimmy Smits) and Senator Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda) battle it out on the campaign trail, both hoping to become his successor. This season is jam packed with drama as it includes a live debate, an election, a transition and a final performance by and remembrance of the late John Spencer.

This final season of "The West Wing" earned six Emmy nominations including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Martin Sheen, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Allison Janney and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Alan Alda.

Enhanced content featured on "The West Wing: The Complete Seventh Season" includes:

-- "Live from the Director's Chair" - A multi-angle view from the truck as the director calls the live show (RT 47:00 approx.)

-- "Countdown to West Wing Live" - behind-the-scenes featurette (RT 25:00 approx.)

The perfect holiday gift for any "The West Wing" fan, "The West Wing: The Complete Series" contains all 154 episodes of the series on 45 DVDs featuring 112 hours of amazing content. Consumers can relive all seven seasons of this award winning series which has garnered 24 Emmy Awards, including four for Outstanding Drama Series, two Golden Globes, including one for Best TV Drama Series, two Peabody Awards and more!

The dossier gift set also contains hours and hours of viewing extras featuring all of the enhanced content contained on previous season set releases which includes over 20 commentaries, over 20 documentaries and behind-the-scenes featurettes, gag reels, unaired scenes and more! The box set will also include an element that has never before been released on a "The West Wing" DVD set -- the original pilot script along with an introduction by series creator Aaron Sorkin.

"It is with great pride that we bring the final chapter of `The West Wing' to viewers along with the complete series gift set. Aaron Sorkin and John Wells did a tremendous job of creating multi-dimensional characters and intriguing drama while bringing focus to timely topics and treating fans to the inner-workings of the White House. It is a show that will be missed," commented Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President, TV Marketing. She added, "We anticipate enthusiastic consumer response for these two DVD releases as fans look forward to completing their `The West Wing' collections or buying the entire series all at once with this unique dossier gift set. Additionally, with the holiday season soon upon us, both releases serve as great gift ideas for any `The West Wing' devotee or fan of quality television."

"The West Wing" premiered in the fall of 1999 and follows the challenges and responsibilities of the U.S. President Josiah Bartlet and his White House staff. The ensemble cast includes Alan Alda as Senator Arnold Vinick, Stockard Channing as First Lady Abigail Bartlet, Dule Hill as Charlie Young, Allison Janney as C.J. Cregg, Josh Malina as Will Bailey, Janel Moloney as Donna Moss, Richard Schiff as Toby Ziegler, Martin Sheen as President Josiah Bartlet, Jimmy Smits as Senator Matt Santos, John Spencer as Leo McGarry and Bradley Whitford as Josh Lyman.

"The West Wing" previously won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 along with 20 individual Emmys awarded to writers, actors and crew. Moreover, the show holds the record for the most Emmys won by a series in a single season by winning nine during its first season on the air. By winning the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row, the show is tied with "Hill Street Blues" and "L.A. Law" for most Emmys won in that category. Currently, "The West Wing" ranks 8th in all-time number of Emmy Awards won by a series.

 

 

 

NYC to Get "A Room with a View"

 
:

New York, NY — James Ivory, the three-time Oscar®-nominated director and one-half of the legendary Merchant Ivory production team, will be the special guest at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 20th anniversary screening of “A Room with a View,” on Monday, August 21, at 7 p.m. (earlier time) at the Academy Theater at Lighthouse International in New York City.

Hosted by film scholar Brian Rose, a professor in the Department of Communication and Media Studies at Fordham University, this screening will be the first big-screen presentation of “A Room with a View” since its initial theatrical run in 1986.

Adapted from the E.M. Forster novel by two-time Academy Award® winner Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, “A Room with a View” is a romantic comedy that examines the class system of early 20th century England. After a life-changing vacation in Florence, young Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter) finds herself in an emotional dilemma: Does she follow through with her engagement to dispassionate, snobbish, upper-class gentleman Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis) or follow her heart and accept the loving advances of George Emerson (Julian Sands), a free-spirited, eccentric young man she met in Florence?

The film also stars Maggie Smith as chaperone Charlotte Bartlett and Denholm Elliott as Mr. Emerson.

In addition to a Directing nomination for Ivory, “A Room with a View” earned a total of eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture (Ismail Merchant, producer), Actor in a Supporting Role (Elliott), Actress in a Supporting Role (Smith) and Cinematography (Tony Pierce-Roberts).

The film won Oscars for Adapted Screenplay (Prawer Jhabvala), Art Direction (Gianni Quaranta, Brian Ackland-Snow; Set Decoration: Brian Savegar, Elio Altamura) and Costume Design (Jenny Beavan, John Bright).

Preceding the feature, the Academy will present “Luxo Jr.” (1986), the first computer-animated short film to receive an Academy Award nomination (John Lasseter and William Reeves).

“Monday Nights with Oscar” is a monthly series showcasing high-quality prints of films that have been nominated for or won Academy Awards.

The Academy Theater at Lighthouse International is located at 111 East 59th Street in New York City. Tickets for the screening are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID.

Tickets may be reserved by calling 1-888-778-7575. Depending on availability, tickets may be purchased the night of the screening. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.oscars.org/events.

 

# # #

 

 

 

ATTENTION ANIMATION LOVERS!

THE FIVE-CITY NICKTOONS NETWORK MOBILE TOUR CULMINATES IN

LOS ANGELES SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 & SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

Festival Winners For Student Award, Diversity Award And Producer’s Choice Award To Be Announced During Creators’ Day Event Sunday, August 13

WHO/WHAT:

      Nicktoons Network, Nickelodeon’s 24-hour animation network, hits the open road this summer with the Nicktoons Network Mobile Tour, a five-city tour in celebration of its third annual Nicktoons Network Animation Festival (NNAF).  The tour kicked off in New York and New Jersey and culminates in Los Angeles (Burbank) for Kid’s Day (invitation only) Saturday, August 12 at the Nicktoons Studios and in Westminster (open to the public) Sunday, August 13 at the Westminster Mall from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (PT).

      The interactive mobile tour will continue in its branded truck to its final stop in Los Angeles (Burbank) where Larry Schwarz, the creator of Nicktoons Network’s new hit series Kappa Mikey, will be available to meet and greet fans at both tour stop locations. 

      The Los Angeles stops will encompass three interactive play stations:

    • Animator Meet & Greet – Fans can meet the animators that bring their favorite Nicktoons Network series to life and have their picture taken with Nicktoons characters via green screen. 
    • The NNAF Tips & Tricks – This station illustrates the building blocks of animation at various kiosks including: the Sound Stage, the Art Studio, NNAF Video Wall and the Animation Browser.
    • Thumb Wrestling Competition – Fans will be able to compete in thumb wrestling matches disguised as their favorite Thumb Wrestling Federation characters.  Each match will be recorded so fans are able to download their personalized video which automatically enters them into the TWF Sweepstakes for a chance to win a guest ‘thumb’ spot on Nicktoons Network!

    •  

      Billed as the world’s first multiplatform animation festival, NNAF kicks off with its first, live two-day event at the Nicktoons Studios.  Kids’ Day, which takes place on August 12, will feature all three main components of the mobile tour Invited guests will also partake in an afternoon filled with food, festivities and fun including: Nicktoons Network’s costume characters, on-site animators offering ‘doodling’ demonstrations and a screening of this year’s top animation entries.

      On Sunday August 13, NNAF presents Creators’ Day in which Nicktoons Network will host an evening event for special guests and announce the three winners of this year’s Student Award, Diversity Award and Producer’s Choice Award.  The announcement will be followed by a cocktail reception and a courtyard screening of the award-winning shorts from the announced winners.

      The Nicktoons Network Animation Festival takes place online and on-air beginning Saturday, August 26 through Thursday, August 31.  Viewers can see which shorts have been selected for this year’s festival, view creator information and biographies and download the NNAF program at www.nicktoonsnetwork.com starting August 1.  Viewers can also watch the animated shorts and vote for their favorite submissions at www.nicktoonsnetwork.com from Saturday August 26 through Friday September 15.  The NNAF Viewers Choice Award will be announced online September 18.

WHERE/WHEN:

    • Kids’ Day Event (Invitation Only) – Saturday, August 12 / 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. (PT)
    • Nicktoons Studios, 231 W. Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA, 91502

    • Westminster, CA (Open to Public) – Sunday, August 13 / 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. (PT)
    • Westminster Mall, 1025 Westminster Mall, Westminster, CA 92683
    • Creators’ Day Event (Invitation Only) – Sunday, August 13 / 6 p.m. (PT)

      Nicktoons Studios, 231 W. Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA, 91502

July 31, 2006

Victoria’s Secret Angels Launches Very Sexy Makeup in the City of Angels

(C) MBN 2006

 

Victoria’s Secret launched the sexiest color on earth with Victoria’s Secret Angels Karolina Kurkova, Heidi Klum, Alessandra Ambrosio, Izabel Goulard and Selita Ebanks in the City of Angels earlier today at The Grove in Los Angeles, steps away from CBS Studios and the legendary Farmers Market.
(C) MBN 2006

 

Victoria’s Secret was packed with predominantly females of all ages, and yes some males too.  A DJ played music in the background as people anxiously awaited their chance to meet the Angels.  The winding line exited out the door and ended up being cut off with time constraints.  Security personnel were plentiful to keep the crowd in check.

(C) MBN 2006


 

 

 

 

Each of the Angels, signed the Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy print, with Giselle the only one absent at the autograph signing from the picture.  They had a smile for everyone and never seemed to tire from the two hours of autographs.  Between autographs they would often look up to the flicker of flash bulbs from just about everywhere. 

(C) MBn 2006


 

 

 

Pink lemonade, “Very Sexy” pink logo dark chocolate treats with Ghiradelli Raspberry and dark chocolate kept the energy going.

(C) MBN 2006

Free makeovers utilizing the Very Sexy Makeup were available beginning at noon through midnight today.  A Very Sexy T-shirt as part of the day’s promotion included titles of the colors. Kicking off the 50 days of sexy in Los Angeles were the Victoria’s Secret Angels.  Since I’m in the dark on the 50 days of sexy, wasn’t the preview the ideal time to let everyone know?  

(C) MBN 2006

 

If you happen to be on Victoria’s Secret email list and happened to see the ad -  their “Very Sexy Makeup, The Sexiest Color on Earth” with a very sexy Angel – it invites that seductive promise – buy this Very Sexy Makeup and you too can look like this.  Isn’t that why cigarette and alcohol commercials were banned from tv?As for the ad, the steaminess, the seduction… and when can I get that Very Sexy makeup?

(C) MBN 2006

Tomorrow August 1st,  Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Makeup launches in select Victoria’s Secret Stores in the Los Angeles area and launches nationwide in September.  For those of you who can’t wait, I checked on their website and didn’t find it yet.  Perhaps tomorrow?  Or maybe someone can pick it up for you or you’ll find it on eBay.

(C) MBN 2006

Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Makeup held some surprises.  I must admit, I’ve never been a Victoria’s Secret fan of makeup.  The shades were must-have in everything from foundation, powders, eyeliners, eyeshadow palettes, bronzers, nails, and tons of lip colors in lipsticks, glosses and lip lacquer compacts to much more.  The textures were suprisingly smooth.

(C) MBN 2006

The colors are - can you use the term too much – sexy?  Even the color names put you in the mood – Bare Naked, Hottie, Hard to Get, and Afterglow to name a few.  When you open up the black compact with “Very Sexy” in pink, the mirror says “Very Sexy” to remind you.  Fun it is and who hasn’t bought makeup for the name (and color too) – just ask Nars about the popularity of their color Orgasm. 

(C) MBN 2006

An even broader product line, makeup artists attired in black, and Victoria’s Secret may even make an impact on the MAC hold of popularity. 

(C) MBN 2006

 

(C) MBN 2006

(C) MBN 2006 (JOYCE CHOW)

 

Shaggy Dog on DVD: Red Carpet

THE NEW COMEDY CLASSIC ARRIVES ON DISNEY DVD AUGUST 1st

 (C) DISNEY

 

Walt Disney Pictures Presents

(C) Disney

THE SHAGGY DOG

(C) Disney


TIM ALLEN STARS AS THE FAMILY DAD… AND DOG!

(C) Disney

Includes Disney’s First-Ever “Bark-Along Bone-Us Feature” For Dogs,
Hilarious Deleted Scenes, Bloopers

 

(C) Disney

 


Walt Disney Home Entertainment presents The Shaggy Dog, the fresh, funny update of one of Disney’s most beloved family comedy classics, on DVD August 1st . Starring the ever-popular Tim Allen (“The Santa Clause,” TV’s “Home Improvement”), The Shaggy Dog follows the hysterically hairy adventures of Deputy D.A. Dave Douglas (Allen), a workaholic trial lawyer and sometimes distant dad, who by a strange accident turns into a big shaggy dog. The fur flies as Dave comically tries to adjust to a whole new way of looking at the world, and discovers how much a family really means to him.

(C) Disney

The “Bark Along Bone-Us Feature” is a Disney first: a feature for the family dog to enjoy as well as the family. This special feature combines fun dog-themed footage with two audio track options: for the canines in the family to enjoy, there is a “barking and woofing” audio track, and for the humans in the family, an alternate audio track that features a new version of the song “Woof There It Is” with new lyrics created especially for The Shaggy Dog. Bonus features also include: deleted scenes; bloopers and outtake goof-ups from the set; and director/producer feature audio commentary.

(C) Disney

The Shaggy Dog features a doggone great cast with Tim Allen, Kristin Davis (TV’s “Sex In The City”), Zena Grey (“In Good Company”), Spencer Breslin (“Raising Helen”), Robert Downey Jr. (“Good Night And Good Luck”), and Coal, the film’s adorable Bearded Collie.

(C) Disney

The Shaggy Dog will be available for U.S. $29.99 (SRP), Canada $37.99 (SRP). Fullscreen and widescreen versions are included on the same DVD disc.

(C) Disney

Tim Allen gains a whole new point of view on becoming a great dad when he’s accidentally transformed into a great big dog in The Shaggy Dog, the deliriously funny update of the Disney family comedy classic.


Workaholic D.A. Dave Douglas (Allen) takes on his latest legal case, involving a criminal animal laboratory. It’s yet another assignment that takes him away from his wife (Kristin Davis) and kids (Zena Grey and Spencer Davis), who yearn for his attention.

(C) Disney 

The adventure begins when Dave morphs into the body of the family’s new pet Bearded Collie, and becomes ‘the shaggy dog.’ With perked-up ears and a front row seat on the family carpet, Dave is able to gain an entirely different perspective into his family’s secrets and dreams. Inspired by what he discovers, Dave wants nothing more than to become man’s – and his family’s – best friend.

Screenplay by The Wibberleys and Geoff Rodkey and Jack Amiel & Michael Begler. Produced by David Hoberman and Tim Allen. Directed by Brian Robbins.

 

(C) Disney

This DVD is enhanced with Disney’s FastPlay, an exclusive easy start-up feature from Walt Disney Home Entertainment. With Disney’s FastPlay, viewers can let the DVD play automatically. This family-friendly, patent-pending technology plays the movie and includes a selection of bonus footage without any additional viewing navigation. Or, viewers can choose to navigate through a simplified menu using their remote control.

Disney’s FastPlay includes the exclusive EasyFind menu system, available only on Disney DVDs. EasyFind menus provide consistent categories and graphic icons for easy identification of bonus material features.

STREET DATE: August 1, 2006

Suggested retail price: U.S. $29.99, Canada $37.99
Rated: PG For Some Mild Rude Humor.

(C) Disney

Bonus materials not rated.
Feature run time: Approximately 99 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: 1.33:1, formatted 4x3

(C) Disney

2.40:1 enhanced for 16x9 TV screens
DVD Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Languages: English audio.
Spanish, French subtitles
Spanish, French audio (Fullscreen only)
Close captioned for the hearing impaired (Fullscreen only)
.

(C) Disney

Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized leader in the home entertainment industry. Buena Vista home Entertainment is the marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax and Buena Vista videocassette and DVD product. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., is a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company.

 

 (C) Disney

 

Disney all rights reserved

 

NASA NEWS

NASA SELECTS TEAMS FOR SPACE WEATTHER MISSION AND STUDIES

Four university teams will share $100 million to provide experiments
and supporting hardware for a future NASA mission to study near-Earth
space radiation. This type of radiation is hazardous to astronauts,
orbiting satellites and aircraft flying high altitude polar routes.

The teams will initially use $4.2 million to perform a one-year cost,
management and technical study prior to assembling and testing their
scientific payload for the mission. The anticipated lifetime cost of
payload development is $96 million.

Called the Radiation Belt Storm Probes, the two-spacecraft mission is
scheduled for launch in 2012. The mission will study how
accumulations of space radiation form and change during space storms.
Space weather storms involve constantly changing magnetic and
electric fields and gusts of radiation particles that produce intense
energy. This energy can black out long-distance communications over
entire continents and disrupt the global navigational system.

"This research will provide information to aid those working in this
environment to respond proactively to space radiation events, rather
than reactively," said NASA's Heliophysics Division director Dick
Fisher.

NASA also has selected three teams to share approximately $2.3 million
to conduct studies for small missions that will augment the 2012
mission. NASA will review the studies and select one investigation
for continued development.

Proposals for the 2012 mission and studies were submitted to NASA in
response to an Announcement of Opportunity released in August 2005.
Selected teams and experiments for the 2012 mission:

- Boston Univ., Boston; directly measure the near-Earth space
radiation particles to determine the physical processes that produce
radiation enhancements and loss

- University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; understand the origin of plasma
waves that energize space particles to radiation levels; measure the
distortions to Earth's magnetic field that control the structure of
the planet's radiation belts

- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; study electric fields in space
that energize radiation particles and modify the structure of the
inner magnetosphere

- New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, N.J.; determine how
space weather creates what is called the "storm time ring current"
around Earth and determine how that ring current supplies and
supports the creation of radiation populations

Selected teams for studies and areas of research to augment the 2012
mission:

- University of Colorado at Boulder, Colo.; a potential U.S.
contribution of scientific instrumentation for a Canadian scientific
satellite

- University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.; measure the response
of the Earth's thermosphere and ionosphere to space weather forces

- Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H.; seek to discover the mechanisms
that cause the Earth's radiation belts to periodically drain away
into the planet's atmosphere

The National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, Va., plans to enhance
the mission's scientific goals by contributing an experiment to
gather additional data that will better characterize the radiation
environment in space. The experiment will extend the measurement
capabilities to a range beyond what was originally planned for the
mission.

These investigations and the Radiation Belt Storm Probe mission are
part of NASA's Living with a Star Program. The program is designed to
understand how and why the sun varies, how planetary systems respond
and the effect on human space and Earth activities.
The program is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center,
Greenbelt, Md., for the agency's Heliophysics Division of the Science
Mission Directorate.

For more information on NASA's Living with a Star Geospace Program,
visit:

http://www.lws.nasa.gov/geospace

Business and Financial News

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

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

  (C)MBN 2006

Content is King

 

Edited by William Hoehne & Joyce L. Chow

To come here you have to be able to read.

Monte says to ability to read is the most powerful weapon in the world

MBN®

www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news

 

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

sales@montebubbles.net

 

Banner ads and other advertisements can now be purchased thru eBay: Item number: 220012641416

 

 

(C) MBN 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monte Bubbles now Licensing her image for use.

First there was ABC,CBS,CNN,FOX and NBC and now there is MBN ® Now associate with Mounte Broadcasting Network

( MBN unofficially the sixth largest supplier

of NEWS by and American company

averaging 200 Pages of news a day. )

MBN® is the Avis of the news business. Because we are internet we have to try harder and do more on less.

 

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

SUNDAYS ARE NOW PICTURE DAY

 

International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

 

More exciting changes coming each day

 

 

 

Bombardier Signs Algeria's Tassili Airlines for Four Q400 Airliners

Tassili Airlines to Become 17th Q400 Operator

 Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Tassili Airlines of Algiers, Algeria has signed a contract for four 74-seat Q400 turboprop airliners. The airline is the first Q400 customer in Algeria and the second in Africa.

The value of the contract based on list prices is $103 million US. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2007.

A subsidiary of the Sonatrach State Energy Group, Tassili Airlines will initially transport workers to several oil fields in Algeria. It plans to add domestic and international scheduled airline service within the next few years.

"We selected the Bombardier Q400 because of its superlative fuel economy, speed and passenger comfort," said Captain Rachid Nouar, Director of Operations at Tassili Airlines. "Bombardier's Q Series and Dash 8 turboprops have proven to have a high reliability in the sometimes harsh North African climate. In addition, the Q400 aircraft has an unbeatable performance in very high temperature conditions."

"We welcome Tassili Airlines to the growing list of Bombardier Q400 operators," said Steven Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Regional Aircraft. "Tassili is the 17th operator to recognize the outstanding mission capability and operating costs of the Q400. This airplane is reshaping the regional air transport market."

Firm orders for the Bombardier Q400 aircraft stood at 177 aircraft at April 30, 2006 with 118 aircraft delivered to operators in Europe, North America, Africa and the Asia/Pacific region.

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2006, were $14.7 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.

Bombardier and Q400 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

 

 

1031 Exchange Advantage Creates Consumer Guide to a Successful 1031 Exchange Transaction

Roadmap Publication Helps Real Estate Investors at All Levels Learn Tax-Free Options
1031 Exchange Advantage, a leading 1031 Exchange Accommodator, has announced the release of the "1031 Exchange Advantage Roadmap Guide," a comprehensive guide to tax-free exchanging. The Roadmap, available through the company's website, outlines nine major exchange opportunities, including little known rules regarding home offices, oil & gas rights, and raw land. Virtually any type of property transaction can qualify, including foreclosures.

Significant appreciation in property values across the U.S. has stimulated new interest in the decades-old 1031 exchange rules. These rules have traditionally only been used by larger real estate investors. 1031 Exchange Advantage has answered the consumer-level demand for help with tax-savings by publishing the 1031 Roadmap. The company is making the guide available at: www.1031exchangeadvantage.com.

 

Highlighted Links
1031

"We designed the Roadmap to help trigger creative investment scenarios that can enhance the earning power of real estate investments," stated David Greenberger, President of 1031 Exchange Advantage. "The guide shows how to eliminate unnecessary complication to insure a smooth and profitable exchange transaction."

The Roadmap includes a checklist for investors to plan and organize each transaction. "Record gains for the uninitiated means record taxes on capital gains. Anyone who is sitting with significant gains may not be aware that the tax laws allow them to sell and reinvest all the gains without paying taxes when they qualify," stated Greenberger.

1031 Exchange Advantage (www.1031exchangeadvantage.com) helps analyze investors' goals, such as wealth accumulation, cash flow, relocation or retirement. By providing this analysis, the company enables investors to achieve an optimum strategy for maximizing their objectives, while taking advantage of tax free provisions under the current income and estate tax codes

 

 

 

Caneum, Inc. Continues the Addition of Key Customers Signing a One-Year Agreement for Outsourced Recruiting Services for Ostendo Technologies

Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing Company Will Provide Outsourced Talent Placement as Part of Its Rapidly Expanding HR BPO Service Offering

Caneum, Inc. (OTCBB: CANM), a global provider of business process and information technology outsourcing services, today announced that it has closed a one-year recruiting support agreement with Ostendo Technologies to source, identify and recruit key engineering talent. Ostendo is bringing to market several innovative products in the High Definition Flat Panel display market and has extremely complex engineering capability requirements.

"We needed a partner who truly understands the problems we are solving for the market," said Joaquin Fernandez-Silva, Chief Operating Officer of Ostendo Technologies. "Caneum has been instrumental in delivering the right kind of engineering talent to our team and has a compelling service offering for high growth companies such as ourselves. Their speed, focus and ability to identify and recruit highly specialized engineering talent have been extremely important to making our company a success."

"We are very excited to work with Ostendo Technologies and are happy to have been entrusted with placing several key technical positions for the development of their core product portfolio," commented Robert Morris, Senior Vice President of Caneum. "This agreement continues to validate the compelling nature of our HR BPO service offering and serves to reinforce the high value that we can deliver for growth companies of all sizes and market focus. We look forward to assisting Ostendo rolling forward and in deepening the relationship that we have developed to date."

About Caneum, Inc.:

Caneum, Inc. is a global provider of business process and information technology outsourcing services across vertical industries, including technology, energy, government, transportation, financial services, education and healthcare. The Company provides a suite of business strategy and planning capabilities to assist companies with their "make versus buy" decisions in the areas of data, network, product development, product maintenance and customer support, and fulfills its services in-house, on-shore, near-shore and off-shore, depending on the business goals and objectives of its global customers. In parallel, the Company is opportunistically pursuing accretive acquisitions within its core outsourcing product and service suite in order to broaden its core capabilities, expand its customer base and supplement its organic growth. For more information, please visit the Company's web site at http://www.caneum.com.

About Ostendo Technologies, Inc.:

Ostendo Technologies, Inc. is a fabless developer of Light Emitting Diode (LED) based display products for the consumer and commercial display market. The Company provides a suite of Flat Panel Display products based on its proprietary LED based display technology. For more information, please visit the Company's web site at http://www.ostendotech.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: With the exception of historical information, the statements set forth above include forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. The Company wishes to caution readers that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Those factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors noted in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, such as the rapidly changing nature of technology, evolving industry standards and frequent introductions of new products, services and enhancements by competitors; the competitive nature of the markets for the Company's products and services; the Company's ability to gain market acceptance for its products and services; the Company's ability to fund its operational growth; the Company's ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the Company's ability to diversify its revenue streams and customer concentrations; and the Company's reliance on third-party suppliers.  

 

 

Action Products International Revises Warrant Terms

Action Products International, Inc. (NASDAQ: APII) -- Today the Board of Action Products elected to extend the term of the warrants that were due to expire on January 31, 2007 at 5:00 PM (Eastern time). As a result of the changes, the warrants are exercisable at $3.25 per share until January 31, 2007 and $3.75 per share from February 1, 2007 until January 31, 2008. The new expiration date is January 31, 2008 at 5:00 PM (Eastern time). There were no other changes in the terms of the warrants. Action Products distributed the warrants on July 20, 2006 to its shareholders of record on January 18, 2006.

 

 

BSIC, Back to the Basics, Down to Earth Growth

Independent oil and gas exploration company Basic Earth Science Systems (OTCBB: BSIC) has been chosen for this week's "SPOT Feature" in the Knobias Small-Cap ClipReport. Each week, Knobias scours the small-cap universe to find overlooked companies with sound fundamentals and one or more growth catalysts on the horizon. The weekly "SPOT" feature may be accessed via our daily ClipReport newsletter (free to all subscribers). To receive the Small-Cap ClipReport daily, please visit: http://www.knobias.com/front/product/clipreport/

BSIC, Back to the Basics, Down To Earth Growth

Basic Earth Science Systems (OTCBB: BSIC) is an independent oil and gas exploration company engaged in the upstream segment of the industry, which comprises the exploration, acquisition, development, operation, production and sale of crude oil and natural gas. Activities are focused in the North Dakota and Montana portions of the Williston basin, the Denver-Julesburg basin of Colorado, the southern portions of Texas, and onshore portions of the Gulf Coast.

The BULLS Say...

Small U.S. Oil Player Balancing Risk-Reward. Unrelenting conflict in the Middle East and growing energy demands have made cheap oil a thing of the past. As the world scrambles for new sources, BSIC is finding oil in the U.S. This tiny independent seems to cover (albeit in tiny ways) both ends of the risk-reward spectrum. BSIC has an established base of working interest in 77 domestic oil wells and 9 gas wells that have produced significant double-digit revenue and net income growth. The company has virtually no debt and is diversifying into natural gas. Simultaneously, BSIC has a self-described "swing for the fences" opportunity in their 2% interest in the Christmas Meadows Prospect, which commences drilling in Aug-06 (next month). In the middle sits projects from 2H-06 where production has yet to be added to an updated reserve estimate.

 

The BEARS Say...

Limited Resources Create Risky Model. BSIC's limited resources cause them to focus on smaller and/or marginal properties. This model has a high degree of risk and the company has had its share of disappointing results. In many cases, their wells begin with high flow rates only to decline significantly. When this happens, great expense may be required to reach commercially viable production.

About the Small-Cap ClipReport

Most small-cap newsletters just tout stocks. Instead, the ClipReport provides a comprehensive, journalistic view of each day's small-cap action. This nightly, 10-page PDF email consolidates actionable information and analysis covering the world of stocks below a $500 million marketcap threshold. Starting with "Page One," Knobias breaks down one of the week's most interesting topics in the small-cap universe. The remaining 9 pages provide users with each day's top stories, news movers, strong closers, after-hours events, earnings, corporate actions, PIPE deals, Reg SHO stocks and symbol/name changes. The ClipReport is a daily "must-read" for every small- and micro-cap investor.

About the Weekly SPOT

Each week, Knobias scours the small-cap universe to find overlooked companies with sound fundamentals and one or more growth catalyst on the horizon. This search typically features a small-cap stock exhibiting strong growth while undervalued relative to public peers. SPOT selections tend to be "under-priced" due to lack of coverage or a failure for the marketplace to fully understand "the story." SPOT companies must meet the same basic criteria as our Small-Cap ClipReport, i.e. under $500M marketcap...banks, ETFs, funds and utilities are excluded. Furthermore, SPOT selections must be fundamentally sound with growth, profitability (or near) and clear prospects for price appreciation. Knobias is never compensated for SPOT selections, and NO position will be held in SPOT stocks by Knobias, its management or staff while the stock is being highlighted.

To subscribe to the FREE Knobias Small-Cap "ClipReport," click below:

http://www.knobias.com/clipreport

To advertise in the Knobias Small-Cap "ClipReport", submit requests to: sales@knobias.com

For information concerning the Knobias Issuer Services Program, submit requests to: sales@knobias.com

About Knobias, Inc.

Knobias, Inc. (OTCBB: KNBS), pronounced "no-b-s," provides a wide range of financial information solutions for all sides of the U.S. stock market. Knobias combines proprietary content & technology into efficient platforms for the consolidation, distribution & targeted presentation of investment decision information for customers & affiliates. Knobias platforms provide news, filings, fundamentals, transaction databases, calendars, research, tools & analysis for all U.S. equities with a special emphasis on small-caps. Knobias customers include retail investors, day-traders, buy-side & sell-side professionals, public issuers, financial websites & financial content providers. For more information about Knobias, Inc. products, please visit www.knobias.com.

FORWARD LOOKING SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

To the extent that this release discusses any expectations concerning future plans, financial results or performance, such statements are forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof and reflect only management's belief and expectations based upon presently available information. These statements, and other forward-looking statements, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Knobias assumes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this release.

 

 

 

Beckman's Right to Transfer Its HPV Business to Ventana Is Upheld

Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: VMSI) today commented on the July 27, 2006 ruling in an arbitration between Beckman Coulter, Inc. and Digene Corporation. In that decision, an International Center for Dispute Resolution arbitration panel ruled that Beckman had the right to assign its HPV business and intellectual property to Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. In reaching this conclusion, the panel rejected Digene's central argument in the arbitration that a 1990 Cross-License Agreement to which Beckman was a party prohibited assignment of Beckman's HPV business and intellectual property. The panel also refused to consider Digene's request to invalidate Beckman's assignment to Ventana. However, the panel declared that the assignment included a provision that was not permitted by the Cross-License Agreement. Ventana is working to correct that provision. Additionally, the panel declared that the Cross-License Agreement does not permit the sale of HPV cell paste. Ventana does not sell HPV cell paste to third parties.

This ruling has no effect on Ventana's ability to continue to provide HPV products directly to the global market.

Digene sued Ventana in 2001 in Delaware District Court, later adding Beckman as a party, and sought, among other remedies, an injunction against the sale of the Ventana INFORM HPV products, unspecified monetary damages, and cancellation of the acquisition of the Beckman HPV business. In 2004, the Court required Digene to arbitrate the claims it asserted against Beckman. The District Court proceedings against Ventana, which had been stayed pending the outcome of the arbitration, are expected to resume in the near future.

Ventana develops, manufactures, and markets instrument/reagent systems that automate tissue preparation and slide staining in clinical histology and drug discovery laboratories worldwide. The Company's clinical systems are important tools used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Ventana's drug discovery systems are used to accelerate the discovery of new drug targets and evaluate the safety of new drug compounds.

Visit the Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. website at www.ventanamed.com

 

 

 

 

Bayou City's Mclean #1 Well Re-Entry Shows 500 Feet of Gross Interval That Appears to Be Capable of Producing Commercial Hydrocarbons

Bayou City Exploration, Inc. ("Bayou City") ("the Company) (OTCBB: BYCX) announces that its Mclean #1 well, a re-entry of an existing well bore in Live Oak County, Texas, has reached total depth as planned and without incident.

A major oil company drilled the original well to a total depth of 12,500 feet in 1985. After reviewing surrounding sub-surface geology and the associated productive zones, Bayou City's exploration team re-examined the original well logs and determined that the original operator had potentially bypassed pay in the Wilcox formation. The team decided to re-enter and re-log the well.

Following the successful re-entry, the well was re-logged on July 20, 2006. Analysis of the new logs showed approximately 500 feet of gross interval in the Wilcox formation that appears to be capable of producing commercial hydrocarbons. Encouraged by the log analysis, Bayou City and its partners have set production casing and elected to attempt to complete the Mclean #1. The well is tentatively scheduled to be fracture stimulated and tested within the next three weeks.

The Mclean #1 is part of an overall position of 2,961 acres owned by Bayou City and its partners. Bayou City and its partners have previously drilled the Mary Lyne #1 on the leases to the Queen City Sand and are currently in the process of installing production equipment including a pumping unit on this well. This should be completed by mid-August. A third well, the Prasek #1, is scheduled to be drilled in the next month to test the Hockley C and the Cole Sands.

Bayou City has a 9.375% working interest in the Live Oak Project.

About Bayou City Exploration

Bayou City Exploration, Inc. is an oil and gas exploration firm focused on developing proven geologic trends in East Texas, South Texas, the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana. Based in Houston, Texas, Bayou City leverages its management team's multidisciplinary expertise in applying advanced 3-D seismic analysis, 3-D processing algorithms, amplitude attribute and imaging technologies to the analysis and selection of high-potential prospects with low exploration risk. The Company's database has more than 7,500 square miles of 3-D data, most of it covering Bayou City's focus area, as well as 13,000 linear miles of 2-D data.

This news release may include forward-looking statements, with respect to achieving corporate objectives, developing additional project interests, the company's analysis of opportunities in the acquisition and development of various project interests and certain other matters. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements contained herein.

 

 

 

 

Michael Gross Resigns From Apollo Investment Corporation's Board of Directors

Apollo Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: AINV) (the "Company") today announced that Michael S. Gross, the Chairman of the Board, has resigned from the Company's Board of Directors and as its Chairman, effective as of July 31, 2006.

Mr. Gross advised the Company that "his resignation would allow him to better pursue other opportunities in the alternative asset arena." Mr. Gross recently became the Co-Chairman of the Investment Committee and a Senior Partner of Magnetar Capital LLP. Mr. Gross expressed his "confidence in the continued success of the Corporation." John J. Hannan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, "wished him well in his future endeavors."

ABOUT APOLLO INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Apollo Investment Corporation, or the Company, is a closed-end investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company's investment portfolio is principally in middle-market private companies. The Company invests primarily in mezzanine loans and senior secured loans in furtherance of its business plan and also invests in the equity of portfolio companies. Apollo Investment Corporation is managed by Apollo Investment Management, L.P., an affiliate of Apollo Management, L.P., a leading private equity investor.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements included herein may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made herein.

 

 

 

 

 

American Dental Partners Reports Second Quarter and First Half 2006 Financial Results

American Dental Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADPI) announced financial results today for the quarter and six month period ended June 30, 2006.

Comparing the second quarter of 2006 with the second quarter of 2005:

--  Net revenue was $55,078,000 as compared to $49,427,000, an increase of     11%. --  Earnings from operations were $5,723,000 as compared to $5,280,000, an     increase of 8%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006     results (discussed below), earnings from operations increased 15%. --  Net earnings were $3,183,000 as compared to $2,954,000, an increase of     8%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006 results (discussed     below), net earnings increased 15%. --  Diluted net earnings per share were $0.25, as compared to $0.23, an     increase of 9%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006     results (discussed below), diluted earnings per share increased 17%. --  Diluted cash net earnings per share were $0.31 as compared to $0.29,     an increase of 7%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006     results (discussed below), diluted cash net earnings per share increased     14%.     

Comparing the first six months of 2006 with the first six months of 2005:

--  Net revenue was $109,144,000 as compared to $97,572,000, an increase     of 12%. --  Earnings from operations were $10,811,000 as compared to $9,865,000,     an increase of 10%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006     results (discussed below), earnings from operations increased 16%. --  Net earnings were $5,974,000 as compared to $5,463,000, an increase of     9%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006 results (discussed     below), net earnings increased 17%. --  Diluted net earnings per share were $0.46 as compared to $0.43, an     increase of 7%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006     (discussed below), diluted net earnings per share increased 16%. --  Diluted cash net earnings per share were $0.59 as compared to $0.55,     an increase of 7%. Excluding stock-based compensation expense from 2006     (discussed below), diluted cash net earnings per share increased 13%.     

Patient revenue of the Company's affiliated dental group practices, which is not consolidated with the Company's financial results and is a non-GAAP financial measure, was $84,047,000 for the quarter as compared to $75,821,000 for the prior year's same quarter, an increase of 11%. Same market revenue growth for the Company's affiliated dental group practices as measured by patient revenue was 10% for the quarter.

For the quarter, cash flow from operations was $6,678,000, capital expenditures were $1,368,000 and amounts paid for affiliations, including contingent payments and affiliation costs, amounted to $3,690,000. The Company expanded two dental facilities and completed four practice affiliations which were combined with its existing affiliated dental group practices in Arizona, New York, Texas and Wisconsin. The Company also completed one platform affiliation with Deerwood Orthodontics and entered into a Service Agreement with a professional association in Minnesota with the intention of developing two de novo practices. The Company intends to operate this affiliation separate from its existing Minnesota affiliates.

The Company's debt to total capitalization stood at 19% at June 30, 2006, compared to 24% at December 31, 2005. The Company achieved an annualized cash return on committed capital of 21% for the quarter and cash return on equity of 15% for the quarter.

The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (R) "Share-Based Payment," effective January 1, 2006. As a result, the Company recognized $374,000 in stock-based compensation expense, $227,000 net of tax or $.02 per diluted share, during the second quarter and $677,000 in stock-based compensation expense, $411,000 net of tax or $.03 per diluted share, during the six months ended June 30, 2006.

During the second quarter, the Company incurred approximately $370,000 in legal fees related to the previously announced litigation between the Company's Minnesota subsidiary, PDHC, Ltd., and PDG, P.A., the affiliated practice at Park Dental. The Company has been made aware that PDG, P.A. is no longer accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.

Cash net earnings and cash earnings from operations are non-GAAP financial measures. In accordance with the requirement of SEC Regulation G, please see the attached financial tables for a presentation of the most comparable GAAP measures and the reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measure and all additional reconciliations required by Regulation G.

For further discussion of these events and a comprehensive review of the second quarter ended June 30, 2006, the Company will host its previously announced conference call on Tuesday, August 1, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. EDT, which will be broadcast live over the Internet at www.amdpi.com. The call will be hosted by Gregory A. Serrao, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. To access the webcast, participants should visit the Investor Relations section of the website at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the conference call to download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the webcast will be available at www.amdpi.com and www.streetevents.com approximately two hours after the call through 6:00 p.m. EDT Tuesday, August 8, 2006.

American Dental Partners is one of the nation's leading business partners to dental group practices. The Company is affiliated with 20 dental group practices which have 200 dental facilities with approximately 1,873 operatories located in 18 states.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: With the exception of the historical information contained in this news release, the matters described herein contain "forward-looking" statements that involve risk and uncertainties that may individually or collectively impact the matters herein described, including but not limited to the possibility that we may not realize the benefits expected from our acquisition and affiliation strategy, economic, regulatory and/or other factors outside the control of the Company, which are detailed from time to time in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's SEC reports, including the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

                      AMERICAN DENTAL PARTNERS, INC.                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                  (in thousands, except per share amounts)                                 (unaudited)                                      Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended                                          June 30,            June 30,                                     ------------------- -------------------                                       2006      2005      2006      2005                                     --------- --------- --------- ---------  Net revenue                         $  55,078 $  49,427 $ 109,144 $  97,572 Operating expenses:      Salaries and benefits             22,396    20,595    44,936    40,977      Lab fees and dental supplies       8,971     7,976    17,682    15,610      Office occupancy expenses          6,482     5,498    12,817    11,028      Other operating expenses           4,850     4,565     9,668     9,127      General corporate expenses         3,378     2,602     6,730     5,200      Depreciation expense               1,939     1,669     3,851     3,314      Amortization of intangible       assets                            1,339     1,242     2,649     2,451                                     --------- --------- --------- ---------           Total operating expenses     49,355    44,147    98,333    87,707                                     --------- --------- --------- --------- Earnings from operations                5,723     5,280    10,811     9,865      Interest expense, net                470       392       954       822                                     --------- --------- --------- --------- Earnings before income taxes            5,253     4,888     9,857     9,043      Income taxes                       2,070     1,934     3,883     3,580                                     --------- --------- --------- --------- Net earnings                        $   3,183 $   2,954 $   5,974 $   5,463                                     ========= ========= ========= =========  Net earnings per common share:      Basic                          $    0.26 $    0.25 $    0.49 $    0.46                                     ========= ========= ========= =========      Diluted                        $    0.25 $    0.23 $    0.46 $    0.43                                     ========= ========= ========= ========= Weighted average common shares  outstanding:      Basic                             12,280    11,960    12,275    11,915                                     ========= ========= ========= =========      Diluted                           12,848    12,635    12,850    12,585                                     ========= ========= ========= =========                          AMERICAN DENTAL PARTNERS, INC.                            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                               (in thousands)                                 (unaudited)                                                      June 30,   December 31,                                                      2006         2005                                                  ------------ ------------ ASSETS Current assets:      Cash and cash equivalents                   $      2,081 $        592      Receivables due from affiliated dental       group practices                                  14,415       14,751      Other current assets                               7,362        6,966                                                  ------------ ------------           Total current assets                         23,858       22,309                                                  ------------ ------------  Property and equipment, net                            44,682       45,184                                                  ------------ ------------ Other non-current assets:      Goodwill                                           5,095        5,095      Intangible assets, net                            98,789       97,260      Other assets                                         612          798                                                  ------------ ------------           Total non-current assets                    104,496      103,153                                                  ------------ ------------           Total assets                           $    173,036 $    170,646                                                  ============ ============  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities:      Accounts payable and accrued expenses       $     21,632 $     20,131      Current maturities of debt                           123          123                                                  ------------ ------------           Total current liabilities                    21,755       20,254                                                  ------------ ------------ Non-current liabilities:      Long-term debt                                    26,108       32,039      Other liabilities                                 16,269       16,458                                                  ------------ ------------           Total non-current liabilities                42,377       48,497                                                  ------------ ------------            Total liabilities                            64,132       68,751                                                  ------------ ------------  Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity                                  108,904      101,895                                                  ------------ ------------           Total liabilities and stockholders'            equity                                $    173,036 $    170,646                                                  ============ ============                          AMERICAN DENTAL PARTNERS, INC.                         Supplemental Operating Data                               (in thousands)                                 (unaudited)      Reconciliation of GAAP earnings, as reported, to cash net earnings                                                Three Months     Six Months                                                 Ended           Ended                                                June 30,        June 30,                                             --------------- ---------------                                              2006    2005    2006    2005                                             ------- ------- ------- -------   Net earnings (as reported)                  $ 3,183 $ 2,954 $ 5,974 $ 5,463 Add: Amortization of intangible assets, net  of tax                                         811     750   1,605   1,480                                             ------- ------- ------- ------- Cash net earnings (1)                       $ 3,994 $ 3,704 $ 7,579 $ 6,943                                             ======= ======= ======= =======   Weighted average common shares outstanding   12,848  12,635  12,850  12,585                                             ======= ======= ======= ======= Diluted net earnings per share              $  0.25 $  0.23 $  0.46 $  0.43                                             ======= ======= ======= ======= Diluted cash net earnings per share (1)     $  0.31 $  0.29 $  0.59 $  0.55                                             ======= ======= ======= =======    Calculation of cash return on committed capital and cash return on equity       for the three and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005                                   Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended                                       June 30,              June 30,                                 --------------------  --------------------                                   2006       2005       2006       2005                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  Earnings from operations        $   5,723  $   5,280  $  10,811  $   9,865 Add back:  Amortization of  intangible assets                  1,339      1,242      2,649      2,451                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- Cash earnings from operations  (2)                            $   7,062  $   6,522  $  13,460  $  12,316                                 =========  =========  =========  ========= Annualized cash earnings from  operations                     $  28,248  $  26,088  $  26,920  $  24,632                                 =========  =========  =========  =========  Average committed capital (3)   $ 133,902  $ 122,693  $ 134,596  $ 120,041  Cash return on committed  capital (2)                           21%        21%        20%        21%  Net earnings                    $   3,183  $   2,954  $   5,974  $   5,463 Add back:  Amortization of  intangible assets, net of  taxes                                811        750      1,605      1,480                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- Cash net earnings (1)           $   3,994  $   3,704  $   7,579  $   6,943                                 =========  =========  =========  ========= Annualized cash net earnings    $  15,976  $  14,816  $  15,158  $  13,886                                 =========  =========  =========  =========  Average stockholders' equity  (3)                            $ 107,078  $  92,280  $ 105,400  $  90,535  Cash return on equity (2)              15%        16%        14%        15%                         AMERICAN DENTAL PARTNERS, INC.                         Supplemental Operating Data                               (in thousands)                                 (unaudited)         Patient revenue of the affiliated dental group practices (4)                    Three Months Ended              Six Months Ended                      June 30,           %           June 30,         %                 -------------------           --------- ---------                   2006      2005     Change     2006      2005     Change                 --------- --------- --------  --------- --------- -------- Patient revenue  - affiliated  practices:   Platform    dental    groups    affiliated    with the    Company in    both periods    of    comparison    (5)          $  83,519 $  75,821       10% $ 161,899 $ 145,555       11%   Platform    dental    groups that    affiliated    with the    Company    during    periods of    comparison         528         -      N/A      6,434     3,808       69%                 --------- --------- --------  --------- --------- -------- Total patient  revenue           84,047    75,821       11%   168,333   149,363       13% Amounts due to  the Company  under service  agreements        53,832    48,148       12%   106,808    95,063       12%                 --------- --------- --------  --------- --------- -------- Amounts  retained by  affiliated  practices      $  30,215 $  27,673        9% $  61,525 $  54,300       13%                 ========= ========= ========  ========= ========= ======== 

(1) Cash net earnings and diluted cash net earnings per share are not measures of financial performance under GAAP. Cash net earnings excludes amortization expense related to intangible assets, net of tax. The Company incurs significant amortization expense related to its service agreements while many companies, both in the same industry and other industries, no longer amortize a significant portion of their intangible assets pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The Company believes that cash net earnings and diluted cash net earnings per share are important financial measures for understanding its relative financial performance.

(2) Cash earnings from operations is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP. The Company believes that cash return on committed capital and cash return on equity are useful financial measures for understanding its financial performance.

(3) Average committed capital calculated as average of beginning of quarter and end of quarter debt, including current portion, plus stockholders' equity. Average stockholders' equity calculated as average of beginning of quarter and end of quarter stockholders' equity.

(4) Patient revenue of the affiliated dental group practices is not consolidated with the Company's financial statements.

(5) Same market patient revenue excludes new platform affiliations that occurred during the periods of comparison in which a new service agreement was entered into.

 

 

 

API Outsourcing Featured as an Industry Leader in CFOsources

API Outsourcing, Inc., a leading Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) provider of state-of-the-art invoice automations, was featured as an industry leader in a recent article published by CFOsources, a BPO consultant company.

In their July issue, API Outsourcing was compared to over 300 technology companies worldwide that offer BPO services. CFOsources stated, "Of all the Accounting solutions we have seen, none have even come close to providing the value that API Outsourcing can provide -- in as short of time and for the cost." Unlike other companies that compete with less expensive labor, CFOsources noted that API uses technology as the tool for transformation. CFOsources said, "We see this as a process change using technology, which differs from some offshore companies that use lower labor costs to save companies money."

As companies try to evaluate outsourcing service providers, many find it difficult to compare multiple trading partners. CFOsources, a global BPO consultant company, analyzes service providers, technology solutions, outsourcing solutions, and international business trends. CFOsources invests the time to understand complex solutions and deliver the information to their clients in simple terms.

To read the article in its entirety, click here.

About API Outsourcing, Inc.

API Outsourcing, Inc. (API) is a leading Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) provider of invoice automation solutions for mid-size to Fortune 1000 companies. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, services are delivered through onshore production facilities. API delivers solutions to transform clients' manual paper-dependent billing, accounts payable and doc ument management processes into innovative automated processes. The company currently manages over 280 million transactions for clients annually. Clients benefit from the significant increase in process efficiency, profitability and financial control. API uses Six Sigma techniques to deliver high quality, consistent service. API's clients include Rayovac, EDS, Randstad North America, Affinity Plus Credit Union, G&K Services, AMN Healthcare and Lee Enterprises. Please visit www.apioutsourcing.com or call 651.675.2600 to learn more.

 

 

 

Lyric Jeans Hosts Private Party for New York Dolls

 Lyric Jeans, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: LYJN), a cutting-edge premium clothing company, hosted a private party for the New York Dolls on Friday night, July 28th after a Tower Records appearance on the Sunset Strip to promote their long awaited album "One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This." The band's hit songs "Personality Crisis" and "Looking For A Kiss" are part of Lyric's debut collection which includes jeans, belts, t-shirts and leather jackets.

After signing autographs for thousands of fans at Tower Records, band members David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain, Steve Conte and Sami Yaffa headed over to Lyric's Los Angeles showroom for an exclusive after party attended by their entourage and close friends. Krol Vodka, Monster Energy Drink, Fiji Water and Hansen's Soda sponsored the bar. Vienna Cafe catered the affair with gourmet mini burgers, veggie & grilled shrimp skewers and tuna tartar.

"The New York Dolls were ahead of their time not only with their punk rock music, but also with their over the top cross dressing style and chrome lipstick branded logo," said Hanna Rochelle Schmieder, President of Lyric Jeans. "Their unique fashion sense influenced the look of many glam metal groups like KISS, Guns N' Roses and Motley Crue and so it makes sense that their style and lyrics serve as creative inspiration for several pieces in our collection," she continued.

 

Lyric Jeans is a music driven premium clothing line involving lyrical content on jeans, denim wear and accessories. Each pair of jeans reflects the personality, style and flare of the artist and song through its design. With the vision of fusing the world of music with fashion, Lyric Jeans employs a cutting-edge design strategy allowing consumers to express themselves stylishly through song lyrics. The company's strength is in its relationships with the music industry and its ability to access the Hollywood community, tastemakers and trend-setters. www.lyricjeans.com

To view pictures from the party with the NY Dolls go to http://www.lyricjeans.com/press.html

Lyric Jeans Media Contact: Publicity@LyricJeans.com

Included in this release are certain "forward-looking" statements, involving risks and uncertainties, which are covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding Lyric Jeans, Inc. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, events and performance to differ materially from those referred to or implied by such statements. In addition, actual or future results may differ materially from those anticipated depending on a variety of factors, including continued maintenance of favorable license arrangements, success of market research identifying new product opportunities, successful introduction of new products, continued product innovation, sales and earnings growth, ability to attract and retain key personnel, and general economic conditions affecting consumer spending, Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Lyric Jeans, Inc. and Universal Media Holdings, Inc. do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this release to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law.

Safe Harbor: This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approvals for anticipated actions.

 

 

 

 

Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. Announces 2nd Quarter 2006 Earnings

 Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MIGP) today reported its operating results for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2006. Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. (the Company) offers commercial and personal lines of insurance to businesses and individuals in six states through its insurance subsidiaries: Mercer Insurance Company, Mercer Insurance Company of New Jersey, Inc., Financial Pacific Insurance Company and Franklin Insurance Company.

The Company acquired Financial Pacific Insurance Group, Inc. on October 1, 2005, and it is included accordingly in the Company's 2006 consolidated financial statements. Consequently, comparisons of the Company's current quarter and six month period with the comparable 2005 periods must take into account the impact of the acquisition on the 2006 Consolidated Statements of Income in order to make meaningful comparisons. Financial Pacific is a specialty writer of commercial lines which writes primarily in four western states, and provides insurance to commercial accounts in the contractor, manufacturing, retail, services and wholesaling businesses.

The Company reported net income, determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), in the quarter ended June 30, 2006, of $2.9 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, which was an increase of $1.8 million over the comparable prior quarter's net income of $1.1 million, or $0.17 per diluted share. After-tax realized investment gains included in net income for the current quarter were $197,000, or $0.03 per diluted share, as compared to $52,000, or less than $0.01 per diluted share in the same period in the prior year. Operating income (a non-GAAP measure defined as net income less after-tax realized gains or losses) in the second quarter of 2006 was $2.7 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, as compared to $1.0 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, in the same quarter of 2005. The Company's GAAP combined ratio for the second quarter of 2006 was 96.4%, as compared to 96.1% for the same quarter in 2005.

Revenues for the second quarter of 2006 were $36.9 million, an increase of $21.1 million over the 2005 second quarter revenue of $15.8 million. Net premiums earned for the quarter were $33.6 million, an $18.7 million increase over net premiums earned of $14.9 million in the same period of 2005. Net investment income increased $1.7 million to $2.4 million for the quarter, as compared to $740,000 in the comparable period in 2005.

In the six months ended June 30, 2006, the Company reported GAAP net income of $5.5 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, which was an increase of $3.4 million over the prior year's net income of $2.1 million, or $0.33 per diluted share. After-tax realized investment gains included in net income for the current six months were $399,000, or $0.06 per diluted share, as compared to $64,000, or $0.01 per diluted share in the same period in the prior year. Operating income in the first six months of 2006 was $5.1 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, as compared to $2.0 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, in the same period of 2005. The Company's GAAP combined ratio for the first six months of 2006 was 96.4%, as compared to 96.3% for the same period in 2005.

Revenues for the first six months of 2006 were $73.3 million, an increase of $41.6 million over revenue in the first six months of 2005 of $31.7 million. Net premiums earned for the period were $67.2 million, a $37.2 million increase over net premiums earned of $30.0 million in the same period of 2005. Net investment income increased $3.0 million to $4.5 million for the six months, as compared to $1.5 million in the comparable period in 2005.

In reviewing the Company's performance for the quarter, Andrew R. Speaker, Mercer's President and CEO, said, "The integration of our recent acquisition of Financial Pacific Insurance Group continues on track, and we are pleased with its performance. It was also pleasing to learn that A.M. Best recently included Financial Pacific Insurance Company in the Company's pooled financial strength rating of A (Excellent), in accordance with the ratings of the other members of the Company's insurance pool. The Company's strong 2006 performance reflects our continuing disciplined focus on underwriting, despite an increasingly challenging marketplace, and the more balanced mix of property and casualty insurance business which resulted from the acquisition of Financial Pacific. In addition, the Company's increased investment income reflects improvements in fixed income securities yields over that of the previous year."

Certain of the statements contained herein (other than statements of historical facts) are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and include estimates and assumptions related to economic, competitive and legislative developments. These forward-looking statements are subject to change and uncertainty that are, in many instances, beyond the company's control and have been made based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments will be in accordance with management's expectations so that the effect of future developments on the Company will be those anticipated by management. Actual financial results including premium growth and underwriting results could differ materially from those anticipated by the Company depending on the outcome of certain factors, which may include changes in property and casualty loss trends and reserves; catastrophe losses; the insurance product pricing environment; changes in applicable law; government regulation and changes therein that may impede the ability to charge adequate rates; changes in accounting principles; performance of the financial markets; fluctuations in interest rates; availability and price of reinsurance; and the status of the labor markets in which the Company operates.

                     Consolidated Statements of Income               (in thousands, except per share and share data)                                                          Quarter Ended                                                            June 30,                                                        2006        2005                                                    (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  Net premiums earned                                  $  33,631  $  14,862 Investment income,  net of investment expenses                              2,369        740 Realized investment gains                                  298         80 Other revenue                                              587         87   Total revenue                                         36,885     15,769  Losses and loss adjustment  expenses                                               21,549      7,312 Amortization of deferred policy  acquisition costs                                       7,848      3,902 Other expenses                                           3,052      3,063 Interest expense                                           304          -   Total expenses                                        32,753     14,277  Income before income taxes                               4,132      1,492 Income taxes                                             1,237        427  Net income                                           $   2,895  $   1,065  Net income per common share:   Basic                                              $    0.48  $    0.18   Diluted                                            $    0.47  $    0.17  Weighted average number of  shares outstanding:   Basic                                              5,994,228  5,877,160   Diluted                                            6,191,449  6,101,548      Supplementary Financial Data  Net written premiums                                 $  41,234  $  16,780  Book value per common share                          $   17.62  $   16.69  GAAP combined ratio                                       96.4%      96.1%                        Consolidated Statements of Income               (in thousands, except per share and share data)                                                          Six Months Ended                                                             June 30,                                                         2006       2005                                                     (Unaudited) (Unaudited)  Net premiums earned                                  $  67,168  $  29,975 Investment income, net of  investment expenses                                     4,460      1,484 Realized investment gains                                  605         97 Other revenue                                            1,078        172    Total revenue                                        73,311     31,728  Losses and loss adjustment expenses                     42,195     15,034 Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                                       15,140      7,801 Other expenses                                           7,487      6,021 Interest expense                                           601          - Total expenses                                          65,423     28,856  Income before income taxes                               7,888      2,872 Income taxes                                             2,343        814  Net income                                           $   5,545  $   2,058  Net income per common share:    Basic                                             $    0.93  $    0.35    Diluted                                           $    0.90  $    0.33  Weighted average number of shares outstanding:    Basic                                             5,982,071  5,939,968    Diluted                                           6,154,893  6,172,231        Supplementary Financial Data  Net written premiums                                 $  80,929  $  29,941  GAAP combined ratio                                       96.4%      96.3%                             Consolidated Balance Sheet                    (in thousands, except share amounts)                                                      June 30,   Dec. 31,                                                       2006       2005                                                   (unaudited) ASSETS Investments, at fair value:   Fixed income securities, available-for sale     $ 255,283  $ 229,129   Equity securities, at fair value                   15,719     14,981   Short-term investments, at cost, which     approximates fair value                           2,397      4,289           Total investments                         273,399    248,399 Cash and cash equivalents                            13,113     20,677 Premiums receivable                                  46,430     37,497 Reinsurance receivable                               84,769     79,214 Prepaid reinsurance premiums                         17,521     21,554 Deferred policy acquisition costs                    17,291     10,789 Accrued investment income                             2,783      2,625 Property and equipment, net                          11,949     11,720 Deferred income taxes                                 9,115      3,588 Goodwill                                              5,633      5,633 Other assets                                          4,526      5,002 Total assets                                      $ 486,529  $ 446,698  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities:   Losses and loss adjustment expenses             $ 228,340  $ 211,679   Unearned premiums                                  88,710     78,982   Accounts payable and accrued expenses              15,844     13,761   Other reinsurance balances                         26,128     18,574    Trust preferred securities                         15,533     15,525   Advances under line of credit                       3,000      3,000   Other liabilities                                   2,369      1,778        Total liabilities                          $ 379,964  $ 343,299  Stockholders' Equity:   Preferred Stock, no par value, authorized               -          -    5,000,000 shares, no shares issued and    outstanding   Common stock, no par value,                             -          -    authorized 15,000,000 shares, issued    7,054,233 and 7,068,233 shares, outstanding    6,550,669 and 6,463,538 shares   Additional paid-in capital                      $  67,018  $  67,973   Accumulated other comprehensive income               (500)     2,851   Retained earnings                                  50,441     44,896   Unearned restricted stock compensation                  -     (1,654)   Unearned ESOP shares                               (4,073)    (4,383)   Treasury Stock, 503,513 and 501,563 shares         (6,321)    (6,284)        Total stockholders' equity                   106,565    103,399   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity      $ 486,529  $ 446,698
 
 
 

DOD: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Seal of the PentagonDoD Identifies Navy Casualty


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



            Petty Officer 2nd Class Edward A. Koth, 30, ofTowson, Md.,
died July 26 at Camp Victory, Iraq, after ordnance exploded during a
disposal operation.  Koth was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile
Unit Eight, serving with Multinational Corps Iraq in Baghdad.



            The incident is under investigation.

 

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties




The Department of Defense announced today the death of four Marines who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

            Lance Cpl. James W. Higgins, 22, of Frederick, Md., died
July 27 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar
province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st
Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.



Lance Cpl. Adam R. Murray, 21, of Cordova, Tenn., died July 27 while
conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.  He was
assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine
Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.



Cpl. Timothy D. Roos, 21, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died July 27 from wounds
received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. 
He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine
Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.



Pfc. Enrique C. Sanchez, 21, of Garner, N.C., died July 27 while
conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.  He was assigned to 3rd
Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine
Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

 

 

 

Flag Officer Assignments


Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen announced the following flag
officer assignments:



Rear Adm. (lower half)(selectee) Thomas J. Eccles is being assigned as
deputy commander for undersea warfare, SEA-07, Naval Sea Systems Command,
Washington, D.C.  Eccles is currently serving as major program manager for Seawolf,
Program Executive Office Submarines, Washington, D.C.



Rear Adm. (lower half) (selectee) John Elnitsky II is being assigned as
commander, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Washington, D.C.  Elnitsky is
currently serving as major program manager for undersea mobility, PM
399, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C.

 

FLAG OFFICER ANNOUNCEMENT Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld
announced today that the President has nominated Navy Vice Adm. Ann E. Rondeau for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral and assignment as deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.  Rondeau is currently serving as director, Navy
Staff, N09B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington,
D.C.




General Officer Announcement


            Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld announced today
that the President has nominated Army Brig. Gen Carroll F. Pollett for the
appointment to the grade of major general.  Pollett is currently serving as
commanding general, United States Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, Fort
Huachuca, Ariz.

 

DOD CONTRACTS

_AIR FORCE



            McDonnell Douglas Corp.,Long Beach, Calif., is being
awarded a
$780,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  This is an undefinitized
contract
action for a foreign military sales delivery order contract that will
provide
four C-17 aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).  The C-17
system
group, in accordance with air mobility command, has arranged for the
reallocation of four C-17 aircraft delivery positions from the Air
Force
Multi-Year Procurement II (MYPII) contract, F33657-02-C-2001, for
delivery to
RAAF.  At this time, $390,000,000 has been obligated.  Negotiations
were
complete July 2006.  This work will be completed in phases: first
delivery
November 2006; second, May 2007; third, January 2008 and fourth,
February
2008.  Headquarters 328th Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright Patterson
Air
Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.  Public Affairs point of
contact is ASC/PAM at 937-255-3334 (FA8614-06-D-2006, delivery order
0001).



            Engineering Research and Consulting Inc., Huntsville, Ala.,
is
being awarded a $72,435,099 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursement,
firm-fixed-price contract.  This action provides for research in
propulsion
sciences:  The research in propulsion sciences contract will provide
on-site
theoretical and experimental scientific and engineering research and
development in rocket propulsion at the Air Force research laboratory
located
at Edwards Air Force Base, Cali.  A strong effort in basic research is
required, but elements of the broader research and development scope
and
technology transition are also included.  Research will focus on
discovery,
synthesis, characterization, and development of energetic and
non-energetic
materials, research, development, and modeling of novel propulsion
methods and
devices, and combustion modeling and aero physics interactions.  The
contractor shall function in government/contractor teams.  Typical work
performed includes propellant research, analytical chemistry, the study
of
fracture mechanics, investigating aero physics interactions, bench
level
contractor researchers work along-side government scientists and
engineers and
collaborate on the research and development activities.  At this time
no funds
have been obligated.  This work will be complete in September 2011.
Solicitation began March 2006.  Air Force Flight Test Center, Edwards
Air
Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA9300-06-C-0023).







            Business Technologies and Solutions, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, is
being
awarded a $14,905,898 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity
cost-plus-award-fee and cost-reimbursement contract modification.  This
action
provides for the technical and acquisition management support program,
provides a wide range of diverse non-engineering, technical and
acquisition
management support required in the acquisition, development, production
, and
support of various equipment and weapon systems within the air armament
center
and other organizations at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.  At this time no
funds
have been obligated.  This work will be complete September 2007. 
Headquarters
Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting
activity
(FA9200-05-C-0002/P00005).



            Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Corp., Littleton, Co., is being
awarded an $8,053,729 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The purpose of
this
action is for AFRL/VS to exercise the option portion of this contract,
which
result in a critical design review (CDR) and post CDR activities to
achieve
space situational awareness capabilities and functionality into to a
Nan
satellite package.  During the basic portion of the contract, the
objective
was to perform the development activities and conduct a tailored
preliminary
design review to achieve space situational awareness capabilities and
functionally into a Nan satellite package.  At this time $400,000 has
been
obligated.  This work will be complete August 2007.  Air Force Research
Lab,
Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. is the contracting activity
(FA9453-06-D-0330).



            Honeywell International Inc., Defense and Space Electronic
Systems, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $6,816,888
firm-fixed-price
contract.  This contract is to continue spiral development of existing
ballistic missile range safety technology (BMRST) systems and procure
additional BMRST system is a mobile global positioning system (GPS) and
telemetry based space launch range safety systems.  At this time
$6,816,888
has been obligated.  Solicitations began March 2006.  Negotiations were
complete June 2006.  This work will be complete July 2007. 
Headquarters Space
and Missile Defense Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.,
is the
contracting activity (FA8818-06-C-0033).



            Integral Systems Inc., Lanham, Md., is being awarded a
$6,427,101
cost-plus-award fee contract modification.  This contract change
modifies the
command and control system-consolidated (CCS-C) effort to support the
test
automated operations (TAO) development for the wideband gapfiller
satellite
(WGS) program.  This change will also incorporate new WGS requirements. 
The
CCS-S program provides an upgraded capability to command and control
the Air
Force's communication satellites, including the defense satellite
communication system, Milstar, advanced extremely high frequency, and
wideband
gapfiller satellites.  At this time $2,756,535 has been obligated. 
This work
will be complete June 2010.  Headquarters Space and Missile Defense
Systems
Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity
(F04701-01-C-0012/P00099).



            Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Corp., Marietta, Ga., is being
awarded
a $5,369,597 firm-fixed-price contract modification.  This is a
modification
to the C-15 avionics modernization program and the procurement of Lot
II and
Lot IV mobility readiness spares for the avionics modernization
program.  At
this time $5,369,597 has been obligated.  Negations were complete June
2006.
This work will be complete June 2008.  Headquarters Aeronautical
Systems
Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting
activity
(F33657-98-C-006/P00183).

_

_ARMY



            AM General L.L.C., South Bend  , Ind. , was awarded on July
27,
2006, a $595,816,409 modification firm-fixed-price contract for
M1151A1s with
B1Kit and to establish ceiling prices for armor kits.  Work will be
performed
in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007.
Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. 
This
was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000.  The Army
Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the
contracting
activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).



            Walsh Construction Co., Chicago, Ill., was awarded on July
27,
2006, a delivery order amount of $30,138,800 as part of a $30,138,800
firm-fixed-price contract for renovations of Specker Barracks.  Work
will be
performed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and is expected to be completed by
July
1, 2007.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current
fiscal
year.  This was a sole source contract initiated on June 13, 2006.  The
Army
Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity
(W912DQ-05-D-0016).



            General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights,
Mich., was
awarded on July 27, 2006, an $8,318,171 modification to a
cost-plus-fixed-fee
contract for systems technical support for the Abrams Tank program. 
Work will
be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., and is expected to be
completed by
Dec. 31, 2006.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the
current
fiscal year.  This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 23,
2001.  The
Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments, Warren, Mich., is the contracting
activity
(DAAE07-01-C-N075).



            Honeywell International, Clearwater, Fla., was awarded on
July 27,
2006, a delivery order amount of $7,525,000 as part of a $7,525,000
firm-fixed-price contract for inertial navigation unit for the Bradley
fighting vehicle system, Knight vehicle, Bradley fire support team, and
Abrams
integrated management.  Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla., and
is
expected to be completed by July 31, 2008.  Contract funds will not
expire at
the end of the current fiscal year.  This was a sole source contract
initiated
on July 25, 2006.  The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock
Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAE20-01-D-0092).

_

            Allison Transmission, Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded on
July 27,
2006, a $5,850,525 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for
X200-4A
transmissions in containers used on the M113 vehicles.  Work will be
performed
in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed by May 30, 2007.
Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. 
This
was a sole source contract initiated on June 21, 2006.  The Army
Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the
contracting
activity (DAAE07-03-C-N197).

_

_NAVY



            Raytheon Systems Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Keyport,
Wash.,
is being awarded an estimated $95,388,012 firm-fixed-price modification
to
previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6101) for the consolidated
MK48 and
MK54 torpedo kit hardware, with engineering and repair services.  The
primary
purpose of this modification is to purchase the necessary quantities of
torpedoes and support services necessary to support fleet operational
requirements for the various torpedo product lines.  This contract
combines
support for the Navy (70 percent) and the Government of Australia (30
percent)
under the foreign military sales program.  Work will be performed in
Keyport,
Wash. (90 percent), and Portsmouth, R.I. (10 percent), and is expected
to be
completed by June 2009.  Contract funds in the amount of $150,000 will
expire
at the end of the current fiscal year.  The contract was not
competitively
procured.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the
contracting
activity.



            Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (NGSS), a Northrop Grumman
Corporation Co., Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded a not-to-exceed
$58,427,517 cost-plus-award-fee contract for CG 47 and DD 963 class
integrated
planning yard services.  NGSS will provide expert design, planning, and
material support services for both maintenance and modernization.  Work
will
be performed in Pascagoula, Miss., and is expected to be completed by
July
2011.  Contract funds in the amount of $1,000, will expire at the end
of the
current fiscal year.  The contract was not competitively procured.  The
Naval
Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity
(N00024-06-C-2306).



            McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The
Boeing
Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $44,286,967 modification to a
previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-06-C-0027) for 28
Harpoon
all-up-round (AUR) missiles which consist of 20 tactical block II
airlaunch
AUR missiles for the Governments of Chile (10) and Pakistan (10); four
exercise block II grade B AUR for the Government of Canada; two
tactical block
II Harpoon missile body AUR for the Government of Austrilia; and two
tactical
block II airlaunch AUR for the Government of Malaysia.  The contract
also
includes six warhead sections for the Governments of Canada (4) and
Australia
(2); 24 MK631 canister AUR containers for the Governments of Pakistan
(10),
Chile (10) and Canada (4); six MK992 exercise/warhead containers for
the
Governments of Canada (4) and Australia (2); and one MK607 airlaunch
AUR
container for the Government of Australia.  This contract combines
purchases
for the Governments of Chile ($15,843,630; 35.78 percent), Pakistan
($15,793,603; 35.65 percent), Canada ($7,600,780; 17.16 percent),
Australia
($2,632,379; 5.95 percent) and Malaysia ($2,416,548; 5.46 percent)
under the
foreign military sales program.  Work will be performed in St. Charles,
Mo.
(50.28 percent), McKinney, Texas (14.12 percent), Toledo, Ohio (5.83
percent),
United Kingdom (5.18 percent), Huntsville, Ala. (3.72 percent),
Clearwater,
Fla. (3.61 percent), Galena, Kan. (2.29 percent), Elkton, Md. (2.08
percent),
Kirwood, Mo.(2.00 percent), Middletown, Conn. (1.78 percent), and other
various locations throughout the United States (9.11 percent), and is
expected
to be completed in June 2007.  Contract funds will not expire at the
end of
the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent
River, Md.,
is the contracting activity.





_

            Rockwell Collins, Inc., Government Systems Division, Cedar
Rapids,
Iowa, is being awarded a $25,754,556 ten-year requirements contract for
performanced based logistics (PBL) support of the AN/ARC-210(V)
electronics
protection radio system used on numerous aircraft platforms, ground
stations,
and aboard ships.  This contract includes one five-year option period,
which
if exercised, brings the total estimated value of the contract to
$53,195,424.
Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and work is expected to
be
completed by July 2016.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of
the
current fiscal year.  This contract was not competitively procured. 
The Naval
Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-06-D-007G).



            Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors Electronics
Park, a
division of Lockheed Martin Corporation, Syracuse, N.Y., is being
awarded a
not-to-exceed $23,354,302 cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price
modification under previously awarded letter contract
(N00024-05-C-6237) to
exercise an option for production of three installation and checkout
kits and
supporting equipment for three remote minehunting vehicle (RMV) units,
engineering services, and overhaul of the remote minehunting
engineering
development models (EDMs) numbers 1 and 2.  This effort is in support
of the
remote minehunting system (RMS) program.  The AN/WLD-1(V)1 RMS consists
of a
high-endurance, remotely controlled, off-board, low-observable,
semi-submersible vehicle that will be used for mine reconnaissance. 
The goal
of the RMS is to provide fleet combatants with the capability to detect
and
classify bottom and moored contacts.  The RMVs will be incorporated
into the
DDG 91 through DDG96 class ships and the Littoral Combat Ship class. 
This
effort consists of procuring the INCO kits and support equipment for
the first
three RMVs, overhauling the remote minehunting EDMs #1 and #2, and
engineering
services.  Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y. (60 percent), and
Riviera
Beach, Fla. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by August
2007.
Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. 
The
Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting
activity.

_

            Northrop Grumman Corp., Electronic Systems (NGES),
Annapolis, Md.,
is being awarded an $18,630,236 cost-plus-award-fee delivery order to a
basic
ordering agreement for the advanced SEAL delivery system (ASDS)
reliability
improvement program (ARIP).  ASDS is a United States Special Operations
Command sponsored effort to develop a dry combat submersible for use by
special operations forces (SOF) and the necessary host submarine
interfaces.
The SOF Undersea Mobility Program office (PMS399) of the program
executive
officer for submarines provides for technical, engineering,
integration,
material, and logistics support for ASDS.  Under this delivery order,
NGES
will perform critical system reviews to systematically review the
ASDS-1
design in order to support the development of a plan for increasing the
availability and reliability of ASDS, analyze supply support
alternatives and
diminished manufacturing sources, and provide other related support. 
Work
will be performed in Annapolis, Md. (40.9 percent); Newport News, Va.
(42.6
percent); State College, Pa. (5.6 percent); West Bethesda, Md. (4.5
percent);
Groton, Conn. (2.6 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (0.9 percent); McLean, Va.
(0.8
percent); Rockville, Md. (0.4 percent); Crane, Ind. (0.4 percent);
Falls
Church, Va. (0.4 percent); Charlottesville, Va. (0.4 percent);
Torrance,
Calif. (0.4 percent); and Knoxville, Tenn. (0.1 percent) and is
expected to be
completed by May 2007.  Contract funds in the amount of $2,177,422 will
expire
at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was not
competitively
procured.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the
contracting
activity (N00024-04-G-6202).



            Custom Analytical Engineering Systems, Inc., Flintstone,
Md., is
being awarded a $9,997,208 cost-plus-fixed-fee (term and completion)
indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for technical,
engineering,
and analytical support to assist in development of composite materials
for
extended range munitions, advanced gun propulsion, and advanced
propulsion
systems.  Work will be performed in Flintstone, Md., and is expected to
be
completed by July 2009.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of
the
current fiscal year.  The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren
Division,
Dahlgren, Va., is the contracting activity (N00178-06-D-3030).



            Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Woods Hole, Mass., is
being
awarded a $9,660,001 cost-plus-fixed fee,
indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for oceanographic
research
and development efforts in support of the joint robotics program's work
on
advanced robotics systems.  Tasking will include, but is not be limited
to,
research and development of unmanned systems to perform ocean floor
exploration, data analysis of current flow and effect from
oceanographic
events and anomalies; and through data grids and maps, evaluate the
magnitude,
variability and co-variation in respect to the accuracy and quality of
the
original data.  Work will be performed in Woods Hole, Mass., and is
expected
to be completed by September 2011.  Contract funds will expire at the
end of
the current year.  This contract was not competitively procured.  The
Naval
Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting
activity (N00164-06-D-6672).



            Rolls Royce, plc in Bristol, England, is being awarded a
$5,352,621 priced order (5351) under previously awarded contract
(N00383-04-G-001M) for procurement of ring base plates used in support
of the
F-402 engine.  Work will be performed in Bristol, England, and work is
to be
completed by August 2009.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of
the
fiscal year.  This contract was not awarded competitively.  The Naval
Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.



_DEFENSE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONTRACTING ORGANIZATION_



            T-Systems Business Services, GmbH, Godesberger Allee 117,
D-53175
Bonn, Germany, is being awarded a firm-fixed-price contract.  The
contract has
a performance period of one year for installation of the network, with
a
three-year period of cable plant administration following network
installation.  Total cost of the contract for the four-year period is
$5,536,249.  This contract will provide a fiber optic backbone
consisting of
defined segments traversing public and private lands in Germany  with
terminating points on selected U.S. military installations.  It will be
used
to transmit critical command information to DoD personnel.  The
requirement
was solicited and awarded on a full and open competition basis.  The
solicitation was synopsized on the federal business opportunities
website as
well as the DITCO contracting opportunities website.  Six offers were
received.  The contractor is a foreign vendor with offices throughout
Germany
.  The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization-Europe
is the
contracting activity (HC1021-06-C-2000).



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SPORTS & AUTOS

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

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  (C)MBN 2006

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

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International news from Asia and Latin news in English and Spanish here now along with NASA and Vatican news

 

More exciting changes coming each day

 

Oakland Athletics Postgame Alert

1.5 MILLION SPECTATORS TURN OUT FOR ISTANBUL AIR RACE

Remarks by President Bush at Tee Ball Game

Bank of America Teams Up With Boston Red Sox To Host Youth Baseball Clinic; Future Big Leaguers To Take the Field in Merchantsauto.com Stadium

The Glen Marks 'Mad Max' Papis' Debut in NASCAR(R) NEXTEL Cup With Furniture Row(R) Racing

Dale and Thomas Popcorn(TM) the Official Popcorn of the New York Mets The Classic American Snack Food Teams Up With The Most Exciting Team in Baseball.

 Tiger Woods Commits to 2006 Deutsche Bank Championship:World No. 1 Woods Will Join Defending Champion Olin Browne and Leading Playing Field to Compete for 2006 Title

Richfield, Wis. Cabela's Set to Open September 22, 2006 :Destination Superstore Expects to Lure 4 Million Visitors, Becoming One of Wisconsin's Top Tourist Attractions

Independent Tests Show Volkswagen Rabbit, Jetta and Passat are Leaders in Safety:IIHS and NHTSA recognize Volkswagen's innovative active and passive safety equipment

Team Toyo's Robby Gordon Wins at Las Vegas Terrible's Cup II

TheCarConnection.com Test Drives the Retro Dodge Challenger, Goes Topless in the Volkswagen EOS Convertible, Previews the Next Mini Cooper, Uncovers the 2008 Chevrolet Impala - and More, This Week

________________________________________________________

 

 Oakland Athletics Postgame Alert

July 31, 2006

Oakland 3, LA Angels 1 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Oakland Record: (56-50)
LA Angels Record: (54-51)

Winning pitcher - Dan Haren (8-9)
Losing pitcher - Ervin Santana (11-5)


 123456789 RHE
 Oakland000001200 380
 LA Angels000100000 180

OAK HR - M. Bradley (7) J. Payton (7)
LAA HR - J. Rivera (17)

 

1.5 MILLION SPECTATORS TURN OUT FOR ISTANBUL AIR RACE

 

(C) UNKNOWN

 

1.5 million spectators crowded the banks of the Golden Horn estuary in

Istanbul, Turkey to watch American pilot, Kirby Chambliss win the Red

Bull Air Race for the third time this season.

 (C) UNKNOWN

 

 

Chambliss' dramatic victory further cements his status as the Series

favourite, although Bonhomme, flying in a new Edge 540, has made a

dramatic move to the top of the Air Race's leading flyers, joining the likes of

American Mike Mangold, the reigning World Series champion, and

Hungarian Peter Besenyei.

Flying at speeds of more than 400kph, the world's best pilots were

racing against the clock in a bid to win points in the fifth leg of the

international series. Chambliss currently has the overall lead with a

total of 22 points in the World Series standings, followed closely by

Besenyei and then Mangold. The results were the narrowest in the history of the Red

Bull Air Race, with Bonhomme just 0.48 seconds behind Chambliss. Mangold

missed out on a top spot after hitting an Air Gate and incurring a 10 second

penalty.

Chambliss was thrilled with his win, exclaiming "I am a very lucky man

today!" adding, "You have to be consistent. I go out there and always

fly aggressively. To me second place is nothing but the first loser."

Crowds watched in awe as the pilots raced through the high speed

course, negotiating a series of 'air gates' just metres above the water. Taking

place for the first time in Istanbul, chicanes were a brand new feature

of the race track, with pilots having to weave through the single pylons

as well as fly between the parallel gates.

The next race takes place on the River Danube in Budapest, Hungary on

20th August.

www.redbullairrace.com

Results - Race 5, Istanbul 29.7.06

1 Kirby Chambliss USA 02:56.86

2 Paul Bonhomme GBR 02:57.34

3 Peter Besenyei HUN 02:58.88

4 Mike Mangold USA 03:06.98

5 Nicolas Ivanoff FRA 03:07.63

6 Nigel Lamb GBR 03:08.43

7 Alejandro Maclean ESP 03:16.98

8 Steve Jones GBR 03:18.13

9 Klaus Schrodt GER 03:20.18

10 Frank Versteegh NED 03:28.38

 

World Series 2006 Overall Standing

1 Kirby Chambliss USA 22 points

2 Peter Besenyei HUN 19

3 Mike Mangold USA 17

4 Klaus Schrodt GER 6

4 Paul Bonhomme GBR 6

4 Nicolas Ivanoff FRA 6

7 Alejandro Maclean ESP 3

7 Michael Goulian USA 3

9 Nigel Lamb GBR 2

10 Steve Jones GBR 0

10 Frank Versteegh NED 0

 

Race Calendar 2006

Abu Dhabi, UAE 18th March

Barcelona, Spain 6th May

Berlin, Germany 27th May

St Petersburg, Russia 17th June (cancelled)

Istanbul, Turkey 29th July

Budapest, Hungary 20th August

Longleat, UK 2nd September

San Francisco, USA 7th October

Perth, Australia 19th November

(C) UNKNOWN

 

*Michael Goulian did not take part in the Istanbul Air Race

 

 

MLB trade tracker
 

Monday, July 31

• Los Angeles Dodgers get Julio Lugo; Tampa Bay Devil Rays minor-league 3B Joel Guzman and OF Sergio Pedroza.

• Dodgers get RHP Greg Maddux; Chicago Cubs get SS/3B Cesar Izturis

• New York Mets get RHP Roberto Hernandez and LHP Oliver Perez; Pittsburgh Pirates get OF Xavier Nady.

• Mets get RHP Scott Linebrink; San Diego Padres get LHP Oliver Perez and RHP Heath Bell. 

• New York Yankees get 1B/OF Craig Wilson; Pirates get RHP Shawn Chacon.

• Padres get 2B Todd Walker and cash; Cubs get minor-league RHP Jose Ceda. 

• Texas Rangers get RHP Kip Wells; Pirates get minor-league pitcher Jesse Chavez.

• Rangers get DH Matt Stairs; Kansas City Royals get minor-league RHP Joselo Diaz.

• Detroit Tigers get 1B Sean Casey; Pirates get minor-league P Brian Rogers. 

• Cincinnati Reds get LHP Rheal Cormier; Philadelphia Phillies get RHP Justin Germano. 

• Reds get RHP Kyle Lohse; Minnesota Twins get minor-league RHP Zach Ward.

Sunday, July 30 • St. Louis Cardinals get 2B Ronnie Belliard; Cleveland Indians get INF Hector Luna.

• New York Yankees get RF Bobby Abreu and RHP Cory Lidle; Phillies get four minor leaguers: LHP Matt Smith, SS C.J. Henry, C Jesus Sanchez and RHP Carlos Monasterios.

Friday, July 28

• Rangers get: OF Carlos Lee and minor-league OF Nelson Cruz. Milwaukee Brewers get: RHP Francisco Cordero, OF Kevin Mench, OF Laynce Nix and minor-league LHP Julian Cordero. 

• San Francisco Giants get LHP Mike Stanton; Washington Nationals get minor-league pitcher Shairon Martis.

 

 

 

Corey Pavin, on winning his first tournament in over a decade at the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee 

 

Becomes the eighth player with multiple victories in Milwaukee (1986, 2006). The others: Dave Stockton (1968 and 1973), Dave Eichelberger (1971 and 1977), Calvin Peete (1979 and 1982), Scott Hoch (1995 and 1997), Loren Roberts (1996 and 2000), Jeff Sluman (1998 and 2002) and Carlos Franco (1999 and 2004).
 
* Becomes the third wire-to-wire winner in the history of the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee, joining Ed Sneed (1974 at Tuckaway Country Club) and Ben Crane (2005 at Brown Deer Park Golf Course). On the PGA TOUR this season, there have been two other wire-to-wire winners - Phil Mickelson (BellSouth Classic) and Stuart Appleby (Shell Houston Open).
 
* Ties the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee 72-hole scoring record of 260 with 2005 champion Ben Crane and 2000 champion Loren Roberts.
 
* Birdied his first six holes (Nos. 1-6) in the first round en route to a PGA TOUR front-nine record total of 26. The 8-under-par total bested the 27 by four players - Mike Souchak (1955 Texas Open), Andy North (1975 B.C. Open), Billy Mayfair (2001 Buick Open) and Robert Gamez (2004 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic). The 26 also topped the previous low total on the front nine at Brown Deer Park Golf Course, a 28 by J.P. Hayes in the third round in 2002 and Loren Roberts in the first round in 1998.
 
* In the first round, tied the course record of 61 set by Ken Green (Round 3, 1988) and later matched by Robert Gamez (Round 1, 1991) and Steve Lowery (Round 4, 1999). The 61 was a career low for the 14-time PGA TOUR winner, besting his previous low of 62 in the third round of the 1990 H-E-B Texas Open and the first round of the 2004 Buick Championship. Both rounds of 62 were posted on par-70 golf courses.
 
* The 61-64--125 (15-under) start matched the lowest first 36-hole total in PGA TOUR history. The previous U.S. Bank Championship record was set by Ben Crane last year at 127, rounds of 62-65.

 

 

 

Remarks by President Bush at Tee Ball Game

The following is a transcript of remarks by

President Bush at a tee ball game:

  The South Lawn   July 30, 2006    2:45 P.M. EDT  

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. You know, as we listen to our "National Anthem," it reminds us how blessed we are to live in a land where our boys and girls can grow up in a peaceful world. And on today, our hopes for peace for boys and girls everywhere extends across the world, especially in the Middle East. Today's actions in the Middle East remind us that the United States and friends and allies must work for a sustainable peace, particularly for the sake of children.

And so I want to welcome you here to the White House. What an honor to be with the Commissioner, Willie Mays. (Applause.) See, when I was growing up, I wanted to be the Willie Mays of my generation, but I couldn't hit a curve ball. So instead, I ended up being President.

Laura and I welcome you here, along with the Commissioner. It's a proud day for us to welcome -- a little hot for baseball, but I know these teams are up for it. First I want to welcome the Civitan Club of Frederick Challengers from Thurmont, Maryland. (Applause.) We're glad you all are here. We also want to welcome the Mayor, Mayor Marty Burns of Thurmont. Welcome, Mr. Mayor. (Applause.) Thanks for coming. There he is. (Applause.) Marty used to work at Camp David, by the way.

I also want to welcome the Challenger Braves from Shady Spring, West Virginia. (Applause.)

We welcome both teams, the coaches, the helpers, and the families. We're glad you're here. (Applause.) We're lucky today to have not only one Major Leaguer, but three Major Leaguers with us. Coaching first base, the lefty, Al Leiter. Welcome, Al. (Applause.) At third base, Dan Wilson. Glad you're here, Dan, thanks for coming. (Applause.) Proud you're here.

We welcome Steve Keener, who is the President and CEO of Little League International. (Applause.) We want to thank the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital who carried the colors. (Applause.) I want to thank Nichola Kouzes, who sang the "National Anthem." Nicola did a fabulous job here on the South Lawn. Thank you. (Applause.) She did a good job, didn't she. (Applause.) Not only a good job, but a great job.

We're lucky today to have an old hand at calling this game -- the former announcer of the Washington Senators, Charlie Brotman. Welcome, Charlie. Glad you're here, thanks for coming. (Applause.) Glad you're here.

And finally, we have a tradition here, and that is we actually don't throw out the first ball, we actually put the first ball on the tee. And joining me today is Kevin Turley. He's a Special Olympics gold medalist. Kevin, thanks for coming. Thank you for being a part of this. (Applause.)

You ready? Everybody ready? And right before we play ball we'll give the Little League Pledge. Ready for the pledge?

"I trust in God. I love my country and will respect its laws. I will play fair and strive to win. But win or lose, I will always do my best."

Play ball. (Applause.)

END 2:52 P.M. EDT

Source: White House Press Office

 

 

Bank of America Teams Up With Boston Red Sox To Host Youth Baseball Clinic; Future Big Leaguers To Take the Field in Merchantsauto.com Stadium

Former Red Sox Pitcher Jim Corsi to teach local youth fundamentals, values
WHAT:   More than 150 boys and girls, representing community organizations
from throughout New Hampshire, will become Boston Red Sox players 
for a day and experience the thrill of playing baseball with a  
major leaguer. As participants in the "Bank of America Play Ball
Youth Baseball Clinic," children aged 8-14 will learn about 
hitting, fielding, throwing and base running from former Red Sox
Pitcher Jim Corsi. After this once-in-a-lifetime coaching session, 
Corsi will speak with the young athletes about his own career in 
the Major Leagues and how his experiences with baseball have  
helped him to achieve both on and off the field.   
WHEN:   Tuesday, August 1           9:30 a.m.    
WHERE:  Merchantsauto.com Stadium, home of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats
One Line Drive           Manchester, New Hampshire    
WHO:    - Jim Corsi, former Red Sox pitcher           -
 Albert N. Romero, senior vice president, Bank of America 
150 children from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater  
Manchester, Seacoast Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club
of Manchester, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, Child and 
Family Services, Girls Incorporated of New Hampshire, Salvation
Army and Nashua Children's Home will participate 

 

 

 

The Glen Marks 'Mad Max' Papis' Debut in NASCAR(R) NEXTEL Cup With Furniture Row(R) Racing

 Road-racing specialist Max Papis has earned another notch in his belt. Papis will make his driving debut in his career first NEXTEL Cup race with Furniture Row(R) Racing. Papis will be driving the #78 Chevy Monte Carlo at Watkins Glen International road course on August 13th.

Furniture Row(R) Racing is elated about the opportunity to work with Papis. Crew Chief, Joe Garone explains. "Max is a world class athlete, and we feel very fortunate to have him on board with us, as we head into our road course ventures at the Glen. We just returned from a test at Virginia International Raceway. This marks the first time we have worked together. Despite the bad weather, it was very promising."

Papis is known as a fierce competitor on the track in various series. Papis, earned the name "Mad Max," for his on-track prowess en route to winning the 24 Hours of Daytona race in 2002. Recently, he finished an IROC series career-best second place, behind NASCAR's Tony Stewart, at the Crown Royal IROC series race last month at Daytona.

Stewart acknowledged Papis after his IROC win. "To me it's a huge honor to win this race with guys like Max Papis, who are really good on the road courses," said Stewart. "This is probably one of the biggest wins I've had because of that."

Papis will utilize the expertise developed in his career to handle the Glen's 2.45 mile, 11-turn road course for Furniture Row(R) Racing. Papis is anxiously awaiting the opportunity. "I am very thankful for Furniture Row(R) giving me the opportunity to make my first Nextel Cup start. The crew has been great to work with and Joe (Garone) and I have a great relationship. I'm looking forward to getting in the #78 Furniture Row Chevrolet and having a strong run."

2006 has been an exciting year for Papis both on and off the track. "I've run the Daytona 24 Hours race, the Indy 500, Le Mans, watched Italy win the World Cup and, the most exciting thing, watching my son, Marco, being born. I am truly enjoying life right now and my NASCAR debut just adds to the excitement. I'm proud to represent my country, Italy, and to be the first Italian in the modern era to be in NASCAR and I'm going to work as hard as I can to make the most of the opportunity and make my country proud. I hope to have a great weekend at The Glen," states Papis.

A native of Como, Italy, Massimiliano Papis moved up the ladder of European formulas during his late teens and early 20s before finding a Formula One test ride with Lotus and Honda in 1994. The following year, he competed in seven Formula One races with Arrows.

In 1996, Papis posted three wins in IMSA World Sports Car, and then joined CART, where he won three races in five years. Since then, Papis has been one of the top competitors in American sports-car racing. He posted an overall win at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2002, a Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series championship in 2004, and class wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring, and 24 Hours of Daytona. He also secured two runner-up finishes at the 24 Hours of LeMans. Papis also drives in the Crown Royal IROC Series.

Furniture Row(R) Companies is one of the largest family-owned specialty home furnishings and bedding retailers. The company is comprised of five specialty store brands including: Sofa Mart(R), Oak Express(R), Bedroom Expressions(R), Denver Mattress Company(R), and Big Sur Water Beds(R). For more information, please visit http://www.furniturerowracing.com/.

 

 

 

 

Dale and Thomas Popcorn(TM) the Official Popcorn of the New York Mets

The Classic American Snack Food Teams Up With The Most Exciting Team in Baseball.

Dale and Thomas Popcorn, the first brand in premium popcorn, is proud to announce, that last night, it launched its Popcorn, Indiana(TM) kettlecorn line at Shea Stadium in front of 50,000 fans, thus becoming the official popcorn of the New York Mets. Throughout the 2006 season, sports and snack lovers alike will have the opportunity to enjoy America's favorite pastime, while munching on a brand new and upscale version if the classic American snack food, with the premier of Popcorn, Indiana at Shea Stadium.

Popcorn, Indiana(TM) is a line of gourmet kettlecorn sold at specialty shops, supermarkets and many other outlets nationwide. Popcorn, Indiana, is inspired by a town of that name, 20 miles from Bloomington, IN, and celebrates the long tradition of kettlecorn as an authentic American snack food, served at country fairs, community gatherings and of course, baseball games.

At the fan packed Mets vs. Cubs game last night, the 14 member Popcorn, Indiana spirit squad, clad in Indiana red, got the game started with a "pop" by handing out 25,000 Popcorn, Indiana bags to ecstatic Mets fans, setting the tone for a exciting, memorable, and delicious evening of baseball and popcorn.

"We are so thrilled to launch Popcorn, Indiana at Shea Stadium," says Warren Struhl co-founder of Dale and Thomas Popcorn. "There is no other place we would rather showcase our fantastic kettlecorn than at the home of an exciting team like the New York Mets."

"The New York Mets could not think of a better brand to partner with than Dale and Thomas Popcorn," says Jeff Wilpon owner of the New York Mets. "Once I tasted Popcorn, Indiana I knew this was something Mets fans and New Yorkers just had to try -- that's why we are so proud to launch this great tasting, gourmet product at Shea Stadium."

Popcorn, Indiana is also available at many of the nation's top retailers including Shop Rite, select Whole Foods, Linens N' Things, Cracker Barrel and other major outlets. Popcorn, Indiana is rapidly becoming the hit of the snack food isle, shoppers have gravitated to the alluring red Popcorn, Indiana bag and have been snatching it up for parties, events and just for a fantastic everyday treat. Visit www.popcornindiana.com for more information.

About Dale and Thomas

Dale and Thomas, is a privately held company, which manufactures America's first line of farm fresh -- chef crafted -- premium popcorn products. The Englewood, New Jersey based snack food company sells through wholesale, retail and direct channels, and has recently introduced Popcorn, Indiana(TM) a wholesale, premium, kettle corn line sold at supermarkets, chain stores and boutiques throughout the county. The company has also achieved a high level of recognition as it was selected by Oprah Magazine as one of her favorite things. The company's Chef Ed has appeared on the Today Show, The View, as well as other national television appearances. Currently centers are located in: New York City, Teaneck, New Jersey, and Lake Success Shopping Center, with additional openings in Florida, Massachusetts and New Jersey in the coming months. Dale and Thomas Popcorn is also available at www.daleandthomas.com and 1800-POPCORN.

Source: Dale and Thomas Popcorn

 

 

 

Tiger Woods Commits to 2006 Deutsche Bank Championship:World No. 1 Woods Will Join Defending Champion Olin Browne and Leading Playing Field to Compete for 2006 Title

Tiger Woods has announced his intention to compete at the 2006 Deutsche Bank Championship, Aug. 29-Sept. 4 at the Tournament Players Club of Boston. Woods recently completed a successful defense of his British Open championship and won his 11th major title on Sunday, July 23rd.

Woods, the most recognizable golfer in the world, will return to Norton, Massachusetts to play in the Deutsche Bank Championship for the fourth consecutive year. He tied for second at the Deutsche Bank Championship in 2004 and is currently playing up to his renowned standard since the U.S. Open, finishing as runner-up at the Cialis Western Open before capturing his third British Open crown, which vaulted him to No. 1 on the PGA TOUR's money list. He continues to be the world's top-ranked golfer.

"It's a thrill to come back to the Deutsche Bank Championship, a tournament I have always enjoyed playing in a region where there is a deep appreciation for golf," Woods said. "I feel very positive about the shape of my game right now and I hope I can reward the fans in New England with a little extra something to cheer about."

2005 Deutsche Bank Championship winner Olin Browne, who used to spend many summers in Cape Cod as a young boy and played amateur golf in New England, hopes to successfully defend his Deutsche Bank Championship title, which provided him with renewed feelings of confidence and drive on the PGA TOUR.

"My roots are here and I have a lot of friends and a lot of memories in this part of the world so the Deutsche Bank Championship does feel like a home game for me," Browne said. "New England sports fans are among the greatest fans in sports. They're loyal to their teams. They'll always love their teams. They'll always love their players. It's about time we have golf back in Boston."

The $5.5 million Deutsche Bank Championship, which has become one of New England's Labor Day sports traditions is entering its fourth year and showcases a 156-player field vying for a winner's check of $990,000. Woods and Browne headline a world-class field that is scheduled to include 2003 champion Adam Scott as well as New England natives and fan favorites Billy Andrade, Brad Faxon, Brett Quigley, James Driscoll and Tim Petrovic.

Browne had not won on the PGA TOUR in six years until breaking a five-way tie after 54 holes at the 2005 Deutsche Bank Championship with a final-round, 4-under-par 67. He defeated Jason Bohn by a stroke and earned his third PGA TOUR title a $990,000 paycheck. The victory headlined Browne's career-leading year in golf in which he played in his first TOUR Championship and ranked 26th on the PGA TOUR money list; he earned $2,171,928, the highest in his golf career.

More importantly, Browne's victory at TPC Boston earned him exempt status on Tour for 2006 and 2007.

"It's a tremendous relief not to have to write letters," said Browne, who has made $419,537 on the PGA TOUR this year. "The Deutsche Bank Championship kept an eye on me last year and made sure I had a tournament to play in, and I'll be forever grateful for that."

New England fans will have plenty of hometown representation in New England natives Andrade (Bristol, RI native), Faxon (Barrington, RI resident), Petrovic (born in Northampton, Mass.), Quigley (Ft. Devens, Mass.) and Driscoll (Boston-born and living in Brookline, Mass.). Andrade was tied for the lead at last year's Championship after three rounds before tying for 15th alongside Petrovic and Faxon, whose best finish here was a tie for ninth in 2004. Driscoll, a rookie in 2005, missed the Championship last year due to a torn ligament in his left thumb. Quigley will hope to reach weekend play in his fourth start here.

"I love playing close to home," said Quigley, who, like his Champions Tour uncle, Dana Quigley, and Faxon, played golf for Barrington High School. "I've been thinking about the Deutsche Bank Championship a lot. I'll try to go out there and be a little more relaxed this year. You have people cheering for you all the time. You'll come up to a tee and see someone you haven't seen in 15 years, and that's really fun. At a tournament like this, close to home, you could see 500 people you know. It's nice to see the support of the fans and of Deutsche Bank to give golf fans in the area an outlet."

Added Andrade: "Having a tournament in the Boston area, it's a great place to have an event for golf -- a great market, and it is great for our community."

Championship week for the Deutsche Bank Championship begins with practice rounds Tuesday, Aug. 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 30, and a pro-am competition on Thursday, Aug. 31. The four-day Championship begins Friday, Sept. 1, and continues through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4 the only official Monday finish on the PGA TOUR. The first two rounds of the Championship will be covered on USA Network and the final two rounds will be televised on ABC-TV.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting the official Championship website at www.dbchampionship.com or by calling (877) TIX-4DBC or 877-849-4322. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis for each day and are limited to 10 individual tickets per person. Limited daily tickets are still available.

About Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) is a leading global investment bank with a strong and profitable private clients franchise. A leader in Germany and Europe, the bank is continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. With Euro 1,035 billion in assets and 64,103 employees, Deutsche Bank offers unparalleled financial services in 73 countries throughout the world. The bank competes to be the leading global provider of financial solutions for demanding clients creating exceptional value for its shareholders and people.

  www.db.com    About the Tiger Woods Foundation 

Established in 1996 by Tiger Woods and his father Earl, the Tiger Woods Foundation empowers young people to reach their highest potential by initiating and supporting community-based programs that promote the health, education and welfare of all of America's children. In addition to offering youth-driven programs through the Tiger Woods Learning Center and Start Something program, the Foundation hosts fundraising events during the year, including the Target World Challenge presented by Countrywide, Tiger Jam presented by AT&T and the TWLC Block Party. Information on the Foundation can be found at www.tigerwoodsfoundation.org .

About IMG and IMG Media

IMG is the world's premier Sports, Entertainment and Media Company. IMG is a diversified global business with two major business segments: IMG Sports & Entertainment, and IMG Media. IMG employs over 2,300 people in 30 countries. Forstmann Little & Co. purchased IMG in 2004.

IMG Sports & Entertainment includes: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, European football, rugby, cricket, motorsports, coaching, Olympic sports and action sports. In addition, IMG Academies are the world's largest and most advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport training and educational facility, delivering world-class sports training experiences to over 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult and professional athletes each year.

IMG Media, which includes our content production subsidiaries TWI and Darlow Smithson Productions, is recognized as a global leader in the delivery of traditional and new media content and services, with Internet, broadband and mobile expertise, transforming how audiences access and interact with content. IMG Media produces and distributes over 9,000 hours of sports, documentary, docu-drama, entertainment, and popular factual content annually, over multiple platforms across 200 countries, including award-winning television and radio programming. It also represents the broadcast rights to many of the world's premier sporting events and has the world's biggest sports archive with more than 200,000 hours of footage.

More information about IMG is available at www.imgworld.com and www.darlowsmithson.com .

About The Tournament Players Club of Boston

The Tournament Players Club of Boston is an addition to the PGA TOUR's prestigious Tournament Players Club Network. Featuring a signature Arnold Palmer-designed course, the TPC of Boston offers a quality golf experience for all levels of play. The course offers five sets of tees, measuring 7,178 yards from the championship tees, and features a 10-acre practice facility and elegant 34,000 square-foot clubhouse. Located in the Great Woods of Norton, MA, the TPC of Boston opened in June 2002 as the 22nd Tournament Players Club, which is owned by PGA TOUR Golf Course Properties. The Network includes more than 30 facilities, including licensed courses and international facilities.

Source: Deutsche Bank

 

 

Richfield, Wis. Cabela's Set to Open September 22, 2006 :Destination Superstore Expects to Lure 4 Million Visitors, Becoming One of Wisconsin's Top Tourist Attractions

Cabela's(R), known as the World's Foremost Outfitter(R) of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, will open its newest destination retail store in Richfield, Wis., Friday, September 22, 2006.

Four million people are expected to visit the Richfield store annually, making it one of the largest tourist attractions in the state. Extraordinary in design and showcasing thousands of products from its world-famous catalog, a customer's average length of stay is a remarkable 3 1/2 hours, with half of the visitors coming from outside of 100 miles.

The 165,000-square-foot, large-format superstore is being built on a 60-acre site in Washington County, generally described as the triangle formed by the intersections of U.S. Highway 41, U.S. Highway 45 and State Highway 145 in the towns of Richfield and Polk. Plans call for approximately 20 acres of the 60-acre site to be developed by additional businesses that could include hotels, restaurants, complementary retail stores or other travel and tourism-related businesses.

The Richfield location is the second Cabela's destination retail store in Wisconsin. The company operates a smaller retail store and massive distribution center in Prairie du Chien, Wis.

"The Badger state is a recreational outdoor wonderland. Those who are fortunate to live and work in Wisconsin and the region are passionate about hunting, fishing, camping and outdoor activities," said Dennis Highby, Cabela's president and CEO. "We could not be more excited to bring Cabela's to Richfield and to the greater Milwaukee area, which is enjoying substantial retail and commercial growth."

The Wisconsin DNR says sport fishing alone is a $2.3 billion dollar industry that supports more than 26,000 jobs in Wisconsin and generates $100 million in state tax revenue.

The Richfield, Wis., store will be built in Cabela's trademark style that evokes the feeling of the outdoors. Cabela's stores are known as top-notch educational and entertainment attractions.

The general contractor is Minneapolis-based Kraus-Anderson Construction Company, one of the country's top commercial general contractors and construction managers.

Equivalent to about three football fields in size, Cabela's is much more than a retail store, it's an experience. Cabela's provides unique attractions for every member of the family including:

   -- More than 400 animals in extensive museum-quality dioramas, including       an African scene, which re-create animals in action in their native       habitats;    -- The Cabela's hallmark, two-story Conservation Mountain, complete with       running waterfalls and stream, a trout pond and wild game displays in       their distinctive habitats;    -- Huge 40,000-gallon, walk-through aquarium, stocked with freshwater       fish, including those native to the region;    -- 8,000-square-foot wildlife museum with an extensive collection of       trophy mounts;    -- Hundreds of wild game trophies displayed in an exceptional showroom.    -- Other highlights include a boat showroom and maintenance shop, laser       arcade, furniture department, gun library, restaurant, general store,       fly fishing shop, bargain cave and gift shop.  

Store manager Scott Foley will hire up to 400 employees to carry on the company's tradition of excellent customer service. Cabela's employees, most of whom are expected to come from the area surrounding the Richfield store, are famous for living the outdoor lifestyle and having intimate knowledge of outdoor products. Visitors will find hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating and wildlife watching gear, as well as outdoor clothing and outdoors-styled gifts and furnishings ( http://www.cabelas.com/ ).

Store hours will be Monday - Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday. The store address is: One Cabela Way, Richfield, Wis., 53076.

About Cabela's Inc.

Cabela's Incorporated ( http://www.cabelas.com/ ), headquartered in Sidney, Neb., is the nation's largest direct marketer and a leading specialty retailer of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise. Since the company's founding in 1961, Cabela's has grown to become one of the most well-known outdoor recreation brands in the United States and has long been recognized as the World's Foremost Outfitter(R).

Through Cabela's established direct business and its growing number of destination retail stores, it offers a wide and distinctive selection of high-quality outdoor products at competitive prices while providing superior customer service. Cabela's also issues the Cabela's Club(R) VISA credit card through which it offers a related customer loyalty rewards program as a vehicle for strengthening its customer relationships.

Cabela's Richfield store will be the company's 17th retail location in a line of famous destination stores. The company this year will open retail stores in Glendale, Ariz.; Boise, Idaho; and La Vista, Neb. Cabela's has announced plans to open stores in 2007 in Wheat Ridge, Colo.; East Hartford, Conn.; Adairsville, Ga.; Hoffman Estates, Ill.; Gonzales, La.; Hazelwood, Mo.; Reno, Nev., and East Rutherford, N.J. A Montreal, Quebec, store is scheduled for early 2008.

Cabela's operates retail stores in Kansas City, Kan.; Dundee, Mich.; Rogers, Owatonna and East Grand Forks, Minn.; Sidney and Kearney, Neb.; Hamburg, Pa.; Mitchell, S.D.; Fort Worth and Buda, Texas; Lehi, Utah; Prairie du Chien, Wis.; and Wheeling, W.Va.

    CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS   
      UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995  

This press release (other than historical information) contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on the Company's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of future events, taking into account the information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or financial condition to differ materially from the expectations of future results, performance or financial condition that the Company expresses or implies in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the ability to negotiate favorable purchase, lease and/or economic development arrangements; expansion into new markets; market saturation due to new destination retail store openings; the rate of growth of general and administrative expenses associated with building a strengthened corporate infrastructure to support the Company's growth initiatives; increasing competition in the outdoor segment of the sporting goods industry; the cost of the Company's products; supply and delivery interruptions; adverse weather conditions; fluctuations in operating results; adverse economic conditions; increased fuel prices; labor shortages or increased labor costs; changes in consumer preferences and demographic trends; increased government regulation; inadequate protection of the Company's intellectual property; other factors that the Company may not have currently identified or quantified; and other risks, relevant factors and uncertainties identified in the "Factors Affecting Future Results" section of the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2005, which is available at the Company's website at http://www.cabelas.com/ and the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov/ . The words "believe," "may," "should," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "objective," "seek," "plan," "will" and similar statements are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Given the risks and uncertainties surrounding forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on these statements. The Company's forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Other than as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: Cabela's

 

 

Independent Tests Show Volkswagen Rabbit, Jetta and Passat are Leaders in Safety:IIHS and NHTSA recognize Volkswagen's innovative active and passive safety equipment

 Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that the four-door 2006 Rabbit has been named a "Top Safety Pick-Silver" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the latest in a series of accolades for the exceptional safety designed into Volkswagen models. Earlier this year, the IIHS named the 2006 Jetta a "Top Safety Pick- Silver."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also recognized the safety and performance for the 2006 and 2007 four-door Volkswagen Rabbit, Jetta, and Passat, giving them all four stars for driver and passenger frontal crash protection. The Rabbit and Jetta earned five stars for driver and rear passenger side crash protection and the Passat earned five stars for the driver and four stars for the rear passenger side crash protection.

The 2006 Passat carries a "Top Safety Pick-Silver" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and earned the top performance rating in both the front and side impact tests conducted by the Institute.

"Safety is implicit in Volkswagen engineering," said Adrian Hallmark, executive vice president, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "Our philosophy is to bring the most effective active and passive safety technology to the widest range of models, at a moderate price."

Advanced passive and active safety equipment is standard on all Volkswagens -- including driver and front passenger front and side thorax airbag supplemental restraint system, Side Curtain Protection(R), rear passenger side thorax only (available as a $350 option on the Jetta, Passat, and four-door Rabbit), rear crash optimized head restraints, Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and three-point safety belts for all seating positions. Front seat belts use pre-tensioners with load limiters to optimize occupant protection.

Contributing to Volkswagen's reputation as an innovative leader in safety is equipment that can help avoid accidents in the first place, such as four- wheel disc ABS brakes coupled with an Engine Braking Assist system (EBA). An electro-mechanical power steering system can help assist with straight-ahead driving adjustments. Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) is an active safety item that independent research shows is an increasing vital safety feature. Anti-Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, Electronic Brake- pressure Distribution and Hydraulic Brake Assist are additional available features that help to keep drivers and passengers safe.

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 sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Jetta, GTI, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers.

Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

 

Team Toyo's Robby Gordon Wins at Las Vegas Terrible's Cup II

Robby Gordon, driving his Red Bull / Toyo Tires(R) Chevy trophy truck, bested the class at Las Vegas Terrible's Cup II, by winning Saturday's Main Event as well as the Heat Race. The off-road racing event was run on a special short course inside the dirt track at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Las Vegas Terrible's Cup II is part of the SCORE-International Off-Road Racing Series and was held in front of a near capacity grandstand crowd this past Friday and Saturday.

Enjoying a break in his busy NASCAR(R) schedule, Gordon brought his Toyo Tires(R) Open Country M/T(TM)-equipped race truck to Las Vegas to enjoy the intense 6-lap, sprint format races. Gordon dominated Saturday's races, finishing 35-seconds ahead of the field in the heat race, and then backing that up with an incredible 23-second margin of victory over SCORE Series Trophy Truck regulars during the Main Event. According to Gordon, "My Toyo Open Country M/T tires delivered all the traction I needed to dominate the main event. That helped to make this weekend a lot of fun."

According to Steve Hutchinson, Senior Director of Marketing, Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corporation, "Robby Gordon rocked Las Vegas with his performance this past weekend. Toyo Tires is excited to be a part of his winning effort."

To learn more about the Open Country line of tires from Toyo Tires(R), and to find out more about Team Toyo(TM) race drivers, log on to toyo.com. During 2006, Toyo Tire