August 27, 2006

Koenigsegg CCX

Koenigsegg CCX, World’s Fastest Production Car Unveiled at Exotic Cars at Caesars Palace, Its First and Sole Exclusive Dealer in the U.S.

Koenigsegg, the world’s fastest production car was unveiled as led by the Pretorian guard of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas last night.

In May, earlier this year, in front of a worldwide audience of 250 million, the Koenigsegg CCX broke the world’s record and became the Guiness Book of World Records world’s fastest production car ever. This Super Car accelerates 0-60 mph in a light blazing 3.1 seconds at an estimated top speed of almost 260 mph. The 806 HP, 2,200 pound carbon fibre Super Car runs the standing quarter mile in just 9 seconds at 146 mph.

A dream of Christian von Koenigsegg, whose modified family coat of arms adorns as emblem each Super Car, is produced by Koenigsegg Automotive AB of Sweden. Although of Swedish origin, its many parts are international in nature and assembled to their specifications, as are many.

The Koenigsegg, a race car designed for a select elite of enthusiasts, is available in two models currently, the CC8S and the 80g hp CCR, which still holds the Guiness World Record for the fastest and most powerful street car. It’s available in 10 colors an options such as Chromemolubdenium race uprights, Titanium Brake Disc Bells and rearview cameras.

Guests arrived from various parts of the United States, many which ventured specifically to view the unveiling after seeing the Koenigsegg CCS on the Speed Channel. VIP guests and media enjoyed the ambiance of other exotics such as Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Bentleys available at Exotic Cars at Caesar’s Palace, as they neared the secluded showing area.

Richard Weisman, innovator, founder and CEO of Exotic Cars at Caesar’s Palace, was proud to announce they were chosen as the sole dealership in the United States. Weisman urged guests to place their order soon so they may obtain delivery earlier in the year than later as only 15-20 cars would be delivered in the U.S. in 2007.

Justin Bell, 2^nd generation world champion race car driver, sees the Koenigsegg as “owning something realloy unique that very few people get a chance to own”. After all, what wealthy person “doesn’t want to see someone else coming down the street driving his(her) car.” Bell will be giving qualified guests and media a one lap demo and then a test drive today and tomorrow at the Las Vegas Speedway.

The Koenigsegg, was escorted behind a closed door by the Pretorian Guard to lights down and spot lights as it arrived on the red carpet. The flicker of flash bulbs caught its image just before the lights were raised and the guests began examining every detail of the newest Super Car. The only thing missing was a magnifying glass.

Will the Koenigsegg, become just another collector’s item kept within spotless garages or on display at museums and shows or will it become the next must have Super Car for the elite? Time will tell, or is the next DeLorean or Vector?

Written by Joyce Chow, Pictures by William Hoehne (C) MBN 2006

Posted by ladymountbatten at 11:52 PM | Permalink

MAGIC-POOL-PROJECT Fashion Coverage

MAGIC SPRING LINE FASHION LINE PICTURES

PICTURES FROM MAGIC SWIMSUIT FASHION SHOW

Redback Boots Rescue Me

Redback Boots rescued my soles through days of convention walking and kept them in dancing shape.

A redback spider caught my attention midst the exhibits at the Western Food Show in Los Angeles . Upon closer look, the redback spider is the logo for Redback Boots, an Australian shoe manufacturer, which was introducing a chef line of shoes. Was I supposed to make a connection that they’ll survive in the Australian Outback and thus anything I could put them through?

Aesthetically, they appeared similar to previously other viewed shoes which were for people at work for many hours on their feet. I learned they were popular amongst firemen, police departments, and defense force personnel. Upon closer look, Redback has a unique Anatomic Sole which cradles the foot to reduce strain and fatigue, add to that a heel design which encourages lateral stability (great for my too many times sprained ankle), multi-directional cleats for surefootedness, and they’re waterproof.

Curious, I wondered if they could truly take the test. Upcoming were 3 days of fashion trade shows with MAGIC, PROJECT and Pool at the Las Vegas Convention Center , Sands Convention Center and Mandalay Convention Center .

I was searching for shoes which could look stylish yet support my feet and be comfortable from hour after hour after hour of walking. Never had I considered a shoe such as these. Thomas Meyer, discovered Redback Boots on a trip to Australia , when he was there on a business trip developing flowers, and was so impressed that he became their U.S. national distributor.

Richard Clark of Redback Boots, developed many shoes lines such as Skechers , LA Gear, Adidas Wear (Adidas’son), amongst many others. Clark favors the Redback Boots since he discovered for the first time “a shoe you never have to apologize (for).” He shared that 87% of the US population has foot problems but with a good shoe, good sock and good insole your muscles work 30% better. You can even place an orthotic insert in them without every feeling uncomfortable.

The Redback Boots Chef Line shoes were worn with my black skirt for the remainder of the Western Food Show in Los Angeles . Hmmm, this might work.

Last time I’d been to Las Vegas during the summer heat, my just resoled Colehaans I loved had melted from the heat of the pavement. The temperature at the time was 115 degrees. Who knows what the temperature was on the unfinished parking area on the way to the Las Vegas Market. I could feel the heat radiating from the ground up my legs as I could feel the soles of my shoes softening and the bumps in the ground.

The Redback Boots kept a spring in my step, even at the end of the day. They worked so well for my feet that there was no need to take a break from walking and I was even able to wear 4 inch heels during evening trade parties. And if you think the shoes were hidden beneath pant legs. Think again. With the Las Vegas summer heat, who wants to wear pants?

A test drive in the Koenigsegg was another test with the temperature being over 100 degrees at 9 am in the morning plus the additional heat from the track. I was fortunate enough to be in the Koenigsegg just a couple days after it’s unveiling at Exotic Cars at Caesar’s Palace, the sole U.S distributorship for the Koenigsegg. The Koenigsegg is the reigning World’s Fastest Production Car by the Guinness Book of World Records.

My soles quite happily survived the test of endless hours of walking in the Redback Boots chef line in the desert, fortunately not the Australian Outback.

www.redbackboots.com

Ed Hardy Expands to Introduce Watches at PROJECT in Las Vegas

Hardy

Ed Hardy designs introduced Ed Hardy Watches at the Project in Las Vegas earlier today. Project is the upscale edgier side of MAGIC, which prides itself as having the most qualified buyers and the most crossover opportunities in fashion than any other single event in the fashion industry.

You’re probably familiar with the distinctive image as you’ve seen it grace the pages of magazines, tv and movies. Don Ed Hardy, whose name the brand bears, is known as “the godfather of modern tattoo” has developed a distinctive style which they refer to as vintage tattoo wear.

Creative genius Christian Audigier’s vision, has taken Ed Hardy designs and the art of tattoo to an enviable realm as one of the hottest brands fashioned by celebrities.

Alex Dupuis, COO of Ed Hardy Watches has been anxiously waiting for samples to arrive just before their introduction at the show. The extensive introduction of 30 watches is an enviable start into broadening a product line by any company. Dupuis was proud to announce that “it is the first time you’re going to see metal color in watches.”

In describing the spirit of Ed Hardy design, Dupuis reflects that it is “colorful, rebellious, classic and timeless.” The watches encompass this spirit in totality. Each time I’ve reflected, I’ve tried to understand how they can do this, and have resolved that is just creative brilliance. The various series names lend a clue with names such as Biker with silver designed bracelet and cover moving to reveal a colorful face, Gladiator, Koolsteel with colored metal, Temptress, Lovechild, Lynx and Nightstalker, which reads a digital red perfect for the nightclub scene.

If you want to see and feel it in person, you’ll see it soon at many retail locations for the holidays. Which watches, which stores, you ask, stay tuned to the Ed Hardy website, If you want to see and feel it in person, you’ll see it soon at many retail locations for the holidays. Which watches, which stores, you ask, stay tuned to the Ed Hardy website, www.donedhardy.com. The watches are priced for the masses at an unbelievable retail of $140-$225.

The toughest choice, choosing just one Ed Hardy watch. I for one, could easily choose at least 6 of them. You too will agree after you view the collection.

MAGIC, PROJECT, and POOL FASHION FINDS

MAGIC, with more qualifed buyers and brands than any other single event in the fashion industry, brings buyers and sellers from around the globe to Las Vegas. PROJECT and POOL are complimentary shows being held at the nearby Sands Convention Center and the Mandalay Convention Center.

After 3 days of near overwhelm walking the hundreds of thousands of feet on the floors of MAGIC, Project and Pool, I thank my Redback Boots, www.redbackboots, for keeping a spring in my step. Being able to go the distance, we were able to make it to the 3 trade shows add to that a test drive of the Koenigsegg CCX, the world’s fastest production car at the Las Vegas Speedway. Following are some favorites discovered that stand out from the crowd.

At MAGIC we discovered Dollhouse, www.dollhouse.com, who considers themselves a lifestyle brand as "you are beautiful...but I'm hot." Just ask cover model Joanna Krupa, who we’ve met and consider an excellent choice to represent their brand. They're expanding and becoming much more than blue jeans and rock 'n roll. Baby Phat, www.babyphat.com, and the Phat Farm, www.phatfarm.com, once again illustrates their popularity with Rushmobile’s, www.rushmobile.com, limited edition Motorola cell phones, a novel idea for a clothing company. Sergio Guttierez, www.lmcollection.com, with his liquid metal mesh jewelry to incorporating them in jeans through entire dresses, brings reminders of The Lord of the Rings. Nippies, www.bristols6.com, gives you the freedom to wear what you like without showing more than you want or being just plain fashionable. Debbie Brooks, www.debbiebrooks.com, expands her art and whimsy traditionally seen in Oscar and Tony gift bags, to laptop cases that look like totes. UNO Industries, www.unoindustries.com, with architect Luis Ponce, introduced their interactive magnetic jewelry previously only available at the Museum of Modern Art.

POOL, the younger side of fashion and a land of t-shirts galore, found highlights in Tundrafoot, www.tundrafoot.com, as light as a feather with positive fun graphics. Blue Sage, www.bsageclothing.com, changing impressions with refinement to t-shirts inspired by their pet Remy Martin. Stagr, www.stagr.com, showcased easy to personalize t-shirts with changing graphics on their website. Black Label Record Wallets, www.blacklabelrecordwallets.com, which just as it's name suggests, are classic rock 'n roll wallets made from records.

PROJECT, is the upscale edgier side of fashion. Busiest by far of any booth at all of the trade shows, Ed Hardy, www.donedhardy.com, showcased expanded product lines with their new introduction of watches so stunning you’ll have a difficult time determing which six you want to own. Ed Hardy also introduced belts and lingerie. Al Beres’ designs for the who’s who of Hollywood are now available in a mass market price for his next generation in Washed Up Hollywood, www.washeduphollywood.com. If you’re wondering where all the retailers get their fabulous bags made that you save and save, look no further than RTR Packaging, www.rtrbag.com.

V-MODA INTRODUCES MODAPHONES "HEARWEAR" COLLECTION TO THE FASHION WORLD

Fashionable Hsearwear Garners Buzz As the New "It" Item in the Accessory Category

who :::

V-MODA, the Hollywood based music lifestyle brand that owes its allure to the fusion of fashion and function, debuts the newest accessory to hit the market: "Hearwear." The colorful line of Remix, Bass Freq, and Vibe modaphones revolutionize the fashion industry by fusing advanced technology and individual fashion statements.

what :::

The first company to introduce full colored headsets to marketplace with both colored headphones and cables, V-MODA not only catches the eye with its vibrant colors but also produces unparalled bass levels and studio quality sound.

V-MODA will also unveil their new fashion line, which is geared towards individuals who embrace the D.J. lifestyle. Lead designer, Joseph Bucknall, has converged current fashion trends with classic elements of the underground music culture creating an appeal to the fashion conscious and the music faithful.

In the spirit of the V-MODA music lifestyle, female DJ Yvonne Black will be performing V-MODA musique's first ensemble "127 BPM". Embodying every ingredient of the V-MODA brand, Yvonne, blends the perfect amount of style, fashion, and sexiness into her amazing sets of electro house.

The inspiration behind V-MODA is CEO and founder Val Kolton, who poured his energies into the first "musique" compilation and the entire breadth of the V-MODA product lines. His passion for the DJ music culture and high-end fashion are present in every product introduced at MAGIC. Please stop by the booth to experience the life that is V-MODA and to be the first to hear the new CD and see new products before their international release later this year.

where :::

MAGIC
Las Vegas Convention Center
Booth # ST33630

when :::

August 28 – 31
8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m

BIGGIE SLIM, INC INTRODUCES THE FIRST CLOTHING LINE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR HARD TO FIT KIDS
Chicago based company aims to improve the self esteem of overweight kids

This season at MAGICKids in Las Vegas, Biggie Slim Children’s Clothing will launch the first line of clothing that fills the gap between children’s Huskies and men’s Big & Tall/women’s Plus Size. In the Fall of 2003, Shelia Blockson, President of Biggie Slim, Inc., took the first steps to turn a lingering idea into a reality. After many years of frustration while shopping for her son that is overweight, she decided to develop the Biggie Slim line. “For the past 13 years, I have been challenged by the lack of clothing options available for my son. After being born overweight, he quickly grew into men’s sizes. At the age of 9 he had a 38 inch waist, but his inseam was only 19 inches. Because he was not the height of an adult male, we would have to alter all of his clothing. The pants would have to be cut as far up as the knee, which resulted in a very wide pant bottom. Often these usual alterations made for unattractive fits, causing my son much embarrassment, adding to the emotional strain he already endured due to his weight challenges,” says Ms. Blockson. “After many fitting room conversations with other parents facing the same challenges, I knew something must be done.”

Ms. Blockson, a real estate executive, assembled a team of apparel industry professionals who worked with her to develop the line. Through a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Chicago, her team measured over 80 children that fall within the Biggie Slim target size. These measurements were used to develop the Biggie Slim Size Scale.

“Our partnership with the Boys and Girls Club reinforced our belief that our product is needed in the market place,” says Blockson. “Many parents were very excited about the idea of a fashionable clothing line that will fit their child properly, helping the child to feel good about their appearance. We also received valuable feedback from the children about what they look for in a brand.” This August, Biggie Slim and The Boys and Girls Club of Chicago will partner for the Chicago launch of the collection.

“Biggie Slim” the boy’s collection and “Slim Couture” the girls collection are for children ages 7-18. The pricing range is from $7.50 - $35.00 wholesale, $18 - $88 retail.

web: http://www.biggieslim.com

WORLD PREMIER: Introducing the Miskeen Wisdumb line.
TUESDAY at NOON: Meet & greet special guest UGK’s Bun B : Meet & greet special guest UGK’s Bun B EVERY DAY: Live Miskeen Originals TOP hand paint artists showing their skills.
Live Miskeen Originals TOP hand paint artists showing their skills. : Introducing the Miskeen Wisdumb line.: Meet & greet special guest UGK’s Bun B Live Miskeen Originals TOP hand paint artists showing their skills. This Magic, urban fashion label Miskeen Originals will debut a brand new fashion division that was developed in collaboration with acclaimed artist Josh Wisdumb. With this innovative apparel line the two art giants have proven to be a dynamite combination.

Miskeen Originals, pioneer of hand-painted fashion stands for continuous renewal of style, top skills and above all thinking without the box. But Miskeen featuring famous Boston artist Josh Wisdumb, who is in Japan better known as “the icicle man”, literally turns all creativity upside down. The result: a funky, arty, urban collection. The Wisdumb line can be recognized by the inverted Miskeen logo and is fully based on Josh Wisdumb’s artwork.

Josh Spivack, publicly known as Wisdumb, defined his self proclaimed signature style as Face-ism. He explains "I see discombobulated faces in abstract places. My mind is extremely fast paced and my line of work is very similar to the way that I perceive the world around me." In 2004 Wisdumb collaborated with the New Balance Corporation. The 14,000 pairs of his shoe he designed sold out in a span of 2 days.

Wisdumb and Miskeen were impressed by each others artwork and surprised by the common philosophy that art is life and life is art. Miskeen Originals will produce two Wisdumb collections a year. And so the fusion of art and fashion goes on.

Ed Foy, Jr., the CEO of eFashionSolutions, is the company behind the hottest celebrity, luxury and designer fashion brands ONLINE and the engine behind the brand new one-stop BillboardFashion.com. For one-on-one interviews with the "web-King" of the hottest brands...demographics on customers, product launches, how celebs get started, plus size craze, what is hot, what has stalled, what is new for season...visit the eFashionSolutions booth (behind the Fashion Runway at MAGIC) or contact me to schedule a time. www.efashionsolutions.com

The brands operated online by eFashionSolutions include the one-stop shop at BillboardFashion.com and direct sites including:

HouseofDereon.com by Beyonce

Rocawear.com by JayZ

Applebottoms.com by Nelly

PhatFarm.com by Russell Simmons

BabyPhat.com by Kimora Lee Simmons

ShopJlo.com by Jennifer Lopez

CatchaFireClothing.com by Cedella Marley

ShopElvis.com by Elvis Presley Enterprises

OrangeCountyChoppers.com by Motorcycle Duo

DKNY.com by Donna Karan

JudithLeiber.com by Judith Leiber

Rafe.com -- Luxury Designer Handbags

ABSStyle.com by Allen Schwartz

FUNKY UNIQUE CLOTHING

NEW LINE AT THE MAGIC MARKETPLACE

LAS VEGAS, AUGUST 8, 2006 – A NEW LINE OF JEWELRY AND CLOTHING WILL BE SHOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME BY FUNKY UNIQUE CLOTHING AT THE AUGUST 2006 MAGIC SHOW. THE SHOW TAKES PLACE AUGUST 28 – 31, 2006 AT THE LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER.

THE EXIBIT INCLUDES AN ANTIQUE STERLING SILVER PIRATE CROSS,

T-SHIRTS AND A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT ACCESSORIES. FUNKY UNIQUE CLOTHING WILL BE EXHIBITING IN BOOTH #16516 IN THE WOMENS CATEGORY AT THE LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER.

THE COMPANY WAS FORMED UPON THE DISCOVERY OF A 17^TH CENTURY ANTIQUE PIRATE CROSS IN THE CARIBBEAN. TRUDY ARRIAS THE FOUNDER OF FUNKY UNIQUE CLOTHING SAYS, “IT’S A LABOR OF LOVE, I THINK EVERYONE HAS A LITTLE PIRATE IN THEM.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FUNKY UNIQUE CLOTHING,

WWW.FUNKYUNIQUECLOTHING.COM ,

North America’s Largest Apparel Sourcing Show to Feature Seminar and Booth
Focusing on Rapidly Expanding Organic Fiber Market
What: The Organic Exchange (OE) (www.organicexchange.org) and Organic Trade Association (OTA) (www.ota.com) will co-host a booth at “Sourcing at Magic” (www.sourcingatmagic.com), the largest apparel sourcing and fabric event in North America. The booth will introduce brands, retailers and sourcing agents to the rapidly expanding market for apparel, personal care and house wares made from organically grown fibers (primarily organic cotton and organic wool) and facilitate networking.
The Organic Exchange (OE) () and Organic Trade Association (OTA) () will co-host a at “Sourcing at Magic” (), the largest apparel sourcing and fabric event in North America. The booth will introduce brands, retailers and sourcing agents to the rapidly expanding market for apparel, personal care and house wares made from organically grown fibers (primarily organic cotton and organic wool) and facilitate networking.

OE and OTA are also co-hosting a seminar on the rapidly expanding organic fiber market, “The Natural Next Step: Why and How to Integrate Organic Fiber into Your Apparel Lines.” Attendees will learn about market trends, the wide selection of organic apparel, challenges and opportunities in sourcing, and establishing wholesale and retail lines.

Who: Seminar speakers are:
Seminar speakers are:

Beaver Theodosakis - President, Prana, a division of Liz Claiborne, Inc.

Marci Zaroff - Founder/President, Under the Canopy Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV

Booth: Number 22648 - Pod #4 , Sourcing InfoHub area, South Hall

“Natural Next Step” seminar: Room MS116, South Hall

When: Organic Exchange/Organic Trade Association booth: Aug. 28-31 (Mon.-Thurs.)
Organic Exchange/Organic Trade Association booth: Aug. 28-31 (Mon.-Thurs.)

“Natural Next Step” Seminar: August 30 (Wednesday.), 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Who: Sandra Marquardt, On the Mark Public Relations, 301-592-0077 (d) or 301- 512-4781 (c) or smarquardt@onthemarkpr.com.
Sandra Marquardt, Public Relations, 301-592-0077 (d) or 301- 512-4781 (c) or .
Background:

According to the Organic Trade Association, sales of U.S. and Canadian organic fiber sales jumped 40 percent in 2005, amounting to a $160 million U.S. organic product market. In addition, Organic Exchange data shows that global organic cotton product sales increased an estimated 35 percent annually, from $245 million in 2001 to $583 million in 2005 and are projected to skyrocket to $2.6 billion by the end of 2008.

Organic production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.

###

DONNA SALYERS’ FABULOUS-FURS FEATURED FOR FIRST TIME AT THE WWD MAGIC MARKETPLACE

Donna Salyers, known as the designer of the world’s finest faux furs, will show for the first time at the August 2006 Women’s Wear Daily Magic Marketplace. The show takes place August 28-31, 2006 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Las Vegas Hilton.

The exhibit includes the hottest new faux fur fabrics and designs for Spring / Fall 2007, including the softest faux fur ever along with the most realistic new colors and textures, never before seen. Highlights of the newest Fabulous-Furs collection include a Tipped Fox bolero vest, a Cheetah jacket trimmed with Black Fox collar and cuffs, and an incredibly soft Grey Chinchilla wrap.

Long used throughout the entertainment world, Fabulous-Furs has consistently raised industry standards for more than 17 years. A vertical operation, Fabulous-Furs is a multi-channel business based in the Midwest in Covington, Kentucky, where they occupy a 110,000 sq. ft. building. With its own design and production team, Fabulous-Furs has built a well-established retail catalog and Internet business based on quality products and outstanding customer service.

After several successful seasons of supplying their products to high-end retailers, Fabulous-Furs is excited to expand its growing wholesale business, especially as high-end faux furs lead fashion trends.

TOBE PRESENTS
FALL/WINTER 2007/2008: THEMES, COLORS AND KEY ITEMS
IN WOMEN’S APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES
WHO: Carolyn Egan, Creative Director of Tobe.
Carolyn Egan, Creative Director of Tobe.
WHAT: Tobe, international fashion and retail consulting authority, presents key themes, colors and items in women’s apparel and accessories for Fall/Winter 2007-2008.
Tobe, international fashion and retail consulting authority, presents key themes, colors and items in women’s apparel and accessories for Fall/Winter 2007-2008.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 29^th, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
: Tuesday, August 29, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, First Level, Room MS116.
: Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, First Level, Room MS116.

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U.S. organic cotton and organic wool product sales jumped 40 percent in 2005, amounting to $160 million. Infant clothing and diapers made up the second largest sector of the organic fiber product market, representing $40 million, or 25%, of the market and experiencing a 40% growth rate.
, amounting to $160 million. and diapers made up the second largest sector of the organic fiber product market, representing $40 million, or 25%, of the market and experiencing a 40% growth rate.

At the August 28-31 MAGIC kids apparel event in Las Vegas, Tennessee-based Wooly Lamb Organics will be showing its expanded stylish line of baby and toddler apparel made from organic cotton that is grown, spun and sewn in the U.S. using cotton grown in Texas, the country’s largest organic cotton production area.

Please let me know if you would like to interview Sharon Bible, president of Wooly Lamb Organics, or feel free to stop by Booth 10415, North Hall.

Regards,

Sandra Marquardt 301-592-0077

New and Stylish Organic Cotton Baby and Toddler’s Apparel To be Shown at MAGIC kids Apparel Event in Las Vegas August 28-31
Organic cotton grown, spun and sewn in the USA

WHAT: Wooly Lamb Organics (www.woolylamborganics.com) will be introducing toddler sizes of “Nature Kids,” its new line featuring nature-related themes. In addition, it will introduce toddler sizes in “Baby Basics,” a popular collection of previously baby size-only mix-and-match basics in eight different fashion colors. The company will also introduce new baby and toddler collections featuring the whimsical and stylish designs for which it is known.
Wooly Lamb Organics () will be introducing toddler sizes of “Nature Kids,” its new line featuring nature-related themes. In addition, it will introduce toddler sizes in “Baby Basics,” a popular collection of previously baby size-only mix-and-match basics in eight different fashion colors. The company will also introduce new baby and toddler collections featuring the whimsical and stylish designs for which it is known. WHERE: MAGIC kids, Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV
MAGIC kids, Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV Booth: Number 10415, North Hall WHEN: August 28-31, 2006
August 28-31, 2006
WHO: Sandra Marquardt, On the Mark Public Relations, 301-592-0077 (d) or 301-512-4781 (c) or smarquardt@onthemarkpr.com.
: Sandra Marquardt, Public Relations, 301-592-0077 (d) or 301-512-4781 (c) or .
BACKGROUND: Knoxville, TN-based Wooly Lamb Organics launched its baby-focused organic cotton apparel lines just 4 months ago, in May 2006. The response has been tremendous, with its apparel lines sold in stores nationwide and on-line (including www.woolylamborganics.com).
Knoxville, launched its baby-focused organic cotton apparel lines just 4 months ago, in May 2006. The response has been tremendous, with its apparel lines sold in stores nationwide and on-line (including ).

The company not only uses organic cotton grown in Texas, the largest organic cotton-growing state in the U.S., but also manufactures the apparel at its own plant in Helenwood, TN. In addition, Wooly Lamb Organics manufactures private label baby/toddler apparel for several other companies, with new inquiries for all sizes of apparel lines coming in everyday. Benefits these companies cite is their interest in supporting domestic apparel production and avoiding delays at the ports when importing from overseas.

According to the Organic Trade Association, U.S. organic fiber consumer sales jumped 40 percent in 2005, amounting to $160 million. Infant clothing and diapers made up the second largest sector of the organic fiber product market, representing $40 million, or 25%, of the market and experiencing a 40% growth rate. Organic production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.

THE DONEGER GROUP PRESENTS
WHAT’S NEXT IN MEN’S & WOMEN’S FOR SPRING 2007
AND WHAT’S HOT IN ST. TROPEZ
WHO: David Wolfe, Creative Director of Doneger Creative Services, is world-renowned for his expertise in analyzing trends that influence the women’s, men’s and youth apparel and accessories markets.
: David Wolfe, Creative Director of Doneger Creative Services, is world-renowned for his expertise in analyzing trends that influence the women’s, men’s and youth apparel and accessories markets.

Cheryl Nowak, Merchandise Manager of Menswear & Childrenswear of The Doneger Group.

Tim Bess, Young Men's Market Analyst of The Doneger Group.

WHEN: Monday, August 28^th 8 – 9 a.m.
“Men's/Young Men's/Boys Spring 2007 Merchandising & Trend Overview” presented by Cheryl Nowak, Tim Bess and David Wolfe
Monday, August 28^th 1 – 2 p.m.
“Women’s Trend Forecast” presented by David Wolfe
Monday, August 28^th 4 – 5 p.m.

“Euro-Style, St. Tropez Shopping and Street Scenes” presented by David Wolfe

Tuesday, August 29^th 9 – 10 a.m.

“Men’s Spring 2007 European Designer Collections” presented by David Wolfe

WHERE: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

All sessions are held in North Hall, Mezzanine Level, Room N235

Vox Sacra creates a new look: Luxury + Christian + Hollywood Las Vegas, NV, August 28, 2006—There are mass-market Christian brands in the marketplace, but Seattle-based Vox Sacra is the first authentic Luxury Christian brand. Vox Sacra launched online in May 2006, and its first collection is making its debut at MAGIC in booth #4530. Vox Sacra’s founder Shawn McNally, a veteran luxury fashion marketer, was the former global marketing director of the $180M French brand Faconnable. While at Facconable, Shawn McNally and his wife Liz lost their second child, Stella to a rare birth defect. Out of this deep personal tragedy, McNally converted to the teachings of Christ and felt called to create the first faith-inspired luxury brand, Vox Sacra (Sacred Voice). Vox Sacra is committed to opening conversations about the teachings of Jesus Christ through fashion. Renowned designer Tim Girvin, who has crafted more than 500 Hollywood movie identities and logos from “The Matrix” to “Mission Impossible III,” gave design assistance to McNally. Vox Sacra’s designs in both imagery and in calligraphy center on the concept of “sacred light” and its representation of promise, hope and redemption. Vox Sacra’s must-haves include European-inspired fitted long-sleeved shirts and distinctive linen and silk scarves. The shirt collections for both men and women use premium fabric sourced from Austria that provides a luxurious, silken texture against the skin. Ancient images rendered in rich metallic inks and precious silk appliqués adorn the collection. Elegant typographic renderings of bible verses evoke a sacred voice, as each design utilizes original artwork that dates back some 400 to 600 years. According to Shawn McNally, “Vox Sacra’s market is for modern believers and non-believers alike. The best way to reach our market is to make our business known at MAGIC. Until now there really haven’t been any Christian apparel brands that are cool and fashionable. My vision is that our products will open conversations between people of faith and people searching for hope and meaning in their lives. “ Seven percent of all Vox Sacra revenue is donated yearly to the Rafiki Foundation, a relief organization offering loving homes and vocational training to African children orphaned by AIDS, disease and genocide. Contacts: Patricia Vaccarino, Managing Partner Xanthus Communications (206) 979 3380 patricia@xanthuscom.com Juliann Reichert, Account Coordinator Xanthus

true echo "green for the rest

of us"

NEW LINE AT THE MAGIC MARKETPLACE

LAS VEGAS AUGUST 28, 2006

A new line of eco-friendly women's and

men's casual wear will be shown for the first time at the August 2006

WWD

MAGIC MARKETPLACE.

The show takes place August 2nd through

September 1st, 2006 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The collection includes new sustainable

fiber blends never before used in apparel manufacture as well as blends

organic cotton, bamboo, soy, and hemp.

true echo will be exhibiting in the women's

sportswear category at WWD Magic Booth# 18202.

True echo represents a unique

collaboration and synergy between three textile and garment industry

veterans. Working together from Wilmington Vancouver and Shanghai they

have

brought an upscale, eco-friendly apparel line with a broader style

appeal

to the casual market.

Together these principals have over 60

years experience in textiles and apparel. During the past several

years,

each of them came to a focus and began to concentrate on making clothes

from organic and sustainable fiber resources.

For more information about the true echo

brand

please visit our booth at WS18202

ELVIRA®, Mistress of the Dark to appear at the Brand Old Booth at MAGIC

Booth #11700

The Brand Old division of Gagwear, Inc. has arranged for Halloween icon ELVIRA, MISTRESS OF THE DARK to appear at its MAGIC booth, located at the Las Vegas Convention Center, on Wednesday, August 30th, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am and 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm. Anyone who stops by BOOTH #JR11700 will receive a free ELVIRA® tee, a photo with the Queen of Halloween, and an autographed picture of hers cruelly (while supplies last!)

Learn more...

About Brand Old

Brand Old is the retail division of Gagwear, Inc., located in Norcross, GA. Gagwear has been around since 1988, and was started by two brothers as a quiet rebellion against the predictable mediocrity of the custom apparel industry. The company is comprised of three separate divisions: Gagwear, Alternative Apparel,and Brand Old.
is the retail division of Gagwear, Inc., located in Norcross, GA. Gagwear has been around since 1988, and was started by two brothers as a quiet rebellion against the predictable mediocrity of the custom apparel industry. The company is comprised of three separate divisions: Gagwear, Alternative Apparel,and Brand Old.
Brand Old produces and manufacturers a vintage - inspired line of t-shirts for young men and women that resonates with all ages by offering emotional ties to garments that represent the “Good ‘Ol Days” in the mind of the consumer. Brand Old brings authenticity and uniqueness to its garments by combining the coolest and most obscure brands from “the past” with the best looking vintage garment possible in the market.
produces and manufacturers a vintage - inspired line of t-shirts for young men and women that resonates with all ages by offering emotional ties to garments that represent the “Good ‘Ol Days” in the mind of the consumer. brings authenticity and uniqueness to its garments by combining the coolest and most obscure brands from “the past” with the best looking vintage garment possible in the market.

For further information, contact Linda Saye at 678- 924-5238, or linda@brandoldonline.com.

Website: http://www.brandoldonline.com

About ELVIRA

Cassandra Peterson, who created and portrays ELVIRA, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the character. Back in 1981, no one could have imagined the hostess of a local Hollywood Horror movie show would grow to become a household name. Elvira was the first horror host ever to be syndicated nationally as well as the first person to be broadcast on American television in 3D, selling more than 2.7 million pairs of 3D glasses in Los Angeles alone! Elvira's unique brand of sweetness and sarcastic, sexy sass has consistently grabbed fans across the US and around the world.

Elvira's reign as 'Queen of Halloween' includes two feature films, an IMAX film, a motion control ride, thousands of radio, newspaper and magazine interviews, and hundreds of film and television appearances - everything from Saturday Night Live, The Grammy Awards, MTV and Monday Night Football to NBC's Today Show, The Tournament of Roses Parade and even a U2 Concert with Bono! Over the years, Elvira has been featured on more than 350 different licensed products, including costumes, pinball machines, slot machines, music CD's, books, perfume and even beer! Read all about it at www.elvira.com. For further information contact info@panacea-ent.com.

Website: http://www.elvira.com

Good Morning:

At MAGIC Kids next week, Classroom School Uniforms will be unveiling its new School Uniform styles and will be on hand to discuss the findings of the 2006 Classroom NSBA School Uniform and the 2006 Classroom Charter School Uniform surveys released in July. Attached is the press release for your review which provides additional information.

If you would like to learn more about Classroom School Uniforms, how Classroom works with schools across the country, the state of the uniform industry or the research released in July, Andy Beattie, Classroom’s General Manager, and Bill Bosch, VP of Sales, are available.

Classroom to Show New School Uniform Styles & Research Findings
at MAGIC Kids North Hall– Booth K-10217
– Classroom School Uniforms, a leading provider of school uniforms for public and private schools, announced today it will unveil its 2007 School Uniform line at MAGIC Kids August 28^th- August 31^st 2006, along with the findings from two recently released school uniform surveys.
Classroom School Uniforms, a leading provider of school uniforms for public and private schools, announced today it will unveil its 2007 School Uniform line at MAGIC Kids August 28- August 31 2006, along with the findings from two recently released school uniform surveys.

As school uniform programs multiply to increase across the nation, Classroom continues to offer standardized dress these schools require, the comfort, fit and style students require, and the affordability parents require. A year’s worth of Classroom School Uniforms costs between $100-150.

For the 2007 season, Classroom is pleased to offer new styles and quantities to compliment its already best selling school uniform program. This season, retailers at MAGIC kids will see:

· 5 different skorts and scooters to suit even the pickiest school girl.

· A new flat front, easy fit structured pant so boys are comfortable in school and out.

· The mid-rise stretch flare and modified bootleg pant gives girls of all ages comfort and style.

· Increased quantities of the pre-school uniform line (2T-4T and 4-6x) as more pre-schools are introducing standardized dress.

· A better selection of the cotton/poly fleece program (tops and bottoms), which are great for in school and out and are used in schools all over the country.

· Much, Much more….

In addition to Classroom’s new styles, copies of the Classroom 2006 National School Board Association School Uniform Survey and the 2006 Classroom Charter School Uniform Survey will be available for those looking for both qualitative and quantitative school uniform research. Separate surveys were conducted with members of the National School Board Association (NSBA) and the National Alliance for Charter Schools.

“Our philosophy of being a partner to our retailers and schools across the country is important,” says Andy Beattie, General Manager of Classroom School Uniforms. “Offering a line that works for students in pre-school thru high school along with up to date research is vital to a program’s success,” adds Beattie.

To learn more about Classroom School Uniforms, how Classroom works with schools across the country, the state of the uniform industry or the research released in July visit, Andy Beattie, Classroom’s General Manager and Bill Bosch, VP of Sales for Classroom at MAGIC Kids booth # K-10217 in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
About Classroom School Uniforms:

Classroom School Uniforms, a division of Strategic Distribution, LP, is a full service, nationwide school uniform manufacturer. Available in sizes from pre-school to adult, Classroom also manufactures uniforms for teachers, school nurses and classified staff.

###

GIRLS, GUNS, & MUSIC……………Seattle-based Jeepney clothing is set to launch its 2006 FALL / WINTER line at MAGIC, AGENDA, and SURF EXPO

What do GIRLS, GUNS, and MUSIC all have in common?

They can all be found in Jeepney’s upcoming 2006 Fall / Winter line set to launch at this seasons MAGIC HI-5 Campground (Las Vegas), AGENDA (San Diego), and SURF EXPO (Orlando).

“Two years ago when we started the line, we had fresh designs but it definitely wasn’t as clean and focused as our new gear. Now that we’ve experienced the industry and taken a step back to know what our customers want, the new line will showcase some of our best designs from the past and add a few new concepts to the line that are raw yet tasteful,” says Karlo Reyes, Creative Director.

Here are a few features from the upcoming line (see attachment):

The Bandana caps: Each hat is custom made from an original bandana.

The Banger Series: The members of Jeepney (some with gang backgrounds from the 90’s) wanted to dedicate something to the Bangers. 6 different styles – from the Hood to the Islander Bangers!

The “Puss n Beats” Series: Dedicated to the beauty of the Ladies & Music with a tasteful edge / The Mixxxtape, Box on Box Action & Shocking Female MC’s shirts (from the De la Soul classic) are all a part of that series.

The “Loves Hip-Hop” Series: The “Mexico Loves Hip-Hop” is our newest edition to the series combining the Aztec Sun and the Turntables.

With over 60 accounts in the United States, Jeepney has recently expanded its reach to the Japan market by landing several accounts with Japanese distributors.

“We’ve had an overwhelming response from the Japan market since last season due to increased media exposure, dope designs and strong sales efforts. Our goal for this season is to continue building on our international markets such as Japan, Europe, Canada and the Philippines while maintaining a strong following here in the U.S., “according to Rex Korrell, Sales and Marketing Director.

Some of Jeepney’s most recent accomplishments include winning the SURF EXPO competition by being selected as one of the top 10 companies out of hundreds to win a free booth at the upcoming trade show, landing a second product placement deal with MTV, and is currently in the process of working with APL from the Black Eyed Peas on a clothing line collaboration scheduled to launch next season.

About Jeepney - Established in May 2004, Jeepney Clothing is a lifestyle streetwear brand based in Seattle, WA. The Jeepney is a mobile assemblage of signs and decorative motifs found along the streets of Metro Manila. After World War II, surplus American G.I. Jeeps were converted into public utility vehicles and decorated with lavish art and color with each owner's individual, distinct look. Today, Jeepney Clothing has carried this same concept of artistic _expression into the world of fashion. Our brand represents a unique style that is universal in appeal and crosses over into a diverse mix of genres in the global lifestyle streetwear market.

“I’m a little bit Punk…. I’m a little bit Blender Boy”
Montreal- Report Collection, the contemporary sportswear brand with a European flair, is proud to announce its Spring 2007 Men’s collection.
Report Collection, the contemporary sportswear brand with a European flair, is proud to announce its Spring 2007 Men’s collection.

Adding a higher tier of design and attention to a more rounded collection, the Spring 2007 season at Report Collection steps into a new dimension of fashion all while maintaining its comfort factor and style-savvy client in mind.

Moving into this fashion-forward realm means stepping back in time to salvage some well-loved classics. Men this season become more experimental allowing a mixture of looks and color as they embark on a journey with Report Collection for something truly special. If color is your thing, then check out our Andy Warhol pop inspired selection with pink, canary yellow and electric blue. Go on an African safari in your new khaki threads, complete with flaps and buckles. Funk it up with a bit of vintage in flowered shirts and distressed jeans but don’t turn your back on punk mod, a look that remains a la “sex pistols.” When the weekend rolls around, you will want to sail the sea in a great pair of white slacks and a navy inspired sweater or just chill-ax in skin toned lightweight knits.

“Spring 2007 is best defined by the split personality of the Report Collection man. He is a man of varied interests and therefore various needs, including the clothes he wears. The collection is surrounded by boldness in color and style which includes sophisticated dress wear and funky expressive sportswear,” states Archie Etcovitch, V.P of production and design.

Spring 2007 also sees the creation of two new showrooms in Los Angles and Dallas, which has aroused a new aggressive sales strategy. Such a strategy will be used to fortify Report Collection’s present existence in better specialty stores throughout the U.S.A. Recently; Report Collection has launched an underwear line for men as well as a woman’s collection.

About Report Collection:

Report Collection is a division of Modextil Inc., a men’s fashion company based in Canada since 1981. Report Collection established itself as a contemporary sportswear brand in 1999 and has experienced continual growth since its inception. The uniquely creative collection consists of shirts, knits, pants, denim, leathers, suits, ties and underwear.

Report Collection is available at specialty and fine department stores across the U.S.A., Canada, Europe and Latin America.

Please visit our website at www.reportcollection.com

The Menswear Industry needs a foundation to assist our professionals when hardship may arise, similar to one offered to footwear industry professionals,

called the Two-Ten Foundation.

http://www.twoten.org/Index.aspx

"In Our Industry, We Take Care of Our Own.
Did you know that for more than 65 years, the Two Ten Footwear Foundation has made a positive difference in the lives of people in our industry? Our programs and services are funded entirely through the generosity of individuals and corporate sponsors - all shoepeople - who give to make a difference. And we give back some $2 million in programs and services each year to those who need our help the most. "

I would like to hear from interested parties who would like to participate in creating this foundation for our Footwear Industry Professionals in their time of need.

www.FSBmens.com

Ozone Productions, Ltd. P.O. Box 4153 Point Dume Station Malibu, CA 90265 310-457-8065 For immediate release 8/28/06 Acclaimed classic pin-up artist "Olivia" to appear at MAGIC Las Vegas, August 28-31 Ozone Productions Ltd., Booth 9902, Central Hall (Active and Licensing) will present the preeminent pin-up artist "Olivia", for personal appearances Monday and Tuesday August 28 and 29 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM. Olivia de Berardinis, whose delectable, classic pin-ups appear each month in Playboy magazine, is internationally acclaimed for her luscious renderings of the most exotic and beguiling models of both today and times gone by; for her creation of imaginative settings and provocative situations, and for the playful yet mysterious allure she infuses in all her work. Among the most recent Olivia creations is the soon to be published Bettie Page by Olivia, an 80-page, hard-cover pictorial homage to the 1950's pin-up icon, whose unique beauty and attitude have commanded attention until today, and whose fan has increased with time. The new 2007 Bettie Page Calendar, as well as the 2007 Playboy Calendar, featuring favorite playmates, will be on view, along with the books, posters, note cards, and playing cards that make up the Ozone Productions line, examples of which Olivia will be pleased to sign. Olivia is excited to be able to meet and greet the apparel industry's movers and shakers at Magic; to share ideas with fellow artists and designers, and to be among some of the most creative professionals working in contemporary culture today.

Posted by ladymountbatten at 11:49 PM | Permalink

August 25, 2006

EMX PICTURES

(C)MBN 206

Posted by ladymountbatten at 05:12 PM | Permalink

August 24, 2006

WESTERN FOOD SERVICE AND HOSPITALITY EXPO/Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival

Founding Director of Daily Grill Restaurants Honored at

Annual Restaurant-Industry Awards Ceremony

Bob Spivak of Grill Concepts, Inc. named ‘Restaurateur of the Year’

Founder director of Grill Concepts, Inc. Bob Spivak was named ‘Restaurateur of the Year’ at the annual California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF) Hall of Fame dinner awards ceremony last night. The ceremony took place at the Marriott Los Angeles Downtown. The event capped the first day of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, which runs August 26 through 28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

A 45-year veteran of the restaurant and food industry, Bob comes from family that ran Los Angeles restaurants starting in 1946. He began his career at family-owned Smokey Joe’s barbecue restaurants, managing operations, including the landmark Redwood House in the Los Angeles Civic Center. Bob left the family business to manage food operations at the Fedco discount department stores, and along with the owners of Fedco Foods he developed the much copied Soup N’ Such restaurant chain.

In the early 1980s, Bob and a partner opened the highly successful Beverly Hills restaurant, The Grill on the Alley. The Grill was inducted into the Fine Dining Hall of Fame by Nation’s Restaurant News in 1995. The Grill is the upscale model for the Daily Grill, a concept based on high-quality food and service at a price that reaches a wide audience.

Grill Concepts, Inc. currently operates 20 Daily Grill restaurants throughout California, Texas, Oregon, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. There are now five The Grill on the Alley restaurants, the others in San Jose, Chicago, Hollywood, and Dallas.

Bob is a Director Emeritus for CRAEF and is on the Board of Directors for DiRoNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) as well as past Chairman of the Board of Advisors for the Collins School of Hospitality Management. He was a recipient of the Elizabeth Burns Lifetime Achievement Award from the CRA in June 2005 and in September 2000 received the “Spirit of Life” award from the City of Hope, a Southern California organization dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer and other life-threatening illness.

CRAEF’s ‘Restaurateur of the Year’ award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves through innovative restaurant designs and concepts and who have demonstrated a public-service commitment through educational or other community activities. Past recipients include Ralph Rubio of Rubio’s Restaurants, Inc., Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Border Grill, Julia Stewart of IHOP Corp., and David Cohn of Cohn Restaurant Group.

The CRAEF ‘Hall of Fame’ Centennial Celebration also honored Susan Sbicca of Sbicca and Meritage as ‘Chef of the Year,’ and Clifford Clinton of Clifton’s Cafeterias was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The California Restaurant Association, now celebrating 100years of service, is the definitive voice of the California restaurant and hospitality industry. The restaurant industry is the largest private employer in California, representing nearly 1.4 million jobs. Restaurants produce more than $51 billion in sales annually and generate more than $4 billion in sales tax for the state.

California Restaurant Association

HALL OF FAME
Centenial

Bob Spivak Restaurateur of Year

Chef of the Year Susan Sbicca
Restaurateur of the Year Bob Spivak
Hall of Fame Inductee Clifton Clinton

The California Restaurant Association honored Susan Sbicca of Sbicca and Meritage Restaurant Bar & Grill was honored as Chef of the Year and Bob Spivak, Grill Concepts, Inc.(Daily Grill Restaurants) as Restaurateur of the Year in their Hall of Fame Centennial Celebration dinner and awards ceremony earlier this evening in Los Angeles.

Clifton’s Cafeterias was inducted in the Hall of Fame for the California Restaurant Association. Honored for a lifetime of achievement, they’ve been a member of the California Restaurant Association since 1933 and founded Meals for Millions, a non-profit, charitable organization that has fed millions.

As one of the most sought after awards, the restaurant industry arrived semi-formally in anticipation to white gloved staff. Live music, Laurel and Hardy followed by Marilyn Monroe impersonators brought some humor to what could have otherwise been a teeth grinding evening.

The dinner menu read like a gourmet restaurant as you would expect from the California Restaurant Association. Leading up to the entrée were appetizers of crispy walnut shrimp, seared ahi tuna and ginger on won tong crisps, Portobello mushroom mozzarella crostini, main lobster medallion with beluga caviar on sesame maki. A delicate salad of maple infused smoked duck with apricot chipotle salsa, shaved fennel and crisp escarole. The entrée, seared black pepper filet and three-crowned lobster with black barley timbale.

Dessert of chocolate batons with Grand Marnier mascarpone mouse and fresh berry coulis were created by the Newport Harbor High School ProStart Culinary team, which won the state ProStart competition in March 2006 and placed fourth out of 31 states at the National ProStart Invitational.

ProStart is a culinary program developed by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation to recruit and retain a skilled workforce with over 35,000 students enrolled nationwide in high school. In the California ProStart Competition, high school juniors and seniors compete demonstrating culinary and management skills.

The future of the restaurant industry was evident in 47 scholarships being awarded, the greatest quantity of scholarship recipients we have seen from any industry this year

Los Angeles’ Clifton’s Cafeteria Founder Clifford Clinton Posthumously Honored at Annual Restaurant Industry Awards Dinner

Grandson Robert accepts ‘Hall of Fame’ induction honor on behalf of Clinton Family

Founder of Clifton’s Cafeterias, Clifford Clinton was posthumously inducted into the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF) Hall of Fame at a special Centennial Celebration last night. The ceremony took place at the Marriott Los Angeles Downtown after the first day of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, which runs August 26 through 28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Early in Clifford Clinton’s life, his missionary parents took him and four other children to China, exposing him to appalling poverty and hunger. The experience touched him so much he vowed to always remember the plight of the hungry. He stayed true to this goal and after growing up in his father’s San Francisco cafeteria, moved to Los Angeles in 1931 to test an innovative business approach – never turning away the hungry, regardless of whether or not they could pay.

The nation was in the depths of the Great Depression, businesses were failing, and it was a difficult time to try his idea. During one 90-day period, 10,000 ate free before Clifford could open an emergency cafeteria a few blocks away to feed, for pennies, the two million guests who came during the next two years. With the help of his staff, a second Clifton’s opened in 1935.

After World War II, Clifford founded Meals for Millions, a non-profit organization that delivers food to millions of starving and malnourished people throughout the world.

Clifford retired in 1946, selling to his children, Edmond, Jean, and Don. Today Don and Jean, along with Don’s son, Robert, take great pride in the company and strive to maintain its image. Their philosophy is still to make a friend of every guest, allow them to dine free unless delighted, and feed those who can’t afford a meal. The Clinton family marks 113 years in California foodservice and has been a member of the California Restaurant Association since 1933.

Clifford Clinton is the 32nd inductee into the CRAEF Hall of Fame, which was established in 1988 to honor hospitality leaders who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to hospitality industry education. Past honorees include Chinese foodservice leaders Andrew and Peggy Cherng (Panda Express), industry legends Jeff and Sam King (King’s Seafood Co.), Elizabeth Burns (Bob Burns Restaurants), Carl Karcher (Carl Karcher Enterprises), and Esther Snyder (In-N-Out Burger).

Acclaimed Chef Honored at

Annual Restaurant-Industry Awards Ceremony

San Diego’s Susan Sbicca claims second-ever ‘Chef of the Year’ designation

Celebrated chef Susan Sbicca of Sbicca and Meritage was honored as ‘Chef of the Year’ at the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF) Hall of Fame Centennial Celebration. This is just the second time in CRAEF’s 25-year history that such an award has been presented. Sbicca received the award at last night’s ceremony at the Marriott Los Angeles Downtown after the first day of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, which runs August 26 through 28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Beginning her culinary career in Boston in 1978, Susan has worked her way from a deli clerk to cooking and catering for large parties. She returned home to San Diego to work as sous-chef for Falco Restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter. After honing her catering, administrative, and management skills as executive chef for Greentree Grocers, and Annie’s Market in Rancho Santa Fe, Susan returned to restaurants as the chef at En Fuego in Del Mar.

In late Spring of 1998, Susan and her husband, Dan, opened the award winning, Sbicca, An American Bistro. Their second restaurant, Meritage, opened in June, 2002 on historic 101 in Encinitas.

Susan’s unique cooking style mixes southwestern and Mexican essences with Mediterranean and Asian influences. At Sbicca, she tries to buy the ingredients from local farms, and uses organic foods and local seafood as much as possible. She has said she looks at food in a completely creative and artistic way, often inspired by just about anything, including music, emotions, books, magazines, seasons, and food itself.

Highly involved in her community, Susan opens her current restaurants one night a week for “Guest Bartender” night, where the bar is turned over to charities or community groups for fundraisers or special events. Susan and her family are also regular contributors to organizations such as the UCSD Cancer Center, the Kidney Foundation, the Children’s Hospital, and more.

This award recognizes chefs who have earned a reputation of innovative concepts. The chefs portray professionalism and have demonstrated a commitment to their local communities. The CRAEF Hall of Fame Centennial Celebration also honored Bob Spivak of The Daily Grill Restaurants as ‘Restaurateur of the Year’, and Clifford Clinton of Clifton’s Cafeterias was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Dr. Jean Jones(Mentor of the Year)
The City of Los Angeles honored the California Restaurant Association (CRA) today for 100 years of service to the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry presented a certificate celebrating the notable anniversary to CRA Chairman Michael Osborn of Pie ‘N Burger at the 2006 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo opening ribbon cutting ceremony.
“The California Restaurant Association can be proud of their long and distinguished history of working with our community and the thousands of restaurants that they represent. And, I am incredibly proud that Los Angeles is playing host to such a world-class expo and can join in celebrating this historic centennial anniversary,” said Councilwoman Perry.
The California Restaurant Association also received proclamations from the California State Assembly and California Lieutenant Governor Cruz M. Bustamante earlier this year. Both certificates were presented to California Restaurant Association President and CEO Jot Condie.
“The Association works hard to represent the industry throughout the state at both the local level and at the Capitol,” said Condie. “It is a great honor for the California Restaurant Association to be recognized for its 100 years of service.”
The California Restaurant Association, now celebrating 100 years of service, is the definitive voice of the California restaurant and hospitality industry. The restaurant industry is the largest private employer in California, representing nearly 1.4 million jobs. Restaurants produce more than $51 billion in sales annually and generate more than $4 billion in sales tax for the state.
California Restaurant Association

AWARD-WINNING OVENE WINERY RELEASES THREE NEW WINES
2005 SAUVIGNON bLANC, VIOGNER AND MUSCAT
2 Year Old Winery Inspired by “Groovy Granny”
Ovene Winery (www.ovenewinery.com), one of California Central Coast’s newest wineries – and one to watch - has just released its first 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, Viogner and Muscat varietals, adding to its collection of award-winning wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Rose of Syrah. In just two short years of being in business, Ovene Winery - the name inspired by the winemaker’s “Groovy Granny Ovene” - has produced outstanding varietals and has been consistently recognized with prestigious awards at noteworthy wine competitions. The three new wines promise to offer the same unique rich and fruity flavors that the Ovene winemaking process is rapidly becoming known for.
“The 2005 harvest was the perfect storm, good temperatures, nice long hang time which contributed to great concentration of flavors which are magnified in these new releases,” says Jeff White, Ovene’s owner and winemaker. “We think these are some of the best white wine varieties we grow here in the Central Coast of California,” he added.
Ovene’s two Pinot Noirs have gone off the charts, winning medals from California to Texas. In May, 2006, the 2004 Pinot Noir from Santa Maria Valley Solomon Hills vineyards won the “Best in Class, Pinot Noir, $30+” at the prestigious West Coast Wine Competition and the “Puzzle” San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir was awarded its second silver medal at the same competition, adding to its collection of gold, bronze and other silver medals. Ovene’s 2004 Chardonnay won Silver at the Santa Barbara Country fair and the Pinot Blanc won Gold in Santa Barbara and Silver at the Orange County fair. These wines represent the best of what Santa Barbara County’s cool climates can offer in these exciting varietals.
Winemaking was not always such an award-winning process for winemakers, Jeff and Genni White, who learned how to make wine the old fashioned way – in their garage. After four years of selling wines for Italian Swiss Colony, Taylor California Cellars and Rodney Strong Wineries, Jeff decided to do a little experimentation on his own. So, in 1986, he and Genni began their own home winemaking experimentations. They remember the days of inviting their entire Yorba Linda neighborhood to make the trek to Temecula to pick grapes and bring them back for a “Lucy Style” crushing, then, months later, finding several of the five gallon glass carboys exploded in the Jacuzzi and finished bottles of wine with corks that had blown off in the garage after hot summer days. Nevertheless, they kept pursuing their dream.
And, eighteen years later, after the fall harvest of 2003, they took the plunge and, in March, 2004, Ovene Winery, Inc. was officially founded and named in honor of Jeff’s grandmother, Merthel “Ovene” McConnel, known to the family as “Groovy Granny.” Always an inspiration with her contagious enthusiasm and passion for food and wine, she blessed their venture despite her failing health at 94 and passed away the day after they received their first grapes and bonded winery license.
“We are blessed to dedicate Ovene Winery to all the inspirational women in our lives,” says Jeff, “Groovy Granny always said to save the best for last.”
Today, Ovene Winery occupies 1,400 square feet of space in the CCWS (Central Coast Wine Services) in Santa Maria, California and houses over 200 French and American Oak barrels, five stainless steel tanks, totaling some 3,200 gallons of cooperage and 16 open top fermentors. Ovene produced 2,000 cases of wine in 2004 and 4,500 cases in 2005 consisting of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viogner, Muscat, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Ovene Winery, Inc. (www.ovenewinery.com) is located at 2717 Aviation Way #E29, Santa Maria, CA 93455 and shares a tasting room at “Wines of Pine,” 1244 Pine Street, Paso Robles, California 93446.
Notes from the Winemaker about Ovene Winery’s newly released wines:
The Sauvignon Blanc was fermented 85% in stainless steel and 25% in neutral barrel which helped bring out the floral perfumy character of the Muscat clone. The 2005 Viogner brings out the fresh herbaceous character of the Viogner fruit and offers a superb balance of fruit and acidity. The Muscat Canelli came from the Opolo vineyard in Paso Robles and we fermented it in 100% stainless steel tanks. We stopped the fermentation at 6 brix which resulted in a 3% residual sugar that is supported by a good acid profile which brings all the classic Muscat flavors together in a smooth easy drinking dessert wine.

LASSI DRINKS, LLC announces its first product innovation – La Yoghi
Lassi Drinks, LLC debuted its first product offering – La Yoghi - at the National School Nutrition Association (SNA) Convention in Los Angles on July 17, 2006. The goal of Lassi Drinks, LLC, is to create innovative and delicious beverages that provide a healthy alternative to sodas and other insalubrious beverage choices. With the growing trend in public schools in the United States to steer children away from caffeine and soda, there was clearly no better place to introduce La Yoghi than at the SNA convention ¹.
Inspired by an ancient yogurt drink, La Yoghi is a yogurt based smoothie made with fresh fruit and specially selected pro and pre biotics. Probiotics are the live microorganisms reported to enhance well being ². The specifically selected pro and prebiotics contained in La Yoghi focus on intestinal health. The product has been in research and development for the past two years with one of this country’s leading Digestive Disorders specialists. La Yoghi is offered in three light and delicious flavors: Strawberry, mango, and banana. It is both fat free and gluten free and contains 140 calories per 8oz serving. There are absolutely no artificial flavors or preservatives in the product.
Lassi Drinks, LLC looks forward to continued success in developing healthy and delectable beverage choices. Please visit www.lassidrinks.net for more information. We look forward to seeing you very soon at the Western Food Service & Hospitality Expo at The Los Angeles Convention Center from August 26-28, 2006 !

The Wine Lover’s Chocolate Collection is the signature line from The San Francisco Chocolate Factory. Pairing wine and chocolate is still a relatively new sensation, and it is safe to say not only have they done it first, they’ve done it best!
This summer, the San Francisco Chocolate Factory is proud to be exhibiting the Wine Lover’s Collection at the Los Angeles Wine and Food Festival. Grab a glass of red wine, come visit them in booth F612 and revel in the taste sensation that is the perfect union of wine and chocolate. (If you have any problems with this link, please copy and paste this address into your browser.)
The San Francisco Chocolate Factory effectively predicted the newest trend of matching wine with dark chocolate. President and founder of The San Francisco Chocolate Factory, Michael Litton notes that, “The American palate has become quite sophisticated in terms of dark chocolate taste. Our process of blending different cocoa beans from different continents to produce the best taste possible mimics the process used by many vintners who use several different varieties of grapes to produce their wines.”
The Wine Lover’s Chocolate Collection offers a myriad of gift ideas for businesses and consumers. The San Francisco Chocolate Factory offers gift packs in three tin assortments as well as a six tin assortment that showcases the entire collection. These come beautifully packaged in elegant black boxes that highlight the artwork on the tins. These make striking additions to retail shelves as well as uniquely beautiful gifts. Kathy Mooney, Direct Sales Manager of Passalacqua Winery located in Healdsburg, California states, “The gift sets are the perfect wine country gift. Not only is the packaging attractive, but they are also convenient for customers to travel with. We can’t keep them in stock!”
The San Francisco Chocolate Factory was established in 1999 with the express purpose of providing gourmet chocolate without the gourmet prices. For more information about The Wine Lover’s Collection, or any of the innovative products offered by The San Francisco Chocolate Factory, please call 888-732-4626 or visit their website: www.sfchocolate.com.

Posted by ladymountbatten at 11:34 AM | Permalink

August 23, 2006

Worldcon Sci Fi Convention Lands in Anaheim

Written by Joyce Chow and William Hoehne

The 64^th World Science Fiction Convention, L.A. con IV, opened to a conference room full of space cadets awaiting their captain’s opening remarks at the Anaheim Convention Center. The convention of enthusiasts with a wealthful of knowledge to share continues at the Anaheim Convention Center, Hilton and Marriott through Sunday August 27^th.

The first episode of 1950’s science fiction classic television Tom Corbett, Space Cadet was shown to honor Frank Thomas, Jr., who was the honored Special Guest at L.A. con IV. Frank Thomas, the one and only Tom Corbett, was one of a handful of talented individuals who brought sci fi into millions of homes in the 1950s. Thomas had such an that impact in the science fiction universe that even with his passing earlier this year in May, he continued to be the Special Guest to be remembered and celebrated during the convention.

Connie Willis, honored Guest of Honor and Author shared her great sense of humor. She has been attending Worldcon since the 1980s. Before fans could ask, she’s working on an upcoming book, she’s behind, and no official release date is being given.

Similar to the Olympics, groups from different cities bid for the right to hold upcoming Worldcon’s in their cities. Space cadets collect merit badges with donations and to help determine where upcoming conventions will be held. This year, Columbus, Denver and Chicago are vying to hold Worldcon 2008 in their cities. It is voted on by the Last year’s Worldcon was held in Glasgow, Scotland. Next year it will be held in Japan.

Space Cadet and Past Chair Kevin Standler and Space Cadet Lisa Hayes (Standler)

The opening session closed with the singing of:

The Space Academy Marching Song

From the rocket

fields of the academy

To the far-flung

stars of outerspace,

We are space cadets

training to be

Ready for dangers

we may face!

Up in the sky,

whistling past,

Higher than high,

faster than fast,

Out into space,

into the sun

Look at her go

When we give her the gun!

We are the space cadets

And we are proud to say

Our fight for right

Will never cease.

Like a cosmic ray,

We light the way

To interplanet peace!

Upon entering the convention, space cadets are greeted by T2 from “The Terminator”, Jessica Rabbit from “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, “Star Wars” C3PO and R2-D2, and Astro Boy.

Celebrating Star Trek’s 40^th anniversary, the original crew of the Starship Enterprise were on hand for photographs. These original wax figures of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, Uhura, Sulu & Chekov stood 32 years in the Movieland Wax Museum in Buena Park, California.

The Lexus Concept Car 2054 from Minority Report and The Island, Men In Black’s Black Cadillac, Back to the Future’s De Lorean, Batmobile, and the Apollo Lunar Excursion Module were amongst the vehicles for fans to enjoy.

Whether you’re a fan of Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Gallactica, anime or just sci fi in general you’ll delight in the variety of over 600 programs. Topics and discussions include Interstellar Travel and Biotechnology, The Cold Worlds: Colonizing The Outer Solar System, Collection, The Star Wars Saga: A Look Back, A Look Forward, Space Pirate Crash Test Dummies: Space Ship Build, Writing Classic Trek, The Business Side of Comics, The World’s Most Useless Superpowers, and Harry Potter Goes Forth.

If you’re a fan of the sci fi genre, this is one you’ll want to indulge.

www.laconiv.org

Posted by ladymountbatten at 09:33 PM | Permalink

RED SHOES BALL

Posted by ladymountbatten at 09:32 PM | Permalink

EVERYONES HERO CREDITS & PRODUCTION NOTES

EVERYONE'S HERO
IDT ENTERTAINMENT Presents
Directed by...............CHRISTOPHER REEVE
Directed by....................DANIEL ST. PIERRE
................................................COLIN BRADY
Screenplay by......................ROBERT KURTZ
.............................................And JEFF HAND
Based on a story by............HOWARD JONAS
Produced by................................RON TIPPE
...................................................IGOR KHAIT
Executive Producers........................................
........CHRISTOPHER REEVE, DANA REEVE
Executive Producers........................................
.......................JANET HEALY, JERRY DAVIS
Executive Producers........................................
....STEPHEN R. BROWN, MORRIS BERGER
Edited by.................................JOHN BRYANT
Music by................................JOHN DEBNEY
Music Supervisor.....................DAWN SOLÉR

In memory of
CHRISTOPHER & DANA REEVE
ROB REINER
WILLIAM H. MACY
BRIAN DENNEHY
RAVEN-SYMONÉ
ROBERT WAGNER
RICHARD KIND
DANA REEVE
JAKE T. AUSTIN
MANDY PATINKIN
JOE TORRE
FOREST WHITAKER

And
WHOOPI GOLDBERG
Casting by............................MARY HIDALGO

Production Designer..... DANIEL ST. PIERRE
Art Director.........................KEVIN R. ADAMS
Lead CG Supervisor.....................JEFF BELL
Directors of Photography...........JAN CARLEE
..................................................ANDY WANG

CAST
(alphabetical)
Officer Bryant........................RITCHIE ALLEN
Yankee Irving...................... JAKE T. AUSTIN
Rosetta Brewster............... CHERISE BOOTH
Sandlot Kid #1............... JESSE BRONSTEIN
Sandlot Kid #2.................. RALPH COPPOLA
Babe Ruth......................... BRIAN DENNEHY
Darlin’......................... WHOOPI GOLDBERG
Announcer............................ JASON HARRIS
Hobo Louie................................... ED HELMS
Conductors / Umpire........... RAY IANNICELLI
Bully Kid Tubby................. GIDEON JACOBS
Hobo Andy / Maitre.......... D’ RICHARD KIND
Lefty Maginnis.................. WILLIAM H. MACY
Willie............................. MARCUS MAURICE
Emily Irving................... AMANDA PARSONS
Stanley Irving....................MANDY PATINKIN
Emily Irving............................. DANA REEVE
Big Kid...................................... WILL REEVE
Screwie.................................... ROB REINER
Marti Brewster................... RAVEN-SYMONÉ
Hobo Jack....................................RON TIPPE
Yankees’ Manager......................JOE TORRE
Mr. Robinson...................ROBERT WAGNER
Lonnie Brewster........... FOREST WHITAKER
Bully Kid Arnold..................... CONOR WHITE
Additional Voices...................RITCHIE ALLEN
.............SEAN OLIVER, ROCHELLE HOGUE
........CHARLES PARNELL, SONDRA JAMES
..DENNIS PRESSEY, MATT LABYORTEAUX
..............JAMES WILLIAMS, GRETA MARTIN
...CORNELL WOMACK, CHRISTIE MOREAU
Production Manager........................................
............................PATRICIA CHUNG ADAMS

STORY
Head of Story ....................KEVIN JOHNSON
Assistant Production Manager
Script & Story................. KRISTEN HUDECKI
Story Artists..............................JOHN FLAGG
................CHRISTIAN LIGNAN, JAMES FUJII
..............JAMES MITCHELL, ELIZABETH ITO
..............DAVID STEPHAN, NAEIM KHAVARI
.........SPYROS TSIOUNIS, ANGELO LIBUTTI
Additional Story Artists...............RUI ALBENE
...............JUN FALKENSTEIN, PHIL ALLORA
...WILLY HARTLAND, WILLIAM ASHWORTH
...................BRIAN MITCHELL, ROBIN BUDD
.........MICHAEL NETZER, RICHARD CODOR
.........ILYA SKORUPSKY, REGINA CONROY
.................DAVID SMITH, RICARDO CURTIS
.......................HANK TUCKER, RAY daSILVA
Consulting Producer ...........CHERYL ABOOD
LA Production Manager...................................
.................................... CHRISTINA DeSILVA

LA Production Coordinator. JENNIFER HSYU
LA Production Support......... DREW TOLMAN
................................KATHY CAVAIOLA-HILL
LA Production Assistants....... SARA GEIMER
.............................................LARS KENSETH

ART DEPARTMENT
Head of Visual Development...........................
....................................... SAMUEL MICHLAP
Character Design............. KRISTEN LESTER
Assistant Production Manager
Art & Surfacing...................... LAURA SMALL
Art Department....................RICHARD CHEN
..................................ANDY NG, PETER LEE
...................TIGH WALKER, HONG-MAO LIN
Additional Character Design............................
................................... MORGAN GINSBERG
Additional Art Department.........DAN PHILIPS
........................AVI A. KATZ, PAUL DOBSON
.......................JESSE LICKMAN, JASON KIM
...............................................KYRAN KELLY
Matte Painters..................HYE YOUNG COH
...............GREG GIBBONS, JULIE EBERLEY
..........................................MARISA FIDANZA

MODELING
Head of Modeling.............. MARK NEYSMITH
Assistant Production Manager.........................
..................................NATASHA ABRAHAMS
Character Lead.........................JEFF DRIVER
Facial Lead...................ANGELA GUENETTE
Environment and Prop Lead............................
.................................... MICHAEL GAUTHIER
Modeling and Rigging.........TITO BELGRAVE
..JENNIFER LATAWIEC, JONAH FRIEDMAN
.............MAX LAZZARIN, MICHAEL HABJAN
........PATRICK PAUTLER, STEVE KAHWATI
.......................JENNY RIUTTA, JOSEPH KIM
.........MICHELLE ZHANG, TARAS KOUZELA
..........................................MARC SOULIERE
Additional Modeling and Rigging......................
................SHERVIN SHAHIDI, DOUG SMITH
...................................ARCHIE VILLAVERDE

CHARACTER TECHNICAL DIRECTION
Lead Character Technical Director..................
.............................................ADRIAN TSANG
Character Technical Directors.........................
...................... IAIN McLUCKIE, BRAD PITRE
............................................SEAN SULLIVAN
.......................FAIZAL “GRAHAM” SUKHIANI
...........................................LOUIS VOTTERO

SURFACING
Head of Surfacing............ DANIEL HORNICK
Surfacing Leads...............................................
........................PAMELA PAULENKO HOUPT
................................................ALWYN HUNT
Surfacers.........................RICKY TARO BABA
...................JUHJUN LEE, DAVE BACHELOR
..................ZACHARY LOWE, WOOJIN CHOI
.........DERIAN McCREA, WOOK JAE CHUNG
......................CAROLINE MUIR, PHIL DAKIN
........AARON WEBSTER, DANIEL DRESSER
............VINCENT YAN, HEATHER GAGNIER
..........JUN YUE, JULIA EUNKYOUNG HONG

LAYOUT
Assistant Production Manager.........................
...................................BARBARA FOERSTER
Layout Artists...TIM DEACON, PAUL KOHUT
...................ROB ELLIOTT, MICHAEL LOPEZ
...................BRIAN FOSTER, JEAN PILOTTE
.............................TOM KLOC, ROB SADLER

ANIMATION
Supervising Animators... STEPHEN BARNES
...........MIKE CHAFFE, MORGAN GINSBERG
......................................PETER LEPENIOTIS
Animation Manager............. RIA WESTAWAY
Animators.......................MOYSIS ANTONIOU
.......................JOHN LEE, VANESSA ARSEN
.............ALEXANDER K. LEE, PETA BAYLEY
....................PAUL McLENNAN, ADAM BECK
......PRAVEEN NADARAJU, MARY BEKIARIS
.......................JEFF PANKO, ROB BEKUHRS
.............CAROL PRINCE, PATRICE BERUBE
.........PETER REYNOLDS, DANA BOADWAY
.........ALLISON RUTLAND, SHAUN CHACKO
DARRYL SAWCHUCK, RAHUL DABHOLKAR
............................SUE SHIM, SHANE DOYLE
...........NICK STARCEVIC, ANDREW GRANT
..............BENJAMIN SU, SCOTT JOHNSTON
....GLENN SYLVESTER, MICHAEL KITCHEN
.......JOHN D. WILLIAMSON, JUSTIN KUPKA
Additional Animators............MIKE BEAULIEU
.................ANDREW LAM, EMILY BEAULIEU
.......MIKE LANGFORD, MICHAEL DHARNEY
..............................................ERIC MURRAY,
.........................SEBASTIAN KAPIJIMPANGA
.........THAI-MY NGUYEN, SHELAGH KITNEY
.........................................ALEXANDER POEI
Production Assistant ..........NEIL FOERSTER

CHARACTER FINALING
Lead............................................ ROGER LIU
Character Finalers..................... TIM SORMIN
.........................BRAD WILLIS, LIMOR SHANI

EFFECTS
Head of Effects.................WARREN LAWTEY
Assistant Production Manager
Effects & Character Finaling............................
............................... MATTHEW VOYNOVICH
Effects and Cloth Simulation...........................
........NADAV BRILL, TZAHI (ISAAC) KESHET

.....ALON DAVID, HARRY MUKHOPADHYAY
................ALEX FEIGIN, DAN WRIGHTSELL
...........PAUL JEWELL YIFENG, EDDY XUAN
..................................................KEVIN KELM
Crowd Systems Lead.... DANIEL W. BISSELL
Crowd Simulation Artist ALLANLEE CALDER
Crowd TD............................ DAVID HERZOG

LIGHTING
Lead Lighters.................. BELMA ABDICEVIC
...................BERNARD O. CEGUERRA, P. E.
............................MAHSA GHORBANKARIMI
..........NIKOLA MILOSEVIC, RYAN T. SMITH
.........ANJA STITIC, ANNA WAGNER-LOPEZ
Head of Lighting......... SCOTT SANDERSON
Assistant Production Manager
Lighting & Compositing.... JASON McKENZIE
Lighters..............SIMON FUNG, TOM PERRY
..............................IRIT HOD, RICK SANDER
.MAGED HENEIN, CORNEIL VANDERSPEK
..........MANFRED KRAEMER, ROSS WALLIS
...........................SHUN SING, EDWARD LEE
.................BOOGAB YOUN, KANG SUB LEE
........................IAN KH WOO, JING JING LIU

COMPOSITING
Head of Compositing.......... ALAN KENNEDY
Lead Compositor.................. STEVEN CHEN
Senior Compositors............ BRIAN COOPER
...................CHERYL DAVIS, BRYAN LUREN
............PAUL STODOLNY, ROLPH THOMAS
...........................................RODED YIZHAKY
Compositors. ROB DALE, RIAN McNAMARA
...............DAVID MITROVIC, ZEBULON PIKE
.............................................JERRY SEGUIN
Assistant Compositors.....................................
...NATHAN ENGLBRECHT, TIBOR KOVACS
.............................................SCOTT MacKAY
Compositing Technical Assistant.....................
............................................ RYAN QUAGLIA

TECHNOLOGY
Chief Technology Officer........ NICK FOSTER
Vice President
of Technical Production........... TERRY DALE
Technology Production Manager ....................
........................................MARY ANDERSON

SYSTEMS
Head of Systems................. JOHN HICKSON
System Administrators...... MARK ANDREWS
......DAMIAN UPTON, GREGORY WHYNOTT
System Support.........................MARKUS NG
......................................FABIO COLANGELO
......AARON BURR, VATSANA KONGAKANE
..............WARRAN BUTLER, ADI SHACHAM
Render Wranglers............................VINCENT
......................JINGHUA XU, KAMRAN KHAN
..............................CHRISTOPHER MUSCAT
...............MARNIE GOODMAN, GARY SMITH
.......................................REBECCA CORDEN

PRODUCTION ENGINEERING
Head of Production Engineering......................
................................................MIKE AQUINO
Senior Staff Engineer................... YAN CHEN
Supervising Technical Director.... AVI J. KATZ
Production Coordinator. JOANNA FERRARO
Pipeline Technical Directors..... RAN AVIGAD
.....KENNEDY BEHRMAN, CAROLINA CHEN
.MICHAEL S. HARRIS, JESSE LaCHAPELLE
.........ALEXI MORIARTY, ROBERT PRINGLE
....................STEPHEN SLOAN, ASI SOUDAI
...........................................DANIEL WEXLER
Outsource Technical Director..... IRFA NISAR
Animation Technical Director... ALBERT TAM
Lighting Technical Directors............................
........... MATTHEW COLLIE, MARK BODANIS
.........OLIVER HEIJMANS, VICKEN MALVIAN
Character Finaling Technical
Director ........................OMAR McCLENDON
Visual Effects Technical Director.....................
.......................................... NEIL YAMAMOTO
Support Technical Directors.. HERVE BIZIRA
...........................................SEAN DRIEDGER

SOFTWARE
Head of Software.................... NEIL GOWER
CG Software Supervisor..................................
....................................MIGUEL SEPULVEDA
Senior Software Engineer ............ERI RUBIN
Software Engineers................ TOD BAUDAIS
...........MICHAL ELDAR, JOS’H R. L. FULLER
...........YARON GAVISH, JAMES MONTEATH
...................................................TOMMY ZHU
Software Support Engineers...........................
.. DANIEL DRESSER, DANIEL JUHYUN LEE

SWEATBOX
Production Coordinato.......r MARIO ARANGO

EDITORIAL
Assistant Production Manager.........................
............................................. GORDON KATZ
1st Assistant Editor.............. ADAM GARNER
Assistant Editors.......... MATTHEW ARHENS
.................................................MHAIRI KERR
Consulting Editor........ ROBERT FISHER, JR.
Additional Editor..................... TONY ROCCO
Additional Assistant Editors ............................
..........SHERI GALLOWAY, LOIS A. HOOVER
PRODUCTION
Production Accountant....................................
................................... GREIG HUTCHINSON
Assistant Accountant........ ALLEN SARAFIAN

Assistants to the Producers
and Directors....................JULIE McARTHUR
.......GENEVA PESCHKA, KRISTEN HARRIS
Marketing and Publicity Liaison........................
........................................ JASON McKENZIE
Additional
Production Management .....DENISE MINTER
Additional Production ...ROBERT AITCHISON
......................................MARISSA COLLYER

RECRUITING & ARTISTIC
DEVELOPMENT
Head of Artistic Development..........................
.................................... FRANK GLADSTONE
Head of Studio Recruitment.............................
.....................................DEBRA BLANCHARD
Recruiting and Training....................................
Coordinator.............................. DAVID WYKA
Artistic Development Coordinator....................
.............................................. RUTH GIBSON

REEL FX
Executive Producers............. DALE CARMAN
.............................................STEVE O’BRIEN
Producer................................... KYLE CLARK
Lighting /Compositing Supervisor ...................
...................................AUGUSTO SCHILLACI
Animation Supervisor.............. CHRIS SAUVE
Technical Supervisor.......................................
................................ HARRY MICHALAKEAS
Production Manager.. SHANNA BASSINGER
Additional Animation Supervision
................... MARK DONALD, KEN DUNCAN
Animation................................DREW ADAMS
..........................MIKE MURPHY, TIM ALLEN
..................JAMIE OLIFF, JUSTIN BARRETT
.......................JASON OWEN, JOHN BERRY
.........................DAVE PATE, ROB DOLLASE
.......................RAY PENA, BRYAN ENGRAM
...................JEREMY SHAW, THOM FALTER
...............MIKE SPOKAS, SHAUN FREEMAN
..............YOSHI TAMURA , JOSH GUNTHER
..............................OSKAR URRETABIZKAIA
.........................................SHAUN FREEMAN
Crowd Animation................BRYAN BREWER
............KURT FUTRELL, BRANDON BRUCE
.........................TIM LANNON, STEVE EGER
............................................VINCE SIDWELL
Lighting, Comp, VFX.........JEFF ALCANTERA
..................JOHN LYNCH, CHRIS BANKOFF
..............JORGE OBREGON, RICK COLLINS
..........MARC RIENZA, ELIZABETH HAUSER
...........................SEAN RIVET, ISAAC IRVIN
........MACIEK SOKALSKI, KENNY JACKSON
Lighting Assistants............... JULIE MARLING
.....................................JOHN NESSELRODT
.............................KARTHIK SWAMINATHAN

Technical Directors....... JOHN ANDERHOLM
...............GEORGE DECHIARA, JOE MAJER
Rigging / Cloth.........................DREW DALEO
..........ROGERIO MENDES, BEAU HAWKINS
.....................................................JINNAH YU
Texture............................. HOLLAN HOLMES
..............BENNY MIN HUANG, FRANCIS WU
Production Coordination....... CASSIE FAUSS
.................BARBARA GERALD, PAM KOLBE
..................GREG LYONS, RYAN WOODALL
Editorial .............................BRAD WETMORE
...............................................GRAY WILCOX
Render Support........ KENNY FRIESENHAHN
..................CHRIS KULLA, KEVIN MacPHAIL
...............CHRIS MAPP, MATT McPHERSON
Technology Support...........SONIA BARBOSA
.........DENNIS McGRATH, SCOTT CORRELL
...................................................JOEY WRAY
Administrative
Executive Vice Presiden.... DAVID NEEDHAM
Vice President Finance...... STEVEN MILLER
Director of Insight Development......................
........................................... ROSS MOSHELL
General Counsel...................... DAVID ROSS
Human Resources........ BRAD WALLACE 19
Executive Coordinator.... ASHLEY MOSHELL
Special Thanks................................... TOM K.

POST PRODUCTION
Post Production Supervisor ............................
.........................................CHERYL MURPHY
Supervising Sound Editor /
Sound Designer............... SEAN GARNHART
Sound Editors FX .......................MARK FILIP
..........................COLL ANDERSON, M.P.S.E.
Supervising Dialogue Editors .CAROL LEWIS
.............................BETH STERNER, M.P.S.E.
Assistant Sound Editor ..........BILLY ORRICO
Foley Supervisor ...........STEVEN VISSCHER
Foley Editor............................ IGOR NIKOLIC
Foley Artist ...................MARKO COSTANZO
Foley Mixer...................... GEORGE A. LARA
Post Production Additional
Sound Services Provided by ............C5, INC.
Group ADR Casting................... REEL TEAM
Group Leader........................ HANS TESTER
Group Leader, NY.............. SONDRA JAMES
ADR Group....................COOPER COWGILL
....................RIF HUTTON, CASEY SANDINO
........................JUAN POPE, ROBBY BRUCE
..................MATT ADLER, KEVIN BUITRAGO
.........BRIDGET HOFFMAN, MARY MOUSER
...............JACKIE GONNEAU, KRISTA SWAN
........CLAUDETTE WELLS, DAVID COWGILL
...........ANNE LOCKHART, SANDY SIMPSON
Post Production Facilities Provided by............
......................................BUENA VISTA POST
.............................PRODUCTION SERVICES

Re-Recording Mixers ........TERRY O’BRIGHT
.............................................KEITH ROGERS
Recordist............................... ERIK FLOCKOI
ADR Mixer................................... DOC KANE
ADR Recordist...... JEANNETTE BROWNING
Dialogue Recording Services...........................
....................................... THE L.A. STUDIOS
........................................SOUNDTRACK, NY
Additional
Dialogue Recording Services...........................
...................... MCS RECORDING STUDIOS,
......................................................TORONTO
...........WILSHIRE STUDIOS, LOS ANGELES
..........THE SOUND COMPANY, LONDON 21
...................TAPEWORKS INC., HARTFORD
......................................DELUXE, TORONTO
Digital Intermediate Services by
TECHNICOLOR DIGITAL INTERMEDIATES,
........................A TECHNICOLOR COMPANY
Digital Film Colorist............. JASON FABBRO
Digital Intermediate Producer
........................................DENISE DeCUNZO
Color Timer ......................TERRY CLABORN
Negative Cutter.............. MARY BETH SMITH
End Titles............................... PACIFIC TITLE

MUSIC
Score Composed
and Conducted by .................JOHN DEBNEY
Music Recorded and Mixed by.........................
.................................... BOBBY FERNANDEZ
Supervising Orchestrator.... BRAD DECHTER
Additional Orchestrators..................................
...................FRANK BENNETT MIKE WATTS
....DON NEMITZ, CHRISTOPHER KLATMAN
..........ANDREW KINNEY, JOHN A. THOMAS
...................KEVIN KASKA, PETE ANTHONY
Electronic Score Engineer ..............................
................................WOLFGANG AMADEUS
Music Score Coordinator....... LOLA DEBNEY
Score Production Supervisor...........................
..................... MELANIE MULLENS HOYSON
Orchestra Contractor SANDY DeCRESCENT
Music Editors......................... LIQUID MUSIC
.....................................ANDREW DORFMAN
.........................TANYA HILL, JEFF CARSON
Music Preparation ...........................................
....................JOANN KANE MUSIC SERVICE
Score Recorded and Mixed at.........................
....................................BARBRA STREISAND
.........................................SCORING STAGE,
.......................SONY STUDIOS CALIFORNIA
Assistant Music Supervisor..............................
..................................TONY VON PERVIEUX
Music Business Affairs ...............JILL MYERS
IDTE ANIMATION MANAGEMENT TEAM
Sr. Vice President of Animation,
Canada .........................................ABDI SAMI
IDTE Toronto
Head of Studio Production..............................
.................... KATHLEEN HELPPIE-SHIPLEY
Vice President
of Production Finance...... ROBERT TAYLOR
IDTE Toronto Head of Finance........................
.......................................... NEPHI SANCHEZ
IDTE Toronto Director of HR ..........................
...........................................SARI SCHWARTZ
Chief Admin. Officer of Animation ..................
............................................TRANG NGUYEN
Creative Development – Features...................
............... KARINA KLISS, CLAIRE GLIDDEN
..............................................LAURA KNIGHT
IDTE Toronto Vice President
of Business and Operations... JOHN MORCH
IDTE Toronto Operations....... RON MARINIC
IDTE Toronto Facilities Manager.....................
...................................... DAVID McCARTNEY
IDTE Toronto Finance Manager......................
.......................................... LENA ISHKANIAN
IDTE Toronto
Administration Manager... RENA DALMASSO
IDTE Toronto
Executive Coordinator............. LISA GRIFFIN
Front Office Support .....CHRISTIE NORRISH
IDTE Newark Art Coordinator... JOSH WHITE
IDTE Newark
Production Coordinator...................................
..................................... SRULI GELDWERTH
IDTE Newark Administrative
Software Developers. YAAKOV ROZENBLAT
..............................................NISAN FASTEN
Executive Assistants.......... JESSICA STONE
.................CHRISTIN PSAK, EMILY RUDOLF

IDT ENTERTAINMENT EXECUTIVE
TEAM
Chief Operating Officer......... JOHN W. HYDE
President, Feature Films & TV .......................
...................................................NEIL BRAUN
Senior Vice President, Marketing....................
....................................... AMORETTE JONES
General Counsel............ MARTIN LEBWOHL
Business and Legal Affairs .............................
.....PETER BAGHDASSARIAN, DIXON DERN
.........................................MICHELE CAYLOR
Chief Financial Officer ..........SAM ABRAHAM
Operations............................ BRETT COKER
..................................HARLEY GREENBAUM
SONGS
“THE BEST”
Written and Produced by John Ondrasik
Performed by John Ondrasik of Five For
Fighting
Courtesy of Columbia Records
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT

“BABY CORN BLUES”
Written and Performed by Igor Khait

“KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL”
Written by
Matthew Gerrard, Bridget Benenate &
Raven-Symoné Pearman
Performed by Raven-Symoné
Produced by Matthew Gerrard
Raven appears courtesy of Hollywood
Records 25

“SWING IT”
Written by Ronnie Dunn
Performed by Brooks and Dunn
Produced by Ronnie Dunn & Kix Brooks
Courtesy of Arista Nashville
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT

“THE TIGERS”
Written and Produced by John Debney
Performed by Paris Bennett

“WHAT YOU DO”
Written by Sy Oliver, James Oliver Young,
Wyclef Jean and Jerry “Wonder” Duplessis
Performed by Wyclef Jean featuring
Kontrast
Produced by Wyclef Jean, Jerry “Wonder”
Duplessis
& Keith “Lil’ Wonda” Duplessis
Wyclef Jean appears courtesy of J Records
Kontrast appears courtesy of Clef Records
Inc.
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT
Contains a sample of
“’Tain’t What You Do (It’s The Way That
You Do It)”
Performed by Ella Fitzgerald
Courtesy of The Verve Music Group
Under license from Universal Music
Enterprises

“CHICAGO (THAT TODDLING TOWN)”
Written by Fred Fisher & Jack Segal 26
Performed by Chris Botti Featuring Lyle
Lovett
Produced by Bobby Colomby
Chris Botti appears courtesy of Columbia
Records
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT
Lyle Lovett appears courtesy of
Curb / Lost Highway Records and Mike
Curb Company, L.L.C.

“KEEP ON SWINGING”
Written by John Ondrasik & Kix Brooks
Performed by Brooks & Dunn
Produced by Kix Brooks & Ronnie Dunn
Courtesy of Arista Nashville
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT

“THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE”
Written by Matthew Gerrard and Bridget
Benenate
Performed by Jon Randall and Jessi
Alexander
Produced by Mark Wright
Jon Randall appears courtesy of Epic
Records
Jessi Alexander appears courtesy of
Columbia Records
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT

“TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME”
Written by Albert Von Tilzer, Jack Norworth
Performed by Lonestar
Produced by Mark Bright
Courtesy of BNA Records
by arrangement with SONY BMG MUSIC
ENTERTAINMENT

“DREAM LIKE NEW YORK”
Written by Tyrone Wells and Elina
Performed by Tyrone Wells
Produced by Chris Karn
Courtesy of True American Records /
Position Music

Soundtrack available on COLUMBIA/SONY
MUSIC SOUNDTRAX

The Major League Baseball trademarks
depicted in this motion picture were
licensed by MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
PROPERTIES, INC.

Completion Bond provided by
FILM FINANCES, INC.

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO
CHICAGO CUBS, SAN FRANCISCO
GIANTS, NEW YORK YANKEES, THE
SEVEN GROUP, AUTODESK INC.,
BLUEARC, EMC CORPORATION,
PIPELINE FX, EYEON SOFTWARE,
ASSIMILATE INC., SYFLEX,
and YEHUDA WURTZEL.

Color by TECHNICOLOR®

Prints by DELUXE

No. 42852

© 2006 IDT ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

All Rights Reserved. Ownership of this
motion picture is protected by copyright
and other applicable laws, and any
unauthorized duplication, distribution or
exhibition of this motion picture could result
in criminal prosecution as well as civil
liability.

This motion picture depicts a fictional story
and the portrayal of any actual individual,
living or dead, in this motion picture is
fictional.

“I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to
persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. They are the real
heroes, and so are the families and friends who have stood by them.”
-- Christopher Reeve

What if you had a chance to be a hero? Would you take it? Or play it
safe?
Shepherded by the film’s originating director and Executive Producer
Christopher Reeve, the animated feature, Everyone’s Hero is a funny and poignant
tale of a young boy who believes he can make a difference if he just hangs in
there despite overwhelming odds.
It is Depression-era America and though times are hard, there is a giant
bright spot in pinstripes: Yankee slugger Babe Ruth (voiced by Brian Dennehy).
He thrills fans with his monster home runs and sensational exploits on and off
the baseball field. “The Great Bambino” has no bigger admirer than 10-year-old
Yankee Irving (voiced by Jake T. Austin, “Go, Diego!, Go!”).
The kid knows all of Babe’s stats and he lives for the Babe’s storied
Yankees. In fact, Yankee’s namesake team is a constant source of inspiration on
the sandlot when he steps up to the plate. All swagger and style, Yankee Irving
swings! He swings! And, again, he swings! Despite his enthusiasm, inevitably,
Yankee Irving strikes out. A frustrated Yankee gives up on his beloved game.
Despite his best efforts, Yankee Irving just can’t hit a ball.

However, he does befriend one, a wiseacre of a baseball named Screwie
(Rob Reiner) who has his own disheartened relationship with the national
pastime. And that’s when Yankee’s adventures really begin. These two misfits
form a special bond as they travel across the country on a mission to return Babe
Ruth’s stolen bat Darlin’ (voiced by Whoopi Goldberg) before the deciding game
of the 1932 World Series. Along the way Yankee meets a quirky array of
characters that aid him on his comic journey. In the process, he learns about the
value of hope, family, friendship and, of course, baseball.
IDT Entertainment presents, Everyone’s Hero, directed by Christopher
Reeve, Daniel St. Pierre and Colin Brady. Based on a story by Howard Jonas.
Screenplay by Robert Kurtz and Jeff Hand. The voice cast includes William H.
Macy, Rob Reiner, Brian Dennehy, Raven-Symoné, Robert Wagner, Richard
Kind, Dana Reeve, Jake T. Austin, Joe Torre, Mandy Patinkin, Forest Whitaker,
and Whoopi Goldberg. Casting by Mary Hidalgo. Music Supervisor Dawn
Soler. Music by John Debney. Produced by Ron Tippe and Igor Khait.
Executive Produced by Christopher Reeve, Dana Reeve, Stephen R. Brown,
Morris Berger, Janet Healy, and Jerry Davis.
20th Century Fox will release Everyone’s Hero nationwide on Friday,
September 15. The film is Rated G by the MPAA.

* * * *

FROM BEDTIME STORY TO THE SCREEN
Everyone’s Hero began as a bedtime story that IDT Entertainment founder
and chairman Howard Jonas wrote for his children. The story of a young boy
who overcomes the odds and several harrowing and amusing situations to travel
across the country and achieve something he never thought possible, doing it as
any good batter would: He just keeps swinging.

“I had been telling the story of Yankee Irving to my kids for years. It was
one of their favorites. They just loved how the family stuck together and how a
young boy could overcome all sorts of obstacles to become a hero to his family,”
Jonas recalls. “One day, I told the story to our creative executives and everyone
thought it would be a great film.”
Jonas says there was never any question of who should direct the project.
“I always knew I wanted to bring in the biggest hero I could think of to direct. To
me, there is no bigger hero than Christopher Reeve,” Jonas says.
Through mutual connections, Jonas reached Reeve, who invited Jonas and
Robert Kurtz, an IDT Entertainment creative development executive, to his home
to discuss the project. Reeve was immediately drawn to the story of Yankee
Irving. “He related to the vision of a boy’s perseverance and overall theme of
love between parents and their kids,” says Jonas. “We left him a copy of the
story and as we drove back, both Rob and I really felt that we had just
experienced something very transforming. To be honest, even if Christopher
hadn’t ended up making the movie, I would still think of that day as incredibly
special.”
Appropriately enough, the decision to do the movie was a family affair, as
Jonas recalls. “Apparently that night, Christopher’s son Will had picked up the
story and started reading it. When (his mother) Dana called everyone for dinner,
Will said he couldn’t come down because he was in the middle of reading a great
story. After he was done, Dana read it to Christopher. The next morning, we
had a phone call and he agreed to do the movie,” Jonas says.
Producer Ron Tippe says: “There's no question in my mind the reason
that Christopher Reeve was in love with this story was because of its meaning.
The story is about a young boy who has to keep on swinging. If you look at
Chris' life, and I don't mean post-accident, I mean from day one; that was his
philosophy. That vision that he had -- of never giving up, of believing in oneself,
is a beautiful thing and certainly informed the film. And Dana Reeve (executive

producer and voice of Emily, Yankee’s mother) was marvelous and equally
committed to those ideals, in the film and in life,” Tippe says.
Producer Igor Khait says: "I’ve never been involved with a project that
meant so much to the filmmakers on a personal level. What’s really amazing
about the making of this movie is how everyone who came in contact with it fell
under its spell. It was impossible to work on the film and not have it grow into a
labor of love. This kind of passion for filmmaking helps you overcome the most
incredible obstacles. I guess that’s what the movie is about anyway: prevailing
against all odds because you believe in what you’re doing."
Reeve worked closely with writer Robert Kurtz to transform Howard
Jonas’ bedtime story into a movie. He completed much of the storyboarding and
prep work before his death. Soon after, Janet Healy joined IDT Entertainment as
president of animation and brought in two animation veterans to direct and to
continue Reeve’s vision. Daniel St. Pierre, an alumnus of Disney and
DreamWorks animation, and Colin Brady, an ILM and Pixar veteran, stepped in,
with Reeve’s spirit and intention in mind. St. Pierre joined the team first.
“I knew Dan when we both worked at Disney,” Healy explains. “I was
heading up the use of computer graphics in the traditional movies and he was
the fellow who was pushing for the use of painterly artwork in 2-D animation.
So, Tarzan was the first time we started to work together. He oversaw what was
one of the biggest selling points of Tarzan, which was deep canvas – the moving
shots through the brush strokes. After we both left Disney, we went to
DreamWorks. I was the producer on Shark Tale and I hired him as the
production designer. I knew he was a visionary in our industry for movies that
had great camerawork and a great look. I came to IDT after Shark Tale and the
movie was underway in Toronto but, after Chris’ death, not really finding its
way. That’s when I brought Dan in.”
Healy adds that often at least two directors helm animated films. “It’s
because there are so many places to be at one time, so many departments to

oversee and so many tasks, it’s really hard for one person to do it alone. We
started looking for a partner for Dan, knowing that Dan comes from production
design and from layout; we knew that we had the look of the movie in really
great hands, and knowing that Dan is a really great storyteller, we felt really
good there too. So, we were looking for someone to complement him, someone
who had an animation background. One of our favorite movies is Toy Story II
and one of the people who really shaped that film in a big way was Colin Brady.
Dan met with Colin and they just seemed like they were a good team. They’re
both funny and smart about the choices they make as directors. Between them,
they have very strong specialties and they are both the full package,” Healy says.
“The thing that attracted me to the movie in the first place was the idea --
and it was Christopher Reeve’s idea -- of this whole keep-on-swinging kind of
perseverance in the face of adversity that Yankee Irving has,” says Daniel St.
Pierre. “That theme was very important to me. It had such honesty and sincerity
and heart. I took it upon myself to make sure that we retained the spirit of the
film that Christopher was originally making and I was steadfast and absolutely
adamant that we had to do that. In fact, after one of the first cuts of the movie,
Dana (Reeve), said, ‘This is a movie that Christopher would have wanted to
make.’ That validated it for me, I felt really good about that afterwards.”
Everyone’s Hero was a labor of love for all concerned and it was crucial to
everyone to produce a movie that reflected Christopher Reeve’s vision and spirit.
“We were determined to complete the movie Christopher Reeve began,” says
Janet Healy. “We put together the best team of experienced creative people,
alongside our producers and Dan. Our mandate was to honor Christopher
Reeve’s vision and, in many respects, the way he lived his life. The theme of
never giving up resonated with Chris and became the backbone of the film.”
Brady says he was deeply honored to help realize Christopher Reeve’s
vision and adds that he had been a big fan since childhood. “In fact, the first
movie I ever made when I was eight years old was based on his movie Superman.

I was so excited after seeing it that I went home from the theater and made little
characters out of clay and made a stop-motion film based on Superman. So, to
know that he was part of this project and to be able to help bring his integrity to
it, that’s what appealed to me,” Brady says.

THE STORY
“The movie fires on so many levels,” says St. Pierre. “It’s a comedy. It’s
an adventure. It’s about friendship. It’s about following your dreams and
sticking to it, even when it seems hopeless. It’s a heartwarming story about
families. It has something for everyone, really. It is also Christopher Reeve and
Dana Reeve’s movie and all those themes reflect them.”
“Everyone’s Hero is the story of a young boy who, with the help of a talking
baseball and a talking bat helps the New York Yankees win the 1932 World
Series. But it’s not just about that, it’s the story of a father and a son, because
Yankee’s mission begins because he believes it will help his father get his job
back. But, to do this, Yankee gets to jump on trains, leap off fire escapes, run
through the woods, meet a bunch of interesting characters, and travel 1,000 miles
to new places. I mean, don’t you wish you could have done that? So, it’s a romp
and a road trip and a buddy picture, but the buddies happen to be a talking
baseball and a talking bat and a little boy,” says producer Ron Tippe.
Co-Director Colin Brady notes that the story also intrigued him because it
was about the triumph of the underdog. “Yankee loves baseball but, at first, he
thinks he doesn’t have the talent for it. So, this certainly discourages him and he
gives up on the game. He learns not to give up on his dreams because he has to
overcome all these obstacles to bring Babe Ruth’s bat back to him, thereby saving
his dad’s job. In doing this unselfish act, he learns all the tools and skills he
needs to actually be a good baseball player and plenty of life lessons as well. So,
this boy, who at first, doesn’t seem to have the stuff required to do all the

amazing things he does in the course of the film, really rises to the occasion. He
seems to be that underdog in each of us.”
His companion, a discarded and decidedly cantankerous baseball named
Screwie, initially doesn’t seem the sort of character anyone would want around
for a long – or even short – journey. His blunt manner results from a lingering
disenchantment directly related to his failure at baseball, like Yankee.
“Screwie kind of represents Yankee’s inner thoughts because only he can
hear the baseball speak. And instead of saying, ‘Hang in there, kid, just keep
trying,’ the baseball actually says the opposite. He says, ‘Baseball is a field of
broken dreams.’ And then we learn that Screwie has a very sad story – during his
one appearance in a major league game, he fouled out of the stadium and
nobody came to look for him. It was his moment to shine and instead he was
forgotten. But, at a pivotal moment in their cross-country journey, Screwie
encourages Yankee and gives him hope and Yankee does likewise for Screwie.
And they both end up regaining their confidence and self-respect and rekindling
their love of the game,” says Brady.
Through various misadventures, Yankee and Screwie rescue a mellifluous
Southern belle named Darlin’ who also happens to be Babe Ruth’s lucky bat. The
trio’s friendship offered the directors several creative, character-driven comedic
opportunities that always had to be tethered to a certain level of reality.
“Yankee goes on the road with these two fantasy characters, Screwie and
Darlin,’ whom he manifests out of his needs – for attention, guidance and his
love of baseball. All of that comes into play and they become alive for him and
the dynamics, comedy and situations between them are born out of the fact that
the ball and the bat hate each other and Yankee’s in the middle,” St. Pierre
explains. “So, we had to create certain rules for the characters and hopefully, if
we followed them, audiences will believe that they are actual personalities,
actual characters and will go along for the ride. For instance, Darlin’ has to be
carried; she doesn’t have her own locomotion. So, there was a limit to the

fantastical element that kept it grounded in a kind of reality and as long as we
respected that, we had the fun of a talking bat and a talking ball and the absurd
situation of a boy talking to them while nobody else can hear them.”

THE VOICES
It was, of course, the human voices that initially gave the characters life.
While Yankee, Screwie, Darlin’ and company began on the page, in script and
storyboard form, many of their characteristics were informed by the actors who
voiced them.
The impressive roster of actors includes Rob Reiner, Whoopi Goldberg,
William H. Macy, Mandy Patinkin, Raven-Symoné, Brian Dennehy and
newcomer Jake T. Austin. All the actors wanted to help complete Christopher
Reeve’s vision and fell for the story of Yankee Irving.
“Generally, we tried to have storyboards that would begin the process so
we’d know where to go,” says St. Pierre. “We usually start out with what we call
a ‘scratch recording’ which is so we’re able to build a reel that gives us an idea of
what the movie is going to be like. In fact, Ron Tippe did the scratch dialogue for
Screwie – he was Screwie for the longest time. Then we’d go record the voice of
the actors. It’s an amazing experience to watch actors do this, as they try new
things and suddenly land in a very comfortable place that feels original but
completely right. That’s where the characters begin to develop. Sometimes it
was verbatim to the page and sometimes it wasn’t, but that’s always where the
treasure was, when the character begins to speak on its own.”
Of course when you have the kind of talent we had behind the
microphone, that was a great gift,” adds Brady. “The actors gave us a lot of ideas
through their performance, in a visual respect, but specifically, vocally. We
loved little nuances, imperfections, any stutter or stammer. That’s like gold to an
animator.”

“Rob Reiner as Screwie is the quintessential foul ball,” says St. Pierre. “He
did a terrific job with Screwie’s sort of disgruntled leave-me-alone-I’d-rather-sit-
here-and-rot-in-peace attitude. Of course, he begins as this embittered thing and
becomes a real pal to Yankee, in spite of himself, and actually ends up bringing
him out of his despair. And Rob has been a comedian, actor, writer, producer
and director, so he knew how to serve that whole emotional arc as well as mine
the humor in it. It was a little intimidating to meet him and work with him at
first. What was great was he was an artist that I got to not only collaborate with
but also I got to learn from him on this project.”
“Rob has such a wonderful sense of comic timing – he knew exactly when
a line was landing and when it wasn’t and how to say it better than anything we
could think up,” Brady adds.
As a lifelong baseball aficionado, Reiner brought a keen and personal
insight to his character who is a baseball. Everyone’s Hero also marks Reiner’s
debut as an animated character.
“I love baseball. I’m a ridiculously huge fan, so it was the perfect
opportunity for me,” says Reiner. “As a kid, I used to go to 50 to 60 games a year.
Now, as an adult, I have sons and a daughter who love baseball. I take them to
games all the time, I probably get to 20, 30 games a year. Plus, I’ve never been
involved in a feature-length animated film, so it was a real thrill to be a part of
it.”
He points out that the story of Screwie and Yankee also appealed to him
because the lessons they learn through their adventures change their outlook and
are inextricably linked not just to baseball but also to life itself.
“Even though Screwie is curmudgeonly at first, he softens up, even as he
constantly gives Yankee a dose of reality. And the two of them come together
and find each other and find baseball again because they learn not to give up.
And that’s a lot like baseball itself and it’s a great metaphor for life. I mean, you

can be down by ten, 12 runs at the bottom of the ninth inning and you can still
win – if you keep trying,” Reiner adds.
The biggest trial for Reiner was creating Screwie in the void of a recording
studio. “It was a challenge – I mean, you’re sitting by yourself and interacting
with characters you don’t see. So, I relied heavily on the directors and the other
people making the film because they had the vision of how it was going to lay
out and what the tone needed to be,” he says.
The fact that Screwie wasn’t human per se didn’t affect Reiner’s portrayal.
“For me, Screwie was a character with real emotions – anger, sadness, humor –
all the things that come with playing a part,” Reiner continues. “So, it was easy
to forget that he was an inanimate object. He could be a person except that he is
a baseball. The whole idea is to try to bring him to life, to give him a soul. And
that’s just like any other kind of acting.
As fan and a student of baseball history, one of Reiner’s favorite parts of
Everyone’s Hero is when Yankee, Screwie and Darlin’ hook up with a busload of
players heading for a game in the Negro League. On this bus, Yankee literally
finds his footing and Screwie begins to recall what he loved about baseball.
“You know, my father was a big New York Giants fan until Jackie
Robinson came into the major leagues. And then he became a Dodger fan
because the Dodgers were the first team to break the color line. And that was
very significant, not only for baseball but for America. I think it’s an important
section of the film, about the history of the game and this country, of course told
through the journey of Yankee Irving,” Reiner says.
Whoopi Goldberg voices Darlin,’ Babe Ruth’s lucky – and purloined – bat.
Her honeyed southern accent and slightly diva-esque attitude constantly
infuriates Screwie but like the irascible Screwie, she too proves to have a huge
heart.

Goldberg found a kindred spirit in her character. “Well, Darlin’ is Babe
Ruth’s bat, so she is the Queen of the Louisville Sluggers,” says the Oscar®-
winning actress. “And when the filmmakers approached me to play her, they
showed me some very raw animation of the story and I saw Darlin’ and thought,
there I am! I knew it was me the minute I saw her. She didn’t have dreads or
anything; she did have these very long, luxurious lashes. She was quite the
woman!”
Christopher Reeve had directed Goldberg previously, in the telefilm “In
the Gloaming.” “Christopher’s spirit was involved throughout production,”
Goldberg says. “He was a friend and I would do anything for him, so I knew I
had to do this. All the filmmakers carried on his commitment – this was as much
a labor of love for Chris as it was for the kids who will actually get to see it. So it
made me feel quite good to be a little piece of the pie.”
Goldberg adds that adults could learn a thing or two from Everyone’s Hero
and enjoy themselves as much as the children. “The idea of persistence towards
a goal you set for yourself, the notion that there is nothing we can’t do if we put
our minds to it; it’s always the best to see that in young people, in kids. But, there
are also great lessons in that for adults. We often think we’ve failed, we’re done.
And that’s not how we are as children. We would keep going and going, it’s only
as adults that we decide we’re out of the running,” she says.
She adds that, like Darlin,’ children and adults can learn a thing or two
about themselves in striving to attain their goals and dreams. “Along the way,
Darlin’ learns about team work, about doing things with other people and not
making it all about herself. So, it’s really a slice of life lesson told in a beautifully
realized fashion,” she says.
Goldberg finds voicing animated characters to be “more freeing than
being in front of the camera. “It’s just fun. To me, it’s the greatest expression you
can have and you have more options when you’re in animation because you can
play a bat or a hyena or whatever. That’s really why I became an actor; I thought

you could do anything as an actor but, in the real world, people have limitations
in their minds. But, in animation, there are no limits. Nobody says, oh, well,
you’ve put on some weight or gosh, you know, it turns out you’re black and we
don’t think this part would ever be something you could relate to. You don’t
hear any of that in animation. For me that’s heaven because you can literally do
anything or be anything,” Goldberg says.
Goldberg’s passion for and innate understanding of Darlin,’ as well as her
process for communicating that, thrilled and mesmerized the two directors.
“Whoopi is very, very smart and she would not read a line unless she
understood what it was about and she brought so many of her own ideas to
Darlin’ that were so much better than what we had,” says Brady. “Very often,
she would say, ‘Well, I don’t think Darlin’ would say it that way, let’s try it this
way, “Brady recalls.
“Whoopi was an absolute delight to work with because she imbued the
part with so much that wasn’t on the page. And once she found the character,
she knew exactly how Darlin’ should speak and it was extraordinary to watch
this unfold,” says St. Pierre.
William H. Macy plays Lefty, the would-be pitcher of the Chicago Cubs
and a hapless thief, hired to steal Darlin’ from Babe Ruth. Without his lucky bat,
Babe Ruth will be unable to deliver his trademark home runs and the World
Series will go to Chicago. However, Yankee Irving, Screwie and Darlin’ foil
Lefty’s plans, which results in some embarrassing and painful situations for the
wannabe thief. Taking Macy through these sequences sometimes proved slightly
embarrassing and painful for the directors.
“William H. Macy is a fantastic actor, one of my favorites, and has been in
so many classics and brought so much professionalism to the project. So, of
course, we had him play our often ludicrous villain, and sometimes we would
say, ‘Well, could you just read the line a little goofier?’ I’m certain he was used to

getting much more sophisticated direction, but he was a great sport about the
whole thing,” recalls Brady.
Macy, who has played his share of oddball characters, had no problems
incarnating Lefty, adds St. Pierre. “He was an absolute dream. Right off the bat,
he was Lefty – he gave him all these quirky mannerisms and a little bit of
Chicago. And we wanted to make him a guy who was really inept, a bad liar, a
clumsy person who managed to become a pitcher for a major league baseball
team. He likes to cheat to get ahead, to take short cuts so he doesn’t have to really
do what it takes. He’s the complete opposite of Yankee, actually. And Bill
understood that right away and really ran with it.”
As it turns out, Chicago baseball came naturally to Macy and the tale of
Everyone’s Hero spoke to him for several reasons. “I’m an old Chicago boy and
this had the old Chicago written all over it. For me, Wrigley Field is as close to
heaven as you can get. I used to live on Waveland when Dave Kingman played
for the Cubs. Every once in a while, you’d hear a SMACK and a baseball would
be rolling down the street. Besides that, I thought it was a great story, really well
written and heartfelt, and I thought the sketches I saw were original and stylish,”
Macy says.
He adds that the actual voice work did not come as naturally as the
Chicago setting. Lefty, who finds himself in all sorts of uncomfortable physical
situations, plays to Macy’s strengths and allowed him to explore some new ones.
“I’ve done a bit of voice work over the years, yet I still find it challenging,” says
Macy. “I have a tendency to be a physical actor and, of course, it doesn’t show
up on a microphone. But Lefty gets the stuffing whooped out of him throughout
the film so I got to do a lot of oofing and ahfing. Sometimes we’d get lucky and
I’d make a funny sound and they’d animate it,” Macy says. “I also have a
tendency to read the lines as written, so it was interesting to be encouraged to
make stuff up, to go for the joke. It was fun to sort of rock out and come up with
all kinds of variations.”

Newcomer Jake T. Austin portrays young Yankee Irving. Like Yankee,
Austin is a baseball nut. Unlike Yankee, he is quite good at it. “We couldn’t have
asked for a better Yankee than Jake,” says Brady. “He knows all the stats and it
was very natural for him to talk about not just baseball but to get inside the
emotional aspects of Yankee. He was just a goldmine, a wonder to work with
and very talented and smart. He helped us a lot, in terms of our writing and
storyboarding and certainly helped shape the character.”
“We had an initial outing where I met him and a bunch of his friends on a
baseball field,” adds St. Pierre. “It was freezing cold. And they played a game of
pick-up, very much like we have in the movie and we filmed the whole thing.
We asked him to do some typical things, like to show us his stance and how he
threw. And we grabbed some of that, showed it to our animators and started to
incorporate some of Jake’s mannerisms into that of Yankee. Jake is pretty good
at baseball but it was also fun to see him make mistakes. He’d miss a pop fly and
get really angry at himself, there was a little bit of Yankee in that and some of it
seeped into the character.”
In fact, Austin is not just a baseball fanatic, he is a Yankee devotee. One of
the highlights of Everyone’s Hero for him was meeting Joe Torre who plays – what
else? – The Yankees’ manager. “I’m the biggest baseball fan you ever want to
meet, the biggest Yankee fan,” Austin says. “I have a baseball collection of many
things, from autographed balls to pictures with players. I painted my room blue
for the Yankees. Meeting Joe Torre was just crazy; it was a dream come true.
When I got this project, I was stunned.”
While Austin, who was 10 when he recorded the part of Yankee, certainly
enjoyed the project, he liked certain scenes better than others. “Some scenes are
more melodramatic than others and those were more difficult for me. The scenes
between Yankee and Screwie, when he yells at Screwie, those were more like me
and were easier. Fortunately, we have a very talented producer. Ron Tippe

helped me with my lines, taught me how to breathe correctly. Ron and Colin
and Dan helped me become a better actor, they deserve a lot of the credit.”
One of the people Yankee Irving meets along the way is a young woman
named Marti, voiced by Raven-Symoné. Marti teaches Yankee Irving the physics
of the perfect pitch as she helps fend off some bullies with some strategically
thrown apples.
“I thought that Everyone’s Hero was a great story of someone coming into
themselves and sometimes you have to take some risks to follow your dreams,”
Raven-Symoné points out. “And I like that Marti, who’s a bit tomboyish, helps
him along the way, not just in terms of learning about baseball but by becoming
his friend. And why not? You always need a girl to push you along a little bit.”
Raven-Symoné, an animation veteran, enjoys voice-over work but can’t
help bringing some physicality to her performance, even if it never ends up on
film. “I like animation because I can come to work in my pajamas,” she says. “I
had a great relationship with everyone in the recording booth; we laughed a
bunch and had fun. But, as an actress, I’ve done a lot of comedy and most of my
emotion comes through my face and I tend to favor big gestures. I like to move
around a lot and, hopefully, that comes through in my voice. I don’t go as crazy
as I would on television but I do try to embody the character.”
While the Georgia native is, of course, a fan of the Atlanta Braves, she
doesn’t see Everyone’s Hero as “a baseball movie.” “I think the story is about
following your dreams, whether that be baseball or basketball or swimming or
singing, whatever your dream is. Sometimes that means taking chances and
sometimes it’s a lonely road. But, like Yankee, along the way you make great
friends who help you overcome obstacles. You see some of that in Yankee and
Marti. She’s one of the people he meets along his journey, and she teaches him a
few things that help him on the path towards realizing his dreams,” Raven-
Symoné says.

Mandy Patinkin, who voices Yankee’s father, had known Christopher
Reeve since they were students together at Juilliard. “He was an old dear
friend,” says Patinkin. “When the accident happened, it changed the world for
everyone, in terms of having an inspirational figure who was just off the charts.
When Chris asked me to do anything, whether it was a benefit for the
Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation or a movie or a recording for a
children’s book, I was there. I think Chris and Dana’s life was about hope and
belief and promise. And Everyone’s Hero is a story of a child who believes that a
supposedly unattainable dream can come true. He is the little boy in Chris and
in all of us. This boy is a believer and that is what Chris and Dana Reeve were.”
Everyone’s Hero is also the veteran actor’s first animated feature and
Patinkin relished every minute of it. Playing Yankee’s father allowed him to
revisit his own childhood as well as his sons’ childhoods. Like William H. Macy,
Patinkin was a Chicago baseball fan, though he rooted for the cross town team.
“I loved being able to talk to Yankee, as his father, through the memory of
my own boys, who are now grown,” says Patinkin. “And my father loved
baseball; he would take me to Comiskey Park every Saturday to watch the White
Sox. So he was with me in the booth for a line or two. I always wanted to do one
of these and now I want to do more. I particularly loved seeing those tiny
sketches initially and then early, jerky computer images that then become more
fluid. Then with some of the voices added, it takes on a feeling that’s
unbelievably real.”
Patinkin approached the process slightly differently than the other actors
in that he often did not perform just his part but others as well. “Mandy had the
most fascinating method – he read the other guy’s lines to himself and repeated
lines and out of that came this outpouring of performance,” says St. Pierre. “It
was incredible to watch. What you get is this incredibly deep-rooted, soulful,
heartfelt thing. You believe that he really is

Stanley Irving, Yankee’s father, because all this warmth and sweetness comes out
in this extraordinary, golden voice.”
Several other actors contributed in large and small ways to Everyone’s
Hero, from Richard Kind, who plays a helpful hobo and a maitre d’, to Robert
Wagner, who voiced the Yankees’ general manager. Brian Dennehy brought the
legendary Babe Ruth to life but unlike the other actors, his schedule did not
allow him to record his lines in the usual fashion.
“Brian was working in London, and he was not available for us in the
studio,” says St. Pierre. “We had to record his dialogue via telephone lines. So
we never got to meet him but directing over the phone is an interesting
experience. We described what Babe Ruth would be doing during the scene and
everything we knew about it and then Brian imagined and interpreted it. Darn if
Babe Ruth didn’t come out of his mouth when he delivered the lines. We forgot
he was Brian Dennehy the actor, he just was Babe Ruth. It was a great fit.”

FROM VOICES TO ANIMATED CHARACTERS
Once the directors culled all the voice performances, it was time to
transform them into animated characters and to create the world in which they
lived. This is when their duties divided and also coalesced. They shared the
responsibilities, working together on the storyboards, tag-teaming the recording
sessions, deciding what bits should stay, collaborating on selection of the actors’
voice performances. However, each brought their particular specialties to bear
on the look and feel of the film and characters.
“My forte is in visual design and layout and camera stuff, while Colin
came in as a CG animation specialist,” explains St. Pierre. “So, I spent the bulk of
my time with the art department, the layout team, with an eye towards design
and the color aspects and the final output of the film.”
Brady says that their different specialties and backgrounds were
complementary and made for a richer collaboration. Which is not to suggest

they always agreed on everything. “We were like Lennon and McCartney; our
differences were really the strengths of the film,” says Brady. “Dan’s
background in art direction and production design on such beautiful films as
Tarzan and The Hunchback of Notre Dame was tremendous. And I think he
brought a certain kind of live action sensibility to the film as well. My
background is much more cartoon-y, from my school experience at CalArts to
Pixar. I think I contributed more of a comic style and attitude. I think these
opposites ended up being the best of both worlds. For instance, there were times
I might take it into a goofy direction and Dan would say, ‘That just doesn’t feel
like this film.’ In a similar vein, this is an animated film and there is a reason for
that, otherwise we would have shot it live action. So, all in all, it ended up being
a very good balance of skills and talents.”
St. Pierre found inspiration for the look of the film in the paintings of
Norman Rockwell, whose work depicted simple American vignettes realistically
but with candor, warmth and humor.
“Although Everyone’s Hero is set during the Depression, we didn’t want it
to be monochromatic or sepia-toned or in any way somber. We were trying to
make it look as though Norman Rockwell had a hand in the design. If you look
at a Rockwell drawing, he tended to find characters with interesting faces and his
color choices are similar to ours. Ours were a little more saturated because, I
think especially for youngsters, its fun to see a more colorful, lively palette. But,
tonally, it’s very similar to Rockwell’s style,” says St. Pierre.
Like Rockwell’s studies of ordinary American life, St. Pierre says the
camerawork was similarly straightforward. Much of this had to do with the
atmosphere he and director of photography Jan Carlee were trying to create.
Some of this stylistic economy was more practical.
“We had a very short schedule in which to complete the movie,” St. Pierre
explains. “But, all that worked to our advantage. It kept us moving at a faster
rate so we had to always consider if that extra ‘dazzle’ was really important to

the story. It forced us to focus on what was essential to the story and the staging
of the scenes. Jan Carlee really understood that. He was very economical in the
way he used the camera but he had a real style and sense of play in terms of how
he moved the camera.’
Carlee’s “camera” is programmed into the computer but other than that,
the process is akin to a live action movie. “We set up the CG models with break-
away walls so the camera can get around and the ceiling can come off. And we
arranged it just like you'd shoot-a live action film; even though we have a
mathematical camera, the camera still does need to operate that space,” Carlee
explains.
One of Carlee’s biggest challenges was to be true to the era without
seeming overly nostalgic. He had to create an artful balance that was true to the
story and period, but would also underscore the film’s universal themes and
appeal to modern audiences.
“As head of layout, I’m responsible for the visual storytelling,” says
Carlee. “And the camera ends up becoming one of the characters in the show,
whether it’s an observer or an active participant. Because it is a period piece, a
lot of the shots have a more classical feel, in the style of old movie making, not a
lot of really crazy camerawork. At the same time, we have to balance that kind
of cinematography with elements that acknowledge a nostalgic feel but find a
contemporary audience.”
Some of that, Carlee adds, came not from the eye-popping sequences that
typify animation, but from the film’s smaller but no less intense emotional core.
“Everyone’s Hero had to work on an emotional level and have a lot of heart. So,
while a lot of animated films are lensed so that everything is set up for a big
spectacle, often that distances the audience. I thought this needed to have a more
intimate feel to embrace the emotional content and that’s how we staged it,”
Carlee says.

That said, Yankee, Screwie and Darlin’ absolutely enjoy some phenomenal
adventures and they provided Carlee a few “spectacles.” One of the most
complicated – and for Carlee, very satisfying – begins in Penn Station and veers
between moving trains before ending in another excruciating predicament for
Lefty.
“There were three train sequences,” Carlee explains. “They began with
Yankee going to Penn station and, being a New Yorker, I have a great
appreciation for that piece of architecture. It was very rewarding to recreate it for
the film. It also offered a lot of cinematic possibilities, in terms of staging, and
allowed the audience to see it as it was back then, to feel like they were there.
Later on, Yankee sneaks into a train and then we had some fun business, where
he does all kinds of kid stuff, like slithering under seats. It ends with a huge
chase, which was very exciting for the layout department. We took the initial
storyboards and did a lot of visual embellishing. We really tried to dial it up. It
was more than just finding shots; we tried to create a lot of sight gags and
business for the characters. It was very challenging and incredibly rewarding
and lots of fun.”
Key components of the camerawork were the color and lighting design.
These began with beautiful renderings that now hang in the hallways of IDT.
“The movie has a really rich palette,” says Janet Healy. “The colors and the
camerawork in conjunction draw the eye to certain parts of the frame in a
sophisticated, viewer-friendly way. The other thing is that the characters and
their world are so much of the same cloth that you can be transported. A lot of
times in animated movies, characters don’t fit into the background. Everyone’s
Hero has a level of design that is one of its real strengths. Sam Michlap is the
head of our visual development in Los Angeles. He is one of the best colorists in
the business; he is just a fantastic designer and painter. He did a whole series of
lighting keys; they are just beautiful paintings, they are framed and hung here in
the hallway. Those are what the lighters used as their references. So, it really

does come from a well thought out, painterly world that is translated into
computer graphics.”
Michlap adds that his color scheme reflected not only the story but also
the emotions conveyed from scene to scene. “We had to decide which sequence
should be what color and how to tie it to the story. But, for instance, there was
some concern about the color sequences at first because it is set in the 1930s and
all the photography from that period is in black and white. Obviously, there was
tons of color in the world but that’s not our association with this era. Color works
basically on emotion, so color scheme for a given scene was determined by its
emotion. There are high and low notes to color and ranges to them, but overall,
the tones we went for tried to reflect the optimistic spirit of Yankee Irving. So we
tried to be as robust with the colors as we could,” Milchap explains.
Colin Brady says that Yankee Irving’s adventures and struggles and the
film’s 1930s setting, give the film a unique and engaging emotional quality. The
combination of animated people and fantastical manifestations like Screwie and
Darlin’ offered endless comedic opportunities but also, ultimately, affected the
film’s character designs.
“So many animated films have talking animals or cars, some kind of
fantasy creature, and of course, ours does too, with Screwie and Darlin’ and you
couldn’t ask for a better contrast,” says Brady. “The comic tension between them
is hilarious and we never ran out of gags we could do with them. But the humor
had to come out of the situation and the emotional arc. However, the humans
are much less forgiving, in terms of animation, because we see them every day
and if they were a little off, it looked odd. If a baseball is talking and his mouth
is open a bit too wide, there’s nothing in the real world to compare it to. If we
stylize the humans’ design, the animation is more forgiving. I worked on films in
the past, especially at ILM, where we actually tried to recreate humans photo-
realistically and we’ve done a pretty good job. But, oddly, as you get closer to
reality, the further away you are. It looks real but something is not quite right.

Now if you put that character next to a talking baseball, it really seems off. So,
we stylized Yankee Irving’s design. We made his head and ears a little bigger,
for instance. That helps the character from being scrutinized with the standard of
absolute reality.”
Supervising Animator Mile Chaffe says the animation team’s biggest
challenge was to convey the characters’ emotional lives. Occasionally, this meant
heightening Yankee’s reactions and anthropomorphicizing Screwie only to a
certain point.
“It’s a fine line, in terms of copying what we do in real life versus what
you actually see in animation,” Chaffe points out. “If we were to animate
precisely what we do in reality, we’d get a very dead kind of look that isn’t fun
to watch. So the trick is to make sure that the rigs are good so we can get a lot of
good facial animation. Dealing with human characters is always the toughest
because we recognize what they are doing and if we get it wrong, the audience
knows it,” he says. “Screwie was a challenge in that we had to make it look like
a hardball but still has some life, to give him all the character he needed to have
some fun.”
The animation team relied on filmed reference shots of baseballs,
including Austin’s pick-up game, to begin to create Screwie. After that, it was
imagination coupled with trial and error.
“We had to create a set of standards, like, how does his mouth move?
How do we maintain the look of a hardball but still allow the squash and stretch
we need to get the life we need out of him?” says Chaffe. “The good thing about
shooting the reference, even the simplest things, like touching the ball and
watching it move is that I don’t really have to guess at something like that then.
I’d rather put my efforts into the characters’ performance. If I have that
reference, the movement just becomes more accurate and believable. And if it’s
believable, people will invest themselves in the picture or the shot.”

As Screwie is a talking ball, design and placement of his mouth was, of
course, important. Supervising Animator Morgan Ginsberg concentrated on one
of Screwie’s first soliloquies and worked closely with Dan St. Pierre and Colin
Brady on this anatomical conundrum.
“Screwie and Yankee have just become acquainted and Screwie is telling
Yankee the story of how he came to be. I was trying to come up with simple
mouth shapes, very graphic and very readable. Dan and Colin and I worked on
getting the stitching line to come down so that it would hook up with the corners
of his mouth and line up almost like his bottom lip. It was organically integrated
as part of him as opposed to something that was pasted on.”
Another animation challenge was the amount of characters populating the
story, coupled with a very short production schedule. Supervising Animator
Peter Lepeniotis explains: “Certain animation studios will assign supervisors to a
character. We had to move a little faster on this one which was good, mostly,
because we had less time to pontificate and more time to actually work and get
our characters out as quickly as possible. So we all worked on the characters but,
for instance, Yankee, who is the lead and has to carry the entire film, has to carry
more of the weight. So, when he had shots with Yankee, we tended to put more
emphasis on those sequences. It’s his story and we basically helped him along
through it, digitally manipulating him as we went. Having said that, this is
probably the largest cast I’ve ever seen on an animated feature, from little kids to
mothers to grandparents. We littered cityscapes with them, and we had to create
facially expressive emotions for each of them.”
Much of this was accomplished during pre-production, for practical
reasons, and was honed throughout the production. “These facial shapes take a
long time because we have to design each one, including the eyebrows, eyes,
mouths, all the limitations of head movements,” adds Lepeniotis. “This has to
be done to set parameter. That was a huge amount of work when you consider

there are at least ten talking characters. Of course, Yankee was number one,” he
says.
Like the filmed baseball references, the animators required physical real-
life examples of facial articulation and body movement. In a time-honored
fashion, the animators photographed themselves. “It’s a traditional method,
used for at least 80 years. This kind of reference is always extremely important,
whether it be done with mirrors or cameras. The nice thing about having it
videotaped is that we didn’t spend any time trying things out over and over.
Reality is the best reference and also you can isolate certain actions, like how the
face stretches or wrinkles with certain expressions,” Lepeniotis explains.
While the photographic references were handy tools, Brady adds they
were just templates to be use in concert with the animators’ imaginations and, of
course, the talented actors. “All kinds of great ideas come from real life; all the
things you don’t think about when you’re animating a shot come from getting
out of your chair and acting the shot out,” says Brady. “So whether it was
Yankee swinging a bat and missing and falling on his butt, or a very emotional
close-up, we required that every single shot had a reference we could study, to
use all that information. However, if the reference couldn’t entirely do what we
needed, we were certainly free to deviate from it and come up with something
more playful. With Screwie, for example, we referenced the footage of Rob
Reiner reading his lines. But, because Screwie is a ball that bounces all over the
place, we had to pick and choose where and when to draw from reality and
when to have pure animation fun.”
The fun was always grounded in the emotional truth of Yankee, Screwie
and Darlin’s quest to reunite Darlin’ and Babe Ruth, to vindicate Yankee’s father
and, in many ways, to prove to Yankee as much as anyone, that he could
persevere, especially when circumstances didn’t completely go his way. It was
also uniquely anchored to Christopher and Dana Reeve.

* * * *
ABOUT THE CAST

ROB REINER voices Screwie, the wise cracking ball that enjoys solitude
versus being around people. On their journey, with the help of Irving and
Darlin’, he rediscovers his dreams and they become reality.
In addition to his position as principal and co-founder of Castle Rock
Entertainment, Rob Reiner is a well-known actor and one of Hollywood's top
directors.
Prior to his directorial career, Reiner acted in many television and feature
films and wrote for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. It was, however, his
Emmy® Award winning portrayal of Michael Stivic, the son-in-law of Archie
Bunker in the hit series All in the Family, that made him a household name.
Prior to the creation of Castle Rock, Reiner’s credits as a feature film
director included the now-legendary This is Spinal Tap, The Sure Thing, Stand By
Me, and the much loved fantasy The Princess Bride, adapted for the screen by
Academy Award winner William Goldman from his original novel.
Castle Rock Entertainment’s first feature film release in 1989 was Reiner’s
now-classic When Harry Met Sally…, a chronicle of romance in the ‘80s which was
both a critical and box office success, earning him Best Director nominations
from both the Hollywood Foreign Press and the Directors Guild of America. He
next directed Misery, a psychological thriller based on Stephen King’s bestseller
of the same title, which earned Kathy Bates an Oscar in 1990. The mega box office
hit A Few Good Men, starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore,
followed in 1992, garnering another DGA Best Director nomination as well as
four Academy Award nominations, including that for Best Picture. In 1994,
North was released, starring Elijah Wood, Bruce Willis, Jon Lovitz, Jason
Alexander and

Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Reiner directed the hit comedy The American President in
1995, which starred Michael Douglas and Annette Bening. In 1996, Ghosts of
Mississippi chronicled the re-prosecution of the murderer of civil rights leader
Medgar Evers and starred Alec Baldwin, Whoopi Goldberg and James Woods.
The Story of Us, starring Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer, followed in 1999.
Reiner's most recent films are the 2003 romantic comedies Alex & Emma,
starring Kate Hudson and Luke Wilson, and 2005's Rumor Has It…, with Jennifer
Aniston, Kevin Costner, Shirley MacLaine, and Mark Ruffalo.
In addition to his work behind the camera, Reiner has continued to act,
appearing in such films as Bullets Over Broadway, Bye Bye, Love, Sleepless In Seattle,
The First Wives Club, Primary Colors, EDtv, The Muse, and Dickie Roberts: Former
Child Star.
Reiner has long been one of America’s leaders on public policy issues
ranging from early childhood development to environmental protection. In
1997, Rob and his wife Michele founded the I Am Your Child Foundation (now
Parents’ Action for Children) and began a national public awareness and
engagement campaign to communicate the importance of early childhood
development. The Foundation’s efforts, including two White House conferences,
a primetime network television special, numerous statewide initiatives and the
distribution of over 8 million videos, have helped give American parents the
tools to raise happy and healthy children. In 1998, Mr. Reiner led the fight to
pass California Proposition 10, which, through First 5 California, now provides
over $600 million each year to early childhood development services.

WHOOPI GOLDBERG voices Darlin’, a conceited, self absorbed, bat who
expects nothing but the best and getting her way. She learns through the journey
that sometimes you have to put causes and friends before yourself.

In 2002, Whoopi Goldberg became one of a very elite group of artists who have
won the Grammy (Whoopi Goldberg, 1985), the Academy Award (Ghost, 1991),
the Golden Globe (The Color Purple, 1985 and Ghost, 1991), the Emmy (as host of
AMC’s Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel, 2002) and a Tony
(as a producer of “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” 2002). She is equally well-known
for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of children, the homeless, human rights,
education, substance abuse and the battle against AIDS, as well as many other
causes and charities. Among her many charitable activities, Goldberg is a
Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations.
Born and raised in New York City, Goldberg worked in theatre and
improvisation in San Diego and the Bay Area, where she performed with the
Blake Street Hawkeyes theatre troupe. There, she created the characters that
became The Spook Show and evolved into her hit Broadway show, Grammy
Award-winning album and the HBO special that helped launch her career.
Goldberg made her motion picture debut in Steven Spielberg’s film
version of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, for which she earned an Academy
Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award. Her performance in Ghost
earned her the Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting
Actress. Goldberg has also appeared in such films as Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Clara’s
Heart, The Long Walk Home, Soapdish, The Player, Sarafina!, Sister Act, Made in
America, Corrina, Corrina, The Lion King, Boys on the Side, Eddie, The Associate,
Ghosts of Mississippi, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Girl, Interrupted, Kingdom
Come and Rat Race, which reunited her with her Ghost director, Jerry Zucker. She
voiced characters in the animated features Racing Stripes and Doogal.
On television, Goldberg appeared for five seasons on Star Trek: The Next
Generation, she co-starred with Jean Stapleton in Bagdad Café and hosted her own
syndicated late-night talk show. She appeared in the Emmy-nominated HBO
drama, In the Gloaming, directed by Christopher Reeve, as well as The Wonderful

World of Disney’s Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and A Knight in Camelot and
appeared in the mini-series Alice in Wonderland and The Magical Legend of the
Leprechauns. She starred in the NBC sitcom, Goldberg, which she executive
produced with Carsey-Werner-Mandabach and Bonnie and Terry Turner. She
appeared on Nick Jr.’s Goldberg’s Littleburg, a series of three, half-hour TV
specials set in The Preschool Capital of the World, which she also produces.
As she has in every other facet of her career, Goldberg has made her mark
as a producer. She executive produced the Lifetime original drama series Strong
Medicine, the longest-running original drama created for basic cable and the first
cable show to go into syndication. Goldberg was also an executive producer of
the musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, which won six Tony Awards, including
Best Musical.
Goldberg has appeared on many television series and specials, including
her own HBO specials, three-time host of ABC’s A Gala for the President at Ford’s
Theatre and eight Comic Relief telecasts with Billy Crystal and Robin Williams.
Goldberg received Emmy Award nominations for hosting the 66th, 68th and 71st
Academy Awards telecasts and returned to host the 2002 telecast at the new
Kodak Theatre.
Goldberg’s TV movies include It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
for NBC and Showtime’s Good Fences, co-producing and co-starring with Danny
Glover. In early 2003, Goldberg returned to Broadway, co-starring with Charles
“Roc” Dutton in August Wilson’s acclaimed Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which she
also produced. She had last appeared on Broadway in 1997, in A Funny Thing
Happened on the Way to the Forum.

JAKE T. AUSTIN voices Yankee Irving, an ordinary 10-year-old boy with
an extraordinary heart. Yankee embarks on a grand adventure restoring his

family’s honor, while making true friends along the journey. He believes dreams
come true if you don’t give up.
Eleven-year-old newcomer Jake T. Austin stars as the voice of Diego in the
new animated Nick Jr. series Go, Diego, Go!. He has appeared on The Late Show
with David Letterman, Blue’s Clues and the film Martin and Orlove, as well as
several commercials and voiceovers.
Austin will also be featured in the upcoming animated film The Ant Bully.
An avid sports fan, Jake loves baseball, soccer, basketball, skateboarding
and snowboarding. He also enjoys traveling, especially to visit his Abuelo and
other relatives in Puerto Rico. Jake lives in New York’s Rockland County with
his parents, Giny and Joey, and his younger sister, Ava.

WILLIAM H. MACY voices Lefty, the gross, disgusting henchman who
will do anything to succeed and get what he wants, including the destruction of
Irving, his family and their hero.
William H. Macy appears in the independent feature Thank You for
Smoking, the animated feature Doogal, for which he voiced Brian the Snail and
Sahara, opposite Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz.
Macy co-stars in the independent feature Bobby. The film is based around
fictionalized events leading up to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy
in 1968. Directed by Emilio Estevez, the film also stars Anthony Hopkins, Demi
Moore, Lindsay Lohan, Sharon Stone, Christian Slater, Mandy Moore, Helen
Hunt, Elijah Wood, Heather Graham, Laurence Fishburne, Martin Sheen, Shia
LeBeouf, Freddy Rodriguez and Ashton Kutcher. Macy also recently wrapped
production on Umney’s Last Case based on an anthology of Steven King short
stories. The mini-series aired on TNT in 2006. Macy also recently completed
production on Edmond, an adaptation of the David Mamet play, also starring
Dylan Walsh, Julia Stiles, Joe Mantegna and Mena Suvari. Macy will soon begin
work on Bee Movie, another animated feature.

Macy is best known for his portrayal of Jerry Lundergaard in Fargo, for
which he received an Oscar nomination and won an Independent Spirit Award
as Best Supporting Actor. He also garnered nominations for Funniest
Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture (American Comedy Awards), Best Actor
(Chicago Film Critics), Best Supporting Actor (Dallas/ Fort Worth Film Critics),
and Best Actor in a Drama (International Press Academy).
Other films include the thriller Cellular starring opposite Kim Basinger,
The Cooler, Seabiscuit, for which he earned a Golden Globe nomination, Spartan, In
Enemy Hands, Magnolia, Pleasantville, Happy Texas, State and Main, Jurassic Park 3,
Focus, Welcome to Collinwood, Psycho, A Civil Action, Boogie Nights, Wag The Dog,
Air Force One, Ghosts of Mississippi, Mr. Holland's Opus, The Client, Shadows and
Fog, Murder in the First, Searching for Bobby Fischer, Radio Days and Panic.
In 2005, Macy was seen in TNT's The Wool Cap. Macy joined writing
partner Steven Schachter for this new take on the 1962 comedy Gigot, which
originally starred Jackie Gleason and was directed by Gene Kelly. Macy was
nominated for an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award for his
performance. He and Schachter, who also directed the piece, were also
nominated for a Writers Guild Award. In addition, the movie was nominated for
an Emmy and a Critics' Choice Award.
In 2002, Macy received outstanding critical acclaim for his role as Bill
Porter in TNT's Door to Door opposite Kyra Sedgwick, Helen Mirren, Kathy Baker
and Felicity Huffman. The movie, which Macy also co-wrote, tells the true story
of Porter, an award-winning door-to-door salesman with cerebral palsy. The
movie aired to unprecedented ratings for a TNT original movie premiere and
received a SAG Award, Peabody Award, an AFI Award, a Critic's Choice
Award, a Golden Satellite Award, a Writer's Guild nomination, an American
Cinema Editors nomination and a Golden Globe nomination. The movie was
nominated for 12 Emmys and won 6 including Outstanding Made for Television

Movie as well as winning Macy the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Television
Movie statue and Outstanding Writing for a Television Movie with Steven
Schachter.
In 2003, Macy was seen in the Showtime Original Picture Stealing Sinatra,
which depicts the 1963 botched kidnapping of Frank Sinatra, Jr. Macy received
an Emmy nomination in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a
Miniseries or a Movie for his performance.
He received an Emmy nomination as Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series
for his recurring role as Dr. David Morgenstern on ER. Macy also had a
recurring role on Aaron Sorkin's Sports Night and was nominated for an Emmy
for his performance. His movie of the week credits include Reversible Errors, A
Murderous Affair, Heart of Justice, Standoff at Marion, and the miniseries
Andersonville, The Murder of Mary Phagan and The Awakening Land. In addition to
the politically charged BBC telefilm The Writing on the Wall, Macy also appeared
in two Mamet vehicles, The Water Engine and Showtime's Texan. In 1999, he
starred opposite his wife Felicity Huffman, on the TNT television film A Slight
Case of Murder and received another Emmy nomination. Macy and his writing
partner Steven Schachter wrote the film and Schachter directed. Also with
Schachter, Macy has written several television scripts.
In 1998, Macy was honored by Showest when he was named Best
Supporting Actor of the Year for his body of work.

MANDY PATINKIN voices Yankee’s Dad, who works at the famed
Yankee Stadium where Babe Ruth’s bat Darlin’ is stolen.
Mandy Patinkin who is not only an accomplished actor; he is also a
renowned tenor. He attended Kenwood High School, University of Kansas and
Juilliard School of Drama. His first real break was when he played Che in Evita
on Broadway in 1979. He went on to win a Tony Award for that role.

After this initial musical theater success he moved to film, playing a
number of parts in movies such as Yentl and Ragtime, before returning to
Broadway in 1984 to star in Sunday in the Park with George, which saw him earn
another Tony Award nomination.
He is beloved by fans for his inimitable portrayal of Inigo Montoya in Rob
Reiner's The Princess Bride.
Over the next decade he continued to appear in various movies such as
Dick Tracy and Alien Nation, on Broadway in The Secret Garden and released two
solo albums called Mandy Patinkin and Dress Casual.
In 1994, he burst onto the small screen playing the role of Dr. Jeffrey
Geiger on CBS's Chicago Hope and promptly won an Emmy Award.
He returned to Broadway in 2000 in the New York Shakespeare Festival's
The Wild Party, earning another Tony Award nomination. He has also been seen
in the Showtime comedy-drama Dead Like Me.
He currently stars in the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds.

RAVEN-SYMONÉ voices Marti, a fun-loving, energetic, tomboy who
exemplifies “girl power.” She becomes a good friend of Yankee Irving’s who
helps him through tough situations and in achieving his goal.
Raven-Symoné currently stars as Raven Baxter, a confident teen whose
ability to see flashes of the future compel her to embark on a series of comical
misadventures on the hit show, That’s So Raven. She also voices the character of
Monique on the animated action/comedy series Kim Possible. She starred in the
Disney Channel movie The Cheetah Girls.
Born in Atlanta, GA, she began her career in entertainment at age 3. Best
known as the adorable Olivia on The Cosby Show and as Nicole on Hangin’ with
Mr. Cooper, she also appeared as Eddie Murphy’s rebellious daughter in the
feature films Dr. Doolittle 1 and 2.

The multi-talented teen has been nominated for 2 NAACP Image Awards
and is also a recording artist. She released her hit single, “That’s What Little
Girls Are Made Of” when she was five and that same year she debuted on
Broadway with The Boys Choir of Harlem for their 25th anniversary celebration.
More recently, she toured with N’Sync in support of her latest CD, Undeniable.

* * * *
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

CHRISTOPHER REEVE (Director / Executive Producer)
Actor, director and activist are just some of the words used to describe
Christopher Reeve. From his first appearance at the Williamstown Theatre
Festival at the age of 15, Reeve established a reputation as one of the country’s
leading actors. However, ever since he was paralyzed in an equestrian
competition in 1995, Reeve not only put a human face on spinal cord injury but
he motivated neuroscientists around the world to conquer the most complex
diseases of the brain and central nervous system.
After graduating from Cornell University in 1974, Reeve pursued his dream
of acting, studying at Juilliard under the legendary John Houseman. He made his
Broadway debut opposite Katharine Hepburn in A Matter of Gravity in 1976 and
then went on to distinguish himself in a variety of stage, screen and television
roles with passion. Film credits include: Superman in 1978 and its subsequent
sequels, Deathtrap, Somewhere in Time, The Bostonians, Street Smart, Speechless,
Noises Off, Above Suspicion and the Oscar-nominated The Remains of the Day. Stage
credits include: The Marriage of Figaro, Fifth of July, My Life, Summer and Smoke,
Love Letters and The Aspern Papers.
Reeve made his directorial debut with In the Gloaming on HBO in April
1997. The film was met with rave reviews, was nominated for five Emmys and
won six Cable Ace Awards, including Best Dramatic Special and Best Director.

Reeve’s autobiography, Still Me, was published by Random House in April 1998
and spent 11 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List. His audio recording
of Still Me earned Reeve a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album in February
1999. In his first major role since becoming paralyzed, Reeve starred in an
updated version of the classic Hitchcock thriller "Rear Window," for which he
was nominated for a Golden Globe Award and won the Screen Actors Guild
Award for Best Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries. He also served as
Executive Producer of the film.
Reeve continued his directing work in television and film as well as his arts-
advisory service as a board member of the Williamstown Theatre Festival. In
early 2001, Reeve began combining his directing efforts with his activism when
he directed four commercials featuring Ray Romano, Randy Newman, Toni
Morrison and himself for Johnson & Johnson that focused on helping parents
talk to their kids. The same year he filmed a spot for the American Red Cross that
celebrated volunteerism.
In 1999, Reeve became the Chairman of the Board of the Christopher
Reeve Foundation (CRF). CRF, a national, nonprofit organization, supports
research to develop effective treatments and a cure for paralysis caused by spinal
cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. CRF also allocates a
portion of its resources to grants that improve the quality of life for people with
disabilities.
As Vice Chairman of the National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.), he
worked on quality of life issues for the disabled. In partnership with Senator Jim
Jeffords of Vermont, he helped pass the 1999 Work Incentives Improvement Act,
which allows people with disabilities to return to work and still receive disability
benefits. Reeve served on the Board of Directors of World T.E.A.M. Sports, a
group that organizes and sponsors challenging sporting events for athletes with
disabilities; TechHealth, a private company that assists in the relationship
between patients and their insurance companies; and LIFE (Leaders in

Furthering Education) a charitable organization that supports education and
opportunities for the underserved population.
In addition to his work on behalf of CRF, Reeve’s advocacy efforts included:
• Lobbying on behalf of the National Institutes of Health to double the NIH
budget in five years. In part because of his leadership, the NIH budget grew
from 12 billion dollars in 1998 to nearly 27.2 billion dollars in fiscal 2003;
• Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health
and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies in favor of federally
funded stem cell research;
• Providing instrumental and crucial support for the passage of the New York
State Spinal Cord Injury Research Bill (7287C), landmark legislation that makes
available up to $8.5 million annually in funds collected from violations of the
state’s motor vehicle laws to be appropriated among the leading research
facilities in New York. Reeve was also involved in lobbying efforts for similar
bills in New Jersey, Kentucky, Virginia and California;
• Working tirelessly to obtain increased funding from both the public and
private sectors to cure Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MS, ALS, stroke, as well as to
repair the damaged spinal cord; and
• Helping to establish the Reeve-Irvine Research Center at the UCI College of
Medicine. The center supports the study of trauma to the spinal cord and
diseases affecting it, with an emphasis on the development of therapies to
promote the recovery and repair of neurological function.
While Reeve raised public awareness about the significance of medical
research and the challenges facing those with disabilities, he also educated
families about the importance of having adequate health and disability coverage.
In 1997, Reeve joined with HealthExtras, the first company to offer subscribers a
tax-free non-accountable payment of 1 million dollars in the event of a
permanent accidental disability. The cost of this policy is a mere $10 a month and
is available through Visa, American Express or via the Internet. Reeve served as

company spokesman.
Reeve’s community and political involvement pre-dates his spinal cord
injury. Over the course of many years, he served as a national spokesman on
behalf of the arts, campaign finance reform and the environment. A founder and
Co-President of The Creative Coalition, he helped to create recycling in New
York City and to persuade state legislature to set aside one billion dollars to
protect the city’s water supply. Since 1976, he was actively involved with Save
the Children, Amnesty International, Natural Resources Defense Council, The
Environmental Air Force and America’s Watch. In 1987, he demonstrated in
Santiago, Chile on behalf of 77 actors threatened with execution by the Pinochet
regime. For this action, Reeve was given a special Obie Award in 1988 and the
annual award from the Walter Briehl Human Rights Foundation.
His second book, Nothing is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life, was
published by Random House in September 2002. The audio rendition of Nothing
is Impossible garnered Reeve his second Grammy nomination for Best Spoken
Word Album. At the same time, a documentary film about his advocacy and
road to recovery entitled “Christopher Reeve: Courageous Steps” aired on ABC
television in the United States. The documentary was directed by Reeve’s son
Matthew and has been distributed around the world.
In September 2003, Reeve was awarded the Mary Woodard Lasker Award
for Public Service in Support of Medical Research and the Health Sciences from
the Lasker Foundation. Recognized for perceptive, sustained and heroic
advocacy for medical research in general, and people living with disabilities in
particular, Reeve was selected for this distinction by a jury of scholars and
scientists.
In August 2004, Reeve completed directing The Brooke Ellison Story. This
fact-based A&E cable television movie was based on the book Miracles Happen:
One Mother, One Daughter, One Journey. Brooke Ellison became a quadriplegic
at age 11 but with determination and the support of her family, Ellison rose

above her disability and went on to graduate from Harvard University. The film
starred Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Lacey Chabert and John Slattery.
Christopher Reeve died October 10, 2004 of heart failure. He was 52 years
old.

DANA REEVE (Executive Producer, voice of Yankee’s Mother)
Dana Reeve was a founding board member of the Christopher Reeve Foundation
and Dana Reeve succeeded her late husband, Christopher Reeve, as chair in 2004.
The Foundation is wholly committed to finding cures and treatments for spinal
cord injuries as well as improving the quality of life for people living with
disabilities.
Ms. Reeve established the Foundation’s Quality of Life initiatives: the
Quality of Life grants program and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Paralysis
Resource Center. Since its inception in 1999, the Quality of Life grants program
has awarded more than $8 million to support programs and projects that
improve the daily lives of people living with paralysis.
In addition to her work with the CRF, Ms. Reeve also served on the boards
of The Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey,
TechHealth, and The Reeve-Irvine Center for Spinal Cord Research and as an
advisory board member to the National Family Caregivers Association.
She received numerous awards for her work, most notably the Shining
Example Award from Proctor & Gamble in 1998 and an American Image Award
from the AAFA in 2003. In addition, the American Cancer Society named her
Mother of the Year in 2005. Ms. Reeve authored the book Care Packages, which
was published by Random House in 1999.
First and foremost an actress, Ms. Reeve’s many singing and acting credits
included appearances on television, where she had starring roles on Law & Order,
Oz, and All My Children, among others. She performed in plays on Broadway,
off-Broadway, and at numerous regional theatres, and performed as a singer on

national television and at various New York venues. In 2000 she co-hosted a live
daily talk show for women on the Lifetime Network.
Ms. Reeve graduated cum laude from Middlebury College where she also
later received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, and she pursued
graduate studies in Acting at the California Institute of the Arts.
Dana Reeve passed away of lung cancer at the age of 44 on March 6, 2006.
Reeve is survived by her father, Dr. Charles Morosini, sisters Deborah Morosini
and Adrienne Morosini Heilman, her son Will and two stepchildren, Matthew
and Alexandra.

DANIEL ST. PIERRE (Director)
Daniel St. Pierre previously served as the production designer on the hit
film Shark Tale. He earned an Annie Award nomination for Outstanding
Individual Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Feature for his
work as an art director on Tarzan. He also served as a story artist and visual
consultant on 102 Dalmatians.
St. Pierre’s additional credits include work as a layout supervisor on the
animated features The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Lion King and Mickey’s The
Prince and the Pauper. He was also a key layout artist on such films as The Little
Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. Everyone’s Hero marks his debut as a
director.

COLIN BRADY (Director)
Colin Brady during his six years at Pixar, was co-director on Toy Story 2
when the film transitioned from direct-to-video to a theatrical release. During
those 18 months, Brady oversaw the design and development of new characters,
and contributed significantly to story and dialogue. Brady was a lead animator
on Toy Story, animation director in Pixar's shorts division, and a supervising
animator on A Bug's Life.

On Hulk and Lemony Snicket, Brady and his team pioneered the motion
capture of attack dogs and even eight-month-old infants. On Lemony Snicket,
Brady helped develop an inexpensive system to reliably track facial motion.
In addition, Brady was supervising animator on Men in Black 2 and E.T.
The Extraterrestrial Special Edition.

RON TIPPE (Producer)
Ron Tippe has been integrally involved in the development and
production of live action films, traditional 2-D and computer animated films and
visual effects. He produced the 2D and CGI animation on the hit film Space Jam
and served as producer of Shrek during the pre-production phase.
He also produced the Academy Award-nominated short animated feature
starring Mickey Mouse, Runaway Brain. He served as associate producer on the
American Playhouse/PBS telefilm In A Shallow Grave. He also was the executive
vice president of creative affairs and co-founder of the Digital Character Group,
an animation studio.
He went on to become vice-president of creative development at Route 66
Productions before becoming president and co-founder of Woof! Entertainment.

IGOR KHAIT (Producer)
Igor Khait has been making animated films for more than 17 years.
Beginning his career in 1989 at Amblin Entertainment, he has since worked at
many of the most prestigious animation studios in the field. In that time Khait
has built a strong reputation for creativity and versatility as well as for nurturing
talent.
Khait was the producer on Disney’s just released Leroy and Stitch. The film
is the final chapter in the highly popular Lilo & Stitch: The Series.
In 2003, Khait was the associate producer on Walt Disney Studios’ Brother
Bear, an Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature. Prior to that, he

served as production manager on Disney’s Atlantis, the Lost Empire, Warner Bros.’
Quest for Camelot, and Paramount’s Bebe’s Kids. Additionally, he has worked in
production on the CBS animated series Family Dog, executive produced by
Steven Spielberg and Tim Burton, an animated Christmas special A Wish for
Wings That Work, based on the popular Bloom County comic strip, and on a
number of industrial and corporate films.
Khait worked with John Kricfalusi, creator of the Emmy-nominated Ren
and Stimpy. During his years at Kricfalusi’s company, Spumco, Khait managed
the production of the Spumco comics and toys, and was the associate producer of
a collector’s edition of The Flintstones, The Early Episodes laser disc set.
Art, animation, and film have always been Khait’s passions. He received
his first B.A. in Fine Art from University of California, Santa Cruz and his second
B.A. in Film Graphics and Animation from CalArts in Valencia, CA. Originally
from Odessa, Ukraine, Igor Khait lives in Studio City, CA with his wife and two
children.

ROBERT KURTZ (Writer)
Robert Kurtz is a two-time People's Choice Award winner, for writing and
producing the acclaimed TV shows Cosby and Grace Under Fire.
He served as supervising producer for the WB animated series Baby Blues
when he joined the creative development department at IDT Entertainment.

JEFF HAND (Writer)
Jeff Hand has worked in theater, television and animation. He was an
associate producer for the Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club, and worked in
production management for Walt Disney Feature Animation for ten years before
writing development treatments for feature animation development.

His writing credits include Ruckus, a game show produced by Merv
Griffin Enterprises, the children's video Newton: Fun with Colors, Farm Force as
well as the animated features Brother Bear and Brother Bear II.

JAN CARLEE (Director of Photography)
Jan Carlee has been active in the animation and special effects industry for
over twenty years. Prior to his involvement in Everyone's Hero, Carlee
supervised the digital 2D and 3D digital elements at Don Bluth Entertainment for
such films as Thumbelina and Rock -A- Doodle. Later working at Blue Sky Studios
in New York he directed many award winning commercials before directing
animation for such feature films as Alien Resurrection, Joe's Apartment and Titan
A.E. Carlee was also the sequence director for the film Ice Age and more recently
worked at Dreamworks on the film Shrek 2.

* * * *

ABOUT THE SOUNDTRACK

Just like the incredible talents voicing the film, the soundtrack is also full
of a diverse group of talented artists who wanted to come together for this
project. Music Supervisor Dawn Solér was as eager as all the talent to come on
board for the film.
“Christopher Reeve was such a hero to me,” said Solér. “With his
involvement, I knew the project would be filled with so much heart. This gave
me a passion to find the best songs, songwriters and musicians for the
soundtrack.”
Solér has worked as a music supervisor for 16 years, but ”Everyone’s
Hero” is only her second animated film. She has worked on such acclaimed

soundtracks as “Don Juan De Marco,” “Notting Hill,” “French Kiss” and
“Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.”
One of the first musicians Solér sought out was John Ondrasik from the
platinum certified and Grammy-nominated band Five for Fighting. “Ondrasik is
one of the most gifted and current songwriters who can write emotional songs on
a very a sophisticated level,” said Solér. Ondrasik was told the story and was
shown a few stills, and from that had agreed to work on the project. His Song,
“The Best,” was incorporated into the film twice and became a theme for Yankee.
“The music and emotion in the song were perfect to show Yankee’s
excitement in the beginning of the film, but also the song has very tender lyrics,
which we were able to use later in a more tender moment with Yankee,” said
Solér. Ondrasik also wrote the song “Swing It” for the film, for which Solér and
he brought on board country duo Brooks & Dunn to perform.
Raven-Simoné agreed to do a song for the soundtrack, as she was a
natural fit for “Keep Your Eye On The Ball.” “This is a fun song that kids will
really enjoy,” said Solér. “To give the song a more classic feel, we decided to use
an acoustic guitar, rather than an electric guitar.”
Other songs on the soundtrack include the baseball classic “Take Me Out
To The Ballgame” performed by country super group Lonestar. “This version
will be played at many ballgames to come,” said Solér.
For a more urban flavor, Wyclef Jean was brought on board to remake Ella
Fitzgerald’s jazz standard, “It’s Not What You Do, But The Way You Do It” and
created a timeless remake with “What You Do.” Another surprising musical
turn is Lyle Lovett’s rendition of Sinatra’s “Chicago (That Toddling Town).” In
this version Lovett is almost unrecognizable as his gritty voice has been soothed
by the amazing musical rendition.
Another surprising appearance is from Paris Bennett of “American Idol”
whose vocal performance on John Debney’s “The Tigers” will “take you out of
the park,” said Solér.

# # # #

©2006 IDT Entertainment. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to newspapers and periodicals to reproduce this
text in articles publicizing the distribution of the Motion Picture.
All other use is strictly prohibited, including sale, duplication, or other transfers of this material.

Oscar®-winner Russell Crowe reunites with “Gladiator” director Ridley Scott in A
GOOD YEAR, a Fox 2000 Pictures presentation of a Scott Free production. London-based
investment expert Max Skinner (Crowe) moves to Provence to sell a small vineyard he has
inherited from his late uncle. Max reluctantly settles into what ultimately becomes an
intoxicating new chapter in his life, as he comes to realize that life is meant to be savored.
A GOOD YEAR is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Peter Mayle.
(Mayle and Ridley Scott, who are longtime friends, together came up with the idea for the
novel.) Scott produces from a screenplay by Marc Klein. The film also stars the esteemed
Albert Finney as Max’s late Uncle Henry, who imparts wisdom to his young nephew; Marion
Cotillard (“A Very Long Engagement”) as a café owner who catches Max’s eye; Abbie
Cornish (“Sommersault”) as Max’s supposed long-lost cousin, who may hold the vineyard’s
title rights; Tom Hollander (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”) as his best friend;
and Freddie Highmore (“Finding Neverland”) as the young Max.
Confident and cocky, headstrong and handsome, Max Skinner is a successful London
banker who specializes in trading bonds. A financial barracuda on the banks of the Thames,
Max devours the competition in his efforts to conquer the European market. His latest
conquest has netted a tidy seven-figure profit, much to the chagrin of his Saville Row-draped
rivals. Max’s triumph is in perfect keeping with his philosophy: winning isn’t everything,
it’s the only thing!
Soon thereafter, Max receives word from France alerting him to sad news: his elderly
Uncle Henry has passed away. Max, Henry’s closest blood relative, is the sole beneficiary of
his estate, which includes a Provençal chateau and vineyard, La Siroque, where Henry
cultivated grapes for over thirty years.
Max travels to the chateau where he spent his boyhood summers vacationing with his
eccentric uncle, whom he hasn’t seen or written to in years. While Max tends to the legal
affairs of his inheritance, he is suspended from his firm, pending an investigation into his
questionable bond transaction.

With his future in London in flux, Max reluctantly begins settling into life at the
chateau. He reunites with the chateau’s longtime vigneron, Francis Duflot (still tending the
vines after three decades), whom Max remembers from his boyhood visits. Duflot’s
exuberant wife, Ludivine, the estate’s housekeeper, warmly welcomes Max back.
Max is uncertain as to whether life in the South of France suits him. He rings up his
best friend, London realtor Charlie Willis, to inquire as to what a small chateau and winery
like La Siroque would command on the current market. Charlie advises Max that small
wineries with a good product can bring several million dollars, as boutique wine, made in
small batches, is the rage in wine shops. It’s money in the bank for Max should he lose his
job.
As Max fondly embraces the memories of summers past (spent with a man whose
wisdom and philosophy helped Max chart his successful career) while contemplating a
cloudy future, a complication arises with the sudden arrival of a determined,
twentysomething California girl, Christie Roberts. Christie, a Napa Valley native, claims to
be the illegitimate daughter of the deceased uncle. The revelation, if true, makes her Max’s
cousin and, according to French law, the beneficiary of La Siroque.
Suspecting Christie may be a fraud, Max questions her about her past while bickering
with her over the fate of the vineyard, whose plonk (as the French define bad wine) rivals the
worst vinegar imaginable. Max, who has tasted La Siroque’s awful vin de pays, also finds
some other bottles in Uncle Henry’s cellar bearing the name Le Coin Perdu (‘the lost
corner’). This mysterious, legendary vin de garage has fetched thousands per bottle on the
black market for years, according to the fetching local cafe owner, Fanny Chenal, with whom
Max has become smitten.
Where does the wine come from, and why is Duflot so insistent on staying at La
Siroque whatever the vineyard’s fate? And, what about some unusual vines discovered on
the property by Christie, which the crusty vintner claims are experimental in nature, and a
renowned oenologue has deemed unworthy?
Max’s memories and the passage of time bring forth emotions and feelings he
thought were long lost, and afford him a new appreciation of his late Uncle Henry’s
philosophy on life – and on life in Provence: “There’s nowhere else in the world where one
can keep busy doing so little, yet enjoy it so much!”

Peter Mayle is a native Brit who abandoned a successful advertising career and
reinvented himself as a best-selling author and novelist. He has been writing about the good
life in the South of France for over fifteen years. Critics have praised his books, both fiction
and nonfiction, calling the writer “the world’s foremost literary escape artist” because of his
knack for setting his colorful yarns in a locale one magazine called “the most enticing place
this side of paradise.” Mayle’s first book, a memoir called A Year in Provence, has sold
over five million copies (in 28 languages) since its publication in 1991.
It was over a bottle of Provençal wine that Mayle (who lives full-time in the Luberon
area of Provence) and filmmaker Ridley Scott (who has maintained a vacation home and
vineyard there for fifteen years) came up with the idea for Mayle’s breezy 2004 novel A
Good Year. “Ridley used to work in the commercials business and I used to work in the
advertising agency business in London,” Mayle recounts about his early history with the
filmmaker; their friendship stretches back to London’s advertising world of the 1970s. “He
was about the best there was, so we would always use his company for shooting commercials
if we could afford him. We worked together intermittently in London, and then he went off
and did movies and I went off and (wrote) books.”
Almost three decades later, Scott and Mayle had a memorable lunch. “Ridley arrived
with a newspaper clipping which reported on new wines in Bordeaux – ‘garage’ wines –
which commanded huge prices without a chateau or pedigree. Yet, people paid a fortune for
them.”
“I saw this piece in the newspaper business section of the Times about a vineyard in
France that was selling garage wine for over £30,000 a case,” Scott recounts about the 1996
clipping, which he still keeps in his files in London. “I was looking for an excuse to come
back to France to shoot a film, and this story idea offered the perfect opportunity.
“I bounced this idea off Peter Mayle and he said, ‘That would make a good novel,’”
Scott remembers. “And I said, ‘You write the book, then I’ll get the film rights.’ So, he
wrote the book, which was successful.”
Mayle labored at his laptop for nine months in 2003, researching the subject in both
in his adopted Provence and in one of the world’s renowned wine regions, Bordeaux, on
France’s Atlantic coast. Le Pin, located in the appellation called Pomerol, cultivates what
many believe to be the best Merlot on the planet.

In the meantime, Scott went off to Morocco and Spain to film his epic saga,
“Kingdom of Heaven.” A month after the author turned in his manuscript, a deal was
finalized for the film rights – and Scott and Mayle were back in business together.
Scott also suggested the book’s (and film’s) title. “A winemaker has a difficult life.
But if he gets it right, he’s had a good year,” says the filmmaker. “That’s what a French
winemaker will say: ‘It’s been a good year.’”
Scott chose New York native Marc Klein (“Serendipity”) to adapt Mayle’s novel for
the screen. Klein admits that when he accepted Scott’s offer, he knew nothing about wine or
Provence. Scott advised Klein to visit the South of France to conduct research and get a
flavor of the area. Klein visited Provence in 2004, met with Peter Mayle, and spent almost a
year researching the region and the wines.
Adapting Mayle’s novel provided Klein with some formidable challenges. “Peter
writes books that are like travelogues,” says the screenwriter. “They're more about
atmosphere – the kind of book one likes to read on vacation, where you want to be swept
away to a certain place. We needed to provide additional narrative structure on it. At the
same time, we wanted to give moviegoers the same experience they would have reading the
book.”
“Peter’s book is a jolly romp,” Scott adds. “It’s very much embedded in the lifestyle
of Provence. For the movie, I found that the mechanism for the story needed to be adjusted a
little bit, to turn up the volume on the character of Max, who needed to learn an important
life lesson. The philosophy that Uncle Henry was trying to instill into this young Max really
didn’t take.”
A key change from the novel was the screenplay’s depiction of Uncle Henry, who is
only referred to in the novel. After toying with the idea of making Henry a ghostly figure,
Scott and Klein decided to depict the character in flashbacks, which, says Scott, “allows us to
see the grooming of Max as a child, which pays off as the story unfolds.”
According to Russell Crowe, these flashback scenes accent one of the film’s principal
themes: “That as long as people are in your heart, they never die.
“I thought that was a wonderful metaphor,” Crowe continues. “When Ridley and I
worked on ‘Gladiator,’ the metaphor was death. But on A GOOD YEAR, we discussed the
themes in terms of reincarnation – not necessarily from the dead to the living, but having the
‘living dead’, like Max, become revitalized from his experiences in Provence. Every
character in this story has a situation that changes his or her life for the better.”

Says legendary actor Albert Finney, who portrays Henry: “Max has these memories
of his uncle when he had his summer holidays here as a child. He remembers them
favorably, which suggests he had a good time with Henry. Young Max enjoyed his
company. The philosophy Henry imparts on the boy has mostly to do with wine in particular,
but around that is a philosophy of enjoying life. I think he's a good influence on the boy.”
Max isn’t the only character that undergoes transformation. Says Crowe: “For every
character, something happens within the story that elevates, changes or revitalizes his or her
life. I've had the same thing happen in my own life, when I married and we had a baby. So it
is possible to get yourself out of a rut and change things. That's what the title refers to –
Max’s life. He comes to Provence, reconnects with the memory of his uncle and the things
that his uncle taught him, which opens his heart. And his life changes.”
“I think audiences will come out with memories of their childhood after seeing this
film,” says 14-year-old Freddie Highmore, who portrays the young Max. “The film will
make you look back on the things that have happened in your own life. Young Max didn't
know at the time how important the lessons were that Uncle Henry was giving him. But, as
he got older and comes back to visit this place, he realizes how important they have been in
making him grow up.”

THE CAST AND CHARACTERS
“As a story teller, a novelist, I don't think you can ever completely divorce yourself
from your main characters,” says Peter Mayle. “Bits of you creep in there, whether you like
it or not, whether it's intentional or not. Your characters are often reflections of what you
yourself feel, and Max is representative of a very strong feeling that I had when I was his
age, which is I wanted to basically get out of London and try something else. Of course, Max
does it in a rather more dramatic fashion than I did.”
“You live with these characters by yourself all the time in your own head,” Marc
Klein offers about the craft of screenwriting. “Then, you work with someone like Russell
Crowe, who's a genius. He came to me in between takes and gave me ideas about the
character. He inhabited his character in a way that's even deeper than I could have ever
hoped.”
While looking for a vehicle on which to re-team with Ridley Scott, Crowe remembers
chatting with the director during the production of ‘Gladiator’ about getting together again
for another film. “I enjoy working with Ridley because we have a really good rhythm

together. We talked about what the next project could be, knowing we wanted to do
something entirely different from ‘Gladiator.’ So, we decided to work together on a comedy.”
“I always thought that Russell would be perfect for the character of Max,” Scott adds.
“Russell is like Max. Russell carries a lot of the innocence in him and manages to keep that
innocence fresh, untrammeled somehow.”
Crowe found much to dig into when he took on the role. “Max has had a fortunate
childhood in that he had this wonderful bon vivant uncle who put all the information in him
that he needed in order to become a good bloke. But, he's taken his uncle's advice on
competition and edge and made it his life's mantra, to the point where competition isn't really
any fun for him anymore.
“One of the key things that Ridley said to me when we first talked was, ‘There's a
Provençal saying that you don't own the chateau; the chateau owns you,’” Crowe continues.
“That's one of the things we worked on. Max must travel to Provence in order to receive his
inheritance. From the time that he gets there, events conspire to keep him here. It's very
definitely a fish-out-of-water/coming-of-age adult comedy with humanity, which gives it
realism.”
While the film represented the second Crowe-Scott collaboration, it was the fourth
reteaming for the director and five-time Oscar-nominee Albert Finney. The stage-and-screen
legend essays the role of Uncle Henry, a character that existed in name only in Mayle’s
novel, but comes to life throughout the film.
Finney relates that he did not indulge in creating much backstory for the character,
but acknowledges that a long-ago, fateful trip Henry made to the U.S. West Coast – a visit
that is discussed but not depicted in the film – is an important part of the character’s history. Another AuMax’s inheritance of the property and his future at the chateau.
The actress, who did a videotaped audition for Scott only weeks before filming was to
begin, is well-known Down Under but less so outside of her native country. She has been
winning critical acclaim for several years for her work in such films as “The Monkey’s
Mask” and the sexual drama, “Somersault,” the only Australian film screened at the 2004
Cannes Film Festival, where the actress won a standing ovation.
“Christie is a twenty-one year old American girl from the Napa Valley in California,”
says Cornish, who hails from the Aussie wine region of the Hunter Valley near Sydney. “She
learns that she has a birth father and that he's alive and lives in France. So, she makes the
journey to his front door (which is when we meet Christie in the film). Unfortunately, she

finds out the bad news about Henry, but meets a cousin, Max, whom she never knew she had.
When Christie arrives on the doorstep, it throws something into the mix which changes Max.
He doesn't really believe this girl and of course, he's wary of her. Eventually, the two
characters find something in each other that they can both relate to.”
Also joining the starring cast is Marion Cotillard (“A Very Long Engagement”) as
Fanny Chenal, a Provençal beauty who owns the local café – and who catches Max’s eye. “I
liked the script’s spontaneity,” the Parisian beauty states. “I also appreciated Max’s journey
– how he comes to understand what he really needs is right there at the chateau and in
Provence.
“Fanny is the owner of a restaurant,” she continues. “She's a broken heart who
decided that life would be much easier, less painful, without love. She organized her life not
to be hurt again. Her café is called La Renaissance, which means ‘rebirth’. But, sometimes,
hopefully, life brings you what you need, even if you don’t know what that is. Even if Fanny
doesn't want to confess that she needs love, she definitely needs love. And she deserves it,
too.”
From his homeland, the director cast British character actor Tom Hollander (“Gosford
Park,” “Enigma,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”) in the role of Charlie
Willis, Max’s best friend, who guides Max on the possible sale of the property; Archie
Panjabi (“Bend It Like Beckham,” “East Is East,” “The Constant Gardener”) as Max’s
reliable London assistant, Gemma; and Freddie Highmore (“Finding Neverland,” “Charlie
and the Chocolate Factory”) as the young Max, seen in flashbacks with Uncle Henry at the
chateau.
“I'm the young Max, who’s based on the older Max, because they're the same
character,” Highmore offers. “I watched Russell work a bit and we talked about the character
and how each of us thought he was going to be. It just came from that. It was just great fun
from the moment I stepped onto the set to be with Ridley and Albert and Russell.”
Scott also populated his movie with other popular French performers. Didier
Bourdon portrays Francis Duflot, the longtime vintner who has tended to La Siroque’s vines
for three decades and who may know the true secrets of the vineyard’s potential. “Francis
Duflot is a winemaker. Vinyo, as we say in France,” Bourdon describes. “He has a long
history with Max. They knew each other when they were younger. Their relationship is
between friendship and mistrust. When Max returns to Henry’s home, after being away for
years, Duflot is wondering, worried that Max will sell the château.”

Duflot’s wary relationship with Max comes to a head during a tennis match between
the two, which becomes more like a war than a friendly game. “The tennis match scene came
about because Ridley is a great lover of the sport,” Crowe says. “He was bemoaning to me
over a glass of red wine that we didn't have any battle sequences in the movie. That got me
thinking. And we had the whole sequence set up by the tennis court, and a sequence playing
tennis in flashback. And so I made the suggestion that perhaps we find a way of getting these
two men to do battle on the clay court.”
Valeria Bruni Tedeschi (“Mon homme,” “Les gens normaux n’ont rien
d’exceptionnel”) plays Nathalie Auzet, the local notaire handling the legal papers on Max’s
behalf; veteran European character actor Jacques Herlin (Visconti’s “The Stranger,” Fellini’s
“Juliet of the Spirits”) plays the irascible Papa Duflot; and French comic actress Isabelle
Candelier (“André le magnifique,” “Versailles rive Gauche”) plays the vigneron’s wife and
chateau’s caretaker, Mme. Duflot. (Scott calls Candelier “the French Lucille Ball.”)

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
In describing the allure of Provence, author Peter Mayle notes the area has three
hundred days of sunshine a year, stunning scenery, remarkably unspoiled countryside, and
extraordinary light. “You don't find that light in many other places in the world. I like the
pace of life down here. It imposes a certain rhythm on you, which, when you get used to it, is
very pleasant. I feel at home here.”
“I loved waking up in Provence,” adds Russell Crowe, who lived there for two
months during production. “There's something extra special about this particular valley, the
Luberon. I think it's got to do with its fertility. The light there is very similar to Australia --
the blues, the pinks and the oranges in the sky. I felt very comfortable there.”
“I loved shooting in Provence…it’s just so beautiful!” adds Ridley Scott, who has
owned a vacation home and operated a vineyard there for fifteen years, but hadn’t filmed in
France since his debut feature, “The Duelists,” almost thirty years ago. “This shoot was one
of my most pleasant experiences.”
Provence itself dates back to 600 B.C., when Phocaean Greeks settled in Massalia,
now modern-day Marseilles on the Mediterranean coast, and the region’s most populous city.
Its history could also be depicted through the history of the wines introduced by these
Phocaeans over 2600 years ago. These ancient vines – the oldest in France – were later
developed by the Romans and, thereafter, in the Middle Ages, by monastic communities.

Comprised of 700 villages, Provence has several regional wine growing appellations
(covering an estimated 27,000 hectares, or 68,000 acres), all designated as A.O.C.
(appellation d’origine controlee), the governmental system established in the 1930s that
regulates production and distinguishes quality French wines from table wines. The region
boasts extraordinarily favorable growing conditions, or terroir, defined as a combination of
conditions in a vineyard site that comprise the vine's total environment and give its wines
what longtime wine writer Matt Kramer calls “somewhereness.”
The Mediterranean climate (year-round sunshine, perfect ventilation from a wind
dubbed "mistral" and good rainfall), combined with the terrain’s siliceous soil, favors red
grapes like Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre, much of which is used to
produce rosé, the region’s specialty of the estimated 140,000,000 bottles produced annually.
White grape varietals common to the terrain include Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Ugni Blanc
and Rolle.
Scott based the production in the sub-appellation called Cotes du Luberon (where his
own vineyard of eleven hectares is situated), an area whose vines extend over 7500 acres
from Cavaillon to Apt in north-central Provence, where 70% are red grape varietals. Most of
the vintners (some 80%, including Scott) grow grapes and sell them to cooperatives to
produce the local table wine (vin de pays) named for the appellation. However, Scott focused
his scouting efforts on several independent vineyards that bottle their own product.
“I looked at almost a dozen chateaux in the area between Roussillon and Bonnieux
before coming back to the first one we saw, La Canorgue,” the director states about the
location where his company of 125 craftsmen spent most of their nine-week shoot in the
Provençal region, which coincided with the vineyard’s prime harvesting season for the next
year’s vintage.
Scott chose La Canorgue due to its spectacular western view looking out over the
Luberon, and the magical dusk light that bathes the main house in the late afternoon. The film
company, under the watchful eye of veteran location supervisor Marco Giacalone (who
worked with director Scott on “Kingdom of Heaven”) and French location manager Thierry
Zemmour, took over the vineyard and chateau for much of the nine-week shooting schedule
in the South of France.
According to Nathalie Margan, who runs La Canorgue with her father, Jean-Pierre,
the Margans were hesitant when approached by the production, because the shoot coincided

with harvest time. “But, we knew the shoot would be an adventure,” Nathalie says, “so we
took on the challenges that came with it.”
Margan describes the experience of huge trucks, vast amounts of equipment and 125
cast and crew swarming all over her property as “initially strange, but ultimately thrilling. It
was great to participate. We were asked a few times to suggest how a real winemaker would
have done things or what the technical terms were for this or that. They made their movie
without disturbing us, and we made a good wine without disturbing them.”
“La Canorgue was interesting,” says production designer Sonja Klaus, noting the
production worked hard to restore the chateau for the shoot. “We re-landscaped the ground,
putting in statutory and ornamentation. Inside, the whole point was to have this slightly
dilapidated, lived-in, comfortable feeling – a feeling of shabby chic…cluttery, lived-in, and
homey. We wanted the place to feel as if one was staying with your favorite uncle or your
favorite aunt.”
Outside the house, among acres of vines, Klaus had a more daunting task, one she
never expected. “Ridley's words to me, when he first asked me to do it, were, ‘We're just
going to hang out in the South of France and throw a few props around,’” she says with a
laugh. “And I thought that sounded nice – until he added, ‘Oh, and by the way, there's a
tennis court. I think we might have to change the swimming pool, or build another
swimming pool for all the stunts.’
“There was this field at the back of the house, which was actually in a perfect spot for
a tennis court,” says Klaus. “The snag was that it wasn't big enough to put a tennis court on
it. So we actually cheated it, made the tennis court slightly smaller. But, when you watch it
on film you won't know that.”
Another key chateau shooting location was its empty pool, where Crowe got the
opportunity to flex both his comedic and physical muscles. “We have a running gag where
Max falls into the pool and then realizes he has fourteen-foot sheer walls, and he simply can't
get out,” says the actor. “The pool doesn't have any water in it, so he has no way of getting
out.”
Apart from the many weeks of filming at La Canorgue, Scott and his
cinematographer, Frenchman Philippe Le Sourd captured the area’s regal beauty in a series
of celluloid French postcard-like images of other quaint villages scattered throughout the
hills and valleys of the Luberon. Those included Gordes (four days at Cafe Renaissance,
dubbed Fanny’s Café in the film), Cucuron, Lacoste, Avignon and Menerbes (where author

Mayle used to reside, and whose former house is still a popular stop on guided tours that
frequent the village). The company also spent three days at another local vineyard, Chateau
Les Eydins, which doubled for the home of the story’s gruff vigneron, Duflot.
Following the two-month Provençal schedule, Scott relocated the crew to London for
the production’s final eight days of filming, at such recognized spots as Piccadilly Circus, the
architecturally-stunning Lloyds of London building in the city’s financial district, and the
trendy Knightsbridge area.
Like Mayle’s book, the film opens in the London financial world, and Scott liked “the
antithesis and juxtaposition of London and Provence. One place is as attractive as the other.
London’s a great place to live. Provence is a fantastic place to live. Is it better? No, it’s
different. For me, I live in Provence… because I live in London. So, I need one to have the
other.”
Adds Peter Mayle: “Knowing Ridley’s eye for landscape, color and composition, I’m
sure he’s made the Luberon look every bit as gorgeous as it is. I can’t wait to see the movie.”

ABOUT THE CAST
RUSSELL CROWE (Max Skinner) received three consecutive Best Actor Academy
Award® nominations for his performances in Michael Mann’s “The Insider” (1999), Ridley
Scott’s “Gladiator” (2000) and Ron Howard’s “A Beautiful Mind” (2001). He won the Best
Actor Oscar for his performance as Maximus, the Roman general-turned-gladiator, in
“Gladiator,” a role that also brought him Best Actor honors from several critics’
organizations, including the Broadcast Film Critics Association. In addition, he received
nominations for the Golden Globe®, the BAFTA Award and the Screen Actors Guild honor.
In Howard’s 2001 Best Picture Oscar winner, Crowe’s masterful portrayal of Nobel
Prize-winning John Forbes Nash, Jr. earned him his third Academy Award nomination in as
many years and garnered him Best Actor awards from the Hollywood Foreign Press,
Broadcast Film Critics Association, Screen Actors Guild and BAFTA, among other critics
groups.
Crowe received his first Academy Award nomination for his work in Mann’s non-
fiction drama “The Insider,” as tobacco company whistle-blower, Dr. Jeffrey Wigand. He
earned Best Actor Awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics, Broadcast Film Critics,
National Society of Film Critics and the National Board of Review, and nominations for a
Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA and a Screen Actors Guild Award™.

He followed this triple triumph with another commanding performance -- as Capt.
Jack Aubrey in Peter Weir’s epic adaptation of Patrick O’Brian’s novels, “Master and
Commander: The Far Side of the World.” The film collected ten Academy Award
nominations (including Best Picture), with Crowe earning nominations for the Golden Globe
and Broadcast Film Critics honors.
He reunited with director Ron Howard as Depression Era prizefighter James J.
Braddock in the highly-praised drama, “Cinderella Man,” an official entry in the Venice Film
Festival. For his critically-acclaimed performance, Crowe received nominations for best
actor from SAG and the Hollywood Foreign Press. He next reteams with director Scott on
the gritty Harlem-set drama, “American Gangster,” also starring Denzel Washington.
Crowe also earned kudos for his performance as sensitive but brutal vice cop Bud
White in Curtis Hanson’s period crime drama, “L.A. Confidential,” a film which was cited
with nine Academy Award nominations, including one for Best Picture. He later starred in
Jay Roach’s sports drama, “Mystery, Alaska,” and in Taylor Hackford’s action drama, “Proof
of Life.”
He made his American film debut in Sam Raimi’s 1995 western “The Quick and the
Dead,” opposite Gene Hackman, Sharon Stone and Leonardo DiCaprio. He next starred as
the cyber-villain Sid 6.7 in “Virtuosity” alongside Denzel Washington. Additional film
credits include “Heaven’s Burning,” “Breaking Up,” “Rough Magic,” “The Sum of Us,” “For
the Moment,” “Love in Limbo,” “The Silver Brumby” (based on the classic Australian
children’s novel), “The Efficiency Expert” and “Prisoners of the Sun.”
Born in New Zealand, Crowe was raised in Australia (his current residence) where he
has also been honored for his work on the screen. He was recognized for three consecutive
years by the Australian Film Institute (AFI), beginning in 1991, when he was nominated for
Best Actor for “The Crossing.” The following year, he won the Best Supporting Actor
Award for “Proof” and, in 1992, he received Best Actor Awards from the AFI and the
Australian Film Critics for his performance in the controversial “Romper Stomper.” In 1993,
the Seattle Film Festival named Crowe Best Actor for his work in both “Romper Stomper”
and “Hammers Over the Anvil.”

Five-time Academy Award nominee ALBERT FINNEY (Uncle Henry) is the
dynamic British stage and film actor whose career, now spanning a half century, is one of the
most accomplished in the annals of contemporary acting.

Though widely known and praised for inspired performances in such films as “Tom
Jones,” “Night Must Fall,” “Two for the Road,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Shoot the
Moon,” “The Dresser,” “Under the Volcano” and “Erin Brockovich,” Finney first achieved
acclaim for his work on the classical theatre stage.
After studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (accepted when he was just
17), the Salford, Lancashire, England, native joined the Birmingham Repertory Company and
made his London debut in the company's production of Shaw's “Caesar and Cleopatra” in
1956. During his two years with the BRC, he debuted in the West End opposite Charles
Laughton and Elsa Lanchester in “The Party,” then starred in the title roles of “Macbeth” and
“Othello” before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1959 for the centenary
anniversary season at Stratford-on-Avon.
There, he essayed such roles as Cassio in “Othello” (directed by Tony Richardson,
with Paul Robeson playing the title character), Lysander in “A Midsummer Night's Dream”
(again working with the legendary Laughton) and understudying another English stage
legend, Laurence Olivier, in “Coriolanus,” receiving critical acclaim when he briefly took
over the lead.
While he continued to triumph on the English stage (in such plays as “The Lily White
Boys” and, especially, “Billy Liar” with the Royal Court Theatre), movies beckoned, with
1960 becoming a watershed year for the acting talent. Finney played the small part of
Olivier's son, Mick Rice, in “The Entertainer” (reuniting with director Tony Richardson),
then won critical acclaim and enormous success as the brawling, nonconformist factory
worker, Arthur Seaton, in Karel Reisz’s milestone in British realist cinema, “Saturday Night
and Sunday Morning.” Only his second motion picture role, Finney’s performance earned
him two BAFTA nods (one as Best Actor, the other, winning as Most Promising Newcomer),
as well as the Best Actor prize from the National Board of Review.
That role led Richardson to cast the then 26-year-old as Henry Fielding’s rakish,
picaresque, bawdy “Tom Jones.” The 1963 film, which won four Oscars, including Best
Picture, and earned Finney his first of five Academy Award nominations, cemented his
international stardom. Additionally, he collected his third (of thirteen) BAFTA nomination,
the New York Film Critics honor and two Golden Globe® nods -- Best Actor/Comedy or
Musical, and Best Male Newcomer (which he won).
After the huge success of “Tom Jones,” Finney returned to films (after a sojourn back
on the stage) with Reisz’s 1964 drama, “Night Must Fall” (which the actor also produced),

followed by Stanley Donen’s classic 1967 romantic drama, “Two for the Road,” in which he
starred opposite the luminous Audrey Hepburn. That same year, Finney stepped behind the
camera for his directorial debut on “Charlie Bubbles,” which also marked the debut of actress
Liza Minnelli.
Over the ensuing years, Finney has commanded the motion picture screen in such
projects as Sidney Lumet’s “Murder on the Orient Express” (Oscar and BAFTA
nominations), Ridley Scott’s “The Duellists” (the first of four collaborations with Scott),
Ronald Neame’s “Scrooge” (BAFTA nomination), Alan Parker’s “Shoot the Moon” (BAFTA
and Golden Globe nominations), Stephen Frears’ “Gumshoe” (BAFTA nod) Peter Yates’
“The Dresser” (Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations, as well as the Silver Bear at
the Berlin Film Festival), John Huston’s musical “Annie” and his drama “Under the
Volcano” (Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, and the Los Angeles Film Critics Award),
Alan J. Pakula’s “Orphans” (a role he originated on the London stage), the Coen Bros.’
“Miller’s Crossing,” Mike Figgis’ “The Browning Version” (produced by Ridley Scott),
Yates’ “The Run in the Country,” Bruce Bereford’s “Rich in Love,” Steven Soderbergh’s
“Traffic” and “Erin Brockovich” (Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations) and Tim
Burton’s “Big Fish” (BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations). He recently reteamed with
Burton, providing the voice for one of the animated characters in his highly-anticipted
feature, “Corpse Bride,” and just completed work on Michael Apted’s 18th historical drama,
“Amazing Grace.”
No less accomplished on the small screen, Finney delivered award-winning
performances in such telefilms and miniseries as HBO’s “The Gathering Storm” (winning
BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for his portrayal of Sir Winston Churchill in the
feature produced by Ridley Scott), “A Rather English Marriage” (BAFTA nomination),
“Karaoke” and “Cold Lazarus” (combined BAFTA nomination for both 1996 Dennis Potter
telefilms), “The Green Man” (BAFTA nomination), “The Biko Inquest” (his second
directorial effort, for which he collected a CableACE nomination for his performance),
HBO’s “The Image” (his first Emmy nomination), and CBS-TV’s “Pope John Paul II,”
playing the title role.
In addition to producing the 1964 feature “Night Must Fall,” Finney also produced
(under his Memorial Enterprises Productions banner) “Charlie Bubbles,” Lindsay Anderson’s
“If...” and “O Lucky Man!” and Frears’ “Gumshoe.”

Even with his success on the big screen, Finney never abandoned his stage roots,
continuing his association with the National Theatre Company at the Old Vic in London,
where he performed in the mid-1960s in Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” and
Chekov’s “The Cherry Orchard.” He won Tony Award nominations for “Luther” (1964) and
“A Day in the Death of Joe Egg” (1968), and also starred onstage in “Armstrong’s Last
Goodnight,” “Love for Love,” Strindberg’s “Miss Julie,” “Black Comedy,” “The Country
Wife,” “Alpha Beta,” Beckett’s “Krapp’s Last Tape,” “Cromwell,” “Tamburlaine the Great,”
“Another Time” and, his last stage appearance in 1997, “Art,” which preceded the 1998 Tony
Award-winning Broadway run. He won Olivier Awards for “A Flea in Her Ear” and
“Orphans” and the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Osborne’s “Luther.”

MARION COTILLARD (Fanny) made her American movie debut as Josephine in
Tim Burton’s “Big Fish.”
Cotillard is well-known in her native France for her performances in Luc Besson’s
“Taxi” (reprising her role in the equally successful sequels, “Taxi 2” and “Taxi 3”), for which
she collected her first Cesar nomination. She is equally recognized for her work in director
Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s romantic drama “Un long dimanche de fiancailles” (“A Very Long
Engagement”), for which she won the Cesar in 2004 for Best Supporting Actress. She earned
her second Cesar nomination in 2001 for “Les Jolies choses” (“Pretty Things”), under the
direction of Gilles Pacquet-Brenner.
The daughter of working theatre actors (her mother runs acting workshops in Paris),
Cotillard started her career at age sixteen, making her film debut in “L’Histoire du garcon qui
voulait qu’on l’embrasse” (“The Story of a Boy Who Wanted to Be Kissed”). She played the
title role in the 2001 production, “Lisa,” and more recently starred in “Une Affaire Privee”
(“A Private Affair”), “Jeux d’enfants” (“Love Me If You Dare:), “Ma vie en l’air” (“Love Is
in the Air”), “Cavalcade” and “Sauf le respect que je vois dois.”
The busy actress also stars in the current and forthcoming releases “Edy,” “La Boîte
noire,” “Toi en moi,” “Fair Play” and Abel Ferrara’s “Mary,” which unspooled at the 2005
Venice Film Festival, walking off with the Special Jury Prize. She will next play Edith Piaf
in “La Vie en rose,” and also has coming out in 2006 the features “Le Concile de Pierre” and
“Dikkenek.”

Heralded as Australia’s next major acting talent, ABBIE CORNISH (Christie
Roberts) garnered critical-acclaim and the Australian Film Institute Award as Best Actress
for her star turn as a sexually-charged teenager in Cate Shortland’s 2004 coming-of-age
drama, “Somersault.”
For her breakthrough role as Heidi, the sexually tortured teen, Cornish also won the
Inside Film (IF) Award as Best Actress, the Australian Film Critics Circle prize and a Special
Jury Breakthrough Award at the 2004 Miami International Film Festival. “Somersault,” the
only Australian film screened at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival (where Cornish won a
standing ovation) elicited raves from The New York Times film critic A.O. Scott, who called
her “an actress whose delicate and ferocious performance combines classic movie-star
loveliness with serious dramatic ability.”
Cornish hails from Australia’s Hunter Valley, born in Newcastle, New South Wales,
in 1982. Growing up on her family’s farm, she began acting at fifteen after a modelling stint
led to her professional debut on the Australian Broadcasting Company’s series “Children’s
Hospital.” Soon thereafter, she landed a co-starring role on the ABC series “Wildside,” for
which she won her first AFI honor in 1999.
She earned a second AFI nomination in 2003 for her guest-starring role on the ABC
miniseries, “Marking Time.” Other roles include “The Monkey’s Mask” (2000), “Everything
Goes” (2004), “Horseplay” (2003), “One Perfect Day” (2004), and the upcoming feature,
“Candy,” in which she stars opposite fellow Aussies Heath Ledger and Oscar winner
Geoffrey Rush. She has a co-starring role in Shekhar Kapur’s “Elizabeth: The Golden Age.”

TOM HOLLANDER (Charlie Willis) has worked with such acclaimed international
filmmakers as Robert Altman (“Gosford Park”), Michael Apted (“Enigma”), Neil LaBute
(“Possession”), Terry George (“Some Mother’s Son,” his film debut), Richard Eyre (“Stage
Beauty”) and Gore Verbinski (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men’s Chest” and “Pirates of
the Caribbean: World’s End”). For his work as part of Altman’s ensemble cast in “Gosford
Park,” Hollander shared several critics awards, including those from the Broadcast Film
Critics Association, the Online Film Critics Association and the Screen Actors Guild.
He recently completed a role opposite Ralph Fiennes and Donald Sutherland in “Land
of the Blind” and was just nominated as Best Supporting Actor for a 2005 British
Independent Film Award for his performance opposite Johnny Depp, Samantha Morton and

John Malkovich in Laurence Dunmore’s “The Libertine.” He also recently reteamed with
actor Joseph Fiennes in Finn Taylor’s forthcoming release “The Darwin Awards.”
The Oxfordshire-born, Cambridge-educated actor collaborated with directors Joe
Wright (the current release of “Pride & Prejudice,” for which he won critical acclaim and a
‘breakout performance’ citation in The New York Times), Tom Hunsinger and Neil Hunter
(“The Lawless Heart”), Rose Troche (“Bedrooms and Hallways”) and Nick Hamm (“Martha,
Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence,” released in the U.S. as “The Very Thought of You”).
Hollander’s television work is equally accomplished, with roles in the recent
BBC/PBS Emmy-winning miniseries “The Lost Prince” (acclaimed as King George V
opposite Miranda Richardson’s Queen Mary), the adaptation of “The Life and Adventures of
Nicholas Nickelby” opposite Charles Dance, the prominent, BAFTA-nominated BBC drama
“Wives and Daughters” and a memorable guest stint as Saffie’s boyfriend Paolo on the long-
running BBC comedy “Absolutely Fabulous: The Last Shout.” For his work as Guy Burgess
in the BAFTA-nominated BBC feature “Cambridge Spies,” Hollander won the Best Actor
honor at the International Television Festival in Biarritz 2003.
While at Cambridge, he was a member of the university’s celebrated Cambridge
Footlights revue and was President of the Marlowe Society, where he became well-known for
his performance of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” directed by fellow classmate Sam Mendes. The
London stage veteran also starred in the groundbreaking Donmar Warehouse staging of “The
Threepenny Opera,” directed by Phillida Lloyd.
Onstage, he collaborated with Jonathan Kent in the title role of Moliere’s “Tartuffe”
(Best Actor, Time Out Awards, 1996), and the role of Edgar in Shakespeare’s “King Lear,”
and in Gogol’s stage classic, “The Government Inspector,” all at the Almeida. He also
starred for Oscar-nominee Stephen Daldry in “The Editing Process” and starred in the title
role of the original staging of Jez Butterworth’s Olivier Award-winning drama “Mojo” at
London’s Royal Court Theater. He first worked with theatre director Richard Eyre in his
1998 staging of David Hare’s “The Judas Kiss,” originating his role opposite Liam Neeson in
London’s West End before reprising his performance across the Atlantic on the Broadway
stage the same year. For his work on the English stage, Hollander has won four Ian
Charleson Awards, including one for his performance in "Way of the World" at the Lyric,
Hammersmith, in 1992. Most recently, he returned to the Donmar Warehouse to great
acclaim for his performance as Laurie in “The Hotel in Amsterdam.”

FREDDIE HIGHMORE (Young Max) recently co-starred in two high-profile
motion pictures: as Charlie Bucket in Tim Burton’s box-office hit, “Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory,” and opposite Oscar nominee Johnny Depp, in Marc Forster’s critically-
acclaimed Best Picture Academy Award nominated film, “Finding Neverland.”
For the latter, the young actor won the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award as
Best Young Actor, and collected several other award nominations for his work, including two
nods from the Screen Actors Guild (for Supporting Actor and Best Ensemble).
Highmore, a native of England, began his acting career at age six, playing Helena
Bonham Carter's son in “Women Talking Dirty.” He also appeared opposite Guy Pearce in
Jean-Jacques Annaud’s adventure film, “Two Brothers,” and alongside Kenneth Branagh in
“Five Children and It.”
Highmore has also appeared in a number of television productions in the U.K.,
including the BBC film “Happy Birthday Shakespeare” and ITV's miniseries “I Saw You,” as
well as “The Mists of Avalon” in the U.S. He is currently back on the big screen, filming
“Arthur and the Minimoys” for filmmaker Luc Besson in France. He will next star opposite
Robin Williams and Liv Tyler in “August Rush,” which will be produced by Jim Sheridan
and directed by his daughter Kirsten (screenwriter for her father’s 2003 Oscar-nominated
drama “In America”).

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
RIDLEY SCOTT (Director, Producer) earned consecutive Academy Award
nominations as Best Director for his stunning recreation of the deadly 1993 battle in
Mogadishu, Somalia, in “Black Hawk Down” (one of 2001’s biggest box-office hits) and for
the epic adventure “Gladiator,” his vivid and dramatic evocation of ancient Rome that won
five Oscars (out of twelve nominations), including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell
Crowe (as well as directing nominations for Scott from the DGA and BAFTA).
“Gladiator” also won both the Golden Globe and British Academy Awards as Best
Picture, and has earned over $800 million at the global box office. Both motion picture
triumphs further solidified his reputation as one of contemporary cinema’s most innovative,
influential and versatile visual stylists.
Scott was born in South Shields, Northumberland, England. Reared in London,
Cumbria, Wales and Germany, he returned to Northeast England to live in Stockton-on-Tees.
He studied at the West Hartlepool College of Art where he excelled in graphic design and

painting, two strengths that would later serve as his signatures on the movie screen. He also
studied at London’s Royal Academy of Art, where his contemporaries included the famous
artist David Hockney. During his studies there, Scott completed his first short film.
Graduating with honors, Scott was awarded a traveling scholarship to the United
States. During his year there, he was employed by Time Life, Inc., where he gained valuable
experience working with award-winning documentarians Richard Leacock and D.A.
Pennebaker. Upon his return to the U.K., he joined the BBC as a production designer and,
within a year, graduated to directing many of the network’s popular TV programs.
After three years, he left to form his own company, RSA, which soon became one of
the most successful commercial production houses in Europe (later adding offices in New
York and Los Angeles). Over the years, Scott has directed over three thousand commercials,
including the captivating spot for Chanel No. 5 entitled “Share the Fantasy” and the
memorable one for Apple Computers that aired but once, during the 1984 Super Bowl. His
work in the commercial arena has collected awards at the Venice and Cannes Film Festivals,
as well as being honored by the New York Art Directors’ Club. RSA still maintains a high
profile in the global marketplace and represents some of the most acclaimed directors in the
film and advertising arenas.
Scott made the leap from commercial production (“pocket versions of feature films”
he calls them) to movies with 1977’s “The Duellists,” the lustrous Napoleonic War saga that
brought him the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. His second film switched genres,
taking the filmmaker from the past into the frightening future with the groundbreaking sci-fi-
thriller, “Alien,” which walked off with an Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
He stayed in the future (and set the stage for future filmmakers) with his next feature,
“Blade Runner,” the landmark masterpiece starring Harrison Ford that is considered one of
the milestones of contemporary moviemaking. The film was nominated for two Academy
Awards -- art direction and visual effects. It was also added to the National Film Archives
(maintained by the U.S. Library of Congress), the “youngest” film to be so honored.
Scott followed this triumph later in the decade with three more films -- the big screen
fairy tale, “Legend,” starring Tom Cruise; the urban thriller, “Someone to Watch Over Me”
with Tom Berenger; and the cross-cultural gangster epic, “Black Rain,” starring Michael
Douglas and Andy Garcia.
In 1987, Scott formed Percy Main Productions to develop and produce feature films.
The first production, which he helmed, was “Thelma and Louise.” Starring Oscar-nominees

Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, the film collected five Academy Award nominations,
including Scott’s first as director (the film won the Best Original Screenplay prize and was
also nominated for two British Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director). He
followed with “1492: Conquest of Paradise,” his historical epic starring Gerard Depardieu as
Christopher Columbus, and “The Browning Version,” produced by Scott and starring Albert
Finney and Greta Scacchi.
In 1995, along with younger brother Tony (also a successful filmmaker), he formed
Scott Free productions, which produced “White Squall,” with Jeff Bridges, “G.I. Jane”
starring Demi Moore, and the blockbuster sequel, “Hannibal,” with Anthony Hopkins and
Julianne Moore (all three directed by Ridley Scott). Scott Free also produced “Clay Pigeons”
and “Where the Money Is,” a caper comedy starring Paul Newman.
Scott directed his own caper comedy, “Matchstick Men,” starring Nicolas Cage and
Sam Rockwell, and the epic story of the Crusades, “Kingdom of Heaven,” which toplined
Orlando Bloom and Jeremy Irons. He will once again step behind the cameras on the gritty
Harlem-set drama, “American Gangster,” reteaming with actor Crowe and collaborating with
Oscar-winner Denzel Washington for the first time.
Scott also recently executive produced Kevin Reynolds’ costume epic, “Tristan &
Isolde”; Curtis Hanson’s family drama “In Her Shoes”; and “The Assassination of Jesse
James by the Coward Robert Ford,” starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck.
The company also produced Showtime’s CableACE-winning anthology series “The
Hunger” (adapted from Tony Scott’s 1983 film) and the Emmy and Golden Globe award-
winning HBO telefilm, “RKO 281,” starring Liev Schreiber as Orson Welles in the
docudrama recreating the making of “Citizen Kane.” Scott Free also executive produced
“The Gathering Storm” for HBO, the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning telefilm (Best Made
for Television Movie) depicting the life of Winston Churchill that starred Emmy-winning
Best Actor Albert Finney and Emmy nominee Vanessa Redgrave. The company also
recently signed a two-year deal with CBS to develop up to three projects for the network, the
first of which is the acclaimed drama “Numb3rs.”
The film director was involved in the combining of the two preeminent European film
studios, Pinewood Studios and Shepperton Studios into a studio complex which houses forty-
two stages, backlots and locations as well as award-winning post-production and production
support services. Scott originally filmed “Alien” at this facility. Ridley together with his

brother Tony Scott were part of the consortium which purchased Shepperton Studios in 1995
which subsequently merged with Pinewood in 2001.
In recognition for his contributions to the arts, Scott was awarded knighthood in 2003
from the Order of the British Empire.

MARC KLEIN (Screenwriter) has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most
sought-after writer/directors following his work with three compelling, well-regarded, and
buzzworthy projects. Combining his ability to work with various genres and his innate sense
of both male and female characters, Klein has proven himself an undeniable filmmaking asset
on the rise.
Klein is currently editing his feature directorial debut, “The Girls’ Guide to Hunting
and Fishing,” which he also adapted for the screen. Melissa Banks’ international bestseller is
an endearing tale of a Manhattan book editor (Sarah Michelle Gellar) who changes her take
on the game of romance after she lures the attention of an influential older man (Alec
Baldwin). The film is scheduled for release in 2007.
Klein is also writing the screenplay for “Golden Gate,” based on his original pitch.
Produced by Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner, the Paramount Pictures romance is scheduled to
begin production next year with Cruise attached to star.
Klein made his first impression on audiences worldwide with the acclaimed Miramax
release “Serendipity.” Directed by Peter Chelsom (“Shall We Dance”), the film stars John
Cusack and Kate Beckinsale in an enchanting tale of a long-distance love that stands the test
of time and happenstance. “Serendipity” garnered positive notices for Klein’s richly drawn
romantic characterizations and a narrative economy which branded the film’s time-lapsing
effect.
Prior to his debut as a screenwriter, Klein earned his first stripes in the romantic
comedy genre working for director Jon Turteltaub, whose film “While You Were Sleeping”
charmed audiences worldwide and launched Sandra Bullock to international acclaim. Klein
graduated from New York University Film School, where he honed his skills for
screenwriting while studying film icons such as Woody Allen, Peter Sellers, and John Sayles.
His first sold script, “Love, Jenny,” was purchased by Overbrook Entertainment (“Hitch”) as
a staring vehicle for Will Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Klein also co-wrote the
script “Instant Message,” currently in development at Village Roadshow/Warner Bros. for
director Jay Roach (“Meet the Parents”).

PETER MAYLE (Author) spent fifteen years in the advertising business, first as a
copywriter and then as a creative executive (for such agency giants as David Ogilvy and
George Lois) in New York and London, before relocating to the South of France to write
educational books for children. His first book, Where Did I Come From (1973), a simple
volume about the ‘facts of life’, has sold over 2,000,000 copies to-date.
A brief return to London precipitated his final relocation to Provence in 1988, where
he still resides with his wife and three dogs. With the intention of writing a thriller, the
author became enchanted with his new surroundings and, in 1990, published the
autobiographical memoir A Year in Provence, which became an international bestseller
(spending three years on the New York Times list) and won the British Book Awards ‘Best
Travel Book of the Year’ honor. In 1993, the book (which has sold over 5,000,000 copies)
was adapted into a successful British TV miniseries starring John Shaw and Lindsay Duncan.
Since then, Mayle has written twelve more books (both fiction and non-fiction),
including Toujours Provence (1991), Hotel Pastis (1993), A Dog's Life (1995), Anything
Considered (1996), Chasing Cezanne (1997), Acquired Tastes (1992), Encore Provence
(1999), French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork and Corkscrew (2001) and Confessions
of a French Baker, (2005). His latest (already available in France) is entitled Provence A-Z,
which hits bookstores Stateside in the Fall.
In addition to his books, which have been translated into more than twenty-five
languages, Mayle, a native of Brighton, East Sussex, England, has contributed to the Sunday
Times, Financial Times, Independent, GQ and Esquire. In 2002, he was made a Chevalier of
the Legion d’Honneur for services to the French-speaking world.

BRANKO LUSTIG (Executive Producer) reteams with filmmaker Ridley Scott for
their fifth project together after serving as executive producer on Scott’s recent release,
“Kingdom of Heaven,” as well as his Oscar-winning (Best Editing and Sound) war drama,
“Black Hawk Down” and “Hannibal.” The pair first collaborated on Scott’s 2000 Best
Picture Academy Award winner, “Gladiator,” for which Lustig captured his second Oscar
statuette, second British Academy Award (BAFTA) and second Golden Globe prize. He
won his first Academy Award (as well as a Golden Globe and BAFTA honors) for his work
as a producer on Steven Spielberg’s epic 1993 Holocaust drama, “Schindler’s List.”

Born in Osijek, Croatia, Lustig survived two years in Nazi concentration camps at
Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. Following the war, he began his career as an assistant
director at Jadran Films, Croatia’s largest film and television studio. He later worked as the
European production manager on two Oscar-nominated titles -- Alan Pakula’s "Sophie’s
Choice" and Norman Jewison’s "Fiddler on the Roof."
Lustig went on to serve as assistant director on Volker Schlondorff’s film adaptation
of Gunter Grass’ novel “The Tin Drum” and as assistant director, associate producer and
European production manager for Dan Curtis’ miniseries “Winds of War” and its sequel,
“War and Remembrance” (winning the Directors Guild of America Award for the latter). He
was also a producer and assistant director on the Emmy-winning telefilm “Drug Wars: The
Camarena Story,” the sci-fi thriller “Deadlock” and also produced two other miniseries --
“The Great Escape: The Final Chapter” and “The Intruders.”
In addition to his longtime affiliation with Ridley Scott, Lustig has also produced
Mimi Leder’s 1997 actioner, “The Peacemaker,” starring George Clooney and Nicole
Kidman.

JULIE PAYNE (Executive Producer) began her association with Ridley Scott as his
assistant on “1492: Conquest of Paradise,” and she continued in that capacity on “White
Squall,” “G.I. Jane” and “Gladiator.”
In 2001, Payne was appointed Managing Director of Scott Free Films London, where
she is currently developing the projects, “Emma’s War, based on the book by Deborah
Scroggins, with Tony Scott attached to direct; “Elegance,” based on a book by Kathleen
Tessaro; and “Potsdamer Platz, written by Louis Mellis and David Scinto.
For Scott Free/BBC and HBO, Payne was executive producer on “The Gathering
Storm,” starring Albert Finney and Vanessa Redgrave. The film was nominated for a Golden
Globe award and an Emmy. Payne is currently working with BBC/HBO on a sequel, entitled
“Walking with Destiny,” written by Hugh Whitemore.

LISA ELLZEY (Executive Producer) is an Executive Vice President of Production
at Twentieth Century Fox. She joined the studio in the fall of 2005.
Ellzey is the executive producer of the upcoming “The Assassination of Jesse James
by the Coward Robert Ford” (2007), starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck, directed by
Andrew Dominick.

Before joining Fox, she was the President of Scott Free Entertainment, the company
owned by Ridley Scott and Tony Scott. She produced “In Her Shoes” (2005), directed by
Curtis Hanson, and starring Cameron Diaz, Shirley MacLaine, and Toni Collette. Ellzey also
produced “Tristan and Isolde” (2006), starring James Franco and Sophia Myles, with Kevin
Reynolds directing. Ellzey was the executive producer of Ridley Scott’s “Kingdom of
Heaven” (2005), starring Orlando Bloom, Liam Neeson, Ed Norton, and Jeremy Irons.
Ellzey was also the executive producer of Tony Scott’s “Domino” (2005), starring Keira
Knightly, Mickey Rourke and Christopher Walken.
Also while at Scott Free, Ellzey was the co-executive producer of “The Gathering
Storm” (2002) for HBO. The film portrayed the life of Winston Churchill and starred Albert
Finney and Vanessa Redgrave. Nominated for nine Emmy awards, the film received three:
along with Albert Finney (Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie), and Hugh Whitemore
(Writing for a Miniseries or Movie), Ellzey took home a statue for the Best Made for
Television Movie. In addition, the film received two Golden Globes Awards, including Best
Miniseries or Motion Picture, as well as three BAFTA Awards.
In 2002, Ellzey co-executive produced the reality television show “AFP: American
Fighter Pilot” for CBS.
Before joining Scott Free, Ellzey was President of Sonnenfeld/Josephson where she
was associate producer of “The Crew” starring Burt Reynolds and Richard Dreyfuss. Prior to
that, she was Vice President of Doug Wick’s Red Wagon Productions.
Ellzey began her career by producing a low budget independent film entitled “The
Poison Tasters” starring French Stewart, which premiered at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival.
Between shooting the film and its festival screening, she spent three years at Creative Artists
Agency as an assistant in the Motion Pictures Literary department.

PHILIPPE LE SOURD (Director of Photography) is well-known in European film
circles for his cinematography on feature films, music videos and commercials.
Le Sourd first worked with director Ridley Scott on a recent TV spot for Prada (co-
directed by Scott’s daughter, Jordan). He followed with another spot for Jordan Scott, this
time for Renault. He has also guided the camera work on commercials for such clients as
Nike, Nissan, Christian Dior, Mercedes, Target, Lancôme, Disneyland, Infinity, Lexus and
Smirnoff, among many others.

In the music video arena, Le Sourd has collaborated with such renowned musical
artists as George Michael, Isaac Hayes, Alanis Morissette, Florent Pagny, Scratch Machine
and others. His directorial collaborations here include Les Freres Poiraud and Jake Scott
(Ridley’s son).
For the motion picture screen, Le Sourd directed the photography for the French
features “Cantique de la racaille” (1998, directed by Vincent Ravalec), “Peut-Être” (1999)
and “Atomik Circus: Le retour de James Bataille” (2004, reuniting with Les Freres Poiraud).
He also worked with Ravalec on two short films: “Conséquences de la réalité des morts”
(1996) and “La Merveilleuse odyssée de l'idiot Toboggan” (2002).
The Paris native broke into the business after a chance encounter with Oscar-
nominated cinematographer Darius Khondji, whom he met while a university student. He
began as a camera loader for Khondji on “Delicatessen” (directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet &
Mark Caro) before becoming his focus puller on such features as “Stealing Beauty” (directed
by Bernardo Bertolucci), “Le Cite des enfants perdus” (reuniting with directors Jeunet and
Caro), “Marie-Louise et la Permission,” “L’ombre du Doute,” “Prague” and “Before the
Rain.”

SONJA KLAUS (Production Designer) reunites with director Ridley Scott after
working as a set decorator on his most recent release, “Kingdom of Heaven,” and his 2000
Oscar-winning Best Picture, “Gladiator.” Klaus was one of four set decorators on the film,
and was part of the team nominated for the Academy Award for Best Art Direction/Set
Decoration on the film. She also shared the art direction award from the National Board of
Review for her work on Scott’s Roman epic.
Klaus, now based in London, is a native of Los Angeles who relocated to England as
a young girl. Her first career choice was not in the arts, but science, as a marine biologist.
She abandoned the idea after attending the Dartington College of Art in Devon, studying Art
& Design. Still undecided about her career, she worked for a year with the resident costume
and theatre designers at the school before earning her B.A. Honours Degree in Theatre
Design at Wimbledon College of Art.
She began working professionally in London’s West End theatre world. After four
years (during which time she designed small theatrical productions), she moved into the TV
arena as an art director, working on a children's TV program. She eventually moved into
commercials (over two dozen), music videos (over forty) and television dramas before

seguing into motion pictures with her first production design credit, “Soft Top, Hard
Shoulder” in 1992.
In addition to her collaborations with director Scott, Klaus has also earned set
decorator credits on such features as “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider -
- The Cradle of Life,” “Dog Soldiers,” “The Calling,” “Five Children and It” (which starred
Freddie Highmore), “Prince Valiant,” “My Giant” and “The Commissioner.” For television,
Klaus served as a set decorator (for production designer Roger Hall) on the 1997 miniseries
“The Odyssey,” the 1999 telefilm “Alice in Wonderland” and the 1998 NBC miniseries,
“Merlin,” on which she was part of Hall’s Emmy-nominated design team. Most recently, she
served as the U.K. set decorator on the French production, “San Antonio.”
Her production design (art director) credits in the U.K. also include the 1994 TV
series, “The Pirates,” the 1989 series “Streetwise,” the miniseries “Eye of the Storm,” and the
features “Feast of July” and “Mad Dogs and Englishmen.”

DODY DORN, A.C.E. (Film Editor) reunites with director Ridley Scott after serving
in the same capacity on his last two projects –“Kingdom of Heaven” and “Matchstick Men.”
Dorn collected an Oscar nomination for Christopher Nolan’s debut feature,
“Memento” (also earning nominations for an AFI Film Award and an A.C.E. ‘Eddie’ Award
for her editing). In the same year, Dorn received Emmy and A.C.E. ‘Eddie’ Award
nominations for her work on the acclaimed ABC miniseries, “Life With Judy Garland: Me
and My Shadows,” starring Judy Davis.
Prior to her breakout year in 2000, her work was also on display in two films at the
1999 Sundance Film Festival’s Dramatic Competition -- “Treasure Island” and “Guinevere,”
starring Stephen Rae and Sarah Polley, marking the feature directorial debut of screenwriter
Audrey Wells (“The Truth About Cats and Dogs.”) Dorn’s diverse career also includes
“Sick: The Life and Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist,” a documentary by Kirby Dick
which was honored with a Special Jury Prize at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival and with
the Best Film prize at that year’s L.A. Independent Film Festival.
Other films include “I Woke Up Early the Day I Died,” the off-beat feature film
starring Billy Zane based on an Ed Wood script written in 1974; Britta Sjogren’s poetic short
“A Small Domain,” winner of the 1996 Sundance Film Festival’s Grand Jury prize for Best
Short; actress Julie Delpy’s directorial debut short, “Blah Blah Blah”; “Murderous
Decisions,” the interactive movie for European Television; “Tuesday Morning Ride,” the

Chanticleer Discovery Program film that received a 1996 Academy Award nomination as
Best Short; and Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s screen adaptation of the classic Samuel Beckett
play, “Waiting for Godot.” Dorn also collaborated again with filmmaker Nolan on his 2002
thriller, “Insomnia.”
A native of Santa Monica, California, Dorn graduated from Hollywood High School
and began her career as a production assistant on John Carpenter’s TV biopic, “Elvis.” She
moved into sound editing in 1982, working on such Hollywood classics as “Silverado,” “The
Big Chill,” “Mrs. Soffel,” “Racing with the Moon,” “The Big Easy” and “Children of a
Lesser God.”
A long term collaboration with Alan Rudolph includes work as a Supervising Sound
Editor on “The Moderns,” “Choose Me,” “Trouble in Mind,” and “Made in Heaven.” Other
sound supervisor credits include “The Big Picture,” “State of Grace” and “Powwow
Highway.” Dorn also started her own sound company, Sonic Kitchen, and, in 1990, won a
Golden Reel Award for Best Sound on James Cameron’s sci-fi epic, “The Abyss.”

MARC STREITENFELD (Music) has collaborated with director Ridley Scott on
five of the award-winning filmmaker’s previous projects, including “Gladiator “ (technical
score advisor on the Oscar-nominated soundtrack), “Matchstick Men” and “Kingdom of
Heaven” (music supervisor), and “Hannibal” and “Black Hawk Down” (music editor). This
film represents his first as sole composer.
Streitenfeld is also a protege of Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer, working with
the prolific music artist on two dozen projects as both music supervisor and music editor. In
addition to his collaborations with Zimmer on director Scott’s film works, he has worked (in
various capacities) with Zimmer on such titles as “Crimson Tide” and “The Fan” (both
directed by the other filmmaking Scott, Tony), “The Rock,” “The Peacemaker,” “The Last
Samurai,” “The Pledge,” “Mission: Impossible II,” “Beyond Rangoon,” “The Thin Red
Line,” “As Good As It Gets,” “The Preacher’s Wife” and “The Prince of Egypt” (the latter
four Oscar-nominated original scores).
Streitenfeld was born in Munich. The self-taught musician began studying music as a
young boy, playing classical guitar, which led to his versatility on numerous instruments. He
relocated to Los Angeles at the young age of nineteen, first working with Zimmer as his
assistant, then as a freelance music editor and supervisor since 2001.

©2006 Twentieth Century Fox. All rights reserved.

ALL PHOTOS 2006 Van Redin/New Line Productions
New Line Cinema and Walden Media present How to Eat Fried Worms, a feature film adaptation of Thomas Rockwell’s hugely popular young adult book, which
has been a perennial seller since its publication in 1973, amassing nearly 3 million copies sold worldwide. Rockwell has penned numerous books for young readers and has received The Mark Twain Award, the California Young Reader Medal, and the Sequoyah Award for How to Eat Fried Worms.
How to Eat Fried Worms tells the story of Billy (Luke Benward), an eleven-year-old who inadvertently challenges the town bully, Joe Guire (Adam Hicks), on his first day at a new school. To save face and earn the respect of his new classmates, Billy agrees to a bet that will determine his fate at the school - whether or not he can eat ten worms in one day. As the pressure mounts, he must summon heroic strength to keep his five-year-old brother from blabbing, his weak stomach from betraying him, and his big mouth from getting him into more trouble than he’s already in.
tells the story of Billy (Luke Benward), an eleven-year-old who inadvertently challenges the town bully, Joe Guire (Adam Hicks), on his first day at a new school. To save face and earn the respect of his new classmates, Billy agrees to a bet that will determine his fate at the school - whether or not he can eat ten worms in one day. As the pressure mounts, he must summon heroic strength to keep his five-year-old brother from blabbing, his weak stomach from betraying him, and his big mouth from getting him into more trouble than he’s already in.
Mitch Forrester (Tom Cavanagh) and his wife Helen (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) have packed their boys into the family station wagon and are heading to a new town with a new job for Mitch and a new elementary school for Billy. It seems to Billy that everybody else, including his little brother Woody (Ty Panitz), easily adapts to the new surroundings.
Billy’s fears are realized in his first moments at the new school when the old adage ‘everybody picks on the new kid’ appears to be true. Everybody except the tall, lanky girl named Erika Tanzy (Hallie Kate Eisenberg) whose kindness simultaneously inspires gratefulness and humiliation in Billy. When the school bully Joe and his band of 5^th grade followers put worms in Billy’s lunch, Billy surprises them all when he stands up to and embarrasses Joe. This leads the two to make a bet: on Saturday Billy must eat 10 worms by 7PM.
Meanwhile, at his work, Mitch is struggling with his own issues about fitting in and first impressions that lead him to take on a certain challenge of his own. When his parents leave Woody in his care, Billy presses Erika into service to help keep an eye on Woody…and to lend him some moral support in his gastronomic challenge.
Joe’s gang makes each worm more delightfully revolting than the last, beginning with La Big Porker, which is fried in pig fat. This odyssey through worm cuisine takes the boys all over town as they try to force Billy to throw up by dubbing each specimen increasingly disgusting names like The Burning Fireball, The Greasy Brown Toad Bloater Special, and The Barfmallow. When the adventure finally ends up down by the river for worms such as The Green Slusher and Radioactive Slime Delight, all of the kids learn the true meaning of friendship and bravery, as well as the difficulties and importance of doing the right thing.
How to Eat Fried Worms is a New Line Cinema and Walden Media presentation of A Mark Johnson Production, directed by Bob Dolman (The Banger Sisters). The screenplay is by Dolman, based on the novel How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell. The producers are Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer. The movie stars Luke Benward, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Adam Hicks, with Kimberly Williams-Paisley , and Tom Cavanagh. The talented cast also includes Austin Rogers, Alexander Gould, Ryan Malgarini, Philip Daniel Bolden, Clint Howard, Ty Panitz, and James Rebhorn.
is a New Line Cinema and Walden Media presentation of A Mark Johnson Production, directed by Bob Dolman (). The screenplay is by Dolman, based on the novel by Thomas Rockwell. The producers are Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer. The movie stars Luke Benward, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Adam Hicks, with Kimberly Williams-Paisley , and Tom Cavanagh. The talented cast also includes Austin Rogers, Alexander Gould, Ryan Malgarini, Philip Daniel Bolden, Clint Howard, Ty Panitz, and James Rebhorn.
The creative team includes director of photography Richard Rutkowski, production designer Caty Maxey, costume designer Kathleen Kiatta, composers Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh and editor Janice Hampton, A.C.E.
How to Eat Fried Worms marks a continuing collaboration between New Line Cinema and Walden Media, as well as the re-teaming of Walden Media with producers Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer. Both were producers on the worldwide hit The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
marks a continuing collaboration between New Line Cinema and Walden Media, as well as the re-teaming of Walden Media with producers Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer. Both were producers on the worldwide hit .
How to Eat Fried Worms filmed in 2005 in multiple locations in and around Austin, Texas, including the Travis Heights neighborhood and Stacy Park, Zilker Elementary School, Onion Creek Country Club, the Blue Hole swimming hole and Austin Studios.
filmed in 2005 in multiple locations in and around Austin, Texas, including the Travis Heights neighborhood and Stacy Park, Zilker Elementary School, Onion Creek Country Club, the Blue Hole swimming hole and Austin Studios.
New Line Cinema will release How to Eat Fried Worms (rated “PG” by the M.P.A.A. for “mild bullying and some crude humor”) in theaters nationwide on August 25^th, 2006.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Director Bob Dolman first became aware of the classic young adult novel How to Eat Fried Worms when he was approached as a writer to draft a revised screenplay. Since his sons were in their early teen years at the time, he had been drawn to doing a project for children and took on the task. “It seemed like a book that they would want to see as a movie,” explains Dolman. Little did he know at the time that he would be directing the film when his sons were grown.
“When I read the book, I saw all sorts of possibilities in it for a movie,” remembers Dolman. “The book tells a small story about a group of boys who make a bet and the main character, Billy, ends up eating worms over several days. It felt like a movie that would be fun to write, since really the joy of the book is watching them cook and eat the worms in different ways.”
“However, I felt the story needed to be bigger to work as a movie. So I began to think about how to invent situations and characters that could turn the story into a movie,” explains Dolman. “One of the first things that I brought to it was to up the stakes, so to speak, by making the bet take place all in one day. In the book, Billy eats the worms over a 15 day period and that didn't seem to be compelling enough, so I condensed it into eating all 10 worms in one day to give the proceedings some urgency.”
“I wanted the movie to be more sophisticated and be a story for boys and girls of all ages, not just a story for little boys,” adds Dolman. “Another big difference is there just weren't as many characters in the book. I made Joe a bully to increase the conflict in the story and added Erika, the only girl, who is the conscience of the movie. tells the story of Billy (Luke Benward), an eleven-year-old who inadvertently challenges the town bully, Joe Guire (Adam Hicks), on his first day at a new school. To save face and earn the respect of his new classmates, Billy agrees to a bet that will determine his fate at the school - whether or not he can eat ten worms in one day. As the pressure mounts, he must summon heroic strength to keep his five-year-old brother from blabbing, his weak stomach from betraying him, and his big mouth from getting him into more trouble than he’s already in.is a New Line Cinema and Walden Media presentation of A Mark Johnson Production, directed by Bob Dolman (). The screenplay is by Dolman, based on the novel by Thomas Rockwell. The producers are Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer. The movie stars Luke Benward, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Adam Hicks, with Kimberly Williams-Paisley , and Tom Cavanagh. The talented cast also includes Austin Rogers, Alexander Gould, Ryan Malgarini, Philip Daniel Bolden, Clint Howard, Ty Panitz, and James Rebhorn.marks a continuing collaboration between New Line Cinema and Walden Media, as well as the re-teaming of Walden Media with producers Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer. Both were producers on the worldwide hit . filmed in 2005 in multiple locations in and around Austin, Texas, including the Travis Heights neighborhood and Stacy Park, Zilker Elementary School, Onion Creek Country Club, the Blue Hole swimming hole and Austin Studios. “I wanted the movie to be more sophisticated and be a story for boys and girls of all ages, not just a story for little boys,” adds Dolman. “Another big difference is there just weren't as many characters in the book. I made Joe a bully to increase the conflict in the story and added Erika, the only girl, who is the conscience of the movie. The little brother, Woody, is also an invention. In fact all of the friends were quite different than the ones in the book. I felt like the characters needed to be broader and bigger and a little more adventurous and there had to be a bigger pack of them.”

The project went through multiple drafts and lay dormant for many years while Dolman went on to write other projects and eventually direct his first movie – The Banger Sisters – on which he worked with producer Mark Johnson. “We had a really positive experience together and when that project was winding up, I asked Bob what he wanted to do next…and he told me about this book, How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell,” remembers Johnson.

“I had never read it and all of my friends said ‘you'll love this book,’ ‘my son is reading it,’ ‘it was really important to me growing up,’ ‘that's so much fun,’ and so on. So, I read it and loved the spirit of it and the message of it,” explains Johnson. “It’s really a wonderful tale of youthful energy and has a whole sense about being who you are. All of the messages were right, but it was in a package that is a lot of fun.”

“It’s a timeless tale of growing up that uses a very gross and interesting device, the worms, to make its point,” adds producer Philip Steuer. “Ultimately, I think it’s about a bully and a new kid coming to town and what that kid has to go through to be accepted. That’s kind of what everybody may have felt at a certain time in their life. The fact that these little creepy, crawly things help sell that point and help these kids get past their insecurities, is really pretty interesting.”

Johnson and Dolman began working together towards making the film and Dolman found new inspiration to expand on the tale. “I was also drawn to the story because it felt like a war story in which there weren’t really any of the dangers of war,” says Dolman. “But there are all the emotions that go with being in a battle: fear, doubt, wondering if you’re going to survive, questions of integrity, fighting fairly and standing up for what you believe in. Also, behind the dare is Billy’s own bravado. He comes to discover that he’s really got to rise to the occasion and back up his own beliefs with actions.”

The story weaves multiple themes, including acceptance, forgiveness, friendship, and not judging by first impressions, into a tale involving the culinary delights of earthworms. But for Dolman, courage and joy are the ideas that stand out above the others.

The director chose to amplify the theme of courage in the movie. “This boy comes to school and he gets involved with these other boys on a bet and in order to follow through on it, he has to be brave,” explains Dolman. “Behind any bet, there is a question of whether or not you can meet the challenge, so that does suggest an act of courage.”

“I know it may seem far fetched that anybody would eat worms. But Billy makes a bet and it takes a lot of courage just to follow through on what you said you were going to do and to stand up to people under scary circumstances. His first impulse is to run away, but his next impulse is to stay and face it.”

“Secondly, what emerged from the performances of the cast is something that I’m even more excited about, and that is the idea that laughter and joy and fun can overpower mean-spiritedness, crabbiness, and even cruelty,” adds Dolman. “I think the natural state of children is one of happiness, friendliness, love, getting along…and when it is oppressed, things go haywire. When it is allowed to be free and flourish, it runs it’s own wonderful course. And that’s what the story is about. It’s a very forgiving story.”

“YOU NEED HOW MANY KIDS?”

“The most important thing was getting the cast right,” says producer Mark Johnson. “This isn’t a movie with elaborate special effects or huge sets…it's really about the spirit of the book being in these kids. The most painstaking work we had to do was finding the right kids. We interviewed thousands before we came up with our core gang. What I'm particularly proud of is each kid is his or her own idiosyncratic self and, as charismatic as they are, they are not Hollywood kids. They are very real.”

“We weren't looking for performers,” agrees director Bob Dolman. “I was more interested in the natural spirit of the kids. Sometimes we selected kids with next to no acting experience because just they had that quality of being natural and real and funny and sincere.”

The search for young actors extended nationwide and the production opened casting offices in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas. “They came from all over the United States. Videotapes were sent in from everywhere. We had a really limited time to cast; ten weeks to find all eleven main kids,” adds producer Philip Steuer. “It was a very truncated process.”

“The personalities of the kids needed to play off one another. We saw some kids who we liked very much and thought ‘this kid is a terrific actor, but he's not right for this role, let's put him over to this part.’ The whole cast didn't click in until we had all of the elements. It was almost like a jigsaw puzzle to say this guy works here and this kid works there. You can't just say this is the best kid for the part. You ask if this the best kid for the part, in connection with this other kid who is going to play against him, and this other kid is going to be his best friend. It was a fun movie to cast because you did no one part in isolation,” explains Johnson.

“There was a frustrating time when we weren’t finding Billy and we were really stuck, because you couldn’t cast anyone else - the dad, the mom, the little brother, the other boys - until you had Billy,” adds Steuer.

“Casting took us a long time because we cast everything around Billy,” agrees Dolman. “We had about 30 young actors who were contenders to play the parts of the other boys. It’s like pulling together a team and making sure that you have your pitcher first. When we found Luke Benward to play Billy, then the rest of the casting happened rather quickly.”

The filmmakers ended up casting kids from California, Nevada, Tennessee, New Jersey, Texas, Oklahoma and Florida to complete the puzzle. “Because of the interlocking nature of the cast, one of the funny things our casting director Stephanie Corsalini said to Bob Dolman was ‘you’ll look back on this and you’ll say to yourself ‘I couldn’t have done this movie with any other cast,’” adds Steuer.

“The part of Billy the protagonist was probably the toughest one because we required so much of that boy, we need to see him at his lows and at his highs. We have got to see a boy who is, through a great deal of the movie, in a panic because he's made a bet that he knows in his heart he can't possibly win,” explains Johnson.

“Choosing Billy was difficult,” agrees Bob Dolman. “I was not only looking for someone who could act the part, but someone who had the energy to carry the part. I don't know of any other movie where the lead child actor is in almost every single scene. That's just exhausting, hard work for any actor. In addition, we shot in Austin, Texas in summer weather that was hot - 90 degrees plus, and humid - without exception every day. So sheer stamina was important. We were all looking for a kid who could carry that and have the energy and enthusiasm to go through it, who also had some acting experience.”

Tennessee-native Luke Benward was chosen to star as Billy, the new kid in the 5^th grade overwhelmed by every aspect of his new life.

“My mom and I tape all my auditions in our kitchen and send them in. With this movie, we were running late and were rushing to get the tape to FedEx. We had thirty minutes until their last deadline of the night, and the place was a thirty-minute drive from our house. And the tape had to be in LA the next day in order for me to be considered,” explains Benward.

“We were racing to FedEx and everything was trying hard to stop us,” laughs Benward. “There was traffic, there was a train changing cars, we got lost. We finally got there 20 minutes late and they wouldn't let us in. The lady who worked there felt sorry for my mom, who was just about in tears. So she gave my mom all of the packaging through the door and mom laid it all out on the sidewalk. My mom was like, ‘Thank you so much.’ The FedEx lady said, ‘Don't worry, we will get it there.’ It got there the next morning and they ended up flying us to Los Angeles for a meeting with the director.”

Benward and his mom returned home to Franklin, Tennessee and after additional rounds of taped auditions, they waited and waited for news.

“I was at a friend’s house for a sleepover and my parents came over to surprise me. I came downstairs and saw my mom and dad sitting on the couch, and I was afraid they were going to make me come home and sleep in my own bed. My dad gave me a Texas Longhorns hat. I didn’t know what it was at first. He explained it's the team from Austin, Texas…and that's where I’d be shooting my next movie! Oh, yeah! It was a really awesome moment,” remembers Benward.

The Benwards didn’t forget those who helped Luke get the part. The next day, they arrived at the courier’s office with a bouquet of flowers from their garden for one very surprised FedEx employee.

An actress and acting coach by profession, Kenda Benward served as her son’s acting coach during production. “Billy is an awesome role for any actor, adult or child, to play because he has a range of emotions that he plays at any given time,” explains Kenda Benward. “He is not just playing one objective. It’s a story about a struggle of trying to find your place and confronting your fears. As Billy, Luke has to play someone who was popular, and now that he is in a new place, is intimidated easily.”

Six-year old Ty Panitz is featured as Woody, Billy’s annoyingly perfect and naturally popular little brother who adapts to their move with great ease, becoming the center of attention at his kindergarten in just one day.

“Like all younger brothers, Woody doesn't know what to make of his older brother,” says producer Mark Johnson. “He's bemused and also really irritated by him. At one point, he sings a song that couldn't be sweeter, except he puts his own lyrics into it. The punch line is basically, ‘I wish my brother were dead!’”

Panitz got the role by singing “God Bless America” at his audition. He and co-star Hallie Kate Eisenberg’s off-screen friendship was echoed on-screen in their roles of little kid and baby-sitter.

Eisenberg plays Erika Tanzy, an early bloomer who towers over her classmates in an awkward fashion and offers Billy friendship, a calming influence and advice that he’s not sure he wants. As the lone girl in the story, she is the outside person looking in who seems to have a better sense of what’s going on than everybody else.

“Erika’s very sensible. She's certainly more composed and world-wise and watches these boys with puzzlement,” comments Johnson. “At one point, Erika makes the unoriginal comment that boys are pretty weird. I think that's what this movie is so much about.”

“Erika's very practical and she's mature beyond her years,” agrees Eisenberg. “She's very smart. I loved that the character was so different from the boys.”

She makes sure that Billy knows he is the first person to ever do anything in the face of the bully Joe’s cruelty. “Erika is pretty important. She tells my character Billy to not run away and says the line ‘Win it true,’” explains Luke Benward. “She encourages him to not try to get out of it, but to just go and win the bet, do the deal, be true to yourself. She helps my character realize that I made the bet, I shouldn't have been bragging, so I have got to go through with it. If I lose, I lose.”

A veteran actress at age 13, Eisenberg was excited to learn a new skill for the role. “My character is into archery and it's something that I never would have wanted to learn on my own. Now that I have, I really would like to do more with it. I went to a couple of lessons and it was really hard at first, because you have to be strong. Then I got the hang of it, I got a few bull's eyes and it's fun.”

Filmmakers cast a freckle-faced redhead named Adam Hicks to play Joe Guire, the school bully whose confident demeanor and mean spirit intimidates his entire circle of friends and enemies.

“It starts out where I have all of the power. People listen to me. And I like it. At first, I try to overpower Billy, but he makes the bet and stands up to me…it's the first time that’s happened,” comments Hicks. “It scares me a little, but I can’t mess up my rep and let the others see that. I think everyone has had that time in their life where their friends were all around them and they don’t want to lose face. Everyone has a little bit of Joe in them.”

“I do think there are times in our lives when most of us have, out of insecurity, bullied somebody,” agrees producer Mark Johnson. “But with the wisdom of adulthood, we look back on it and understand why we did it at the time. Adam does a great job, because he’s not a bully at all in real life.”

“When I tried out for the part, my friends and family said, ‘You can’t play Joe. You're not a bully.’ I said, ‘It's acting!’ I’ve been determined to prove them wrong,” laughs Hicks. “Being an actor, I watch other people. The bullies in my school, I don't like them, but I still watch them. They sort of clench their fists, they look at you sideways or if they walk up to you, they don't back down. They keep staring at you non-stop.”

Director Bob Dolman gave Hicks further guidance. “Bob would always tell me that bullies play it cool. They don't care if this kid or that kid doesn't like ‘em. Bob has helped me so much and I couldn't have done the part nearly as well without him.”

Throughout the story, Joe uses the myth of his ‘death ring’ to keep fear in the hearts of the whole 5^th grade. “It ends up that it's a ring that you could buy at Wal-Mart,” laughs Hicks.

Joe’s posse includes a half dozen fifth graders all trying to figure out how to fit in. Alexander Gould plays the high-strung boy nicknamed Twitch. “He is a little nutty, a little cuckoo,” says Gould. “Twitch’s parents expose him to a lot of art and music. He doesn't want to really show that he likes it, but he secretly really likes it.”

The bigger Joe Guire bullies Twitch and the others throughout the story. “I think that bullies are really afraid of something that they think is not so good about themselves, so they beat up on other kids who are smaller and weaker than them to make them feel better about themselves. It's really not a good thing,” observes Gould.

Houston-native Andrew Gillingham makes his feature film debut as Twitch’s best friend Techno Mouth, aptly nicknamed due to the elaborate braces on his teeth.

“Techno Mouth is a really fun kid, but kind of a crazy kid,” explains Gillingham. “He does stuff like climb up walls and hang from ceilings. Twitch and I have always been friends and we stick together in the story.”

“Andrew got his braces in May and I thought there goes any opportunity for him to get acting parts,” remembers his mother Carol Gillingham, a first-grade teacher. “Then the very next month, he auditioned for this piece and he got the part of Techno Mouth partly because of his braces. So, what I thought was a bad thing, turned out to be in his favor.”

Despite being told not to, both Twitch and Techno Mouth instinctively want to make friends with Billy, and eventually learn the importance of standing up to Joe and letting their natural joy shine through.

“At first, Twitch is weak. His backpack gets stolen and he gets pushed down. Then he meets Billy and he's having fun and gets the courage to stand up to Joe. That's really a big change for Twitch. After that, he gets stronger and he really starts feeling a lot better about himself,” explains Gould. “Twitch is really afraid of Joe in the beginning, because Joe is just plain, straight out mean. That death ring is like somebody holding a gun to your head every minute. So he does whatever Joe says. But it turns out he does have bravery inside him.”

“We have all been bullied and we have all been bullies at some point or another. The message of the movie is that bullying begets bullying and you have to stop it at some point,” says producer Mark Johnson. “It doesn't make Joe happy. Bullying is a no-win situation and a terrible burden to Joe.”

“There are multiple life lessons in this movie, including standing up for truth,” comments Luke Benward’s real-life father Aaron Benward. “Billy faces a crisis, he has to face a choice head on and realizes that he has to follow through with this choice. Billy says, ‘I am going to take this bet and I am going to do it,’ and by being an example by standing up for the others, interestingly enough, everybody comes and rallies around him. I think that is something we can look for when we stand for something that we feel passionately and deeply about. Even at the beginning, where he wasn't sure he was going to make it, the support of just a few key people helped him realize, ‘I can do this.’ You can see him finally get to the point with each worm that it is going to happen. By worm ten, it is his triumph.”

“The movie is also about a boy who overcomes his fears,” adds Luke Benward. “Billy has a weak stomach and he has to find the courage to eat worms. Some of the others have to face their fears as well. It’s also about friendship and how a boy who has no friends earns them.”

“When you see the boys start switching sides, you realize the movie is about true friendship,” adds Valerie Gould (real-life mom to Twitch). “It’s about living by your values and holding on to what is right. It's also about coming of age. Billy learns that he had the ability to do whatever he sets his mind to and that he doesn't need to be a follower. I think it's also about learning how to treat others with respect and treat others the way you want to be treated.”

“Billy is really an every boy in the sense that he's all of us at some point in our lives when we’ve experienced a lot of peer pressure,” relates Mark Johnson. “When you get defensive and scared, you end up doing something that may or may not be true to yourself. In this particular case, Billy makes a boast that he doesn't really believe in and then he has to live with that boast. It's really about being true to yourself and about standing up for what you believe. The fact is if you are who you truly are, then friends and wonderful things and the pluses and minuses of life will happen to you.”

Joe’s gang also includes The Puke Watchers, Bradley and Plug. Philip Daniel Bolden is the multiple-watch wearing Bradley, who performs his duties as the Official Time Keeper of the bet with soldier-like diligence. “Time is very important because Billy has to eat all of these 10 worms by 7:00 p.m.,” comments Bolden. “Bradley is also an official puke watcher and official worm keeper in the movie. He's a really cool character.”

Oklahoma City-native Blake Garrett was cast as the untidy and thick-headed Plug. “He’s a dirty guy, kind of the pig pen of the group,” says Garrett. “Plug's really a funny character, full of laughter. But he's also the tough guy and not the brightest in the group. He acts like a guard for Joe, even though Joe doesn’t always treat him very well.”

Filmmakers chose Alexander Agate as apprehensive Donny Pickett, the “Brain” of Joe’s outfit, charged with researching all the details of worm life. “Donny's a cowardly kind of kid in the beginning,” explains Agate. “But, he's the smart guy, he knows everything about the worms because studies them. Maybe he is kind of a nerd.”

Ryan Malgarini, who garnered big laughs playing Lindsay Lohan’s younger brother in the hit comedy Freaky Friday, was cast as the mocking Benjy. Joe’s right-hand-man eager for his approval, Benjy also serves as the Official Worm Cooker and gives newly created recipes unique names like “Radioactive Slime Delight,” “The Barfmallow” and “The Peanut Butter & Worm Jam Sandwich.”

“I liked the script because it’s about kid relationships and it has great morals. I also had to learn to cook and speak a little French for the role. Some of the lines were ‘merci beaucoup,’ ‘barf malloo’ and ‘saute ala mode’… very foreign,” laughs Malgarini. “My grandma helped me out on how to speak French. It was really quite fun.”

“Benjy says he’s French when he’s really not and he’s saying all of this French stuff that nobody really understands,” adds Malgarini. “His bike is loaded with cooking utensils and he’s got a big huge backpack with supplies. He can have food coming out of nowhere. Basically, I’m a traveling worm chef.”

“I think How to Eat Fried Worms is about not biting off more than you can chew. Basically, don't do something that you can't handle. And it's also about bullies and how they pick on you and how, in the end, they are just human beings like all of us,” sums up Malgarini.

The story also includes the nervous loner Adam Simms, played by actor Austin Rogers. Adam’s odd habits include smelling his fingers and stating the obviously disgusting in his misguided attempts to be helpful to Billy’s quest, after Joe assigns him to ‘Billy’s team.’

“He’s sort of the weirdo type in the group. Without knowing that he's grossing Billy out, he constantly does,” explains Rogers. “He's unusual, dresses weird, he has a weird bike, he just does a bunch of weird stuff and people kind of get annoyed with him. But he feels very helpful along the way when he gets to cook the omelet worm.”

“It's very interesting to see how all of the characters learn to accept their uniqueness. And accept one other's uniqueness. And embrace the fact that it's okay to be different, that it's okay to have a quirk,” comments Carol Gillingham. “To be a little strange is not such a bad thing.”

Rogers adds, “I loved working with all the kids and Bob Dolman. He is an excellent director. No offense to anyone, but it is very hard to work with us kids. You have got to have their complete attention.”

“I think Bob loves working with kids. The first thing he did when all of our kid actors arrived is to have everyone call them by their character names. Because, in a sense, that's how we see them,” explains Mark Johnson. “I think that's given a real looseness to the production and it's a wonderful enterprise. The number one goal for all of us is to make a good movie, but the implied goal is that everybody have a good time in the process.”

“Bob was really great about picking up on the traits the kids brought,” adds producer Philip Steuer. “For example, he made Benjy the cook when he saw him juggling salt and pepper shakers. He really tailored the script to the strengths of each actor.”

“I have a background in improvisational comedy writing, so I was always looking for possibilities that hadn't been on the page,” explains Dolman. “Ryan Malgarini, who plays Benjy, is very physical and so he is now the cook. Other things like that seeped in on the way. Once Ryan said the French word I gave him, he had so much fun that I said ‘you are going to be French.’ He doesn't know anything about being French, doesn't speak a word of French, but decided to play it like he was French. Things like that evolve.”

“You couldn't see everything in the auditions. Austin Rogers, who plays Adam Simms was cast as a kind of morose boy that I thought should just stand in one place. But, it turns out he's a great physical comedian,” reveals Dolman. “When you put him on a bicycle, he can make you laugh. When he dances, he can make you laugh. So I added things when I saw the strengths in any of them. They are all quite malleable. In children, you don't see all of their strengths until they loosen up a little bit.”

The boys really responded positively to Dolman’s changes. “I think I'm a lot like my character Donny because he's a quiet, cowardly kind of kid,” explains Alexander Agate. “He's kind of a nerd. Mr. Dolman actually said to me, ‘I invite you to create your own character, I just want it to be very natural for you.’ So, Donny's basically just like me.”

“In order to direct these kids, I had to let myself have fun,” adds Dolman. “I did want to come from their place, understand their energy, so we played a lot. This was like summer camp for all of us and for all of the crew and all the parents as well. I think everybody was inspired by these kids. I found it was the only way that I could really communicate to the kids. We just all banded together in a playful way.”

“Bob’s not afraid to express himself. If he feels happy, he will just jump around and start going crazy, being all goofy. If he’s sad, then he’ll tell you. Then we’ll make it up to him and then start being all goofy again,” explains Ryan Malgarini.

“He's a really fun director and just really outgoing. At one point, he was directing us swimming on his back in the water,” laughs Luke Benward. “If you need to talk to him about the scene, he'll just stop and answer all of your questions. He was really encouraging and helped me make it more energetic. He will also show us how to do it, he won't just tell us. He will just get up and go for it. It really helps us.”

“It's a true testament to Bob's leadership,” comments Kendra Benward. “He is not only a prince of a man, but as a director, he is a team player. There is no ego involved. He is so open to these kids and none of them feel intimidated to come to him. That's why he is getting the good stuff out of these kids because he is willing to take the time with them. Kids on film sets learn acting as they're doing it. They're professional actors, but they don't have 20 years of experience behind them, and Bob has really taken on that role to help teach them on this movie.”

“I very much believe in mentoring young people. I think it's great to be able to pass on your knowledge,” comments Dolman. “One of the great joys of working on this movie is that many of the kids in our young cast are interested in filmmaking. They wanted to see playback of takes and learn from the more experienced adult actors. I think some of them will go on to work in many capacities, including directing or producing or camera work. It was fun to show them how things worked and explain why we did it this way. They asked the camera people questions, they asked everyone in each department questions. I encouraged the kids, we all did.”

With the main kids signed on, the filmmakers turned their attention to casting the adults in the movie. The first order of business was finding the right pair of actors to play Billy’s parents. Tom Cavanagh was cast as his father Mitch, who has moved his family to a new town for his new job, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley plays Mitch’s wife, Helen.

“Tom brings a real believability, yet a certain eccentricity, to the part of the father and we wanted the father to be believable, at the same time like so many parents, certainly from the kids' point of view, slightly clueless,” laughs Mark Johnson.

Cavanagh’s storyline runs parallel to his son’s in the movie. “Billy is having trouble at school…he’s intimidated by people and worried about fitting in,” explains Dolman. “When you go to Mitch's place of work, you see that Mitch is facing the same sort of situation, just on an adult level. But it has a lot of the same ingredients. He's a bit nervous, he's clumsy, he drops things because he's nervous, and he's worried about what people are thinking of him. He ends up accepting an invitation to play tennis in the same way that Billy accepts the worm bet.”

“I hope that the kids watching will see that it's not just kids who feel afraid of new situations and feel intimidated by people who are bigger than they are. Adults go through the same thing,” adds Dolman. “Kids often think their parents are fearless, but in fact, adults feel all of the things that children feel.”

Kimberly Williams-Paisley agrees, saying “it’s a great little subplot that Bob included to show that adults have the same sorts of fears that kids do. Tom's character is afraid of his new job and his coworkers because he doesn't know them. He is the new kid on the block, and his boss invites us to play tennis and not thinking, he says ‘sure, we love to play tennis.’ Of course, we don't play tennis at all. We're terrible.”

“So we get stuck on the tennis court and he is terrified, which I just think is hysterical. What winds up happening is they show up and they’re not intimidating, they're just people,” adds Williams-Paisley.

The pair had a ball shooting the tennis scene where they face off against Mitch’s boss Rob Simon and his wife Whacker on the tennis court.

“That is not a funny scene,” deadpans Tom Cavanagh. “The correct description for that scene is shameless. Over the top would fit or you could probably call it broad. Anytime someone is standing around with mats, pads, and trampolines and saying, ‘Dude, do anything you want,’ it’s very hard to resist. I would say free forming is the nicest way you can put what we're doing out there.”

“We really were able to get goofy on the tennis court and I had a great day,” laughs Williams-Paisley. “Tom and I were flailing on the big thick mat. We love to do that kind of thing.”

“Kimberly and Tom are not afraid to do physical comedy – they are athletes, actually,” observes Dolman. “They take pratfalls, they fall down, stand up, drop things…it's wonderful. Sometimes, they are out and out clown-like. In a way, they are big kids. It helps again with that theme of the story…grownups, they are like kids, they are just bigger. Plus, they both have a great sense of comedic timing.”

In addition to the physicality of the role, Williams-Paisley was also attracted to the project for other reasons. “I thought the script was adorable and relatable. To me, the mom read like a perfect mom. Laid back, easy going, with a sense of humor, adoring and happy to be a mom. I like that part of Helen. She’s a good sport and kind of sarcastic, but also madly in love with her children and husband. She’s also turned into a little bit of a goof, a little bit of a klutz.”

“This set is a great place to be having fun and because it is a kid's movie, there is that kid's energy,” observes Williams-Paisley. “There is a lot of silliness and Bob is very laid back, which is terrific. He is also one of the only directors I've seen who stands next to the camera, sort of like the way they used to do it. Bob is working the kids and he is shouting encouragements at them in the middle of the scene, so it lends a certain spontaneity. He is great with the kids.”

Williams-Paisley was also keen to work with her co-star. “Tom Cavanagh is hysterical. I've admired his work for a long time. He is very funny and he throws something new in every single take. I’m never quite sure what he is going to do, so that's why it’s fun to act with him, because he is always surprising. Plus, he recently worked with my sister – they played each other’s love interest. Now this summer, I get him. So it’s kind of all in the family!”

“I am knocking them off one by one,” laughs Cavanagh. “That's the reason I did this movie, any Williams who takes up acting, I plan to act with them.”

Other adult actors featured include James Rebhorn as Principal “Boiler Head” Burdock and Clint Howard makes a cameo appearance as the cantankerous short order cook, Uncle Ed.

“A WORLD BOYS OUGHT TO LIVE IN”’
How to Eat Fried Worms began principal photography on July 25^th, 2005 on location in Austin, Texas and continued throughout the summer heat until September brought the return to school for most of the cast.
began principal photography on July 25, 2005 on location in Austin, Texas and continued throughout the summer heat until September brought the return to school for most of the cast.

Filmmakers chose to shoot the story in Austin due to the producers’ previous positive experiences in Central Texas and the community’s “anytown” quality. “Mark Johnson and Phil Steuer have made several movies in Austin so they have a familiarity with the Austin film community,” explains director Bob Dolman. “Environmentally, Austin fit the story and there are excellent movie crews here.”

How To Eat Fried Worms filmed in multiple locations in and around Austin including Zilker Elementary School, the Travis Heights neighborhood and Stacy Park, the Northwest Hills neighborhood, Austin Studios, the Blue Hole swimming hole in Wimberley and the Austin Diner. Other shooting locations included: the 1^st Unitarian Church, which played Woody’s pre-school; the Onion Creek Country Club, where the parents ‘played’ tennis; and Highway 21 in Bastrop County, where we first learn about Billy’s queasy stomach.
filmed in multiple locations in and around Austin including Zilker Elementary School, the Travis Heights neighborhood and Stacy Park, the Northwest Hills neighborhood, Austin Studios, the Blue Hole swimming hole in Wimberley and the Austin Diner. Other shooting locations included: the 1 Unitarian Church, which played Woody’s pre-school; the Onion Creek Country Club, where the parents ‘played’ tennis; and Highway 21 in Bastrop County, where we first learn about Billy’s queasy stomach.

In early July 2005, filmmakers held an open casting call at a local hotel for school-aged background extras and were overwhelmed with the response when over 2000 kids from Austin and as far away as Houston and San Antonio showed up. Organizers had been expecting around 200 and attributed the remarkable turnout to the popularity of the book.

Those young actors were used to populate the schoolyard, classrooms, hallways, library and cafeteria of Zilker Elementary. Filming in the school took place during the first two weeks of shooting, so that filmmakers would be finished at that location when teachers returned the second week in August to prep for their school year.

The school schedules of the principal cast made the shooting schedule particularly tight. “Logistically, we were against a ticking clock with the start of school. We wanted to finish in time for the principal actors to start in their own schools,” adds producr Philip Steuer. “We were able to schedule around most of the kids school starts, which was the blessing of hiring kids from other states, they all went back to school at different times. That actually was a bonus for us.”

“The film is set in contemporary times but I think we all felt it had the ability to be a period movie,” comments Steuer. “We certainly wanted it to have a period feel without being a period movie…not really knowing when or where you were, more of timeless period than a specific period. The kids are all on bikes and there’s not a lot of technology, but the idea was to have timeless sense to it.”

“The book was written in the 1970s and has a pre-computer innocence about it. It depicts a world that feels almost forgotten,” comments director Bob Dolman. “We’ve intended to present a world of boys as perhaps it ought to be. We wanted to quiet their world, so that their only real concern is ‘gee it's hard moving into a new place, trying to fit in, getting picked on.’ In a way, the theme of the movie could be that children of that age should have problems no bigger than ‘I have to eat a worm.’”

Production designer Caty Maxey and costume designer Kathleen Kiatta were charged with creating this any-town, timeless feel. “Bob’s marching orders were to keep it simple,” states Steuer. “All the clothes are contemporary and we didn’t build any elaborate sets.”

“Bob’s priority was the boys’ comfort,” says Kiatta. “For the most part I was given free rein, but he really wanted me to hone in on the boys as individuals and try to make them all different. Once I got to spend a little time with them, they each brought something very special to the table. I got to be most creative with Twitch's costumes – the artwork on his pajamas and some of his t-shirts was all drawn on by hand.”

Maxey took advantage of the classic Craftsman architecture prevalent in the Travis Heights neighborhood of South Austin and the adjacent idyllic Stacy Park to highlight the film’s timeless feel. By using a pre-defined color scheme, the art department was able to seamlessly blend the bedroom/hallway/bathroom set, built on stage at Austin Studios, with the interiors and exteriors of the practical Forrester House that were shot on location at a real residence in the Northwest Hills neighborhood.

Twitch’s house was found in that same neighborhood when location scouts discovered a recently sold home that was about to go through major renovations. The production came in and constructed the kitchen set (specific to the scene that allowed Techno Mouth to hang from the rafters) inside the shell of the home.

Maxey’s team also constructed an elaborate dilapidated bait shack in Austin and trucked it to the Blue Hole location, about an hour away in the Texas Hill Country. The formerly private natural swimming hole was recently donated to the City of Wimberley with the intention of making it into an official park.

“The whole final sequence was shot in the most beautiful place with a swimming hole right beside us all the time,” comments Dolman. “The weather was between 95 and 105 degrees and all the boys could think about was that river.”

“You could practically see the sirens calling them,” laughs producer Mark Johnson. “But they have a professional job acting in a movie. It was difficult for them, in this idyllic setting with a river going by. They just wanted to get done with their scene so they could run over there and throw rocks in the water and poke something with a stick. Yet you can't do it, you're working. It so goes against what being a kid is.”

The filmmakers managed to keep the cast out of the water during the shooting day, but they were allowed to swim after wrap in the evenings. “The water was so clear!” exclaims Hallie Kate Eisenberg. “At the end of the week, Ryan and I pushed our director in the water and then all of the kids jumped in. There was even a huge tree that we all climbed and jumped off of into the freezing water.”

Luke Benward was the lucky cast member, as he got to be in the water during the shooting day as part of the scene. “Blue Hole was awesome! It was so pretty,” exclaims Benward. “The cameras were in the water on platforms and sometimes I would go under the platform and hold on to bars. They had scuba divers who were there just in case you got a cramp or something. They taught me a little bit about scuba diving between scenes.”

“It was difficult just because they had so much energy that just wanted to run in every different direction,” says Bob Dolman. “The kids are really quite amazing and disciplined for 10 to 13 year-old actors. Nevertheless they are kids. When we had all nine of the worm boys in so many scenes, they just had another ideas a lot of time. It was very easy for them to be distracted, just in the ways that boys will be distracted. That I found to be the most exhausting part of directing them.”

Despite the challenges of working with his young cast, Dolman could not have been more pleased with them. “They have a genuineness about them. They don't seem like they are show business kids. They don't seem to have big egos and are very giving to each other. So they come across on camera quite naturally,” reveals Dolman. “As the director, I just tried to keep their natural selves in front of the camera. It wasn't about performing as much as it was just keeping them as genuine as possible, trying to pull forth from them what I already saw in them as people. They all seemed to just be able to act out of their own place, which to me is great acting.”

Austin Diner was the local eatery transformed into The Brown Toad Diner. The art department decorated the interior with thousands of toads and frogs gathered from local bric-a-brac and thrift stores, which the owner of Austin Diner decided to keep when they re-opened for business. On the roof, they placed a giant toad that the special effects department rigged to stick its tongue out, like it was eating flies. Inside the diner, the kids meet Adam Simms’ Uncle Ed, played by Clint Howard.

“I LOVE WORMS”

The production utilized real worms, gummy worms, rubber worms, stunt worms and fake edible worms to play the title characters.

Casting real worms presented unique challenges to the production. “Really early in pre-production, we were very concerned about not killing any of them,” explains producer Philip Steuer. “We met with a worm specialist named Steven Kutcher in Los Angeles, who is an entomologist and does bugs for movies. He told us that heat will affect the way worms move and you have to keep them cool.”

Of course, the production was slated to film during the height of the summer heat. “When we began working in Texas, our property master Dwayne Grady spearheaded their care and took it on full force with regards to who would do what with the worms. In our basement of the production office, we had a worm farm, home to thousands of live worms. As product placement, one company actually gave us living habitats (elaborate tins of dirt) to keep them in.”

The prop department also instructed the crew to save certain leftover food including: old toast, pancakes, fruit/vegetable scraps, crushed egg shells, coffee grounds and dead flowers and leaves to feed the worms.

Property master Dwayne Grady and his crew of five took their care extremely seriously. “On set the worms were always kept in special temperature-controlled containers,” explains assistant property master Amy Bell. “They were treated like movie stars.” Gummy worms and rubber worms were used as stand-ins to keep the stars out of the heat for as long as possible to preserve the energy of their performances. When production wrapped, several crewmembers adopted many of the stars and took them home to live in their gardens.

Among other things, special effects coordinator Everette Byrom, III and his brother, special effects foreman Craig Byrom, were responsible for the practical stunt worms. For example, “The Burning Fireball” is cooked in a boiling pot and the special effects wizards made the concoction gurgle and look boiling hot, even though the liquid was room temperature and safe for the actors to throw stuff in the pot and splash the contents without getting burned.

The props department filled the counter tops of Twitch’s kitchen with a range of things the actors could throw into the pot. “We threw everything from a household kitchen,” explains Ryan Malgarini, who plays the worm chef Benjy. “Lettuce, hot sauce, pepper, just about anything that you could find in the house, we put into this pot and cooked it and boiled it and fried it. It was crazy and disgusting!”

Luke Benward’s reaction to eating “The Burning Fireball” worm was natural and real. “The pot had a big stew full of bananas and banana peels and glass bottles and hot sauce and cayenne papers and then they put the edible prop worm inside,” remembers Benward. “It was red and it was actually in the stew they made. It just tasted really bad. It's was hot the first time it touched my tongue and then it just got gross.”

The special effects technicians also rigged the "Radioactive Slime Delight" worm to splat worm parts without actually harming a real worm. “It's a worm that goes in the microwave and is turning, turning, turning, and all of a sudden it blows up all over the microwave,” explains Benward. “There are pieces of worm everywhere and I have to eat it with a spatula. It was actually corn syrup and edible worm flying everywhere, so it was all sticky and that one had no taste, but the texture in your mouth was like…let’s just say, that's the one that I want to get in one take.”

Benward was grateful for the assistance of special effects and props departments in his worm-eating escapades. “For one scene, I did have to put a real worm in my mouth – a Canadian night crawler. It wasn't too gross, it was actually kind of good,” Benward comments surprisingly. “I didn't bite into it, but the outside was salty and slimy. One of our props guys said ‘I wouldn't let you put anything in your mouth that I wouldn't put in my mouth.’ He tasted everything before I did. That was really awesome.”

Prop department member Doug Field actually made the edible worms in his kitchen at home. The worms were molded out of gelatin and hand painted with edible paint. They came in flavors like pistachio, vanilla, tapioca and fruit punch. “The first one I had to eat – “La Big Porker” – was supposedly fried in pig fat. So on the outside they made it look like it had fat hanging off of it and made it look like some of the worm slime melted into the fat. The special effects people also made it squirt goo. It was gross,” explains Benward.

Several of the edible worms were more elaborate. “’Brown Toad Bloater Special’ is supposed to be deep fried. Actually, it’s portabella mushroom with molasses, chocolate syrup and maple syrup. That mixture of syrups all mixed on the worm and he poured it into my mouth and it stuck out because it was really hard to eat,” remembers Benward.

In the movie, the “Barfmallow” worm is made of marshmallows, tuna fish, ketchup and mayonnaise. “Since that would have actually made me sick, they used that strawberry stuff that is in cereal. It was actually pretty good,” reveals Benward.

Even though their characters are non worm-eaters, over the course of production, most of the cast did taste the edible worms out of curiosity.

“I didn’t really want to eat any of them. Even though they are fake edible worms, they still are pretty nasty,” comments Malgarini. “They each got more sick and disgusting as we went on. But ‘The Green Slusher’ tasted like cereal…it was mix of Trix and Lucky Charms. It actually tasted pretty good. That’s the one I liked the most.”

“Out of solidarity for Billy, I ate the worms,” admits Tom Cavanagh, who plays Billy’s dad. “They're gross. It wasn't a pretty sight. Do you know who ate none of the worms? Kimberly Williams. I had to eat all of her worms, too.”

Williams wasn’t the only female cast member who didn’t sample the props. “I didn't eat any of the worms because they have gelatin in them and I'm a vegetarian,” explains Hallie Kate Eisenberg. “But to see all of these boys standing there lined up, tasting the worms all together, putting these worms in their mouths. It's hysterical to watch. Ty, who plays Woody, and I did get to do this scene with ice cream over and over and over. By the last few takes we were miming eating them. We had to eat about 25 ice cream bars, which is a lot better than worms.”

“CAMP WORMS, TEXAS”
summer camp (n) - a place, usually residential, offering outdoor recreational activities & skill development for children during the summer

The young cast and their families – parents, grandparents and siblings - had a unique experience during the 8 weeks of production. “Even though they were surrounded by all of this film making equipment, they just behaved like kids at summer camp. I hope that comes across in the movie,” comments director Bob Dolman.

Producer Philip Steuer agrees. “There was archery, water sports, cooking, campfires.” Producers threw the cast and crew a bowling party to kick off filming that set the tone for the entire production. As filming progressed, the cast often went on outings together during their off time to places such as the local water park, the Austin Duck Tour and miniature golf.

“It really felt like we were all away at summer camp and our camp project was making this movie,” says Hallie Kate Eisenberg. “Bob had us call each other by our character names, like when you get a nickname at camp. We were all from different places and we all came together while the weather’s warm and learned new things. Instead of cabins, we stayed at an apartment complex and after work, we all swam in the pool and hung out with each other.”

The project was also a unique acting environment, one that echoed the themes in the film. “In most of my movies, I act with adults or maybe, at most, two or three other kids,” explains Adam “Joe” Hicks. “So, with this movie – wow - 10 other kids - that's really cool. When I arrived I was thinking ‘I hope I get along with everyone, I hope everyone likes me.’”

“When you have this many kids, you do worry about them all getting along,” admits Philip Steuer. “That certainly wasn’t an issue at all, some of them will probably be life-long friends.”

“They became their characters and the friendship that this movie needs to show, is a friendship that now they completely have,” agrees producer Mark Johnson. “These kids are together every second of the day. They have become a gang of friends and that friendship works for the movie. In fact, sometimes we have to fight it a little bit, because there is a rivalry in the movie.”

Instead of a club house, the young actors had a green room, which was an air conditioned trailer, parked near the set, which included a foosball table, video games, movies and musical instruments, couches, bean bags and lots of movie posters on the walls.

“The green room is a trailer where we take a break while the crew moves the cameras around. We escape from the sun and play games. We even used the instruments in there to get a band going called ‘Production 5.’ It lasted for about maybe one, two weeks,” laughs Blake “Plug” Garrett.

“Blake got some tips from Ethan our sound mixer, who plays guitar,” shares Hallie Kate Eisenberg. “We had it all worked out…Austin is the band manager and lead harmonica player, Adam plays drums, and Ryan also played guitar. Luke and I were the singers. All of us wrote songs together.”

The adult actors also experienced some of the life-imitating-art-imitating-life phenomenon of the project. “I came into this movie towards the end of it, and I felt like the new kid on the block,” reveals Kimberly Williams-Paisley. “I always have some trepidation going into a new situation…who are these people and how I am going to fit in here? How long will it take for them to get to know me? I think a lot of people can relate to this story.”

“On my first day on set Ty, who plays my youngest son, bet me 20 bucks that he could beat me at foosball. So, I took him on and he did beat me,” admits Williams-Paisley. “But he did have a partner, so there were two against one. Then I teamed up with Ty's mom and went against the two kids, and they beat us hands down. These kids really know what they're doing in foosball. Ty is a little firecracker.”

“On this movie, there's about 500 bets made a day and no one ever follows through with them. Everyone says things like ‘I will pay you five bucks if you can get the basketball in the hoop.’ Everything is a bet,” laughs Hallie Kate Eisenberg.

Director Bob Dolman thinks that audiences will enjoy seeing any eventual behind-the-scenes features about the making of the movie. “I would love for people to be able to see what it has been like for these kids to go through this, because it has been unique. The kids are really featured all the way through this movie, there are hardly any adults in it. The kids dominate and carry the movie. To see how they pulled that off, how they worked with me and with the crew. To see how all of the parents helped these kids to learn their lines and be ready on set every day. The families helped us enormously, there was a huge collaboration that went on with the parents, grandparents and the friends of the kids that were here.”

The ‘worm kids’ (as they began calling themselves) and their families were so touched by their journey that they made their own video to thank their director for the experience. “I really felt like they were thanking the whole crew, all of the people that were involved. They were just warm and genuinely grateful,” says Dolman. “It just touched everybody."

One final challenge for filmmakers was scheduling the ADR (additional dialogue replacement, or sound “looping”) before the voices of the boys changed. “We wanted to do it as soon as possible after wrapping principal photography. Both Adam Hicks and Ryan Malgarini are 13 and their voices will pop soon, big growth spurts are coming,” relates producer Philip Steuer.

After a quick 39 days of production, principal photography wrapped on Sunday, September 18^th, 2005, along tree-lined Highway 21 in Bastrop County, forty-five minutes outside Austin. For filmmakers, cast and crew, summer camp was over and it was time to go back to school.

“I CAN’T WAIT TO READ THE WORM BOOK”
“I don't think anything encourages students to read more than having a movie made of a book,” states Carol Gillingham, a first grade teacher in Houston and mother of Andrew “Techno Mouth” Gillingham. “I think being able to make comparisons between the book and the movie will be a lot of fun. It's a fabulous way to get kids to read books.”
“During scouting, every time we went into a school, we met the teachers and librarians who were excited because the students already knew this book,” comments director Bob Dolman.
“I have made a number of movies based on books: The Natural, My Dog Skip, A Little Princess, Donnie Brasco, The Notebook and most recently The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I think that you have a responsibility when you are translating a book into a film, because you have to respect the fact that there is a core readership who have certain expectations from your movie,” explains producer Mark Johnson. “As filmmakers, you can make alterations, but it’s important to try to keep the themes and characters somewhat consistent. I think in a book like How to Eat Fried Worms, that is and has been read by a lot of kids, you want to make sure that they have the experience of seeing something new and original, that yet still reminds them of the experience of reading the book. So it's a little bit of a balancing act.”
Adds Johnson, “the ideal thing is to take the book as your foundation and then have a screenwriter who adds what he or she is particularly talented at, to come up with something that's it's own new animal. Bob Dolman really dreamed up this whole kinetic energy and conflict between all of these kids. The ultimate compliment came from Thomas Rockwell, the author of the book, who had read our screenplay and liked it a great deal. It’s loosely based on his book and he appreciated it for what it is.”
A feature film adaptation of Thomas Rockwell’s hugely popular young adult book How to Eat Fried Worms completely fit the corporate mission of Walden Media. Founded in 2001 by Cary Granat, former president of Miramax Films’ Dimension label, and education reformer Micheal Flaherty, Walden Media specializes in entertainment designed to recapture the audience’s imagination, rekindle curiosity and spark an enthusiasm for lifelong learning.
“Our company is focused on creating multiple learning avenues, both before and after the film, around the subject matter of the story,” says Cary Granat. “We explore the themes online, in school and in after-school programs with groups like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Young Life, 4 H, Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA. We want kids to go out and actually do things in the community tied to what the story is about. Oftentimes books become a great resource to allow us to talk to kids through a shared kind of common experience. So, they've read the book, now they can go see the film.”
“The theme of bullying is really important to bring to kids in school today,” adds Granat. “Teachers are using the book as a staple in their curriculum. It’s part of an accredited reading list of all 50 states, plus many places internationally. For us this is really hitting the jackpot: great themes, accredited nationwide, and it's something that kids really adore.”
“In the book, the chapter headings are literally military headings. This was a very smart way to teach kids that there's very little difference in terms of bullying on the war field and bullying in school,” comments Granat. “In the movie, Billy makes this incredible stand. He lays the gauntlet. And then he starts to question ‘what have I done?’ The rest of the story is Billy building up again that same level of courage, tenacity, temerity, and boldness.”
Billy’s actions inspire the other boys to change. “What it takes is the first person to start doing something differently. Once they do and they have that conviction, other people will follow that example,” says Granat. “It's a great story of the exemplary role model. It's amazing how everybody who starts out in this gang, slowly but surely joins Billy’s team. He has taken the step to do the right thing.”
“Hopefully young audiences can take away a feeling of empowerment,” adds Granat. “It's their responsibility and only their responsibility to take that first step themselves. They can't wait for someone else to show them how to do it. That's really another great theme in this book: sometimes the hardest thing to do is take that first step. But once you do it, you learn to overcome your other fears and anxieties.”
“The whole film is infused with great comedy all throughout,” continues Granat. “We want to use high entertainment value as an educational tool, because nothing is more inherently educational than something you relate to and find entertaining and think about it after you have seen. We recognize that power of media.”
“Books can be a valuable teaching aid, but nothing beats parenting. Nothing beats a parent sitting down with their child and with a logic and a reason and a love, explaining and teaching,” comments actor Clint Howard. “But this movie is an effective tool and a wonderful opportunity for a little life lesson that parents can share with their kids.”
“I think the beauty of so many family films today now is that they really are family films,” concludes producer Mark Johnson. “They may be specifically for kids or about kids, but adults will really like them. I think our humor will be pretty hilarious to kids, but I don't think it will escape grown ups. So, if we have done our job right, this movie should work for kids and parents.”

ABOUT THE CAST
Luke Benward (Billy Forrester)
(Billy Forrester)

Eleven year-old Luke Benward was cast in his first film at age 5, appearing alongside Mel Gibson and Madeleine Stowe in We Were Soldiers. In the two years following, he shot television pilots for “Life on the Water” and “Family Affair” starring Tim Curry and Gary Cole.

He was cast in the family film Because of Winn Dixie at age 8 after choosing to audition with a toothpick in his mouth. The choice set him apart from the hundreds of boys vying for the role of Stevie Dewberry, one of the two brothers tormenting Annasophia Robb’s character. Director Wayne Wang loved the idea and used it in the film.

Benward stars as Angel/Michael in Martina McBride’s award-winning music video for “Concrete Angel.” The clip was nominated for a Grammy, among other awards, and McBride took home the prize for Female Video of the Year at the 2003 CMT Flameworthy Awards.

His commercial credits include campaigns for McDonalds, Nintendo, American Express, and Hamburger Helper.

Part of an entertainment family, Benward also loves to sing and dance and got his acting start tagging along to auditions with his mother – actress, acting coach and former CMT veejay Kenda Benward. His father, Aaron Benward, is half of the country music duo Blue County. He has two younger sisters, Ella and Gracie.

Born and raised in Tennessee, he enjoys riding his bike and playing football and video games. Benward read the book How To Eat Fried Worms when he was in the 3^rd grade, but never ate a worm until he began work on the film. He did, however, once eat a roly poly bug on a dare.

Hallie Kate Eisenberg (Erika Tansy)
(Erika Tansy)

At thirteen, Hallie Kate Eisenberg is already a seasoned actress with numerous film, television, stage, and commercial credits on her resume.

Eisenberg made her feature film debut at age 5, playing Marie in DreamWorks’ family film Paulie. She then portrayed Barbara in Michael Mann’s Academy Award nominated film The Insider starring Russell Crowe and Little Miss in Christopher Columbus’ Bicentennial Man starring Robin Williams. Eisenberg went on to co-star with Minnie Driver in Beautiful, directed by Sally Field.

She played Helen Keller in the award-winning ABC-Wonderful World of Disney TV movie “The Miracle Worker.” Eisenberg also appeared in three movies of the week: as Eleanor in “Nicholas’ Gift,” Josie in “Blue Moon,” and Jenny in “Swing Vote.” She has guest starred on the FOX TV series “Get Real” and the CBS-TV drama, “Presidio Med.”

On cable television, Eisenberg recently co-starred with Patricia Heaton and Jeff Daniels in the 2004 remake of Neil Simon's “The Goodbye Girl.” On HBO, she played Abby Mills on “A Little Inside;” and in the upcoming feature, “Jesus, Mary and Joey” she plays Melissa, a cancer patient.

Eisenberg made her Broadway debut in the Roundabout’s star-studded play, "The Women," which also aired on PBS as part of its Stage and Screen series.

Commercial credits include promos for the Independent Film Channel (as Christie, the “hot young Indie director“) and a four-year campaign as the spokesperson for Pepsi. These spots include the voices of several celebrities (Joe Pesci, Aretha Franklin, Isaac Hayes, and Marlon Brando) and appearances by KISS, Faith Hill, baseball great Ken Griffey, Jr., Nascar’s Jeff Gordon and Halle Berry.

Eisenberg received the Young Artists Special Achievement Award for most outstanding young performer in television advertising. The Young Artists Awards also nominated her for outstanding young actress in a feature film (Beautiful); and outstanding young actress for her portrayal of Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker.” She was nominated for best young actress in a feature film (Bicentennial Man) for Hollywood Reporter’s Youngstar Awards. Eisenberg also won a Camie award for her performance in “The Miracle Worker.”

In addition, Eisenberg has served as a special correspondent for “Entertainment Tonight” and has covered events such as the Gotham Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and the Emmy Awards®.

When not acting, Hallie competes in equestrian competitions with her horse, Nate. Eisenberg has a sister, Kerry, and a brother, Jesse. Rounding out the household are three dogs and two cats. She lives in New Jersey with her parents, Amy and Barry. Eisenberg read the book How To Eat Fried Worms while working on the movie.

Adam Hicks (Joe Guire)
(Joe Guire)

Thirteen year-old Adam Hicks starred in the leading role of Brady Davis in the feature film Down and Derby. He was recently seen on the big screen in Disney’s remake of The Shaggy Dog starring Tim Allen and in The 12 Dogs of Christmas, released on DVD in November of 2005.

Beginning at age 5, Hicks was a series regular playing Young Dave on the show “Titus,” which ran for three seasons on the FOX network. He was also a series regular on the Frank Oz directed TV pilot “The Funkhousers,” co-starred on ABC’s “That Was Then,” and was the Discovery Channel’s “The Discovery Kid 2000.” In addition to numerous commercial credits, he has participated in several stage productions in Las Vegas, including playing the title role in “Tom Sawyer.”

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Hicks first knew he wanted to act after seeing the movie Home Alone and began bugging his mother, a nurse, continuously until she let him begin auditioning. His first job was a national commercial for “The Best of Andy Griffith,” in which he played Opie.

Hicks has a 10 year old brother and their pets include 2 dogs and 5 cats, all rescued animals. He has a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and has twice been a National Champion. His other interests include skateboarding, rugby, rap, Hip-Hop dance and playing the drums. He is also a fan of the Rolling Stones and David Bowie.

Austin Rogers (Adam Simms)
(Adam Simms)

Eleven year-old Austin Rogers will be seen in the soon-to-be released comedy Blind Guy starring Jane Seymour and Eddie Kaye Thomas. He is also featured in the direct-to-video kids project Undercover Kids. His short film credits include Two Divorced guys in A Bar and Three Body Problem.

Rogers’ television credits include HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “According to Jim,” “Life on a Stick,” and “The Orlando Jones Show.”

Also a singer and dancer, Rogers starred in the leading role of Nick Burns in the play “A Thousand Clowns” at the Norris Theatre in Redondo Beach, CA and has been a recurring soloist with the Calabasas Chamber Orchestra. He has also appeared in numerous local productions at the Performing Arts Center in Tampa.

His commercial credits include national spots for Office Depot, Toyota, Sprint, Six Flags, Holiday Inn, Reynold’s Wrap, and a currently airing hilarious spot for Staples, in which Rogers presses an “easy button” under his school desk.

Rogers read the book How To Eat Fried Worms this year. He has never tried a worm but has eaten beetles and flies, “basically any bug that falls into my pool. They crunch like popcorn.” Rogers lives both in Tampa, Florida with his father and Los Angeles with his grandmother.

Alexander Gould (Twitch)
(Twitch)

Twelve year-old Alexander Gould began his acting career at age two with his first speaking role. Since then he has had a successful career on the big and small screens, including providing the voice of Nemo in the hit Disney/Pixar animated feature Finding Nemo. And more recently provided the voice of the title character in the Disney release Bambi II, The Great Prince of the Forest. His other feature work includes the independent film Wheelmen and the Wes Craven-produced suspense thriller They.

Gould has appeared in recurring roles on “American Dreams” and "Ally McBeal" and co-starred in the series "Boomtown." He has guest-starred on numerous critically acclaimed television shows, including "Malcolm In The Middle," "7th Heaven," "Family Law,” “Freaks and Geeks,” and "Even Stevens.” He was also seen in the television movies "The Day The World Ended" and "The Point of Origin."

He can currently be seen as Shane Botwin, the imaginative youngest son of Mary-Louise Parker, in the Showtime series “Weeds.”

Gould, an avid reader, has noted that How to Eat Fried Worms is one of his favorite books. Gould lives with his family – including sisters Emma and Kelly, five dogs, two goats, four horses, one cat and one bunny in California.

Ryan Malgarini (Benjy)
(Benjy)

Fourteen year-old Ryan Malgarini charmed movie-goers as Harry Coleman, the quintessential bratty-yet-lovable younger brother in the hit Disney comedy Freaky Friday starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. In 2002, Malgarini filmed his first movie The United States of Leland, portraying the title character as a six-year-old in flashbacks opposite Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey.

Malgarini can currently be seen in the Disney Channel Original Movie Go Figure playing Bradley Kingsford, a gadget-building computer whiz. He has also been seen on the Disney Channel as one of the guest hosts of “Click-it to Pick-it.” Malgarini's segment reunites him with his Go Figure co-star Tania Gunadi. His other television appearances include “Spin City,” “The Gilmore Girls,” and “Malcolm in the Middle.”

A natural comic performer, Malgarini first caught the acting bug observing his grandmother’s involvement in show business. When he was 8 years old, he tagged along to be an extra in another of her commercials and wound up featured in the ad, along with his grandparents, his uncle, and R & B legend Lou Rawls. Other commercials followed, including spots for McDonald's and Washington Mutual Savings Bank.

Malgarini’s interests include basketball, baseball (his grandfather played professionally), skateboarding, magic, and he plays piano and is learning guitar. A born mimic, Malgarini enjoys doing imitations of Jerry Seinfeld, Louie Anderson, and Steve Burns, the peppy host of Nick, Jr.'s Blues Clues. He also enjoys participating in fund-raising events, such as the Variety Club Children's Charity of Southern Nevada Silent Auction and the Ronald McDonald House Walk-a-Thon, which he co-hosted with Anne Hathaway (The Princess Diaries) and Jeremy Sumpter (Peter Pan).

He lives in Las Vegas with his grandparents John and Gloria Malgarini and their rescue-dog Mia. He frequently enjoys spending time with his extended family that live across the country—from Seattle to New York City. He once made a bet that he wouldn’t talk for two days. While extremely difficult for him, Malgarini did follow through…for a day and a half. He has not yet read How To Eat Fried Worms, but he plans to soon.

Philip Daniel Bolden (Bradley)
(Bradley)Ten year-old Philip Daniel Bolden was most recently featured as Kevin Kingston in the hit family comedy Are We There Yet? starring Ice Cube and Nia Long. Philip will be reprising his role in the sequel entitled Are We Done Yet? when filming starts at the end of the summer. (Billy Forrester) (Erika Tansy) (Joe Guire) (Adam Simms)(Twitch) (Benjy)(Bradley)Ten year-old Philip Daniel Bolden was most recently featured as Kevin Kingston in the hit family comedy starring Ice Cube and Nia Long. Philip will be reprising his role in the sequel entitled ? when filming starts at the end of the summer. He also appeared as Mack Jr. in Johnson Family Vacation opposite Steve Harvey and Vanessa L. Williams. His other film credits include The Animal and Little Nicky. Bolden first wanted to act at age 3 and booked his first job – a movie called Mystery Men - that same year.

On television, Bolden has guest-starred on “According to Jim,” “CSI: Miami,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” and has had recurring roles on both “My Wife and Kids” and “The King of Queens.” He also appeared in the telefilm “Play’d: A Hip Hop Story.”

Bolden, who was born in New Orleans, had a breakout role in a McDonald’s commercial with Kobe Bryant and had a leading role in Macy Gray’s music video “Sweet Baby.” He lives in Southern California with his family.

He is a fan of mystery books and has yet to read How To Eat Fried Worms. He bets his dad when they play video games, but he always wins. Some of Bolden’s favorite activities include football, reading, acting, and listening to soul/R & B music.

Ty Panitz (Woody Forrester)
(Woody Forrester)

Ty Panitz decided he wanted to be an actor when he was four years old. Now six, Panitz was recently seen in his feature film debut, as the youngest sibling Ethan Beardsley in the remake of the classic family film Yours, Mine And Ours.

As a baby, Panitz began his career by doing commercials including a stint as the Gerber baby at 9 months of age. His interests include swimming, bike riding, tennis, and football. Panitz is a devout Philadelphia Eagles fan and cried when they lost in the Super Bowl. His favorite songs are The Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America, which he sang for his Woody audition, complete with hand signs.

Panitz lives in Manhattan Beach, CA with his two younger brothers, Parris and Sawyer, and his mother, who read the book How To Eat Fried Worms to him aloud. His favorite book is Where’s Waldo, which was a gift from co-star Hallie Kate Eisenberg.

James Rebhorn (Principal “Boiler Head” Burdock)
(Principal “Boiler Head” Burdock)

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Rebhorn earned his BA from Wittenberg University and his MFA from Columbia. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and two daughters.

Mr. Rebhorn's impressive list of credits encompasses both comedy and drama. His many film appearances include roles in Meet The Parents, The Last Shot, Far From Heaven, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle, Snow Falling on Cedars, The Game, Independence Day, Last Ball, If Lucy Fell, White Squall, Up Close and Personal, I Love Trouble, My Fellow Americans, Guarding Tess, Carlito's Way, Scent of a Woman, Lorenzo's Oil, Blank Check, 8 Seconds, My Cousin Vinny, White Sands, Regarding Henry, Basic Instinct, Silkwood, and Cat's Eye.

On Broadway he has appeared in “Dinner at Eight,” “The Man Who Had All the Luck,” “I’m Not Rappaport,” the Tony Award-winning revival of “Our Town,” and most recently in the long-running hit revival of “Twelve Angry Men.” Earlier, he received a Dramalogue Award for his performance in the LaJolla Playhouse production of “Nebraska.” He played Harvey in “Ancestral Voices” and Captain Anderson in “Far East,” both at Lincoln Center, and has appeared in numerous off-Broadway productions at The Manhattan Theatre Club, The New York Shakespeare Festival, and The Ensemble Studio Theatre, among many others.

He has performed lead roles in a variety of series and TV movies including “The Book of Daniel” with Aiden Quinn, “Third Watch,” “Seinfeld,” “Law and Order,” “Bright Shining Lie,” “Mistrial,” “The Wright Verdicts,” “The Guiding Light,” “I'll Fly Away,” “Sarah, Plain and Tall,” “Kate and Allie,” and Tom Hanks' HBO mini-series “From the Earth to the Moon.”

Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Helen Forrester)
(Helen Forrester)

Currently co-starring in the hit ABC Television sitcom “According to Jim,” Kimberly Williams-Paisley first lit up the screen as the radiant young bride in the comedy feature film series Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride Part II.

Currently, Williams-Paisley completed filming Warner Brothers’ We are Marshall, co-starring opposite Matthew McConaughey for director McG. The film is based on the true story of the tragic loss of the Marshall University football team in a 1970 plane crash – and how the school found the strength and confidence to recover and return to glory.

As “According to Jim” enters it’s sixth season, Williams-Paisley continues to evolve in her role opposite Jim Belushi and Courtney-Thorne Smith, and recently added to her versatile and growing credits by directing an episode of the show which aired in February, 2006.

She recently wrote and directed and starred with Patrick Dempsey in the short film Shade, for which she won the Director’s Choice: Outstanding Directing and Acting at the Sedona International Film Festival. She is editing a second short, Numero Dos, which was shot last summer in New Orleans.

Williams-Paisley has also been establishing her creativity outside the performing arena beginning with accomplishments as a published writer for such publications as In Style and Redbook magazines.

Her other credits include the ABC Family Network’s Lucky Seven, and the Lifetime Original feature Identity Theft, on both of which she also served as Co-Producer. She co-starred in The Christmas Shoes for The CBS Network, appeared in ABC’s Relativity, in the NBC mini series The Tenth Kingdom and in the CBS movie Follow the Stars Home.

Williams-Paisley made her Broadway debut in the Tony Award-Winning “The Last Night at Ballyhoo” and has appeared on stage in “The Vagina Monologues,” and in “All in the Timing.” She has also performed on the London Stage in David Mamet’s “Speed the Plow.”

Williams-Paisley is actively involved with the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research, St. Jude Hospital and the XP Foundation.

Tom Cavanagh (Mitch Forrester)
(Mitch Forrester)

Tom Cavanagh, popular star of NBC’s critically acclaimed series “Ed,” and the more recent CBS/VH1 series, “Love Monkey,” has been working non-stop in both film and television .

He just completed two features, the lead role in a medical thriller called Hospital, directed by Tony Kranz and Cake Eaters, directed by Mary Stuart Masterson. Prior to that he did the Sue Kramer helmed romantic comedy, Gray Matters co-starring Heather Graham and Bridget Moynahan. He also stars with Sally Fields and Ben Chaplin in the upcoming emotional indie film Two Weeks, directed by Steve Stockman.

Prior to that, Cavanagh starred in two independent features. Alchemy is a romantic comedy written and directed by Evan Oppenheimer and was featured in New York’s Tribeca Film Festival. Heart Of The Storm is a taut thriller where Cavanagh, in a distinct departure from his usual persona as an easy-going charmer, plays Simpson, an escaped convict who takes refuge in the home of a mother and her two young daughters while a hurricane rages outside. That film was shown at the Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival in 2004

On the small screen, Cavanagh starred in the ABC’s Christmas movie “Snow;” reprised his popular role as Dan - Zach Braff’s older brother - on “Scrubs;” and played Christine Lahti’s gay, drug addicted brother on the critically acclaimed “Jack & Bobby.”

During his down time from “Ed,” Cavanagh starred as Bobby Strong in the Broadway hit musical “Urinetown,” as well as in Showtime’s multiple Emmy

Award® and Peabody Award-winning movie “Bang, Bang You’re Dead,” for which he was nominated for an Emmy Award®.

Cavanagh was born in Ottawa, Canada, the second of five children. When he was six, his family moved to a small village in the African nation of Ghana. His father set up and education program to train local teachers in modern methods of learning, while his mother taught the village locals. When the family returned to Canada, Cavanagh entered high school in Sherbrooke, Quebec and later attended Queens University in Ontario. There he pursued his growing interest in theatre and music, as well as becoming a class-A athlete, playing both varsity hockey and basketball. He was soon cast in the Broadway revival of the musical, “Shenandoah.” Other stage credits include “Grease,” “A Chorus Line,” “Cabaret,” and “Brighton Beach Memoirs.”

Andrew Gillingham (Techno Mouth)
(Techno Mouth)

Eleven-year-old Andrew Gillingham is making his feature film debut in How To Eat Fried Worms.

Gillingham’s first love is baseball, but through constant exposure, his interest in acting is growing. From the age of 1, Gillingham tagged along with his older sister Allison (who began acting at age 4 and is now 14) to her workshops and productions at the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre, the training wing of Houston’s Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS).

He began appearing in small productions such as church Christmas programs and YoungStars productions at the Humphreys School. In the third grade, at age 9, he was cast in TUTS’ major stage production of “Brigadoon” at Houston’s Hobby Center. Following that, the Houston Grand Opera called and asked him to audition for the opera “Salsipuedes”, in which he was also cast.

Gillingham’s commercial credits include a spot for the TUTS production of “Scrooge,” a local spot for Reliant Energy, and national spots for Sprint PCS and RoadRunner. He also guest starred on a local television program called “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up.”

Besides being a baseball fanatic and an Astros fan, Gillingham also loves the WNBA Houston Comets. A Boy Scout since first grade, his other interests include shooting hoops, swimming, and playing video games. His favorite type of music is oldies. An Honor Student, he lives in Houston with his family and their dog and two millipedes.

Blake Garrett (Plug)
(Plug)

Thirteen year-old Blake Garrett appears in a featured role in the independent feature film Little Flower, now making the festival circuit. His TV series credits include the pilot episode of the television series “Inconceivalbe.”

At age 10, Garrett traveled with the arena show “Barney’s Colorful World International Tour.” The tour ran from the fall of 2003 until the spring of 2004 and Garrett starred in the role of Mike, which he also plays in the subsequent video.

Born in Austin, Texas and raised in Edmond where he attends middle school, Blake discovered his love of performing at age 8, appearing in numerous local productions including the leading roles of the Magician in “Aladdin and His Magical Lamp” and as Charlie Brown in “Peanuts: A Charlie Brown Tribute.” Other theater credits include “The Wizard of Oz,” “Annie” and “Grease.” In Los Angeles, he’s trained with coaches from TVI Actors Studio and The Young Performer’s Studio. In Oklahoma City, he’s trained and performed with ACTS Acting Academy, Lyric Musical Theatre Academy and StageStruck Studios.

Garrett’s interests include football, wrestling, wakeboarding, listening to his iPod, and playing video games. He lives in Edmond, Oklahoma with his mother, his younger brother Ryan, their dog, 2 cats, and a snake. Spicy foods are a way of life for Garrett, which he proved by eating wasabi on a dare, shocking his friends who were unaware he actually likes the sweet and sour condiment.

Alexander Agate (Donny Pickett)
(Donny Pickett)Eleven year-old Alexander Agate stars in the upcoming film Half-Life, a story about a boy who uses his imaginative powers to cope with difficulties at home. (His 8 year-old sister Katrina Agate is featured as his friend.) He is also featured in the Sci-Fi mystery Spectres.

Agate got his acting start doing commercials, for companies like Mattel, and civic theater near his home in Southern California.

At age 5, Agate’s mother started him in both Tae Kwon Do and acting so he could interact with other kids, since he is home-schooled. He now has a 2^nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Additionally, he is an aspiring paleontologist/zoologist and enjoys writing stories, reading, and acting.

He read the book How To Eat Fried Worms at age 10 and counts Fire Bringer, The Name of the Game Was Murder, and The Redwall Series among his favorite books.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

Bob Dolman (Written for the Screen & Directed By)

In 2002, Bob Dolman made his directorial debut with the comedy The Banger
Sisters, starring Goldie Hawn and Susan Sarandon. Before that, he worked
, starring Goldie Hawn and Susan Sarandon. Before that, he worked

mostly as a writer. He began his career when he joined the staff of the ’70s

sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati.” He went on to write for SCTV and won two Emmy

Awards®. He then created the Showtime comedy series “Poison” and wrote all

of its episodes. His screenplay credits include Willow and Far And Away

(which he also co-produced) as well as The Banger Sisters and How To Eat
Fried Worms.
.

Dolman grew up on Vancouver Island and now lives down the coast on Venice

Beach. He's presently dreaming up something new.Thomas Rockwell (Based Upon The Book By)

(Based Upon The Book By)

Thomas Rockwell is the author of the beloved children’s book How to Eat Fried Worms, winner of the Mark Twain Award, the California Young Reader Medal, and the Sequoyah Award.

Hailing from an artistic family, it’s no surprise Rockwell became an author of children’s books. His father was artist Norman Rockwell and his mother was an unpublished writer, who bought her children lots of books and often read aloud to them, even after they had learned to read. Rockwell’s older brother became an artist and his younger brother became a sculptor.

Rockwell also penned Rackety-Bang And Other Verses, Humpf, Squawwwk!, Hiding Out, and The Thief, all illustrated by his wife Gail Sudler. The Portmanteau Book was also illustrated by his wife, with help from their two children, Barnaby and Abigail.

Other Rockwell titles include The Neon Motorcycle, How to Eat Fried Worms and Other Plays, Hey, Lover Boy, Oatmeal Is Not For Moustaches, How to Fight a Girl, and How To Get Fabulously Rich.

As a child, Rockwell read omnivorously: books, cereal boxes, and comic books - the comic books read for free during afternoons on the steps of Howard's General Store on Route 7 in Arlington, Vermont. After graduating from Arlington Memorial High School, Rockwell attended Princeton University for two months and then transferred to Bard College, where he majored in literature.

Rockwell then worked for a gardening magazine in New York City before he and Gail moved to their present home beside a dairy farm outside Poughkeepsie, New York. There he helped his father write his autobiography, My Adventures as an Illustrator, and a book about his work, The Norman Rockwell Album. He then wrote some short stories, worked for the War on Poverty, sold second-hand books, and after reading The Oxford Book of Nursery Rhymes to his son, Rockwell rediscovered his interest in children's books. In 1969, he published his first children's book, Rackety-Bang And Other Verses.Mark Johnson (Producer)

(Producer)

Mark Johnson won the Best Picture Academy Award for Barry Levinson’s poignant 1988 drama Rain Man, starring Dustin Hoffman (Best Actor Oscar) and Tom Cruise. One of several films Johnson made with Levinson during a twelve-year span; the movie (winner of four Oscars) also captured a Golden Globe as Best Picture.

Johnson most recently produced the highly anticipated The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, a co-production between Walden Media and The Walt Disney Company that opened nationwide in December.

Born in Maryland, Johnson spent ten years of his youth in Spain. He earned his undergraduate degree in drama from the University of Virginia and his M.A. in Film Scholarship from the University of Iowa. From there, he moved to New York and entered the Director’s Guild Training Program, where one of his first projects was Paul Mazursky’s touching autobiographical drama, Next Stop, Greenwich Village. He subsequently relocated to Los Angeles and moved up from production assistant to assistant director on such projects as Movie, Movie, The Brinks Job, Escape from Alcatraz and Mel Brooks’ High Anxiety, which was co-written by future business partner Barry Levinson.

In his successful partnership with Levinson, Johnson produced all of the writer-director’s films from 1982-1994. In addition to Rain Man, their diverse slate of acclaimed features includes Good Morning, Vietnam, The Natural, Tin Men, Toys, Young Sherlock Holmes, Avalon, Diner (their 1982 debut project, for which Levinson earned an Oscar nomination for his screenplay), and Bugsy, nominated for ten Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. Bugsy also captured a Best Picture Golden Globe Award.

In 1994, Johnson established his own independent production company and won the Los Angeles Film Critics New Generation Award for his very first effort -- A Little Princess, directed by Alfonso Cuaron. Johnson, under his new banner, also produced the comedy Home Fries with Drew Barrymore, and the dramatic thriller Donnie Brasco, starring Al Pacino and Johnny Depp. He served as executive producer for CBS-TV’s “L.A. Doctors” and “Falcone,” and also executive produced the hit CBS drama, “The Guardian.” Johnson’s latest television project is an hour-long dramedy, “Love Monkey,” which premiered midseason on CBS and had a complete run on VH1 this spring.

Johnson’s recent slate of motion pictures includes The Alamo and The Rookie, both directed by John Lee Hancock; director Bob Dolman’s The Banger Sisters, with Susan Sarandon and Goldie Hawn; Brad Silberling’s drama, Moonlight Mile, with Sarandon and Dustin Hoffman; Tom Shadyac’s supernatural thriller, Dragonfly with Kevin Costner and Kathy Bates; Levinson’s Irish satire, An Everlasting Piece; Robert Zemeckis’ spooky thriller What Lies Beneath, starring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer; the hit comedy Galaxy Quest with Tim Allen and Sigourney Weaver; and My Dog Skip, the acclaimed family drama (co-produced with John Lee Hancock) starring Frankie Muniz, Diane Lane and Kevin Bacon.

Johnson recently produced Nick Cassavetes’ drama, The Notebook, based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestseller and The Wendell Baker Story, which marked the directorial debuts of filmmaking brothers Luke and Andrew Wilson. He is currently in preproduction on Prince Caspian, the sequel to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Additionally, Johnson has either presented or executive produced Luis Llosa’s directorial debut, Sniper, Tim Robbins’ directorial debut, Bob Roberts, Steven Soderbergh’s Kafka, Robert Redford’s Oscar-nominated Quiz Show and Journey of Hope, winner of the 1999 Foreign Language Film Oscar. Johnson serves as the Chair of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Foreign Language Film Award Committee and as a Governor for the producer's branch.Philip Steuer (Producer)

(Producer)

Along with producer Mark Johnson, Philip Steuer most recently produced the first of the live-action feature film adaptations of the C.S. Lewis books The Chronicles of Narnia. The highly anticipated The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, is a co-production between Walden Media and The Walt Disney Company and opened nationwide on December 9, 2005 to critical acclaim and box office success.

Steuer also worked with Johnson, serving as executive producer on two John Lee Hancock-directed movies -- The Rookie, one of 2002’s critical and commercial hits, and his epic re-telling of the battle for Texas independence, The Alamo.

He has also established an ongoing collaboration with respected filmmaker Neil LaBute. The pair joined forces for Propaganda Films and produced Your Friends and Neighbors, a biting romantic satire starring Ben Stiller, Aaron Eckhardt and Jason Patric. They collaborated again on the critically acclaimed, offbeat comedy, Nurse Betty, with Renee Zellweger, Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock, which was nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival. Steuer again reunited with LaBute on The Shape of Things, a quirky romantic story starring Paul Rudd and Rachel Weisz.

Steuer has also turned his talents to the advertising world, executive producing the second series of memorable BMW Internet shorts features. The new trilogy, entitled Hire: The Hostage, once again starred Clive Owen in spots directed by John Woo, Joe Carnahan and Tony Scott. Additionally, he has produced over forty national commercial campaigns with such notable production companies as RSA, Propaganda and Anonymous Content, among others.Richard Rutkowski (Director of Photography)

(Director of Photography)

Over the last few years, Director of Photography Richard Rutkowski has assembled an eclectic list of credits that include highly stylized mainstream work as well as documentary and bare-bones independent features. His resume includes almost every form of modern camerawork, from tiny DV cameras to HD to 35mm widescreen.

Using only mini-DV cameras and a minimum of crew, his work on the indy feature Homework was praised for its visual sophistication and helped the film to earn the Grand Jury Prize at the 2004 Slamdance Film Festival. At that year’s Sundance Festival, Rutkowski's work was represented by Alison Maclean’s documentary Persons of Interest. In 2003, Rutkowski received a Best Cinematography Nomination at the 2003 Independent Spirit Awards for Neil Burger’s Interview with the Assassin, which was also nominated as Best First Feature.

Most recently, Rutkowski photographed the CBS television pilot “Love Monkey” starring Tom Cavanagh for producer Mark Johnson. Other recent credits include Gil Kofman’s The Last Jew and See This Movie, a comedy produced by Chris and Paul Weitz.

Rutkowski entered the industry in 1989 and worked as a camera assistant for a broad range of cinematographers on films such as Kids, Flirting With Disaster, Copland, Buena Vista Social Club and Three Seasons, winner of the Best Cinematography Award and Grand Jury Prize at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival.

As a camera operator and 2nd unit cameraman, Rutkowski’s credits include Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream, Harmony Korine’s Julien Donkey Boy, Phone Booth and the soon to be released Winter Passing. In 2001, Rutkowski worked with director Adrian Lynne and cinematographer Peter Biziou on Unfaithful, serving as 2nd unit DP and B Camera operator.

Rutkowski grew up in Long Island, New York, the son of landscape painter Casimir Rutkowski. He began making short films while a student at Harvard, studying with documentary filmmakers Ross McElwee and Robert Gardiner. Rutkowski is also an avid still photographer, whose work has been exhibited in New York and Los Angeles and seen in publications internationally.Caty Maxey (Production Designer)

(Production Designer)

Caty Maxey has moved seamlessly between the mediums of television and film throughout her career as a production designer and art director.

Her film credits as a production designer include Someone Else’s America, Manhattan Sunrise, and the short film Time Loves A Hero.

Maxey previously worked with director Bob Dolman as the art director on The Banger Sisters. Her other feature film credits as art director include The Princess Diaries, Rockstar, Payback, and She’s The One. As an assistant art director her credits include Bed of Roses, Sabrina, Roommates, Glengarry Glen Ross, and Boomerang.

She recently served as production designer on the popular CBS television series “The Guardian,” as well as the UPN show “Sex, Lies and Secrets.” Additional television credits as art director includes “Wasteland,” in additional to “Freaks and Geeks,” “David Letterman” and “The Cosby Show” as assistant art director.

Maxey graduated with honors from the NYU Masters Program in Theater/Film and worked in New York for over a decade, before making Los Angeles her home in 1997.Kathleen Kiatta (Costume Designer)

(Costume Designer)

Kathleen Kiatta designed costumes for director Tommy Lee Jones’ drama The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, which was honored at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival.

As wardrobe supervisor, her feature film credits include the upcoming Every Word Is True, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Life of David Gale, Miss Congeniality, Arlington Road, Evening Star, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, and The Hand That Rocks The Cradle.

She has also served in various costume department positions on dozens of other movies and television shows such as the recent hit Friday Night Lights, The Alamo, Second Hand Lions, All The Pretty Horses, and the series “Law and Order.”Janice Hampton, A.C.E. (Editor)

(Editor)

Among Janice Hampton’s numerous credits as a film editor are the recent teen comedies Ice Princess and How to Deal.

Other feature film credits include Drop Dead Gorgeous and Pump Up The Volume, as well as the John Waters’ films Serial Mom, Pecker, Cry-Baby and Hairspray.

She began her career as an assistant editor on Rocky and went on to serve as editor on the sequel Rocky II. She has also edited the television series “Law and Order.”

Mark Mothersbaugh (Composer)

(Composer)

Emmy award-winning composer Mark Mothersbaugh has written the music for more than 70 film and television projects. He first came to prominence in the music world in the 1970s as lead singer and keyboard player of the progressive new wave/rock band Devo, who released a series of highly eclectic and satirical albums including “Are We Not Men?” and “Freedom of Choice.”

In the mid-1980’s, Mothersbaugh began to write music for commercials where he received a Clio award for his work. He then went on to composing music for numerous television projects including the memorable theme song and underscore for “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse.” He then scored the popular children’s series “Rugrats.” He also wrote the music for the hugely successful The Rugrats Movie.

In 1996, Mothersbaugh met Wes Anderson and scored the filmmaker’s critically acclaimed Bottle Rocket. He wrote the music for Anderson’s Rushmore starring Bill Murray and The Royal Tenenbaums starring Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anjelica Huston and Owen Wilson. The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou marks Mothersbaugh’s fourth collaboration with Anderson.

Mothersbaugh’s other feature film credits include Catherine Hardwicke’s Thirteen starring Evan Rachel Wood and Holly Hunter, Joe and Anthony Russo’s Welcome to Collinwood starring George Clooney, Happy Gilmore starring Adam Sandler, 200 Cigarettes and The New Age from director Michael Tolkin and producer Oliver Stone, among others.

He recently wrote the music for Hardwicke’s film Lords of Dogtown and the comedy The Ringer directed by Barry Blaustein and produced by the Farrelly Brothers. He composes the music for NBC’s dramatic series “LAX.”

Mothersbaugh has been nominated for numerous Emmy awards and is the recipient of BMI’s distinguished Richard Kirk Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 1990, he founded Mutato Muzika, a recording studio and music production company based in Los Angeles.

Mothersbaugh is a world-renowned artist who cites Andy Warhol as inspiration. His paintings and drawings have been shown in galleries around the world. He’s a visual artist as well, and has designed numerous video games.

He continues to perform with Devo, which has had resurgence in recent years. The group has played concerts across the country including Central Park in New York last summer. Mothersbaugh was born in Ohio and studied at Kent State University.

(Written for the Screen & Directed By)In 2002, Bob Dolman made his directorial debut with the comedy , starring Goldie Hawn and Susan Sarandon. Before that, he worked(which he also co-produced) as well as and . (Based Upon The Book By) (Producer) (Producer) (Director of Photography) (Production Designer) (Costume Designer) (Editor) (Composer)

Bob Mothersbaugh (Composer)

Bob Mothersbaugh first came to prominence in the music world in the 1970s as the guitar player and original member of the progressive new wave/rock band Devo, who released a series of highly eclectic and satirical albums including “Are We Not Men?” and “Freedom of Choice.”

In the mid-1980’s, Mothersbaugh began to write music for commercials with his brother Mark Mothersbaugh (co-founding member of Devo). Together they went on to compose music for numerous television projects including the underscore for the popular children’s series “Rugrats.” Mothersbaugh’s feature film credits include Resculpting Venus, Hansel and Gretel, 200 Cigarettes, Men, The Big Squeeze, Sex, Love, Etc. among others.

In 1990, Mark founded Mutato Muzika, a recording studio and music production company based in Los Angeles where Bob has scored numerous video games including Rugrats - Scavenger Hunt and Rugrats Gameboy. Currently Bob writes the underscore for the Rugrats series “All Grown Up” and MTV’s animated comedy “Where My Dog’s At.”

Bob continues to perform with Devo, which has had resurgence in recent years. The group has played concerts across the country and will be on tour late summer of 2006.

(Composer)

Posted by ladymountbatten at 08:52 PM | Permalink

August 22, 2006

HEADLINES OF STORIES BELOW

The Debut of the 'CBS Evening News With Katie Couric' Finishes Number One In the Metered-Market Average Broadcast More Than Doubles Its Recent Metered-Market Average

Comcast ON DEMAND Tops Three Billion Views Nation's Premier Video-On-Demand Service Features 7,500 Programs Monthly in Fall Lineup

Back by Popular Demand ... Clearview Cinemas' Legendary Ziegfeld Theatre Presents Its Hollywood Classics! Film Series Movies ... The Way They Were Meant to Be Seen!
MGM Expands Worldwide Television Distribution Group Jim Packer to Lead New Senior Management Team as President Studio to Launch Sales Campaign for 'Casino Royale' and 'Rocky Balboa' as Well as Movie Franchises 'Legally Blonde,' 'WarGames,' 'Species' and 'Into The Blue'
Celebrate Latina's 10th Anniversary Latina Magazine and MTV tr3s will host a coast-to-coast birthday party during Hispanic Heritage Month! Tour will hit New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and Miami September 16 - October 15
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Aligns With World Famous Cirque du Soleil(R) Exclusive Collaboration will feature BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin martini cocktails in the Cirque du Soleil Tapis Rouge(TM) - a first for Cirque du Soleil Sarah Jessica Parker to Serve as 2006 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF National Spokesperson

New Gap Marketing Campaign Featuring Original Film Footage of Audrey Hepburn Helps Gap "Keeps it Simple" This Fall When the 'Brazilian Dream' Meets the American Dream: the 'Original' Apprentice Story Gwen Stefani to Release Limited Edition Doll Series

Bob Dylan's Modern Times Debuts At #1 On Billboard Chart Album Marks Artist's Return To Top Spot After 30 Years

Chris Tucker: Live! On National Comedy Tour Returns for a Series of One-Night Stands

Zoran Announces NEW High Performance SupraTV 160 Processor Family for Set Top Box and Digital Television Markets Grundig and Homecast Models; Zoran Reference Designs Demonstrated at IBC 2006 in Amsterdam

Lionel Richie Announces Coming Home Tour Exclusive Charitable Pre-Sale at Tickets-for-Charity.com(TM) to Benefit United Way

Anheuser-Busch to Launch 'Bud.TV,' an Online Entertainment Network
Programming to Feature Multiple Channels of Original Content

Sony Computer Entertainment America Media Statement Regarding New European Launch Date for PLAYSTATION 3

Executives Deliver "the Goods" to ICT Attendees at IEC's Broadband World Forum Americas

Donald Trump Says 'You're Fired' and Now Former Trump Executive Vice President Needs Severance Package Negotiations Expert Career Protection Will Provide Free Consultation and Expert Severance Pay Negotiations Advice for 'Apprentice' Co-Star and Longtime Employee of the Trump Organization

New 'TV Planner' Guide on Comcast.net Helps Customers Navigate Expanding TV Choices Top

The Road to Sugarland

Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley Lead Nominees with Six Nominations Each for "The 40th Annual CMA Awards"

Discovery Communications Inc. Mourns the Death of TV Host and Conservationist Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter

Veteran TV Host Todd Newton Signs on as Emcee of GSN's Coverage of the 'WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES,' the First-Ever Casual Games Championship Awarding a $1 Million Grand Prize

MTVN Kids and Family Group Launches New Content on iTunes Music Store in September The N's Hit Series Degrassi Launches Today - Sept. 5 Six New Property Additions Include Nickelodeon's Mr. Meaty, Nick Jr.'s The Wonder Pets!, TEENick Hit Series Drake & Josh, Unfabulous, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide
Glenn Close Announced as EIF Ambassador to Saks Fifth Avenue's 2006 KEY TO THE CURE Campaign Benefit T-Shirt Design by Oscar De La Renta A Women's Cancer Initiative in Partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund The Jagermeister Music Tour Is Back! Slightly Stoopid and Pepper To Headline Death Row Records and Marion 'Suge' Knight Announce Claim Deadline Vyyo to Showcase Revolutionary UltraBand 3 Ghz Passive Line at Mid-America Cable Show Sept. 5-7 Get Two 'Guilty Gear' Brawlers In One Game as Majesco Entertainment Ships 'Guilty Gear Judgment' for the PSP(R) System Jordan Knight Shows QVC(R) Some Love

AT&T Blue Room Seats Elton John Fans Front Row for Upcoming Fashion Rocks' Private Pre-Show Event Exclusive AT&T Blue Room Footage to Feature Songs From Elton John's Upcoming New Release and a Selection of His Greatest Hits

Penthouse Interviews The Rock, Jeremy Shockey and Lou Dobbs NFL Preview Featured and Penthouse's Sex Expert Reveals The Top Five Ways To Get Over Her

Carl's Jr.(R) Launches Sequel to Popular 'Cow Shake' Ad to Promote New Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts(TM) Made With M&M's(R) Milk Chocolate Candies 'Cow Shake-Off' Features Dueling Guys, Cows, and Hit Single 'Milkshake' by Kelis

Academy/UCLA Documentary Series Begins Its 25th Year

Career and Educational Search Sites and Demographics

Crocodile Hunter Steve Hunter Dies from Freak accident with sting-Ray

the 2005-2006 Primetime Emmys

2006 MTV Video Music Awards Celebrates an Eclectic Group of Music Across More Screens Than Ever Before

DMX Cancels USO Tour to Persian Gulf

Casting Call for New Spike TV Reality Competition Series - 'BULLRUN'
Leal Vineyards Rocks the Night Away with Celebrities Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson Pay Surprise Visit to Winery

Nintendo Launches New DS Lite Colors Amid Record-Breaking Game Sales Onyx and Coral Pink Follow Sale of 1 Millionth New Super Mario Bros.

Cox Communications and TiVo Announce Deployment Agreement Cox to Deploy TiVo's DVR and Advertising Software

NTN Buzztime(R) Launches New Multiplayer Miniature Golf Game on Its Restaurant and Sports Bar iTV Network Patrons of Buzztime iTV Network Locations in North America and the United Kingdom Can Now Compete in Real-Time in Buzztime's Crazy Golf(TM)

Legendary Musician Maynard Ferguson Dies Grammy Nominated Trumpeter Known for 'Gonna Fly Now,' the Theme to the Movie Rocky, was 78

Music Superstar Shakira Set to Light the Stage on Fire at '2006 MTV Video Music Awards' Shakira Will Join List of Highly Anticipated Superstar Performers for Live August 31st Broadcast OK Go to Perform Groundbreaking Rendition of Their Video 'Here It Goes Again' on Treadmills Live for the First Time Ever Axl Rose, Lindsay Lohan, Kanye West, Paris Hilton, Diddy, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Pussycat Dolls and 50 Cent Added to Presenters List for 2006 VMAs Borat and Sarah Silverman to Make Special Guest Appearances

Volvo Premieres Webisodes Capturing Worldwide Treasure Hunt for Buried Volvo Action-packed Webisodes Capture Frantic Final Search for Buried Volvo XC90 V8 SUV in Islands of the Bahamas Event Part of Volvo's Promotional Tie-in to Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest; Visit www.volvocars.us/thehunt Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge to Announce Dates for National Contestant Searches in Las Vegas and Atlanta

What do K-Fed, Abe Lincoln, Virgin Mobile USA and the Jersey Shore Have in Common? They are Giving Power Back to the Penny! Virgin Mobile's Penny-Clad Armor Truck Rolls Into the Jersey Shore to Show You Why Pennies are Powerful!

Las Vegas International Restaurant Show to Launch

Pop, Punk and Rock Photographer Brad Elterman to Show at San Francisco's Gallery 3175
IEC Presents ICT Leaders Exploring Network Platforms for Broadband Content Delivery at the Broadband World Forum Americas
Documentary Film Entries Due September 1 for 2006 Oscars®
AOL Video Launches Digital Movie Downloads

World Record Attempt Sought by the New Mr. Las Vegas Jeff Beacher 'Heaviest Pig in a Blanket' Stunt to Take Place August 29 During Paris Hilton CD Release Street Festival

Sonys SILENT HILL ON DVD

Gordon Ramsay to Open First U.S. Restaurant in New York City Fall 2006: Gordon Ramsay at The London

The Romance Reader Has Embraced Digital Entertainment and Harlequin is Leading the Way by Delivering More Happy Endings via the Launch Of New Digital Content and an eBook Boutique

DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE -FINAL FANTASY VII- Breaks Down Mobile Gaming Boundaries Highly Anticipated Action Title to Be Available Exclusively on Amp'd Mobile

Music Making on the Rise in the U.S.
NAMM's State of the Music Industry Report Suggests Playing Music Continues to be Highly Important to Americans

Author/Socialite Eric Schiffer Praises Paris Hilton and Her Musical Talent Amid Controversy at Her CD Release Party in Hollywood

Comedy Superstars Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston Shine in One of the Year's Most Hilarious Films, 'The Break-Up' The Box-Office Hit Arrives on DVD October 17, 2006 With Side-Splitting Extras Including an Alternate Ending and Deleted Scenes! 'One of the best American comedies in years.' - Pete Hammond, Maxim

USATODAY.com Launches New Entertainment and Sports Podcasts 'Pop Candy' and 'Fantasy playbook' Podcasts Extend Popular Life and Sports Sections to New Platform

VoiceOne(TM) and VariTalk Team Up to Send 'Snakes on a Plane' Personalized Phone Messages from Samuel L. Jackson VoiceOne(TM) Takes Over As VariTalk's Preferred Call Services Provider -- Delivers Record Volume with 100% Reliability Sony Merges Quality LCD TV With Desktop PC for a Sleek Combo

Legendary K-Tel International Selects DRA for Digital Distribution

SecureMedia to Launch 'Entertainment Everywhere!(TM)' at IBC 2006, With Breakthrough Security Advancements for Converged Media Protection Highlights Include a Preview of 'Aoraki', Code-Name for the Next Release of SecureMedia's Widely Deployed Encryptonite ONE(TM) System, and the Introduction of the eONE(TM) PC Media Player

Video Without Boundaries to Change Company Name to MediaREADY, Inc. New Corporate Website WWW.MEDIAREADYINC.COM Announced

Got Game Entertainment's 'Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle' Digs into North America Unique first person adventure game sets archaeological mystery against the backdrop of an eerie Cornish landscape

Malcolm Venville Captures Reality Behind Mexican Wrestlers Photographer Venville Reveals Private Interview Transcripts From Book Lucha Loco

MTV and Nickelodeon to Take On Larger Role at the Paramount Motion Picture Group Two Production Companies to Become Full In-House Labels Scott Aversano Named President of MTV Films and Nick Movies
BET, Black AIDS Institute and Kaiser Family Foundation Announce Winners of the 3rd Annual Rap-It-Up/Black AIDS Short Subject Film Competition
Play Music From Your MP3 Player, Mobile Phone or Laptop Through any FM Stereo
Tune in to LifeStyle Television Series on Bravo
On October 24, 2006 Restless Records will release "Butchering The Beatles" -- featuring the BIGGEST, the BADDEST, the HEAVIEST all-star line-up ever assembled to honor what is arguably the greatest band ever -- THE BEATLES.
Gnarls Barkley Receives RIAA Platinum Certification; Duo's Debut Honored for Sales Exceeding One Million; "Crazy" Makes History While Scoring Three MTV VMA Nods
Culver City, California Implements Pornography and Copyright Filtering Technology on Their Public Wireless Network
Folgers(R) Introduces Gourmet Selections(TM) - Gourmet-Inspired Coffee Blends for Everyday Enjoyment
Tide(R) and America's Second Harvest Renew Partnership and Announce Continuation of The Tide CleanStart(TM) Program
Oral-B Powers Up Brushing Routines With New Line of Affordable Power Toothbrushes At Under $20, New Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean Reduces Up to 2x More Plaque Than a Regular Manual Toothbrush
Hollywood Studios International Forms Alliance With Great Road Capital
YouTube Unveils New Advertising Concepts
Repeat - New Line Cinema's "Snakes on a Plane" Is #1 Film in America With $15.2 Million Opening Weekend Gross
Sony's PSP, Nintendo DS, Gameboy, iPod and Portable Media Players Inspire Fashionable Sling Lifestyle Bags by Everki Jerry Douglas Receives 6 Nominations for the International Bluegrass Music Awards (IBMA)

Used Car Dealers Suffer from Web Offerings

____________________________________________________

The Debut of the 'CBS Evening News With Katie Couric' Finishes Number One In the Metered-Market Average
Broadcast More Than Doubles Its Recent Metered-Market Average

Sept. 6 Last night's (5) debut of the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC finished number one in the metered-market average, according to Nielsen.

The broadcast garnered a 9.1/17 rating in those markets, making it the highest rated CBS EVENING NEWS broadcast since Feb. 23, 1998, which occurred during CBS's coverage of the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano.

The broadcast also more than doubled its recent metered-market average of 4.4/9, covering the past four weeks.

"We're encouraged by last night's numbers, but what's more important is what the audience will be six months and a year from now," said Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports. "Our primary focus remains on producing the highest quality broadcast night in and night out."

Final national ratings, as well as total viewers and demographic breakdowns, will be available this afternoon.

Source: CBS

Comcast ON DEMAND Tops Three Billion Views Nation's Premier Video-On-Demand Service Features 7,500 Programs Monthly in Fall Lineup
New 'TV Planner' Guide on Comcast.net Helps Customers Navigate Expanding TV Choices

Television viewers are increasingly choosing to watch the shows they want on their schedules - a trend fueling the incredible growth of Comcast's signature video-on-demand service, which has now surpassed three billion program views since 2004. Comcast, the nation's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services, also set a new monthly record for July, with customers watching 180 million ON DEMAND shows.

As ON DEMAND tops three billion views - the equivalent of 10 programs watched by every person in the United States - Comcast customers have made music videos and programs (more than 540 million viewed), children's shows (more than 330 million viewed), free movies (more than 180 million viewed) and sports and fitness programs (more than 73 million viewed) some of the most popular programming categories.

"Customer response to ON DEMAND over the past few years has been extraordinary," said Page Thompson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video Services for Comcast. "ON DEMAND is the ultimate viewing experience, and as more customers try the service and we continue expanding our content library with viewers' favorite shows from top networks and VOD-exclusive programs, we expect ON DEMAND use to continue climbing."

TV Planner on Comcast.net

To help manage the growing number of viewing choices, Comcast also has launched an online program guide - called TV Planner - on Comcast.net, the company's award-winning broadband portal. TV Planner integrates the advanced search functionality available on the Internet today to make it even easier for customers to discover and sort through all of the ON DEMAND and TV programming options.

Viewers can customize searches by title, category (such as movies, sports, kids and HD) and genre (such as comedy, documentary and drama) to find the programming that best matches their interests. TV Planner is the first and only online program guide that enables viewers to search ON DEMAND and HD ON DEMAND.

Comcast ON DEMAND's Fall Lineup

Comcast's ON DEMAND service offers a growing library of more than 7,500 programs per month - available any time customers want to watch them, with the ability to fast forward, rewind and pause selections. Approximately 95% of ON DEMAND programs are available at no additional charge for Comcast Digital Cable customers based on their service levels. Viewers can choose from categories like:

-- Premium Services: movies and award-winning original series from HBO,

Showtime, Cinemax, The Movie Channel, Starz and Encore

-- Movies: up to 800 movies every month, from the latest Hollywood

blockbusters to all-time classics

-- Network Primetime: hit shows from CBS and NBC, including "CSI: Crime

Scene Investigation," "NCIS," "Survivor," "The Office," "Law & Order:

Criminal Intent" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

-- TV Entertainment: hit shows from the most popular cable networks,

including A&E, MTV, VH1, E!, TNT, Comedy Central, Discovery, USA

Network, BBC America, TV One, Logo, CMT, TBS, BET and Oxygen, as well

as classic TV series like "Charlie's Angels," "One Day at a Time" and

"Soap" from Comcast's exclusive Tube Time service

-- Kids: popular children's series from PBS KIDS Sprout, Nickelodeon,

Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Noggin and Discovery Kids

-- Sports & Fitness: more than 90 workout and motivational programs from

exercisetv and programs from Versus, NFL Network, Speed Channel, NBA

TV, Golf Channel, OLN and Sportskool

-- Music: hundreds of music videos in a wide range of genres as well as

concert performances, music instruction series and Comcast's Karaoke

On Demand, giving viewers the chance to belt out a favorite tune in

the comfort of their own living room

-- Life & Home: lifestyle advice on topics including parenting, cooking,

weddings, fashion and style

-- Cutting Edge: featuring anime, programs from Cartoon Network's Adult

Swim and Dating On Demand, the first network to combine video on

demand with online dating

Comcast also is introducing high-definition (HD) ON DEMAND programming, giving customers the added choice and convenience of watching programs in crystal-clear HD at any time.

About Comcast

Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) (NASDAQ:CMCSK) (http://www.comcast.com/) is the nation's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services. With 23.3 million cable customers, 10 million high-speed Internet customers, and 1.6 million voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

Comcast's content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, The Golf Channel, OLN, G4, AZN Television, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One and four regional Comcast SportsNets. Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.

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

Back by Popular Demand ... Clearview Cinemas' Legendary Ziegfeld Theatre Presents Its Hollywood Classics! Film Series
Movies ... The Way They Were Meant to Be Seen!

Clearview Cinemas today announced that it is bringing back its "Hollywood Classics!" Film Series, beginning Friday, September 8. The five-week series will showcase films that were requested by moviegoers during Clearview's first "Hollywood Classics!" Film Series held this past winter. Each week will feature a special theme including: All Time Classics Week, Super Heroes Week and a week dedicated to award-winning Director Steven Spielberg.

"With the overwhelming success of our first 'Hollywood Classics!' Film Series, Clearview is excited to be able to bring back this special event. Our goal is to give moviegoers, whether they are watching these films for the first or fifth time, the opportunity to see Hollywood's classics the way they were meant to be seen, on the big screen at a premier venue like the Ziegfeld Theatre," said Doug Oines, senior vice president and general manager for Clearview Cinemas.

The series runs from September 8 through October 12 and tickets are available at a reduced rate of $7.50.

WHAT: Hollywood Classics! Series

September 8 - 14: All Time Classics Week!

Featuring: "Citizen Kane," "Casablanca," and

"The Good, The Bad & The Ugly"

September 15 - 21: All Time Favorites Week!

Featuring: "The Wizard of Oz" and "Gone with the Wind"

September 22 - 28: Super Heroes Week!

Featuring: "Superman," "Batman," and "Spider-Man"

September 29 - October 5: Steven Spielberg Week!

Featuring: "Jaws," "Back to the Future," and "ET - The Extra

Terrestrial"

October 6 - 12: Musicals Week!

Featuring: "West Side Story," "Cabaret," and a special sing-a-long

version of "Grease"

WHEN: Friday, September 8 through Thursday, October 12, 2006

WHERE: Clearview Cinema's Ziegfeld Theatre

141 West 54th Street, New York, NY

Tickets are available at the theatre box office or through clearviewcinemas.com. For information on showtimes call 212-777-FILM #602 or visit www.clearviewcinemas.com.

A subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation since 1998, Clearview Cinemas was formed in 1994 and currently operates 51 movie theatres with 262 screens in the New York metropolitan area, including the famous Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City. Clearview Cinemas operates theatres in New Jersey, Manhattan, Westchester, Rockland County, Long Island and Pennsylvania. More information can be found at www.clearviewcinemas.com.

Source: Clearview Cinemas

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

MGM Expands Worldwide Television Distribution Group
Jim Packer to Lead New Senior Management Team as President
Studio to Launch Sales Campaign for 'Casino Royale' and 'Rocky Balboa' as Well as Movie Franchises 'Legally Blonde,' 'WarGames,' 'Species' and 'Into The Blue'

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) is reinvigorating its worldwide television distribution operation, hiring senior management and bringing a number of new high profile programs to buyers around the globe. The announcement was made today by Harry E. Sloan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, MGM and Rick Sands, Chief Operating Officer, MGM.

The restructured MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group, which reports to Sands, is headed by seasoned distribution executive Jim Packer, who assumes the new title of President. In this position, Packer remains in charge of television distribution worldwide, including U.S. barter sales and syndication, as well as all emerging forms of television programming distribution on a worldwide basis.

"After reinvigorating our domestic theatrical distribution business with over 20 new theatrical pictures a year, and establishing a dedicated MGM sales force in partnership with Fox Video, the next logical step is to expand our worldwide television distribution operation to meet our increased activity and product flow," said Sloan in announcing the division's restructuring. "Further, the international market for TV product has never been healthier and MGM continues to be an active and extremely competitive player in the marketplace."

Sands added: "As aggressive and smart competitors, the reorganization of our worldwide television distribution operation is simply one way of maximizing the assets in our library and positions us for future growth in the marketplace. Jim Packer has already made significant contributions during his tenure at MGM and we are pleased he will be leading us to even bigger growth opportunities in his new role as President of the group."

"After spending the last six years here at MGM, I truly understand the value of this tremendous library," said Packer. "Having been given the challenge of increasing our market presence, I could not be more enthused about the expansion of our worldwide distribution team. With 'Casino Royale,' 'Rocky Balboa' and our new slate of premiere movie titles, our expanded distribution presence comes at the ideal time."

Adding fuel to its distribution pipeline, MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will handle the international television sales for "Casino Royale" the new James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig, and "Rocky Balboa," the sixth and final Rocky movie starring Sylvester Stallone. Leveraging proven properties within the massive MGM library, the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will launch a worldwide sales campaign for the following movies:

*"Legally Blonde 3" -- Beauty and brains bring big laughs.

*"Cutting Edge 3" -- The romantic drama about the quest for victory among

professional ice skaters.

*"Into the Blue 2" -- A new and exciting installment based on the action

thriller about aspiring treasure hunters.

*"WarGames 2" -- Scheduled to begin shooting in Montreal in November, the

thrilling story of what happens when top officials try to dismantle the

famous computer.

*"Species 4" -- The fourth installment of the Species franchise continues

in Mexico, where new experiments with DNA bring horrific results. An

MGM/360 Production, Frank Mancuso, Jr. will oversee production beginning

in October on "Species 4." Mancuso has served as the producer or

executive producer on the previous "Species" movies.

In addition to its new program offerings, the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group will continue to handle distribution of over 4,000 movie titles and 10,000 television series that make up the MGM library, the world's largest modern filmed and television library. Among the key television properties featured in the MGM catalogue are "Stargate SG-1," the sci-fi series that is celebrating its record-setting 200th episode on the Sci-Fi Channel, and the immensely popular drama series "The L Word," which airs on Showtime in the U.S.

With the announcement of the MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Group restructuring, MGM has also announced key promotions within the group. Joe Patrick has been promoted to Executive Vice President, North America. He previously served as Senior Vice President for the studio and is based in Los Angeles. Mary Ann Pasante, who has been the Vice President of Latin America Sales, has also been promoted to Senior Vice President of Latin America Sales and will continue to be based in Atlanta.

Packer, who joined MGM in 2001, initially served as Executive Vice President, Domestic TV. In this post, he was the architect of several innovative partnerships, including the MGM/UPN "Weekend Movie" and the PAX/MGM "Night at the Movies."

Packer was promoted to Executive Vice President of MGM's Worldwide Television Distribution unit in April 2005, charged with oversight of the studio's worldwide TV distribution activities, including the licensing of MGM programming to TV outlets around the world for free to air network television, basic and pay cable. Packer will continue to be based at the studio's headquarters in Los Angeles.

Before joining MGM, Packer was an executive with The Walt Disney Company, where he spent 15 years working within the Buena Vista Domestic Television Distribution unit. During his tenure at Buena Vista, Packer consistently increased his areas of responsibility, handling the distribution of off-network product, theatrical films and first run series, including such properties as "Home Improvement," "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" and "The Golden Girls," as well as numerous movie packages. Packer, a graduate of Leeds Business School at the University of Colorado at Boulder, also serves on the Board of Governors for the Museum of Television & Radio.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,000 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 110 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), Texas Pacific Group (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

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

Celebrate Latina's 10th Anniversary Latina Magazine and MTV tr3s will host a coast-to-coast birthday party during Hispanic Heritage Month!
Tour will hit New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and Miami September 16 - October 15

Latina, the #1 magazine for U.S. Hispanic women, announced today it will celebrate its 10th anniversary-as well as the profound influence Latinos have had on America in the last decade-by embarking on a five-city tour during Hispanic Heritage month (Sept. 15 through Oct. 15). It will be a three-day cultural festival, visiting a different city each weekend, and will include live musical performances, fashion shows, beauty makeovers and family activities. The tour will feature live entertainment provided by MTV tr3s, the new multi-platform entertainment destination from MTV that's dedicated to superserving today's new Latino youth.

The Latina Magazine Nation Tour(TM) will kick off in New York and is expected to connect with over 50,000 consumers. Events will be free and open to the public. For more information and updates on the tour, visit http://www.latina.com/.

City Venue Dates*

New York Forest Park, Queens 9/16-9/17

Chicago Humboldt Park 9/23-9/24

Los Angeles Exposition Park 9/30-10/1

Houston Reliant Park 10/7-10/8

Miami Bicentennial Park 10/14-10/15

* All dates Saturday - Sunday

"Latina magazine is a trusted authority in providing the best news and information on Latin music, culture, fashion, beauty, entertainment and more. Now we can bring our unique experience and perspective beyond the pages of the magazine, directly into the lives of our readers and their families -- right in their own back yards," said Fabio Freyre, CEO of Latina Media Ventures (LMV). "We are thrilled to join forces with our high-quality partners to create such a special event that puts at its center the rich language, culture, and influence of U.S. Latinos."

Each star-studded weekend will include local musical talent, beauty makeovers by L'Oreal Paris, and live fashion shows by Akademiks. The entire family can get involved in activities such as soccer clinics, domino competitions, face painting, balloon making or drum circles. Dance-offs and a battle of the bands will ensure that everyone gets a chance to flaunt their talent! If music's your thing, take part in the guitar pick contest and be entered to win your very own Gibson Guitar. Test-drive hot new cars from Daimler Chrysler for the chance to be entered to win a brand new Crossfire Convertible! Stop by the Kodak photo booth for a chance to win a new camera.

All visitors are encouraged to bring a photograph representing their own Latin style. Bring your photo to the Latina magazine booth to be eligible for a chance to win an appearance in a future issue of Latina magazine.

Latina magazine Editorial Director, Betty Cortina, Founder Christy Haubegger and Los Angeles television journalist, Giselle Fernandez, will be among the inspiring speakers leading discussions on topics of importance to all Latinas -- what it takes to succeed, living in a bicultural world, balancing family and work and what it means to be a Latina today.

Latina magazine is the leading lifestyle publication for bicultural Hispanic women -- a market segment that will reshape the country's social, economic, and cultural landscape in the next decade. The U.S. Hispanic population is expected to number 42 million by 2007. By 2020, it is estimated that one in every five Americans will be Hispanic.

About Latina Media Ventures LLC

Latina Media Ventures LLC is the premier integrated media company serving the growing U.S. Hispanic marketplace. LMV's diverse media properties include its flagship magazine, Latina, the leading lifestyle publication for bicultural Hispanic women in the U.S. with an audience in excess of 2 million, as well as Latina Digital Media, Custom Publishing, Live Events, and Licensing businesses.

Source: Latina Media Ventures LLC

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

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Aligns With World Famous Cirque du Soleil(R)
Exclusive Collaboration will feature BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin martini cocktails in the Cirque du Soleil Tapis Rouge(TM) - a first for Cirque du Soleil

the leading super-premium gin in the United States, is collaborating with the world famous Cirque du Soleil, becoming the first spirit ever to be featured at Cirque du Soleil Tapis Rouge lounges. This forward thinking and groundbreaking relationship will feature unprecedented exposure for the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE brand throughout the United States and further demonstrates the creative and trend setting nature of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE.

"This enterprising relationship with Cirque du Soleil will allow us to enhance what is already a truly inspired performance experience," said BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Senior Marketing Manager, Giles Woodyer. "We are thrilled to be aligning with a brand that so similarly strives for excellence and commits to upholding the creativity, innovation and genuine expression that signifies BOMBAY SAPPHIRE."

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is the official spirit of Cirque du Soleil in the United States and will be the only featured spirit served in the intimate Tapis Rouge. The Tapis Rouge is a dedicated lounge opened pre-show and during intermission. Now, VIP guests (21+ and older) will be able to enhance the sensory experience of the performance by enjoying delicious BOMBAY SAPPHIRE cocktails.

"BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin's natural elegance and dedication to quality align perfectly with the vision and innovation of Cirque du Soleil," stated Ryan Sandilands, Corporate Alliances Director, Cirque du Soleil.

This defining alliance, which also includes premiere parties, highlights BOMBAY SAPPHIRE'S ongoing support and celebration of artistic expression, as well as the brand's ability to develop meaningful and relevant associations with today's adult consumer.

The Official Cocktail of CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE SURIYA

1 part BOMBAY SAPPHIRE

3 parts Fresh Pineapple Juice

Drizzle of Chambord

Served in a chilled martini glass.

About BOMBAY SAPPHIRE

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is the best selling super premium gin in the United States. The combination of its ten unique botanicals, vapour infusion process and authentic British heritage secure BOMBAY SAPPHIRE as a leader among gins, as well as a symbol of style and sophistication. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE strongly supports inspired adult individuals who create passionate work in design, film and other artistic arenas. For more information, please visit www.bombaysapphire.com.

BE BRILLIANT AND INSPIRED. DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

www.bombaysapphire.com

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK.

IMPORTED BY THE BOMBAY SPIRITS COMPANY U.S.A., MIAMI, FL.

GIN - 47% ALC. BY VOL.

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

Sarah Jessica Parker to Serve as 2006 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF National Spokesperson

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF announced today that actress and UNICEF Ambassador Sarah Jessica Parker will serve as the national spokesperson for the 2006 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. Throughout the month of October, Ms. Parker will encourage kids to get involved by raising funds for vulnerable children around the world with the time-honored orange Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box.

"The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is extremely fortunate to have such a caring and dedicated Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF 2006 spokesperson," said Charles J. Lyons, president of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "Ms. Parker's passion for improving the lives of children and the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program will undoubtedly help raise awareness throughout the country and inspire other parents to get their children involved."

Sarah Jessica Parker was appointed a UNICEF Ambassador in 1997 and has been supporting UNICEF in a variety of ways ever since. This is Ms. Parker's second time serving as the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF spokesperson; she last served in 1997. In 2003, Ms. Parker showed her support of the campaign by participating in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign launch at the NBA store here with UNDP Youth Emissary and basketball great, Dikembe Mutombo.

"My involvement with Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is particularly dear to me because I participated as a child and now that I am a mother I want to share the experience with my son," said Ms. Parker. "Halloween can be very focused on the amassing of bucket-loads of sweets. Yet, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF demonstrates that kids can do good deeds and still have fun. A positive first experience with philanthropy can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of giving."

Ms. Parker's dedication to UNICEF extends past her involvement with the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program. Most recently, Ms. Parker pledged her support of UNICEF when she helped promote the return of Cartier's LOVE Charity bracelet. Because of Sarah Jessica Parker's support, the proceeds from the sale of Cartier's blue LOVE bracelet will go to UNICEF. Similarly, she helped UNICEF brighten the world for children in 2004 when she lit the UNICEF Snowflake -- which graces the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street during the annual lighting ceremony here in the city. Shortly afterwards, during the aftermath of the 2004 South Asia Tsunami, Sarah Jessica designed a limited edition Gap t-shirt to benefit UNICEF's tsunami relief and recovery efforts. Gap donated $100,000 from the sales of those shirts to UNICEF.

Ambassador Sarah Jessica Parker will be present at this year's Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF launch event here in New York City this October.

About UNICEF

Founded in 1946, UNICEF helps save, protect and improve the lives of children in 156 countries through immunization, education, health care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority. For more information about UNICEF or to make a donation, please visit unicefusa.org/trickortreat or call 1-800-4UNICEF.

Source: U.S. Fund for UNICEF

Web site: http://www.unicefusa.org/
http://unicefusa.org/trickortreat

New Gap Marketing Campaign Featuring Original Film Footage of Audrey Hepburn Helps Gap "Keeps it Simple" This Fall

This week, the skinny black pant is back at Gap with the introduction of a new, groundbreaking campaign featuring original film footage of timeless style icon Audrey Hepburn. The campaign, entitled "Keep it Simple," is centered on innovative television spots incorporating a memorable scene of Audrey Hepburn dancing in the classic film Funny Face. Celebrating Gap's re-launch of the perfect black pant, the ads mark Gap's third and final marketing campaign of the fall season.

"Gap has a rich history of integrating memorable choreography and music into our advertising, but we've never done anything quite like this before," said Trey Laird, creative director of Gap. "We wanted to do something really special to re-launch our skinny black pants and thought who better to showcase them than actress Audrey Hepburn -- an iconic woman famous for dressing with sophistication and classic style."

Debuting September 7, Gap's new "Keep It Simple" TV spots juxtapose classic footage of Audrey Hepburn dancing in skinny black pants to the 1980 AC/DC hit song "Back in Black." The ad opens with a scene from Funny Face as Audrey Hepburn dances through a Parisian cafe. It continues as she jumps out of the movie and onto a backdrop resembling the look and feel of an iconic Gap ad. Special effects and graphics help her navigate her way across the screen in a series of energetic dance steps. She then jumps back into Funny Face as the spot concludes with the tagline "It's Back -- The Skinny Black Pant."

"We're thrilled because this is the first time in more than 12 years that a film clip of Audrey Hepburn has been authorized to endorse a commercial product in North America," said Kyle Andrew, vice president of Gap Marketing. "This ad is a true testament to timeless style and we couldn't be more excited to have Audrey Hepburn -- the ultimate style icon -- represented in our campaign."

Gap became known for fabulous "must-have" black pants more than a decade ago -- they flew off shelves and helped millions of women across the country dress with sophistication and style. Gap's reintroduction of the perfect fitting pair of skinny black pants this fall is a celebration of this classic, iconic piece. Named after timeless fashion icon Audrey Hepburn -- "The Audrey Hepburn(TM) Pant" is sleek and simple with modern details that are undeniably cool. It has an updated bi-stretch fabrication, which allows for greater flexibility and movement and helps the pant keep its shape. Gap's new skinny black pants are destined to become a modern day classic.

In addition to black pants, Gap has a long heritage of offering a wide variety of clean, classic and simple styles. And this fall Gap is back with a collection of great fitting, sophisticated pants in a range of lengths and shapes, as well as classic shirts, turtlenecks, sweaters and outerwear. Worn day or night, dressed up or down, these are the simple, iconic pieces that will never go out of style. In Gap stores this fall, the clean collection is featured in a one-stop shopping destination. You'll find a new dedicated space within Gap stores filled with the classic "must-have" items you always need and want.

The "Keep It Simple" television campaign features 30 and 60-second spots that will air in the United States on all major networks, spot markets and cable from September 7 through October 5. The spots will premiere on network television shows including "Grey's Anatomy" (ABC), "CSI" (CBS) and "Studio 60" (NBC). Gap.com will also feature the new "Keep It Simple" television commercial, as well as exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the ad. Complimenting this outstanding broadcast effort are a series of black-and-white print ads featuring models in clean, simple looks anchored in skinny black pants will run in October issues of major national magazines including Vogue, InStyle and Elle. There will also be outdoor ads in major markets.

Laird+Partners, Gap's creative agency, developed the "Keep It Simple" marketing campaign. The TV spots were developed using visual effects by Method Studios and graphic design and animation by Logan and print ads were photographed by famed fashion photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.

In celebration of the launch of the "Keep It Simple" ad campaign, Gap is making a generous contribution to the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund. The Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund is a non-profit organization created to continue Ms. Hepburn's international appeals on behalf of children around the world.

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

When the 'Brazilian Dream' Meets the American Dream: the 'Original' Apprentice Story

-- The story of the self-made man who overcame all odds and succeeded is a fundamental part of the appeal and seductive power of the so-called American Dream. The young Brazilian entrepreneur Ricardo Bellino is the personification of this dream, which still captivates the imagination of millions in America and all over the world.

The story of an unknown businessman from a faraway country who sells his idea to Donald Trump in just three minutes and becomes a partner of the legendary American billionaire is a business fairy tale come true. It also shows that the "Brazilian Dream," or the hope of building your own path towards success despite economic, social, cultural and historical obstacles that may seem impassable, is not just a dream. It can be a real possibility if you are willing to believe and try. In his new book "You Have 3 Minutes", Bellino reveals the secrets behind successful negotiations and shows how intuition, persistence, creativity, communication skills and a good idea can work miracles -- even for those who don't have money, experience or a business network. Bellino's book describes a real life tale of entrepreneurial drive that shows us what can happen when the 'Brazilian Dream' meets the American Dream.

Multimedia News Release: Click on the following URL to see Ricardo Bellino's interview:

What: McGraw-Hill will host a cocktail party to celebrate the

publication of "You Have 3 Minutes! Learn the Secrets of the Pitch

from Trump's Original Apprentice" - by Ricardo Bellino.

When: September 12, 6-9 P.M.

Where: Trump Tower - 725 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y.

The book's key messages:

1. How to sell your idea in three minutes -- or less.

2. Why first impressions are so important and how to create an excellent

first impression on a potential business investor or employer.

3. How to approach a world famous tycoon like Donald Trump and capture

his attention.

4. Learn from a successful businessman how to use intuition to make snap

decisions, find the best opportunities and close great deals.

5. How to sell your image and improve your communication skills.

Contact information:

Elizabeth Priestley

Source: INEMP

Gwen Stefani to Release Limited Edition Doll Series

-- This Fall, Grammy Award-winning songwriter and performer Gwen Stefani will conquer yet another role -- toy designer. Stefani will release a Limited Edition series of eight dolls entitled Love. Angel. Music. Baby. Inspired by her multi-platinum album and tour, each doll will reflect Gwen's eclectic onstage incarnations. Ranging from her Hollaback Girl to the fashion-forward Harajuku Girls of Tokyo, the dolls in this high-end line will reflect the distinctive style and personality which have made Gwen Stefani an icon.

"I thought the dolls would be a good opportunity to capture some of the key looks from the album and the tour," stated Stefani. "The Harajuku Girls and I wore such wicked costumes we had to share them with the world again."

Available at select fine retailers this fall, each doll comes with interchangeable outfits along with exclusive Gwen collectibles like posters, pocket mirrors, trading cards and other stylish accessories. Using images and characters from her music videos and onstage performances, the dolls are truly an extension of Gwen's music and vision. Embodying both her distinctive fashion sense and charismatic persona, the dolls will be THE must-have toy this Holiday season.

"The dolls are another dimension to the album and the tour, another layer to the world of Love. Angel. Music. Baby," said Stefani.

For this venture Gwen has partnered up with Huckleberry Toys, a newly formed company that is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of imagination, fun and creative play for kids of all ages.

Source: Huckleberry Toys

Bob Dylan's Modern Times Debuts At #1 On Billboard Chart
Album Marks Artist's Return To Top Spot After 30 Years

Bob Dylan's new album, Modern Times, has debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart, making this the artist's first album to hit the top of that chart in 30 years. This 30-year span between #1 albums - Desire hit the top spot in 1976 -- is the longest of any living recording artist. Modern Times has sold more than 192,000 copies in the United States since its release, marking the biggest such sales period for a Bob Dylan album in the 15 year history of SoundScan.

Fan response was equally as impressive internationally, with Modern Times debuting at #1 on the album charts of Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway and Switzerland. The album entered the UK chart at #3 with 55,000 units sold, marking a one-week sales record in that country for any Bob Dylan album. Additionally, Modern Times debuted at #2 in Germany, Austria and Sweden, and #3 in The Netherlands.

Modern Times is already one of the most critically lauded albums of Bob Dylan's career. Rolling Stone awarded the album 5 stars (out of 5) and proclaimed it, "His third straight masterwork." Ann Powers of the Los Angeles Times wrote that Dylan is, "our living Rosetta Stone, his songs carrying forth the essence of a thousand blues and folk classics, connecting the canonical and the folkloric to the present day." In the UK, Mojo magazine exclaimed, Epic...Heartbreaking...Dynamic ... Apocalyptic!" while Uncut gave Modern Times its highest ranking of 5 stars. (See attached page of press quotes).

According to Columbia Records Chairman Steve Barnett, "Modern Times is an absolutely staggering record, and we couldn't be more thrilled that fans have responded to it so enthusiastically by putting Bob at #1, which is where he belongs. This extraordinary artist has been integral to our company for nearly 45 years, and he remains at the peak of his artistry, vitality and cultural impact. We are incredibly proud of Bob's great achievement."

Bob Dylan is currently featured in an iPod commercial, seen performing "Someday Baby" from Modern Times. A short film starring Scarlett Johansson and set to Bob Dylan's new song "When The Deal Goes Down" premiered on AOL and was released online and to video channels last Thursday. Directed by Academy Award nominee Bennett Miller (Capote), the silent film was shot on 8mm and takes place in the early 1960s. Clues connecting the film's scenes to Bob Dylan's early career are creatively placed throughout the piece.

Bob Dylan is one of the world's most popular and acclaimed songwriters, musicians and performers, having sold nearly 100 million albums and performed literally thousands of shows around the world in a career spanning five decades. He is currently in the midst of his third annual summer U.S. tour of minor league baseball stadiums, and will begin a 24-city tour October 11 in Vancouver, B.C.

The Times They Are A-Changin', the new Broadway musical told through the songs of Bob Dylan and conceived, directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Twyla Tharp, will open October 26 at New York's Brooks Atkinson Theatre.

Bob Dylan's most recent studio albums, Time Out Of Mind and "Love And Theft" have been among his most commercially successful and critically lauded, each having been certified Platinum in the U.S. and earning Grammy nominations for Album Of The Year (Time Out Of Mind won that award in 1998).

He wrote and recorded "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 film Wonder Boys, for which he received both the Academy Award and Golden Globe. The first volume of his memoirs, Chronicles, was one of the most acclaimed and best-selling non-fiction works of 2004, and last year's No Direction Home film, directed by Martin Scorsese, captivated audiences worldwide as it documented Dylan's early career and rise to fame. The film won a Peabody Award in 2006.

Bob Dylan's weekly XM Satellite Radio show, Theme Time Radio Hour, debuted in May and has quickly become one of that network's most popular programs, with more than 1.7 weekly listeners.

Bob Dylan -- Modern Times

* * * * * (out of five) -- "His third straight masterwork."

Joe Levy, Rolling Stone

"Its 10 songs make you think hard about the past and muse quietly about the future .... [Dylan is] our living Rosetta Stone, his songs carrying forth the essence of a thousand blues and folk classics, connecting the canonical and the folkloric to the present day.

Ann Powers, Los Angeles Times

* * * * (out of four) -- "It takes about 30 seconds to figure out you're in the presence of a giant .... [Modern Times] contains some of Dylan's most direct love lyrics, meditations on mortality, vindictive vendettas, pointed political commentary, dry wit, apocalyptic imagery and head-scratching flights of fancy -- sometimes seemingly in the same song. The music, too often overlooked in evaluating Dylan's work, offers varied delights."

Ken Barnes, USA Today

"Startling. Radiates the observant calm of old masters who have seen enough life to be ready for anything -- Yeats, Matisse, Sonny Rollins." Robert Christgau, Blender Magazine

"Epic...Heartbreaking...Dynamic...Apocalyptic! .... [Modern Times] is in the passionate tradition of his last two superb albums, 1997's biting, bruising Time Out Of Mind and 2001's more jubilant and eclectic 'Love And Theft'. Dylan looks into the heart of the modern age and tells us what he sees in a vision still commanding and bold."

Robert Hilburn, Mojo

"Modern Times is powerful and more consistent than its recent predecessors. At times rollicking and at others reflective, it's the work of a master songwriter who knows how to use guile where flash might have worked in the past."

David Bauder, Associated Press

"The state of America, vibrant sexuality, depression-era jazz and blues, and some excellent jokes; another classic from the revitalised master" -- * * * * * (out of five)

Uncut

Grade A -- "Intriguing, immediate and quietly epic, Modern Times must rank among Dylan's finest albums."

Pat Gilbert, Entertainment Weekly

* * * * (out of four) - Critics Choice

Steve Dougherty, People Magazine

* * * * (out of four) -- "Modern Times delivers on all counts ... .Its 10 tunes are so squarely built on the American songbook, your finger doesn't dare poke the CD player's skip button. It rambles and gambles on pre-rock styles laced with so many cryptic notions and personal references that interpretive lit classes will be busy for semesters. Dylan is a living, breathing genius who stoked his creative fires back in '97 for Time Out of Mind and kept them burning with the Grammy-winning 'Love and Theft' in 2001. He continues his run here, tying all three albums together with a vintage roots-music aesthetic.

Dan Aquilante, New York Post

"Modern Times is an album that snaps into place like a puzzle part alongside his latter-era masterpieces, 'Love and Theft' and its predecessor, Time Out of Mind -- albums that have restored his reputation and given him a new voice. At this point in his serpentine career, Dylan is the cagey veteran who can summon entire worlds in his songs. Long may he run."

Joel Selvin, San Francisco Chronicle

"Wry, spry and rollicking .... Dylan extends his renaissance of the past decade with songs that at once feel culled from some arcane archive of American roots music and ripped steaming from one of his reliably rollicking live shows. It's an offhandedly exact blend of present and past, and being pulled through it by a master of such advanced years and powers brings to mind the late works of Yeats or Picasso ...."

Shawn Levy, Portland Oregonian

"A vibrant album bursting with wit, charm, emotion, and deeply sampled musical history. Modern Times is what we have come to expect from Bob Dylan in autumn: another masterpiece that doesn't make too much of itself."

Chris Morris, L.A. City Beat

* * * * * (out of five) - "With Modern Times, in stores today, Dylan affirms that he has become precisely the character he aspired to be since his earliest acoustic folk albums ... .Guthrie and the old bluesmen borrowed old songs and commented on events in the same way, which makes Dylan's new music another link in a precious cultural chain -- just the way he first imagined."

Jim Abbott, Orlando Sentinel

* * * * (out of four)

Detroit Free Press

Grade A - [Modern Times] is a brilliantly oddball blend of country, blues and good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll. Modern Times is glorious proof that, at 65, Dylan still has plenty to say, and with singular eloquence."

Calvin Wilson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Rating 5 out of 5 - "With today's release of Modern Times, Bob Dylan continues a late-career winning streak that is without parallel in rock 'n' roll .... Only Dylan still touches hearts in such a visceral, vital way ... .It would be tempting to call Modern Times the concluding part of a brilliant trilogy - if the end were in sight."

Bernard Perusse, Montreal Gazette

"It's a loose-limbed, wide-ranging (to say the least) table-setter that straightaway offers the assurance that His Bobness is still on the late-in- life hot streak that began with the elegiac Time Out of Mind in 1997 and continued with the sprightly 'Love and Theft'."

Dan DeLuca, Philadelphia Inquirer

"There is something poetic about the fact that Bob Dylan is the lone second-generation rock luminary to make music that suits his age and status. In this, Dylan is as avant-garde as he was in his '60s heyday. The 65-year-old grapples with pressing issues, memory and mortality prime among them. But by looking back, to the roots of his art, he has managed to forge ahead, crafting songs that are as vibrant and profound as ever .... [Dylan] is singing as beautifully as he ever has, his voice a marvel of sly shading."

Bradley Bambarger, Newark Star Ledger

* * * * (out of four) -- "Using the familiar musical forms of blues, rock and pop, the legendary singer-songwriter - in his many guises - traverses a landscape that's equal parts treacherous, beautiful and humorous. And in doing so has released his most intimate work in years."

Rob Lowman, Los Angeles Daily News

"Here in 2006, Dylan's stock as a cultural barometer, as a leader and a sage, is higher than it has been in decades. We still look to Dylan to tell us about our lives now, not our lives then: He's still here, his artistry fully present, and millions still respond to him as a contemporary artist, not a legendary figure from the dim and misty '60s. There's a simple reason for this, and here it is: He still delivers the goods. Like his last two highly acclaimed CDs, 1997's Time Out of Mind and 2001's 'Love and Theft', the 10-track Modern Times is a wonderful addition to his oeuvre, and quite possibly the best of the three."

Dave Ferman, Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

"[Modern Times is] a masterful assimilation of forms into a sound that is close to wholly unique. This record could have been released 40 years ago or 10 years from now .... In terms of phrasing, manipulation of time and accent and ability to wring subtlety and nuance from his own peerless song-poems, Dylan is absolutely masterful here."

Jeff Miers, Buffalo News

"Modern Times could very well be called 'Love and Theft', Part II; Dylan draws from the same influences - old folk, '30s-styled ballads, '50s-era rave-ups - that made his 2001 album a breath of fresh air .... There's more introspection on this album than any since Blood on the Tracks."

Mark Brown, Rocky Mountain News

"This enchanting album is rife with homespun reflections on philosophy, religion and the never-ending quest for true love."

Wayne Robins, Billboard Magazine

"Romantic and spectacular .... Dylan's finest since Blood on the Tracks."

Jody Rosen, Slate

www.bobdylan.com

www.columbiarecords.com

Web site: http://www.columbiarecords.com/
http://www.bobdylan.com/

Chris Tucker: Live! On National Comedy Tour Returns for a Series of One-Night Stands

Chris Tucker returns to the stage, hitting the road for a series of one-night stand concerts. Tucker, who is in the midst of a 21-city tour, will hit New York (Sept. 8), Chicago (Sept. 9), Washington, DC (Sept. 10), and will close out the series with a live in- concert filming, in his hometown, Atlanta, (Sept. 15 and 16). The film will debut as a movie in 2007.

Tucker has already made appearances in cities such as Baltimore, Jacksonville, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Orlando and San Diego. He goes one-on-one with his audience sharing his thoughts on celebrity friends, family, politics and everyday life.

"Every true comedian eventually returns to his roots -- stand-up comedy," says Tucker. "There's energy, an excitement you can only receive when you're in front of a live audience. I love my movie career, but I miss that one-on-one connection with the crowd. I'm excited to get back 'home' in front of my fans and tell them what's been going on with me."

Tucker returns to the stage after nearly a decade, where he established his career as a stand-up comedian after appearing on Def Comedy Jam. He went on to play starring roles in blockbuster movies including: Friday, Money Talks, as well as Rush Hour and Rush Hour 2, where he starred alongside international action superstar Jackie Chan. He starts filming Rush Hour 3 in late September; the movie is expected to be released next summer.

Tucker has recently established the Chris Tucker Foundation tackling issues such as HIV/AIDS, education and the lack of clean water in Africa.

Remaining Shows

NYC, NY - Friday, Sept. 8, 2006, 7:30 pm

Beacon Theatre

2124 Broadway

Ticketmaster - 212.307.7171

Chicago, IL - Saturday, Sept. 9, 7:30 pm

Arie Crown Theater

2301 Lake Shore Drive/McCormick Pl

Ticketmaster - 312.559.1212

Washington, DC - Sunday, Sept. 10, 6:00 pm

Warner Theatre

13th St, NW

Ticketmaster - 202.397.7328

Atlanta, GA - Friday, Sept. 15, 8:00 pm

Fabulous Fox Theatre Atlanta

660 Peachtree St., NE

Ticketmaster - 404.817.8700

Web site: http://www.noelle-elaine.com/

Zoran Announces NEW High Performance SupraTV 160 Processor Family for Set Top Box and Digital Television Markets Grundig and Homecast Models; Zoran Reference Designs Demonstrated at IBC 2006 in Amsterdam

-- Zoran Corporation (NASDAQ:ZRAN) announced that its SupraTV 160 family of highly integrated processors for digital televisions and set top box systems, is shipping in new products from Homecast and other major European brands that will be demonstrated at the International Broadcast Convention (IBC) 2006 in Amsterdam during September 8-12. In addition, new set-top box models from Grundig using SupraTV processors will be on display.

"Homecast's SupraTV 140-based satellite set-top boxes have been very successful because the SupraTV processor enables us to provide many high quality features accessed via an attractive user interface. We have received excellent support from Zoran to optimize our new product solutions. Our customers welcome our new SupraTV 160-based models -- especially, the USB support and the improved price points," said Seung-Jo Choi, managing director and chief technology officer at Homecast.

"Zoran's SupraTV 140 processor has worked well for Grundig's current families of entry, mid-range, and digital video recorders for the European satellite and terrestrial markets. We welcome the opportunity to use Zoran's new SupraTV 160 processors to provide additional key features such as common interface modules for viewing encrypted content and playback of external media files enabled by the new USB interface," said Horst Janssen, product director digital reception at Grundig.

"Our goal for the SupraTV 160 family of products is to enable our customers to offer a range of highly differentiated products based on a single platform. We are delighted that set-top boxes based on our SupraTV processors are now in production from Grundig, Homecast and other leading manufacturers of satellite and terrestrial set-top boxes for Europe and the Middle East," said Ram Ofir, senior vice president, general manager Zoran's home entertainment division.

The SupraTV 160 family of programmable processors when combined with Zoran's complete SiliconSoftware solution deliver all the key features required for designing terrestrial, satellite, and cable set-top boxes as well as integrated digital televisions for the European market. Advanced features enabling manufacturers to offer highly differentiated products even in cost- sensitive markets include: digital video recording hardware and software, two- slot Common Interface Modules (DVB-CIMs), MHEG-5 for the UK terrestrial market, advanced security, and USB 1.1 for software updates as well as MP3 and JPEG file decoding.

The SupraTV 160 family integrates a MIPS32 CPU complete with a Memory Management Unit supporting 16 and 32bit SDRAM, programmable multi-stream transport demultiplexer with conditional access, flexible audio DSP supporting MPEG, MP3, and WMA audio standards, MPEG video decoder, high quality video scalar with an advanced 2D graphics engine, digital video encoder, audio DAC, digital timing oscillator, and smart card protection and control functions. A programmable guest bus enables glueless connections to hard drives or peripheral devices including Common Interface and Ethernet ICs, and is used in conjunction with other features to offer a low system cost for DVB-CIM and digital video recording.

The SupraTV 160 processor will be demonstrated by invitation at Zoran's IBC customer meeting suite located in the RAI Convention Center.

About Zoran Corporation

Zoran Corporation, based in Sunnyvale, California, is a leading provider of digital solutions in the growing digital entertainment and digital imaging markets. With two decades of expertise developing and delivering digital signal processing technologies, Zoran has pioneered high-performance digital audio and video, imaging applications and Connect and Share technologies for the digital home. Zoran's proficiency in integration delivers major benefits for OEM customers, including greater capabilities within each product generation, reduced system costs, and shorter time to market. Zoran-based DVD, digital camera, DTV, multimedia mobile phone, and multifunction printer products have received recognition for excellence and are now hundreds of millions of homes worldwide. With headquarters in the U.S. and operations in Canada, China, England, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, Zoran may be contacted on the World Wide Web at www.zoran.com or at +1-408-523-6500.

Zoran, the Zoran logo, SiliconSoftware and SupraTV are trademarks or registered trademarks of Zoran Corporation and/or its subsidiaries in the United Stated and/or other countries. All other names and brands may be claimed as property of others.

Source: Zoran Corporation

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

Lionel Richie Announces Coming Home Tour Exclusive Charitable Pre-Sale at Tickets-for-Charity.com(TM) to Benefit United Way

-- Tickets-for-Charity.com, the official online charitable ticketing partner of Lionel Richie's Coming Home Tour, and United Way of America today announced that beginning September 1, 2006, an exclusive pre-sale of tickets for Richie's upcoming fall 2006 concert tour will benefit United Way. The pre-sale includes premium seats and VIP packages at different price levels for every show on the tour. The 16-city tour will begin in Detroit on October 27 and end on November 25 in Oakland, CA. During the pre-sale period, which ends on September 22, tickets for the tour are only available at Tickets-for-Charity.com and every purchase benefits United Way. Lionel Richie's Coming Home album featuring the hit single, "I Call It Love" is in stores on September 12.

"We are thrilled that Lionel Richie's upcoming concert tour will benefit United Way and we thank Tickets-for-Charity for making it possible," said Brian Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way of America. "United Way is committed to making a difference in people's lives throughout the country. This is a great way for Lionel Richie fans to contribute to the work of United Way, such as ensuring children are ready for school or improving access to healthcare. Besides," Gallagher continued, "Lionel Richie is an incredible entertainer."

Tickets and VIP packages, including backstage passes to an exclusive pre-show party and a meet-and-greet with Lionel Richie, are available at www.tickets-for-charity.com for purchase at face value plus a pre-determined donation amount, which will benefit United Way, especially in the 16 tour cities.

"Based in theatres and small venues, Lionel Richie's Coming Home tour will be an intimate, unforgettable experience for fans," said Jord Poster, founder of Tickets-for-Charity. "They'll not only get access to some of the best seats in the house, they'll also receive the satisfaction of knowing they've helped United Way in their important work supporting communities across the country."

"I have always believed in the work of United Way," said Richie. "They are there day-in and day-out in towns across America to make things better for young children, families, or those affected by crises like Hurricane Katrina. I couldn't be happier that this great organization will benefit from my tour thanks to Tickets-for-Charity."

United Way makes a difference every day in the lives of millions of Americans by addressing the underlying causes of critical issues facing communities. While local United Ways tackle issues based on local needs, common areas of focus include helping children and youth succeed, improving access to healthcare, promoting self-sufficiency, and strengthening families.

Tickets-for-Charity offers fans access to great seats at their favorite sports, music and theater events that are not available anywhere else and -- in the process -- gives them an easy way to support important charitable causes. Tickets-for-Charity.com, which launched in August 2005, has raised more than $1.6 million for highly respected national charities through charitable sales for music and sports events, including The Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang 2005-2006 Tour, Barbra Streisand's 2006 Tour and The Boston Red Sox 2006 Season.

Fans can visit www.tickets-for-charity.com to find exclusive seats and VIP packages for all Lionel Richie tour dates. The full tour schedule is as follows:

DATE CITY VENUE

27-Oct Detroit, MI Music Hall

28-Oct Chicago, IL Sears Centre

30-Oct Toronto, ON Roy Thomson Hall

3-Nov Washington, DC Constitution Hall

4-Nov Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Events Center

5-Nov Baltimore, MD Symphony Hall

7-Nov Newark, NJ NJ Performing Arts Center

8-Nov New York, NY Beacon Theatre

10-Nov Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena

11-Nov Boston, MA Opera House

12-Nov Philadelphia, PA Tower Theater

15-Nov Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre

17-Nov Charenton, LA Cypress Bayou Casino

18-Nov Charenton, LA Cypress Bayou Casino

19-Nov Sunrise, FL BankAtlantic Center

24-Nov Los Angeles, CA Kodak Theatre

25-Nov Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre

About Charity Partners, LLC and Tickets-for-Charity(TM)

Charity Partners, LLC was founded by Jord Poster (one of the founders of Priceline.com) to develop high-impact fundraising platforms for recognized public charities throughout the U.S. and the world. The Company has set a goal of generating more than $1 billion a year in charitable donations by 2010. Beginning with the $15 billion of financial value trapped in the hands of unsanctioned resellers in the secondary ticket market, the Company formed Tickets-for-Charity(TM) in 2004 to give sports and music fans a convenient way to support important causes while gaining access to high demand sporting and entertainment events across the country. In addition to United Way, Charity Partners currently partners with highly respected charities nationwide, including America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, CARE, City Year, CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation, Jumpstart for Young Children, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, The Leary Firefighters Foundation, The National Children's Cancer Society, National Federation of the Blind and Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

About United Way

United Way is a national network of more than 1,300 local organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and people's lives by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant local issues. While local United Ways tackle issues based on local needs, common areas of focus include helping children and youth succeed, improving access to health care, promoting self-sufficiency, and strengthening families. For more information about United Way, please visit: www.unitedway.org.

Source: Tickets-for-Charity

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

Web site: http://www.tickets-for-charity.com/

Anheuser-Busch to Launch 'Bud.TV,' an Online Entertainment Network
Programming to Feature Multiple Channels of Original Content

Anheuser-Busch will tap into the world's growing online community by launching an internet-based entertainment network -- Bud.TV -- featuring 24-hour live and on-demand programming from numerous exclusive partners such as Wild West Picture Show Productions, TriggerStreet.com, LivePlanet, SEED, @radical.media, Omelet and DDB Worldwide.

Bud.TV will engage contemporary adult consumers with a wide array of entertainment options in branded and original proprietary content including new humorous webisodes, sporting events, consumer-generated content, field news reports, celebrity interviews, music downloads and comedian vignettes. The first-of-its-kind initiative is slated to launch in February 2007, and more content providers will be announced in the coming months.

"We're always looking for new opportunities to connect with adult consumers on a more personal level," said August Busch IV, president, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "With adults spending more time online looking for entertainment to fit their lifestyles, we believe Bud.TV will enable us to reach them in an engaging and fun way."

Bud.TV will launch as a multi-channel online network, with as many as seven channels dedicated to a variety of consumer-interest areas, including comedy, sports, news, short films, and original and mainstream programming. The network will also serve as a distribution platform for multimedia content providers showcasing new and creative material. Bud.TV's innovative desktop application will allow users to view the content in full-screen DVD quality, setting Bud.TV apart in quality and performance from other online entertainment portals.

Bud.TV will partner with Wild West Picture Show Productions in the marketing release campaign of its upcoming documentary "Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show." In addition, Bud.TV will showcase short films of rising filmmakers and screen writers on Kevin Spacey's TriggerStreet.com project, along with multi-platform productions from LivePlanet -- producers of the Matt Damon-Ben Affleck fronted "Project Greenlight," the world's largest online filmmaking contest.

"Supporting TriggerStreet.com since its creation four years ago, Anheuser-Busch understands the importance of encouraging promising talent in new and innovative ways," said Spacey, Academy Award winning actor and founder of TriggerStreet.com. "With Bud.TV they are continuing on this exciting path while providing original content for the growing number of adults who seek entertainment on the Internet."

Bud.TV also will tap into existing and forthcoming projects from partners like SEED (a division of Backyard Productions), @radical.media, and Omelet for reality programming and original content.

"We saw a great opportunity to partner with several of the world's most enlightened entertainment content providers into a single, unique online network," Busch said. "As adult consumers look for more entertainment options online, Bud.TV will help redefine the boundaries of emerging media."

Anheuser-Busch tapped into the talent of its former Vice President of Creative Development Jim Schumacker to head up the new Digital Marketing team overseeing Bud.TV. Schumacker and his team report to Vice President of Global Media and Sports Marketing Tony Ponturo as the company expands its use of new media to communicate with consumers.

Anheuser-Busch is working with DDB Worldwide as the lead agency to help manage and produce Bud.TV. Rodgers/Townsend (St. Louis) is providing the interactive design for the website and desktop application, and Nine Systems (San Diego) is producing the technology and distribution platform for Bud.TV.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.8 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer, and a 27 percent share in Tsingtao, the No. 1 brewer in China. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired U.S. and Global Companies lists in 2006. Anheuser-Busch is one of the largest theme park operators in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and is America's top recycler of aluminum cans. For more information, visit http://www.anheuser-busch.com/ .

Sony Computer Entertainment America Media Statement Regarding New European Launch Date for PLAYSTATION 3

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced it remains on track for the November 17, 2006 launch of the PLAYSTATION(R) 3 computer entertainment system in North America.

Earlier today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced it had revised its launch date to March, 2007. Responding to this announcement, Kaz Hirai, president and chief executive officer, SCEA stated:

"The change in the release date for PLAYSTATION 3 in the SCEE territories will not impact our launch for the system here in North America. Our plans remain unchanged, and we are on track to meeting our goals with this important launch. It is also important to note that the previously announced global PLAYSTATION 3 shipment forecast of six million units within the fiscal year ending 2007 has not changed."

The revision of the launch date in the SCEE territories was caused by the delay in the mass production schedule of the blue laser diode within the Sony Group, thus affecting the timely procurement of key components to be utilized in PLAYSTATION 3.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PS one(TM) game console, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system and the upcoming, much-anticipated PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for PS one game console, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PSP handheld entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as regional headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. More information can be found online at http://www.us.playstation.com/ .

Donald Trump Says 'You're Fired' and Now Former Trump Executive Vice President Needs Severance Package Negotiations Expert Career Protection Will Provide Free Consultation and Expert Severance Pay Negotiations Advice for 'Apprentice' Co-Star and Longtime Employee of the Trump Organization

-- Carolyn Kepcher, who sat beside Donald Trump during many employment terminations on the 'Apprentice,' had the boardroom table turned on her and has been let go. Kepcher, a co-star with Trump from the start of the 'Apprentice' and Chief Operating Officer of two of Trump's golf courses, has been offered complimentary severance pay package negotiation advice by the employment law and human resources experts of CareerProtection.com.

"The shock of her dismissal reported Friday proves that anyone, even a longtime star performer of a company, can have their employment terminated without notice, for any reason, and at any time. Kirk Nemer, J.D., SPHR, President and CEO of Career Protection(R), has offered Ms. Kepcher his employment law expert negotiation advice for her severance pay package.

"Executives and professional employees need expert advice and counsel on their side during such difficult and stressful times," Nemer stated. "Severance pay and packages must be negotiated as they are not a 'take-it-or-leave-it' situation," Nemer added.

Nemer said that "companies want a General Release of Legal Claims in exchange for a severance package, and will happily negotiate its terms to get one.

"We would like to assist Kepcher with a severance pay negotiations strategy that would enable her to get the best severance package from the Trump Organization," Nemer adds.

For more information on how executives and professionals can receive a severance pay negotiations strategy and free consultation to protect their career and financial future, visit http://www.careerprotection.com/ .

About Career Protection(R)

A leading national provider of employment negotiations advice, the human resource and legal experts at Career Protection(R) have protected the careers of professionals throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Career Protection has negotiated hundreds of employment agreements and severance pay packages. Career Protection's HR and legal experts have previously served as Vice Presidents of Human Resources, Directors of Human Resources, Corporate Counsel/Attorneys, or Recruiters for many Fortune 500 and Global Corporations. For more information, contact Career Protection or visit http://www.careerprotection.com/ .

Top Executives Deliver "the Goods" to ICT Attendees at IEC's Broadband World Forum Americas

Industry leaders share executive insight as they discuss the cable network, its applications, cutting-edge content, and entertainment opportunities in
"Delivering the Goods: Content and Applications for Broadband Networks"

CHICAGO – September 5, 2006 – The International Engineering Consortium (IEC) will present Stephen Ackroyd, President at Yummy Interactive, Inc.; Robert C. McIntyre, Chief Technical Officer at Scientific-Atlanta; Pauline Moller, Vice President and Executive Producer at Electronic Arts (Canada) Inc.; Robin Murdoc, Global Portal Segment Lead at Accenture; David Purdy, Vice President & General Manager, Television Services, Rogers Cable Communications Inc; and Ronald J. Zimmer, President and Chief Executive Officer at CABA in a cutting-edge plenary panel at the inaugural Broadband World Forum Americas, which takes place September 11-14 at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre.

IEC President John Janowiak commented, "We are thrilled to bring an equipment provider, a cable provider, a content-distribution enabler, a content provider, an association that promotes advanced technologies for the automation of homes, and a consultant together in one panel representing each segment of a complete network. This panel exemplifies what attendees will reap from more than 150 industry experts in more than 40 educational sessions boasting the latest developments under the large umbrella of broadband. The Broadband World Forums feature key players at the forefront of the industry, and we are pleased to bring our world-class programming to the Americas."

The panel will talk about the further penetration of addressable markets for broadband access services and how it depends on consumer demand for the content and applications enabled by these services. Panelists will lead the discussion by analyzing the most compelling applications, what it takes to become a preferred provider, and other issues in this critical area.

Chairperson Ackroyd commented, "I will talk about how broadband enables the electronic delivery of top games, which today are frequently 5 GB or bigger. Carriers need real content-based services to make the quad play a reality. I will show attendees how carriers can create subscription games services and sell electronic versions of games with as little effort as creating a Web link."

"I look forward to discussing how the broadband experience allows for the personalization of the TV and video experience, as well as the roll out of sustainable business models that will support the vast array of content available in the broadband space," said David Purdy, VP and GM, Television Services for Rogers Cable Communications Inc. "In addition, I look forward to sharing how Rogers plans to leverage content delivery, with specific references to the FIFA World Cup."

Robert McIntyre, CTO at Scientific Atlanta, a Cisco company added, "I will discuss how we are at a broadband technology inflection point where we see digital compression, security, user interface and architecture decisions we made ten years ago being made again, as IP convergence drives a broadband network upgrade cycle." McIntyre continued, "As a result, the expansion of video services is driving architecture and bandwidth for next-generation networks. HDTV and time-shifted viewing are creating a renewed excitement about television, the path to NGN is now clear, and telco IPTV deployments are happening today, not tomorrow."

Finally, President and CEO of CABA, Ronald Zimmer, concluded, "CABA has undertaken leading-edge research, through its Internet Home Alliance Research Council, on the future of broadband in the home. This data and information will allow Broadband World Forum Americas' attendees to learn about technology and applications and how to target specific consumer segments and create more profits and satisfied end-user experiences."

This session takes place on September 14 at 9 a.m. and all industry professionals are welcome to attend at no cost with an Exhibits Plus pass, which is available at the main registration counter.

To view additional featured speakers at the show, visit http://www.iec.org/events/2006/bbwf_americas/conference/featured_speakers.html.

About the Broadband World Forum Americas
The inaugural Broadband World Forum Americas debuts September 11–14, 2006, at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. With TELUS as the official sponsor, the event completes the Broadband Series, which includes the popular Broadband World Forum Europe (the 2005 Madrid event drew nearly 6,000 industry professionals to register) and the successful Broadband World Forum Asia. For more information, please visit http://www.iec.org/events/2006/bbwf_americas.

About the IEC
A nonprofit organization, the IEC is dedicated to catalyzing technology and business progress worldwide in a range of high-technology industries and their university communities. Since 1944, the IEC has provided high-quality educational opportunities for industry professionals, academics, and students.
In conjunction with industry-leading companies, the IEC has developed an extensive, free, on-line educational program. The IEC conducts industry-university programs that have a substantial impact on curricula. It also conducts research and develops publications, conferences, and technological exhibits that address major opportunities and challenges of the information age.
More than 70 leading high-technology universities are IEC affiliates, and the IEC handles the affairs of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association and Eta Kappa Nu, the honor society for electrical and computer engineers. The IEC also manages the activities of the Enterprise Communications Consortium. Please visit http://www.iec.org.

The Road to Sugarland

By Peter Cronin

The storm came quickly and was on top of the fans before they knew it; a real Tennessee squall complete with roaring thunder and dangerous lightning. The steamy-and-sunny weather held until literally the eleventh hour at this year's CMA Music Festival in June, but the sky finally opened up at the end of the final night - just as Sugarland was about to hit the stage.

"I hated it for the fans, but they stuck with it and waited out the rain," said Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles. "We were back in the dressing room and they had them in the tunnels where they evacuate people in that situation. All of a sudden they were all singin' Hank Williams Jr's 'Family Tradition,' and I said, 'I will absolutely stay as long as I have to, to play for these guys because they love music and they are dedicated to it.' They were making the best out of what could have been a pretty chaotic situation."

The same could be said of Sugarland, a trio that rose from the ashes of three marginally successful singer/songwriter careers to become the breakout Country act of 2005. The band's debut album, Twice the Speed of Life, was released in 2004 and before anybody could run for cover, Sugarland was tearing up the charts and Nettles' soaring Country/gospel voice was dominating the Country airwaves. Smash hit singles "Baby Girl," "Something More" and "Down in Mississippi (and Up to No Good)" catapulted the trio - Kristen Hall, Nettles and Kristian Bush - to top-drawer tours opening for Kenny Chesney and Brooks & Dunn.

When Luke Lewis, Co-Chairman of Universal Music Group Nashville, caught one of Sugarland's shows, he knew right away he'd found something special.

"Their live performance was among the best I've ever seen," Lewis said. "Jennifer Nettles was mesmerizing, and the songs were great."

"It was pretty quick," Nettles said. "We started and a year later we had a record deal. We had all done it our own way, but without really shooting for the fences. And when we got together we just said, 'Let's go for it, let's write these songs, let's do it in Country Music because that's where the heart of the singer/songwriter is right now and that's what we do.'"

While they're not necessarily on a mission to make Country Music safe again for singer/songwriters, neither is Sugarland your typical Music Row success story.

"I think the Country fans of today are the same people that were into the acoustic rock movement of the '90s," Bush said. "I think they're the same people who bought John Cougar Mellencamp records and Black Eyed Peas records. I'm watching Country Music as a format that opens its arms more liberally than any other format that I've been involved with."

Sugarland's roots go back to Atlanta in the late '90s and the same vibrant singer/songwriter scene that spawned pop hitmakers like Shawn Mullins and John Mayer. Eddie's Attic, a songwriter's club in the Atlanta suburb of Decatur, was one of the focal points of the scene and Nettles' husband, Todd Van Sickle, owned the place for a few years. As solo artists, the three were aiming for the then-emerging AAA radio format - Nettles with her locally legendary live shows, Hall with her solo releases on the small High Street label, and Bush with his own major label duo, Billy Pilgrim - when Hall made the call that started the Sugarland ball rolling.

"She called me and said, 'I believe in you, and I believe in your writing, and I think that you're undiscovered,'" Bush said. "She also knew that I'd had a major record deal and that I knew how to navigate all of it, and she'd never done that."

Bush and Hall began writing songs together and immediately knew they'd found something special. Needing a singer, they enlisted Nettles, who became the vocal spark that ignited and distinguished Sugarland.

From their hit singles to deeper album cuts such as the inspirational "Stand Back Up," the songs they wrote together for Twice the Speed of Life chronicle both the frustrations and obstacles they faced trying to bust out of the Atlanta scene and the dreams and the drive that were so integral to their eventual success.

"We really wanted to get out of where we had all been as artists and move beyond that to something bigger," Nettles said. "Consequently all the songs reflect that; 'Fly Away,' 'Baby Girl,' all of those songs - you speak to the human condition and write what you know in your life."

Sugarland's compelling blend of true-to-life lyrics and soaring melodies proved irresistable to Country fans, who quickly propelled the band's sales into the triple-Platinum stratosphere.

"We're constantly excited about every turn of events," Bush said. "Every stage we get to play, and every friend who turns another person on to our music, it's a thrill every time."

Hall may have been the catalyst that got them going, but at the height of Sugarland's newfound success, she made the decision to leave the act and concentrate full-time on her songwriting. Bush and Nettles didn't miss a beat. Focusing on their strengths and similarities, the new duo continued to tour non-stop and write for their upcoming sophomore album. With their small-town backgrounds and shared musical sensibilities, the creative chemistry between them only grew stronger.

"Kristian and I work together very, very well on an interpersonal level," Nettles said. "We enjoy each other's company and we have our own rhythm in the way we write together."

Both Bush and Nettles were raised in small southern towns - she in Douglas, Ga., and he in Dolly Parton's hometown of Sevierville, Tenn., - in homes where music was around all the time.

"My mom loved the radio, and that shaped me as a musician, a writer and an artist," Nettles said. "It was always Crystal Gayle, Rita Coolidge, Juice Newton and Linda Ronstadt, especially."

For Bush, music came early and easily. When he was 4 years old, his mother enrolled him and his brother Brandon in a pilot program at the University of Tennessee for the Suzuki violin method.

"My brother and I were both guinea pigs for that system," Bush said. "When a child's language skills are developing, they teach them music as if it's another language."

It's hard to argue with success. Both Bush brothers went on to become multi-instrumentalists and major-label successes. Brandon plays keyboard with the Columbia Records rock band Train. Most recently, Brandon has been in a Nashville recording studio, adding keyboards to Sugarland's new tracks.

"I'm trying to get Brandon to come out and play with us," Bush said.

For Nettles, growing up in the Southern Baptist tradition was the perfect way to develop her voice.

"Growing up in the South and in the rich heritage of gospel and blues and R&B and soul; it's in our food, it's hot and sweaty and fried chicken and all of those things," she said. "Before Sugarland and Country specifically, my style was unfocused. I love all kinds of music, so I would sing all kinds of music - jazz, show tunes, R&B and Country as well. It's been really nice to focus and develop that part of my craft."

She may have found her true voice singing Country, but Nettles still knows how to rock. When the upstart trio joined rock superstars Bon Jovi for an acclaimed episode of CMT's "Crossroads," the vocal chemistry between Nettles and Bon Jovi was so potent that the band invited Nettles to join them in the studio. The resulting duet single, "Who Says You Can't Go Home," was a multi-week No. 1 Country hit for the New Jersey rockers and a memorable performance at the 2005 CMA Awards. In August, the 2006 CMA Awards nominations were announced and Nettles and Bon Jovi are up for Musical Event of the Year for the duet plus Sugarland also received nominations for Horizon and Vocal Group of the Year.

For Sugarland, the past couple of years have been a non-stop, pedal-to-the-metal ride to the top between the tours and the TV appearances and the Awards shows.

"It feels like a gift, and I'm just thankful for it every day," Bush said about his artistic partnership with Nettles. "Who else can you sit across from in a rocking chair when you're 70 and say, 'Hey, remember playing the GRAMMYS? Do you remember when Paul McCartney came up and said, 'Hey, I really dig your sound-check'?"

When the band appeared on the hit NBC-TV show "Las Vegas," Nettles even got a chance to make her acting debut. But in the midst of all the craziness that goes along with Country stardom, both Nettles and Bush remain focused on maintaining their artistic momentum and taking full advantage of what they know is a once-in-a-lifetime creative partnership.

"I have found that my creative self knows where I am in the world before my conscious self does," Nettles said. "When I look at the songs we're writing for this next record; a song called 'Settling' about not settling for less than you're worth, or a song like 'Want To,' which is about exploring something new and jumping into something deeper; I'm having to go inside and churn up all these things and dig deep."

Bush and Nettles, who are co-producing their sophomore album with Byron Gallimore, can hardly contain their excitement when talking about the music the fans will get to hear this fall when the album, Enjoy the Ride, is scheduled for release on Nov. 7.

"It's a really beautiful record," Bush enthused. "It's still a roots record, and the topics and the songs are beautiful. A lot of people have discovered what we're doing, and I want to make those people proud."

As for Nettles, reflecting on that stormy Nashville night in June at the CMA Music Festival when - even after four days and nights of non-stop music - the fans waited for more than an hour to hear her band perform, she knows that Sugarland is in exactly the right place.

"I'm from the South and Country Music has been a part of my life forever," she said. "And we are really lucky as Sugarland to have the fans that we do. Every kind of music has its own style of fan, but Country Music, I believe, is special."

On the Web: www.sugarlandmusic.com

Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley Lead Nominees with Six Nominations Each for "The 40th Annual CMA Awards"
By Wendy Pearl

The final list of nominees for "The 40th Annual CMA Awards" is an across-the-board collection of hard-core traditionalists, Country Music hit makers, mainstream innovators, with a healthy dose of up-and-comers added to the mix.

"Country Music is thriving on the talent and creativity of an outstanding group of artists and they are well represented with our nominees," said CMA COO Tammy Genovese. "These talented performers, musicians, songwriters, producers and directors demonstrate the artistic depth and creativity driving the growth of our format this year. It is an exciting time for Country Music and the 2006 CMA Awards will definitely reflect that in November."

"Today is one of the most exciting days of the year, not just for Country Music but for ABC as we plan our inaugural broadcast of the CMA Awards," said Andrea Wong, Executive VP, Alternative Series, Specials and Late-Night, ABC Entertainment. "We congratulate the incredible lineup of nominees whose talent reflects all the best and brightest in all of music today and we look forward to celebrating with them and our partners in Country Music this November."

"The 40th Annual CMA Awards" will be hosted for the third time by Arista Nashville super duo Brooks & Dunn and broadcast live from the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Monday, Nov. 6 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

For the first time, the announcement of the final nominees in five of the 12 CMA Awards categories was made on ABC News' "Good Morning America" with Brad Paisley and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, from the "Good Morning America" studios in New York City's Times Square. The remaining categories were announced by Jason Aldean and Little Big Town on a special edition of CMT's "CMT Insider" live from the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville.

"This year the CMA Awards will come right from the heart of Downtown Nashville, here at the Gaylord Entertainment Center, right across the street from the mother church of Country Music, the Ryman Auditorium, on historic Broadway, right across from the Country Music Hall of Fame, which preserves the treasures as well as the deep roots of Country Music," said Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell. "I have no question that the stars will shine in Downtown Nashville. It is incredibly important for all of us to come together in this way to celebrate 'Country Music's Biggest NightT.'"

"Having both 'Good Morning America' and 'CMT Insider' broadcast our CMA Awards final nominees live brings a whole new level of excitement to these highly-anticipated announcements and allows fans across the country to experience the same excitement our artists and the industry feel as the names are announced," Genovese said.

Paisley didn't simply deliver the good news; he was one of the major stories of the day with six nominations for the 2006 CMA Awards including Entertainer; Male Vocalist; Album for Time Well Wasted; and Single, Musical Event and Music Video of the Year for "When I Get Where I'm Going" (featuring Dolly Parton).

Paisley, who has won five CMA Awards since he won the Horizon Award in 2000, tied for the most nominations with CMA Awards hosts Brooks & Dunn. But Ronnie Dunn slipped ahead in the overall tally with an added nomination as songwriter on the duo's hit "Believe," which Dunn co-wrote with Craig Wiseman, marking Dunn's first individual nomination.

Brooks & Dunn were nominated for Entertainer, which they won in 1996; Vocal Duo, which they have won a record 13 times; Album for Hillbilly Deluxe; Single and Music Video for "Believe;" and Musical Event of the Year for "Building Bridges," with guest vocals by Sheryl Crow and the man who hosted the CMA Awards for 12 consecutive years before Brooks & Dunn took over in 2004, Vince Gill. This is Crow's second CMA Awards nomination. Only one nomination is counted per category, per project, but the duo could pick up additional trophies at this year's ceremony for co-producing their nominated Single with Tony Brown, and Album with Mark Wright, Tom Shapiro, Bob DiPiero and Brown.

With six nominations bringing his career total nominations to 33, Paisley moves ahead of music legends Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Conway Twitty in the nominations count. With three nominations this year for her work with Paisley on "When I Get Where I'm Going," Parton moves ahead of Reba McEntire as the female artist with the most CMA Awards nominations (43) in the 40-year history of the CMA Awards.

Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban and newcomer Carrie Underwood each had four nominations. Chesney was nominated for Entertainer, which he won in 2004; Male Vocalist; Album for The Road and the Radio; and Single of the Year for "Summertime." Chesney could win two additional Awards for co-producing his nominated Album and Single of the Year with Buddy Cannon.

Urban was nominated for Entertainer; Male Vocalist; Single for "Better Life," produced by Urban and Dann Huff; and Song of the Year for "Tonight I Wanna Cry," which Urban co-wrote with Monty Powell. Urban won his first CMA Award in 2001 with the Horizon Award. In 2004, he won Male Vocalist and last year Urban won Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year.

One of the breakout artists of the past year, Underwood definitely didn't miss the attention of CMA's voting members. She her first CMA Awards nominations including Female Vocalist; the Horizon Award; and Single and Music Video of the Year for "Jesus Take the Wheel," which was also nominated for Song of the Year for songwriters, Hillary Lindsey, Brett James and Gordie Sampson.

After winning three consecutive Vocal Group of the Year Awards (2003, 2004, 2005), Rascal Flatts received their first nomination for Entertainer of the Year. The Entertainer of the Year Award has only been won four times by a group including Dixie Chicks (2000) and Alabama (1982, 1983, 1984). Rascal Flatts also received nominations for Vocal Group and Album of the Year for Me and My Gang. Rascal Flatts co-produced the album with Huff.

Several artists received two nominations each this year including Big & Rich, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Sugarland and Gretchen Wilson.

A song that resonated with CMA Awards voters was Big & Rich's poignant "8th of November," about a physically and emotionally scarred Vietnam Veteran. The anthem was nominated for Song of the Year, giving Big Kenny Alphin and John Rich individual nominations as songwriters. They received two nominations as Big & Rich for Vocal Duo and Music Video of the Year for "8th of November," which was directed by Robert Deaton, George Flanigen IV and Marc Oswald.

Hill won Female Vocalist of the Year in 2000 and she is nominated in the category again in 2006. She is also nominated in the Musical Event of the Year category with husband Tim McGraw for "Like We Never Loved at All." Hill and McGraw have a string of nominations in the musical collaboration category including "Let's Make Love" (2000); "Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me" (1998); and "It's Your Love," which won the CMA Award in 1997.

Jackson maintains his perch atop of the list of artists with the most career CMA Awards nominations in 2006 with 74. He is nominated for Male Vocalist and Album of the Year for Precious Memories. The album is a pared down collection of church standards Jackson recorded for his mother as a Christmas present in 2005. Initially, there were only 100 copies recorded.

Lambert received her first CMA Awards nomination in 2005 for the Horizon Award and in 2006 she has two nominations - Horizon and Music Video of the Year for "Kerosene," which was directed by Trey Fanjoy. An artist can only receive two nominations for the Horizon category in their career. Little Big Town received their first CMA Awards nominations in 2006 including Horizon and Vocal Group of the Year.

Like Little Big Town, Sugarland also received nominations for Horizon and Vocal Group of the Year, but Jennifer Nettles also picked up a solo nod for Musical Event of the Year with Bon Jovi for their duet "Who Says You Can't Go Home." This is Bon Jovi's first CMA Awards nomination.

Wilson won the Horizon trophy in 2004 and last year she was named CMA Female Vocalist of the Year. She is nominated in that category again in 2006 and picked up an additional nomination for Musical Event of the Year with Merle Haggard for "Politically Uncorrect."

As the CMA Awards celebrates its 40th Anniversary, it is interesting to note that Haggard was nominated for Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year in 1967 at the first "CMA Awards Banquet and Show," and has received a nomination in every decade since for a career total of 45 CMA Awards nominations.

Completing the Female Vocalist of the Year category with Hill, Underwood and Wilson are Sara Evans and Martina McBride. McBride has won the Female Vocalist of the Year trophy four times (1999, 2002, 2003, 2004), surpassing Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette's record and tying her with Reba McEntire for the most wins in the Female Vocalist category.

In 2005, Dierks Bentley won the Horizon Award and in 2006 he joins the ranks of the Male Vocalist of the Year category for the first time, rounding out the list with Chesney, Jackson, Paisley, and Urban.

Joining Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, and Sugarland in the Vocal Group of the Year category are Lonestar and Alison Krauss + Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas, which received its first Vocal Group of the Year nomination in 2005. And speaking of Douglas, CMA's reigning Musician of the Year picks up an additional nod in the Musician category this year.

Brooks & Dunn's domination on the Vocal Duo of the Year category is being challenged in 2006 by Big & Rich; Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry, who won the Award in 2000; Van Zant, made up of Southern rock royalty brothers Donnie Van Zant (.38 Special) and Johnny Van Zant (Lynyrd Skynyrd); and a new entry in the category, Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp of The Wreckers.

Rounding out the Horizon Award category with Lambert, Little Big Town, Sugarland and Underwood is Josh Turner. Turner received his first CMA Awards nomination in the category in 2004.

"The depth and diversity of the Horizon nominees this year really speaks to the strength and future of the format," Genovese said.

The 2005 CMA Awards, held Nov. 15 for the first time in New York City at Madison Square Garden, won the night in viewers and key demographics, according to final national Nielsen ratings. The CMA Awards were first in households (11.1/17), viewers (17.73m), adults 18-49 (5.4/13), and adults 25-54 (6.7/15). The Awards were Tuesday's No. 1 program in households, viewers and adults 25-54. According to Nielsen, the CMA Awards was the No. 10 program of the week. Research estimates that more than 36 million viewers watched all of part of the ceremony. The 2005 broadcast ranked behind only the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, and the Emmy Awards during the 2005-06 television season for award shows among total viewers, making the CMA Awards the top-rated music awards program of the television season.

"When the CMA Board of Directors decided to make the move to New York for a one-time event, Nashville's city leaders at first were reluctant, but eventually everyone embraced the idea and saw it as an opportunity to show off our wares and to show off Nashville," said Mike Dungan, CMA Board President and President/CEO of Capitol Records Nashville. "Ultimately our New York show accomplished our goals and set a new bar for higher achievement. Throughout the process we made a total commitment to return the CMA Awards to Nashville and make the 40th anniversary a spectacular event that was bigger and better than it was before."

The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by the 6,000 industry professional members of CMA, which was the first trade organization formed to promote an individual genre of music in 1958. The first "CMA Awards Banquet and Show" was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards were broadcast on NBC television for the first time - making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The show aired on NBC through 1971 and on the CBS Television Network from 1972 through 2005.

Winners of "The 40th Annual CMA Awards" will be determined in the third and final round of voting by eligible voting members of the Country Music Association. CMA Awards balloting is officiated by the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

In addition to live coverage of the CMA Awards nominees news conference events, the special edition of CMT's "CMT Insider" re-aired immediately following the live broadcast and a video news release including footage of the CMA Awards nominees and Country Music Hall of Fame inductees announcements, exclusive interview content, performance footage from the 2005 CMA Awards, music video clips, and more was serviced.

"The 40th Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Walter C. Miller is the Executive Producer; Robert Deaton is the Consulting Producer. Premiere Radio Network is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, including a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2006 CMA Awards. Chevy, an American Revolution, is the official ride of the 2006 CMA Awards. Additional promotional partners include aolmusic.com, Greased Lightning Cleaning Products® and Hallmark Cards®. Charles Fazzino is the official artist of the 2006 CMA Awards.

REACTIONS FROM SOME OF THE CMA AWARDS NOMINEES

"I'm honored and humbled at the same time. There are heroes and friends in this category. A big thanks to everyone that voted for us."
- Dierks Bentley
Male Vocalist of the Year

"This is the most important piece of work we have ever done. This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for us as songwriters and artists to be able to pay a debt of respect and gratitude to all of our veterans, especially the Vietnam vets."
- Big & Rich
Vocal Duo, Music Video and Song of the Year

"Feel like we got some fresh wind in our sails - been a long time since we had this kind of fun - and a magic song like 'Believe' is the kind a career like ours can only dream of. Thanks Ron and Craig [songwriters Ronnie Dunn and Craig Wiseman] and the Man Upstairs for that one. Doesn't hurt to have Vince and Sheryl, two of the greatest talents on the planet, on our current single, either."
- Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn
Entertainer, Vocal Duo, Album, Single, Musical Event and Music Video of the Year

"It's good to feel 'the love' out there. I guess you might think that it would work the other way, but the longer that we're in this business, the more humbling it becomes. Kix and I realize how privileged that we are to be accepted by the fans and the people that surround us within the industry."
- Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn
Entertainer, Vocal Duo, Album, Single, Song, Musical Event and Music Video of the Year

"We work so hard on this music and it's always humbling when your peers hear something in your music that you were trying to get across. I make this music about who I am, for sure, but it's also a lot about the lives the people coming to our shows live . So, in a lot of ways, recognizing The Road and the Radio is telling the people who love this music, that their lives are the things that matter." - Kenny Chesney
Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Album and Single of the Year

"I think [Horizon Award] is even tougher than last year. I definitely gotta bring my 'A' Game. I have to say I am such a fan of the other nominees, it could be anyone's big night. I've been a fan of Little Big Town from the very beginning and Sugarland puts on such great live shows and great albums. It's going to be tough. Plus, it's such a big deal to me that I'm in a category (Music Video of the Year) with artists I have been a fan of for years. Trey Fanjoy did such a fabulous job with the 'Kerosene' video and I'm very proud of it."
- Miranda Lambert
Music Video of the Year and Horizon Award

"We were totally shocked when we saw our name during the Premiere [Radio Networks] broadcast. Kimberly was reading the nominations for Vocal Group of the Year and peeked ahead and saw our name on the card. Jimi was looking over her shoulder in shock while Phillip and I were dying for them to say something. After what seemed like an eternity, Kimberly laughed and read our name as a nominee. We are completely blown away by this ... what a great surprise."
- Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town
Vocal Group of the Year and Horizon Award

"It's been an amazing morning and an unbelievable year. We feel very blessed."
- Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town
Vocal Group of the Year and Horizon Award

"Man, it is always a great honor to be nominated for a CMA Award."
- Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry
Vocal Duo of the Year

"Sharing the honor with artists we'll soon tour with makes it even more exciting." - Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry
Vocal Duo of the Year

"This is great, I'm excited."
- Brad Paisley
Entertainer, Male, Album, Single, Musical Event and Music Video of the Year

"This is our first recognition from the CMA in the entertainer category, and it is such an honor. We have worked so hard the last few years to deliver great albums and to give back to our fans with our live shows. We appreciate that our industry of peers is patting us on the back with these acknowledgements."
- Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts
Entertainer, Vocal Group and Album of the Year

"This is my first time to be nominated for the CMA Awards, so to be recognized for four is a big surprise and an amazing honor. I'm extremely excited and can't wait until November."
- Carrie Underwood
Horizon Award, Female Vocalist, Single and Music Video of the Year

"Donnie and I are blown away by the embrace that Country Music has given us. It's great to see that people appreciate our music and what we do. We want to thank the fans, Country radio and the CMA for this recognition."
- Johnny Van Zant of Van Zant
Vocal Duo of the Year

"I'm always shocked and humbled to hear my name in a category alongside such talented women. I still can't believe I got to sing with Merle Haggard, and I'm so proud to have my name beside his in the event category."
- Gretchen Wilson
Female Vocalist and Musical Event of the Year

"This is a huge honor for us. We are so excited to be sharing the category with the other talented duos and even happier to represent the category from a female perspective."
- Michelle Branch of The Wreckers
Vocal Duo of the Year

"A No. 1 single and our first CMA nomination in one week? It's unbelievable. Michelle and I really set no expectations for this project, so when things like this start happening, it is so exciting. It's a blessing, and it makes all the blood, sweat and tears that went into everything worth it. And I also feel it's an affirmation that Michelle and I were supposed to work together."
- Jessica Harp of The Wreckers
Vocal Duo of the Year

Discovery Communications Inc. Mourns the Death of TV Host and Conservationist Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter

Sept. 5

Discovery Communications is deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter. Steve was beloved by millions of fans and animal lovers around the world and was one of our planet's most passionate conservationists. He has graced Animal Planet's air since October 1996 and was essential in building Animal Planet into a global brand.

Steve was killed during a filming expedition for Animal Planet on the Great Barrier Reef. While we are still collecting specific details, it appears that this was a rare accident in which Steve swam over a stingray and was stung by its barb in his chest. A doctor on board Croc One, Steve's research vessel, was unable to resuscitate Steve, and by the time a rescue helicopter reached him, he had died.

DCI Founder and Chairman, John Hendricks said, "Steve was a larger than life force. He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions and millions of people across the globe. He was a true friend to all of us at Discovery Communications. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Terri, Bindi and Bob Irwin as well as to the incredible staff and many friends Steve leaves behind."

DCI CEO and President Judith McHale said, "I don't think we will ever get over the loss of Steve Irwin, a human being of enormous feeling and irrepressible enthusiasm and dedication to everything he touched."

Discovery Networks, U.S. President Billy Campbell said, "The sense of loss we feel about Steve is shared by people around the world, evident by the hundreds of heartfelt condolences that have already flooded into Steve's fan site on Animalplanet.com."

Discovery Networks International President Dawn McCall, said, "Rarely has the world embraced an animal enthusiast and conservationist as they did Steve Irwin. Steve's passion for animals and leadership in conservation awareness leaves a powerful and lasting legacy across the globe." Outside the United States, Animal Planet is available in 160 countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East with programming customized in 24 languages.

Animal Planet in the United States will air special tribute programming beginning tonight at 6 p.m. ET/PT. The programming will highlight Steve's background, including his early days as the Croc Hunter, and his passion for wildlife and his family. On Sunday, September 10, Animal Planet U.S. plans to air an all-day marathon tribute featuring the Best of the Croc Hunter. Animal Planet International in markets around the world will provide the same programming.

To honor Steve and the enormous contribution he made to the world and to our company, DCI will rename the garden space in front of Discovery's world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, the "Steve Irwin Memorial Garden."

DCI is planning to create the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund, which it expects to affectionately call "The Crikey Fund." The Fund will be established to honor Steve's passion and exuberance for conservation and the animal kingdom and is expected to provide a way for people from across the globe to make contributions in Steve's honor to support wildlife protection, education and conservation. The Fund will provide support to Steve's Australia Zoo in Beewah, Australia, as well as educational support for his children, Bindi and Bob Irwin.

Steve Irwin was the world's best-known wildlife crusader. As the Crocodile Hunter, Steve became a household name, and his television adventures have been seen around the globe. In 2002, he starred in the feature film, The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course and appeared on numerous popular television talk shows. Throughout his high international profile, Steve's commitment to wildlife always remained paramount.

His passion to protect the world's most endangered and threatened species could be traced back to his parents, conservationists and animal lovers Bob and Lyn Irwin, the founders of Australia Zoo. As a young boy, Steve helped Bob rescue and relocate crocodiles in the rivers of North Queensland. The father- and-son team was proud to say that over 100 crocodiles living at Australia Zoo were either caught by them or bred and raised in the zoo.

In his 20s, Steve volunteered his services to the Queensland government's rogue crocodile relocation program, living alone for years in the mosquito- infested creeks, rivers and mangroves of North Queensland.

In 1992, Steve and his friend, television producer John Stainton, created a distinctive new style of wildlife documentary. That one-hour program, The Crocodile Hunter, featured Steve, his new wife, American wildlife caretaker Terri Raines, and the animals of Far North Queensland. Steve's boisterous charm, unconventional style and extraordinary daring, combined with Terri's wit and composure in dangerous situations and their amazingly close encounters with such potentially deadly creatures as crocodiles, venomous snakes and spiders, made The Crocodile Hunter a worldwide hit.

In addition to The Crocodile Hunter series, Steve and Terri filmed 53 episodes of the Emmy Award-nominated Croc Files, The Crocodile Hunter Diaries, a behind-the-scenes look at Steve's daily life at Australia Zoo, and New Breed Vets, a series highlighting the cutting-edge veterinarian science.

As testimony to their commitment to conservation and the environment, Steve and Terri purchased over 60,000 acres of wildlife-sensitive land and worked the rehabilitation and breeding of some of the world's most endangered animals. At Australia Zoo, they established a breeding program to help such endangered species as the southern cassowary, koala, giant land tortoise, Fijian crested iguana and Komodo dragon, to name just a few. The zoo, a dedicated conservation area covering over 250 acres, earned Australia's most prestigious tourism award as "Major Tourist Attraction" for 2003. Steve was recently awarded the title "2004 Queensland Australian of the Year."

Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media company with operations in 170 countries and territories reaching 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 28 trusted brands including Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and COSMEO, a revolutionary online homework help service, as well as Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. Discovery brings the real world to the whole world through its global multiplatform initiatives including Discovery Travel Media, Discovery Mobile and multiple broadband services. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ:DISCA) (NASDAQ:DISCB) , Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.

Web site: http://www.discovery.com/
http://animalplanet.com/

Veteran TV Host Todd Newton Signs on as Emcee of GSN's Coverage of the 'WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES,' the First-Ever Casual Games Championship Awarding a $1 Million Grand Prize
FUN Technologies' WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES Features the World's Best Players of Solitaire, Zuma and Bejeweled 2 and Tapes Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel
Chuck Woolery Hosts a Special Celebrity Round of the Lingo Online Skill Game Held in Conjunction With the Event

-- Veteran television host Todd Newton ("WHAMMY", "Game$how Marathon," "Made in the USA") will host the first-ever WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES (W3Games), a competition awarding a $1 million grand prize to the best casual game player in the world. The $1 million grand prize, to be presented by event sponsor, FUN Technologies, is the largest ever awarded in a casual online tournament or game. Produced by Base Camp Films, WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES will air as a one-hour prime time special on GSN, Sunday, December 3, at 9:00 p.m. ET. The event will be taped on Saturday, September 9, at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.

As host, Newton will call the action for the competition, in which 72 casual gamers, representing seven countries from around the world and 22 U.S. states, demonstrate their mastery of three of the most popular casual games: Bejeweled 2, Zuma, and Solitaire. After three rounds of competition and elimination, $1 million dollars will be awarded to the last player standing.

In addition to the casual games championship, the festivities on September 9 will include Emmy Award-winning Chuck Woolery, host of GSN's television LINGO series. Woolery will be the master of ceremonies for a special competition in which celebrities will play the online Lingo skill game, competing for their favorite charities.

Each participant in the WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES qualified through playing online tournaments at FUN Technologies' casual games sites, WorldWinner and SkillJam, or at any of FUN's partner sites including GSN.com, MSN Games, Real Networks and Virgin Games. Of the 72 players, ranging in age from 20 to 63, 58 are from the United States.

WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES is being executive produced by director/producer Brady Connell and producer Jim Jusko for Base Camp Films, which they co-own. Two-time Emmy winner Connell has played integral roles in such television projects as "Survivor," "Eco-Challenge" and "The Amazing Race."

WORLDWIDE WEB GAMES' taping on Saturday, September 9, is open to the public and to the media.

About GSN

GSN, the Network for Games, is the only U.S. television network dedicated to game-related programming. The network features game shows, reality series, documentaries and casino games. As the industry leader in interactivity, GSN has allowed viewers to play-along with on-air programming via their computers and GSN.com since 2000. 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.

About FUN Technologies

FUN Technologies is one of the world's leading online and interactive casual games providers. FUN's strategy is to provide its cutting-edge gaming systems to top distribution partners around the world. FUN is 51% owned by Liberty Media Corporation (NYSE:L) (NYSE:LMCB) and FUN's common shares are listed on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN".

About FUN Games

FUN Technologies' FUN Games division, comprised of its wholly owned subsidiaries SkillJam, WorldWinner and Octopi, develops and distributes casual games solutions with a focus on free play and cash competitions across online, mobile and iTV platforms. Its broad network of partner sites includes leading global brands, such as AOL Games, EA-Pogo, GSN, Lycos, MSN Games, Real Networks and Virgin Games. FUN Games hosts ten million tournaments and awards millions of dollars in prizes every month.

-GSN-

Source: GSN

arynak@funtechnologies.com

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

MTVN Kids and Family Group Launches New Content on iTunes Music Store in September
The N's Hit Series Degrassi Launches Today - Sept. 5
Six New Property Additions Include Nickelodeon's Mr. Meaty, Nick Jr.'s The Wonder Pets!, TEENick Hit Series Drake & Josh, Unfabulous, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide
Free Special Sneak Peek Offered of Brand New Nick Show Mr. Meaty Before Its On-Air Network Debut
New Seasons from Zoey 101 Also Planned

This September, MTVN Kids and Family Group will launch a line-up of hit new entertainment programming on iTunes(R) Music Store (www.itunes.com), including six properties from Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, and The N, the nighttime network for teens. Launching today on iTunes is The N's Degrassi: The Next Generation, a fictional, dramatic series that tackles tough issues in a realistic way, which ranked number-one in premiere ratings in its time period among teens in its most recent series of premieres last March.

During the month of September, Nickelodeon will add to iTunes hit TEENick series Drake & Josh, Unfabulous and Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, as well as Nick Jr. top-rated series The Wonder Pets!, and new seasons from the TEENick favorite, Zoey 101, for purchase. The network will also roll out a free sneak peek of its new series, Mr. Meaty, prior its on-air network debut.

For $1.99 per episode, consumers can download Nickelodeon and The N series from the iTunes Music Store and view them on their iPods or computers. As shows premiere on-air, they will be added to the iTunes library. By the end of September, approximately 450 half-hour episodes from the Nickelodeon, The N and Nick at Nite programming library will be available on iTunes, with more rolling out in the coming months.

From The N:

"Degrassi"

* Season Four (20 episodes) and Season Five (18 episodes) - available

Sept. 5

Degrassi introduces a new generation of kids going through the trials and tribulations of adolescence in the 21st century at the newly refurbished Degrassi Community School. The fourth season of Degrassi delves into topics including, sexuality, alcoholism, mental illness, self-esteem and school violence. Season five deals with topics that include: relationships, self image, physical disability, drugs, pregnancy and sexual identity. Season six of Degrassi premieres on The N Sept. 29 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

From Nickelodeon:

"The Wonder Pets!"

* Season One (10 episodes) - available Sept. 12

The Wonder Pets! is Nick Jr.'s newest original series starring three courageous classroom pets who sing opera and travel the world. Currently ranked as the number three preschool series on commercial television, every episode of The Wonder Pets! is an original mini-operetta, with music written and developed by some of Broadway's top Tony(R) and Grammy(R) Award-winning talent.

"Mr. Meaty"

* Season One (20 episodes) - available mid-Sept.

Mr. Meaty is Nickelodeon's absurd new buddy comedy/puppet series premiering on-air Sept. 22 (8:30 p.m. ET/PT). Mr. Meaty serves up super-sized laughs from the mall food court bunker tended by teen "odd couple" Josh Redgrove and Parker Dinkelman, who geek out and concoct life-changing plans to escape the monotony of minimum wage. The series developed from Nickelodeon's TurboNick broadband platform on Nick.com -- where it appeared first as a series of shorts.

Mr. Meaty's "Buffalo Burrito" will be available on iTunes as a sneak peek before it premieres on Nickelodeon. In "Buffalo Burrito," Josh can't stand to be near Parker - he stinks. Oblivious, Parker thinks they're simply 'growing apart' and need something to strengthen their friendship. That 'something' is cramming himself and Josh into a buffalo costume together to promote the latest Mr. Meaty taste sensation. But when Josh freaks out from the smell, they end up being tasered by Mr. Carney, and wake up on the wild plains a free buffalo.

TEENick Programming - available late Sept.:

"Drake & Josh"

* Season One (6 episodes)

* Season Four (20 episodes)

Drake & Josh, this year's Kids' Choice Award winner for Favorite TV Show, has been the top regularly scheduled live-action series on cable with kids 2- 11 and tweens 9-14 for two consecutive quarters in 2006. Created/executive produced by Dan Schneider, the show follows odd couple teen stepbrothers, Drake Parker and Josh Nichols in their shenanigans.

"Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide"

* Season One (13 episodes)

* Season Three (13 episodes)

Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide chronicles the wacky adventures of Ned Bigby and his best pals Moze and Cookie at James K. Polk Middle School, as "every-kid" Ned shatters the fourth wall to share tips and tricks on jumping school hurdles.

"Unfabulous"

* Season One (13 episodes) and Season Two (13 episodes)

Unfabulous follows Addie Singer, a quick-witted, self-aware 13-year-old who is just trying to get through junior high school one day at a time. She's a typical teen with one exception: her penchant for sometimes silly, but poignant song-writing. Her home-grown music helps her make sense of the unexpected, unwelcome, uncomfortable and sometimes unexplainable events that go hand-in-hand with adolescence.

"Zoey 101"

* Season Three (13 episodes)

Zoey 101 stars Jamie Lynn Spears as 13-year-old Zoey Brooks, a winsome leader whose independent nature is put to the test at the newly co-ed Pacific Coast Academy. In the Emmy and Teen Choice Award-nominated show from Dan Schneider, Zoey and her teen pals strive to survive and thrive amid ocean breezes at PCA. In season three, Zoey and friends still strive to survive and thrive at the newly co-ed boarding school, despite boy detractors.

The all-new fall season primetime premieres of Drake & Josh, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and Zoey 101, take place on Nickelodeon television Sunday, Sept. 24. Season passes, priced at $19.99, will be available for all three shows. As shows premiere on-air, they will be added to the iTunes season pass offering for download.

MTVN Kids and Family Group range of content offerings on iTunes includes the top-rated preschool series, Dora the Explorer, The N's critically acclaimed series South of Nowhere, pop culture phenomenon and unparalleled kid hit SpongeBob SquarePants, Nick at Nite originals Fatherhood - an animated series based on Bill Cosby's best-selling book of the same name, and Hi-Jinks -- the hit hidden-camera series in which adults play good-natured pranks on kids of all ages, and more. MTVN Kids and Family Group programming may be downloaded from iTunes' TV section in the Nickelodeon, The N, and Nick at Nite branded areas.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for eleven consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA)

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

Glenn Close Announced as EIF Ambassador to Saks Fifth Avenue's 2006 KEY TO THE CURE Campaign
Benefit T-Shirt Design by Oscar De La Renta
A Women's Cancer Initiative in Partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund

-- Saks Fifth Avenue and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) announced today that award winning actress Glenn Close has been named Entertainment Industry Foundation ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue's 2006 KEY TO THE CURE initiative. KEY TO THE CURE is a women's cancer initiative founded in partnership with EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund. The program will also receive ongoing support from Mercedes-Benz USA.

"When I was invited to be the Entertainment Industry Foundation's ambassador for Saks Fifth Avenue's Key to the Cure, I didn't hesitate for one second because I have so many friends who have died from cancer and my grandmother had breast cancer," said Ms. Close. "I think it's tremendously important to raise more awareness about the importance of early detection and support promising scientific research like EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund."

In the 7 years since the inception of the Saks Fifth Avenue charity shopping event, the company, together with its vendors and partners, has raised more than $20 million. Working to continue this success, the money raised through Saks Fifth Avenue's 2006 KEY TO THE CURE will benefit more than 50 charitable programs dedicated to finding new detection methods, treatments and, hopefully, a cure for women's cancers through EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund.

"Saks Fifth Avenue is the leading retailer for this kind of national philanthropic outreach and KEY TO THE CURE is one of the most important initiatives that our company has," said Stephen I. Sadove, Chief Executive Officer of Saks Inc. "We are enormously grateful to Ms. Close for honoring us as this year's EIF ambassador to KEY TO THE CURE, as well as to Oscar de la Renta for designing such an elegant T-Shirt."

"Saks feels very strongly that it is our duty to help the communities that we serve and KEY TO THE CURE is a true coming together of our associates, vendors and partners to do great work. Working with Ms. Close and Mr. de la Renta along with our partners Mercedes Benz-USA, and EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund, we know that this year's shopping event will fund innovative cancer research that will change the future of all women's cancers."

Saks Fifth Avenue's shopping weekend will take place October 12th - 15th at all of its stores nationwide, during which a percentage of sales will benefit EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund. In support of this program, Ms. Close will appear in a national public service announcement (PSA) wearing a limited edition t-shirt designed by Oscar de la Renta, exclusively to benefit Saks Fifth Avenue's KEY TO THE CURE.

Renowned photographer Timothy White generously donated his time to photograph Ms. Close for the campaign. Known as the master of contemporary portraiture, White has worked with some of the most distinguished faces in Hollywood. The PSA will appear in major fashion and lifestyle magazines in September and October.

Partnering with Saks Fifth Avenue and the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund in KEY TO THE CURE is Mercedes-Benz USA, which donated $1 million last year through a special vehicle offered at select Mercedes-Benz dealerships across the country. The company will do the same this year with a signature edition of its E 350 mid-size luxury sedan, which will go on sale this fall.

"To support this year's KEY TO THE CURE campaign we are pleased to offer a special fleet of one of our most popular luxury sedans - the Mercedes-Benz E 350," said Carol Goll, General Manager, Brand Experience Marketing, Mercedes- Benz USA. "The E 350 sets the standard in mid-size luxury sedans through a combination of elegant styling and strong performance with the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission. It is our hope that - by offering this special-edition vehicle, we can support KEY TO THE CURE and help bring women's cancer treatment options and prevention one step closer."

Saks Fifth Avenue initiated its shopping weekend in 1999. Since then, the company has donated over $20 million to women's cancer research and treatment organizations throughout the United States. Organizations benefiting from these funds include: EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund; The Breast Cancer Research Foundation; Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai; Houston's M.D. Anderson; Boston's Gillette Center; the Susan G. Komen Foundation; and many others.

The Women's Cancer Research Fund, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, was established by Chairs Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, along with Founders Kelly Chapman Meyer, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Marion Laurie and Jamie Tisch. WCRF supports innovative research, education, and outreach directed at the development of more effective approaches to the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all women's cancers

As a philanthropic leader of the entertainment industry, the Entertainment Industry Foundation has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars - and provided countless volunteer hours - to support charitable initiatives addressing some of the most critical issues facing society today. For more information, visit www.eifoundation.org.

Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's pre-eminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and home furnishings, and its first-rate fashion expertise and the exemplary client service of its Associates. Today, Saks operates 55 full-line stores in 26 states, 2 stores in the Middle East in Dubai and Riyadh, 50 OFF 5th Outlet Stores and www.saks.com, the company's online store.

Web site: http://www.eifoundation.org/
http://www.saks.com/

The Jagermeister Music Tour Is Back! Slightly Stoopid and Pepper To Headline

Get ready to bring the party! This year's Jagermeister Music Tour is all about the music and the vibes. Slightly Stoopid and Pepper, two of the most innovative dub-rock bands out there, are set to headline. The Tour takes off October 19th in Anaheim.

Southern California's Slightly Stoopid fuses acoustic rock and blues with reggae, hip-hop, dub, metal, funk, and punk to create a signature sound. Ranked by Pollstar as one of the Top 50 Touring Bands this year, Slightly Stoopid packs houses across the world with their surf-inspired jams. Veteran music festival performers, the band has played with Dave Matthews Band, Sublime, The Roots, G. Love and Special Sauce, Blink 182, and Toots and the Maytals. One of the most successful independent bands to come around in the last few years, Slightly Stoopid has sold over 200,000 units on their own label, STOOPID RECORDS.

Hailing from Kona, Hawaii, Pepper is a dub/ rock power trio with reggae- rock roots. Mixing influences like Nirvana and Black Sabbath with the likes of Bad Brains and Sublime, Pepper creates some of the best "kick back, sunny side, back side, grinding mellow guitar picking, cool wave riding sounds" around. The Jagermeister Music Tour coincides with the October 3rd release of their latest album, No Shame, the band's major label debut on Lava/Atlantic Records.

"Having Slightly Stoopid and Pepper together on this Tour is a major deal for us. Both bands have a long history of working with Jagermeister," says Rick Zeiler, Director of Marketing and Brand Development for Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc., the importers of Jagermeister. "Stylistically, it's definitely different than Tours we've done in the past. Both these bands have a unique vibe all their own and that goes well with Jagermeister. Their music lends itself to a party atmosphere and Jagermeister is all about a good party!"

This isn't the first time the bands will be touring together. Yesod Williams, the drummer of Pepper says, "Reunited and it feels so good! It's like touring with your family again with us and Stoopid out together for the first time in three years. The only difference is we are fueled on Jagermeister this time!"

"We are looking forward to touring with Pepper again," says Miles Doughty, one of Slightly Stoopid's frontmen. "It is usually one big party when the two bands get together, and it is definitely the best tour for fans. The added element of Jagermeister is sure to make for more madness this time around."

Each show will be supported by local Jagermeister bands. Jagermeister now has an arsenal of over 200 sponsored bands from coast to coast. Now in its fifth year, the Jagermeister Music Tour is bigger than ever, becoming THE rock show to see. Produced by Live Nation, past Tours have brought Staind, Disturbed, Slayer, Slipknot, Hatebreed, Saliva, hed P.E., Drowning Pool, and Ill Nino to the masses, and now the Tour continues its charge.

For about 30 bucks, fans will get the chance to see some of the biggest acts in reggae/ rock and receive some of the sweetest swag around, including great Jagermeister prizes and giveaways like the Jagermeister Compilation CDs with live and unreleased tracks from Jagermeister bands as well as plenty of Jagermeister shirts, hats, and more. Other prizes and giveaways from sponsors include custom tour prizes from Schecter Guitars, Peavey Electronics, and Coffin Case.*

The Jagermeister Music Tour will be advertised in print and on radio. For more information, check out http://www.jagermeistermusictour.com/. Tickets on sale soon! Get ready to rock!

About Jagermeister

Imported from Germany and made with herbs and spices, Jagermeister is the most popular shot brand in the United States and the leading imported cordial. Known for its creative marketing and innovative promotions, Jagermeister is proud to be a part of the music scene and an active supporter of up-and-coming musicians. Jagermeister is imported by Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc. of New Rochelle, NY who encourages all those 21 and over to drink responsibly.

About Live Nation

Live Nation is a leading live content and distribution company focused on creating superior experiences for artists, performers, corporations and fans. Live Nation owns, operates or has booking rights for 150 venues worldwide and promoted or produced over 28,500 events in 2005. Live Nation is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Live Nation is listed on The New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV". For more information regarding Live Nation and its businesses, please visit the company's web site at http://www.livenation.com/.

* Must be 21 or over to be eligible for prizes. Giveaways and raffle

prizes are subject to state and local laws and are not available in

California and may not be available at other shows. JAGERMEISTER IS

DEDICATED TO MUSIC, NOT UNDERAGE DRINKING.

THE JAGERMEISTER MUSIC TOUR SCHEDULE**

Date City State Venue

Thursday, October 19, 2006 Anaheim CA The Grove of

Anaheim

Friday, October 20, 2006 Bakersfield CA The Dome

Saturday, October 21, 2006 San Francisco CA Warfield Theatre

Sunday, October 22, 2006 Eugene OR McDonald Theatre

Monday, October 23, 2006 Portland OR Crystal Ballroom

Wednesday, October 25, 2006 Park City UT Harry O's

Thursday, October 26, 2006 Aspen CO Belly Up Aspen

Friday, October 27, 2006 Denver CO Fillmore Auditorium

Saturday, October 28, 2006 Omaha NE Sokol Underground

Tuesday, October 31, 2006 Saint Louis MO The Pageant

Wednesday, November 01, 2006 Milwaukee WI The Rave

Thursday, November 02, 2006 Indianapolis IN Vogue Theatre

Friday, November 03, 2006 Chicago IL Congress Theatre

Saturday, November 04, 2006 Minneapolis MN First Avenue

Tuesday, November 07, 2006 Detroit MI St. Andrews Hall

Wednesday, November 08, 2006 Cleveland OH House of Blues

Thursday, November 09, 2006 Columbus OH Newport Music Hall

Friday, November 10, 2006 New York NY Roseland Ballroom

Saturday, November 11, 2006 Atlantic City NJ House of Blues -

Atlantic City

Tuesday, November 14, 2006 Boston MA Avalon Ballroom

Wednesday, November 15, 2006 Philadelphia PA Electric Factory

Thursday, November 16, 2006 Sayreville NJ Starland Ballroom

Friday, November 17, 2006 Baltimore MD Rams Head Live

Saturday, November 18, 2006 Charleston SC Music Farm

Sunday, November 19, 2006 North Myrtle Beach SC House of Blues

Monday, November 20, 2006 Orlando FL Hard Rock Live

(Universal Studios)

Tuesday, November 21, 2006 Fort Lauderdale FL Revolution

Friday, November 24, 2006 Jacksonville FL Plush

Saturday, November 25, 2006 Atlanta GA Roxy

Sunday, November 26, 2006 Nashville TN Exit In

Wednesday, November 29, 2006 Houston TX Club V (Verizon

Wireless Theatre

Set Up)

Thursday, November 30, 2006 Corpus Christi TX Concrete Street

Amphitheatre -

The Patio

Saturday, December 02, 2006 Tulsa OK Cain's Ballroom

Tuesday, December 05, 2006 Phoenix AZ Celebrity Theatre

Wednesday, December 06, 2006 Los Angeles CA The Wiltern LG

Thursday, December 07, 2006 Las Vegas NV House of Blues

Friday, December 08, 2006 San Diego CA 4th & B

Saturday, December 09, 2006 San Diego CA 4th & B

** Dates and venues are subject to change. Check local listings.

Additional dates to be confirmed in the following markets:

Phoenix AZ, Reno NV, Las Vegas, NV, Cleveland OH, New York NY, Hampton Beach NH, Boston MA, Providence RI, Washington DC, Wichita KS, Des Moines IA, Huntsville AL, Shreveport LA

Web site: http://www.jagermeistermusictour.com/
http://www.sidneyfrankco.com/

Death Row Records and Marion 'Suge' Knight Announce Claim Deadline

A Los Angeles Bankruptcy Judge has ordered that parties asserting claims against either Death Row Records or Marion "Suge" Knight must file those claims with the Bankruptcy Court presiding over the bankruptcy cases by October 31, 2006 or risk being barred from participating in the cases or from asserting claims against Death Row or Knight. Knight and Death Row filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on April 4, 2006 in Los Angeles, CA.

Chapter 11 allows a company to continue its business operations while it restructures. Death Row is being operated by a Court appointed trustee. Knight continues to manage his bankruptcy estate as a debtor in possession. Having a full understanding of the liabilities of Death Row and Knight is critical to a comprehensive reorganization. "We believe that it is vital that all parties asserting claims come forward and assert them in a timely manner so that Death Row can come out of Chapter 11 quickly," said Todd Neilson, the Death Row chapter 11 trustee.

Creditors seeking information about the case or their claims can obtain such information at the following website addresses: http://knight.pszyjw.com/ or http://deathrowrecords.pszyjw.com/ or may contact Kaye Scholer LLP, counsel for R. Todd Neilson, the Chapter 11 Trustee of Death Row; Hill Farrar and Burrill, counsel for Marion "Suge" Knight; or the Official Creditors Committee appointed in these cases through its counsel, Pachulski, Stang, Ziehl, Young, Jones, & Weintraub.

Source: Kaye Scholer LLP

Web site: http://deathrowrecords.pszyjw.com/
http://knight.pszyjw.com/

Vyyo to Showcase Revolutionary UltraBand 3 Ghz Passive Line at Mid-America Cable Show Sept. 5-7

Vyyo Inc. (NASDAQ:VYYO) , a supplier of broadband access equipment for cable and private wireless broadband network solutions, will show how its revolutionary line of UltraBand(TM) 3 Ghz passive elements can meet current and future bandwidth needs for cable system operators at the Mid-America Cable Show Sept. 5-7.

At its booth (#325) in the Overland Park Convention Center, Vyyo will show how the UltraBand line of taps, splitters and other passive elements provides superior quality for today's services and offers operators the ability to increase the capacity of HFC plant. UltraBand passives are compatible with Vyyo active products and together they create Vyyo's spectrum overlay solution that allows existing coax to accommodate additional services and meet growing customer demand.

"With Vyyo's leading-edge technology, cable has all of the bandwidth it requires to meet not only present needs but those of the foreseeable future," said Avner Kol, COO of Vyyo. "Operators who install UltraBand passives to meet service needs today will be able to easily migrate to a complete spectrum overlay solution when needed without any disruption to existing services."

Vyyo UltraBand products and spectrum overlay solutions enable cable operators to compete effectively with fiber-based solutions being deployed by telcos at a fraction of the cost (approximately 10% of FTTH) while fully leveraging their installed coax assets. Spectrum overlay doubles downstream bandwidth and increases the upstream by a factor of four or more, enabling the delivery of advanced services, including 100 high definition channels; high- definition VOD; and ultra-high speed data of 30 Mbps or more.

All UltraBand passives are engineered to meet the exacting SCTE and FCC standards cable operators require, and install in the same way as existing passives, using industry standard connectors and standard test equipment. Key attributes of the UltraBand passive line include support for two bands, the 5-1003 MHz legacy band and the 1300-2750 MHz Vyyo UltraBand; integration of an upstream, plug-in attenuator within all taps to enable the operators to balance the legacy return path; low insertion loss at frequencies up to 2750 MHz; and RF/AC bypass capability when the faceplate is removed.

About Vyyo Inc.

Our products are designed for use by cable television and wireless telecommunication operators, wireless internet service providers (ISPs), utilities and enterprise. Our cable solutions include cable system spectrum overlay solutions designed to expand cable operators' typical HFC (hybrid- fiber coax) network capacity in the "last mile" by up to 2x in the downstream and 4x or more in the upstream, addressing bandwidth demand for T1 and other advanced services. Our wireless broadband solutions enable utilities and other customers to operate private wireless networks for communications to their remote assets and customers. Typical applications include high-speed internet services, SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition), voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and telephony (T1/E1), all based on modified Data Over Cable System Interface Specification (DOCSIS(R)) technology. For more information, please visit www.vyyo.com .

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements made in this press release relating to the future, including those related to the opportunities created for our customers given our ability to provide spectrum overlay and wired and wireless T1 solutions and our ability to significantly increase upstream and downstream bandwidth, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward- looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our business and results of operations to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Risks that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate include among others: whether we will be able to move from development stage to deployment and establish commercial relationships with cable system operators; whether we will be able to successfully produce our wireless systems and whether such systems will be adopted and deployed by utilities and other customers; the current limited visibility available in the telecommunications and broadband access equipment markets; the willingness and ability of operators to adopt our new technology and apply it in a manner that meets customer demands; our ability to produce and distribute our broadband wireless and spectrum overlay solutions in the quantities, and with the quality control, desired by the market; and other risks set forth in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. We assume no duty to update these statements.

NOTE: All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

DOCSIS is a trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.

Source: Vyyo Inc.

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

Get Two 'Guilty Gear' Brawlers In One Game as Majesco Entertainment Ships 'Guilty Gear Judgment' for the PSP(R) System

Providing PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system owners with a powerful 1-2 fighting punch, Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ:COOL) , an innovative provider of digital entertainment products and content, today announced it has shipped Guilty Gear Judgment. Developed by ARC System Works and rated T for Teen, Guilty Gear Judgment is now available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $39.99.

"Guilty Gear Judgment offers gamers incredible value by combining two deep fighting games on one UMD," said Ken Gold, vice president of Marketing for Majesco. "Both games feature the character-driven game play and unique signature attacks that have defined the Guilty Gear series across multiple systems and made it a fan favorite."

Guilty Gear Judgment for the PSP(R) system offers the fast paced arcade fighting of Guilty Gear X2 #Reload plus brand new side scrolling action in Guilty Gear Judgment. Guilty Gear Judgment features 21 Guilty Gear characters, including Sol Badguy, Potemkin, May, Dizzy and Faust, all of whom have their own unique combos; multiple modes of play including Story Mode (with intertwining character stories) and two player co-operative fighting. In Guilty Gear X2 #Reload, players assume the role of 23 Guilty Gear characters and compete across six modes of play including 2-player Head-to-Head, Arcade, M.O.M (Medal of Millionaire), VS CPU, Survival and Training.

Guilty Gear Judgment is now available for a suggested retail price of $39.99. For more information please visit www.guiltygearjudgment.com.

About Majesco Entertainment Company

Headquartered in Edison, NJ, Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ:COOL) is an innovative provider of digital entertainment products and content, with a focus on publishing videogames for leading portable systems such as the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, Nintendo DS(TM) and Game Boy(R) Advance. Current product line highlights include Cooking Mama for the Nintendo DS(TM), Guilty Gear Judgment for the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system and JAWS(TM) Unleashed, as well as digital entertainment products like Frogger(R) TV Arcade. Majesco now offers Game Boy(R) Advance Video versions of the beloved DreamWorks Animation movies Shrek, Shrek 2 and Shark Tale. More information about Majesco can be found online at www.majescoentertainment.com.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period(s) or by the use of forward- looking terminology, such as "may," "will," "intend," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or other comparable terminology. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. These factors include but are not limited to, the demand for our products; our ability to complete and release our products in a timely fashion; competitive factors in the businesses in which we compete; continued consumer acceptance of the gaming platforms on which our products operate and our products; fulfillment of orders preliminarily made by customers; adverse changes in the securities markets and the availability of and costs associated with sources of liquidity. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release publicly the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Web site: http://www.majescoentertainment.com/
http://www.guiltygearjudgment.com/

Jordan Knight Shows QVC(R) Some Love

Former New Kids on the Block frontman and songwriter Jordan Knight has been crooning his way into the hearts of listeners for nearly two decades. On Friday, September 8 from 5 - 7 PM (ET), Knight is scheduled to launch his second solo album, "Love Songs," on QVC during a 20th birthday party broadcast.

Previously known for his chart-topping tunes and eye-catching moves, Knight's latest album brings his music to the next level. "Love Songs" is a combination of new material and personal renditions of classic hits. Giving his own treatment to legendary ballads like "Careless Whisper," "One More Night," and "Waiting for a Girl Like You," Knight performs these timeless melodies in a fresh, new way.

Packaged especially for QVC, "Love Songs" is accompanied by a five-song bonus CD featuring acoustic versions of a few fan favorites (QVC Item #E01503). During his QVC appearance, Knight is scheduled to perform select songs in front of a live studio audience.

"In the past, my albums and shows combined love songs with dance songs, and I began receiving feedback that the fans enjoyed the love songs the most," says Knight. "So when deciding on my next project, 'Love Songs' was the natural choice. QVC jumped to mind as the perfect launch pad for this new album to reach a wide variety of fans in a meaningful way."

"Love Songs" may be ordered through QVC by calling 800.345.1515 or http://www.qvc.com/ while supplies last.

QVC, Inc., a $6.5 billion company, is an e-commerce leader, marketing a wide variety of brand name products in such categories as home furnishings, licensed products, fashion, beauty, electronics and fine jewelry. QVC, which celebrates its 20th birthday this year, reaches over 160 million homes worldwide. Other divisions/subsidiaries include QVC.com, QVC @, QVC Local and QVC ProductWorks. The QVC Studio Tour is located at the company's world headquarters in West Chester, Pa. QVC is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation.

Source: QVC, Inc.

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

AT&T Blue Room Seats Elton John Fans Front Row for Upcoming Fashion Rocks' Private Pre-Show Event
Exclusive AT&T Blue Room Footage to Feature Songs From Elton John's Upcoming New Release and a Selection of His Greatest Hits

AT&T is making it fashionable to spend a weekend sitting in front of a computer with exclusive access to the official Conde Nast Media Group Fashion Rocks pre-party featuring Elton John. Beginning September 10, and only on the AT&T blue room, the company will deliver the up-close and personal Elton John performance highlighting songs from the artist's upcoming new release, "The Captain and the Kid," as well as favorites from his greatest hits.

AT&T's groundbreaking online portal, the AT&T blue room ( http://attblueroom.com/music ), features exclusive musical content, in-studio interviews, live performances and unedited commentary of chart-topping artists. This year, in recognition of its first anniversary, AT&T blue room renews its commitment to being the online destination for exclusive webcasts of the industry's hottest shows, giving fans who can't attend in person the opportunity to see memorable performances in real time and at no charge. The 2006 blue room lineup has featured webcasts from some of the biggest names in music festivals, such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the Bonnaroo Music Festival and Lollapalooza 2006. Upcoming exclusive events on the AT&T blue room include Austin City Limits Festival, Sept. 15 - 17, 2006, and Vegoose 2006, Oct. 28 - 29, 2006.

"The AT&T blue room is providing fans from around the country and across the globe with a truly unique opportunity -- the chance to experience an intimate performance with a legend of rock 'n' roll," said Rick Welday, chief marketing officer-AT&T Consumer. "Opportunities like this not only position the AT&T blue room as the online content destination for which fans are searching but also allow AT&T to showcase how its products and services connect users to memorable experiences every day."

Beginning Sunday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. Eastern time, 4 p.m. Pacific time, the AT&T blue room will be the only place to access footage from the official Fashion Rocks Elton John pre-party, which will take place in New York City on Sept. 6, in celebration of the highly anticipated Fashion Rocks concert the following night. The performance will be archived on the AT&T blue room ( http://attblueroom.com/music ), allowing fans to relive the experience for weeks to come.

Fashion Rocks returns for a third time with a live concert on Sept. 7, 2006, at New York's Radio City Music Hall. A collision of style and sound, the star-studded fashion and music spectacular will kick off Fashion Week with a nationally televised special celebrating the relationship between fashion and music, which will air on the CBS Television Network on Friday, Sept. 8, 2006 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET/PT). Proceeds from the show will benefit the Elton John AIDS foundation.

"If you are a fan of Elton John, this concert is the show to watch," said Richard D. Beckman, president of Conde Nast Media Group. "We are proud to present this rare opportunity to see a musical icon debut a new body of work and provide visitors to the blue room with such an exciting and incomparable experience."

The AT&T blue room is part of a strategic initiative to link the AT&T brand to premier communications and entertainment experiences, as well as to fuel sales and demonstrate how key products and services, such as AT&T Yahoo!(R) High Speed Internet and Cingular Wireless, meet the increasing consumer demands for value, choice and convenience. To experience the AT&T blue room, visit http://attblueroom.com/music .

Note: This AT&T release and other news announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at http://www.att.com/rss .

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is one of the world's largest telecommunications holding companies and is the largest in the United States. Operating globally under the AT&T brand, AT&T companies are recognized as the leading worldwide providers of IP-based communications services to business and as leading U.S. providers of high speed DSL Internet, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. AT&T Inc. holds a 60 percent ownership interest in Cingular Wireless, which is the No. 1 U.S. wireless services provider with 57.3 million wireless customers. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and AT&T products and services is available at http://www.att.com/ .

Subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. provide products and services under the AT&T brand.

Source: AT&T Inc.

http://www.att.com/
http://www.att.com/rss

Penthouse Interviews The Rock, Jeremy Shockey and Lou Dobbs
NFL Preview Featured and Penthouse's Sex Expert Reveals The Top Five Ways To Get Over Her

The Rock is determined to pulverize all your preconceived notions of him and in the October issue of Penthouse, Mr. Dwayne Johnson does just that. Find out how this wrestler- turned-actor is lighting up the silver-screen in Gridiron Gang and Spy Hunter: Nowhere To Run - and not just with his impressive physique, but with his acting abilities. A joker at heart, The Rock admits that, "Other people in the WWE would always ask me, 'Why are you always trying to be funny?' but I thought, you can't always be yelling." Ready for a comedic role next; you still might want to laugh with him, not at him.

Jeremy Shockey, the New York Giants tight-end - has been in the NFL and in the gossip pages - for four years. Now, he says he's learned how to stay out of trouble by playing it close to his vest. In the October issue of Penthouse, however, Shockey drops the poker face and reveals to Dave Hollander that he's got a lot more on his mind than generic sound bites.

Lou Dobbs believes that motivating the working class to vote would be a solution to problems such as Illegal Immigration (he wants the U.S. borders locked down) and Industrial Outsourcing (he favors protecting U.S. jobs). A CNN anchor since the 1980's, Mr. Dobbs has seen a lot of changes in our country in the past 20 years - including a lack of political and social activism; "If families are fortunate enough to have two parents in the household, both are working. Time has been compressed for people in this country. We're so exhausted from all of our responsibilities; I think people have taken the easy way." He is hopeful of independent change, however, since he believes many are fed-up with both the Republican and Democratic parties.

Vices & Vanities - Top Five Ways To Get Over Her and Women's Eight "Moan Zones"

You were dumped and now you're angry. You feel betrayed and now you're hurting. Well, fret not because it happens to everyone, including Penthouse Pets - and our very own Dr. Z has some relevant tips on how to get over a girl who gave you the slip. Also, Dr. Z's Moan Zone is a list of erogenous hot spots that every man should be aware of. From "ear-gasm's to Tootsie Teasing, find out which not-so-obvious locations can get your woman hot and bothered in no time!

Sports - NFL Football Preview

Penthouse compares the AFC Playoff Teams to the NFC Playoff Teams. Also, can Peyton Manning finally win the big one? Check out the 2006 NFL preview for Sleeper Picks, Top Values and get the lowdown on each leagues pigskin contenders.

If you like to "go down under," than you'll adore our October Pet, Kimberley Rogers! Originally born in Australia, this 23-year-old, sultry blue-eyed brunette moved to the States with her family in the 1990's and called St. Louis, Missouri home for years. Just recently, however, 'Kiwi Kimberley' moved to San Diego, California - where wearing less clothing is optimal!

The October 2006 Penthouse issue is currently available at newsstands and at www.penthouse.com/digital.

+1-561-912-7034, or kberzon@pmgi.com

Web site: http://www.penthouse.com/digital

Carl's Jr.(R) Launches Sequel to Popular 'Cow Shake' Ad to Promote New Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts(TM) Made With M&M's(R) Milk Chocolate Candies
'Cow Shake-Off' Features Dueling Guys, Cows, and Hit Single 'Milkshake' by Kelis

Cow shaking is back at Carl's Jr.(R)! In a follow-up to last fall's highly successful and popular "Cow Shake" television commercial for the chain's launch of Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts(TM), Carl's Jr. has re-enlisted the services of actor and cow shaker extraordinaire Kyle Dunnigan, this time pairing him off against a rival cow shaker to the hit tune "Milkshake" by Kelis. The sequel, titled "Cow Shake-Off," supports the launch of the newest Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts flavor made with M&M'S(R) Milk Chocolate Candies.

"We introduced our Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes & Malts last year with the original 'Cow Shake' ad, and it was so popular and drew such an overwhelming response from consumers that we knew we had to create a sequel," said Brad Haley, executive vice president of marketing for Carl's Jr. "In fact, when we started to get fan mail for the human star of the ad -- and his cow, Freedom -- we knew we were on to something well beyond what we experience with one of our typical ads. So, we doubled the fun for the sequel with two 'cow shakers,' and, of course, Kelis' hit song 'Milkshake,' provided the perfect soundtrack for the competition."

The new Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shake made with M&M'S Milk Chocolate Candies is the chain's latest featured flavor. The new shake features real, hand-scooped vanilla ice cream, vanilla syrup, and real milk, blended to order with pieces of M&M'S Milk Chocolate Candies and topped with whipped cream. A scoop of malt powder can be added for a classic malt taste. The shakes and malts sell for $2.99 at most company-owned restaurants, although pricing may vary.

"We believe our shakes and malts -- made with real, hand-scooped ice cream and real milk -- are the best in the fast-food world, so we always strive to find great ingredients that can make them even better," Haley said. "M&M'S Milk Chocolate Candies absolutely fit the bill, and this new shake is another ideal complement to our line of charbroiled burgers."

The "Cow Shake-Off" commercial continues Carl's Jr.'s decade-long trend of producing edgy, irreverent advertising aimed at young, hungry guys. The ad was created by advertising agency of record Mendelsohn|Zien, mastermind of many iconic Carl's Jr. ads including the Paris Hilton "That's Hot" spot and the "If it doesn't get all over the place, it doesn't belong in your face" campaign from the mid-90's. The commercial is currently airing in local restaurant markets and can be seen in the Now on TV section of www.carlsjr.com.

About Carl's Jr.

This year, Carl's Jr. celebrates 65 years in the quick-service industry. What began as a lone hot dog cart in Anaheim, Calif. in 1941 is today an international organization that employs nearly 30,000 people worldwide. Carl's Jr. is a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:CKR) of Carpinteria, Calif. As of the first fiscal quarter ended May 22, 2006, CKE Restaurants, Inc., through its subsidiaries, had a total of 3,141 franchised or company-owned restaurants in 43 states and in 13 countries, including 1,062 Carl's Jr. restaurants, 1,963 Hardee's(R) restaurants and 100 La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill(R) restaurants. For more information, or to find a Carl's Jr. near you, go to www.ckr.com or www.carlsjr.com.

About Masterfoods USA

Masterfoods USA, the United States food, snack and pet care operations of Mars, Incorporated, is one of the world's leading food manufacturers. With more than $5 billion in annual sales, the combined food, snack and pet care segments are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered in Hackettstown, NJ, Masterfoods USA employs more than 8,000 associates in the United States, with 39 facilities nationwide. The company owns some of the world's favorite brands including M&M'S(R) Brand, SNICKERS(R) Brand, UNCLE BEN'S(R) Brand, PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food for Dogs, WHISKAS(R) Brand Food for Cats.

* A photo of the new Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shake & Malts made with M&M'S Milk Chocolate Candies; stills, and footage of the original "Cow Shake" or new "Cow Shake-Off" television commercials are available upon request.

Source: CKE Restaurants, Inc.

Web site: http://www.ckr.com/
http://www.carlsjr.com/

Academy/UCLA Documentary Series Begins Its 25th Year

Beverly Hills, CA — Fourteen short and feature-length documentaries, including the Oscar-winning “A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin” and two other nominees, will be screened in Part One of the 2006–2007 Contemporary Documentary Series, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Academy Foundation and the UCLA Film and Television Archive. Now in its 25th year, the series kicks off September 27, at 7 p.m., at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. All screenings in the series are free.

Following is the complete schedule for Part One:

September 27
“Mr. Mergler’s Gift” (directed by Beverly Shaffer, produced by Germaine Ying Gee Wong)
“Mad Hot Ballroom” (directed by Marilyn Agrelo; produced by Amy Sewell, Agrelo)

“Mr. Mergler’s Gift” (directed by Beverly Shaffer, produced by Germaine Ying Gee Wong) “Mad Hot Ballroom” (directed by Marilyn Agrelo; produced by Amy Sewell, Agrelo)

October 11
“Murderball” (directed by Henry-Alex Rubin, Dana Adam Shapiro; produced by Jeffrey Mandel, Shapiro) Academy Award nominee.
“39 Pounds of Love” (directed by Dani Menkin; produced by Menken, Daniel J. Chalfen)

“Murderball” (directed by Henry-Alex Rubin, Dana Adam Shapiro; produced by Jeffrey Mandel, Shapiro)“39 Pounds of Love” (directed by Dani Menkin; produced by Menken, Daniel J. Chalfen)

October 25
“On Native Soil: The Documentary of the 9/11 Commission Report” (directed by Linda Ellman; produced by Jeff Hays, Ellman, Lenville O’Donnell)
“Occupation: Dreamland” (directed by Garrett Scott, Ian Olds; produced by Scott, Selina Lewis Davidson, Nancy Roth)

“On Native Soil: The Documentary of the 9/11 Commission Report” (directed by Linda Ellman; produced by Jeff Hays, Ellman, Lenville O’Donnell)“Occupation: Dreamland” (directed by Garrett Scott, Ian Olds; produced by Scott, Selina Lewis Davidson, Nancy Roth)

November 1
“A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin” (directed by Eric Simonson; produced by Simonson, Corinne Marrinan) Academy Award winner.
“The Devil and Daniel Johnston” (directed by Jeff Feuerzeig; produced by Henry S. Rosenthal)

“A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin” (directed by Eric Simonson; produced by Simonson, Corinne Marrinan)“The Devil and Daniel Johnston” (directed by Jeff Feuerzeig; produced by Henry S. Rosenthal)

November 15
“Street Fight” (directed and produced by Marshall Curry) Academy Award nominee.
“The Last Campaign” (directed and produced by Wayne Ewing)

“Street Fight” (directed and produced by Marshall Curry) “The Last Campaign” (directed and produced by Wayne Ewing)

November 29
“Dimmer” (directed by Talmage Cooley; produced by Cooley, Andy Spade, Anthony Sperduti)
“The Boys of Baraka” (directed and produced by Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady)

“Dimmer” (directed by Talmage Cooley; produced by Cooley, Andy Spade, Anthony Sperduti)“The Boys of Baraka” (directed and produced by Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady)

December 13 – special screening at the IMAX Theater
“Aliens of the Deep” (directed by James Cameron, Steven Quale; produced by Andrew Wight, Cameron)
“Wild Safari 3D: A South African Adventure” (directed by Ben Stassen; produced by Stassen, Charlotte Huggins, Caroline Van Iseghem)

– special screening at the IMAX Theater“Aliens of the Deep” (directed by James Cameron, Steven Quale; produced by Andrew Wight, Cameron)“Wild Safari 3D: A South African Adventure” (directed by Ben Stassen; produced by Stassen, Charlotte Huggins, Caroline Van Iseghem)

In “Mr. Mergler’s Gift,” a piano teacher nearing the end of his life and long career takes on one last student, the nine-year-old daughter of Chinese immigrants. Daniel Mergler guides the young prodigy toward a life of music, while she brightens what are the final months of his existence. In “Mad Hot Ballroom,” diverse New York City schoolkids journey into the world of ballroom dancing, a new and unexpected arena. A citywide competition transforms them from reluctant participants, trying to maintain the “cool” teenager stance, to determined competitors learning the merengue, rumba, tango, foxtrot and swing.

All screenings are free and open to the public. They will begin at 7 p.m. at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater, except for the December 13 program at the IMAX Theater. Filmmakers will be present whenever possible to discuss their films and take questions from the audience. Part Two of the series will begin in March.

The Linwood Dunn Theater is located at the Academy’s Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study, 1313 North Vine Street, in Hollywood, at the northwest corner of Fountain Avenue and Vine Street. Parking is available behind the building through the entrance on Homewood Avenue, one block north of Fountain. The IMAX Theater is located in the California Science Center in Exposition Park, at the corner of Exposition Boulevard and Figueroa Street. Parking is available for $6 in the lot on Figueroa and 39th ©A.M.P.A.S.®

Career and Educational Search Sites and Demographics

A deeper drilldown on Online career and educational sites to explore visitor demographics, advertisers and advertising technologies used.

Top 10 Online Education and Careers Destinations Week ending August 6, 2006 US, Home and Work
Brand or Channel	Unique Audience (000)	Active Reach (%)
Monster.com Network	5,237	4.01
CareerBuilder Network	5,172	3.96
Yahoo! HotJobs	1,568	1.2
AOL Research & Learn	1,278	0.98
MSN Encarta	1119	0.86
U.S. Dept. of Education (ED)	975	0.75
Merriam-Webster	890	0.68
University of California at Berkeley	832	0.64
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign	823	0.63
About Education	796	0.61
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView

Demographic Data for Category Month of July 2006 US, Home and Work Category
	Target	Unique Audience (000)	Audience Composition (%)
Total		80,098	100
Male		38,274	47.78
Female		41,825	52.22
Age	2 - 11	2,170	2.71
	12 - 17	6,034	7.53
	18 - 24	6,412	8.01
	25 - 34	12,112	15.12
	35 - 49	28,560	35.66
	45+	35,003	43.7
	55+	15,508	19.36
	65+	5,157	6.44
HH Income	$ 0 - 24999	4,449	5.55
	$ 25000 - 49999	16,447	20.53
	$ 50000 - 74999	21,483	26.82
	$ 75000 - 99999	15,985	19.96
	$ 100000 - 149999	13,631	17.02
	$ 150000+	6,913	8.63
	No Response	1,190	1.49
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView

Data on the Public Service Industry, Education Segment Week ending August 6, 2006 US, Home and Work

Top 20 Advertisers
	Impressions (000)	Share of all Impressions
GUS Plc	3,559,395	73.3%
American InterContinental University	666,479	13.7%
Apollo Group, Inc.	471,961	9.7%
DeVry Inc.	64,874	1.3%
The Art Institutes	13,103	0.3%
Colorado Technical University	5,251	0.1%
Washington Virtual Academy	4,923	0.1%
Almeda University	4,734	0.1%
Pennsylvania State University	4,069	0.1%
Norwich University	2,693	0.1%
Northwestern University	2,680	0.1%
Capella Education Company	2,465	0.1%
Olivet Nazarene University	2,447	0.1%
ITT Technical Institute	2,219	0.0%
The University of Liverpool	2,009	0.0%
Emmanuel College	1,704	0.0%
California Virtual Academies	1,698	0.0%
New York Film Academy	1,399	0.0%
Old Town School of Folk Music	1,365	0.0%
Grantham University	1,241	0.0%
Total	4,853,258,000	100.0%
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

Top Ad Sizes
	Dimensions	Impressions (000)	Share of all Impressions
Button #1	(120x90)	4,106,309	84.6%
Leaderboard	(728x90)	428,522	8.8%
Wide Skyscraper	(160x600)	103,428	2.1%
Medium Rectangle	(300x250)	75,470	1.6%
Non-Standard Dimension		60,425	1.2%
Skyscraper	(120x600)	27,066	0.6%
Full Banner	(468x60)	20,789	0.4%
Button #2	(120x60)	12,881	0.3%
Rectangle	(180x150)	6,107	0.1%
Half Banner	(234x60)	3,990	0.1%
Large Rectangle	(336x280)	3,226	0.1%
Vertical Banner	(120x240)	2,855	0.1%
Micro Bar	(88x31)	895	0.0%
Square	(250x250)	540	0.0%
Vertical Rectangle	(240x400)	422	0.0%
Square Button	(125x125)	341	0.0%
Total		4,853,266,000	100.0%
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

Ad Delivery Types
	Impressions (000)	Share of all Impressions
In-Page	4,791,147	98.7%
Pop-Under	53,252	1.1%
Expanding	7,116	0.1%
Pop-Up	1,410	0.0%
Over-Page	335	0.0%
Transitional	5	0.0%
Total	4,853,265	100.0%
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

Crocodile Hunter Steve Hunter Dies from Stingray

Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter from Australia died from a stingray during a driving expedition for a documentary in the Great Barrier Reef of the coast of Northeast Australia. The news has just flashed within the last half hour. He’s entertained and opened the worlds for many with his enthusiasm and passion for nature’s animals.

Gaining a worldwide audience through the cable TV channel Animal Planet, I remember feeling anxious with Irwin’s daredevil antics, but I tuned in finding him listed sometimes numerous times a day. Presuming Irwin, attired in a khaki safari outfit, was taking the necessary caution, he always managed to survive, until now. An accident with nature is not a surprise, the accident with a stingray is though.

His wife Terri joined him on-air with a similar enthusiasm towards nature. She was always more cautious in her approach. Although the “Crocodile Hunter” was cancelled after an incident when he carried his then one-month old baby while feeding a crocodile at an Australian zoo, I am hoping there may be renewed interest in a show with her, which is likely to have a kindler gentler side.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences tonight (Sunday, August

27, 2006) awarded the 2005-2006 Primetime Emmys

for programs and individual achievements on the “58th Primetime Emmy Awards”

originating on the NBC Television Network from the Shrine

Auditorium in Los Angeles. The Academy's Chairman & CEO

Dick Askin participated in the awards ceremony. Ken Ehrlich was

Executive Producer of the telecast.

In addition to Emmys in 27 categories announced tonight, Emmys in

68 other categories and areas for programs and individual

achievements were presented at the Creative Arts Awards on August

19, 2006 from the Shrine Auditorium. The awards were tabulated by

the independent accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP.

The total primetime awards announced on tonight’s telecast were

distributed as follows: (Note: The figures in parenthesis represent the

grand total of Emmys awarded, including those announced tonight

and those announced August 19.)

Programs

HBO 2 (4)

NBC 1 (2)

ABC -(1)

FOX 1 (2)

CBS 1 (1)

PBS -(2)

Cartoon Network -(-)

History Channel -(2)

Comedy Central 1 (1)

Disney -(1)

FX Network -(-)

Showtime -(-)

TNT -(-)

A&E -(-)

Discovery Channel -(1)

Nickelodeon -(-)

SCI FI Channel -(-)

TCM -(-)

USA -(-)

WB -(-)

Individuals

7 (22)

5 (12)

1 (10)

2 (8)

1 (8)

1 (6)

-(4)

-(1)

1 (1)

-(1)

1 (2)

-(2)

-(1)

-(-)

-(1)

1 (1)

-(1)

Total

9 (26)

6 (14)

1 (11)

3 (10)

2 (9)

1 (8)

-(4)

-(3)

2 (2)

-(2)

1 (2)

-(2)

-(1)

1 (1)

-(1)

-ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

MEGAN MULLALLY as Karen NBC

Will & Grace

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

ALAN ALDA as Arnold Vinick NBC

The West Wing

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

BLYTHE DANNER as Izzy Huffstodt SHOWTIME

Huff

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

JEREMY PIVEN as Ari Gold HBO

Entourage

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A

MOVIE

KELLY MACDONALD as Gina HBO

The Girl In The Café

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES

THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART COMEDY CENTRAL

Jon Stewart, Executive Producer

Ben Karlin, Executive Producer

Stewart Bailey, Co-Executive Producer

Kahane Corn, Co-Executive Producer

David Javerbaum, Supervising Producer

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES

MARC BUCKLAND, Director NBC

My Name Is Earl

Pilot

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES

GREG GARCIA, Writer NBC

My Name Is Earl

Pilot

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE IN A VARIETY OR

MUSIC PROGRAM

BARRY MANILOW, Performer PBS

Barry Manilow: Music and Passion

-ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES

JON CASSAR, Director FOX

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES

TERENCE WINTER, Writer HBO

The Sopranos

Members Only

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A

MOVIE

JEREMY IRONS as Earl of Leicester HBO

Elizabeth I

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY

PROGRAM

LOUIS J. HORVITZ, Director ABC

78th Annual Academy Awards

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY

PROGRAM

DAVID JAVERBAUM, Head Writer COMEDY CENTRAL

RACHEL AXLER, Writer

KEVIN BLEYER, Writer

RICH BLOMQUIST, Writer

STEVE BODOW, Writer

TIM CARVELL, Writer

STEPHEN COLBERT, Writer

ERIC DRYSDALE, Writer

J.R. HAVLAN, Writer

SCOTT JACOBSON, Writer

BEN KARLIN, Writer

ROB KUTNER, Writer

SAM MEANS, Writer

CHRIS REGAN, Writer

JASON REICH, Writer

JASON ROSS, Writer

JON STEWART, Writer

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE

ANDRE BRAUGHER as Nick Atwater FX NETWORK

Thief

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

TONY SHALHOUB as Adrian Monk USA

Monk

-ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING MADE FOR TELEVISION MOVIE

THE GIRL IN THE CAFÉ HBO

Richard Curtis, Executive Producer

Paul Abbott, Executive Producer

Hilary Bevan Jones, Producer

OUTSTANDING REALITY/COMPETITION PROGRAM

THE AMAZING RACE CBS

Jerry Bruckheimer, Executive Producer

Bertram Van Munster, Executive Producer

Jonathan Litman, Executive Producer

Hayma "Screech" Washington, Executive Producer

Amy Nabseth Chacon, Co-Executive Producer

Elise Doganier, Co-Executive Producer

Evan Weinstein, Co-Executive Producer

John Moffet, Supervising Producer

Mark Vertullo, Supervising Producer

Alex Rader, Supervising Producer

Phil Keoghan, Producer/Host

David Brown, Senior Producer

Allison Chase, Senior Producer

Barry Hennessey, Senior Producer

Jennifer Basa, Producer

Patrick Cariaga, Producer

Bob Mora, Producer

Michael Norton, Producer

Michael Noval, Producer

Cynthia A. Palormo, Producer

Giselle Parets, Producer

Bob Parr, Producer

Bill Pruitt, Producer

Matt Schmidt, Producer

- ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A

DRAMATIC SPECIAL

TOM HOOPER, Director

Elizabeth I

HBO

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A

DRAMATIC SPECIAL

RICHARD CURTIS, Writer

The Girl In The Café

HBO

OUTSTANDING MINISERIES

ELIZABETH I

Suzan Harrison, Executive Producer

George Faber, Executive Producer

Charles Pattinson, Executive Producer

Nigel Williams, Executive Producer

Barney Reisz, Producer

HBO

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE

HELEN MIRREN as Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I

HBO

-ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

MARISKA HARGITAY as Detective Olivia Benson

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

NBC

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS as Christine Campbell

The New Adventures of Old Christine

CBS

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

KIEFER SUTHERLAND as Jack Bauer

FOX

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES

THE OFFICE

Greg Daniels, Executive Producer

Ben Silverman, Executive Producer

Ricky Gervais, Executive Producer

Stephen Merchant, Executive Producer

Howard Klein, Executive Producer

Paul Lieberstein, Co-Executive Producer

Michael Schur, Producer

Kent Zbornak, Producer

NBC

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES

24 FOX

Joel Surnow, Executive Producer

Robert Cochran, Executive Producer

Howard Gordon, Executive Producer

Evan Katz, Executive Producer

Brian Grazer, Executive Producer

Kiefer Sutherland, Co-Executive Producer

Michael Loceff, Co-Executive Producer

Steven Kronish, Co-Executive Producer

Jon Cassar, Co-Executive Producer

Manny Coto, Co-Executive Producer

David Fury, Co-Executive Producer

Michael Klick, Producer

Brad Turner, Producer

-ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

PROGRAMS WITH MULTIPLE AWARDS

August 19 August 27 Total

Elizabeth I 5 4 9

24 235

Baghdad ER 4 -4

MyNameIsEarl 2 2 4

Rome 4 -4

78th Annual Academy Awards 3 1 4

The Amazing Race 2 1 3

The Girl In The Café -33

Bleakhouse (Masterpiece Theatre) 2 -2

Boston Legal 2 -2

Dancing With The Stars 2 -2

High School Musical 2 -2

How I Met Your Mother 2 -2

Into The West 2 -2

MADtv 2 -2

Rome: Engineering An Empire 2 -2

Six Feet Under 2 -2

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart -22

The Simpsons 2 -2

The XX Olympic Winter Games –

Opening Ceremony 2 -2

TheWestWing 1 1 2

Will&Grace 1 1 2

The MTV Audience Has Spoken!

2006 MTV Video Music Awards Celebrates an Eclectic Group of Music Across More Screens Than Ever Before

Host Jack Black Brings The Thunder

Radio City Music Hall transformed into Video City Music Hall with imagery projected all over the walls of the theater throughout the entire night. With a dramatic kick off atop the observation deck of The Top of the Rock, Jay-Z welcomed the VMAs back to New York City. The biggest night in music opened with Justin Timberlake's sizzling performance of his hit single, "SexyBack." Host Jack Black, dressed as the bad Moonman and Elvis, followed with a comical rock performance featuring Tenacious D band mate Kyle Glass that brought the thunder to the audience, setting the stage for a spectacular musical extravaganza.

For the first time ever, VMA viewers were able to vote on all general awards categories reflecting and celebrating the most eclectic group of artists today. Panic! at the Disco nabbed "Best Video of the Year" for "I Write Sins Not Tragedies." Avenged Sevenfold won "Best New Artist Video" for their music video "Bat Country." Beyonce took home a Moon Man for "Best R&B Video" for her music video "Check on It." A.F.I. grabbed a Moon Man with "Miss Murder" winning for "Best Rock Video." Pink hauled in "Best Pop Video" for her music video "Stupid Girls."

While the VMAs aired live on MTV, MTV.com streamed "VMA Live: Backstage Uncensored," an unprecedented live simultaneous view of ALL the action behind the scenes and backstage that viewers have never gotten to see. Fans followed talent such as Ludacris, OK Go, and T.I. as they traveled from dressing rooms to the stage for their performances. In addition to the television and broadband experiences, MTV Mobile offered updates and recaps of the VMAs across all wireless carriers. The VMAs were also celebrated across all of MTV's platforms including MTV2, mtvU, MHD, MTV World, and Urge.

The end of the summer bash was jam packed with memorable performances. Shakira, along with Wyclef Jean, performed a jaw dropping and hip-shaking "Bollywood" rendition of "Hips Don't Lie." Ludacris and Pharell, joined by the sultry Pussycat Dolls, got the audience out of their seats with an energetic performance of "Money Maker." For the first and only time, OK Go performed their treadmill dance live on stage reaching their target heart rate and impressing all with their physical prowess. The All-American Rejects blew the roof off the house with a rocking rendition of their song "Move Along," as thousands of kids surrounded them on stage and were projected on the walls of the house. The night continued with Beyonce's highflying performance of "Ring the Alarm," as she descended 65 feet to the stage from the ceiling in a flowing coat and ending her performance rising 20 feet into the air above the crowd. T.I. joined by Young Dro and a chorus of children performed a medley of his hits "Shoulder Lean" and "What You Know." Panic! at the Disco kept the energy up with their performance of "I Write Sins Not Tragedies," visually inspired by Tim Burton with Victorian influences. Christina Aguilera performed a heart-wrenching rendition of her ballad "Hurt" with Linda Perry accompanying her on the piano. The show came to a climatic end when Axl Rose introduced The Killers' debut performance of their new single "When You Were Young."

The Raconteurs kept the flow going the entire evening as they provided the live musical accompaniment to the show and were joined by rock legend Lou Reed in a surprise appearance, as well as Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top who performed at the very first VMAs.

  Other highlights included:    Lil' Kim entering the stage in an orange prison suit and declaring    herself free.     Sarah Silverman taking good natured jabs at everyone from Lance Bass to    Paris Hilton.  Silverman had the audience laughing while she left    celebrities guessing who was going to be her next target of sarcasm.     In a self-deprecating taped moment, Britney Spears and Kevin Federline    earned some laughs when they announced the winner for Best R&B Video.

The tone turned more serious when Queen Latifah introduced former Vice President Al Gore to the stage. In the spirit of "An Inconvenient Truth," Gore brought a message of urgent importance concerning the world community to the VMA audience. In a unique and groundbreaking moment, he projected the plight of the environment onto the actual walls of the theater. To highlight that caring about the environment is the new norm, MTV unveiled new Break the Addiction PSAs during the MTV Video Music Awards. The spots' approach is that if you're not actively combating global warming every day, you're behind the times. They heralded "There's a new PC out there - EC (Environmentally Correct)." Break the Addiction is MTV's year-long campaign and 12-step program, launched on Earth Day 2006, to educate and empower young people to make daily choices that improve their life and simultaneously curb the impact of global warming and preserve our environment.

Kanye West presented groundbreaking music video director Hype Williams with a Video Vanguard Award in recognition of his continuous contribution to the music video medium. Hip-hop artists Missy Elliot and Busta Rhymes, the stars of Williams' most celebrated work, also took the stage to pay tribute to Williams with first time performances of "Supa Dupa Fly," and "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See."

The star studded show also included appearances by Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Chris Brown, Fall Out Boy, Rihanna, Jared Leto of 30 Seconds To Mars, Shaun White, Ne-Yo, the cast of Jackass Number 2, Amy Lee of Evanescence, Lil Jon, Axl Rose, Diddy, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, The Rock, Nicole Richie, Abigail Breslin, Paris Hilton, and Nick Lachey.

2006 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS:

Winners for "Viewer's Choice" were not determined at the issue of this release.

  VIDEO OF THE YEAR    Panic! At The Disco    "I Write Sins Not Tragedies"    A Fever You Can't Sweat Out    decaydance/Fueled  By Ramen    Director:  Shane C. Drake    Producer:  Brandon Bonfiglio    Production Company: Red Van Pictures    BEST MALE VIDEO    James Blunt    "You're Beautiful"    Back To Bedlam    Custard Records/Atlantic Records    Director:  Sam Brown    Producer:  Kat Armour-Brow    Production Company: Flynn Productions    BEST FEMALE VIDEO    Kelly Clarkson    "Because of You"    Breakaway    RCA    Director:  Vadim Perelman    Producer:  Rhonda Vernet    Production Company: Tate USA    BEST GROUP VIDEO    The All-American Rejects    "Move Along"    Move Along    Interscope Records/Doghouse Records    Director:  Marc Webb    Producer:  Marcienne Friesland    Production Company: DNA    BEST RAP VIDEO    Chamillionaire featuring Krayzie Bone    "Ridin'"    The Sound of Revenge    Chamillitary/Universal Music    Director:  Life Garland    Producer:  Hagai Shaham    Production Company: Lotus Filmworks, Inc./Terrero Films    BEST R&B VIDEO    Beyonce featuring Slim Thug & Bun B    "Check On It (Pink Panther)"    Destiny's Child #1's    Music World/Sony Urban/Columbia    Director:  Hype Williams    Producer:  Matthew Stillman    Production Company: Stillking Productions    BEST HIP HOP VIDEO    The Black Eyed Peas    "My Humps"    Monkey Business    A&M Records    Director:  Fatima Robinson and Malik Sayeed    Producer:  Tony McGarry    Production Company: Black Dog at RSA Films    BEST DANCE VIDEO    Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg    "Buttons"    PCD    A&M Records    Director:  Francis Lawrence    Producer:  Lynn Zekanis    Production Company: DNA    BEST ROCK VIDEO    A.F.I.    "Miss Murder"    Decemberunderground    Interscope Records    Director:  Marc Webb    Producer:  Marcienne Friesland    Production Company: DNA    BEST POP VIDEO    Pink    "Stupid Girls"    I'm Not Dead    LaFace/Zomba Label Group    Director:  Dave Meyers    Producer:  Joseph Sassone    Production Company: Radical Music    BEST NEW ARTIST IN A VIDEO    Avenged Sevenfold    "Bat Country"    City Of Evil    Warner Bros. Records    Director:  Marc Klasfeld    Producer:  Rachel Curl    Production Company: Rockhard Films    BEST DIRECTION IN A VIDEO    Gnarls Barkley    "Crazy"    St. Elsewhere    Downtown/Atlantic Records    Director:  Robert Hales    Producer:  Coleen Haynes    Production Company: HSI Productions    BEST CHOREOGRAPHY IN A VIDEO    Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean    "Hips Don't Lie"    Oral Fixation Vol. 2    Epic Records    Director:  Sophie Muller    Producer:  Grant Jue    Production Company:  Oil Factory    Choreographer:  Shakira    BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS IN A VIDEO    Missy Elliott    "We Run This"    The Cookbook    From Touchstone Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment's "Stick It"    Hollywood/Gold Mind/Atlantic Records    Director:  Dave Meyers    Producer:  Barbara Benson    BEST ART DIRECTION IN A VIDEO    Red Hot Chili Peppers    "Dani California"    Stadium Arcadium    Warner Bros. Records    Director:  Tony Kaye    Producer:  Rachel Curl    Production Company: Above The Sea    Art Director: Justin Dragonas    BEST EDITING IN A VIDEO    Gnarls Barkley    "Crazy"    St. Elsewhere    Downtown/Atlantic Records    Director:  Robert Hales    Producer:  Coleen Haynes    Production Company: HSI Productions    Editor:  Ken Mowe    BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY IN A VIDEO    James Blunt    "You're Beautiful"    Back To Bedlam    Custard Records/Atlantic Records    Director:  Sam Brown    Producer:  Kat Armour-Brow    Production Company: Flynn Productions    Cinematographer:  Robbie Ryan    MTV2 AWARD    30 Seconds To Mars    "The Kill"    A Beautiful Lie    Virgin Records America    Director:  Bartholomew Cubbins    Producer:  Alexander Moon and Douglas Friedman    Production Company: A Common Thread, Inc.    BEST VIDEO GAME SOUNDTRACK    Marc Ecko's Getting Up (Atari)    BEST VIDEO GAME SCORE    Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Jeremy Soule)    RINGTONE OF THE YEAR    FortMinor "Where'd You Go"

Salli Frattini and Dave Sirulnick were the Executive Producers for the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards." Ian Stewart and Summer Strauch were Producers. Hamish Hamilton was Producer/Director. Kathy Flynn was Event Producer.

The "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.3 billion people via MTV's global network of 50 channels reaching 481.5 million households around the world as well as through syndication. Its convergent and original online programming will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV's 43 Web sites around the world.

The official sponsors of the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" are Acuvue, Chevrolet, Dodge, Herbal Essences, JCPenney, Pepsi, Taco Bell and Virgin Mobile USA.

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

Source: MTV Networks

DMX Cancels USO Tour to Persian Gulf

Earl Simmons, who performs as rapper DMX, cancelled a week-long tour to entertain troops in Kuwait and Iraq. He offered no explanation.

Simmons was scheduled to depart on his tour Aug. 22, but delayed his departure until Aug 23. His representative agreed to add a day to the original schedule. However, on Aug. 23, he failed to appear on time for his flight to Kuwait.

"We are extremely disappointed that DMX decided not to complete the tour he asked us to arrange for him," said John Hanson, USO senior vice president for marketing and communications. "When we announced this tour, troops were extremely excited about the possibility of seeing a performer they admired. We understand their disappointment."

The USO and the military worked on an extremely tight schedule to make it possible for DMX to travel when it was convenient to him. "Typically, it takes up to 45 days to arrange transportation, housing, production assistance and country clearances for entertainment tours," Hanson said. "This tour was put together in just under two weeks, because we know how much service men and women appreciate his performances. Mr. Simmons let a lot of people down."

The USO listens to the troops and does its best to provide the kinds of music and entertainment they request. Celebrities who have performed on USO tours over the last few years include 50 Cent, Toby Keith, Master P, Lil' Romeo, Jessica Simpson, Shinedown, Chely Wright, Shaggy, Drowning Pool, Lil' Mo, La Mafia and Ludacris.

Entertainers on USO tours volunteer their time to perform and meet with U.S. service members around the world. "We will continue to provide quality entertainment to the people who defend us daily around the world in some remote and often dangerous places," said Hanson. "Fortunately, most performers honor their obligation to perform once they make the commitment."

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

Casting Call for New Spike TV Reality Competition Series - 'BULLRUN'

WHEN: SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

10:00am-6:00pm

WHERE: PALMS CASINO RESORT

(West Parking Lot - Flamingo/Arville)

WHAT: Based on the popular invitation-only car rally, BULLRUN the competition reality television series on Spike TV is a rally across North America with a big money prize for the winner. For more information: www.bullruncasting.com

WHO: BULLRUN is for men and women, young and old, everyone from sexy trophy wives with a love for adrenaline to seasoned men who have been tinkering with the same Mustang since it rolled off the line. BULLRUN is for anyone who loves their car and wants the chance to show off their love of the road and their ingenuity behind the wheel - while competing for a big money prize!

Teams must be 21 and over and legal residents of the United States. Drivers must have a good driving record to participate. Cars can be as new or old as you like.

**YOU MUST BRING THE CAR YOU WANT TO COMPETE IN TO THE CASTING CALL

Source: Spike TV

Web site: http://www.spiketv.com/
http://www.bullruncasting.com/

Leal Vineyards Rocks the Night Away with Celebrities
Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson Pay Surprise Visit to Winery

Attendees to a summer concert at Leal Vineyards were surprised by a visit from Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson at the winery on Friday night. The newlywed couple, along with professional volleyball player/model Gabrielle Reece and her surfer husband, Laird Hamilton, enjoyed a private wine tasting at the winery. They next headed to the small town of Tres Pinos and Frank Leal's Cantina Grill and Tequila Bar restaurant. While at the Cantina, Kid Rock entertained the delighted, packed house by mixing records with the DJ and singing "Cowboy," "Sweet Home Alabama," and other numbers.

Leal Vineyards is the creation of Frank Leal. His motto? "Phat wines - no pretense." His mission is to fashion truly exceptional wines that appeal to connoisseur and novice alike. The scenic 45-acre Leal estate grows San Benito County-appellated Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre. Nestled in the rolling foothills of Hollister in California's Central Coast region, the winery was hand-built in 1999 with an eye to both tradition and cutting-edge technique. The property boasts a welcoming Tasting Room, open daily, and Lavanda (lavender in Portuguese), a state-of-the-art event and wedding facility. The winery's on-line home is http://www.lealvineyards.com/ - a fun, informative website that reflects Frank's dedicated yet irreverent approach to crafting world-class vintages. Leal Vineyards: "Fine Wines and Good Times."

Source: Leal Vineyards

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

Nintendo Launches New DS Lite Colors Amid Record-Breaking Game Sales
Onyx and Coral Pink Follow Sale of 1 Millionth New Super Mario Bros.

The only thing more fun than new Nintendo(R) DS Lite hardware colors is trying to keep up with the breakneck sales of the software to play on the popular little portable! On Sept. 13, two new colors -- Onyx and Coral Pink -- join Polar White, which is enjoying its own incredible sales peak and getting noticed everywhere.

The new colors also complement numerous DS games, including New Super Mario Bros.(R), which has hit the 1 million unit sales mark after just 12 weeks on sale in the United States. That's an average of roughly eight games sold each minute continuously since launch, making it the fastest-selling DS title in the United States for a 12-week period. Overall, DS system and game sales are both up more than 300 percent in July alone.

"Not only are the DS Lite screen and battery life incredible," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "But the new colors just add another element of fun, allowing people to 'personalize' who they are by the color, or colors they pick."

Several other DS games are burning up shopping baskets. Animal Crossing(R): Wild World already has sold more than 800,000 units, and two brain games -- Brain Age(TM): Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day (sold 4 million units worldwide) and Big Brain Academy(TM) (nearly 2 million sold to date worldwide) -- are part of a phenomenon of people wanting to feel as mentally sharp as possible by playing daily.

The best part for Game Boy(R) Advance owners is Nintendo DS Lite plays their entire library of up to 1,000 Game Boy Advance games in single-player mode.

The Official Nintendo Player's Guide for New Super Mario Bros. is now available at retail. For more information about the game, visit mario.nintendo.com.

The worldwide innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo DS(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance and Nintendo GameCube(TM) systems, and upcoming Wii(TM) console. Since 1983, Nintendo has sold nearly 2.2 billion video games and more than 375 million hardware units globally, and has created industry icons like Mario(TM), Donkey Kong(R), Metroid(R), Zelda(TM) and Pokemon(R). A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.

Source: Nintendo

Web site: http://mario.nintendo.com/

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

Cox Communications and TiVo Announce Deployment Agreement
Cox to Deploy TiVo's DVR and Advertising Software

TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ:TIVO) , the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVR), and Cox Communications, the nation's fourth-largest cable television company, have entered into an agreement to make TiVo's leading DVR and interactive advertising service available to select Cox subscribers.

Under the terms of the agreement, TiVo will customize its cable software for deployment on compatible Cox DVR set-top-boxes. TiVo's downloadable software will allow Cox to deliver the TiVo(R) service in Cox subscriber homes without replacing existing DVR boxes, and without an install appointment. In this way, current Cox DVR customers who wish to enjoy the award-winning TiVo service, can quickly and easily add the benefits of TiVo to their DVR subscription.

"We are excited to add TiVo to the portfolio of Cox entertainment services," said Steve Necessary, vice president of video product development, Cox Communications. "Cox is committed to offering our customers the best television experience possible. Our new joint service will allow us to build on the popularity of the TiVo brand while continuing to provide our customers with the simplicity of our products and the award winning customer service they have come to expect."

Cox Digital Cable customers with DVR service who choose to add TiVo to their Cox subscription will enjoy the renowned TiVo user interface as well as new innovations that link the capabilities enabled by Cox's broadband network like On DEMAND and High Definition service, with exclusive TiVo features like Season Pass(TM) recordings, WishList(R) searches and the recently announced TiVo KidZone. KidZone gives parents an easy way to safeguard their kids from video content while also helping them discover and choose great educational and age-appropriate shows. The service is expected to launch in select Cox markets in the first half of 2007.

Tom Rogers, TiVo's CEO, said, "We are excited to expand our presence in the cable industry by partnering with Cox, a clear leader in driving consumer adoption of the DVR. By combining Cox's marketing prowess and top-quality customer service with TiVo's superior technology and product offerings, we have unleashed a highly scalable way of delivering the best television viewing experience to its customers."

The agreement also provides for Cox to distribute TiVo's interactive advertising platform which enables an industry proven advertising solution that is seamlessly integrated with the award-winning TiVo subscriber experience. The new advertising relationship extends Cox Media's leadership in the advanced advertising arena and further expands TiVo's national advertising footprint. Cox Media is the advertising sales arm of Cox Communications.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications, a Fortune 500 company, is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than 5.9 million total residential and commercial customers. Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network. Cox Business Services is a full-service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long-distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com.

About TiVo Inc.

Founded in 1997, TiVo pioneered a brand new category of products with the development of the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers, TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers as providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its full set of DVR service features into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo's DVR functionality and ease of use, with such features as Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList(R) searches, has elevated its popularity among consumers and has created a whole new way for viewers to watch television. With a continued investment in its patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal point of the digital living room, TiVo's DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and photos. With innovative features, such as TiVoToGo(TM) mobility and online scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers experiencing "TiVo, TV your way.(R)" The TiVo(R) service is also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing solutions for the television industry, including a unique platform for advertisers and audience measurement research. The company is based in Alviso, Calif.

NOTE: TiVo, Series2, 'TiVo, TV your way.' Season Pass, WishList, TiVoToGo and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. and its subsidiaries worldwide.

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to, among other things, TiVo's service and marketing plans, future pricing strategies, and other factors that could affect future results. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward- looking terminology such as, "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "intend," "estimate," "continue," or similar expressions or the negative of those terms or expressions. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include delays in product development, competitive service offerings and lack of market acceptance, as well as the other potential factors described under "Factors That May Affect Future Operating Results" in the Company's public reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 31, 2006. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect an analysis only and speak only as of the date hereof. TiVo disclaims any obligation to update these forward- looking statements.

Source: TiVo Inc.

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

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

NTN Buzztime(R) Launches New Multiplayer Miniature Golf Game on Its Restaurant and Sports Bar iTV Network
Patrons of Buzztime iTV Network Locations in North America and the United Kingdom Can Now Compete in Real-Time in Buzztime's Crazy Golf(TM)

NTN Buzztime, Inc. (AMEX:NTN) , a leading developer and distributor of Play Along TV(R) entertainment and technology, announced today the launch of its latest multiplayer interactive television game -- Crazy Golf(TM) -- to its dual-channel Buzztime iTV Network locations throughout North America and the United Kingdom. Up to seven players in each location can control a virtual putter to compete in Buzztime's arcade-style miniature golf game and vie for the best round!

Crazy Golf is the second game on the Buzztime iTV Network to include 3-dimensional graphics for a more virtual and dynamic play-along experience; the first game, Cutthroat(TM) billiards, was released May 17, 2006. Players have the option of positioning their shots from one of two angles: behind the putter (at ground level) and from a standing position.

"Crazy Golf is similar to our blockbuster Texas Hold'em game since players take turns and have more time to socialize. As in the case of Texas Hold'em, we believe Crazy Golf will appeal to our existing customers and many new bar and tavern locations," said Dario Santana, Chief Executive Officer. "From a graphics point of view, it is one of the most visually appealing and realistic games we offer. Players will enjoy the skill of Crazy Golf, which offers a wide variety of challenges and obstacles that must be mastered."

The game is designed to allow from one to seven players to compete in a round of miniature golf. Each one hour game features up to nine holes. Players take turns shooting and rotating after each hole. The holes vary by par, crazy layouts and obstacles such as bumpers, pipes, broken bridges, swinging maces and vanishing holes.

Crazy Golf is now available for play in more than 2,600 locations across North American and the United Kingdom that carry the dual-channel version of the Buzztime iTV Network.

About NTN Buzztime, Inc.

Based in Carlsbad, CA, NTN Buzztime, Inc. (AMEX:NTN) has been a leader in interactive television entertainment for over 20 years and distributes its Play Along TV(R) games and technology through numerous platforms including its own Buzztime iTV Network which is available on TV's in over 4,000 restaurants, sports bars and pubs throughout North America and the United Kingdom as well as cable TV, satellite TV, mobile phones, electronic games and books. For more information, please see www.buzztime.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements which reflect management's current views of future events and operations including but not limited to trends in subscriber preference and engagement and results of marketing strategies. These statements are all based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include the risk of changing economic conditions, failure of product demand or market acceptance of both existing and new products and services and the impact of competitive products and pricing. Please see NTN Buzztime, Inc.'s recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks that may affect the Company. All forward-looking statements included in this release are based on information available to us on the date hereof. These statements speak only as of the date hereof, and NTN Buzztime, Inc. does not undertake to publicly update or revise any of its forward-looking statements, even if experience or future changes show that the indicated results or events will not be realized.

Source: NTN Buzztime, Inc.

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

Legendary Musician Maynard Ferguson Dies
Grammy Nominated Trumpeter Known for 'Gonna Fly Now,' the Theme to the Movie Rocky, was 78

Walter "Maynard" Ferguson, one of the most influential musicians and band leaders in the history of Jazz, passed away August 23, 2006 at 8:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, California. He was 78 years old. His death was the result of kidney and liver failure brought on by an abdominal infection. Mr. Ferguson's four daughters Kim, Lisa, Corby, Wilder and other family members were at his side when he passed away after this brief illness. He spoke by phone with his friend and manager Steve Schankman from St. Louis, longtime tour manager Ed Sargent, and friend, and fellow trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.

Mr. Ferguson had recently returned home to California from New York after several sold out performances in July at the famed Blue Note Club. During this time, Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau band also recorded a new album at Bennett Studios in Englewood, New Jersey.

Maynard Ferguson, born May 4, 1928 in Montreal, started his career at the age of 13 when he performed as a featured soloist with the Canadian Broadcasting Company Orchestra. He played with some of the great Big Band Leaders of the 1940's including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Barnett, Jimmy Dorsey and Stan Kenton. In 1945, at age 17, Ferguson became the leader of his own Big Band. The 78-year old musical phenomenon went on to record more than 60 albums, receiving numerous honors and awards including the GRAMMY(R) nomination for "Gonna Fly Now." In 2005, Ferguson was awarded Canada's highest civilian honor, the "Order of Canada" from the Right Honorable Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. In addition to those accolades, Ferguson has been the recipient of DownBeat Magazine's prestigious "DownBeat" Award.

"The Boss," as Ferguson is known, has been performing for packed houses for decades. His recent DVD release, "Live at The Top," captures one of his most memorable performances, a concert held at the Plaza Hotel in Rochester, New York in 1975, with Ferguson performing alongside fellow music pioneers Stan Mark, Ernie Garside and Bruce Johnston. Most recently, Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau Band had been touring the United States. He was preparing for a Fall Tour beginning mid-September in Tokyo, Japan. He had also been invited to play for the King of Thailand's 80th birthday in January.

Mr. Ferguson's body will be cremated in his hometown of Ojai, California. Memorial contributions can be made to the Maynard Ferguson Music Scholarship Fund at University of Missouri - St. Louis, which was established by Steve Schankman at Maynard's 75th birthday celebration. Mr. Schankman and the Ferguson family are planning a memorial concert to take place in St. Louis which will feature many of the band's alumni and friends who Mr. Ferguson performed with during his more than 60-year musical career.

Mr. Ferguson's latest, and last, recording will be released later this year as a legacy to the life of Maynard Ferguson.

Source: Maynard Ferguson Music, U.S.A., Inc.

Music Superstar Shakira Set to Light the Stage on Fire at '2006 MTV Video Music Awards'
Shakira Will Join List of Highly Anticipated Superstar Performers for Live August 31st Broadcast
OK Go to Perform Groundbreaking Rendition of Their Video 'Here It Goes Again' on Treadmills Live for the First Time Ever
Axl Rose, Lindsay Lohan, Kanye West, Paris Hilton, Diddy, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Pussycat Dolls and 50 Cent Added to Presenters List for 2006 VMAs
Borat and Sarah Silverman to Make Special Guest Appearances

MTV: Music Television announced today that Shakira and OK Go have been added to the incredible performers line-up already set for the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards." It was previously announced that Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Panic! At the Disco, T.I., The Killers, Ludacris with Pharrell, The All-American Rejects, The Raconteurs, and Justin Timberlake are confirmed to perform at the star studded awards show. Hosted by Jack Black, the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" will air live from New York's Radio City Music Hall on Thursday, August 31st at 8:00pm ET/PT.

Also, Axl Rose, Lindsay Lohan, Kanye West, Paris Hilton, Diddy, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Pussycat Dolls and 50 Cent, have been added to the presenters list. The star studded show will also include appearances by Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Chris Brown, Fall Out Boy, Rihanna, Jared Leto of 30 Seconds To Mars, Busta Rhymes, Shaun White, Ne-Yo, Missy Elliott, Cast of Jackass, Amy Lee of Evanescence, Lil Jon, and Nick Lachey. Additionally, Borat and Sarah Silverman will make special guest appearances.

The 2006 VMAs will be a multi-platform, multi-screen experience. For the first time ever in awards show history, MTV will expose fans to the insanity on and off the stage. While the VMAs are airing live on MTV, Overdrive, the network's broadband channel, will air "VMA Live: Backstage Uncensored", an unprecedented live view of the ALL the action behind the scenes and backstage viewers have never gotten to see. In addition to the television and broadband experiences, MTV Mobile on all wireless carriers will also offer updates and recaps of the VMAs within minutes. Also, prior to the show, viewers will have access to all nominated videos on MTV Overdrive (www.vma.mtv.com).

Salli Frattini and Dave Sirulnick are the Executive Producers for the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards." Ian Stewart and Summer Strauch are Producers. Hamish Hamilton is Producer/Director. Kathy Flynn is Event Producer.

The "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" will be available to a potential viewing audience of more than 1.3 billion people via MTV's global network of 51 channels reaching 481.5 million households around the world as well as through syndication. Its convergent and original online programming will reach the entire interactive community, via MTV's 44 Web sites around the world.

The official sponsors of the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" are Acuvue, Chevrolet, Dodge, Herbal Essences, JCPenney, Pepsi, Taco Bell and Virgin Mobile USA.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 130 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Source: MTV

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

Volvo Premieres Webisodes Capturing Worldwide Treasure Hunt for Buried Volvo
Action-packed Webisodes Capture Frantic Final Search for Buried Volvo XC90 V8 SUV in Islands of the Bahamas
Event Part of Volvo's Promotional Tie-in to Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest; Visit www.volvocars.us/thehunt

Lights! Camera! Arrggggghhhhhhh! Starting tomorrow, Volvo Car Corporation will premiere an online series of action-packed webisodes chronicling the final stages of its global, multi-media treasure hunt for a pirate-themed Volvo XC90 V8 that Volvo buried in a secret location somewhere in the world.

With seven wanna-be pirates from around the world competing in a frantic, two-day search by land, sea and air throughout the Islands of the Bahamas, the three webisodes -- available at www.volvocars.us/thehunt -- cap Volvo's wildly popular multi-media campaign it developed as part of its sponsorship of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.

The webisodes were produced in the tradition of such popular reality shows as Survivor and Amazing Race, and were filmed by individuals who have worked on reality shows such as Fear Factor. While the first installment premieres tomorrow, part two and the concluding part three premiere Monday, Aug. 28 and Tuesday, Aug. 29, and will be available online for the coming months.

The seven individuals, including three from the United States as well as one each from Japan, United Kingdom, Spain and Austria, were the first among their respective nations to complete a fun, yet challenging, online treasure hunt presented by Volvo that launched on June 12, concluded four weeks later and elicited 52,000 participants in the U.S. alone. They arrived on the Islands of the Bahamas two weeks ago unaware of the location of the final leg until their aircraft landed.

The seven competed in a series of mental and physical challenges on the islands that either eliminated them from competition or advanced them to the next challenge. The ultimate winner was David Hutz, a 30 year-old computer programmer from Herndon, Va. After Hutz determined the final location, assistants dug up the $82,000 Volvo and presented him with the keys. He then announced that he would give the car to his wife, Sheila Hutz. In a surprising twist, nobody left the Bahamas empty handed. At the conclusion of the Hunt, in true Volvo fashion, each finalist was surprised with a small treasure chest that contained keys to a new Volvo.

Other finalists in the Hunt included:

* Jenny Buckalew, 35, Newnan, Ga.

* James Hutz, 57, Carefree, Ariz.

* Karl Lloyd, 33, Surrey, England

* Susanne Kalintsch, 44, Trieben, Austria

* Akihiro Horibe, 36, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

* Jose Luis Dominguez Monge, 31, Valladolid, Spain

The buried, one-of-a-kind, Volvo XC90 featured a variety of elements inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean, including menacing graphics from the film, black leather seats, custom painted 20 inch wheels and more.

Volvo's promotion of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest grew out of the partnership with Disney for the worldwide Volvo Ocean Race. The Volvo ship bears the name of the same boat in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, "The Black Pearl." The Ocean Race began in Vigo, Spain on Nov. 12, 2005 and ended in Gothenburg, Sweden on June 17, 2006.

Source: Volvo Cars of North America

Web site: http://www.volvocars.us/thehunt

Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge to Announce Dates for National Contestant Searches in Las Vegas and Atlanta

-- Reality Racing, Inc. (OTC Pink Sheets: RRCG) President Lee F. Schaefer announced today that the company is in the process of finalizing dates and locations for a national contestant search to find amateur drivers to participate in their new TV show, Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge. The search is tentatively scheduled to be held in both Atlanta and Las Vegas during the early part of November. Exact times, dates and locations will be posted on the website as soon as they are available.

Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge will combine two of the most popular on-air entertainment concepts -- stock car racing and reality television -- to create an unmatched, action-packed 13-week TV series scheduled to air in early 2007. The Rookie Challenge winner will receive national exposure, a cash award, a gold championship ring and the opportunity to drive professionally in a NASCAR(R)-sanctioned race.

Schaefer stated, "There are more than 75 million racing enthusiasts in this country alone and there are plenty among them who believe that they have what it takes to be a professional race car driver. We are looking to hold our two contestant searches in Las Vegas and Atlanta in November to give amateur hopefuls on both sides of the Mississippi a shot at their dreams. We've also signed Nextel Cup(R) Series and NASCAR legends like Bobby and Donny Allison, Cale Yarborough, Rusty Wallace and Junior Johnson to act as judges and mentors for our contestants so they can learn from the best. The winner of Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge will be given the opportunity to actually drive professionally as a member of an established race team in a NASCAR-sanctioned race."

To be eligible as a contestant, male and female entrants must be amateur drivers with no prior race experience, be 18 years of age or older and have no felony traffic offense convictions. The selected finalists will be judged on a point system by the panel of racing legends and judges. Tests, challenges and actual races will be held weekly from which the contestants will earn points to establish their rankings for the final Championship Race. The Championship Race will determine the winner of Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge.

Additional information is available on the Reality Racing website: http://www.realityracingtv.com/

This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance development and results of the Company's business include but are not limited to fluctuations in financial results, availability and customer acceptance of our products and services, the impact of competitive products, services and pricing, general market trends and conditions, and other risks detailed in the Company's SEC reports.

Reality Racing, Inc.

, Inc.

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

What do K-Fed, Abe Lincoln, Virgin Mobile USA and the Jersey Shore Have in Common?
They are Giving Power Back to the Penny!
Virgin Mobile's Penny-Clad Armor Truck Rolls Into the Jersey Shore to Show You Why Pennies are Powerful!

WHAT: Be on the lookout this summer as Virgin Mobile's penny-clad armored

truck hits the Jersey Shore's summertime hotspots. The Shore will

be the third stop on this summer's six city tour to celebrate

Virgin Mobile's ongoing commitment to give power back to the penny.

Beach revelers in the know will have the opportunity to:

- Save the penny from extinction! Sign Virgin Mobile's Save the

Penny petition

- Guess the number of pennies embedded on the truck for a chance to

win an all expenses paid trip to the Virgin Festival By Virgin

Mobile, this summer's hottest concert, featuring the Red Hot

Chili Peppers, the Killers, The Who and more in Baltimore on

September 23, 2006

- Donate pennies to benefit The RE*Generation, a charitable

movement dedicated to connecting young people with organizations

working on the front lines of activism

- Try out and win Virgin Mobile's latest offerings, including the

very popular Switch_Back messaging phone and pre-loaded games

- Compete in the ultimate speed texting competition

- Participate in TEXT2WIN contests for other chances to win tickets

to Virgin Festival By Virgin Mobile

WHEN: Thursday, August 24 - Sunday, August 27

EVENT Various cities along the Jersey Shore

LOCATIONS:

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24

2 p.m. - 10 p.m. City of Margate, Beach Front Street

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

2 p.m. - 10 p.m. City of Longport, Beach Front Street

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

2 p.m. - 10 p.m. City of Point Pleasant, Beach Front Street

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

2 p.m. - 10 p.m. City of Belmar, Beach Front Street

A full schedule of Virgin Mobile's Penny Truck Tour and activities is available at www.STGG.com.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060810/NYTH107

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

Las Vegas International Restaurant Show to Launch

The Nevada Restaurant Association (NvRA) has partnered with the producers of "The Show" to establish the Las Vegas International Restaurant Show. This unique restaurant exposition will be held parallel to "The Show" at the Las Vegas Convention Center March 4-7, 2007.

"The Show" is the largest beverage and food show in the Western Hemisphere and attracts industry professionals from every state in the nation and more than 20 foreign counties.

"We are delighted to partner with Oxford Publishing Inc., producers of 'The Show,' in the launch of the Las Vegas International Restaurant Show. This new event will reflect the great culinary traditions of Nevada and Las Vegas, which is rapidly becoming the epicenter of restaurant and food innovations," says NvRA Chairman Michael Coward.

"This is going to be a great partnership, which I believe will result in the development of the most exciting and innovative food and beverage event in the industry," Coward adds. "More than 30,000 professionals attend 'The Show' and this number will increase dramatically as the Las Vegas International Restaurant Show develops."

"The addition of the Las Vegas International Restaurant Show will enrich 'The Show' dynamically as we expand this venue to serve all segments of the hospitality industry," says Jennifer Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of Oxford Publishing Inc.

For information on attending or exhibiting at the Las Vegas International Restaurant Show, contact Director of Trade Show Sales and Operations Hollis Green at hgreen@oxpub.com, or (800) 247-3881.

Founded in 1982, the Nevada Restaurant Association is the leading business association serving the needs of the food service operators in Nevada. As an affiliate of the National Restaurant Association, and together with the Nevada Hospitality Foundation, the Association's mission is to represent, educate and promote the rapidly growing industry, which is comprised of more than 5,200 restaurant and foodservice outlets employing more than 150,000 people. www.nvrestaurants.com

Oxford Publishing Inc. publishes Nightclub & Bar, Beer, Wine & Spirits Beverage Retailer and Salud! y Buen Provecho national trade magazines and produces the largest event for the beverage and food industry -- the Nightclub & Bar, Beverage Retailer/Beverage and Food Convention & Trade Show, also known as "The Show" -- in Las Vegas annually as well as a secondary East Coast event held in Atlantic City, NJ. Oxford also produces Fiesta Latina, which focuses on the Hispanic beverage and food industry.

Source: Oxford Publishing Inc.

Web site: http://www.nightclub.com/
http://www.nvrestaurants.com/

Sony Media Software Announces Enhanced Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Edition as Consumer Content Creation Category Continues to Gain Momentum
Host of New Features Allow Consumers to Create and Share Videos on Virtually Every Platform

-- Sony Media Software announced today its new Vegas(R) Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software, an update to its leading consumer-level video editing and DVD creation application. The new capabilities make it easier than ever for consumers to create and share videos on virtually any platform.

Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software gives users the power to unlock new tools and features in the hottest consumer-level cameras and equipment, providing a stunning array of unprecedented options when filming, editing and viewing video projects. In addition to the new premium tools, Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software is the only consumer-level video editing application that takes advantage of the expanded sound capabilities in many new cameras such as the Sony(R) DCR-DVD405 Handycam(R) camcorder. Owners of such cameras can use Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software to import their camera's video and audio, and edit multiple audio channels to create a surround sound movie project. Additional enhancements let users export their projects to an expanded array of media devices, including direct export to Sony(R) PSP(TM) (PlayStation(R)Portable) and format support for Apple(R) iPod(R).

"The new features in this version of Vegas Move Studio+DVD Platinum Edition are designed to give users complete freedom with their video projects," said Dave Chaimson, vice president of marketing, Sony Media Software. "Sites such as YouTube(TM), Yahoo!(R), and Google(TM) have made video creation more popular than ever before and Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition is the perfect tool for anybody who would like to join the growing community of content creators."

In addition to its expanded editing and output capabilities, Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software offers advanced DVD authoring through the inclusion of DVD Architect Studio 4 software. The integrated tools streamline the entire DVD creation process, allowing users to add fully customized menus and special features to their video projects.

Sony Media Software's innovative "Show Me How" tutorials also provide new users with extensive in-program support by offering tips and helpful hints that apply directly to the user's own individual project. The exclusive feature helps first-time users jump directly into working on a project, while giving more experienced editors immediate access to relevant answers for their specific questions.

The updated Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software will include all the premium features found in the prior version, including popular features such as extensive HD video support and advanced color correction tools. Additional extras include a Vegas Movie Studio training DVD by VASST, the bundled NewBlue(R) MSP effects and transitions package, more than 20 DirectX(R) audio effects, and 1,001 Sound Effects.

Vegas Movie Studio+DVD Platinum Edition software will be available in September for $129.95 (MSRP). For additional information on the product, a list of retailers or to purchase online, please visit http://www.sony.com/mediasoftware.

About Sony Media Software

Sony Media Software inspires creative expression with its award-winning line of products for digital video, music, DVD, and audio production. Sound Forge(R), ACID(R), and Vegas(R) software have defined digital content creation for a generation of creative professionals, amateurs, and enthusiasts. These signature product lines continue to advance the art of providing powerful, accessible tools to unleash the imagination. Today, there is a Sony Media Software application for every level of expertise, including a full line of consumer software based on the company's professional applications. In addition, Sony Media Software produces the extensive Sony(R) Sound Series collection of royalty-free loops and production music, Sony Pictures Sound Effects Series exclusive sound effects, Vision Series video creation assets, as well as www.ACIDplanet.com(R), the internet's premier site for independent music and video artists. As a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the company also develops applications that enhance the experience for users of Sony hardware devices including the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) and Sony Ericsson mobile phones. Sony Media Software customers span the globe and include seasoned professionals in the film, television, video game, and recording industries, students and educators, hobbyists and enthusiasts, and young children exploring music creation.

ACID, ACIDized, ACIDplanet.com, ACIDplanet, the ACIDplanet logo, ACID XMC, Artist Integrated, the Artist Integrated logo, Beatmapper, Cinescore, CD Architect, DVD Architect, Jam Trax, Perfect Clarity Audio, Sound Forge, Super Duper Music Looper, and Vegas are the trademarks or registered trademarks of Madison Media Software, Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners in the United States and other countries.

Source: Sony Media Software

Web site: http://www.sony.com/mediasoftware
http://www.acidplanet.com/

Pop, Punk and Rock Photographer Brad Elterman to Show at San Francisco's Gallery 3175

-- Famed 1970s and 80s pop, punk and rock paparazzi photographer Brad Elterman (www.bradelterman.com/exhibits.html) will participate in a special photo event at San Francisco's Gallery 3175 on September 9, 7pm to 12am. Classic Elterman images supporting the theme 'It's Only Rock N Roll' will be a key part of this multi-photographer exhibition. Photographer presentations start at 8:30pm, to be followed by live bands and a guest DJ. Gallery 3175 is located at 3175 17th Street, San Francisco.

The Northern California event comes on the heels of Elterman's successful exhibition 'Made in LA.' Elterman will cohost a closing reception for this show on Saturday, August 26, 7pm to 10pm at Bamboo Lane Gallery. The show runs through September 2. The gallery is located at 418 Bamboo Lane in Chinatown, Los Angeles. Public welcome.

"My images freeze in time an era that's no more -- a time when paparazzi and celebrity shooters had unencumbered access to the great stars and musicians of the day," says Elterman. "My exhibition reflects some of the photographers who influenced my own work and style: Bob Gruen, Ken Regan and Richard Creamer. Diane Arbus and Helen Levitt were also influential with their quality to capture the spark, the moment in people."

Elterman, who landed his first published image at age 16, traveled the world and partied backstage with The Ramones, KISS, The Sex Pistols and Bob Dylan. From 1974 to 1980 he photographed everyone from Joan Jett and Jackie Onassis, to Frank Sinatra and Blondie.

Both events are open to the public and members of the media are invited. For information about the L.A. event, call Bamboo Lane Gallery, 213-620-1188. For information on the San Francisco night, visit www.rootdivision.org/events_calendar.html

About Brad Elterman

After years shooting as a freelance paparazzi photographer, Brad Elterman formed one of the first Los Angeles-based photo agencies, California Features International, Inc. which specialized in providing celebrity photos to magazines and newspapers worldwide. A published author, Elterman's book "SHOOT THE STARS: How To Become A Celebrity Photographer" garnered interviews on shows including Oprah and CNN. In 1992 he co-founded Online USA, Inc., one of the first digital photo agencies to specialize in celebrity photography, which was purchased by Getty Images in 2000. He is presently a consultant with Buzz Foto, LCC, www.buzzfoto.com.

Web site: http://www.bradelterman.com/exhibits.html
http://www.buzzfoto.com/

Product Placement to Offset Ad-Skipping

According to research released by PQ Media, global paid product placement spending surged 42.2% to $2.21 billion in 2005 with double-digit growth expected to continue in 2006 and beyond, as brand marketers scramble to effectively engage consumers worldwide.

Patrick Quinn, president of PQ Media, said "Product placement has evolved from a novel marketing tactic to a key marketing strategy on a global scale, as brand marketers seek more effective methods to make important emotional connections with consumers... there is a new media order emerging worldwide in which fear of ad-skipping technology, doubts about traditional advertising's effectiveness, and declining government media subsidies have fueled a dramatic increase in the value of seamless brand integration."

Global paid product placement spending in TV, film and other media is expected to climb another 38.8% to $3.07 billion in 2006, driven by the continued shift in the world's leading markets toward a paid placement structure from a barter and added-value model, according to the report.

*Other media, including magazines, newspapers, videogames, Internet, music, books, and radio
Other media, including magazines, newspapers, videogames, Internet, music, books, and radio

The transition is moving slower in Europe due to stricter rules governing the use of product placement. But, opines the report, this will change by year-end 2007, when the European Union is expected to liberalize restrictions encumbering growth in this region, fueling significant upside in some European markets.

The US is by far the world's largest paid product placement market at $1.50 billion in 2005, up 48.7%, making the US the world's fastest growing market as well. The US market tends to be much more advanced than other countries, and it is the model to which most other countries aspire. The majority of spending in the US and abroad is derived from five key product categories: transportation & parts, apparel & accessories, food & beverage, travel & leisure, and media & entertainment.

The report forecasts that global paid product placement spending will grow at a compound annual rate of 27.9% in the 2005-2010 period to $7.55 billion, as product placement growth continues to significantly outpace that of traditional advertising and marketing. The overall value of the worldwide product placement market, including the barter/exposure value of non-paid placements, will increase 18.4% compounded annually to $13.96 billion in 2010.

IEC Presents ICT Leaders Exploring Network Platforms for Broadband Content Delivery at the Broadband World Forum Americas

The IEC's Broadband World Forum Americas will present leaders from Motorola, Texas Instruments, The
Walt Disney Company, and Cisco Systems to discuss the latest in broadband network platforms for
broadband content delivery

The International Engineering Consortium (IEC) presents ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) leaders to discuss a wide range of broadband topics in plenary panels, keynote addresses, workshops, and hot-seat sessions as it premieres its first-ever Broadband World Forum Americas this September 11-15 at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre with TELUS as the official host sponsor.

IEC President John Janowiak stated, "The quality of programming at the show is excellent. The Monday plenary panel exemplifies the IEC's commitment to securing the best speakers from all aspects of the industry, which will ensure that our educational programming is of the highest quality for both professionals and academia."

On opening day of the show, a plenary panel for all attendees will feature Douglas Means, General Manager, Connected Home Solutions and Corporate Vice President, Motorola, Inc. who will serve as chair. Panelists include Tom Flanagan, Director, Technical Strategy, Digital Signal Processing Systems, Texas Instruments; Peter Lee, Vice President, Business Development New Technology, The Walt Disney Company; and Al Safarikas, Senior Director, Wireline Segment, Cisco Systems.

From content developers, service providers, and equipment vendors, the panelists will discuss developing and deploying network platforms for delivering a wide variety of content and applications. Attendees will learn how to obtain an adequate return on their broadband infrastructure investments.

Texas Instruments' Tom Flanagan, Director, Technical Strategy, Digital Signal Processing Systems, commented, "I always enjoy participating in panel discussions as they never fail to bring out divergent views and lively discussion. The panel I am on is focusing on content delivery platforms. My particular bias is toward the role of the residential gateway in content delivery. I am a believer in the RG as a key enabler of WEB 2.0 style personalization of content delivery. This view always generates debate about the "walled garden" approach favored by many operators versus the melding of commercial content and user produced content. We may also delve into the role of the RG in an IMS network with a focus on VoIP and IPTV applications. With a panel you never know where it will end up. If the audience is active they can take the discussion in the direction they desire. That is the beauty of this forum."

The panel will teach their audience how to ensure their content delivery platforms contain all its necessary capabilities.

Other featured speakers at the Broadband World Forum Americas include Christian Unterberger, President, Fixed Networks, Siemens Communications, Stephen Vogelsang, VP, Marketing and Product Management, ECI Telecom, Berndt Baumgartl, President and CEO, Siemens Communications USA and Stephen Ackroyd, President, Yummy Interactive Inc.
All industry professionals may register at http://www.iec.org/events/2006/bbwf_americas/register/

For complete information, visit: http://www.iec.org/events/2006/bbwf_americas/

About the Broadband World Forum Americas
The first-ever Broadband World Forum Americas debuts September 11-14, 2006 at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. With TELUS as the official sponsor, the event completes the Broadband Series, which includes the popular Broadband World Forum Europe (the 2005 Madrid event drew nearly 6,000 industry professionals to register) and the successful Broadband World Forum Asia. For more information, please visit http://www.iec.org/events/2006/bbwf_americas/.

About the IEC
A nonprofit organization, the IEC is dedicated to catalyzing technology and business progress worldwide in a range of high-technology industries and their university communities. Since 1944, the IEC has provided high-quality educational opportunities for industry professionals, academics, and students.
In conjunction with industry-leading companies, the IEC has developed an extensive, free, on-line educational program. The IEC conducts industry-university programs that have substantial impact on curricula. It also conducts research and develops publications, conferences, and technological exhibits that address major opportunities and challenges of the information age.
More than 70 leading high-technology universities are IEC affiliates, and the IEC handles the affairs of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association and Eta Kappa Nu, the honor society for electrical and computer engineers. The IEC also manages the activities of the Enterprise Communications Consortium. Please visit http://www.iec.org.

Documentary Film Entries

Due September 1 for 2006 Oscars®

Friday, September 1, is the deadline for documentary filmmakers to submit their short subject and feature-length documentaries to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for consideration for the 79th Academy Awards®.

Each entry form must be accompanied by supporting materials including an English-language synopsis of the film, a list of film credits, filmographies of the director(s) and/or producer(s), 25 VHS cassette tapes or 25 DVDs of the film, and proof of a seven-day qualifying exhibition in either Los Angeles County or the Borough of Manhattan in New York.

Videotapes or DVDs will be distributed to members of the Academy’s Documentary Branch who will determine the nominees for both the short subject and feature-length categories.

The 79th Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, January 23, 2007, at 5:30 a.m. PST in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

In 2005 “March of the Penguins” and “A Note of Triumph: The Golden Age of Norman Corwin” won in the Documentary Feature and Documentary Short Subject categories, respectively. The first Oscar for best documentary short subject was first awarded in 1941 to National Film Board of Canada’s “Churchill’s Island.” In 1943 the Academy honored “Desert Victory,” produced by the British Ministry of Information, the first Oscar for best feature-length documentary.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements for 2006 will be presented on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network.

AOL Video Launches Digital Movie Downloads

New Partnerships with 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures Home

Entertainment, Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Group Bring Full-Length Movies to All-In-One Online Video Destination

New On-Demand Channels Featuring Television Content Will

Also Be Available from Fox Entertainment Group and Sony

Pictures Home Entertainment

AOL, a leader in live and on-demand entertainment video programming and video search, today announced partnerships with 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Pictures, and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group that will offer consumers downloadable movies through the AOL Video portal. These new partnerships complement the more than 17 video content partnerships and more than 45 on-demand channels that AOL Video announced in July. Available to anyone on the Web at http://www.aolvideo.com, the AOL Video portal is a one-stop, high-quality entertainment destination to find, watch and share millions of free streaming and pay-to-download video content from across the Web, broadcast and cable television, and movies.

"We're very excited to add digital movie downloads and additional TV content to the already wide-variety of content that we offer through the AOL Video portal," said Kevin Conroy, Executive Vice President of AOL. "As we continue to build AOL Video into the best source to find millions of free as well as pay-to-download videos, we'll continue to add more and more high quality branded content to the mix and we look forward to working even more closely with 20th Century Fox, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, and Warner Bros."

"We are eager to continue to develop the market for digital downloads by applying our premium content to one of the Web's strongest brands," said Peter Levinsohn, President, Fox Digital Media. "AOL's wide usage will increase our ability to get Fox's electronically-delivered movie and TV product in front of a huge number of consumers."

"Viewing online digital content is no longer an esoteric pastime," said Benjamin S. Feingold, President of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Digital Distribution and Acquisitions. "Online programming services like AOL's video portal have the potential to become a major distribution stream for consumer entertainment and a viable revenue source for Hollywood."

"Partnering with digital powerhouse AOL further underscores NBC Universal's steadfast commitment to harnessing new opportunities and providing the most discerning consumers with legitimate and appealing options for purchasing and enjoying our content electronically," said Craig Kornblau, President, Universal Studios Home Entertainment. "This collaboration marks another important step in advancing our digital initiatives as we continue to aggressively seek out new technologies and forge critical paths in the digital arena."

"Making our movies available to consumers through AOL Video is a great fit within our overall digital distribution strategy," said Simon Kenny, President, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. "Our goal is to provide access to our content through the widest possible selection of platforms and devices and AOL is a great partner in that effort."

Through AOL Video, popular movie titles - from recent DVD releases to a large selection of movies representing all genres - from 20th Century Fox, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group will be available for purchase and download with prices ranging from $9.99 to $19.99 per movie. Once downloaded, movies can be viewed offline as well as on other PCs and compatible portable devices.

More Popular Television Content from Leading Brands

As part of AOL Video's ongoing expansion of its branded video-on-demand channel line up, television content from Fox Entertainment Group and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will be easily accessible through the AOL Video portal's online interactive programming guide (IPG). The AOL Video IPG brings together free and download-to-own video content and organizes it into more than 50 video-on-demand channels. Additional AOL Video on-demand channels will launch in the coming months.

AOL Video will feature Fox Entertainment Group content, available in the coming months, for paid download within five new on-demand channels.

* FOX - Featuring full-length episodes from current Fox television series including "24," "Prison Break," and "Bones."

* Fox Classic Television - Featuring full-length episodes from cult classic and award-winning series including "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Hill St. Blues," and many more.

* FX - Featuring the FX Network's original series "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

* Speed - Featuring the original series "Pinks" and "Unique Whips."

* Fuel TV- Featuring "Firsthand," which offers a glimpse into the lives of the best freestyle sports athletes from around the world.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will be programming two new on-demand channels on AOL Video, featuring free, ad-supported television content. Additional channels programmed by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment are planned for the coming months.

* AXN - This action-packed channel features full-length episodes from retro classics including "Charlie's Angels," "Starsky & Hutch," and "SWAT."

* FunnyBone - Episodes from some of TV's treasured sitcoms like "Action."

The new AOL(R) Video portal (http://www.aolvideo.com) is a one-stop online destination to find watch and share millions of the best videos from across the Web, broadcast and cable television, and entertainment including movies, music videos, news, user-generated content and full-length TV shows. AOL Video features free streaming videos as well as the ability to purchase and download full-length content that can be viewed on multiple devices and PCs, online or offline. At the center of the AOL Video portal is one of the Web's first online interactive programming guides which brings together thousands of hours of video programming and organizes it into more than 50 branded video-on-demand channels. AOL Video also features industry-leading video search powered by technology from Truveo(TM) and Singingfish(R), 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.

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. (NYSE:TWX) and is based in Dulles, Virginia.

World Record Attempt Sought by the New Mr. Las Vegas Jeff Beacher 'Heaviest Pig in a Blanket' Stunt to Take Place August 29 During Paris Hilton CD Release Street Festival

Creator of Beacher's Rockhouse Bar, Jeff Beacher, will attempt a world record fete that master magician David Blaine himself could not accomplish. Beacher will perform the "Heaviest Pig in a Blanket" stunt in front of tens of thousands of spectators during the Paris Hilton CD Release Street Festival on August 29th.

The heiress, along with other celebrity guests and tens of thousands of fans, will be on-hand to witness Beacher being wrapped in dough by little people, hoisted on a crane 10 stories high, and then dropped into a vat filled with ketchup, attempting to hold his breath for a record breaking 10 minutes. If he does not make the 10 minutes mark, Beacher will still consider the fete successful if he beats out the seven minute, eight second spot held by Blaine.

Beacher's idea for the stunt came earlier this year when he decided to put the skills he acquired as a youngster to promotional use. As a child Beacher's father may he rest in peace would throw quarters into the bottom of their pool and tell his young son that he could have all the quarters if he went underwater and picked them all up before coming up for air. Always one for a challenge, even as a child, Beacher obliged and the more quarters that were thrown in, the more in control of his breath Beacher became.

"I have been training for this my whole life; this fete will be a testament to my Mother and Father who will be looking at me from Heaven with a smile on their faces knowing that their boy is now the world record holder for holding ones breath. I had met Martin Stephanek the current World record holder at 8 minutes and 58 seconds in Greece at The Olympic Games in 2004 and he has been real supportive of my quest to break his record. I have been freediving for 15 years now and have been able to hold my breath for as long as 6 minutes. I believe that I will shatter this record."

Fans can gather at 9 p.m. on August 29th during the Paris Hilton CD Release Street Festival to witness the stunt. The street festival is being held in celebration of the release of Hilton's album, Paris, and will also commemorate the opening of Beacher's Rockhouse Bar -- the newest and most exciting addition to the Las Vegas Strip.

The festival gets underway at 7 p.m. and is free for the public to attend. It is being described as Beacher's Madhouse meets the San Geneiro Feast with a bunch of Food and Alcohol vendors, carnival games, entertainment and the world-record attempt by Beacher. At midnight the official after-party will be held at Las Vegas' most happening nightspot PURE Nightclub inside Caesar's Palace.

Moe. and Peeping Tom Join The Who as Special Guests On North American Tour The Who is embarking on their first world tour in over 20 years, bringing along some of the hottest guest artists for their fans. Indie-jam quintet moe. and noise rocker Peeping Tom will open on select dates of The Who's North American leg of the tour, kicking off on September 12th at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center.

Fans will get the chance to groove with Peeping Tom on September 12th at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center, September 13th at New York's Jones Beach Theater, September 15th at Ottawa's Scotia Bank Place, September 16th at Boston's TD BankNorth Garden, September 18th at New York's Madison Square Garden and September 21st at Holmdel, New Jersey's PNC Bank Arts Center.

Fans will jam with moe. on September 25th at Chicago's United Center, September 26th at Des Moines' Wells Fargo Arena, September 29th at Detroit's Palace of Auburn Hills and September 30th at Ontario's John Labatt Centre.

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

Tickets for listed cities are currently on sale, check local listings. For further information including Tour Club memberships and VIP packages visit http://www.thewhotour.com/.

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

The Who World Tour is presented by Concert Productions International.

Source: The Who

'THE 4400' Returns for Season Four The Emmy(R)-Nominated Series Returns to USA with 13 Original Episodes for Summer 2007

USA Network has ordered 13 one-hour episodes of the Emmy(R)-nominated and critically-acclaimed hit series THE 4400, it was announced today by Jeff Wachtel, USA's executive vice president, original programming. The series, which has garnered an Emmy nomination, will return to USA Network in summer 2007 with production scheduled to begin in Vancouver in early 2007. THE 4400 is produced by CBS Paramount Network Television in Association with Sky Television, Renegade 83 and American Zoetrope for USA Network.

THE 4400 premiered on USA as a limited series in July 2004 as the highest-rated and most-watched new series premiere ever on a basic cable network, and still continues to perform as a ratings powerhouse for the network. THE 4400 received three Emmy nominations in its first season, including Outstanding Miniseries, as well as Outstanding Writing and Cinematography for a Miniseries or Movie.

"This show continues to thrive creatively from year to year," said Wachtel. "We're looking forward to another season filled with intriguing characters, unique twists and incredibly suspenseful storylines."

THE 4400 explores the travails of the 4400 people who all at once returned in a ball of light to Earth; though the returnees had not aged physically, many of them reappeared with dramatic abilities ranging from enhanced reflexes to precognition. NTAC (National Threat Assessment Command) is the government agency responsible for keeping track of the returnees and investigating all things related to the 4400.

THE 4400 was created by Scott Peters and Rene Echevarria. Ira Steven Behr, Scott Peters, Maira Suro and Perry Simon are executive producers.

CBS Paramount Network Television is a division of CBS Studios Inc.

Seen in 90 million homes, USA Network is cable television's leading network of original series and feature movies, sports and entertainment events, network shows and blockbuster theatrical films. The USA Network Web site is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.

Hip-Hop Superstar DMX to Entertain Troops in the Persian Gulf on USO Tour Rapper DMX will soon embark on his first USO tour to perform for troops stationed in the Persian Gulf region. The raspy-voiced rap superstar also will meet and greet service members.

Currently starring in his own reality show, "Soul of a Man," DMX recently released "Year of the Dog ... Again," his first full-length album in three years and the sixth solo release for the Yonkers, N.Y., native. The album made its debut at No. 2 on Billboard's Top 200.

With more than 20 million copies sold in his career, DMX's commercial success as an entertainer is unquestioned. The first artist to have his first five albums debut consecutively at No. 1, he also has experienced success as an actor, starring opposite Steven Segal in "Exit Wounds" and with Jet Li in "Cradle to the Grave." His latest effort, "Last Hour," will feature Michael Madsen and Paul Sorvino.

This tour continues the USO's tradition of bringing entertainment to troops stationed far from home. Celebrities who have recently made trips for the USO include Gary Sinise, Master P, Lil' Romeo, Shinedown, La Mafia, Toby Keith and Pryde.

USO tours are sponsored by AT&T, Inc., the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours.

About the USO: For more than 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems North America, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Military Channel, S & K Sales Co. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit our Web site at http://www.uso.org/.

VH1 Classic and World Productions Present All-Star Line-Up for Live Television Concert Series 'Decades Rock Live: Lynyrd Skynyrd' Premiering on VH1 Classic on Friday, September 1 At 8:00 PM ET/PT Fifth Installment to Feature 3 Doors Down, Hank Williams Jr. and Bo Bice 'If You're a Fan of Live Music, Don't Miss This Series ... ' '(Decades) Does for Rock What CMT's Crossroads Did for Country.' - TV GUIDE

VH1 Classic and World Productions present the fifth installment of "Decades Rock Live," an innovative live concert series that features performances by celebrated artists from rock to soul who have influenced popular music over the last 50 years, as well as performances from some of today's hottest recording acts who have been inspired by these legends. The concert honoring Lynyrd Skynyrd is set to premiere on VH1 Classic on Friday, September 1 at 8:00 PM ET/PT and will feature special guests including 3 Doors Down, Hank Williams Jr. and Bo Bice.

Highlights for the Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute include:

* "Comin' Home" duet with Bo Bice

* "That Smell" duet with 3 Doors Down

* "Sweet Home Alabama" encore performance with Bo Bice, 3 Doors Down and

Hank Williams Jr.

The music performances are augmented with special features, such as "Decades Confidential," exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with the spotlighted artists focusing on their career milestones and highlighting their newest releases, concert performances and other endeavors.

"Decades Rock Live" is taped at Trump Taj Mahal's high definition television studio, The Decades Rock Arena (temporarily renamed from Mark Etess Arena for the duration of the series run), in Atlantic City, NJ. Each episode focuses on a specific artist. The series will be broadcast in High Definition in 5.1 surround sound, and rebroadcast on a premium HD network at a later date.

Fans will also have the chance to get their hands on exclusive memorabilia and special items from the artists scheduled to participate in the series. Both the Guitar Center Music Foundation and the GRAMMY Foundation will work with the show to host silent auctions. The proceeds raised will support the philanthropic missions of each of those organizations.

The series is produced by Eric Sherman, Senior Vice President and General Manager, VH1 Classic and Barry Summers, Executive Producer for World Productions. Co-producer is Tisha Fein (GRAMMY Awards).

For more information on "Decades Rock Live" and the artists visit http://www.vh1classic.com/ .

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

Source: VH1 Classic

Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://www.vh1classic.com/

More Than 19 Million Viewers Tuned in Over Weekend to The Lifetime Original Movie 'The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale' Saturday, August 19 Premiere Becomes Lifetime's Second Most-Watched Movie in Network's 22-Year History With 6.6 Million Viewers - Weekend Online Traffic to LifetimeTV.com Surged More Than 70% -

More than 19 million* viewers tuned in during the August 19-20 weekend to watch the poignant Lifetime Original Movie "The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale," which starred the "American Idol" winner in her own rags-to-riches Cinderella story. The Saturday, August 19 premiere at 9PM (ET/PT) became Lifetime's second most- watched movie in its 22-year history with 6.6 million viewers (5.0 household rating).

Among all original 2006 basic cable movie premieres, "Fantasia" ranks #1 among W18-34 and W18-49 rating.

The Sunday, August 20 encore at 8PM (ET/PT) drew more than 5 million viewers and a 4.0 household rating.

1995's "Almost Golden," which starred Sela Ward as journalist Jessica Savitch, averaged more than seven million viewers when it aired on Lifetime.

Traffic to LifetimeTV.com surged more than 70% in page views and 68% in unique visitors over the weekend compared to the August 12-13 weekend. But Fantasiamania isn't over yet! At Lifetimetv.com, the national "Fantasia" essay contest runs through September 16, with the winner receiving two tickets to the 2007 "American Idol" season finale.

In "The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale," Loretta Devine ("Dreamgirls," "Crash," "Boston Public," "Waiting to Exhale") co-starred as Fantasia's grandmother, and Addie Collins and Tony(R) Award winner Viola Davis ("Traffic," "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit") starred as Fantasia's mother, Diane Barrino. Rounding out the ensemble cast were Kadeem Hardison ("A Different World," "Biker Boyz") in the role of Fantasia's father, JoJo Barrino. Newcomer Jamia Simone Nash ("My Wife and Kids") played the young Fantasia. Acclaimed Emmy(R) and Golden Globe(R)- winning choreographer, actress and director Debbie Allen ("Fame," "Girlfriends") directed the film.

"The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale" was produced by Ostar Productions for Lifetime Television. Bill Haber ("Nightmares & Dreamscapes," "Uprising") served as the executive producer and Ellyn Williams (Lifetime Television's "Hunger Point") co-executive produced. John McMahon ("Nightmares & Dreamscapes") produced the movie and Keith Glover wrote the teleplay based on the autobiography Life is Not a Fairy Tale by Fantasia Barrino.

*Source: Nielsen Media Research (8/19-20/06)

P2+ cume based on 1 minute qualifier, 75% Unification

LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, LMN, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment, and Lifetime Online are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

Source: LIFETIME Television

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

World Professional Latin American Dancesport Championship Sponsored by Arthur Murray Dance Studios Explosive Dancing, Fantastic Costumes -- Major Photo/Video Opportunity!!

On Sunday, September 3, the best Latin American ballroom dancers in the world will vie for the most coveted championship title in competitive ballroom dance, the World Professional Latin American Dancesport Championship. Taking place at the Embassy Ball in Irvine, California at the Grand Ballroom, Hyatt Regency, 7:00 p.m., reigning champions Bryan Watson and Carmen, from Germany, will defend their title in a fantastic display of world class Latin ballroom dancing.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060822/FLTU019)

The Embassy Ball is a celebrated international dance event, where the best of the best in professional and amateur ballroom dance fiercely compete for the prestige of international titles and $25,000 in total prize money. More than 55 couples representing over 30 countries will gather for this dramatic event, where competition is intensity personified, costumes are outrageous, and success is measured in centimeters.

"This is a great opportunity for Americans to see what competitive ballroom dance looks like on the international level--a very exciting, very dramatic event that should not be missed by dance fans!" said Thomas D. Murdock, Vice President, Arthur Murray International. If you like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, this is the event not to be missed and Arthur Murray Dance Studios is proud to serve as title sponsor. "As a truly global company, we have been committed as a leader in organizing and/or sponsoring the World Championships since the first world championship was held in the United States in 1983" said Murdock.

Tickets are available for the general public; visit www.embassyball.com or call Brian or Kristi McDonald (760) 327-8637.

Arthur Murray International is known around the world as the most prominent social dance entertainment company, with more than 200 franchised locations in countries on six continents, including America, Canada, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, South Africa, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and Puerto Rico. The Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios continue a tradition of more than 94 years in teaching the world to dance. Visit www.arthurmurray.com to learn more.

Web site: http://www.arthurmurray.com/
http://www.embassyball.com/

Azteca America Presents Special News Report: Katrina and the Hispanic Impact in Conjunction With New Orleans Station Launch - Azteca America was First Hispanic Network on the Ground Following Hurricane Katrina - - WTNO Channel 22, Rebuilt After the Disaster, is First Hispanic Over-the-Air Television Station in New Orleans - - Demographic Shift in Wake of Katrina Creates Demand for Spanish-Language Media -

-- Azteca America, the fastest-growing Hispanic television network in the United States, is pleased to announce a special news report series: Katrina and the Hispanic Impact.

Network news anchor Jose Martin Samano and news correspondent Alvaro Ortiz will be reporting on a series of Hispanic issues ranging from the changing demographics of New Orleans to the current status of Hurricane Katrina victims.

The special news report, which will be transmitted from Aug. 28 - Sept. 1 on Noticiero Azteca America at 6:30 pm and 11:00 pm, will coincide with the launch of station WTNO channel 22 in New Orleans.

"Hurricane Katrina illustrated the importance of quick and accurate communication, in Spanish, by news professionals. Azteca America was the first Hispanic network on the ground in New Orleans last year," said Azteca America Chairman Luis J. Echarte. "The demographic face of New Orleans has changed radically in a very short time and most of the Hispanics who have come to New Orleans are here to rebuild it for the benefit of all; our new station is a response to that change."

New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin said, "We welcome the transmission of Azteca America Channel 22 to the City of New Orleans, and look forward to the important part they will become to the New Orleans community."

Terry Crosby, Chairman and CEO of Una Vez Mas, the station group that owns and operates WTNO Azteca America New Orleans, said "As a new media outlet, and the only over-the-air Spanish-language television station in the market, we will help create jobs and economic opportunities in this market that did not exist before the hurricane. We believe in the future of New Orleans; Despite Katrina we are willing to invest in the market for the benefit of the Hispanic community and the community at large."

Hispanic immigration has more than doubled following the hurricane, with many newcomers engaged in the construction trades. These workers, and later their families, will become part of the future fabric of New Orleans.

"The commitment to the community is clearly demonstrated by our Una Vez Mas station group with this strong investment in the future of New Orleans," added Mr. Echarte.

About Azteca America

Azteca America is the fastest growing Hispanic network in the United States. The network is a wholly owned subsidiary of TV Azteca S.A. de C.V., one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television content in the world. Azteca America currently has presence in 52 Hispanic markets, including: Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, San Antonio, San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Phoenix, Brownsville-McAllen, Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Albuquerque, San Diego, Fresno-Visalia, El Paso, Denver, Orlando, Philadelphia, Tampa, Washington DC, Austin, Las Vegas, Boston, Atlanta, Tucson, Corpus Christi, West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, Seattle, Hartford, Bakersfield, Portland, Salt Lake City, Monterey-Salinas, Laredo, Naples-Ft. Myers, Colorado Springs, Odessa, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, Lubbock, Amarillo, Yakima, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Reno, New Orleans, Boise, Omaha, Victoria, Chattanooga, Twin Falls and Charleston.

Visit: http://www.aztecaamerica.com/

Azteca America is a Grupo Salinas Company

Visit: http://www.gruposalinas.com/

About Una Vez Mas:

Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Dallas, Una Vez Mas is Azteca America's largest affiliate group currently with stations in Albuquerque (KQDF 25), Austin (KADF 20), Amarillo (KTXD 43), Atlanta (WUVM 4), Corpus Christi (KYDF 64), Dallas (KODF 26), McAllen-Brownsville (KNDF 57-KBDF 64), Las Vegas (KHDF 19), Phoenix (KPDF 41), San Antonio (KVDF 31), Santa Barbara (KZDF 8), Tampa (WXAX 26), Tucson (KUDF 14) and Victoria (KBGS 51). The company's current station line-up delivers over 20% of the total U.S. Hispanic buying power.

Visit: http://www.uvmtv.net/ /

Source: Azteca America

Web site: http://www.aztecaamerica.com/
http://www.gruposalinas.com/
http://www.uvmtv.net/

MTV Takes Over New York City With Vma Events, Concerts, Promotions And More Leading Up to the 2006 Video Music Awards On August 31st at 8 PM ET/PT All-American Rejects, Rihanna, New Found Glory, Chamillionaire and Cartel to Perform at the VMA Kickoff Concert at Battery Park MTV2 Presents a LIFEbeat Benefit Concert with MTV2 VMA Award Nominees Taking Back Sunday and 30 Seconds To Mars 250,000 VMA Metrocards Will Be Available At Select New York City Subway Stations and Much More

MTV will take New York City by storm with the hottest events, concerts, promotions and more as the network, and the biggest names in music, get ready to bring back the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards to Radio City Music Hall on August 31st airing live at 8pm ET/PT.

The MTV "Video Music Awards" NYC promotions and events are as follows:

2006 VMA EVENTS AND CONCERTS:

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29th

VMA KICKOFF CONCERT

Battery Park -5pm

MTV will get the VMA festivities started with a special concert at Battery Park featuring performances by All-American Rejects, Rihanna, New Found Glory, Chamillionaire, and Cartel. Concert attendees will have the chance to win tickets to the 2006 Video Music Awards on August 31st. Tickets for this All- Ages event are free and will be available starting Thursday, August 24th at 12noon at the following locations: Tower Records (1961 Broadway), Tower Records (692 Broadway), and the MTV Store (Corner of 44th/Broadway). In addition, fans can also win tickets to this concert by listening to Z100 and Power 105.1. The VMA Kickoff Concert is sponsored by Verizon Fios. Limit 4 tickets per person.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30th

MTV2 PRESENTS A LIFEbeat BENEFIT CONCERT

Webster Hall - 7pm

MTV2 will hold its annual concert to benefit LIFEbeat, The Music Industry Fights AIDS, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to reaching America's youth with the message of HIV/AIDS prevention. The MTV2 Presents A LIFEbeat Benefit concert will be held at Webster Hall (125 East 11th Street) on Wednesday, August 30th at 7pm ET. Performing at this year's concert are 2006 MTV2 Award nominees Taking Back Sunday and 30 Seconds to Mars and both bands will offer special fan ticket pre-sales on August 22nd. Tickets go onsale to the public August 23rd at 12 Noon. Tickets for the 16 and over concert are $40 for General Admission and are available at www.ticketweb.com / # (866) 468-7619. Limit 2 tickets per person.

2006 VMA PROMOTIONS:

VMA-NYC Microsite

MTV has produced the ultimate web destination to help fans keep up with the latest happenings in this year's MTV Video Music Awards. The site, www.vmanyc2006.com, will be "the site that never sleeps" as it provides a view of life in NYC and the VMA's through the eyes of the artists and of course, New Yorkers. Users can check out their favorite artists' hot spots in NYC via an interactive VMA map, download an exclusive "Vidget" that will update a user's desktop with the latest VMA news, check out all the hot events around NYC leading up to the VMAs, downloadable content, videos featuring messages from various VMA artists and all VMA Week restaurant promotions will live on the VMA-NYC Microsite. There's also a daily sweepstakes giving away limited edition VMA merchandise, and year-long subscriptions to Urge with one winner everyday for 14 days.

VMA Limited Edition Lyric T-Shirts

MTV has created very limited edition T-shirts featuring custom art using the lyrics from Video of the Year Nominee's and Performers songs including: Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Shakira, T.I., The Killers. Panic! at the Disco and more. These T-shirts will be distributed to fans around VMA Week events in NYC including the VMA Kickoff Concert. T-shirts will also be distributed to concert goers and lucky New Yorkers at city hot spots leading up the VMAs.

VMA Metrocards

Beginning Sunday, August 20th a total of 250,000 VMA Metrocards will be available at the following subway stations:

Times Square (7th Ave.) Grand Central

Rockefeller Center W.14th St. (7th Ave.)

W.72nd St. (Broadway) 149th St. & 3rd Ave.-Bronx

Main St. Flushing-Queens Utica Ave.-Brooklyn

Atlantic Ave.-Pacific St.-Brooklyn St.George Ferry-Staten Island

E.14th St. (3rd Avenue) E.68th St.(Lexington Ave.)

Arthur Ashe Kids Day / US Open

Saturday, August 26th - 10 am - 1pm

MTV will have a VMA booth at Arthur Ashe Kids' Day - the US Open's pre-tournament celebration for families - on Saturday, August 26th from 10am- 1pm. Attendees will be able to enjoy performances by Cheyenne from MTV's hit show, Teddy Geiger and Ne-Yo as well as enter to win a pair of tickets to the 2006 MTV Video Music awards. For tickets go to usopen.org or call 866-OPEN- TIX.

NYC Radio VMA Ticket Giveaways

Fans can listen to Z100/WHTZ and Power 105.1 /WWPR starting on Tuesday, August 22nd to win tickets to attend the 2006 VMAs. In addition, Z100 and Power 105.1 will be giving away tickets to the VMA Kick-Off Concert and will also broadcast live from the VMA Red Carpet on Thursday, August 31st.

VMA Restaurant, Bar and Club Promotions

These VMA promotions will take place beginning August 24th through August 31st. See complete listing of participating restaurants and venues below.

Bars, Clubs and Live Music Venues

40/40 Club

6 W. 25th St. Manhattan, 10010

(212) 832-4040. www.the4040club.com

Special MTV VMA themed-menu.

Ace of Clubs

9 Great Jones St. Manhattan, 10012

(212) 677-6963. www.aceofclubsnyc.com

Check out the website for live music calendar.

Bar None

98 Third Ave. Manhattan, 10003

(212) 777-6663. www.barnonenyc.com

For MTV VMA week Happy Hour will run noon-11pm.

Capone's

221 N. Ninth St. Brooklyn, 11211

(914) 426-1021. www.caponesbar.com

Free personal pizza with drink.

Chocolate Monkey

329 Flatbush Ave. Brooklyn, 11217

(718) 789-7896

Thurs. 8/24 - Funky Thursday open 6pm with DJ Show-Off and DJ Ozz.

Fri. 8/25 - Old School night with Ralph McDaniels and Ray DeJon.

Crobar

530 W. 28th St. Manhattan, 10001

(212) 629-9000. www.crobar.com

50% discount off cover on Fri. 8/25 or Sat. 8/26. (Must bring this

listing to redeem this offer.)

Cutting Room

19 W. 24th St. Manhattan, 10010

(212) 691-1900. www.thecuttingroom.com

Live music weekly.

Lotus

409 W. 14th St. Manhattan, 10014

(212) 243-4420. www.lotusnewyork.com

20% discount.

Mica Bar 51

252 E. 51st St. Manhattan, 10001

(212) 888-2453

Mica Bar 587

587 Third Ave. Manhattan, 10022

(212) 661-3181. www.micabar.com

Special MTV VMA themed dish.

The Den

2150 Fifth Ave. Manhattan, 10037

(212) 234-3045. www.thedenharlem.com

Popular signature song drinks offered at 50% off. (Ask host for details.)

Proof Bar and Grill

239 Third Ave. Manhattan, 10003

(212) 228-4200. www.proofnyc.com

Mon. 8/28 Test your pop-culture knowledge! Sign-up with teams to compete

in the Pop-Culture Trivia from 7-9pm. Happy hour everyday from 5-8pm.

Special MTV themed menu.

R & R

416 W. 14th St. Manhattan, 10014

(212) 675-1661. www.randrnyc.com

MTV VMA special drink for only $6.00.

Sapphire Lounge

249 Eldridge St. Manhattan, 10002

(212) 777-5153. www.sapphirenyc.com

No cover charge. (Must bring this listing to redeem this offer.) Special

MTV VMA themed menu.

Restaurants

Cargo Cafe

120 Bay St. Staten Island, 10301

(718) 876-0539

Special MTV VMA themed menu.

Carmine's Family Italian Restaurant

200 W. 44th St. Manhattan, 10036.

(212) 221-3800. www.carminesnyc.com

Signature cocktail served during MTV VMA week.

Chocolat Moderne

27 W. 20th St., Ste. 904-905. Manhattan, 10011

(212) 229.4797. www.chocolatmoderne.com

15% discount on purchase over $30 merchandise total available on-line with

promotional code: MTVZR11378. (Available 8/26-9/26)

Gabriela's Restaurant and Tequila Bar

688 Columbus Ave. Manhattan, 10025

(212) 961-9600. www.gabrielas.com

Signature cocktail served for MTV VMA week.

Galaxy Global Eatery

15 Irving Pl. Manhattan, 10003

(212) 777-3631. www.galaxyglobaleatery.com

10% discount

Ginger

1400 Fifth Ave. Manhattan, 10026

(212) 423-1111. www.gingerexpress.com

Special MTV VMA menu.

Good Enough to Eat

483 Amsterdam Ave. Manhattan, 10024

(212) 496-0163. www.goodenoughtoeat.com

Special MTV VMA menu.

Hip Hop Chow

129 Second Ave. Manhattan, 10003

(212) 674-2469. www.hiphopchow.com

10% discount. (Must bring this listing to redeem this benefit.)

Jezebel

630 Ninth Ave. Manhattan, 10036

(212) 582-1045. www.jezebelny.com

10% discount offer. Special MTV VMA menu.

Jive Turkey

441 Myrtle Ave. Brooklyn, 11205

(718) 797-1688. www.thejiveturkey.com

Special MTV VMA menu.

Katz's Delicatessen

205 E. Houston. Manhattan, 10547

(212) 254-2264. www.katzdeli.com

Playing MTV music.

Madiba Corporation

195 Dekalb Ave. Brooklyn, 11205

(718) 855-9190. www.madibarestaurant.com

Free dessert.

Miss Mamie's Spoonbread Too

366 W. 110th St. Manhattan, 10025

(212) 865-0700. www.spoonbreadinc.com

MTV VMA special dish, North Carolina BBQ ribs and fried chicken

combination dish. For vegetarians it's Norma's magnificent eggplant.

MoBay Restaurant

112 DeKalb Ave. Brooklyn, 11201

(718) 246-2800

17 W. 125th St. Manhattan, 10027.

(212) 876-9300. www.mobayrestaurant.com

Free glass of wine.

Uno Chicago Grill

55 Third Ave. Manhattan, 10003

(212) 995-9668.

391 Sixth Ave., Manhattan, 10014

(212) 242-5230 www.unos.com

15% discount.

Virgil's BBQ

152 W. 44th St. Manhattan, 10036

(212) 921-9494. www.virgilsbbq.com

Signature cocktail served for MTV VMA week.

Public transportation is encouraged to all local events.

The 2006 MTV Video Music Awards will air live ET / tape delayed PT on Thursday, August 31st at 8pm ET/PT from Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Hosted by Jack Black, the star studded show will also include appearances by Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Chris Brown, Fall Out Boy, Rihanna, Jared Leto, Busta Rhymes, Shaun White, Ne-Yo, Missy Elliott, Cast of Jackass, Amy Lee of Evanescence, Lil Jon, and Nick Lachey. Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, All-American Rejects, T.I., Panic! At The Disco, Ludacris and The Killers are scheduled to perform on the show and The Raconteurs will provide the soundtrack for the VMA's live throughout the evening. For more information, please go to www.vma.mtv.com

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

Source: MTV

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

The Weinstein Company Hits a High Note With 'Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing' The Weinstein Company Acquires Rights to Distribute Dixie Chicks Documentary Worldwide

The Weinstein Company (TWC) has acquired the worldwide rights to "Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing," a powerful documentary from two-time Academy Award(R)-winning director Barbara Kopple ("Harlan County USA," "American Dream") and director Cecilia Peck, which will be featured as a Gala Presentation at the 31st Toronto Film Festival. The film, which is produced by Kopple and Peck, is a presentation of Cabin Creek Films, and stars the Dixie Chicks: Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison. The announcement was made today by Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of TWC. "Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing" is the first documentary in 14 years to be featured as a Gala Presentation at the Toronto Film Festival.

"Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing" travels with the Dixie Chicks, from the peak of their popularity as the national-anthem-singing darlings of country music and top-selling female recording artists of all time, through the now infamous anti-Bush comment made by the group's lead singer Natalie Maines in 2003. The film follows the lives and careers of the Dixie Chicks over a period of three years during which they were under political attack and received death threats, while continuing to live their lives, have children, and of course make music. The film ultimately presents who the Dixie Chicks are as women, public figures, and musicians.

"I am extremely proud to be associated with this film because it's not only an outstanding and creative piece of work but it also exposes our responsibility as Americans to confront our fundamental right to freedom of speech," said Harvey Weinstein.

Kopple stated, "At a time when Americans are divided between red and blue, rich and poor, immigrant and citizen, the Dixie Chicks and their music cross over many lines. They are contemporary but rooted in tradition, strong yet vulnerable -- career women who are deeply connected to family. This film tells the story of these all-American women who refused to back down and in the process became even stronger."

"The Dixie Chicks paid a huge price for questioning the invasion of Iraq and daring to say what millions of people were thinking," said Cecilia Peck. "Our film looks at the cost of standing up for what you believe in, and the unbreakable bond between three brave women."

Michelle Krumm, executive vice president and co-head of acquisitions and co-productions, brought the project to The Weinstein Company.

Krumm, Michael Cole, co-president of production, and Barry Littman, executive vice president of business and legal affairs, negotiated the agreement on behalf of The Weinstein Company. CAA and Simon Renshaw negotiated on behalf of the Dixie Chicks.

Source: The Weinstein Company

Busch Gardens Europe Goes Over the Edge With 'Griffon' - Video Available Park Debuts World's Tallest, Only Floorless Dive Coaster

Teased since early July with park billboards touting "Like Nothing Else in the World," Busch Gardens Europe took the plunge and unveiled its latest steel marvel, Griffon, the world's tallest and only floorless dive coaster. Currently under construction, this diving, driving force in roller coaster engineering will debut at Busch Gardens late spring 2007.

Griffon will send riders through an extraordinary three-minute journey 205 feet up and 90 degrees straight down at more than 75 mph -- and that's just the beginning. The name Griffon evokes the power and speed of a mythical beast that is part eagle and part lion. The ride twists, turns and plunges -- giving riders a breathtaking adventure unlike any coaster experience in the world.

"With its adrenalin-pumping vertical drops, high speed, a mid-air pause, multiple coaster elements and overall experience, Griffon is certain to fulfill thrill seekers' expectations," said Donnie Mills, executive vice-president and general manager for Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA.

Griffon will incorporate two Immelman loops (a simultaneous loop and roll, the name of which was derived from the World War I German flying ace who invented the tactical maneuver). The world's first floorless dive coaster also incorporates a second 130-foot dive and one water feature with spectacular viewing platforms where ride watchers can share in the thrills. Each floorless coaster car will consist of three, 10-person wide rows.

"The view will be spectacular and every seat on Griffon will offer an excellent ride," said Mills.

The roller coaster is being constructed by Bolliger & Mabillard of Monthey, Switzerland on the former LeMans Raceway site in the French section of the Williamsburg theme park. Griffon is the fifth member of the park's family of renowned coasters.

Construction began July 6, 2006. The most recent roller coaster to debut at Busch Gardens was Apollo's Chariot in 1999.

Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA in Williamsburg are Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks. Other Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks include Busch Gardens Africa and Adventure Island in Tampa Bay; SeaWorld Adventure Parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Sesame Place, a children's play park near Philadelphia; and Discovery Cove in Orlando, a family vacation experience featuring interaction with dolphins and other marine animals.

Web site: http://buschgardens.com/

Cherish 'Unappreciated' Proves Anything But With #4 Billboard Album Chart Debut Hit Single 'Do It To It' Still Burning Up The Charts, With Follow Up Title Track Recently Added to Radio and Companion Video Added to BET

Fueled by the powerhouse hit single "Do It To It," Cherish, the R&B sister act from Atlanta, has debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 album charts. Moving 90,733 copies in its first week, the album also lands at #3 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Executive produced by Sho'Nuff CEO and multi-Platinum producer Jazze Pha, known for his work with Ciara, Nelly and 2Pac, the vibe on "Unappreciated" (Capitol/Sho'Nuff) ranges from sassy to sensuous to crunk, reflecting each of the girls' unique sensibilities and resulting in a knockout musical presentation.

"Do It To It" has proved to be a monstrous hit for the quartet, peaking at #13 on the Billboard HOT 100 Chart and currently sitting at #14 after 15 weeks on the chart. The hit has spawned the latest dance craze, the Snap Dance, and the accompanying video spent 65 consecutive days on BET's "106 & Park" countdown, finally being retired on August 8. The next single, the title track "Unappreciated", was recently added to radio and the companion video debuted on BET on August 15. The group has also performed tracks from the album and appeared on "Good Morning America," "Live with Regis & Kelly" and "MTV TRL," among others.

"Unappreciated" is anything but with fans and critics alike. The fans have spoken and here is what the critics are saying:

"With Destiny's Child no more, the search is on for the next big R&B girl group [and] these four sisters boast the requisite sass, sex appeal and supple voices on an energetic debut." - People

"A cheery female foursome that blends the rapid call-and-response vocals of Destiny's Child with the slithery club grooves of Ciara ... creating a debut that matches of-the-moment beats with sticky melodies." - Entertainment Weekly

"This four-girl R&B group from the Dirty South [creates] a TLC-style party starter... that deserves to be as big as those airwave-hogging monsters." - Rolling Stone

"The R&B quartet Cherish represents Atlanta to the fullest on its new release... which has a variety of ballads and up-tempo cuts that explore life, love and relationships." - Ebony

Cherish is currently the BET.com "Artist of the Month" and Sprint Wireless' featured artist for August. BET.com hosted an exclusive album listening party and audio and video on demand as well as a live BET.com chat

with the group. Sprint Wireless offered exclusive ring tones and songs from Cherish, including the popular "Do It To It (Remix)."

Currently, the group is crisscrossing the country as part of the highly successful "Up Close & Personal Tour" with Chris Brown and Ne-Yo. Hitting more than 30 markets on tour dates through October, the girls (Farrah, 22, Neosha, 20, and 19-year-old twins Felicia and Fallon) are bringing their infectious music and dance moves to the fans on one of this summer's hottest tours.

A full list of concert tour dates include:

DATE CITY, STATE VENUE

8/25 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Center

8/26 New York City, NY Jones Beach

8/27 Philadelphia, PA Tweeter Center

9/01 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

9/03 Raleigh, NC AllTel Pavilion

9/04 Birmingham, AL Boutwell Auditorium

9/07 Miami, FL American Airlines Arena

9/08 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre

9/09 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park

9/10 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

9/12 Columbus, OH Germain Amphitheatre

9/14 Memphis, TN Fed Ex Forum

9/15 St. Louis, MO UMB Pavilion Amphitheatre

9/16 Detroit, MI DTE Music Center

9/17 Chicago, IL Charter Pavilion

9/18 Omaha, NE Omaha Civic Center

9/21 San Antonio, TX Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

9/22 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

9/23 Dallas, TX Smirnoff Music Centre

9/24 Kansas City, KS Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

9/28 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre

9/29 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

9/30 Phoenix, AZ Cricket Pavilion

10/01 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion

10/06 Oakland, CA Chronicle Pavilion

10/08 Sacramento, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre

PBS KIDS Sprout(SM) Celebrates First Birthday With Month-Long Birthday Bash, New Shows and Movie Premieres - Video and Photos Available New Fall 2006 Programming Includes the Emmy Award-Winning Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks(TM), Sprout Diner, The Birthday Show and more

PBS KIDS Sprout, the first and only 24-hour preschool destination available on TV, on demand and online for kids ages 2-5 and their parents and caregivers, is celebrating its first birthday this September with a month-long birthday bash filled with surprises, three new programs and two world television premieres.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/pbskidssprout/25235/

In less than one year, Sprout has not only expanded its distribution to almost 20 million households, but it has been recognized for excellence in programming and marketing with five Telly Awards, seven Promax/BDA Awards and two Mark Awards. Additionally, Sprout's most recent Q Score (measuring familiarity and appeal) outranked all other kids' networks and topped both Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny among moms of kids ages 2-5. Sprout is the #1 Kids On Demand service with over 100 million VOD orders since Sprout On Demand launched in April 2005.

Birthday Bash

Movie Premieres & Other Surprises

All month long, beloved Sprout friends like Bob The Builder(TM), Barney(TM), Big Bird, Noddy(TM), Caillou(R) and Angelina Ballerina(TM) will deliver special on-air birthday greetings throughout the day. From Thursday, September 21 through Tuesday, September 26, Birthday Host Kevin will present a daily three-hour block from 3-6 p.m. ET that features Sprout's own Mr. Mailman delivering presents to children who unwrap them to reveal the next birthday- themed show. The biggest presents will be the world television premieres of Angelina's Princess Dance on Thursday, September 21 at 5:00 p.m. ET and Bob the Builder's first musical special, Bob the Builder: Built to be Wild on Tuesday, September 26 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

The Birthday Show

Although Sprout's actual birthday is on Tuesday, September 26, the on-air party begins much earlier. The Birthday Show premieres on Monday, September 11. Hosted by Sprout's own Kevin, this new and expanded Sprout favorite will be enhanced with fun-filled birthday party ideas for kids and parents, including games, crafts, and party planning tips in addition to expanded daily readings of homemade birthday cards submitted by viewers and the Sprout birthday song. Replacing Sprout's original daily "birthday segments," The Birthday Show will continue beyond the month of September airing throughout the day as part of Sprout's regular programming.

New Sprout Season...New Shows

Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks(TM)

Kicking off Sprout's new fall schedule on Sunday, September 10 is the debut of the six-time Emmy Award-winning Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks. The new animated series launches with a special three-hour Grand "Tails" Day block hosted by Grandpa Piggley Winks in honor of National Grandparents Day. Featuring six back-to-back episodes of Jakers!, this special block will begin at noon ET and repeat again at 3:00 p.m. ET. Moving forward, Jakers! will air every day on Sprout at 4:00 p.m. ET.

Jakers! follows the adventures of Piggley Winks and his friends Dannan the duck and Ferny the bull on Raloo Farm in the rural Irish village of Tara in the 1950s. It draws upon the rich heritage of storytelling and intergenerational communication to invite children into an imaginative, diverse world and engage young viewers in adventures that teach important life lessons. Viewers are encouraged to log onto http://www.sproutletsgrow.com/grandtails (launching 8/28) for ways to celebrate Grandparents Day with Jakers! and Sprout.

The Good Night Show

Beginning the following evening at 6:00 p.m. ET, Noel MacNeal, an Emmy- nominated, 20-year veteran of children's television, will join The Good Night Show as Leo, the series' special guest host. Helping parents wind down their kids after a busy day, Leo will play games, sing songs and create bedtime stories with Star, the lovable and lively star-shaped puppet. New to The Good Night Show will be Lucy, an enchanting puppet firefly, who will help introduce episodes of Sprout favorites such as Dragon Tales(TM), Angelina Ballerina(TM) and Bob The Builder(TM). Best known for his role as Bear in Bear in the Big Blue House(TM) and Breakfast With Bear(TM), and as a long-time performer on Sesame Street(R), as well as Blue's Room(TM) and Oobi(TM), MacNeal will act as special guest host Leo while Sprout continues its multi-city search for the new host of The Good Night Show, which will tape its third season later this fall.

Sprout Diner

The following week, opening its doors on Monday, September 18, will be Sprout Diner, a new Sprout original short-form program designed to encourage preschool children to eat healthy foods and to inspire parents and caregivers with healthy eating ideas. Each animated episode features its own nutritious and fun recipe inspired by popular preschool characters like Barney, Elmo, the Teletubbies, Noddy, Sagwa, Caillou and the Berenstain Bears. Sprout Diner owner Brussel Sprout, his daughter Bean and her daughter Alfalfa create healthy, nutritious dishes for each character that calls in to order after a hard day's play.

Children and their parents are encouraged to visit http://www.sproutletsgrow.com/ to download the recipes so they can make them together at home. KidsHealth.org, a national non-profit children's health organization and the web's most visited children's health site, acted as nutritional consultants for the recipes which include yummy, healthy treats like Bob's Berry Delicious Shake, Elmo's Funny Face Pizza Pies and Barney's Purple Hummus Dip.

About Sprout

PBS KIDS Sprout(SM), the first and only 24-hour preschool destination available on TV, on demand and online for kids ages 2-5 and their parents and caregivers, was created as a partnership among Comcast Corporation, the country's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services; HIT Entertainment, a leading provider of quality entertainment for young children; PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), the most trusted distributor of award-winning children's programming; and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street.

Since debuting its video on demand (VOD) service in April 2005, PBS KIDS Sprout has become the #1 Kids On Demand service, generating over 100 million orders since launch. The 24-hour digital channel, which launched in September 2005 along with the website (http://www.sproutletsgrow.com/), is available on digital cable and satellite to almost 20 million committed subscribers. The network's program lineup of gold-standard, curriculum-based children's shows includes: Sesame Street(R), Bob the Builder(TM), Barney & Friends(TM), Thomas & Friends(TM), Angelina Ballerina(TM), Sagwa: The Chinese Siamese Cat(TM), Caillou(R), The Berenstain Bears(TM), Jay Jay the Jet Plane(TM), Teletubbies(TM), Dragon Tales(TM), Pingu(TM), Make Way For Noddy(TM), Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks(TM) and more.

Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/pbskidssprout/25235/

Source: PBS KIDS Sprout

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

Dean Martin's Christmas With Dino to Spread Holiday Cheer With Brand New Duet With Martina McBride Martin's Classic Capitol/EMI Holiday Album Includes a New Recording of 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' In Stores: September 12, 2006

-- Dean Martin's Christmas With Dino is a holiday classic, and to make this year's yuletide especially bright, the 16-track CD has been expanded with a new duet with country music superstar Martina McBride. The new duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" was recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California, the same studio where Martin cut his original version of the song in 1959. Christmas With Dino, to be released September 12 by Capitol/EMI, also presents holiday classics from Martin's Capitol and Reprise catalogs and alternate studio recordings of "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" and "Winter Wonderland."

"There's something about hearing a Dean Martin holiday song," says McBride, "You think, 'Ok, it's time to start the season, it's Christmas time.' That's definitely how I feel."

"Baby, It's Cold Outside," newly recorded as a duet for the new Christmas With Dino release, captures all of the warmth and romance of the holiday season, with McBride's coy protests answering Martin's smooth advances. The result is a magical collaboration in a pairing that is at once classic while also thoroughly modern.

"It's an honor to be able to be a part of this," says McBride, "Dean had such a great voice, and to be able to sing with him all these years later is a thrill."

Christmas With Dino, a perennial holiday music must-have, also includes Martin's warm renditions of "Silver Bells," "White Christmas," "Winter Wonderland," "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer," "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!," "Silent Night," and other classics.

Martina McBride will perform the new "Baby, It's Cold Outside" duet during her annual holiday season tour. In a one-of-a-kind show "guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit" (Champaign, IL News-Gazette), the mega-platinum artist and four-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year is once again preparing to dazzle fans with her glorious soprano. The critically lauded Christmas spectacular The Joy of Christmas, now in its fourth year, kicks off a 16-city tour in Chicago November 24 and runs through December 22.

McBride has been wowing audiences and critics alike since she burst on the country scene in the early '90s. Over the last decade, she has sold more than 16 million albums, garnered 20 Top 10 hits, including nine #1s, and she has received numerous awards.

Dean Martin's legacy as an artist and an icon continues to grow. The man who knocked the Beatles from the top chart position at the height of Beatlemania also scored a Platinum record with his fastest-selling album ever, 2004's Dino: The Essential Dean Martin. The 30-track CD entered Billboard's Top 200 chart as its "Hotshot Debut," the week's highest new entry at #28, and

also debuted in iTunes' Top 5, alongside new releases from Avril Lavigne and Modest Mouse.

Dean Martin is as important now to generations of music fans as he's ever been. The warm sensuality of his voice continues to beguile with a winning style and just a touch of mystery. Martin's recordings are heard regularly in the hippest movies, TV shows and commercials.

Dean Martin: Christmas With Dino

1. Baby, It's Cold Outside (NEW DUET with Martina McBride)

2. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

3. White Christmas

4. Silver Bells

5. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm

6. Winter Wonderland

7. Blue Christmas

8. Jingle Bells

9. A Winter Romance

10. A Marshmallow World

11. The Christmas Blues

12. Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer

13. Silent Night

14. I'll Be Home For Christmas

15. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Alt. version)

16. Winter Wonderland (Alt. version)

Source: Capitol/EMI

CONTACT: Jennifer Ballantyne of EMI Music Catalog Marketing,
+1-323-871-5494, jennifer.ballantyne@emicap.com

Supernova: the Rockstar Tour Takes Off Across North America 27-City Arena/Theatre Tour Features Top Rated TV Cast: Rock Stars Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted, Gilby Clarke and ??? Special Pre-sale for ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA Viewers Active Now Tickets on Sale to General Public Wednesday, August 30th

It is by no means clear who will be fronting America's most talked about new band, Supernova, but today the band's three founding members, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted and former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke announced they will be inaugurating their band with a 27-city concert tour across North America. Kicking off at the Hard Rock in Miami, Florida on January 16th and culminating at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California on February 27th, Supernova's very first gig will be on New Year's Eve at The Joint in Las Vegas. Tickets go on sale nationally for Supernova's first concert tour on Wednesday, August 30th. The tour is being produced by Live Nation (NYSE:LYV) .

A special presale for ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA viewers which was announced last night on the hit CBS television show is active now and runs through Tuesday, August 29th at 10:00pm. More information can be found on www.cbs.com/primetime/rock_star2 or by going to www.livenation.com.

Over the course of the summer, the highly successful CBS television show ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA searched among 15 contestants to find the most dynamic leader for a band whose players are among the most respected musicians in the world. As music fans across the country voted, Gilby, Tommy and Jason helped guide the process to eliminate performers every week to arrive at the final selection. The lead singer for Supernova will be chosen in a finale episode scheduled to air on September 13th.

Supernova will be touring in support of their highly anticipated Epic Records debut. The yet-to-be-titled album will be produced by Butch Walker (Avril Lavigne, Bowling For Soup, Pink) and released on November 21st. Fans can pre-order the record through the band's official site, http://www.intothesupernova.com/.

SUPERNOVA: THE ROCKSTAR TOUR

DATE: CITY/STATE: VENUE:

12/31/06 Las Vegas, NV The Joint

01/16/07 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Live

01/17/07 Orlando, FL Hard Rock Live

01/19/07 Norfolk, VA Constant Convocation Center

01/20/07 Buffalo, NY Shea's Performing Arts Center

01/23/07 Montreal, QC Bell Centre

01/24/07 Toronto, ON Massey Hall

01/26/07 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

01/27/07 Wallingford, CT Chevrolet Theatre

01/28/07 Worchester, MA DCU Center

01/30/07 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Spectrum

01/31/07 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall

02/02/07 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center

02/03/07 Chicago, IL Rosemont Theatre

02/05/07 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre

02/07/07 Des Moines, IO Wells Fargo Arena

02/08/07 Minneapolis, MN Roy Wilkins Auditorium

02/09/07 Fargo, ND Fargodome

02/11/07 Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie

02/13/07 Loveland, CO Budweiser Events Center

02/16/07 Portland, OR Memorial Coliseum

02/18/07 Everett, WA Everett Events Center

02/19/07 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre

02/21/07 Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena

02/22/07 Oakland, CA Oakland Arena

02/24/07 Phoenix, CA Cricket Pavilion

02/25/07 San Diego, CA Pala Casino

02/27/07 Long Beach, CA Long Beach Arena

About Live Nation

Live Nation is a leading live event and venue management company focused on creating superior experiences for artists, performers, corporations and fans. Live Nation owns, operates and/or has booking rights for 153 venues worldwide and produced more than 29,500 events in 2005. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." For more information regarding Live Nation and its businesses, please visit the company's website at www.livenation.com

Source: Live Nation

Web site: http://www.livenation.com/
http://www.intothesupernova.com/
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/rock_star2

SellaBand: New Model for the Music Industry Artists and Fans Make Music and Money Together

friendly, online company launching today. www.sellaband.com offers a new model for free legal distribution of new music, enabling a direct relationship between developing artists and their fans. SellaBand is not a record company: SellaBand is a facilitator, bringing artists and fans together, and presenting a new economic model. For musicians all around the world, SellaBand is -- and always will be -- free to join.

"As a music lover I was sick of hearing the same music forced upon me time and time again. I wanted to create a concept where the fans can decide for themselves what they were going to hear," says Pim Betist, founder and creator of the SellaBand concept.

The concept works as follows: Self-recording, unsigned artists upload their own profile page on SellaBand, featuring 3 (or less) demo songs, some pictures and a biography. Artists can use their page to promote themselves, encouraging their friends and fans to direct others to the site, and listen to their free music files. Music-lovers -- "Believers" -- can purchase Parts in $10 increments, in the bands/artists they believe in. SellaBand provides a high standard search engine to enable potential Believers to find and identify an Artist. Believers have the opportunity to help promote their favorite bands, while at the same time participating in potential future revenues of the artist they believe in.

Once 5,000 Parts have been sold, the real action starts for the artist and their fans. With $50,000 in their account, the door closes and it will be no longer possible to purchase parts, or to take money out. However, before their band of choice has reached the target, music fans can switch their investment to another band, decide to invest more money, or withdraw their investment altogether. The $50,000 resulting from parts sold, will be used to record a CD (a collection of 6 songs on average) in a good studio, with a solid A&R/production team to support the band in their effort to get maximum result. Precisely 5,000 copies of the CD will be printed. This so called "limited edition" will be sent to the homes of the Believers who have bought a Part in the band.

Says Chris Kimsey, famous record producer and one of the Experts on SellaBand.com: "Music for the people, chosen by the people, supported by the people, not some marketing plan to sell us music that we do not want. SellaBand puts value back into the sound of music."

Next, the songs on the CD will be available as free downloads on SellaBand's Gallery. This is an all-access area where music fans can find and download music for free. All advertising revenues will be shared equally between Artists (33.3%), Believers (33.3%) and SellaBand (33.3%). Revenues per band are based on their market share on the SellaBand Gallery. Also, a "standard" version of the album will be released. Bands can sell it on their own websites and at shows. SellaBand will offer the product through online retailers and other similar sites. Net profits of the CD will be shared equally between Artists and Believers. In the meantime, bands are free to do what they want: sign a record deal, start their own label, or come back to SellaBand for the next experience. Additionally after one year, the artist can take their masters with them.

Says Johan Vosmeijer, a former executive of Sony Music Entertainment and current Managing Director of SellaBand: "While SellaBand's commitment to record the best possible music will always be 100%, we want the legal commitments for musicians to be as light-weight as possible. Basically, we see SellaBand as a sort of trampoline for bands to use. Ultimately it is up to the artist to see how high they can jump, but we won't hold them back in any way or form."

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

Atari's Test Drive Unlimited Goes Gold - Racing Reinvented Set to Begin on September 5 Nationwide -

Atari, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATAR) , one of the world's most recognized brands and leading third-party video game publisher, today announced that development is complete on Test Drive Unlimited for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The ultimate automotive and lifestyle gaming experience, Test Drive Unlimited provides gamers with M.O.O.R.(TM): Massively Open Online Racing and the pure freedom to go wherever they choose, whenever they choose and race whoever they choose all in a spectacular, wide open tropical setting. Test Drive Unlimited is on schedule to ship to stores nationwide on September 5 and will be available for a suggested retail price of $39.99.

"Test Drive Unlimited represents a landmark in video games," said Nique Fajors, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Atari, Inc. "Test Drive Unlimited embodies exactly what next generation gaming is all about. With an open, persistent environment, thousands of miles to explore, hundreds of gameplay hours, and over 350 multiplayer and solo challenges, Test Drive Unlimited takes racing to an entirely different level, representing a new benchmark for others to aspire to."

Test Drive Unlimited offers 90 licensed vehicles -- cars AND bikes -- from exclusive manufacturers that are fully customizable with unrivalled interior and exterior details and functions. Car packs featuring six or more vehicles, complete with genre-specific radio stations, will be available for download monthly, beginning six weeks after launch on Xbox Live(R) Marketplace. In addition to many of the world's top cars, the game offers incredible customization options, unique character personalization, more than 1000 miles of diverse, photo-realistic Hawaiian terrain, a challenging single player game and a host of online options with M.O.O.R., which enables gamers to interact with thousands simultaneously. With these realistic features and more, Test Drive Unlimited is racing reinvented.

Test Drive Unlimited is scheduled for release on September 5, 2006. For more information visit http://www.testdriveunlimited.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 http://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.

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

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Source: Atari, Inc.

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

Sony Pictures Entertainment Acquires Grouper

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has acquired Grouper, the fast-growing user-generated video site on the Internet, it was announced today by Michael Lynton, SPE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Grouper.com, which is the second largest independent video community, enables its members to watch, share and create video on the Web. Under the terms of the $65 million deal, the Sausalito-based company will retain its current management, working closely with a team at Sony Pictures.

"Consumers are spending more and more time on sites like Grouper, and as one of the world's largest creators of entertainment, we want to be where the audiences are," said Lynton. "This acquisition demonstrates the breadth of involvement of Sony Corporation in the field of digital online entertainment. Many people in the Grouper community use Sony cameras to create videos and Sony VAIO computers and mobile devices to store and view them. It makes sense to complete the circle by having Grouper be a part of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which itself creates so much content for people around the world."

"When you pair Grouper's innovative video sharing platform on the web and the desktop with Sony's connected devices and copyrighted media you create a dynamic and exciting environment for consumers," said Grouper CEO and co-founder Josh Felser. "We have an opportunity, as part of the Sony family, to bring together user-generated and copyrighted content across platforms and devices for the first time."

Grouper's primary mission is to give its users the flexibility to take their videos with them across site and platform. Grouper users can browse videos and easily post them to a wide variety of third-party Web sites, such as their personal pages on MySpace, Blogger and Friendster. Grouper's portability is anchored by its robust peer-to-peer video sharing network, which facilitates downloads of high quality uncut original video shared by its members. Its users can download from Grouper.com to connected mobile devices like the PSP and iPod. Grouper also provides members with easy-to-use video editing tools so that videos can be quickly uploaded from cameras, camcorders and webcams.

Lynton said he is impressed by the experience of Grouper's management team. "Grouper is not only one of the leaders in a new wave of content development, it is also a major innovator in empowering users to participate in a dynamic on-line community," Lynton said.

Lynton said the acquisition of Grouper is a strategic initiative in the field of digital entertainment and consistent with Sony Pictures' vision of making entertainment accessible to consumers whenever, wherever and however they want. No immediate changes are planned for the site. Over time, Lynton said there is potential for development of ad-supported and premium content businesses. "Grouper gives us a strong platform for growth," Lynton said.

In addition, he noted that there is value in connecting an enormous amount of imaginative content with a studio that is always interested in finding new ideas and talent for the movies, television shows and games it creates for audiences around the world. "A site like Grouper allows people to showcase their creativity to a vast audience," Lynton said. "It's like a virtual, global audition, and a great source of entertainment," Lynton said.

Sony Pictures Entertainment has been a longtime leader in the arena of digital entertainment. It was one of the first studios in the DVD business and the first to sell television shows online and movies for mobile devices. SPE is also one of the pioneers in digital downloading, with more than 100 of its movies available for purchase on several internet sites. Sony Pictures also includes Sony Online Entertainment, a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

About Grouper Networks

Grouper Networks enables its members to watch, share and create video on the Web, desktop and connected devices and continues to be the leading innovator in the user-generated video space. Members can browse videos on Grouper.com and post them to a wide variety of third party Web sites directly from Grouper. With one-click, members can add video to their personal pages on MySpace, Blogger, Friendster and Wordpress or download to their desktops, iPod and Sony PSP. Grouper Networks is located in Sausalito, California. Web site: http://www.sonypictures.com/
http://www.grouper.com/

Gordon Ramsay to Open First U.S. Restaurant in New York City Fall 2006: Gordon Ramsay at The London

Famed Michelin-starred chef, author, television personality, and former professional soccer player Gordon Ramsay will open his first U.S. restaurant, Gordon Ramsay at The London, in New York City at The London NYC Hotel (formerly the Rihga Royal), part of the LXR Luxury Resorts collection. The restaurant will offer intimate modern French dining taking cues from its renowned London counterpart, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay on Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea, the only restaurant with three Michelin stars in London. The bar and more casual area of the restaurant, The London Bar, will be based on Ramsay's exciting Maze restaurant on Grosvenor Square in London featuring a daily offering of market specials and a variety of tasting dishes that encourage guests to construct their own menus in a relaxed and informal environment.

Ramsay's culinary career began when he joined Marco Pierre White at Harvey's in Wandsworth, England, followed by additional training in the kitchens of Joel Robuchon and Guy Savoy in France. In 1993, Ramsay became the chef at London's famed Aubergine, where he was awarded two prestigious Michelin stars within three years of the restaurant's opening. Since then he has opened ten highly acclaimed restaurants worldwide, totaling eight Michelin stars, including Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London's stylish Chelsea district; Petrus, which was awarded with a Michelin star in seven months; Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's; Angela Hartnett at The Connaught; The Savoy Grill; Boxwood Cafe; Banquette; Maze; Verre in Dubai; and Gordon Ramsay at Conrad Tokyo.

Neil Ferguson, previously head chef in Angela Hartnett's kitchen at The Connaught, will be Chef de Cuisine at Gordon Ramsay at The London. Ferguson joined Gordon Ramsay Holdings in 2000 as sous chef at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and had previously worked at numerous three Michelin-starred restaurants including L'Esperance and L'Arpege in France.

The New York restaurant is being designed by internationally acclaimed designer David Collins. The design will combine classic British style with Manhattan vivacity. Decorated in shades of emerald, diners will find privacy offered by richly detailed timber panels, Gordon Ramsay at The London will seat 45 guests. The more casual area and bar offer seating for 80 and seamlessly blends patchwork leather furniture in shades of blue and green. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails and tea service beneath a suede lined ceiling in this warm and inviting room.

The kitchen, which will be equally stunning, will boast a private chef's table, something that Gordon is famed for in London. Here guests can enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of the kitchen whilst dining in luxury.

For more information on Gordon Ramsay and his restaurants, please visit www.GordonRamsay.com. The London NYC, a 564 room hotel is located at 151 West 54th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. For more information on The London NYC property, visit www.TheLondonNYC.com or call LXR Luxury Resorts at 1-877-LXR-XOXO.

ABOUT LXR LUXURY RESORTS:

LXR Luxury Resorts, www.LuxuryResorts.com, is a portfolio of 29 independent properties dedicated to creating an experience of luxury, a sense of ease and endless pleasure. LXR resorts are distinguished by a style and spirit that captures the unique qualities of their setting, whether the urban chic of a city like New York or the beauty and charm of an island like Puerto Rico. All LXR Luxury Resorts offer elegant surroundings, attentive service, guest privileges at private golf clubs and rejuvenating spa programs. LXR Luxury Resorts are located throughout the United States and Hawaii as well as in Puerto Rico and Jamaica. The LXR collection also includes the renowned Golden Door Spa brand and its four spas in the U.S.

Source: Gordon Ramsay Holdings Limited

Web site: http://www.gordonramsay.com/
http://www.thelondonnyc.com/
http://www.luxuryresorts.com/

The Romance Reader Has Embraced Digital Entertainment and Harlequin is Leading the Way by Delivering More Happy Endings via the Launch Of New Digital Content and an eBook Boutique

Harlequin Enterprises Limited (www.eHarlequin.com), the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, today announced the launch of four digital entertainment ventures, specifically: Harlequin Mini (TM) eBooks, Harlequin Mini(TM) Round Robin eBooks, the launch of the eBook Boutique on eHarlequin.com and www.writeharlequin.com, a platform for gathering reader- generated content.

"Harlequin is the brand in publishing that is trusted by women around the world to provide them with great entertainment," says Donna Hayes, Publisher and CEO of Harlequin Enterprises Limited. "We are uniquely positioned to serve their needs and offer entertainment in new digital formats. Put simply, a lot of women are already there, and those who aren't trust us to help them navigate the evolving digital space."

"The modern romance reader has gone digital," says Pam Laycock, Executive Vice President of Harlequin's New Business Development department. "She demands the portability, depth, breadth, immediacy and convenience of romance novels in downloadable formats." Ms. Laycock illustrates this fact by pointing to the success of the company's eBooks on the bestseller lists of many eBook Web sites, including eReader.com, where Harlequin titles out- performed The Da Vinci Code just prior to the release of the film.

Responding to reader demand for even more romance fiction in a digital format, Harlequin is launching the Harlequin Mini eBook. These are short- series eBooks written by Harlequin authors, including New York Times and USA Today bestselling writers-ideal for readers who want a "quick fix" but don't have the time for a longer novel. "No other publisher is doing anything like this," says Malle Vallik, Editorial Director of Harlequin's New Business Development department. "These delicious 'bite-size' stories are exclusive to eHarlequin.com's eBook Boutique." Ten Harlequin Mini eBooks will be available during the August launch of the imprint. Four new Harlequin Mini eBooks will appear every month thereafter. Each story costs only 99 cents to download.

The Harlequin Mini Round Robin eBook is an outcome of Harlequin's collaboration with its readers. These stories are launched by a published author, and subsequent chapters are created-and hotly competed for-by fans and aspiring writers. Many of Harlequin's talented new voices have been discovered through this interactive round robin challenge, including launch author Mia Zachary. The popular Writing Round Robin has been a feature of eHarlequin.com since 2000. This is the first time it will be available as an eBook. As a special introduction, the Harlequin Mini Round Robin eBook will initially be available for free download.

Harlequin Enterprises Limited is at the leading edge of digital publishing, offering about 40 new titles every month in eBook format. As of today, all of these titles will be available in the new eBook Boutique at http://ebooks.eharlequin.com/. It will be the exclusive eRetailer for the Harlequin Mini and Harlequin Mini Round Robin eBooks. eBooks from the eHarlequin Boutique will be available in three formats-Adobe PDF, Microsoft Reader and Mobipocket.

"Harlequin has an unmatched involvement, engagement and participation with its readers," says Pam Laycock. "Because of this intimate relationship, Harlequin is going beyond reader participation in the Round Robin to tap the creativity and wisdom of our global community via www.writeharlequin.com. We ask such burning questions as "What Is Love?" or "What Was Your Worst Date Ever?" and anyone and everyone can send in responses. A collection of the most appealing answers will be published in a digital format early in 2007 and then later as a print version."

Harlequin's drive to develop and offer more content in more ways furthers the company's digital strategy, which also includes downloadable audio from Audible.com (www.audible.com), the leading provider of digitally delivered spoken-word audio, and the Harlequin On the Go(TM) mobile phone content subscription service (HarlequinOnTheGo.com), currently available through Verizon Wireless. Readers can keep up with further digital developments at www.isabelsblog or http://isabelswift.blogspot.com/.

About eHarlequin.com

The eHarlequin.com community provides Harlequin with an outstanding opportunity to speak directly to its readers around the world on message boards, in chat rooms and through author blogs. Whether looking to buy the latest books, reading original stories from bestselling authors, or sharing the love of reading with other readers and authors, eHarlequin.com visitors will discover the ultimate online women's fiction experience.

About Harlequin Enterprises Limited

Harlequin Enterprises Limited is the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, with titles issued worldwide in 25 languages and sold in 94 international markets. The company produces over 115 titles monthly and publishes more than 1,300 authors from around the world. Harlequin Enterprises Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation, a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TS.B). Harlequin's Web site is located at www.eHarlequin.com. Harlequin has offices in 18 countries, including Toronto, New York and London. For more information please visit www.eHarlequin.com or press.eHarlequin.com.

Source: Harlequin Enterprises Limited

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

DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE -FINAL FANTASY VII- Breaks Down Mobile Gaming Boundaries
Highly Anticipated Action Title to Be Available Exclusively on Amp'd Mobile

Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix(TM) interactive products in North America, and Amp'd Mobile, the first fully integrated mobile entertainment company, today announced the debut of DIRGE of CERBERUS(TM) LOST EPISODE(TM) -FINAL FANTASY(R) VII- (DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE). The action-packed 3D mobile game is available for download exclusively on Amp'd Mobile handsets. For more information visit www.ampd.com.

"Amp'd is committed to bringing the best mobile games to market, and DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE raises the bar in 3D gaming worldwide," said Paul Nakayama, Sr. Director of Content Programming at Amp'd Mobile. "We believe game fans will be blown away by this title's advanced graphics and gameplay. This exclusive title represents another 'first' for Amp'd and showcases our leading 3G handset capabilities."

"Adapting a truly dynamic game like DIRGE of CERBERUS to the mobile platform was an invigorating experience for us," said Kosei Ito, Producer, Square Enix Co. Ltd. "DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE -FINAL FANTASY VII- effectively reveals the missing chapter from the PlayStation 2 version. With this in mind, we wanted to create a game on the mobile platform that retained the integrity and imagination of the console version, but could be played on the go. We are confident that gamers will appreciate the innovation in detail and game play and ultimately embrace DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE as another quality continuation to the FINAL FANTASY VII legacy."

Frazer Wilson, CEO of Ideaworks3D Ltd, said: "This has been a really exciting project, and another great opportunity to push the boundaries of mobile gaming with our Segundo technology. Working with the Square Enix team on this important title has been a great honor, and we are delighted to have created a mobile game which offers such unparalleled playing experience."

To support the deployment, Amp'd will feature video previews and mobile game highlights of DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE within Amp'd branded kiosks at retail outlets nationwide, including independent wireless dealers and Best Buy, recently announced as a core Amp'd Mobile distributor. Fans will also have a chance to participate in a limited online giveaway to receive a highly articulated Vincent Valentine action figure with purchase. Amp'd will also be featuring DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE at GamOrz Ball (co-sponsored with mtvU). Lastly, Amp'd will feature DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE in Amp'd The Magazine.

Utilizing the latest in mobile technology, DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE maintains the integrity of the Square Enix brand, and is consistent with the excellence that fans have come to expect from the FINAL FANTASY franchise. Mobile users experience console quality content including intuitive target systems, real time frame rate and high quality picturesque backgrounds.

DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE -FINAL FANTASY VII- tells the story three years after Meteorfall, where the original FINAL FANTASY VII ended, with Vincent Valentine struggling to save the world from Deepground, a mysterious army of bloodthirsty warriors. This action role-playing game will take advantage of all mobile gaming has to offer, allowing players to explore a sprawling world in Battlefield mode, and battle with Deepground soldiers in FPS Battle mode.

DIRGE of CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII-

Gamers can also experience the original PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system game, DIRGE of CERBERUS -FINAL FANTASY VII- (DIRGE of CERBERUS) which shipped last week on August 15, 2006. The first action title in the beloved series, DIRGE of CERBERUS is blockbuster thrill ride from the creators of FINAL FANTASY VII and comes fully loaded with all-new features and bonus content created exclusively for North American audiences.

DIRGE of CERBERUS is rated "T" for Teen. Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Web site at www.esrb.com for more information about ratings. DIRGE of CERBERUS is available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $49.99(USD). Additional information on DIRGE of CERBERUS can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/dcff7/.

DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE -FINAL FANTASY VII- was developed by a Square Enix Co., Ltd. team led by Kosei Ito in collaboration with Ideaworks3D Ltd. a BAFTA award-winning mobile games studio headquartered in London (www.ideaworks3d.com). For more information about DIRGE of CERBERUS LOST EPISODE -FINAL FANTASY VII- visit www.sqexm.com/dirge.

About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.

With headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises -- FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 68 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST(R), which has sold over 40 million units worldwide -- under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Square Enix, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA. It handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at www.square-enix.com/na.

About Amp'd Mobile

Amp'd Mobile is the first integrated mobile entertainment company for youth, young professionals and early adopters, and the only 3G carrier in the US specifically targeting that demographic. By leveraging the power of broadband wireless (EVDO), Amp'd Mobile offers traditional services such as voice and text within a completely fresh user interface designed specifically for the "mobile graduate" and third-generation (3G) technology. With a myriad of customizable options to meet each person's individual needs, as well as strategic alliances with top entertainment properties, such as MTVN and Universal Music Group, Amp'd Mobile brings a more relevant, personal experience to the wireless lifestyle with unique music, video, community, entertainment, sports and gaming offerings divided into various channels for quick and easy access. Amp'd Mobile is offered nationwide and more information can be found at www.ampd.com.

About Ideaworks3D

Ideaworks3D, Ltd. is a privately held technology and game development company headquartered in London. Founded in 1998 with a strong Oxford and Cambridge computer science and electronic engineering pedigree, the company has an unparalleled track record of creative innovation and technical leadership in the field of rich mobile gaming. Its Segundo3D(TM) game development and porting tool-chain, and AirPlay(TM) connected games platform power more blockbuster gaming brands across BREW, Symbian OS, JAVA, Linux and Windows Mobile than any other mobile games technology.

Ideaworks3D's game studio is the recipient of multiple industry accolades including two consecutive BAFTA Games Awards in 2005 and 2004 for best handheld and mobile games. More information can be found at www.ideaworks3d.com.

DIRGE OF CERBERUS, DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, LOST EPISODE, SQUARE ENIX and the Square Enix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co., Ltd. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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

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

Web site: http://na.square-enix.com/dcff7

Web site: http://www.ideaworks3d.com/
/Web site: http://www.sqexm.com/dirge

Web site: http://www.square-enix.com/na

Music Making on the Rise in the U.S.
NAMM's State of the Music Industry Report Suggests Playing Music Continues to be Highly Important to Americans

A new U.S. Gallup Poll reveals Americans of all ages are continuing to pursue music making and offers insight into the attitudes behind this passion as part of the 2006 Music USA: NAMM Global Report.

NAMM, the trade association for the international music products industry, has released the 2006 Music USA: NAMM Global Report, a state of the industry focusing on trends, sales and music education issues from around the world. The report -- which covers a broad spectrum of music industry segments from grand pianos, to DJ gear, to violins, to electric guitars -- reveals interesting data on the industry and attitudes toward music making:

- Americans are making more music than any other nationality. The U.S.

market accounts for 42.7% of musical instrument purchases, followed by

Japan at 15.6% and U.K. at 6.7%

- More than one-half of U.S. households (52%) has at least one person, age

5 or older, who currently plays a musical instrument -- a sharp contrast

compared to the United Kingdom at 37% and Australia* at 36%

- 40% of U.S. households have two or more musicians

- More women (51%) play musical instruments than men (49%)

- The fastest growing segment of music makers is between the ages of 18

and 34; an increase of 5% percent since 2003

- More people are encouraged by their parents to take up an instrument

(37%) than become interested on their own (29%), or are encouraged by a

teacher (17%) or someone else (16%)

*2001 data

- Almost three-quarters of survey participants started playing before the

age of 11

- The number of people participating in school instrumental music

activities and private lessons increased by 11% since 2003

The report also highlights attitudes behind these trends:

- 85% of Americans believe that music is a very important part of their

life

- 82% of Americans wish they had learned to play a musical instrument, and

67% expressed an interest in learning to play

- 94% of respondents believe music is part of a well-rounded education,

and that schools should offer instrument music instruction as part of

the regular curriculum

- 85% believe participation in school music corresponds with better grades

and higher test scores

- Seniors are turning to music making as not just an enjoyable pastime,

but also for the health and wellness benefits such as enhanced immune

systems, stress reduction, and staving off depression and loneliness

"With more emerging research linking active music making to a host of educational and health benefits as well as being a source of expressing creativity and having fun, it's only natural to see an increase in playing across every U.S. demographic group," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. "More Americans are discovering that you don't have to be a 'musician' to enjoy the proven benefits and enjoyment of playing music."

The music products industry's 16 million unit transactions last year in the U.S. alone show that the industry reaches a broad swath of the population. As more people learn about the benefits of playing music, the industry expects to see America's fondness for music making continue.

In addition to the U.S. data, the 2006 Music USA report also features industry trends on different market segments and offers a global overview of the music products industry by featuring data from nine countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and The United Kingdom.

Guitars and Pianos -- America's Favorites

- Guitars are currently the highest selling musical instruments in America

-- approx. 3.4 million sold in 2005

- In the last two years, the electric guitar has caught up to the acoustic

guitar as per unit sales are becoming even at just over 1.6 million each

- Overall, the fretted products industry is a $1.4 billion dollar industry

in the U.S.

- Yet still more Americans play the piano (31%) than the guitar or bass

(28%)

About NAMM

The International Music Products Association, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization's popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for- profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $16 billion global musical instruments and products industry. NAMM's activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit www.namm.org

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

Author/Socialite Eric Schiffer Praises Paris Hilton and Her Musical Talent Amid Controversy at Her CD Release Party in Hollywood

While a small group of protestors stood outside the packed bash at Hollywood's hottest nightclub Privilege for Paris Hilton's star-studded exclusive CD launch party and criticized the heiress turned pop star, celebrities inside stood up and defended her against the controversy.

"Some may say that there will always be a few people who will attack an icon. What many people do not know is that Paris' voice and music are really good. Not only is she beautiful, but she really does have talent, as she proved during her five-song performance at Privilege," said Eric Schiffer.

Prior to Paris' party, Eric was seen at the famous Viper Room, the Hollywood nightclub owned by Johnny Depp, for the celebrity-filled launch event of the BC Ethic Clothing line -- where Eric entertained Billy Gibbons of legendary ZZ Top.

Eric Schiffer authored the best-selling book "Emotionally Charged Learning." His next book, "Rockstar Entrepreneur," is slated for a spring release. Schiffer, the celebrity author and actor, just signed to star in the soon-to-be-produced motion picture comedy co-starring TK Carter (Showtime's The Corner, Dr. Detroit).

Comedy Superstars Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston Shine in One of the Year's Most Hilarious Films, 'The Break-Up'
The Box-Office Hit Arrives on DVD October 17, 2006 With Side-Splitting Extras Including an Alternate Ending and Deleted Scenes!
'One of the best American comedies in years.' - Pete Hammond, Maxim

An elegant Chicago condo becomes a hilarious battleground in the war of the exes when the comedy blockbuster "The Break-Up" comes to DVD on October 17, 2006 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Vince Vaughn ("Wedding Crashers") and Jennifer Aniston ("Friends with Money") sizzle in this laugh-out-loud story of love gone wrong. A runaway box-office success that grossed over $118 million dollars, "The Break-Up" DVD offers even more non-stop fun and laughs with loads of deleted scenes, outtakes, as well as an alternate ending that puts "The Break-Up" in a whole new light! The DVD is priced at $29.98 SRP.

When art dealer Brooke (Jennifer Aniston) and Chicago bus tour guide Gary (Vince Vaughn) suddenly put an end to their two-year relationship, the joys of home ownership throw a monkey wrench into the split. The formerly happy couple wrangles for control of their jointly owned apartment, guided by well-meaning, but utterly wrongheaded advice of friends and family. Directed by Peyton Reed ("Down with Love") and featuring a spectacular supporting cast including Joey Lauren Adams, Ann-Margret, Jason Bateman, Judy Davis, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jon Favreau, John Michael Higgins and Justin Long, "The Break-Up" delivers a fresh and funny twist on the age-old battle between the sexes.

CRITICS LAUGHED ALONG WITH THE BREAK-UP

Film critics across the country raved about "The Break-Up". Jack Mathews of the New York Daily News proclaimed, "Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston give what may be the best performances of their careers." In addition to declaring the film "one of the best American comedies in years," Pete Hammond of Maxim magazine also added, "It's hilarious, honest and painfully funny." The Insider's Clay Smith thought the film was, "funny, smart and sexy" and that "Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn absolutely sizzle on screen!"

BONUS FEATURES ADD MORE ROMANCE AND LAUGHS!

Exciting extras prolong the laughs and provide special behind-the-scenes peeks, including:

* Alternate Ending -- The DVD offers audiences a special look at "what

might have been" for Brooke and Gary with an alternate ending that will

surprise and delight.

* Deleted Scenes, Extended Scenes and Outtakes -- Over 20 minutes of

comedic new scenes and outtakes will keep fans laughing!

* Three Brothers: A Tour of Chicago -- Vince Vaughn introduces an

exciting and comedic behind-the-scenes look at the some of the Windy

City's most notable attractions.

* Improv with Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau -- Longtime comedy partners

Vince and Jon riff their way through a series of side-splitting scenes.

* In Perfect Harmony: The Tone Rangers -- From funky grooves to perfect

pitch, actor John Michael Higgins shows you what it takes to be a Tone

Ranger.

* The Making of "The Break-Up" -- Go backstage with the cast and crew for

an exclusive view of the creation of this breakout hit!

* Feature Commentary with Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston

* Feature Commentary with Director Peyton Reed

SYNOPSIS

Pushed to the breaking-up point after their latest 'why can't you do this one little thing for me?' argument, art dealer Brooke (Aniston) calls it quits with her boyfriend, Gary (Vaughn), who hosts bus tours of Chicago. What follows is a series of remedies, war tactics, overtures and underminings suggested by the former couple's friends, confidantes and the occasional total stranger. When neither ex is willing to move out of the condo they used to share, the only solution is to continue living as hostile roommates until somebody caves. But somewhere between protesting the pool table in the living room, the dirty clothes stacked in the kitchen cupboards and the sports played at sleep-killing volume in the middle of night, Brooke begins to realize that what she may be really fighting for isn't so much the place but the person.

For more information please visit: www.thebreakupmovie.net

CAST & FILMMAKERS

Director: Peyton Reed

Screenplay By: Jeremy Garelick & Jay Lavender

Story By: Vince Vaughn & Jeremy Garelick & Jay Lavender

Produced By: Vince Vaughn, Scott Stuber

Executive Producers: Peter Billingsley, Stuart M. Besser

Director of Photography: Eric Edwards

Production Designer: Andrew Laws

Film Editors: David Rosenbloom, ACE; Dan Lebental, ACE

Associate Producers: Victoria Vaughn, John Isbell

Costume Designer: Carol Oditz

Co-Producers: Jeremy Garelick, Jay Lavender

Music Supervisor: John O'Brien

Music By: Jon Brion

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston, Joey Lauren Adams, Ann-Margret,

Jason Bateman, Judy Davis, Vincent D'Onofrio, Jon Favreau, Cole Hauser,

John Michael Higgins, Justin Long

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

DVD

Street Date: October 17, 2006

Price: $29.98 SRP

Selection Number: 28465 (Widescreen); 28466 (Full Frame)

Running Time: 1 Hour 47 Minutes

Layers: Dual

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

Rating: PG-13 for sexual content, some nudity and language.

Technical Info: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0

Stereo; French Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo; Subtitles: English SDH, French,

Spanish

For artwork or screeners, please log on to our Web site at www.ushepublicity.com or fax your request to Universal Studios Home Entertainment Publicity at (818) 866-0226.

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

http://www.thebreakupmovie.net/

Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment

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

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

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

USATODAY.com Launches New Entertainment and Sports Podcasts
'Pop Candy' and 'Fantasy Playbook' Podcasts Extend Popular Life and Sports Sections to New Platform

USATODAY.com, a leading news and information Web site, announces the launch of two new weekly podcasts, "Pop Candy" and "Fantasy Playbook." Today marks the premiere of the "Pop Candy" podcast, hosted by Whitney Matheson, creator of the popular pop culture blog "Pop Candy," which is consistently one of the site's most visited blogs (http://www.popcandy.usatoday.com/). This Friday, "Fantasy Playbook," a weekly rundown of news, notes, and tips for fantasy football fans hosted by Pete O'Brien and Deb Barrington, will begin running weekly and continue throughout the professional football season, expanding on the site's extensive sports coverage.

"Fans of 'Pop Candy' are intensely loyal and enthusiastic about Whitney's daily posts on the world of pop culture, just as USATODAY.com Sports readers are passionate about our coverage of fantasy football," said Chet Czarniak, managing editor of USATODAY.com. "The launch of these podcasts gives readers the chance to engage with USATODAY.com in an entirely new way, and opens up our content to a whole new audience of potential fans."

Advertisers now have an entirely new way to reach this audience as well, via 15-second pre-roll advertisements that run prior to the start of each podcast.

The "Pop Candy" podcast can be found at candypodcast.usatoday.com. Beginning on Friday, "Fantasy Playbook" can be linked to from nfl.usatoday.com. Both will also be available through the iTunes Music Store. A new "Pop Candy" podcast will be available each Tuesday. A new "Fantasy Playbook" podcast will be available each Friday.

USATODAY.com is an award-winning news and information Web site that is updated 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Each month, millions of unique monthly visitors access USATODAY.com News, Money, Sports, Life, Technology, Weather and Travel sections which combine the best of USA TODAY news and information and the latest breaking news with cutting-edge interactive features, information graphics and multimedia functions including audio, video and live Webcasts. USATODAY.com is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) . For more information, please visit http://www.usatoday.com/.

Source: USATODAY.com

CONTACT: Steve Anderson, Director - Communications, +1-703-854-5872,
sanderson@usatoday.com, or Heidi Zimmerman, Manager - Media Relations,
+1-703-854-5304, hzimmerman@usatoday.com, both of USA TODAY

Web site: http://www.usatoday.com/
http://www.popcandy.usatoday.com/
http://www.nfl.usatoday.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: USATODAY.com podcast hosts are available for radio and television interviews. To set up an interview -- please call Elga Maye, Communications Coordinator at +1-703-854-5292.

VoiceOne(TM) and VariTalk Team Up to Send 'Snakes on a Plane' Personalized Phone Messages from Samuel L. Jackson
VoiceOne(TM) Takes Over As VariTalk's Preferred Call Services Provider -- Delivers Record Volume with 100% Reliability

VariTalk, LLC and VoiceOne(TM) Communications, LLC, a subsidiary of VoIP, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: VOII) , announced today they have begun working together on what many would say is the most successful Internet and mobile marketing campaign ever for Time Warner-owned New Line Cinema's, #1 box office movie "Snakes on A Plane."

The campaign empowers movie fans to create and send personalized phone and E-mail messages in the voice of Samuel L. Jackson. The official film site is online at http://www.snakesonaplane.com/.

Unlike most voice service applications, VariTalk's super-personalized marketing campaigns are on-demand arrangements - with people reacting to promotions, television and radio commercials, and especially word of mouth.

"VoiceOne's proprietary software platform meets the demand with scalability that most hardware-dependent providers cannot match without significant lead time. And VoiceOne's proven technology meets an additional requirement: bullet-proof reliability," explained VariTalk's former CTO and newly named Chief Executive Officer Frederick Lowe.

"When Snakes on A Plane took off, VariTalk was faced with a challenge: record call volume. VoiceOne stepped in quickly and seamlessly, enabling the Company to make immediate improvements in capacity and reliability."

"We are pleased to have come together with VoiceOne. With effectively infinite scalability and 100% delivery success we're sure to rely on them for many future campaigns of this type," Lowe said.

VoiceOne's Chief Technology Officer Shawn Lewis commented, "We are thrilled to be working with VariTalk on creative and successful marketing campaigns like this one. Our technology is scalable, flexible and reliable, so companies like VariTalk, who are on the leading edge of providing new ways to market products and services, can know their campaigns are going to work well technically."

About VariTalk

VariTalk works with clients and agencies to produce entertainment marketing, mobile content, political advertising and brand marketing, based on its patented audio and video personalization platform.

With over 100 years of combined experience in the entertainment, new media and advertising industries, as well as 25 years of combined experience in software development, VariTalk represents a unique combination of industry leaders, all committed to the research, development and deployment of new solutions for merging message and media, commercials and content, information and individuals.

About VoiceOne

VoiceOne Communications, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of VoIP, Inc., a leading provider of turnkey IP voice, video and data communications solutions for service providers, resellers and consumers worldwide. The Company provides a comprehensive portfolio of advanced telecommunications technologies, enhanced services, broadband products, and fulfillment services to the communications industries. For information on VoiceOne and VoIP, Inc., please visit http://www.voipinc.com/.

Source: VoIP, Inc.

http://www.snakesonaplane.com/

Sony Merges Quality LCD TV With Desktop PC for a Sleek Combo

Combining the power of a PC with a quality LCD and stylish design, Sony today unveiled the new VAIO(R) LS1 TV/PC Combo.

Sleek, yet highly-functional, this new device compliments any room in the house where space is at a premium, but entertainment, performance and style is a must.

Featuring a framed display with a transparent border for a stunning, floating effect, the LS1 model packs the essentials for powerful computing into a slim chassis discreetly hidden behind the back of a flat-panel 19-inch WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) LCD display.

The new VAIO LS1 TV/PC model incorporates an Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo processor, 2GB of RAM and a roomy 250 GB (1GB = 1 billion bytes) hard drive for running multiple, demanding applications simultaneously, such as watching and/or recording a TV show while downloading music in the background. The unit is a Windows Vista(TM) capable PC. It is also Windows Vista Premium ready.

"The LS1 model is a testament to our design and engineering prowess incorporating all the power of a desktop into a showpiece design," remarked Mike Abary, vice president of VAIO product marketing at Sony Electronics in the U.S.

For tidy interior design, the LS1 TV/PC incorporates personal computing into the living space without any unsightly wires. Network cables are discretely routed; ports are conveniently located on the sides; and wired connections are minimized. An included wireless mouse and wireless aluminum keyboard folds up for a beautiful presentation when not in use.

By utilizing the unit's built-in wireless LAN (802.11 b/g) technology, the VAIO LS1 TV/PC can be positioned virtually anywhere in the home and still access Internet sites, e-mail, and a home network.

It's a TV/PC Home Entertainment System

Sporting a 19-inch widescreen display powered by Sony's XBRITE-HiColor(TM) technology, the unit doubles as a flat-panel TV delivering dazzling colors and sharp images whether displaying a movie, television show or web content.

The LS1 model ships with Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP MCE 2005 and a built-in NTSC TV tuner providing DVR-like recording capabilities. It also has a built-in DVD burner and Sony's Click to DVD(R) software so you can create a digital entertainment library for personal viewing at your convenience.

The new VAIO TV/PC also features an audio/video quick resume switch that shuts down the display and the audio output without the PC having to enter sleep mode. This allows you to return to full PC functionality without waiting for the computer to shut down or boot up.

Making it easy to stay in touch with family and friends, the LS1 TV/PC Combo also includes an integrated camera and microphone for recording and transmitting video messages.

The VAIO LS1 TV/PC Combo will be available in mid-September for about $2,100 at authorized retailers nationwide, online at sonystyle.com and at Sony Style (R) stores (for locations visit www.sonystyle.com/retail) in select fashion malls around the country. Pre-orders begin online today at www.sony.com.

Web site: http://www.sonystyle.com/retail

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

Legendary K-Tel International Selects DRA for Digital Distribution

Digital Rights Agency (DRA), a leading worldwide digital music distributor, and Dominion Entertainment, Inc., the legendary K-tel International brand, announced today that DRA will digitally distribute the K-tel International catalog to Internet and mobile entertainment outlets worldwide.

The K-tel catalog includes original and re-recorded classics such as "Julie, Do Ya Love Me" by Bobby Sherman, "Surfin' Bird" by The Trashmen, "The Twist" by Chubby Checker, and "It's My Party" by Lesley Gore.

"The DRA team is thrilled to help bring K-tel's classic catalog to digital music services around the world," said DRA Managing Director Tuhin Roy. "We are particularly excited to market mobile entertainment products based on the K-tel hits."

Digital Rights Agency currently distributes more than 350 leading independent record labels in 15 countries with a total catalog of 350,000 tracks to more than 300 mobile and Internet outlets worldwide. DRA client catalogs feature key titles by recording artists including Daddy Yankee, Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Ludacris, Lil Jon, Lil Flip, Death Cab for Cutie, Yellowcard, Norah Jones, Elliott Smith, Sleater-Kinney and Rilo Kiley.

"DRA's broad distribution network in the mobile world and significant marketing muscle will be an important part of K-tel's digital distribution strategy," said Mary Kuehn, Dominion Entertainment's General Manager. "We look forward to working with the DRA team."

About the Digital Rights Agency

The Digital Rights Agency (www.digitalrightsagency.com) distributes independent record label catalogs to digital outlets around the world. Labels distributed by DRA, either directly or through sub-distribution relationships, include Asphodel (DJ Spooky, Ryuichi Sakamoto), Barsuk (Death Cab for Cutie, They Might Be Giants), BCD Music Group (Lil Jon, Lil Flip and Snoop Dog & Friends), Orbison Records (Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis), Definitive Jux (Aesop Rock, RJD2), Rocketown Records (Chris Rice), Darla (My Morning Jacket), Tiger Style (American Analog Set), Kill Rock Stars (Sleater-Kinney, Elliott Smith, The Decemberists), Oarfin Records (Yellowcard, Chingy, Susan Tedeschi), Ipecac, (Kid 606, Dalek), Talent House (The Presidents of the United States of America), Stony Plain Records (Ronnie Earl, Elvin Bishop, Duke Robillard), Reality Entertainment (Marcy Playground, Krokus), Om Records (Ming and FS), Moonshine Music (Carl Cox, D:Fuse), Wide Hive (DJ Zeph) and Ubiquity Recordings (Greyboy, Francisco Aquabella). DRA also back-ends digital distribution offerings for leading distributors Navarre, Inc., Oarfin Distribution, BCD Music Group and The Talent House and operates in the US, Italy and the UK. The company manages all aspect of the digital distribution process including the negotiation of collective licenses, data delivery, marketing and consolidated electronic royalty reporting. By eliminating duplicative negotiations, content deliveries and accounting, DRA drives significant cost savings for both labels and digital outlets. DRA's outlet partners include download stores, subscription music services, Internet- connected jukeboxes and ringtone providers. The company's website is located at www.digitalrightsagency.com.

About Dominion Entertainment, Inc.

K-tel International, Inc., (www.ktel.com) is a vertically integrated developer, marketer and distributor of a wide array of entertainment products worldwide with active operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany. K-tel, through its operating subsidiaries, markets its product lines and master recording music catalog to retailers, wholesalers, digital distributors and licensees across the globe and via television and other forms of direct response media.

Source: Digital Rights Agency

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

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

SecureMedia to Launch 'Entertainment Everywhere!(TM)' at IBC 2006, With Breakthrough Security Advancements for Converged Media Protection
Highlights Include a Preview of 'Aoraki', Code-Name for the Next Release of SecureMedia's Widely Deployed Encryptonite ONE(TM) System, and the Introduction of the eONE(TM) PC Media Player

SecureMedia (www.securemedia.com), the technology leader in content protection software for secure video and multimedia delivery over IP networks, announced today that it will launch "Entertainment Everywhere!(TM)" at IBC 2006, 8-12 September, Amsterdam (RAI Convention Centre, Booth 7.102), with a preview of "Aoraki", code-name for the company's next release of its widely deployed Encryptonite ONE(TM) System CA/DRM software solution. SecureMedia will also introduce the eONE(TM) PC Media Player, offering an advanced, secure viewing platform for broadcast and Video-On-Demand content on personal computers and PC-based devices.

The Encryptonite ONE System is an open platform CA/DRM software solution that protects both broadcast and on-demand video services delivered over IP networks. The new "Aoraki" release is code-named after the highest mountain in New Zealand. "Aoraki" introduces and highlights several exclusive platform extensions and delivery features to the popular Encryptonite ONE System for the identification and protection of distributed valued content:

* IdentiFind(TM) -- unique open platform for digital watermark imprint

technologies allowing the use of various watermarking systems to

provide digital forensics that enable content owners and service

providers to track to which users content is delivered along with other

content usage information.

* TrustAdjust(TM) -- configurable security parameters, including variable

encryption key length, to address the new world of diverse quality

content (low-value / high-value).

* EverLock(TM) -- Encryptonite ONE System's common encryption scheme for

both broadcast and Video-On Demand ensuring persistent content security

(no decryption/re-encryption on client devices) on Personal Video

Recorders (PVR) and Network Personal Video Recorders (nPVR) as demanded

by leading content owners.

"As the industry's only open platform CA/DRM system with an ultra-light decoder client, low overhead operation and simultaneous secure content delivery and playback to set-top boxes, PVRs, PCs, portable players and mobile phones, the Encryptonite ONE System truly enables 'Entertainment Everywhere!', our vision of ubiquitous content", said Fred Ellis, CEO of SecureMedia. "Now, with 'Aoraki', SecureMedia has raised the bar on protecting converged media distribution with advanced, flexible security features that address the needs of movie studios and other content owners while presenting new business opportunities for operators."

SecureMedia will also introduce the eONE(TM) PC Media Player, a lightweight software client incorporating the security of the Encryptonite ONE System for broadcast and Video-On-Demand content on personal computers and PC-based devices.

Additionally, SecureMedia will inaugurate "Entertainment Everywhere!" with announcements of new Encryptonite ONE System licensees and Encryptonite ONE System-enabled devices.

Lastly, SecureMedia will announce the opening of new offices and additional resources in Europe and Asia to address the increasing demand for the Encryptonite ONE System solution.

To schedule an appointment at IBC 2006, contact Whit Jackson, VP of Business Development, directly at +1-415-563-1800 ext. 3 or email: IBC2006@securemedia.com.

About SecureMedia, Inc.

SecureMedia Inc. is the leading provider of proven open platform content protection software for the delivery of video-on-demand, IPTV, multimedia and other digital content over broadband IP networks. The Company enables "Entertainment Everywhere!(TM)" by providing a range of content security solutions from the comprehensive Encryptonite ONE(TM) System CA/DRM software suite to software toolkits, hardware cores and plug-ins for third party media delivery systems. SecureMedia's customers represent industry leaders and include Cavalier Telephone, Reeltime Infotainment, TV Sierre, Sony, China Data Broadcasting, Eona and others. Currently, SecureMedia has offices in Boston, San Francisco and Auckland, New Zealand and representatives in Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo with planned expansion in Europe and Asia. For more information visit www.securemedia.com.

SecureMedia is a registered trademark and Encryptonite ONE, IdentiFind, TrustAdjust, EverLock, eONE and Entertainment Everywhere! are trademarks of SecureMedia, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: SecureMedia, Inc.

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

Video Without Boundaries to Change Company Name to MediaREADY, Inc.
New Corporate Website WWW.MEDIAREADYINC.COM Announced

Video Without Boundaries, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: VDWB) , a leading provider of interactive, media-convergent home entertainment devices, announced today that effective immediately it will operate under the name MediaREADY Incorporated. The name change is a direct result of the company's marketing efforts to build both brand and company awareness of its MediaREADY(TM) software and products.

"The MediaREADY(TM) brand has made significant inroads with retailers, distributors, and consumers. The popularity of the MediaREADY brand and its success has guided management's decision to consolidate the corporate brand," said Jeffrey Harrell, President and CEO of MediaREADY, Inc. "This change is a positive step for the company as we embark on large-scale distribution of our technology. We are also very excited about the launch of our new http://www.mediareadyinc.com/ website. The new website will give consumers an easy-to-navigate introduction of our products and services."

MediaREADY, Inc. products have been initiated to help broadband users bring the exciting world of digital media to the home television. The company is focused on delivering both broadband media products and solutions that are easy to use, easy to afford and able to entertain in ways never before imagined.

For more information on the MediaREADY product line, including purchasing information, visit http://www.mediareadyinc.com/.

About MediaREADY Incorporated:

MediaREADY (BULLETIN BOARD: VDWB) is a leader in digital media-on-demand, enhanced home entertainment, and interactive products that connect people simply. MediaREADY is focused on delivering flexible Consumer Electronics-based products and services that are affordable, easy to use, and simple to understand. For more information, visit http://www.mediareadyinc.com/.

MediaREADY, Glider, Flyboy, and CoPilot are trademarks of MediaREADY, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Forward-looking statements and comments in this document are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements relating to, among other things, the prospects for the company to increase the level of sales, maintain current sales levels, add new products and services and develop new Web sites are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which are significant in scope and nature, including risks related to the demand for the company's products and services, competition, and availability of capital.

Web site: http://www.mediareadyinc.com/
http://www.mediareadyinc.com/investor.html

Got Game Entertainment's 'Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle' Digs into North America
Unique first person adventure game sets archaeological mystery against the backdrop of an eerie Cornish landscape

The myths and mysteries of ancient Cornwall now haunt North America as Got Game Entertainment LLC today announced that "Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle" has shipped to game retailers. Adventure meets archaeology against the backdrop of an eerie Cornish landscape in this unique first person adventure game for the PC which also comes bundled with bonus features on the real Cornwall, a land rich in folklore, magic, and danger.

"Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle" finds you stranded on a lonely road leading to Cornwall's ancient burial ground of Barrow Hill. Following in the footsteps of fictional archaeologist Conrad Morse, you soon discover that this barrow is frighteningly more than just a mound of earth and a collection of forgotten standing stones. Via the game's point and click interface, and using real archaeological techniques, explore well trodden pathways across the land, seek clues in almost forgotten shrines, unearth ancient artifacts, and delve into Celtic legends to ultimately unravel a detailed and spellbinding mystery.

The engrossing story and Cornish setting of "Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle" transport you to another place. Artistically detailed and moody game environments reflecting the mystical countryside of England's westernmost county, famous for its tales of pirates, ghosts, and sinister ancient sites, coupled with the included bonus travel features, allow you to delve deeply into the supernatural wonders of Cornwall.

"Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle" is rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB for Alcohol and Tobacco Reference and Mild Violence and will debut for a suggested retail of $19.99.

For more information, visit www.barrowhillgame.com.

About Got Game Entertainment

Founded by Howard Horowitz, Got Game Entertainment, LLC is a publisher of games for PC and Mac. With the release of games such as "Barrow Hill: Curse of the Ancient Circle", Got Game Entertainment continues its commitment to bringing to market quality games offering exceptional entertainment. For more information on the company and its games, visit www.GotGameEntertainment.com.

Web site: http://www.gotgameentertainment.com/
http://www.barrowhillgame.com/

Malcolm Venville Captures Reality Behind Mexican Wrestlers
Photographer Venville Reveals Private Interview Transcripts From Book Lucha Loco

Today contemporary photographer Malcolm Venville reveals some of the secretive Mexican wrestlers he chose to immortalize in his upcoming limited edition book of photography Lucha Loco to be released November 1, 2006. Venville shot over one hundred unique luchadores (masked Mexican wrestlers) while offering rare insight into their highly secretive personas. At Lucha Loco Online, launched today, Venville not only provides a preview of fighters featured in his book, but an insight into the men in their own words in private interview transcripts now exclusively online at http://www.luchaloco.com/ .

Lucha Loco is the artistic result of Venville's quest to find and capture the essence of these masked gladiator-like showmen throughout many different trips to Mexico City in 2005. Venville says, "Lucha Loco represents something that is missing from life in the western world since the disappearance of the circus and vaudeville. There is poetry in its vibrant and expressive style that is lacking from wrestling."

As a child of profoundly deaf parents, Venville is fascinated with the unspoken language and still countenance of the luchadore mask. It is through Venville's tenacity and desire to observe this serious form of expression while revealing the humanity underneath that culminates in the stunning portraiture series Lucha Loco.

Detailed color photos introduce the figure, the name reveals the character, but the quote reveals the mind behind the mask -- ranging from the emotional -- Super Porky who says, "Here in Mexico us wrestlers work every single day. Sorry, do forgive the tears" -- to the humorous -- Coco Verde, "We don't mix the character from free wrestling with sex," -- to the simple -- Las Momias, "We're the mummies, here to serve the people."

In the introduction, Mexican poet, novelist, and literary critic Sandro Cohen, astute to the ironic imagery, observes that "El Solar, strangely, found it necessary to confess that he once wanted to be a lawyer, and in Mexico that still means fighting for the little guy. Real life didn't allow him to be an avenger for the downtrodden, but wrestling did."

Lucha Loco, the first title to be published by Therapy Publishing, is entirely bilingual with all character descriptions in English and Spanish.

Venville's first book of photography, Layers (Spine & Thames and Hudson), was published in 2003 to critical acclaim in both America and Europe.

Pre-sales for Lucha Loco begin today exclusively at http://www.luchaloco.com/ . Lucha Loco will be released in hardback November 2006.

MTV and Nickelodeon to Take On Larger Role at the Paramount Motion Picture Group
Two Production Companies to Become Full In-House Labels
Scott Aversano Named President of MTV Films and Nick Movies

Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and VIA.B) today announced that MTV and Nickelodeon will become full labels under the Paramount Motion Picture Group (PMPG) as part of a new structure designed to deepen their already successful track record with their core target audiences. The two former production companies, which previously operated as on-lot producers, will now join several other labels under PMPG's umbrella, including Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks SKG, Paramount Vantage and Paramount Classics.

"After successful 12-year stints as production companies at Paramount, we are going to upgrade MTV and Nick to full movie label status," said Tom Freston, Viacom President and CEO. "This will expand their role at Paramount, will better leverage their considerable talent and marketing capabilities, and will allow for smoother day to day management on the lot with strong connections back to the core brands. This move plays perfectly to our company's unique strengths and will surely increase the positive momentum that we're seeing at Paramount under the leadership of Brad and his team."

"MTV and Nickelodeon are two of the strongest brands in entertainment reaching families and young adults," said Brad Grey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Paramount Pictures Corporation. "We look forward to great films and a great future with these two new labels at the Paramount Motion Picture Group."

"In partnership with Paramount, this new model represents a great opportunity to build on the growing success we've experienced making movies over the last decade," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO of MTV Networks. "We believe that together we can take these brands to the next level, attract the best talent and material across genres, and really tap into our strong relationships with kid, teens, young adults and families around the globe."

Additionally, Paramount and MTV Networks today named veteran producer Scott Aversano President of MTV Films and Nick Movies, giving him responsibility for film development, production and acquisitions for the two film labels. Aversano will work on the lot, reporting to Gail Berman, President, Paramount Pictures. On all image- and brand-related matters for these pictures, he will also report to Van Toffler, Group President, MTV Networks Music Group, and Cyma Zarghami, President, Nickelodeon and MTV Networks Kids and Family Group.

Aversano will assume his new position effective immediately, transitioning from his current role as an independent producer for Paramount Pictures. Prior to his producing deal with Paramount Pictures, Aversano spent more than seven years with producer Scott Rudin, most recently as President of Production.

"MTV and Nickelodeon are household names with audiences in every corner of the world," said Aversano. "I'm excited to embark on this new challenge to continue bringing movies to the marketplace that utilize Viacom's unique strengths in targeted demographics."

MTV Films and Nick Movies will continue to release films targeted to their respective demographics; with Nick Movies releasing animated and family films, and MTV Films focusing on comedies, documentaries, urban fare and horror films for teens and young adults.

Nick Movies has firmly established itself as a leading kid and family theatrical brand, producing a variety of live-action and animation features including the recently released Jack Black comedy, "NACHO LIBRE" directed by Jared Hess ("NAPOLEON DYNAMITE") and CGI-animated film "BARNYARD" starring Kevin James and Courteney Cox, written and directed and produced by Steve Oedekerk ("ACE VENTURA," "NUTTY PROFESSOR").

Nick Movies is currently in pre-production on the "THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES." In December 2006, the label will release a live-action version of the classic children's book, "CHARLOTTE'S WEB" starring Dakota Fanning, Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey. Other releases include "LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS," starring Jim Carrey, and "THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MOVIES" (both opened at $30 million), and "THE RUGRATS MOVIE."

MTV Films has also established itself as a leading youth film brand by releasing over 20 movies, including "NAPOLEON DYNAMITE," "ELECTION," "THE LONGEST YARD," "VARSITY BLUES," "SAVE THE LAST DANCE," the Oscar-nominated documentaries, "MURDERBALL," "TUPAC: THE RESURRECTION," and the Oscar-winning musical drama, "HUSTLE & FLOW." Upcoming releases include "FREEDOM WRITERS," starring Hilary Swank, "JACKASS: NUMBER 2," featuring Johnny Knoxville, and with DreamWorks, the comedy, "BLADES OF GLORY," featuring Will Ferrell and Jon Heder.

At Rudin, Aversano oversaw production on a variety of films including "FAILURE TO LAUNCH" (Producer), "TEAM AMERICA" (Executive Producer), "LEMONY SNICKET'S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS" (Co-Producer), "THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE" (Executive Producer),"THE SCHOOL OF ROCK" (Executive Producer), "CHANGING LANES" (Co-Producer), and "ORANGE COUNTY" (Producer).

Prior to joining Rudin, he was Director of Development at Paramount Pictures from 1997 through 1999, where he served as an executive on 12 films and 75 development projects, including "WONDER BOYS," "SOUTH PARK," "BRINGING OUT THE DEAD" and "RUNAWAY BRIDE."

Aversano started his career in the entertainment industry at Sid Ganis' Out of the Blue Entertainment in 1996.

Aversano graduated from Brown University and has a M.A. in English Literature from University of Michigan.

About Paramount Pictures Corporation

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a unit of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and VIAB) , is a global entertainment company that produces and distributes filmed entertainment through the Paramount Motion Picture Group, which includes Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks SKG, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nick Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Studios and Worldwide Television Distribution.

About MTV Networks

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 120 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of digital services, with all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with audiences through robust consumer products businesses and more than 100 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services, and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Source: Viacom Inc.

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

BET, Black AIDS Institute and Kaiser Family Foundation Announce Winners of the 3rd Annual Rap-It-Up/Black AIDS Short Subject Film Competition

Concluding an extensive national call for submissions and thorough review process of over 150 screenplay entries, BET, the Black AIDS Institute and the Kaiser Family Foundation proudly announce today that Beverly Abbott, Casey Arrillaga & Wyndle Jordan of Reseda, California won the 3rd Annual Rap-It-Up/Black AIDS Short Subject Film Competition (RIU/BASS) for their outstanding screenplay entitled ODICIE.

The phenomenal writing team of Beverly Abbot, Casey Arrillaga and Wyndle Jordan not only exemplified extraordinary screenwriting, but a personal knowledge and understanding to the importance of educating the public about HIV/AIDS. Their powerful screenplay entitled "Odicie" depicts a young, African-American girl of the same name who bridges her family together and helps to erase the negative stigma of HIV/AIDS when she discovers her uncle is afflicted with the disease. "Odicie" will be produced into a short film to debut on BET coinciding with World AIDS Day (December 1, 2006) in commemoration of the international observance.

The RIU/BASS Film Competition launched in January 2004 to raise awareness about HIV prevention, testing, treatment and the impact of HIV/AIDS in Black communities in the United States. This unique competition tackles sexual health issues ranging from sexual identity and HIV/AIDS testing to interpersonal relationships. Previous Rap-It-Up short film winners WALKING ON SUNSHINE, TANGY'S SONG, MULTITUDE OF MERCIES and LET'S TALK have all been recognized and rewarded for their realistic depiction of HIV/AIDS in the Black community and its impact on BET viewers.

"BET continues to lead the competition in producing pro-social and educational content in a refreshing and appealing way," said Kelli Lawson, BET's executive vice president of corporate marketing. "The network has a proven track record of drawing millions of viewers to specifically-tailored public affairs programming geared to raising social awareness and evoking public and personal action."

"In its third year, the RIU/BASS film competition has become the vehicle to providing an effective medium to raise awareness to HIV/AIDS issues," stated Phill Wilson, Executive Director of the Black AIDS Institute. "It is great to see the impact previous Rap-It-Up films have had on the public, and interesting to see how these films have contributed to the overall HIV/AIDS discourse in Black America."

"As HIV/AIDS continues to disproportionately impact African Americans, stories like 'Multitude of Mercies' and 'Let's Talk' help raise awareness and reduce stigma," said Tina Hoff, Vice President and Director of Entertainment Media Partnerships at the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The RIU/BASS Film Competition is a part of BET's Rap-It-Up HIV/AIDS corporate initiative, a public education partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation that has been informing young adults about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) since 1998. To date, BET's Rap-It-Up has tested over 8,500 young people for HIV, managed over 1.1 million calls to the Rap-It- Up toll-free hotline and distributed over 404,000 sexual health information guides, hosted teen forums for over 10,000 youth in over 29 markets nationwide, and have attracted more than 13.3 million viewers through pro- social programming, including award-winning news specials, documentaries and public service announcements (PSAs).

ABOUT BET NETWORKS

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

ABOUT THE BLACK AIDS INSTITUTE

The Black AIDS Institute is a training and mobilization center focused exclusively on Black people. The Institute's mission is to stop the AIDS pandemic in Black communities by engaging and mobilizing Black institutions and individuals in efforts to confront HIV. The Institute interprets public and private sector HIV policies, conducts trainings, offers technical assistance, disseminates information and provides advocacy from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view.

ABOUT THE HENRY J. KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation dedicated to providing information and analysis on health issues to policymakers, the media, and the general public. It is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries. Information on HIV/AIDS is available at http://www.kff.org/, and a daily news summary report on developments in HIV/AIDS is available on http://www.kaisernetwork.org/, the Foundation's free health information service.

Source: BET Networks

Web site: http://www.bet.com/
http://www.kff.org/
http://www.kaisernetwork.org/

Play Music From Your MP3 Player, Mobile Phone or Laptop Through any FM Stereo

- iStuff iCast Universal FM Transmitter - GBP29.99, Available From www.iWorld.co.uk

With the long-awaited UK legalisation of low-power FM transmitters for MP3 players just around the corner(1), the iPod accessory specialists at iStuff are proud to announce the launch of a new CE certified FM transmitter that offers unparalleled signal clarity and complete versatility. Welcome the new iStuff iCast Universal FM Transmitter.

The universality of the iStuff iCast Universal FM Transmitter stems from a simple, yet brilliant design decision. This stylish little FM transmitter plugs into the standard headphone jack on your iPod meaning it also fits a whole range of other gadgets and gizmos that you may want to stream your sounds from. It is compatible with all types of MP3 players, mobile phones, laptop computers, Sony PSPs and other gaming devices - basically any audio device with a headphone jack. What's more, when you do use it with your iPod you can plug it in without removing your 'pod's protective case.

If you are one of the disillusioned, then this is the product you have been waiting for to re-join the FM transmitter fan club. Wave goodbye to crackles and interruptions, the iStuff iCast Universal FM Transmitter boasts outstanding signal clarity across its 199 FM frequencies available, between 88.1 and 107.9 Mhz, and pumps music through 40dB separation. The backlit LCD screen makes it easy to tune into an available frequency in any environment. Use a 1AAA battery (or car cigarette lighter) to avoid draining power from your MP3 player.

The iStuff iCast Universal FM Transmitter measures less than 9 x 2.5 cm and weighs a miniscule 30g. Available from www.iWorld.co.uk priced at just GBP29.99.

See www.iStuff.co.uk for further information and distribution opportunities.

Editor's Note

(1) Ofcom, the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, is scheduled to overturn the age old law preventing the use of low-power FM transmitters for MP3 players in late autumn 2006.

Source: www.iWorld.co.uk

Tune in to LifeStyle Television Series on Bravo

IPITV is pleased to announce its newest episode of the independently produced LifeStyle Television Series for the 2006 season. LifeStyle is a revolutionary, fast-paced series dedicated to getting the most out of life and squeezing every drop of fun and excitement possible, while offering practical solutions to everyday challenges. Enjoy exotic destinations and upcoming trends for home & fashion. Imagine being brought into a world of leisure and activities never dreamt of before and customizing a lifestyle that revolves around your preferences and desires!

Raffles Resort Canouan Island -- World renowned exclusive Raffles Resorts provide the ultimate private Caribbean getaway in the heart of the Grenadine Islands. Featuring Donald Trump's signature International Golf Course and Trump Privee Casino. http://www.raffles.com/ / 784.458.8000.

LifeStyle recognizes Grand View Beach Hotel for its dedication to creating the ultimate vacation experience in the heart of Villa Point on the south coast of St. Vincent. Set on eight acres of tropical gardens with commanding views of neighboring Caribbean islands, Grand View offers its unique flavor with the kind of privacy and personalized service only found in a family owned and operated hotel. For more information visit http://www.grandviewhotel.com/ / 784.458.4811.

Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach -- Elevated to "Grand" distinction, this all-suite Triple AAA Five-Diamond resort is Cancun's Caribbean jewel and member of the Leading Hotels of the World. http://www.fiestaamericana.com/ / 011.52.998.881.3200

Hotel Villa del Sol -- Refined yet rustic, laid back luxury, privacy and pampering ... Once at Hotel Villa del Sol you'll find spectacular Zihuatanejo Bay, Mexico just steps from your door. Recipient of Conde Naste Johansens award of excellence as the most outstanding hotel in North America and Mexico. http://www.hotelvilladelsol.com/ / 888.389.2645

LifeStyle Television Series -- Fashion Forward Segment

!It Jeans - Inspired by the Los Angeles LifeStyle, !It Jeans embodies the spirit and attitude of a new generation that demands originality and expresses individuality. Favorites among celebrities like Paris Hilton, Jay Mews, and worn on such shows as the OC, Desperate Housewives, and DJ's on MTV to name a few. http://www.itjeans.com/

Watch LifeStyle on Bravo. Visit http://www.ipitv.com/

IPITV is always looking for new guests. See contact info above. IPITV is an independent production company specializing in Innovations in Television Production.

Source: IPITV

http://www.raffles.com/
http://www.grandviewhotel.com/
http://www.fiestaamericana.com/
http://www.hotelvilladelsol.com/
http://www.itjeans.com/

On October 24, 2006 Restless Records will release "Butchering The Beatles" -- featuring the BIGGEST, the BADDEST, the HEAVIEST all-star line-up ever assembled to honor what is arguably the greatest band ever -- THE BEATLES.
All-in-all, over 50 internationally known recording artists bring their unique bone-crushing slant to these remarkable songs. Produced by Grammy award-winning producer/guitarist Bob Kulick and ace engineer Brett Chassen, "Butchering The Beatles" features 12 new, ass-kicking versions of The Beatles' chart-topping hits including "Hey Jude," "I Feel Fine," and "Day Tripper," plus the more esoteric "Hey Bulldog," barked out by the legendary Alice Cooper and "Tomorrow Never Knows," uniquely interpreted by the iconic Billy Idol, alongside classic concept songs like "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "Magical Mystery Tour."
All-in-all, over 50 internationally known recording artists bring their unique bone-crushing slant to these remarkable songs. Produced by Grammy award-winning producer/guitarist Bob Kulick and ace engineer Brett Chassen, "Butchering The Beatles" features 12 new, ass-kicking versions of The Beatles' chart-topping hits including "Hey Jude," "I Feel Fine," and "Day Tripper," plus the more esoteric "Hey Bulldog," barked out by the legendary Alice Cooper and "Tomorrow Never Knows," uniquely interpreted by the iconic Billy Idol, alongside classic concept songs like "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "Magical Mystery Tour."

When asked by Guitar Player magazine what possessed him to go all metal on The Beatles, Bob Kulick stated that, "Beatles songs are the Holy Grail. They're the best rock songs ever written. These new recordings are totally faithful, yet completely different. Billy Gibbons singing 'Revolution' or (Motorhead bassist) Lemmy singing 'Back In The USSR' are not exactly Paul McCartney or John Lennon. And of course, the guitar solo sections were lengthened to accommodate all the artists' solo styles."

"Butchering The Beatles" track listing:

1. "Hey Bulldog" - Alice Cooper, vox; Steve Vai, guitars; Duff McKagen (Velvet Revolver / Guns N Roses), bass; Mikkey Dee (Motorhead), drums

2. "Back In The USSR" - Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead), vox/bass; John5 (Marilyn Manson / Rob Zombie), guitars; Eric Singer (Kiss / Alice Cooper), drums

3. "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" - Geoff Tate (Queensryche), vox; Michael Wilton (Queensryche), guitar; Craig Goldy (Dio), guitar; Rudy Sarzo (Dio), bass; Simon Wright (Dio), drums; Scott Warren (Dio), keys

4. "Tomorrow Never Knows" - Billy Idol, vox; Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), guitars; Blasko (Ozzy Osbourne), bass; Brian Tichy (Billy Idol), drums

5. "Magical Mystery Tour" - Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen / Soul Sirkus), vox; Yngwie Malmsteen (Rising Force / Alcatrazz), lead guitar; Bob Kulick, (Meat Loaf / Paul Stanley Band), rhythm guitar; Jeff Pilson (Dokken / Foreigner), bass; Frankie Banali (Wasp / Quiet Riot), drums

6. "Revolution" - Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), vox / guitar; Vivian Campbell (Def Leppard), guitar; Mike Porcaro (Toto), bass; Gregg Bisonnette (David Lee Roth / Ringo Starr Band), drums; Joseph Fazzio (Superjoint Ritual), drums

7. "Day Tripper" - Jack Blades (Night Ranger / Damn Yankees), vox; Tommy Shaw (Styx / Damn Yankees), vox; Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake / Dio), guitars; Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake / Thin Lizzy), bass; Virgil Donati (Steve Vai / Soul Sirkus / Planet X), drums

8. "I Feel Fine" - John Bush (Anthrax), vox; Stephen Carpenter (Deftones), guitar; Mike Inez (Ozzy Osbourne / Alice In Chains), bass; John Tempesta (The Cult / Testament), drums

9. "Taxman" - Doug Pinnick (Kings X), vox; Steve Lukather (Toto), guitar; Tony Levin (John Lennon / Peter Gabriel), bass; Steve Ferrone (Eric Clapton / Tom Petty), drums

10. "I Saw Her Standing There" - John Corabi (Motley Crue), vox; Phil Campbell (Motorhead), guitar; C.C. Deville (Poison), guitar; Chris Chaney (Jane's Addiction), bass; Kenny Aronoff (Smashing Pumpkins / Jon Bon Jovi), drums

11. "Hey Jude" - Tim "Ripper" Owens (Judas Priest / Iced Earth), vox; George Lynch (Dokken / Lynch Mob), guitar; Bob Kulick (Meat Loaf / Paul Stanley Band), rhythm guitar; Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge / Beck / Bogert & Appice), bass; Chris Slade (AC/DC), drums

12. "Drive My Car" - Kip Winger (Winger), vox; Bruce Kulick (Kiss / Grand Funk), guitar; Tony Franklin (The Firm / Whitesnake), bass; Aynsley Dunbar (Whitesnake / Journey), drums

SOURCE: Restless Records

Gnarls Barkley Receives RIAA Platinum Certification; Duo's Debut Honored for Sales Exceeding One Million; "Crazy" Makes History While Scoring Three MTV VMA Nods

"ST. ELSEWHERE," the acclaimed debut album from Downtown/Atlantic recording phenom Gnarls Barkley, has been certified platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding one million units in the U.S. The celebrated album -- which includes the record-setting crossover single, "Crazy" -- has been ranked in the top 10 for the last 9 weeks on the Billboard 200 charts.

"Crazy" recently made history for occupying the most radio airplay charts in a single week, sitting atop eight different radio formats, including Top 40, Triple A, Hot AC, Alternative, AC, Urban, Dance and Rhythmic. Additionally, "Crazy" has been the #1 digital single this summer, with sales now nearing 900,000 and the music video has just received three prestigious nominations for the upcoming "MTV Video Music Awards," including "Best Group Video."

"This is an amazing achievement by two of the most unique and talented artists in music today," says Downtown Records' Chairman/CEO Josh Deutsch. "We are proud to mark this milestone on behalf of Downtown and Atlantic. The record breaking, multi-format success of Gnarls Barkley is a tribute to Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo's uncompromising originality and reminds us that music transcends formats and boundaries."

Gnarls Barkley -- the combination of the groundbreaking artist/producer Danger Mouse and the revered and complex vocalist -- Cee-Lo -- celebrated the RIAA platinum certification of "ST. ELSEWHERE" last week with a live performance on CBS-TV's "Late Show with David Letterman."

SOURCE: Atlantic Records

Culver City, California Implements Pornography and Copyright Filtering Technology on Their Public Wireless Network
Audible Magic's CopySense Appliance to Provide Filtering Solution

-- Culver City, California, the first Los Angeles municipality to offer the public a free all-access wireless Internet system, has now added Audible Magic's CopySense Network Appliance to filter illegal and problematic content from their network. The decision to implement filtering technology was the result of a CopySense network analysis that disclosed the fact that Culver City's open network included some illegal trading of copyrighted music, movies and other video content, including pornographic videos and access to pornographic web sites.

Culver City is home to three motion picture studios and the municipality's move to implement CopySense technology was praised by the Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA). Dan Glickman, president of MPAA, said, "We congratulate Culver City for taking the initiative to implement content filtering on their network. Wireless Internet access can provide the public with tremendous opportunity to make business conducted on computers even more portable. Audible Magic's filtering solution will help safeguard system users from being subject to illegal files."

Known as the "Heart of Screenland," Culver City is also home to nearly 40,000 residents. The innovative offering of a public Wi-Fi system, which covers ten square blocks in the city's newly renovated Town Plaza, was part of a ten-year development project that transformed the old downtown area into a scenic locale of trend-setting restaurants, retail shops and galleries. Businesses, citizens and visitors can now utilize free wireless Internet access, indoors and outdoors, within the coverage area.

John Richo, Director of Information Technology for the city of Culver City, said, "Our campaign initially said 'free and open Wi-Fi access to everybody.' As part of the incentive plan to bring pedestrian traffic to Town Plaza, people were quick to sign up and it was clear this was going to be a popular offering. It was only after we saw an activity report from CopySense Appliance that we realized there were potential problems. The report reflected illegal-download use and some bandwidth was being consumed as a result of accesses to pornographic sites. This activity is clearly not something tax dollars should be paying for. This type of content defeats the purpose of the wireless hotspot. CopySense has allowed our Wi-Fi network to operate smoothly by identifying and blocking certain transmitted files that represent undesirable or unlawful material."

Audible Magic's CopySense technology is a proven and comprehensive solution for the filtering of unauthorized and inappropriate content transferred over the Internet. In the case of Culver City's Wi-Fi system, CopySense is not blocking legitimate P2P/Internet activity. From its existing database, CopySense will specifically match and block only those transmissions that are identified as illegal or pornographic.

Vance Ikezoye, Founder and CEO of Audible Magic, said, "Municipalities across the nation are establishing public wireless networks. They need to understand the challenges they will encounter when deploying these types of networks. They will want to implement measures to ensure their citizens get a positive user experience. Unauthorized or pornographic P2P file sharing applications can crowd out legitimate uses of the Internet and can expose the public and especially minors to unnecessary risk. Our products provide municipalities a simple and effective solution that dramatically reduces the risk of a problem involving their community."

About Audible Magic Corporation:

Audible Magic Corporation provides content management and anti-piracy services to governmental and educational institutions as well as the media and entertainment industries. The company's offerings utilize patented content identification technologies and an extensive reference database of audio and video content. Its digital technology and services are designed to monitor, track, manage, filter, and monetize digital content in all of its forms.

Audible Magic has long-term relationships with the major record labels who have registered their content in the company's database that holds one of the largest collections of copyrighted digital song recording fingerprints in the world. Corporate partners include EMI Recorded Music, Palisade Systems, Sony/BMG Music, Universal Music Group, V2 Music, Warner Music Group, and EMI Recorded Music. Audible Magic's technology is also employed by iMesh and PlayLouder MSP music service. Other major market customers include over 70 educational institutions and the media manufacturing industry. Audible Magic's products include the CopySense P2P Plug-In, CopySense Network Appliance, and RepliCheck.

Audible Magic was cited in the United States Supreme Court Decision Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. v. Grokster Ltd. for its filtering technology. The Company was founded in 1999, with offices in Los Gatos and Berkeley, California.

About the MPAA:

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Its members include: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution; Paramount Pictures; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLLP; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

SOURCE: Audible Magic Corporation

Folgers(R) Introduces Gourmet Selections(TM) - Gourmet-Inspired Coffee Blends for Everyday Enjoyment

The Procter & Gamble Company's (NYSE: PG) Folgers brand today introduced Folgers Gourmet Selections, a distinctive variety of premium coffee blends and flavors meant for everyday enjoyment, marking the brand's first foray into the gourmet coffee segment.

According to the National Coffee Association, the total consumption of gourmet coffee has reached an all-time high, with 63 percent of Americans saying they drank gourmet coffee beverages within the past year(1). However, many consumers save their gourmet coffee for special occasions. With a suggested retail price of $5.99, new Folgers Gourmet Selections is designed to be enjoyed every day. It features only Folgers' most aromatic beans that are specially blended and slowly roasted to provide consumers with premium coffee varieties that have a great depth of taste and aroma.

"As consumers become increasingly sophisticated on the culinary front, they are seeking a broader array of gourmet experiences, including their morning coffee selection," said Doug McGraw, Vice President of Global Coffee for Procter & Gamble. "Folgers Gourmet Selections offers a variety of gourmet-inspired blends and flavors, allowing consumers to enjoy the distinctive taste of gourmet coffee every day."

The Folgers Gourmet Selections line includes a range of eight ground varieties: Morning Cafe, Espresso Roast, Lively Colombian, Lively Colombian Decaf, Vanilla Biscotti, Chocolate Truffle, Hazelnut Crème and Caramel Drizzle. The Lively Colombian, Vanilla Biscotti and Hazelnut Crème varieties are also available in whole bean. Folgers Gourmet Selections will be packaged in premium bags (depending on the specific variety in 10 to 12 oz.), and will be sold at grocery stores and mass merchandisers nationwide in September 2006.

Folgers will support the product launch with a multifaceted marketing effort, including a national advertising campaign, promotional activities, in- store materials, interactive marketing and public relations. The new national television advertising campaign for Folgers Gourmet Selections will debut in September 2006 and is being executed by Saatchi & Saatchi, New York. Coffee drinkers can learn more about Folgers Gourmet Selections at folgers.com.

About Procter & Gamble

Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R), Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Mach3(R), Bounty(R), Dawn(R), Pringles(R), Folgers, Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R), Oral-B(R), Actonel(R), Duracell(R), Olay(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Wella, Gillette(R), and Braun(R). The P&G community consists of almost 140,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

(1) National Coffee Drinking Trends Survey 2006

SOURCE Procter & Gamble

Tide(R) and America's Second Harvest Renew Partnership and Announce Continuation of The Tide CleanStart(TM) Program
- Tide's Free Laundry Service Committed to Offer Clean Clothes To Families Affected by Disasters -

As the country braces for the 2006 hurricane season and the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, Tide(R) announces, in partnership with America's Second Harvest -- The Nation's Food Bank Network (ASH), its continuing commitment to families who are affected by disasters by reinstating the Tide CleanStart(TM) program. Since 1982, Procter & Gamble has partnered with ASH to donate available products to charitable organizations. Tide CleanStart is a free, full-service mobile laundry initiative which first launched in the wake of Hurricane Katrina last year to provide clean clothes to help reestablish a sense of hope for affected families. And to help underscore this ongoing commitment, Tide has also established the CleanStart Fund, a special fund within ASH that helps bring hope to people in times of need.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/tide/25300

Working together with ASH, Tide CleanStart will travel to disaster areas where there is a critical need for basic essentials such as clean clothing, and will provide free laundry service for those in need. Families affected will be able to drop off their laundry to be washed, dried and folded by the Tide CleanStart team, free of charge. The Tide CleanStart mobile laundry facility is capable of operating 24 hours per day and can complete approximately 10,000 loads of laundry over a four week period. This translates to approximately 4500 lbs. of laundry a day, which is equivalent to at least 300 wash and dry cycles -- one year of laundry loads for the average American family.

"We saw firsthand when Tide CleanStart visited New Orleans last year how much clean clothing meant to the families who had been affected and displaced. With Tide's heritage in providing powerful cleaning for fabrics and clothing, we feel this is an area Tide can be of service going forward," says Suzanne Watson, Tide U.S. Brand Manager. "Tide will continue to work to help renew a sense of hope for those people affected by disasters."

As part of the New Orleans rebuilding efforts, Tide launched Tide CleanStart last year, in partnership with America's Second Harvest, to fulfill the essential need of clean clothing for families in the area affected by Hurricane Katrina. The Tide CleanStart mobile laundry facility operated for nearly eight weeks, completing approximately 10,000 loads of laundry, free of charge. Many community members voiced their appreciation for the Tide CleanStart program as it helped restore a sense of comfort and gave them one less worry as they embarked upon the rebuilding process.

Hurricanes remain a major threat to many areas of the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) predicts an active 2006 hurricane season, with 13 to 16 named tropical storms, and four to six of those possibly developing into hurricanes. As seen by Hurricane Katrina, these disasters often carry detrimental effects including the destruction of homes and businesses. For many, the devastation goes even further as they are stripped of basic necessities -- including clean clothing.

"Food and clean clothing are among the most basic essentials people need in times of disaster," says Vicki Escarra, president and CEO for America's Second Harvest. "More than 38 million Americans are living on the brink of an everyday disaster called hunger, and when natural disasters strike these numbers soar. We are always on the frontlines of disaster relief efforts, and Tide CleanStart lends a much needed complementary resource that many of us take for granted on a daily basis."

For more information on Tide CleanStart or if you'd like to see how you can help, please visit http://www.tidecleanstart.com

About Tide (NYSE: PG)

For almost 60 years, Tide has been caring for the clothes of American families and helping to provide the everyday miracle of clean clothing. You may visit http://www.tide.com for helpful product information, practical tips on laundry care, special offers and promotions, updated fabric care articles, and an interactive Stain Detective, which provides official Tide stain removal solutions.

About America's Second Harvest -- The Nation's Food Bank Network

America's Second Harvest -- The Nation's Food Bank Network is the largest charitable domestic hunger-relief organization in the country serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Since 1989, the America's Second Harvest Network has taken an active role in recovery efforts following major disasters and is a member of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). The Network of more than 200 Member food banks and food- rescue organizations provides relief supplies to emergency feeding centers serving disaster victims. In 2005, the America's Second Harvest Network secured more than 80 million pounds of emergency food and grocery supplies and delivered it to affected areas, providing approximately 65 million meals to hurricane victims. For more information on the America's Second Harvest Network's disaster relief efforts, please visit http://www.secondharvest.org.

SOURCE Procter & Gamble

Oral-B Powers Up Brushing Routines With New Line of Affordable Power Toothbrushes
At Under $20, New Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean Reduces Up to 2x More Plaque Than a Regular Manual Toothbrush

P&G (NYSE: PG) today announced the introduction of Oral-B Vitality, a new line of affordable power toothbrushes now available in stores. The introduction of Vitality marks the first time that a line up of effective power toothbrushes will be available for an affordable price of less than $20, including a brush with Sonic technology. The new Oral-B toothbrush can help the more than 80% of Americans who still use a regular manual brush step-up their brushing routine and improve their oral health; Vitality Precision Clean reduces up to 2x more plaque than a regular manual brush.

Oral health remains a widespread health problem across the country. Fifty-four percent of adults have some form of gingivitis and 78 percent have one or more cavities or fillings. Oral health issues impact productivity as well, with employed adults losing more than 164 million hours of work each year due to dental disease or dental visits. Despite these realities, fewer than 2 in 10 Americans take advantage of power toothbrushes to improve their oral health.

"Many consumers aren't aware that an oscillating-rotating rechargeable toothbrush removes more plaque than a manual toothbrush and can help prevent oral health problems," said Dr. Paul Warren, Vice President, Global Professional and Scientific Relations, Oral Care, P&G. "Toothbrushes that rotate and oscillate are more effective than other types of toothbrushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis. New Oral-B Vitality is making the experience and effectiveness of this technology affordable."

Oral-B Vitality is the most recent example of the 'mass luxury' trend in which high quality innovations have become more affordable and attainable for the majority of Americans from computers, digital cameras and cell phones to at-home teeth whitening kits and other personal care items.

"When affordable innovations go mainstream, such as with power toothbrushes, millions of Americans are empowered to have an improved lifestyle," said Marian Salzman, futurist and trend spotter.

In North America, Oral-B Vitality will be offered in three types: Precision Clean, Dual Clean and Sonic:

Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean

* Reduces up to 2x more plaque than a regular manual brush

* Provides a deep, more thorough cleaning with bristles that surround each

tooth to clean the entire tooth surface

* Features Oral-B's signature oscillating-rotating brush head, which moves

at 7,600 times a minute compared to 260 times with manual brushing

Oral-B Vitality Dual Clean

* Designed with a DualAction brush head for twice the cleaning action

* Features Oral-B's signature oscillating-rotating brush head, which moves

at 7,600 times a minute compared to 260 times with manual brushing

Oral-B Vitality Sonic

* Features Oral-B's patented Criss-Cross bristles that vibrate side to

side with nearly 20,000 movements per minute to gently break up and

sweep away plaque, while massaging gums

* Uses advanced sonic technology to effectively remove plaque and stains

ORAL-B VITALITY: AVAILABLE IN AUGUST 2006

New Oral-B Vitality will be available nationwide to consumers at drug, grocery and mass stores beginning in August 2006. It will be offered at a suggested retail price of $19.99. For more information, please log onto www.oralb.com.

ABOUT ORAL-B

The Oral-B brand is a worldwide leader in the $5 billion oral care market. Part of the Procter and Gamble Company, the brand includes manual and power toothbrushes for children and adults, oral irrigators and oral care centers and interdental products, such as dental floss. Oral-B manual toothbrushes are used by more dentists than any other brand in the U.S.

ABOUT PROCTER & GAMBLE (NYSE: PG)

Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers(R), Tide(R), Ariel(R), Always(R), Whisper(R), Pantene(R), Mach3(R). Bounty(R), Dawn(R), Pringles(R), Folgers(R), Charmin(R), Downy(R), Lenor(R), Iams(R), Crest(R), Oral-B(R), Actonel(R), Duracell(R), Olay(R), Head & Shoulders(R), Wella, Gillette(R), and Braun. The P&G community consists of almost 140,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

SOURCE Procter & Gamble

Hollywood Studios International Forms Alliance With Great Road Capital

-- (PINKSHEETS: HYWS) -- Hollywood Studios International CEO Steven Saxton announced today that the Company has added Great Road Capital to the strategic business planning team. Great Road Capital CEO Chuck Bush will work with Saxton to develop the Company's relationships with institutional financing throughout the Gulf Coast Countries.

About Chuck Bush

Chuck Bush is Founder and CEO of Great Road Capital, Inc. (GRC), a Los Angeles-based financial and strategic advisory firm specializing in media, entertainment, and technology companies. Through GRC, Mr. Bush advises clients on strategy, finance, capital raising, corporate structuring, and film distribution. Prior to forming GRC, Mr. Bush was Senior Vice President of Finance and Business Development at Union Patriot Capital, Inc. and Patriot Pictures, LLC, a group of film financing and production companies. At Patriot, he helped raise capital from private investors and closed bank financing and distribution deals for individual films.

Before joining Patriot, Mr. Bush was an Assistant Vice President in JPMorgan's Entertainment Industries Group in Los Angeles. While at JPMorgan, Mr. Bush helped finance some of the most influential companies in the entertainment business including major studios and emerging production companies. Mr. Bush has extensive experience working on a wide array of corporate finance deals, including structured finance, IPO, M&A, and high yield transactions. Mr. Bush began his career as a consultant at Monitor Company, where he worked with Fortune 100 clients to identify strategic partners, launch new products, value potential M&A targets, and execute LBO transactions.

Mr. Bush received an AB in Economics from Harvard University and an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

About Hollywood Studios International

Hollywood Studios International (PINKSHEETS: HYWS) (www.hsifilms.com / www.artistint.com), a publicly traded entertainment holding company, exists to create award-winning entertainment which succeeds both artistically and commercially through the inherent synergies of combining elements of a traditional studio system with the structure of artist management. Current subsidiaries and divisions include Artist International Management, Doc Hollywood Kidz, Doc Hollywood Records, and Bop City Records. The Company recently signed a letter of intent to acquire controlling interest in a feature film production/international distribution company currently with $100 million in annual productions. Due to a non-disclosure agreement, the Company cannot publicly disclose any further information regarding this transaction.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Although Hollywood Studios International believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any assumption could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the objective and plans of the Company will be achieved.

YouTube Unveils New Advertising Concepts
New Concepts Encourage Dialogue Between Community and Marketers
Warner Bros. Records, Weinstein Company, Fox Broadcasting Company Sign-on First to Promote New Album, Movies and TV Show

YouTube, a consumer media company for people to watch and share original videos through a Web experience, today announced new advertising concepts -- Participatory Video Ads (PVA) and Brand Channels -- the first step toward defining a new advertising model for video entertainment on the Internet. These new strategies complement YouTube's current offerings which include banner ads, promotions and sponsorships. With this, the community and marketer can now participate in the advertising experience in a mutually beneficial way.

YouTube's first Brand Channel partner is Warner Bros. Records for Paris Hilton around her debut album, "Paris," released globally today. The Paris Hilton Channel is sponsored by Fox Broadcasting Company's "Prison Break," the second season of which premiered Monday, August 21 (8:00 - 9:00 PM ET/PT). The pop singer has created an original broadcast for the YouTube community taking advantage of the new PVA offering on the YouTube homepage. Weinstein Company, in a campaign created by interactive agency Deep Focus, experienced great success with the first-ever PVA promotion on YouTube for the current feature film "PULSE." Fox Broadcasting Company, working with digital communications agency Organic, Inc., also utilized the new PVA in conjunction with the Paris Hilton sponsorship to promote the Fall Season launch of the hit show "Prison Break."

"Our vision is to build a new advertising platform that both the community and advertisers will embrace. Our announcement today is just the beginning of the many new ad concepts we will be rolling out over the coming year," said Chad Hurley, CEO and Co-Founder of YouTube. "This new medium requires finding a balance between traditional online advertising and new creative approaches that engage consumers in an active way. Advertisers now have a highly targeted opportunity for aligning their brands alongside the entertainment experience people are enjoying on YouTube."

"Paris Hilton and YouTube are both pop culture phenomena. So, it makes sense that Paris is part of this exciting initiative, and be first," said Robin Bechtel, Head of New Media, Warner Bros. Records.

Participatory Video Ads: Encouraging Engagement and Participation

The new Participatory Video Ad is a user-initiated video advertisement with all of the YouTube community features enabled. Consumers can rate, share, comment, embed, and favorite advertising content that they find interesting, informative and entertaining. Rather than interrupt a consumer's experience, we have created a model which encourages engagement and participation.

The YouTube community has been highly receptive of this new advertising experience and has propelled PVA videos to the top of the Most Viewed, Most Discussed and Top Favorite video rankings. Advertisers have the opportunity to participate and moderate discussions around their creative.

Brand Channels: Integrating Brands into the YouTube Community

To help marketers create deeper, more brand-centric video experiences on YouTube, we have created an enhanced environment called a Brand Channel. Brand Channels provide advertisers a place to showcase video content on YouTube with a look and feel that is consistent with their brand imagery. This new concept helps brands connect and engage with their consumers around great video content.

Brand Channels include all standard community functionality helping brands become an organic part of the fabric of YouTube. Key aspects include:

-- Marketers can customize the appearance of their channels through a

self-service tool. Access to the exclusive enhanced design and channel

functionality is free-of charge to advertisers who meet predetermined

spending levels.

-- Included in Brand Channel partnerships are special promotional and

media opportunities crafted to help engage users with the marketer's

channels and video content.

-- YouTube "Subscriptions" provide brands a persistent way to stay

connected with consumers who are engaged with their content. Whenever a

brand adds new videos to their channel, subscribers are notified, helping

the brand build an audience.

-- Brand Channels include an auto-play video on the main channel page.

This video allows marketers to provide users with video content immediately

upon visiting the channel.

-- Contest functionality can be added to Brand Channels to allow

marketers to host contests and encourage users to submit their own user-

generated. content

"Consumers are increasingly programming their own entertainment and content experiences," added Hurley. "We believe it is important to embrace this change and have developed new advertising strategies that will help marketers more effectively connect with consumers."

For inquiries regarding the new Brand Channels and Participatory Video Ads, please email advertising@youtube.com or visit us at http://www.youtube.com/advertise.

About YouTube

Founded in February 2005, YouTube is a consumer media company for people to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience. YouTube allows people to easily upload and share video clips on www.YouTube.com and across the Internet through websites, blogs, and e-mail. The company currently delivers more than 100 million video views every day with 65,000 new videos uploaded daily. With investment support from Sequoia Capital, YouTube has quickly become the leading destination on the Internet for video entertainment.

Repeat - New Line Cinema's "Snakes on a Plane" Is #1 Film in America With $15.2 Million Opening Weekend Gross

"The Best Time You Will Have at the Movies All Summer, If Not All Year" -- Associated Press

New Line Cinema's "Snakes on a Plane" was the top grossing film in the country this past weekend, with a $15.2 million gross in its debut.

"This is a strong opening for 'Snakes on a Plane' and consistent with our tracking estimates. The film is a fun, communal experience that satisfies both genre fans and mainstream moviegoers," says Rolf Mittweg, New Line's President and COO of Worldwide Distribution and Marketing. "With a modest $30 million budget, 'Snakes' will be profitable. We have strong exit polls and positive word of mouth, so we anticipate that the film will have legs."

The film, which was released in 3,555 theaters, attracted a broad audience that was balanced evenly across genders (51% male, 49% female) and ages (53% over 25 years old). Exit polls indicated that moviegoers enjoyed the film, scoring it well above norms in both ratings and recommendations with 67% of those polled grading the film as "better than expected."

The film has also received strong critical reviews including:

-- "This is an event. And it's the best time you'll have at the movies all summer, if not all year." - Christy Lemire, Associated Press

-- "See it in a theater, the more crowded the better...with a pumped-up audience, it's a party." - Ty Burr, Boston Globe

-- "So extreme it's good, so shrewd it's good, so funny it's good, so good it's good." - Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

"Snakes on a Plane" stars Samuel L. Jackson as an FBI agent assigned to escort a government witness on a flight to Los Angeles. But when a crimelord sets loose hundreds of deadly snakes during the flight, the agent must band together with the pilot, crew and passengers in a desperate attempt to survive and protect his witness. In addition to Jackson, "Snakes on a Plane" features an ensemble cast that includes Julianna Margulies ("ER," "The Sopranos"), Kenan Thompson ("Saturday Night Live") and David Koechner ("Anchorman," "The Office"). "Snakes on a Plane" is directed by David Ellis ("Final Destination 2," "Cellular").

About New Line Cinema Corporation:

Founded almost 40 years ago, New Line Cinema is the most successful independent film company in the world. Its mission is to produce innovative, popular and profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. In addition to the production, marketing and distribution of theatrical motion pictures, the fully-integrated studio has divisions devoted to home entertainment, television, music, theater, merchandising and an international unit. In 2005, New Line partnered with HBO to form Picturehouse, a new theatrical distribution company to release independent films. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line's Oscar-winning "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy is one of the most successful film franchises in history. New Line is a division of Time Warner, Inc. (TWX).

Sony's PSP, Nintendo DS, Gameboy, iPod and Portable Media Players Inspire Fashionable Sling Lifestyle Bags by Everki
New Duel, Combat, and Force Combine Style, Portability, Ruggedness, and Ingenuity to Take Gaming, Movies and Audio Wherever, Whenever

Everki, makers of mobile lifestyle products designed to carry and protect the digital equipment we use everyday, today announced its new line of mobile gaming and multimedia digital lifestyle sling bags.

As PSPs, Nintendo DS', iPods and portable media players (PMPs) permeate our digital lifestyle, legions of users are searching for dedicated, mobile, stylish, and compact bags to easily, and efficiently, take everything on the road. The new Everki sling Duel, Combat, and Force feature durable Nylon shells, sling strap, small, innovative designs.

The Duel is a small, unique satchel that can carry small multimedia and mobile gaming devices. It features a cushioned nest, inner compartment accessory space, mobile phone cache, plus a media player pocket. MSRP is $24.99 and it's available at Fry's Electronics as well as through distributors worldwide.

When gamers are playing more than breathing or music enthusiasts listen to their earphones more than the outside world, the Force carries everything they need to get their game on and their music/video on while on the road. The Force features a cushioned inner PSP and media player compartment, rear sunglass case, key slot, power adapter compartment with plenty of media storage space, plus a zippered front change pocket and easy access stash slot. MSRP is $29.99.

The Combat carries everything gamers and multimedia enthusiasts need to take their gizmos anywhere, quickly. The smallest of the lineup, Combat features a smooth and contoured design with a nest, inner media storage slot, mobile phone cache, and a media player section -- ready for access anytime, anywhere. MSRP is $19.99.

About Everki

Everki, www.everki.com, manufactures movement-focused lifestyle products designed to carry and protect the digital equipment we use everyday. Everki bags combine comfort, convenience, durability and style. The stylish and innovative bags offer smooth zipper lines, stash pockets, top load design cuts and quick snap buckles, which provide easy access to files and accessories. They are constructed with tough, reliable materials, robust padding inside walls, computer nests, and sturdy zippers with smooth lines, classic colors, and unique features to blend distinctive function with impeccable looks.

Jerry Douglas Receives 6 Nominations for the International Bluegrass Music Awards (IBMA)

-- KOCH Records recording artist Jerry Douglas has received 6 nominations for the 2006 IBMA Awards in the categories of Instrumental Album (2 separate nominations), Recorded Event, and Instrumental Performer (Dobro). Jerry also received nominations in the Vocal Group and Instrumental Group categories as a member of Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas. The 2006 IBMA Awards will be held on September 28 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN and will be hosted by Marty Stuart.

In addition to his nominations, Jerry will give the Keynote Address at the IBMA World of Bluegrass Conference in Nashville, TN on September 25, 2006.

The recipients of the 2006 International Bluegrass Music Awards will be broadcast live on XM Satellite Radio and around the world to more than 300 U.S. markets and 14 foreign networks, thanks to the sponsorship of Martha White, MerleFest, Great American Country, GHS Strings and Deering Banjos. The awards are voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), which serves as the trade association for the bluegrass music industry. The Award Show is the centerpiece of IBMA's week-long Business Conference and Bluegrass Fan Fest, slated for September 25 - October 1, in Nashville, TN. . Tickets are available at the Grand Ole Opry House and all Ticketmaster outlets.

Douglas' latest release, "The Best Kept Secret," is receiving rave reviews. Douglas also just completed a successful tour opening for Paul Simon.

About KOCH Records

KOCH Records is a division of KOCH Entertainment, the fastest-growing music company and the market leader among independents in North America. The KOCH Entertainment corporate umbrella encompasses the KOCH Records label, KOCH Vision home video, KOCH Music Publishing and KOCH Entertainment Distribution with operations in both the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Records proudly claims the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents for each of the last five years (2001-2005). For additional info on the KOCH Records label and its roster of artists, please visit

SOURCE: KOCH Records

Used Car Dealers Suffer from Web Offerings

According to the just published World Association of Newspaper's third annual Digital Classified Survey, newspapers in developed countries increased overall revenues by 4.2 percent in 2005 from a year earlier. Revenues from print classified advertising increased by more than 5 percent during the period, a major improvement compared to the decline of 12 percent reported the previous year, when overall revenues grew by more than 4 percent.

"The overall figures mask a major contrast between the growth in recruitment and property advertising on the one hand, and the collapsing categories of automotive, travel and private party advertising on the other," says the report. Market share of automotive classified advertising, however, was down 12 percent from the previous year, by far the biggest loss across all categories.

The Survey report notes that automotive advertising has been hard hit because auto dealers are finding themselves "disintermediated" -- classified sites and direct sales channels are cutting out the need for dealers from the sale of used cars. This poses a dilemma for newspapers: if they embrace the change and offer platforms like direct sales, they are likely to alienate their most important advertisers.

The Digital Trends Survey also found:

The internet accounted for 7.6 percent of recruitment revenues at newspapers that participated in the study, up from 2.7 percent in 2004 and 1.5 percent in 2003.

White collar jobs tend to be the first recruitment category to migrate to the internet and is the category were newspapers have lost the most in the last few years: 21 percent of their market share has moved online.

Newspapers have managed to hold on to about one quarter of the revenues lost from print in their own online operations. Another quarter of the revenues have migrated to "pure play" internet companies, while the remaining revenues have been cost savings to advertisers due to lower rates and fiercer competition online than in print. A further problem for newspapers is their inability to charge anything close to print rates for ads placed online.

For regional newspapers, property advertising has emerged as the least vulnerable category because this is the most "local" area of advertising.

"The central message of this year's study of classified migration is that complacency is still the largest enemy of the newspaper industry," says the report. "While many newspapers have a dominant market position online, the majority still do not have a realistic strategy to face the inevitable migration process: they have so far failed to adjust their business models and mindset to the new market place."

More information about the SFN project, and the World Association of Newspapers, can be found here.

Posted by ladymountbatten at 10:45 AM | Permalink

August 21, 2006

Stargate SG-1 Canceled

STARGATE SG-1 CANCELED
21, 2006

The SciFi channel confirmed today that it has canceled Stargate SG-1. In a statement that came just as the milestone 200th episode of the series aired, SciFi announced, "SCI FI Channel is proud to be the network that brought Stargate SG-1 to its record-breaking 10th season. Ten seasons and 215 episodes is an astounding, Guinness World Record-setting accomplishment. Stargate is a worldwide phenomenon. Having achieved so much over the course of the past 10 years, SCI FI believes that the time is right to make this season their last on the channel. SCI FI is honored to have been part of the Stargate legacy for five years, and we look forward to continuing to explore the Stargate universe with our partners at MGM through a new season of Stargate Atlantis." Stargate SG-1 has now become the longest running science fiction television series produced in North America, but its ratings have slipped significantly in this, its tenth season. The future of the franchise is as yet unclear, but new details may be available within the week. Stargate Atlantis will continue for a fourth season, and there has been talk about the possible development of additional spin-offs, television or DVD movies, or of bringing Stargate SG-1 to the big screen as a feature film, a project that has been in the works and put on hold for at least five years as the series continued to be renewed. For the moment, the cancellation decision is not expected to affect the broadcast schedule of season 10, which is currently in production and which is expected to air through September before breaking for a hiatus and resuming in March.

Directed by
Peter DeLuise
Andy Mikita
William Waring
Martin Wood

Writing credits
Dean Devlin		(original screenplay) uncredited &
Roland Emmerich		(original screenplay) uncredited
Brad Wright		(developer) &
Jonathan Glassner		(developer)
Heather E. Ash		staff writer (1999-2001)
Martin Gero		staff writer (2005)
Damian Kindler		staff writer (2002-)
Jeff King		staff writer (1997-1998)
Joseph Mallozzi		staff writer (2000-)
Alan McCullough		staff writer (2005-)
Paul Mullie		staff writer (2000-)


Richard Dean Anderson	....	Colonel/Brigadier General/Major General Jack O'Neill (1997-2005)
Michael Shanks	....	Dr. Daniel Jackson (1997-2002, 2003-)
Ben Browder	....	Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell (2005-)
Amanda Tapping	....	Captain/Major/Lt. Col. Samantha Carter
Christopher Judge	....	Teal'c
Beau Bridges	....	Major General Hank Landry (2005-)
Claudia Black	....	Vala Mal Doran
Don S. Davis	....	Major General/Lieutenant General George Hammond (1997-2004)
Corin Nemec	....	Jonas Quinn (2002-2003)

Produced by
Richard Dean Anderson	....	executive producer
Robert C. Cooper	....	co-producer
Peter DeLuise	....	co-producer
Peter DeLuise	....	producer (2003-2004)
Peter DeLuise	....	supervising producer (2004-2005)
Ron French	....	producer
Martin Gero	....	co-producer (2006)
Michael Greenburg	....	co-executive producer
Michael Greenburg	....	executive producer (2003-)
Damian Kindler	....	co-executive producer (2005)
Damian Kindler	....	supervising producer (2003-2005)
Jeff King	....	supervising producer (1997-1998)
John G. Lenic	....	producer
N. John Smith	....	producer
Martin Wood	....	co-producer (2003-)
Brad Wright	....	consulting producer (2003-2004)
Brad Wright	....	executive producer (1997-2003, 2004-)

Original Music by
Neal Acree
David Arnold		(original "Stargate" themes)
Richard Band
Peter Bernstein
Joel Goldsmith
Ken Harrison
Kevin Kiner
Dennis McCarthy
Tim Truman

Cinematography by
Peter F. Woeste		(as Peter Woeste)
James Alfred Menard		(uncredited)

Film Editing by
Richard Benwick		(as Rick Benwick)
Daria Ellerman
Eric Hill
James Ilecic
Allan Lee		(pilot and seasons 1, 3, 4 and 5)
Stein Myhrstad
Brad Rines		(36 episodes seasons 1 and 3-7 1997-2003)
Charles Robichaud
Kevin Willis		(2000-2001)

Casting by
Stuart Aikins		(2006)
Sean Cossey
Carol Kelsay
Robin Nassif
Mary Jo Slater
Paul Weber

Art Direction by
Peter Bodnarus		(seasons 7-9)
Brentan Harron
Bridget McGuire		(as Bridgit McGuire)
James Robbins
Ricardo Spinacé
Barbara Wilson

Set Decoration by
Mark Davidson
Robert Davidson

Costume Design by
Christina McQuarrie

Makeup Department
Adam Behr	....	special makeup effects artist
Ken Culver	....	prosthetic technician
Mike Fields	....	special makeup effects artist (multiple episodes)
Rachel Griffin	....	assistant makeup artist
Rachel Griffin	....	special makeup effects artist
Lee Joyner	....	makeup effects crew
Shauna Magrath	....	assistant makeup (multiple episodes)
Julie McHaffie	....	hair stylist
Jan Newman	....	key makeup artist
Jan Newman	....	makeup artist
Ryan Nicholson	....	prosthetic effects designer (season 3)
Patrick O'Brien	....	hair stylist
Christopher Mark Pinhey	....	assistant makeup artist
Geoff Redknap	....	special makeup effects artist (multiple episodes)
Sean Sansom	....	special makeup effects artist
Christ Stanley	....	assistant alien production: airbrushing

Production Management
Ron French	....	production manager (season 1)
John G. Lenic	....	unit production manager
Michael S. McLean	....	post-production supervisor
Andy Mikita	....	production manager
N. John Smith	....	production manager

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Paul Birkett	....	second unit director
Matthew Blecha	....	second assistant director (as Matthew J. Blecha)
Trevor Brokop	....	third assistant director
Peter Dashkewytch	....	first assistant director
Janice Genn	....	second assistant director (2001, 2002, 2003)
Janice Genn	....	third assistant director (2000, 2001)
Kathy Houghton	....	second assistant director
Allan Lee	....	second unit director
Gordon MacDonald	....	first assistant director (seasons 9-10)
Andy Mikita	....	second unit director
Douglas Mitchell	....	additional second assistant director
Bill Mizel	....	first assistant director
Ted Rae	....	second unit director (two episodes)
Greg Rousseaux	....	third assistant director
Gisela Schulte	....	third assistant director
James Tichenor	....	second unit director

Art Department
Douglas W. Beard	....	model maker
Dallas Bittner	....	model maker
Peter Bodnarus	....	set designer (season 6)
Lubor Cencak	....	scenic artist
Steve Craine	....	paint coordinator
Richard Cummins	....	props
Tim Dagley	....	on-set dresser
Dean Goodine	....	property master
Salmon Harris	....	storyboard artist
G. Andrew Hussey	....	set dresser
John B. Keys	....	scenic artist
Barry Kootchin	....	head scenic artist
Malcolm MacLean	....	head painter
Colin Matthews	....	assistant property master
Tiara Motem	....	property buyer
Ken Rabhel	....	illustrator
Jim Ramsay	....	assistant art director (season 6)
Francisco Rosa	....	painter
Rodrigo Segovia	....	set designer
Dan Sissons	....	property master
Ross Walshe	....	scenic carpenter
Terry Weaver	....	props
Ken Wells	....	chief painter
Thom Wells	....	construction coordinator
David Paul Hewitt White	....	on-set dresser
Kerry Gammill	....	conceptual artist (uncredited)

Sound Department
Kevin Belen	....	sound re-recording mixer
Adam Boyd	....	sound effects editor
Tim Boyle	....	score mixer
Kris Casavant	....	sound editor
Kelly Cole	....	sound re-recording mixer
David M. Cyr	....	sound mixer (as David Cyr)
Lisa Doyle	....	sound editor
Chris Duesterdiek	....	sound mixer: second unit
Kris Fenske	....	sound effects editor
Wayne Finucan	....	sound mixer
James Fonnyadt	....	sound superviser
Kelly Frey	....	sound editor
Adam Gejdos	....	sound effects editor
James Genn	....	sound editor
Dean Giammarco	....	sound re-recording mixer
Talvinder Gill	....	assistant sound editor
Chris Glyn-Jones	....	alternate boom operator (1999-2000)
Jeff Hamon	....	adr mixer
Dave Hibbert	....	sound re-recording mixer
Gord Hillier	....	sound re-recording mixer
Brad Hillman	....	sound re-recording mixer
Graeme Hughes	....	sound re-recording mixer
Philip Hunter	....	dialogue editor
Kirby Jinnah	....	adr & dialogue editor
Kevin Konarzewski	....	adr mixer
Jim Lacamel	....	boom operator
Bill Mellow	....	sound re-recording mixer
Michael Miller	....	adr mixer
Rory O'Neill	....	boom operator: second unit
Rory O'Neill	....	sound assistant: day call
Sina Oroomchi	....	sound re-recording mixer
Iain Pattison	....	sound re-recording mixer
Marc S. Perlman	....	music editor
Shawn Pierce	....	music editor
Jean Raymond	....	foley mixer
Adam Sharpe	....	sound re-recording mixer
Paul A. Sharpe	....	sound re-recording mixer (as Paul Sharpe)
Steve Smith	....	sound supervisor
James Wallace	....	sound effects editor
Kris Casavant	....	assistant sound editor (uncredited)
Dario DiSanto	....	sound editor (uncredited)
Megan Goudsward	....	assistant dialogue editor (uncredited)

Special Effects by
Claude Bouchard	....	special effects rigger
Pierre-Paul Charbonneau	....	special effects coordinator (as Pierre Paul Charbonneau)
Wray J. Douglas	....	effects coordinator (as Wray Douglas)
Steve Fink	....	technician: Steve Johnson's XFX
Matthew Jorgensen	....	special effects makeup artist: Todd Masters FX
Michael O'Brien	....	mold department: Masters FX Inc. (2003)
Ted Rae	....	miniature photography (2 episodes)
Don Rutherford	....	special effects painter

Visual Effects by
Simon Ager	....	digital compositing artist
Philip Edward Alexy	....	3D lead digital artist: GVFX
Tom Archer	....	digital compositing artist
Dave Axford	....	model shop supervisor
Stephen Bahr	....	visual effects coordinator
Louise Barkholt	....	visual effects producer: GVFX (season 6)
Greg Behrens	....	visual effects coordinator
Mark Benard	....	digital effects artist
Barb Benoit	....	digital compositing artist
Nadine Blackler	....	digital compositor
Rod Bland	....	3D animator
Neill Blomkamp	....	3D animator
Kathryn Bolt	....	digital compositing artist (seasons 3-6)
Landon Bootsma	....	digital effects artist
Nicholas Boughen	....	3D animator
Mark Breakspear	....	digital compositing artist
Tom Brydon	....	3D animator
Doug Campbell	....	lead digital compositing artist
Trevor Cawood	....	3D animator
Eric Chauvin	....	digital matte painter (multiple episodes) (1997)
Billy D. Choi	....	visual effects supervisor (1999)
Ashley Clark	....	digital effects coordinator
Dug Claxton	....	digital compositing artist
Michelle Comens	....	visual effects coordinator
Michelle Comens	....	visual effects producer
Michelle Comens	....	visual effects supervisor
Tara Conley	....	digital effects coordinator
Richard J. Cook	....	digital effects producer: VisonArt
John D.B. Cox	....	motion control operator
Jayne Craig	....	visual effects coordinator
Ryan Cronin	....	3D animator
Kristin Dearholt	....	rotoscope artist
Adam de Bosch Kemper	....	lead visual effects animator
Theo Diamantis	....	visual effects
Jean-Luc Dinsdale	....	visual effects coordinator
Jean-Luc Dinsdale	....	visual effects supervisor
Chris Doll	....	digital compositing artist
Keegan Douglas	....	digital effects artist
Debora Dunphy	....	digital compositing artist (seasons 2-5)
Leif Einarsson	....	computer graphics lead animator: Digital Magic
Joe Farrell	....	digital compositing artist (2000)
Ted Fay	....	director of technology: VisionArt
Haskell Friedman	....	technical director (1998-1999)
Haskell Friedman	....	visual effects digital artist (1998-1999)
Paul Furminger	....	visual effects editor
John Gajdecki	....	visual effects supervisor
Kevin Genzel	....	digital compositor
Shannon Gurney	....	visual effects coordinator
Robert Habros	....	visual effects executive
Robin Hackl	....	digital compositing artist
Martin Halle	....	digital effects artist
James Halverson	....	lead matte artist
Hamish Hamilton	....	digital artist: rotoscope artist
Hamish Hamilton	....	visual effects assistant
Greg Hansen	....	lead CGI animator
Brian Harder	....	lead CGI animator
Ivan Hayden	....	visual effects assistant
James G. Hebb	....	3D animator
Gudrun Heinze	....	digital compositing artist
Allan Henderson	....	3D artist
Sonia Henkel	....	visual effects assistant
Sonia Henkel	....	visual effects coordinator
Shawn Hillier	....	digital compositing artist
Jeremy Hoey	....	digital matte painter
Sylvain Huard	....	3D animator
Aruna Inversin	....	digital compositing artist
Ryan Jensen	....	digital artist
Jody Jessop	....	visual effects assistant coordinator
Patrick Kalyn	....	lead CGI animator
Andrew Karr	....	digital artist
Jeremy Kehler	....	digital compositor
John Kennedy	....	digital artist
Brett Keyes	....	digital artist
Jaye Krebs	....	digital compositor
Mathew Krentz	....	digital compositing artist
Simon Lacey	....	visual effects coordinator: season 2
Simon Lacey	....	visual effects supervisor (episode (episode "Holiday") (episode (episode "Touchstone")
James Lau	....	digital artist
Tony Lawrence	....	digital effects artist
Rosano Lepri	....	digital compositing artist
May Leung	....	3D animator
Todd Liddiard	....	digital compositing artist
Colin Liggett	....	digital compositing artist
Kimberley Liptrap	....	3D animator
Kevin Little	....	CGI supervisor
Tannis Mathers	....	digital effects artist: Rainmaker
Kent Matheson	....	matte painter (1998-2000)
Dan Mayer	....	3D animator
Alec McClymont	....	3D artist: GVFX / Atmosphere VFX
Jennifer McEachern	....	visual effects assistant
Krista McLean	....	lead cgi artist
Vinay Mehta	....	digital artist
Brian Moylan	....	digital compositing artist
Brian Moylan	....	matte painter
Marianne O'Reilly	....	visual effects producer: Rainmaker (2000-2003)
Scott Paquin	....	key animator
Stephen Pepper	....	digital compositing artist
Eric Petey	....	digital artist: Lost Boys Studios
Christine Petrov	....	digital compositing artist
Lee Pierce	....	digital compositing artist
Carmen Pollard	....	digital compositing artist
Gary Poole	....	digital compositing artist
Ted Rae	....	visual effects supervisor (2 episodes)
Michael Ranalletta	....	digital compositing artist
Madhava Reddy	....	rotoscope artist
Mark T. Reid	....	digital compositor
James Rorick	....	visual effects coordinator
Marc Roth	....	3D animator
Wes Sargent	....	lead 3D animator
Mark Savela	....	visual effects producer
Judy D. Shane	....	digital compositing artist (as Judy Shane)
Betty Shaw	....	systems administrator: GVFX (1998-2001)
Rik Shorten	....	visual effects coordinator: GVFX
Elaine Sipos	....	digital compositing artist
Jessica Sjoblom	....	rotoscope artist
Joel Skeete	....	senior digital compositing artist
Jason Snea	....	compositor (season 1)
Christopher Stewart	....	3D animator
Naomi Stopa	....	visual effects coordinator
Trevor Strand	....	digital compositing artist
Matthew Talbot-Kelly	....	digital compositing artist
Matthew Talbot-Kelly	....	digital matte painter
James Tichenor	....	visual effects producer
James Tichenor	....	visual effects supervisor
Linda Tremblay	....	digital compositing artist
Bruce Turner	....	visual effects supervisor
Simon van de Lagemaat	....	3D animator
Craig Van Den Biggelaar	....	3D animator
Craig Van Den Biggelaar	....	digital effects supervisor
Adrian Van Der Park	....	3D animator
Chris Van Dyck	....	digital compositing artist
Cory Virs	....	digital compositing artist
Anand Vishal	....	visual effects
Shawn Walsh	....	digital effects supervisor: Image Engine Design Inc.
Steven Wendland	....	visual effects coordinator
Wendy Whaley	....	digital compositing artist
Bruce Woloshyn	....	digital effects supervisor
Bruce Woloshyn	....	senior digital compositing artist
Kyle Yoneda	....	lead cgi artist
Arnold Yuki	....	rotoscope artist
Charlene Eberle	....	visual effects assistant (uncredited)
Daniel Osaki	....	visual effects (uncredited)
Paolo G. Venturi	....	digital artist: Gekko/double secret productions animated logos (uncredited)

Stunts
Fraser Aitcheson	....	stunt performer
Ed Anders	....	stunts
Scott J. Ateah	....	stunt coordinator (as Scott Ateah)
James Bamford	....	assistant stunt coordinator
James Bamford	....	fight choreographer
James Bamford	....	stunt double
Chad Bellamy	....	stunts
Simon Burnett	....	stunts
Kirk Caouette	....	stunt double
Kirk Caouette	....	utility stunts
Clint Carleton	....	stunt double: Michael Shanks
Mike Carpenter	....	utility stunts
Kimberly Chiang	....	stunt double
Janina Dall	....	stunt double
Mike Desabrais	....	stunts
Mike Dopud	....	stunts
Joe Doserro	....	stunts
Bill Edwards	....	stunts
Gaston Howard	....	stunts
Trevor Jones	....	stunt double: Dion Johnstone
Jon Kralt	....	stunts
Dave Lane	....	stunt rigger
John MacDonald	....	stunt double: Jaffa
John MacDonald	....	stunt performer
Kit Mallet	....	stunts
Leslie McMichael	....	stunt double
Steven McMichael	....	utility stunts
Phillip Mitchell	....	stunts
Rick Moore	....	stunt double
Kirby Morrow	....	stunt double: T'arac
Jovan Nenadic	....	stunt double
Scott Nicholson	....	stunts (various seasons)
Shawn C. Orr	....	stunts
Darryl Quon	....	stunts
Dan Rizzuto	....	stunt double
Jeffrey C. Robinson	....	utility stunts
John Sampson	....	stunt double (episode #22F)
John Sampson	....	stunt rebel jaffa (episode # 809)
Christopher Sayor	....	stunts
Dan Shea	....	stunt coordinator
Dan Shea	....	stunt double: Richard Dean Anderson
Sharon Simms	....	stunt double
Lori Stewart	....	stunt double
Sylvesta Stuart	....	stunt performer (multiple episodes)
Clay Virtue	....	stunts
Marshall Virtue	....	stunts
Rob Wilton	....	stunts

Other crew
Krista Abraham	....	intern (2002-2003)
Amanda Alexander	....	script supervisor
Cath-Anne Ambrose	....	production associate (2001-2003)
Cath-Anne Ambrose	....	script coordinator (1998-2001)
Gillian Andrew	....	first assistant accountant
Carole Appleby	....	promotions coordinator
Kandis Armstrong	....	assistant to producer
Gregory Astop	....	assistant location manager (2004)
Tim Atkins	....	chief lighting technician
Geoff Baker	....	grip (1997)
Adam Behr	....	lead puppeteer
Adam Behr	....	puppeteer: "Asgard"
Heenan Blaikie	....	legal consultant
Ron Blecker	....	technical advisor
Andrea Boorman	....	assistant production coordinator
John Carron	....	playback operator
Morris Chapdelaine	....	puppeteer
Chris J. Clayton	....	driver
Kieran Cuddihy	....	production assistant
H. Michael Dale	....	fabricator
Peter DeLuise	....	creative consultant
Chris Derochie	....	texture artist (one episode)
Kim Douglas	....	media coordinator (seasons 1-2)
Kim Douglas	....	unit publicist (seasons 3-5)
Michael Eliot	....	post-production consultant (as R. Michael Eliot)
Candice Field	....	script supervisor
Nicole Forest	....	production accountant
Martin Gero	....	creative consultant (season 9)
Darren Giblin	....	office production assistant
Darren Giblin	....	production assistant
Ryan Gillard	....	first assistant camera (1999-2001)
Marion Gonneville	....	production coordinator
David Gray	....	still photographer
Aaron Haesler	....	camera trainee (season 9)
Oliver Hajdu	....	rigging best boy
Denise Henry	....	first assistant editor
Carol Horn	....	legal counsel
Mark Hornish	....	editor: main titles
Vladimir Horunzhy	....	composer: additional music
Ivy Isenberg	....	casting associate (seasons 6 and 7)
Victoria James	....	production associate
Jacquie Janzen	....	stand-in (3 seasons)
Lee Jenkinson	....	accounting clerk (pilot episode)
Bonnie Judd	....	animal trainer
Ryan Judd	....	animal trainer
Patrick Kalyn	....	animator
Richard S. Kaufman	....	music supervisor
Carol Kelsay	....	casting: Canada
Dawn Knight	....	post-production coordinator
Nick Kuchera	....	key grip
David Kurvers	....	computer playback operator
David Kurvers	....	production assistant
Jamie Lake	....	assistant location manager (1997-2003)
Jamie Lake	....	location manager (2004)
David Langtry	....	computer playback operator
John G. Lenic	....	assistant to co-executive producer
Anthony A. Lewis	....	production assistant
Nathan Lomax	....	production assistant
Mark Lunn	....	assistant camera (season 9)
Lukasz Madziag	....	production assistant
Pancho Mansfield	....	network executive
Todd Masters	....	puppeteer: "Asgard"
Dennis McCarthy	....	conductor
Jenny McDonnell	....	gekko assistant
Kerry McDowall	....	assistant post-production coordinator (season 7)
Kerry McDowall	....	post-production coordinator (season 8)
Anne Marie McGinn	....	assistant post-production coordinator (2 seasons)
Chris McMullin	....	camera operator
W. James Meagher	....	camera trainee
W. James Meagher	....	daily second assistant camera
Peter Munro	....	location scout (season 7)
Keith Murphy	....	camera operator: "a" camera
Keith Murphy	....	steadicam operator
Chris Neel	....	soundtrack album producer
Bill Nikolai	....	stand-in
Doug Oke	....	assistant editor
Christina Ollson	....	production assistant (seasons 8-9)
Raffi Paloulian	....	script researcher
Diane Panozzo	....	post-production coordinator
Elva Parsons	....	payroll accountant
Michelle Parzentny	....	production coordinator
Brett Peterson	....	rigging grip
Katharyn Powers	....	executive story consultant
Brigitte Prochaska	....	unit publicist
Brad Proctor	....	puppeteer: "Asgard"
Holly Amber Proulx	....	post-production assistant coordinator
Holly Amber Proulx	....	production assistant
George Ramage	....	rigging best boy
Geoff Redknap	....	puppeteer: "Asgard"
Dave Rees	....	assistant editor
Andrew Simpson	....	animal trainer
Louisa Skinner	....	post-production coordinator
Mary Jo Slater	....	casting: USA
Lynn Smith	....	general manager
Ryan Steacy	....	armorer
Emily Thierry-Gray	....	production assistant
Noeleen Tobin	....	researcher
Chris Turner	....	stand-in
Jeff Upton	....	gaffer
Ian 'Moss' Urquhart	....	transportation coordinator
Tor Alexander Valenza	....	story editor (1998-2001)
Heather Vedan	....	assistant location manager (2004)
Bill Vigars	....	publicist (2003)
Joe Waistell	....	first assistant camera: second unit
Scott Walden	....	location manager
William Waring	....	camera operator
Paul Weber	....	casting: USA
Sheila White	....	costumer: special effects costumes
Lisa Wilder	....	script supervisor
Annie Wilkinson	....	set tutor
Kevin Willis	....	assistant editor (1997-2000)
Andrew D. Wilson	....	camera operator (as Andy Wilson)
Tommy Wilson	....	assistant location manager
Martin Wood	....	creative consultant (2002)
Darek Wyszynski	....	first assistant camera (multiple episodes)
Neil Atkins	....	title designer (uncredited)
Gerard Bechard	....	production assistant (uncredited)
Tom Giannazzo	....	military advisor (uncredited) (Seasons 3-7)
Kye Meechan	....	second assistant editor (uncredited)
George Sartiano	....	specialty costumes (uncredited)

Posted by ladymountbatten at 05:54 PM | Permalink

August 20, 2006

PRIMETIME EMMY WINERS

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS) tonight (Saturday, August 19, 2006) awarded the 2005-2006 Creative Arts Primetime Emmys for programs and individual achievements at the 58th Annual Emmy Awards presentation at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Included among the presentations were Emmy Awards for the following previously announced categories: Outstanding Achievement in Animation, Outstanding Voice-Over Performance, Outstanding Costumes for a Variety or Music Program, Outstanding Interactive Television Programming, Outstanding Achievement in Engineering Development. Additionally, the Governors Award was presented to mtvU for its Sudan Campaign. ATAS Chairman & CEO Dick Askin participated in the awards ceremony assisted by a lineup of major television stars as presenters.

The awards, as tabulated by the independent accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP, were distributed as follows:

Programs Individuals Total

HBO 2 15 17

ABC 1 9 10

NBC 1 7 8

CBS -7 7

FOX 1 6 7

PBS 2 5 7

CARTOON NETWORK -4 4

THE HISTORY CHANNEL 2 1 3

DISNEY 1 1 2

TNT -2 2

A&E -1 1

DISCOVERY CHANNEL 1 -1

FX -1 1

NICKELODEON -1 1

SCI FI CHANNEL -1 1

SHOWTIME -1 1

TCM -1 1

WB -1 1

- 1 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

Emmys in 27 other categories will be presented at the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards telecast on Sunday, August 27, 2006, 8:00 p.m. - conclusion, ET/PT over the NBC Television Network at the Shrine Auditorium.

A complete list of all awards presented tonight is attached. The final page of the attached list includes a recap of all programs with multiple awards.

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING CASTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES

LINDA LOWY ABC

JOHN BRACE

Grey’s Anatomy

OUTSTANDING CASTING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A SPECIAL

DOREEN JONES, Casting Director HBO

Elizabeth I

OUTSTANDING CASTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES

DAVA WAITE PEASLEE, C.S.A., Casting Director NBC

My Name Is Earl

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

CHRISTIAN CLEMENSON as Jerry “Hands” Espenson ABC

Boston Legal

OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION FOR A VARIETY, MUSIC PROGRAM, OR

SPECIAL (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one or, if none has a majority approval,

no award.)

ROY CHRISTOPHER, Production Designer ABC

GREG RICHMAN, Art Director

78th Annual Academy Awards

- 3 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION FOR A MULTI-CAMERA SERIES

STEPHAN OLSON, Production Designer CBS

RICHARD C. WALKER, SDSA, Set Decorator

How I Met Your Mother

Pilot

OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION FOR A MINISERIES OR MOVIE (Area Award:

Possibility of one, more than one or, if none has a majority approval, no award.)

EVE STEWART, Production Designer HBO

LEON McCARTHY, Art Director

SARAH WHITTLE, Set Decorator

Elizabeth I

OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION FOR A SINGLE-CAMERA SERIES

JOSEPH BENNETT, Production Designer HBO

DOMENICO SICA, Art Director

CRISTINA ONORI, Set Decorator

Rome

Caesarion, Triumph, Kalends Of February

OUTSTANDING MULTI-CAMERA PICTURE EDITING FOR A SERIES

JOE BELLA, Editor CBS

Two And A Half Men

That Special Tug

- 4 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CAMERA PICTURE EDITING FOR A MINISERIES OR A

MOVIE

BEVERLEY MILLS, Editor HBO

Elizabeth I

Part 1

OUTSTANDING MAIN TITLE DESIGN

ALEN PETKOVIC, Producer/Creative Director ABC

JON TESCHNER, Art Director

RENATO GRGIC, Creative Director

KRISTIJAN PETROVIC, Creative Director

78th Annual Academy Awards

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL MAIN TITLE THEME MUSIC

EDWARD SHEARMUR SHOWTIME

Masters Of Horror

OUTSTANDING SOUND EDITING FOR A SERIES

MICHAEL LAWSHE, Supervising Sound Editor WB

TIMOTHY CLEVELAND, Sound Effects Editor

PAUL DILLER, Sound Effects Editor

STUART CALDERON, Sound Effects Editor

JASON OLIVER, Sound Effects Editor

JESSICA DICKSON, Dialog Editor

DAVID COWAN, ADR Editor

CHRIS McGEARY, Music Editor

CASEY CRABTREE, Foley Artist

MICHAEL CRABTREE, Foley Artist

SMALLVILLE

Arrival

- 5 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING SOUND EDITING FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING (SINGLE

OR MULTI-CAMERA)

LILA YOMTOOB, Sound Editor HBO

Baghdad ER

OUTSTANDING SOUND EDITING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A SPECIAL

HARRY SNODGRASS, Sound Supervisor/Effects Editor A&E

MARK LINDEN, Sound Editor

TARA A. PAUL, Effects Editor

DAVID A. SHARF, Dialog Editor

GEOFF RAFFAN, Dialog Editor

CARLOS RAMIREZ, ADR/Dialog Editor

JOAN ROWE, Foley Artist

CHRIS JULIAN, Foley Artist

Flight 93

OUTSTANDING SOUND MIXING FOR A VARIETY OR MUSIC SERIES OR

SPECIAL OR ANIMATION (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one or, if none has a

majority approval, no award.)

EDWARD J. GREENE, Audio Director ABC

TOM VICARI, Orchestra Mixer

PATRICK BALTZELL, House P. A.

ROBERT DOUGLASS, Supplemental Audio

JAMIE SANTOS, Post Audio

78th Annual Academy Awards

* * * * *

ELLIOT SCHEINER, Music Recorder and Mixer NBC

SUE PELINO, Post Production Audio Mixer

Eagles Farewell I Tour – Live From Melbourne

- 6 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING SOUND MIXING FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING (SINGLE OR

MULTI-CAMERA)

TOM FLEISCHMAN, Re-Recording Mixer PBS

American Masters

Bob Dylan: No Direction Home

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one or, if

none has a majority approval, no award.)

KENNY ORTEGA, Choreographer DISNEY

CHARLES KLAPOW, Choreographer

BONNIE STORY, Choreographer

High School Musical

OUTSTANDING MUSIC DIRECTION

PAUL GEMIGNANI, Musical Director and Conductor PBS

South Pacific In Concert From Carnegie Hall (Great Performances)

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL MUSIC AND LYRICS

GREG O’CONNOR, Music Composer FOX

JIM WISE, Lyricist

MADtv

Episode 1111

Song: A Wonderfully Normal Day

OUTSTANDING MUSIC COMPOSITION FOR A SERIES (ORIGINAL DRAMATIC

SCORE)

SEAN CALLERY, Composer FOX

6:00 AM – 7:00 AM

- 7 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING MUSIC COMPOSITION FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A

SPECIAL (ORIGINAL DRAMATIC SCORE)

GEOFF ZANELLI, Composer TNT

Into The West

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

CLORIS LEACHMAN as Ida FOX

Malcolm In The Middle

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL DIRECTION, CAMERAWORK, VIDEO FOR A

SERIES

JOHN PRITCHETT, Technical Director ABC

BRIAN REASON, Camera Operator

HECTOR RAMIREZ, Camera Operator

DAVE LEVISOHN, Camera Operator

JOHN REPCZYNSKI, Camera Operator

DANNY BONILLA, Camera Operator

EASTER XUA, Camera Operator

DIANE BIEDERBECK, Camera Operator

SUZANNE EBNER, Camera Operator

JAMES KARIDAS, Camera Operator

CHRIS GRAY, Video Control

Dancing With The Stars

Episode #204

- 8 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL DIRECTION, CAMERAWORK, VIDEO FOR A

MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A SPECIAL

ROBERT LaMACCHIA, Technical Director NBC

CODY ALEXANDER, Camera Operator

DAN BEARD, Camera Operator

JOE DEBONIS, Camera Operator

KENNETH DECKER, Camera Operator

ERIC A. EISENSTEIN, Camera Operator

RICK FOX, JR., Camera Operator

SAL GUARNA, Camera Operator

MIKE HARVATH, Camera Operator

TERRY HESTER, Camera Operator

IGOR KLOBAS, Camera Operator

RICHIE LEIBLE, JR., Camera Operator

TORE LIVIA, Camera Operator

JON MANTAK, Camera Operator

CHRIS MATOTT, Camera Operator

ROBERT MIKKELSON, Camera Operator

BRIAN PHRANER, Camera Operator

JOHN PINTO, Camera Operator

MARC TIPPY, Camera Operator

NICK UTLEY, Camera Operator

JAMES WACHTER, Camera Operator

HARRY WEISMAN, Camera Operator

MIKE WIMBERLEY, Camera Operator

KEN WOO, Camera Operator

JOHN MURPHY, Camera Operator

JERROLD HOCHMAN, Senior Video Control

The XX Olympic Winter Games – Opening Ceremony

ENGINEERING PLAQUE TO QUAD-SPLIT (HARRY D. FLAGLE) (This award was

previously announced.)

ENGINEERING PLAQUE TO VID-WAVE BOXX (BOXX COMMUNICATIONS, LLC.)

(This award was previously announced.)

- 9 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SPECIAL

THE XX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES – OPENING CEREMONY NBC

Dick Ebersol, Executive Producer

David Neal, Producer

Molly Solomon, Producer

OUTSTANDING CHILDREN’S PROGRAM (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one

or, if none has a majority approval, no award.)

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL DISNEY

Bill Borden, Executive Producer

Barry Rosenbush, Executive Producer

Don Schain, Producer

* * *

I HAVE TOURETTE’S BUT TOURETTE’S DOESN’T

HAVE ME HBO

Sheila Nevins, Executive Producer

Dolores Morris, Supervising Producer

Ellen Goosenberg Kent, Producer

GOVERNORS AWARD

Presented to mtvU, MTV’s 24-hour college network, for the outlet’s Sudan Campaign.

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

LESLIE JORDAN as Beverley Leslie NBC

Will & Grace

- 10 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING COSTUMES FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A SPECIAL

MIKE O’NEILL, Costume Designer HBO

SAMANTHA HORN, Assistant Costume Designer

Elizabeth I

Part 2

OUTSTANDING COSTUMES FOR A SERIES

APRIL FERRY, Costume Designer HBO

AUGUSTO GRASSI, Costume Supervisor

Rome

Triumph

OUTSTANDING COSTUMES FOR A VARIETY OR MUSIC PROGRAM

(Juried award: Possibility of one, more than one or no award). This is a juried award determined

by a panel of judges from the Costumes peer group. Recommendation(s) from the jury are

brought to the Board of Governors for ratification. This award was previously announced.

WENDY BENBROOK, Costume Designer FOX

WANDA LEAVEY, Costume Supervisor

MADtv

Episode #1109

* * * * *

ERIN LAREAU, Costume Designer PBS

Benise: Nights of Fire!

* * * * *

DANA CAMPBELL, Costume Designer ABC

RANDALL CHRISTENSEN, Costume Designer

Dancing With The Stars

Episode 208A

- 11 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CAMERA SOUND MIXING FOR A SERIES

CRAIG HUNTER, Re-Recording Mixer ABC

PETER R. KELSEY, Re-Recording Mixer

CLARK KING, Production Sound Mixer

WILLIAM BUTLER, Production Sound Mixer

Boston Legal

Finding Nimmo

OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CAMERA SOUND MIXING FOR A MINISERIES OR A

MOVIE

GEORGE TARRANT, Sound Mixer TNT

RICK ALEXANDER, Re-Recording Mixer

RICHARD ROGERS, Re-Recording Mixer

Into The West

Dreams And Schemes

OUTSTANDING MULTI-CAMERA SOUND MIXING FOR A SERIES OR SPECIAL

EDWARD J. GREENE, Audio Mixer NBC

ANDREW STRAUBER, EFX Mixer

The West Wing

The Debate

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN INTERACTIVE TELEVISION (These awards were

previously announced.)

Outstanding Achievement for Program Specific Enhanced or Interactive Television:

TiVO for seamlessly connecting consumers to the digital entertainment they want, where and

when they want it.

Outstanding Achievement for Non-Program Specific Enhanced or Interactive Television for a

Channel, Network or Service:

ABC.com’s full-episode streaming player leverages emerging technologies and digital

platforms to allow viewers to screen episodes of ABC series online.

- 12 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PICTURE EDITING FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING (SMALL

TEAM ENTRIES – PRIMARILY SINGLE-CAMERA PRODUCTIONS)

JENNIFER P. HONN, Editor THE HISTORY CHANNEL

Rome: Engineering An Empire

OUTSTANDING PICTURE EDITING FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING (LARGE

TEAM ENTRIES – PRIMARILY MULTI-CAMERA PRODUCTIONS)

MATT DEITRICH, Supervising Editor CBS

MICHAEL BOLANOWSKI, Editor

EVAN FINN, Editor

ERIC GOLDFARB, Editor

JULIAN GOMEZ, Editor

ANDY KOZAR, Editor

PAUL NIELSEN, Editor

The Amazing Race

Here Comes The Bedouin!

OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CAMERA PICTURE EDITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES

LANCE LUCKEY, Editor NBC

My Name Is Earl

Ruined Joy’s Wedding

OUTSTANDING SINGLE-CAMERA PICTURE EDITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES

DAVID LATHAM, Editor FOX

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

- 13 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PICTURE EDITING FOR A SPECIAL (SINGLE OR MULTI

CAMERA)

MIKE POLITO, Editor

JOHN ZIMMER, Editor

CATHY SHIELDS, Editor

ANNY MEZA, Editor

CBS

The Kennedy Center Honors

OUTSTANDING SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS FOR A SERIES

BARRIE HEMSLEY, Visual Effects Producer

JAMES MADIGAN, Visual Effects Supervisor

JOE PAVLO, Visual Effects Supervisor

DUNCAN KINNAIRD, Lead Visual Effects Compositor

DAN PETTIPHER, CGI Supervisor

MICHELE SCIOLETTE, CGI Supervisor

CHARLES DARBY, Lead Matte Artist

CLARE HERBERT, Visual Effects Coordinator

ANNA PANTON, Visual Effects Coordinator

HBO

Rome

The Stolen Eagle

OUTSTANDING SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A

SPECIAL

MARC WEIGERT, Visual Effects Supervisor SCI FI CHANNEL

VOLKER ENGEL, Visual Effects Supervisor

INGO PUTZE, Lead Visual Effects Compositor

ROBIN GRAHAM, Visual Effects Compositing Technical Director

TODD SHERIDAN PERRY, Senior CG Technical Director

CONRAD MURREY, Lead CG Animator

SAM KHORSHID, CG Animator

PAUL GRAFF, Visual Effects Compositor

BEN GROSSMAN, Visual Effects Compositor

The Triangle

Part 1

- 14 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DIRECTION (ELECTRONIC, MULTI-CAMERA) FOR

VMC PROGRAMMING

OLIN YOUNGER, Lighting Designer

HARRY SANGMEISTER, Lighting Director

ABC

2005 American Music Awards

OUTSTANDING STUNT COORDINATION

JIMMY ROMANO, Stunt Coordinator NBC

E-Ring

Snatch and Grab

OUTSTANDING PROSTHETIC MAKEUP FOR A SERIES, MINISERIES, MOVIE OR

A SPECIAL (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one or, if none has a majority approval,

no award.)

MATTHEW W. MUNGLE, Department Head Prosthetic HBO

Design & Application

MICHELLE VITTONE-McNEIL, Prosthetic Makeup Artist

JOHN E. JACKSON, Prosthetic Makeup Artist

CLINTON WAYNE, Prosthetic Makeup Artist

Six Feet Under

Everyone’s Waiting

OUTSTANDING MAKEUP FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A SPECIAL (NONPROSTHETIC)

DANIEL PHILLIPS, Makeup Department Head PBS

Bleak House (Masterpiece Theatre)

- 15 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING MAKEUP FOR A SERIES (NON-PROSTHETIC)

BRIAN SIPE, Makeup Department Head FX

KEITH VANDERLAAN, Key Makeup Artist

WILL HUFF, Key Makeup Artist

Black.White.

Hour One

OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING FOR A SERIES

ALDO SIGNORETTI, Hair Designer HBO

FERDINANDO MEROLLA, Key Hairstylist

STEFANO CECCARELLI, Hairstylist

GAETANO PANICO, Hairstylist

Rome

Stealing From Saturn

OUTSTANDING HAIRSTYLING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A SPECIAL

FAE HAMMOND, Hairstyling Designer HBO

SU WESTWOOD, Hairstylist

Elizabeth I

Part 2

OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR A MULTI-CAMERA SERIES

CHRISTIAN LA FOUNTAINE, Director of Photography CBS

How I Met Your Mother

The Limo

- 16 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR A SINGLE-CAMERA SERIES

MICHAEL SLOVIS, Director of Photography CBS

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Gum Drops

OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR A MINISERIES OR MOVIE

KIERAN McGUIGAN, Director of Photography PBS

Bleak House (Masterpiece Theatre)

Episode 1

OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING

SINGLE-CAMERA PRODUCTIONS

JON ALPERT, Director of Photography HBO

MATTHEW O’NEILL, Director of Photography

Baghdad ER

OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING

MULTI-CAMERA PRODUCTIONS

PER A. C. LARSSON, Director of Photography CBS

SYLVESTER CAMPE, Camera

TOM CUNNINGHAM, Camera

CHIP GOEBERT, Camera

URI SHARON, Camera

SCOTT SHELLEY, Camera

The Amazing Race

Here Comes The Bedouin!

- 17 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING

JON ALPERT, Director HBO

MATTHEW O’NEILL, Director

Baghdad ER

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING

PETER JONES, Writer TCM

Stardust: The Bette Davis Story

OUTSTANDING NONFICTION SPECIAL (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one

or, if none has a majority approval, no award.)

ROME: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE THE HISTORY CHANNEL

Dolores Gavin, Executive Producer

Vincent Kralyevich, Executive Producer

Bill Hunt, Executive Producer

Kristine Sabat, Executive Producer

Christopher Cassel, Producer

OUTSTANDING NONFICTION SERIES (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one or,

if none has a majority approval, no award.)

10 DAYS THAT UNEXPECTEDLY CHANGED THE HISTORY CHANNEL

AMERICA

Susan Werbe, Executive Producer

Joe Berlinger, Co-Executive Producer

Sidney Beaumont, Supervising Producer

Greg Schultz, Supervising Producer

- 18 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

EXCEPTIONAL MERIT IN NONFICTION FILMMAKING (Juried award: Possibility of

one, more than one or no award.)

BAGHDAD ER HBO

Jon Alpert, Producer

Matthew O’Neill, Producer

Joseph Feury, Producer

Sheila Nevins, Executive Producer

* * * * *

TWO DAYS IN OCTOBER (AMERICAN EXPERIENCE) PBS

Robert Kenner, Producer

Mark Samels, Executive Producer

Nick Fraser, Executive Producer

Sharon Grimberg, Series Producer

OUTSTANDING ANIMATED PROGRAM (FOR PROGRAMMING ONE HOUR OR

MORE) (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than one or, if none has a majority approval, no

award.)

BEFORE THE DINOSAURS DISCOVERY CHANNEL

Adam Kemp, Executive Producer

Tim Haines, Executive Producer

Gaynelle Evans, Executive Producer

Fiona Walkinshaw, Executive Producer of Computer Animation

William Sargent, Executive Producer of Computer Animation

Chloe Leland, Producer/Director

Greg Smith, Producer

Michael Olmert, Writer

Mike Milne, Director of Computer Animation

- 19 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING ANIMATED PROGRAM (FOR PROGRAMMING LESS THAN ONE

HOUR)

THE SIMPSONS FOX

The Seemingly Neverending Story

James L. Brooks, Executive Producer

Matt Groening, Executive Producer

Al Jean, Executive Producer

Matt Selman, Executive Producer

Carolyn Omine, Executive Producer

Tim Long, Executive Producer

John Frink, Co-Executive Producer

Don Payne, Co-Executive Producer

Dana Gould, Co-Executive Producer

Kevin Curran, Co-Executive Producer

J. Stewart Burns, Co-Executive Producer

Michael Price, Co-Executive Producer

Bill Odenkirk, Co-Executive Producer/Writer

Joel H. Cohen, Co-Executive Producer/Writer

Laurie Biernacki, Animation Producer

Rick Polizzi, Animation Producer

Ian Maxtone-Graham, Writer

David Silverman, Supervising Director

Raymond Persi, Director

Shannon O’Connor, Assistant Director

Richard Gasparian, Animation Timer

OUTSTANDING VOICE-OVER PERFORMANCE (Juried award: Possibility of one, more

than one or no award.) This is a juried award determined by a panel of judges from the

Animation and Performer peer groups. Recommendation(s) from the jury are brought to the

Board of Governors for ratification. This award was previously announced.

KELSEY GRAMMER as Sideshow Bob FOX

The Simpsons

The Italian Bob

- 20 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN ANIMATION (Juried award:

Possibility of one, more than one or no award.) This is a juried award determined by a panel of

judges from the Animation peer group. Recommendation(s) from the jury are brought to the

Board of Governors for ratification. This award was previously announced.

JAREK SZYSZKO, Animator HBO

Classical Baby 2

The Hippo Dance

* * * * *

SARAH E. MEYER, Animator CARTOON NETWORK

Robot Chicken

Easter Basket

* * * * *

FREDERICK GARDNER, Background Key Designer CARTOON NETWORK

The Life and Times of Juniper Lee

Adventures in Babysitting

* * * * *

BRYAN ARNETT, Character Designer NICKELODEON

Escape From Cluster Prime

* * * * *

SHANNON TINDLE, Character Designer CARTOON NETWORK

Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends

Go Goo Go

* * * * *

MIKE DIEDERICH, Storyboard Artist CARTOON NETWORK

The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy

- 21 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

OUTSTANDING COMMERCIAL

STICK - FEDEX

Partizan, Production Company

BBDO New York, Ad Agency

* * * *

REQUIRED READING – HALLMARK

The Institute for the Development of Enhanced Perceptual Awareness, Production Company

Leo Burnett Chicago, Ad Agency

OUTSTANDING SPECIAL CLASS PROGRAM (Area Award: Possibility of one, more than

one or, if none has a majority approval, no award.)

DANCE IN AMERICA: SWAN LAKE WITH PBS

AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE (GREAT PERFORMANCES)

Judy Kinberg, Producer

OUTSTANDING REALITY PROGRAM

EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION ABC

Tom Forman, Executive Producer

Denise Cramsey, Co-Executive Producer

Mike Maloy, Co-Executive Producer

Conrad Ricketts, Senior Producer

Andrew Lipson, Producer

Charisse Simonian, Producer

Courtney MacGregor, Producer

Matt Fisher, Producer

Ty Pennington, Host

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

PATRICIA CLARKSON as Aunt Sarah HBO

Six Feet Under

- 22 -

ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES

58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

PROGRAMS WITH MULTIPLE AWARDS

Elizabeth I 5

Baghdad ER 4

Rome 4

78th Annual Academy Awards 3

24 2

Bleakhouse (Masterpiece Theatre) 2

Boston Legal 2

Dancing With The Stars 2

High School Musical 2

How I Met Your Mother 2

Into The West 2

MADtv 2

My Name Is Earl 2

Rome: Engineering An Empire 2

Six Feet Under 2

The Amazing Race 2

The Simpsons 2

The XX Olympics Winter Games – Opening Ceremony 2

Posted by ladymountbatten at 05:32 PM | Permalink

August 18, 2006

Title: Southwest Airlines Vacations Now Offers Hawaii Vacations

-- Southwest Airlines Vacations

announced today that it has added Hawaii vacations to its current family of 43 U.S. package destination hot spots. Hawaii travel is made possible via Southwest Airlines' (NYSE: LUV) codeshare service with ATA Airlines. That relationship allows Southwest Airlines Vacations to offer air-inclusive vacation packages to the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu (via Honolulu) and Maui. In addition, Southwest Airlines Vacations currently offers a land-only package to Kauai and will begin offering air-inclusive vacation packages to Hawaii's Big Island (via Hilo) starting next Friday, August 25.

"We are excited to expand our product offering and offer travelers Hawaii vacation options," said Rich Basen, Vice President and General Manager of Southwest Airlines Vacations. "Prior to adding Hawaii to our vacation destinations, 22 percent of our Customers told us that their next vacation would be to a destination that we did not serve at that time. Travel packages to Hawaii were on the top of their lists. This opportunity allows us to combine Southwest Airlines' famous low fares and Customer Service with the well-known hotel, transportation, and attraction discounts offered with our vacation packages. We believe our Customers and travel agents will be very pleased."

Hawaiian vacations include roundtrip air via Southwest Airlines and ATA,hotel accommodations for two to 21 nights, applicable air and hotel taxes, express document delivery, Rapid Rewards Flight Credit, and 24-hour traveler assistance. Honolulu vacations also include a Standard Lei Greeting and a Hawaii Welcome Orientation. Regardless of where vacationers begin their Hawaii travel, they may book their hotel stay covering several HawaiianIslands.

Oahu vacation packages (via Honolulu) offer a pleasant Hawaiian experience with more than 35 hotel options including several Outrigger Hotels, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International properties, and more. More than 15 optional features can be added to a vacation including Waikiki Group Surfing Lessons, an Oahu Deluxe Helicopter Flight, and seasonal whale watching cruises.

Maui vacation packages offer 24 hotel options including, but not limitedto, several Outrigger Hotels and The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. More than 15 Maui activities are available including the celebrated Hana Adventure and the Sunrise Bike Tour.

Big Island offerings (air-inclusive packages available starting August 25, 2006) mainly reside in Kona and will include 17 different properties and more than 15 optional features including the renowned Volcano Helicopter Tour.

Kauai land-only packages require a one-night minimum stay restriction at a choice of more than 10 properties. Optional activities include Bicycle Downhill Canyon to Coast, raft tours, and more.

SAMPLE PRICING FOR HAWAII VACATIONS

Hawaii vacations offer competitive prices from more than 40 U.S. cities.

Sample four-night package prices listed below are per person based on double occupancy and include:

* Roundtrip air

* Four-night hotel accommodations & hotel taxes

* Rapid Rewards credit on air portion

* 24-hour traveler assistance

Baltimore Chicago Orlando

Oahu (via Honolulu) (BWI) (MDW)

Ala Moana Hotel - Kona Tower

City/Mountainview $1,194 $1,084 $1,269

JW Marriott Ihilani Resort And Spa At

Ko'olina - Basic Mountainview $1,504 $1,394 $1,579

Outrigger Reef On The Beach - Partial

Oceanview $1,384 $1,274 $1,459

Sheraton Waikiki - Basic Oceanfront $1,524 $1,414 $1,599

San

Oahu (via Honolulu) Phoenix Seattle Antonio San Diego

Ala Moana Hotel - Kona Tower

City/Mountainview $889 $844 $1,124 $899

JW Marriott Ihilani Resort And Spa At

Ko'olina - Basic Mountainview $1,199 $1,154 $1,434 $1,209

Outrigger Reef On The Beach - Partial

Oceanview $1,079 $1,034 $1,314 $1,089

Sheraton Waikiki - Basic Oceanfront $1,219 $1,174 $1,454 $1,229

Baltimore Chicago Orlando

Maui (BWI) (MDW)

Aston Maui Lu - Hotel Room Standard

Gardenview $1,109 $964 $1,094

ResortQuest Kaanapali Shores -

1Bedroom/1Bath Standard $1,249 $1,104 $1,234

Sheraton Maui Resort - Basic

Gardenview $1,484 $1,339 $1,469

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua - Gardenview $1,684 $1,539 $1,669

San

Maui Phoenix Seattle Antonio San Diego

Aston Maui Lu - Hotel Room Standard

Gardenview $864 $724 $964 $769

ResortQuest Kaanapali Shores -

1Bedroom/1Bath Standard $1,004 $864 $1,104 $909

Sheraton Maui Resort - Basic

Gardenview $1,239 $1,099 $1,339 $1,144

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua - Gardenview $1,439 $1,299 $1,539 $1,344

Packages must be booked at least 14 days prior to departure. Prices do not include a $3.30 federal excise tax per takeoff and landing, airport taxesof up to $18 roundtrip per person, or a federal September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 roundtrip per person. Prices listed are available on southwestvacations.com or for travel agent bookings at either vaxvacationaccess.com/wnv or through the VAX VacationAccess technology via Sabre Vacations. Package prices(s) quoted are examples per person based on double occupancy for a four-night Hawaii vacation package with departures any day of the week from 9/26 - 12/18 for Oahu packages, 10/6 - 11/14 for Sheraton Maui Resort packages and 9/5 - 11/16 for all other listed Maui packages.

Prices may vary when calling 1-800-423-5683. Advertised rates listed are valid if booked by 9/15/06. Rates subject to change. Surcharges may apply to weekends, holiday, special events, and convention periods. All room categories are Standard/Run of House unless otherwise noted. Restrictions apply. Flight segments to/from Hawaii operated by ATA Airlines. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply. The Mark Travel Corporation is the tour operator for Southwest Airlines Vacations.

Initially, Customers traveling on codeshare vacation package flights will be issued paper tickets and must check-in at the ticket counter or skycap podium of the airline operating the initial outbound or return flight. The capability to print boarding passes prior to arrival at the airport for either airline is not currently available, but is under technological development for a planned 2007 release.

For more information or reservations, Customers can book online at southwestvacations.com or call 1-800-423-5683. Lowest prices can be found on southwestvacations.com. Travel agents can book online at either vaxvacationaccess.com/wnv or through the VAX VacationAccess technology viaSabre Vacations, or call 1-800-423-5683.

About Southwest Airlines Vacations

Southwest Airlines Vacations offers complete vacation packages to more than 40 destinations with flight service available from every scheduled Southwest Airlines departure city. Customers can find everything for their vacation package including air, hotel, car rentals, show tickets, and attraction passes at southwestvacations.com, for one affordable price.

Southwest Airlines Vacations is located in Orlando and is operated by The Mark Travel Corporation. The vacation company is a member of the USTOA $1 Million Traveler's Assistance Program and ASTA TOP.

Posted by ladymountbatten at 10:42 AM | Permalink

Troy Gentry Accused of Killing Tame Bear

Troy Gentry Accused of Killing Tame Bear

Troy Lee Gentry, part of the country singing group Montgomery Gentry, has been accused of killing a tame black bear that federal officials say he tagged as killed in the wild.

Gentry, of Franklin, Tenn., and Lee Marvin Greenly of Sandstone, appeared Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Raymond Erickson in connection with a sealed indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Minneapolis.

Authorities allege that Gentry purchased the bear from Greenly, a wildlife photographer and hunting guide, then killed it with a bow and arrow in an enclosed pen on Greenly's property in October 2004.

The government alleges that Gentry and Greenly tagged the bear with a Minnesota hunting license and registered the animal with the state Department of Natural Resources as a wild kill.

Gentry allegedly paid about $4,650 for the bear, named Cubby. The bear's death was videotaped, and the tape later edited so Gentry appeared to shoot the animal in a "fair chase" hunting situation, the government alleges.

If convicted, both Gentry and Greenly face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a $20,000 fine.

Gentry's manager, Johnny Dorris, said Wednesday that Gentry, an outdoorsman and hunter, expects to be exonerated.

Gentry "relied on the knowledge and expertise of a local guide to obtain the proper permit," Dorris said in a written statement. "Troy felt what he did was legal and in full compliance of the law and was surprised to hear of the indictment."

Greenly did not return a phone message seeking comment.

Montgomery Gentry, along with co-singer Eddie Montgomery, are known for hits such as "My Town" and "If You Ever Stop Loving Me."

Posted by ladymountbatten at 10:19 AM | Permalink

Entertainment, Arts, Fashion, Technology

Monte Bubbles Network®: MBN®

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

Content is King

Edited by William Hoehne & Joyce L. Chow

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

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www.montebubbles.com for more MBN® news

INTERNET ADVERTISING IS THE FUTURE

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

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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

Cell Phones The Savior Or Not!

Lynyrd Skynyrd and Big & Rich Team With KICKS 101.5 and EAGLE 106.7 to Help Raise Funds for 173rd Airborne Brigade National Memorial

Show at HiFi Buys Amphitheatre, in Atlanta, Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006 With John Anderson, Cowboy Troy, The Lost Trailers and Others; Pre-Sale Wednesday, August 23 on Sale August 25 Through Ticketmaster.com; Goal Is to Raise $500,000 in One Day "They Have Waited Long Enough"

Pixar Animation Studios, Oliver Stone, William Goldman, Neil Labute and WGA/w President Patric Verrone Headline SCREENWRITING EXPO 5 World's Largest Annual Screenwriting Conference Adds an Extra 'Career Day;' Moves to LAX Hotels for October 19-22 Event

They Did Not Hear: Author Shares Battle to Receive Disability Benefits After Injury

Rock Band Drowning Pool to Perform in Germany and the Persian Gulf on USO/AFE Tour

Retail Entertainment Design (RED) and GoTV Networks Take Mobile Video Technology to the Next Level With Three-Month-Long Promotion of 'The Panic Channel's' Debut Album Feature Videos, Live Performances and Behind-the-Scenes Interviews With 'The Panic Channel' Will Update Every Two Weeks, Reaching Over 5 Million Sprint and Boost Mobile Video-Enabled Customers

Triangle Multi-Media Limited, Inc. and Q Television Network, Inc. Make Two Major Announcements

“Great To Be Nominated” Concludes with “Network”

JADOO POWER AWARDED GENERAL ATOMICS CONTRACT FOR
ADVANCED FUEL CANISTER DESIGN

New Fuel System Can Deliver 10X the Energy Density of Batteries

Jet Announces Fall Tour Dates; Ten-City Trek Sees the Aussie Rock Superstars Celebrating Eagerly Awaited Second Album; "SHINE ON" in Stores on October 3^rd

AOL Music Adds Lupe Fiasco to Lineup of This Summer's Breaker Artists

Anheuser-Busch Launches In-House Film and TV Production Company

New Census Data Details Major Changes in Language Landscape(THIS WAS SOMETHING WE BROKE MONTHS AGO)

Intersound Records to Release a World Music Album to Benefit Refugees

'The Panic Channel' Debuts With Free Three-Month Mobile Video Promotion for Sprint and Boost Mobile Customers Retail Entertainment Design (RED) Helps 'The Panic Channel' Reach Over 5 Million Consumers With Fresh Content Every Two Weeks, Including Music Videos, Live Performances, and Behind-the-Scenes Interviews

Today's Youth Look to Advertising as Much as Their Friends When Making Purchase Decisions

Newer Advertising Tactics Not Appealing - Only Five Percent Like Advertising on Cell Phones
Tower Records to Sell Company Under Chapter 11 Sale Process
Enters into $85 million in Debtor in Possession Financing; Negotiates Delivery Terms with Key Vendor Partners; Stores Remain Open ... Business as Usual
MGM Television Programming Available on the iTunes Music Store
New Media Division Expands Reach for Studio's Library of Classic & Popular TV Hits
Opera Great Jessye Norman Teams With Rachael Worby and The Pasadena POPS Orchestra for Concert of Hope for 1,500 Students at Pasadena's Blair High Sept. 22
Back to School Technology for Today’s Youth is More than Disney Mobile, iPods, and Nintendos
BLACK ENTERPRISE To Debut TV Series Hosted By Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Ed Gordon
Our World With Black Enterprise Premieres Nationwide This Fall
Celebrity Tattoo Artist Mario Barth's Starlight Tattoo to Partner with AOL Music Style Studio During the Week of MTV's 2006 Video Music Awards
Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Kobe Bryant Scores the Cover of NBA '07 for PlayStation(R)2 and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R) Portable)
Three-Time NBA Champ to Endorse Basketball Franchise Featuring Acclaimed Behind-the-Scenes Mode 'The Life: Vol. 2'
Byron Allen to Host and Executive Produce New Syndicated Series 'Comics Unleashed'
Entertainment Studios Sets Record Deals With Television Broadcast Stations for Comedy Series to Premiere on September 25 in HD
Celebrity Divorce Attorneys Release Revised Edition of Prenuptial Agreement Book
New Version Includes Domestic Partnership Information and Fascinating Prenuptial Clauses of the Rich, Famous and Eccentric
U.S. Postal Service and Highlights for Children, Inc. to Celebrate Milestones
H3's Makin' Moves in Vegas
Company Headquarters Heading to Paradise, H3Players.com's WorldSeries Reset for Sunday, December 3, 2006
Interact-TV Unveils MediaSafe - Complete Digital Media Protection Against Hard Drive Failure in the Home
Westinghouse Digital Offers Students Ultimate Back to School Tech Package With New Laptop and 19" HD-Ready LCD TV
Back to School Tech Bundle Available Exclusively at Wal-Mart; Gives Students the Tools They Need to Make the Grade
Lifetime Television Launches Its First-Ever VOD Service Featuring Full Length Episodes of the Network's Popular Programming Along With Special Featurettes
-- Programming Available to Approximately 10 Million Comcast Customers with ON DEMAND Beginning Tuesday, August 22 --
'Maddenoliday' Declared In Madden, Miss. (Pop. 74), to Celebrate Launch of Madden NFL 07 on Xbox 360
To Commemorate 'Maddenoliday,' NFL Greats Jerry Rice, Marshall Faulk and Warren Moon Deliver Free Xbox 360s to All Madden Residents in Small-Town Celebration of Top-Selling EA SPORTS Title
Virgin Mobile USA Woos Users with the Sultry Sounds of Cassie
Customers Get 'First Dibs' on Exclusive Ringtones and Chance to Win Phone Call From Cassie Herself
Country Cruise Getaway Starring Tim McGraw Set for January 28-31, 2007 Aboard Carnival Liberty
Tickets on Sale Monday, August 28th for 3-Day Bahamas Cruise Featuring Multiple Artists, Q&A Sessions, Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament on Carnival's Newest 'Fun Ship'
Premiere Issue of Hallmark Magazine Hits Newsstands Today
Newest Periodical for Women Offers Fresh Approach to Women's Lifestyle Magazine Publishing
Hallmark Magazine Combines Service With Emotionally Resonant Storytelling
Become a Crime Scene Investigator With SBG/b EQUAL's New CSI: SENSES Board Game Based on Hit TV Series
CSI Creator Anthony E. Zuiker Develops a New CSI Board Game Replicating the #1 CBS TV Series
Archer Launches First TV Channel for People of Indian Origin (PIO) Over IPTV

According to the latest study by Shop.org and Forrester Research, says Webtrends, the US eCommerce industry has experienced a compound annual growth rate of 33%.

Pictures from the Red Carpet Carpet Wiliam Shatner Roast on the Comedy Channel to play Sunday 10pm Pacific and 9pm central

21st Annual Imagen Awards Honors Film and Television Actors Plus Five Special Awards Highlight Gala Event

TiVo Statement on Order Granting Injunction Against EchoStar and Damages of Over $89.6 Million

Platinum Soul Star Lyfe Jennings to Celebrate New Album, The Phoenix, at Circuit City, Marlow Heights, MD

Atlanta Film Producer Returns Home, Empowering and Challenging Riverwood High School Students With Curriculum-Based Music/Video/Film Production for International Distribution, Choreographed by Laurie-Ann Gibson

intimately BECKHAM...for Him. for Her.

Nominees Announced for the Fourth Annual Relly Awards Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa Return to Host 2006 Awards Ceremony on 'Live With Regis and Kelly,' Airing Friday, September 22, 2006

Lance Bass Enlists Socialite & Celebrity Eric Schiffer to Relaunch His Mission into Space, and Other Exciting Things in Hollywood

KRON TV Personality Jan Wahl to Introduce My Man Godfrey at Sterling Silver Screen Series

12th Annual Charlotte Fine Craft Show Debuts November 3-5 Featuring New Artists and a Live Craft Demonstration

28 Foot Lizards Loom Large on Rain Bird's 2007 Float Entry as Annual 'Parade Before The Parade' Gives Locals an Up Close and Personal Sneak Peek at Some of the 2007 Tournament Of Roses Parade Floats

Crayola Draws Attention to Young Artists with Exhibition at Minnesota State Fair

Former Mission: Impossible Star Launches Health Company

eBay Dominates Online Clothing and Accessories

____________________________________

Lynyrd Skynyrd and Big & Rich Team With KICKS 101.5 and EAGLE 106.7 to Help Raise Funds for 173rd Airborne Brigade National Memorial
Show at HiFi Buys Amphitheatre, in Atlanta, Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006 With John Anderson, Cowboy Troy, The Lost Trailers and Others; Pre-Sale Wednesday, August 23 on Sale August 25 Through Ticketmaster.com; Goal Is to Raise $500,000 in One Day "They Have Waited Long Enough"

Recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Lynyrd Skynyrd and hot country duo Big & Rich will team up with KICKS 101.5 and the EAGLE 106.7 at the HiFi Buys Amphitheatre in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, October 7, 2006 at 6:00PM (doors at 4:00PM), for a fundraising concert that will include performances by John Anderson, Cowboy Troy, The Lost Trailers and others. All profits from the show will go to the building fund for the 173rd Airborne Brigade National Memorial. The memorial is to be built at the new National Infantry Museum campus in Ft. Benning, Georgia. The goal is to raise $500,000 in one day. Tickets are available through www.Ticketmaster.com for pre-sale, Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 10:00AM -- Thursday, August 24, 2006 at 10:00PM ET and to the general public, Friday, August 25, 2006 at 4:00PM ET. Prices range from $15 lawn tickets to $1000 VIP packages that include premium seating, an autographed guitar and a private event with the artists (tickets available for $15, $30, $45, $60, $150 & $1000).

"They have waited long enough," stated John Rich of Big & Rich. "We're just glad we are in a position to help these guys out," chimed in his partner Big Kenny. "These guys have put their lives on the line and over 1700 members of the 173rd have lost their lives serving this country. When we heard that they expected it to take 3 - 5 years of a capital fundraising campaign to build the memorial we decided we had to find a way to raise the money in one day. Then the guys in Skynyrd heard about it and we decided we'd jump in on their scheduled concert and now it's growing everyday. We look forward to an amazing show," continued Rich.

"Lynyrd Skynyrd is honored to be part of this event," said Johnny Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd. "It's the least we can do to help build a memorial for the 173rd Airborne who have lost so many and helped protect this country. We look forward to sharing the stage with Big & Rich and playing for one of our favorite towns -- Atlanta, GA. It's been too long!"

Originally, October 7 was scheduled to be a Lynyrd Skynyrd show at the HiFi Buys Amphitheatre and Big & Rich were looking at October 8 for an event in Atlanta. When the legendary band heard about the proposed event they gave up their paid date to join forces with Big Kenny and Rich for what is turning into an amazing lineup.

"We thought raising funds for the memorial could take up to five years or more. Now, because we can make it happen in one night, many more Sky Soldiers will be able to see its dedication," said Terry Modglin, president of the 173rd Airborne Brigade National Memorial Foundation.

The memorial to the 173rd Airborne Brigade has been in discussion for the past two decades. Its design was recently approved and the location at the National Infantry Museum at Ft. Benning was chosen. It will feature a central circle with all the names of those from the brigade and allied forces who have lost their lives or are missing in action inscribed along with key brigade achievements. The centerpiece will include a column that rises above the memorial as a beacon topped by a steel sculpture of the wing and sword, central elements of the Brigade shoulder patch. Construction of the project is expected to take 12 to 18 months after funds are raised. With an estimated budget of $650,000 everyone involved was making plans for a long-term fundraising effort when Big Kenny and Rich stepped in.

"We knew we wanted to do something to help," said Marc Oswald, Big & Rich's manager. "So I picked up the phone and called Victor Sansone, who runs KICKS and the EAGLE down in Atlanta, and is a Vietnam veteran himself. He had already expressed to the guys and me that he felt like '8th of November' was an important song. So I knew he was the right guy to talk to and in the right place to do a show. It was a short conversation. I barely got the idea out before he said 'I'm in. Just tell me what we need to do.'"

"Marc had me at hello," said Sansone, president and general manager, WKHX and WYAY Atlanta. "This was honestly an easy decision for our staff and a natural extension to the commitment that Big & Rich have made in bringing closure to Niles Harris. The timely tribute that we are able to give to the 173rd in its entirety, is flawed only by the five-year timetable they originally anticipated. It's heartwarming that everyone in this loop from HiFi Buys to radio to Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Anderson and The Lost Trailers...simply everyone's immediate reaction is 'Let's get it done...NOW.' And we will."

Ranked as one of the best-selling artists of all time by the Recording Industry Association of America and recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, Lynyrd Skynyrd is still going strong with almost 65 albums recorded, 26 million sold to date, and over 80 performances annually. The band is currently writing the follow-up to "Vicious Cycle," the band's May 2003 release on Sanctuary Records that spawned the single "Red White and Blue," which was the band's strongest in over 25 years. To date, the Southern anthem "Sweet Home Alabama" has passed the 1,000,000 mark in downloaded master ringtones, proving that Lynyrd Skynyrd is a major industry icon that appeals to all generations.

Big & Rich spent the second half of this year touring coast to coast on the "Prilosec OTC Coming To Your City Tour" and promoting the third single from "Comin' To Your City," "The 8th of November." The song tells the story of Purple Heart veteran and member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Niles Harris, who, as a 19-year-old army private, was shot in a jungle fire fight during the Vietnam War on November 8, 1965. In 2002, Big Kenny and Rich befriended Harris when they visited his hometown of Deadwood, South Dakota. The friendship has continued and Big Kenny and Rich wrote "The 8th of November" to honor his legacy. Last year the duo accompanied Harris on a trip to Vietnam to try to make sense of the battle that took his comrades' lives on that fall day in 1965. A documentary of the experience began airing in July. Prilosec OTC is distributing over a million copies of the documentary through a special on-pack offer available to consumers at select retailers.

Also joining the bill will be Cowboy Troy, recent co-host of the 4th season of "Nashville Star" and member of the MuzikMafia, country music icon John Anderson who has just released his first single in over six years to radio from his new album, "Easy Money" (in stores November 7 and produced by John Rich) and The Lost Trailers.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade was created on Okinawa in 1963 as the quick-response "fire brigade" for the Asian-Pacific area. It was the first regular combat unit in Vietnam, arriving May 5, 1965. Its six years of continuous combat service in Vietnam is a record unequalled since the American Revolution. The brigade's historic combat jump in Operation Junction City was the only combat parachute assault of that war. Its 13 Medal of Honor recipients, 42 Distinguished Service Cross awardees, and scores and scores of Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Unit Citations mark a proud combat record in Vietnam. The brigade was disbanded in 1972 and reactivated in 2000 in Vincenza, Italy to serve as the "fire brigade" for Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The reactivated brigade made the only combat jump of Operation Iraqi Freedom and has served a year in Iraq and a year in Afghanistan with distinction.

"Sky Soldiers everywhere are deeply grateful. This is a great night for a great cause. This concert benefits the 173rd Memorial but it honors everyone who has ever answered our nation's call," said Modglin.

In addition to the concert, other daytime activities are planned that will be announced soon.

Information on the show can also be found at:

www.kicks1015.com

www.eagle1067fm.com

Cell Phones The Savior Or Not!

I have attended event after event where cell phones eventually come up in the discussion as the savior of that industry .

Television production companies, record producers, motion picture companies they all see cell phones as their saviors.

It is a market that each feels can be cultivated to their advantage.

Everyone down to newborns have cell phones today. With each day the capabilities of a cell phone increase.

The picture quality of the internal cameras is better, the storage capabilities of the phones has been increased.

Major companies are setting up their own pod casting networks to download their material to cell phones.

Everyone is climbing on the cell phone band wagon.

It can be used for advertising, putting up material that people would not pay to see to begin with, ridding their inventories.

In other words the answer to every media company financial problems, “The GOLDEN FLEECE.”

Unfortunately as I have also heard ,the same people that when they were very young first made a mess of the feature film industry then later, television, radio, magazines, records, Cds, Newspapers and now DVD’s are those plotting the future of cell phones.

They have not taken in to account that there are already to many IPODS on the market that already do what they are working with cell phones to do. That X-BOXES and PLAY STATIONS are being made to do these same things.

That the economy is not providing the disposable income needed to provide the extra money needed to pay for all these downloads. Already the average person is over burdened by their current cell phone bills.

They are not taking into account that it can take forever to download anything of size.

That why would anyone pay extra money to see something on a postage stamp screen.

That there is more storage capacity on IPODS then currently available on cell phones so why spend the money on a new and more expensive cell phones.

That people hate advertising so why would they want to have it sent to them on their cell phones even if they get a show for little or a reduced price?

That much of what will be available is already free or no one would pay to see or hear to begin with.

Cell phones the savior of every media company in the world and business’s trying to get their messages out cheaply, I THINK NOT.

(William Hoehne)

Pixar Animation Studios, Oliver Stone, William Goldman, Neil Labute and WGA/w President Patric Verrone Headline SCREENWRITING EXPO 5

World's Largest Annual Screenwriting Conference Adds an Extra 'Career Day;' Moves to LAX Hotels for October 19-22 Event

Some of the biggest and most respected names in filmmaking will share their wisdom with the largest gathering of screenwriters in the world, when SCREENWRITING EXPO 5 takes place for four full days, Thursday, October 19 - Sunday, October 22. To accommodate its ever-growing attendance (nearly 4,000 registrants last year from all over the world), for 2006 the Expo adds another full day of programming, and moves to a new home at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott and Renaissance Montura hotels adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

This year's Expo has perhaps its most star-laden lineup yet, including a full day of programs by Pixar Animation Studios' key creative personnel. Pixar has so famously and successfully re-defined the art of cinematic storytelling, and the Expo is honored to host writer/directors Andrew Stanton (A Bug's Life, Toy Story, Finding Nemo) and Brad Bird (The Incredibles, 2007's Ratatouille) as featured speakers, along with key creative personnel Mark Andrews, Kiel Murray and Michael Arndt conducting consecutive programs all day long, Saturday, October 21.

Michael Arndt is coming off this summer's much buzzed about Little Miss Sunshine, and will also appear Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20 & 21, presenting his own separate program, "Endings: The Good, The Bad & The Insanely Great."

Also headlining this year's Expo will be one of the most provocative filmmakers of our time, three-time Academy Award(R) winner Oliver Stone (Platoon, Born on the 4th of July, JFK). Stone's Expo appearance on Friday, October 20 will center on both his past work and his just released, World Trade Center, starring Nicolas Cage. Also on Friday, October 20, provocative auteur Neil LaBute (In the Company of Men, this fall's The Wicker Man) makes his first-ever Expo appearance.

Returning to this year's conference is Expo favorite and two-time Academy Award(R) winner William Goldman (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the President's Men), source of perhaps the most quoted line about Hollywood: "Nobody knows anything." Goldman is inarguably the most candid person in the business, and always entertains and enlightens with his acute and painfully funny observations on Hollywood and writing for the screen. The legendary screenwriter and novelist will make two appearances this year, on Sunday, October 22 at 10 am and 2 pm.

This year, given the seismic sea change occurring in today's entertainment landscape, and how content is received, the Expo has added a special day of programs entitled, "Taking Back Your Career," to deal with those changes, and how they affect Hollywood's artists -- be they directors, actors or producers, as well as screenwriters. Patric Verrone, president of the Writers Guild of America/west is the day's Guest of Honor keynote speaker on Thursday, October 19. Other featured speakers include: WGA/w assistant executive director Chuck Slocum, who will analyze where today's industry dollars are spent, renowned entertainment attorney Peter Dekom, who will discuss new technologies and what they mean to the industry, screenwriter Shane Salerno (Armageddon) will discuss structuring your career, screenwriter Simon Kinberg (Mr. & Mrs. Smith) will discuss pitching, Nielsen Media Research's Ray Yinger will discuss how today's television ratings can affect tomorrow's network decisions, Harrison Group Vice Chairman Dr. Jim Taylor, one of the country's most respected marketing consultants will discuss how writers and filmmakers can anticipate, pinpoint and exploit various social trends. Also appearing are Sally Hogshead, the preeminent expert on building and maintaining a career, and author of "Radical Careering," producer, renowned "Pitch King" Bob Kosberg (12 Monkeys), and many others.

Supplementing the headlining Guests of Honor are dozens of the most highly acclaimed screenwriters, directors, producers, consultants, and teachers in all of filmmaking, including Lee Aronsohn (Two and a Half Men), David Ayer (Training Day), Tony Gilroy (The Bourne Identity), Coleman Hough (Bubble), Ronald D. Moore (Star Trek: Generations), Jeffrey Arch (Sleepless in Seattle), John Badham (Saturday Night Fever, War Games), Jim Kouf (Rush Hour), Nicholas Meyer (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan), Billy Ray (Shattered Glass), Ron Shusett (Total Recall), Ed Solomon (Men in Black), Stephen Susco (The Grudge), Leigh Whannel (Saw), Richard Walter (Chmn., UCLA Screenwriting Dept.), Tim Minear (Angel) and many others. Panels will cover everything from the horror genre, comedy, television, directing, producing, and crafting the masterpiece.

Returning again this year is the annual Screenwriting Expo Screenwriting Competition, and the very popular Creative Screenwriting Open, an on-site writing tournament whose winning scene is selected by the audience at the Expo's closing ceremonies after a live performance of the finalist's scripts. Over $150,000 in cash, prizes and production deals will be awarded for both competitions at the Expo.

Also returning is Expo Pitch Meetings, where attendees pitch their scripts, stories and concepts to executives from over 60 prominent production companies, studios, agencies and management firms. In the past several options have been made to writers pitching, including one outright purchase made on the spot.

Admission for all four days is $74.95, inflation-proofed from last year. Updated speakers, information, registration forms or purchases can be confirmed at www.screenwritingexpo.com, or by calling 1-800-727-6978. Checks and credit cards are accepted.

Source: Promise Technologies, Inc.

They Did Not Hear: Author Shares Battle to Receive Disability Benefits After Injury

Author Freddie Lee Williams shares a personal account of the arduous journey he endured to receive disability benefits owed to him in his book, They Did Not Hear (now available through AuthorHouse).

Williams' ordeal began in 1978. After relocating to Blytheville, Ark., with his wife and children, Williams walked through a picket line of employees on strike to take a job in a factory. This would prove to be a life-changing decision, as it kicked off a 20-year legal battle. While working in his strenuous job, Williams began to complain of wrist pain to his supervisor. Despite his intense pain and swelling, the supervisor insisted that he continue to work. When the pain became too much to bear, he was referred to a company doctor and treated. He was then sent back to work in the same strenuous position, though his wrist was not fully healed.

Shortly after, Williams slipped on the wet floor in the factory while working and endured a severe back injury. After seeing the company doctor, he was sent back to work immediately. Unable to handle the severe pain, Williams was forced to leave his job and seek medical assistance. Though the doctor discovered a serious injury, the company refused to cover Williams' medical treatment.

They Did Not Hear is a full account of the battle that followed. Unable to work, Williams, his wife and six children were living in poverty. They were often homeless when family members were unable to take them in. Despite his injury and the precarious financial position of his family, Williams was repeatedly denied workers' compensation, disability benefits and welfare. He had no choice but to continue his battle, as his injury had rendered him incapable of strenuous labor.

Through several attorneys, hunger, homelessness and many obstacles, Williams persevered. This is the story of one man's fight to be heard by an establishment that cares little for the blue-collar worker. "When people are mistreated by those in higher authority, if they are denied, all is denied, for if they find a way to forget me, they will find a way to forget others like me," he says.

Williams and his wife currently live in San Francisco. Employed as a property manager, Williams is finally able to live the life he always hoped for throughout his nightmare. Their six children have since grown. They Did Not Hear is his first book.

AuthorHouse is the premier publishing house for emerging authors and new voices in literature. Web site: http://www.authorhouse.com/

Rock Band Drowning Pool to Perform in Germany and the Persian Gulf on USO/AFE Tour

The USO, in partnership with Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE), will soon send rock/metal band Drowning Pool to perform shows for service members stationed in the Persian Gulf and Germany. It will be the second USO tour for the group, which performed for troops in Kuwait in October 2005. The band also will meet and greet troops, sign autographs and pose for pictures. The performance in Germany, co-sponsored by Installation Management Agency-Europe and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, is part of a "Welcome Home" celebration for units from the 28th Transportation Battalion. The troops are returning from their second tour of duty in Iraq after spending 18 months in the area.

Drowning Pool's most recent album, "Desensitized," was released in April 2004. Standout tracks such as "Step Up" and "Love and War" helped launch the album into the Top 20 on Billboard's albums' chart.

"Sinner," the band's powerful debut album, was certified platinum within six weeks of its release in June 2001. The first single, "Bodies," peaked at number six on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. A recent poll conducted by Rolling Stone listed the single as the No. 1 song among service men serving in the Persian Gulf region. The group consists of drummer Mike Luce, guitarist C.J. Pierce, bassist Stevie Benton and lead singer Ryan McCombs.

This tour continues the USO tradition of bringing entertainment to service members serving far from home. Celebrities who have recently made trips for the USO include Gary Sinise, Master P, Lil' Romeo, Shinedown, La Mafia, Toby Keith and Pryde.

USO tours are sponsored by AT&T, Inc., the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours.

About the USO: For more than 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE SYSTEMS North America, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Military Channel, S & K Sales Co. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit our Web site at http://www.uso.org/.

Retail Entertainment Design (RED) and GoTV Networks Take Mobile Video Technology to the Next Level With Three-Month-Long Promotion of 'The Panic Channel's' Debut Album
Feature Videos, Live Performances and Behind-the-Scenes Interviews With 'The Panic Channel' Will Update Every Two Weeks, Reaching Over 5 Million Sprint and Boost Mobile Video-Enabled Customers

In what marks the first mobile video-phone promotion of its kind in the music industry, Retail Entertainment Design (RED) announced today that it has partnered with GoTV Networks to promote the release of The Panic Channel's debut album (ONe).

Starting this week and continuing for the next 90 days, over 5 million Sprint and Boost Mobile customers with video-enabled mobile phones will be able to view exclusive video features including behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the band, music videos, candid photos and live performances. New video features will be released every two weeks throughout the promotion, all provided free of charge to Sprint and Boost Mobile customers with video-enabled mobile phones.

"Mobile video is a dynamic new platform on the brink of exploding into mainstream," said Brian Hirsh, President of RED. "Through our partnership with GoTV we are now directly in this new and fast-growing field, and creating a unique way for our customers to elevate their brand image and reach millions of entertainment consumers."

RED is the leader in in-store video entertainment, providing original content and music video programming to large-scale retail clients such as Virgin MegaStores and Hollywood Video. Today's announcement marks an expansion of the company's offering into wireless and mobile video promotion.

"This is an exciting time for RED and our customers," said Lynda Stenge, Director of Strategic Marketing and Partnerships for RED. "We are truly breaking ground on a new way to connect to today's plugged-in consumers on-the-go, and we expect to see a lot more mobile video promotions like this start to happen. As they do, our retail customers will benefit from great opportunities with big-name artists like The Panic Channel."

The Panic Channel promotion is available exclusively to Sprint and Boost Mobile customers. RED expects future mobile promotions to expand and reach Verizon and Cingular customers as well.

About Retail Entertainment Design (RED)

With studios in Seattle, Washington and New York City, Retail Entertainment Design (RED) specializes in high-level creative visual content, promotions, ad placement and marketing solutions for retail, hospitality, entertainment, music and film industries. The company's founders and principals bring extensive and complementary experience in marketing & entertainment, with a common purpose: to explore the infinite and exciting future of audio/visual entertainment as a dynamic branding and sales tool; creating fresh, unique content; connecting with an otherwise hard-to-reach audience; and forging lasting links between mutually beneficial industries. www.r-e-d.com

About GoTV Networks

GoTV Networks is the first made-for-mobile television studio and network group. The company produces the mobile television industry's widest range of original programming for on-demand delivery direct to mobile phones via a family of subscription-based premium channels. GoTV Networks provides news, sports, music, entertainment, and other essential content customized specifically for mobile users. GoTV Networks' team of Emmy Award-winning producers, experienced studio executives, and mobile production experts create constantly updated programming optimized for both low-bandwidth and 3G handsets. In addition to producing original programming, GoTV Networks collaborates with traditional media companies including ABC News, ABC Entertainment, Univision, ESPN, and iFilm to create mobile versions of their content. GoTV Networks programming is available on the Cingular, Sprint Nextel, and Boost Mobile wireless networks.

Web site: http://www.r-e-d.com/

Triangle Multi-Media Limited, Inc. and Q Television Network, Inc. Make Two Major Announcements

-- Triangle Multi-Media Limited, Inc. ("TMM") (PINKSHEETS: QBID)

1) Triangle Multi-Media Limited, Inc. and Q Television Network, Inc.

CEO, Chairman and majority shareholder Lloyd Fan appoints Anthony

(Tony) J. Gouveia as a consultant to develop and execute a business

plan that addresses the concerns of shareholders, creditors and

employees.

2) Triangle Multi-Media Limited, Inc. and Q Television Network, Inc.

announces sale of Triangle Multi-Media Limited, Inc. and plans for

Q Television Network, Inc.

In May of 2006, Q Television Network, Inc. ("QTN"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Triangle Multi-Media Limited, Inc. ("TMM") (PINKSHEETS: QBID), ceased operations due to the inability to secure additional financing to cover the financial obligations of QTN. Chairman and CEO Lloyd Fan has worked diligently since March 7, 2006, the date of his appointment as Chairman and CEO, to develop and implement a business plan to save the network. "When I took over control of the network, the company was roughly $7 million behind in payments to vendors; numerous lawsuits had been filed against the company and over $600,000 was owed to former employees. The financial challenges that the network faced proved too difficult and I was simply unable to turn around the network. I am deeply disappointed as many talented people devoted themselves to saving it.

"I would like to again thank the cable affiliates, our uplink provider, all the vendors and the staff that supported my takeover. I had hoped to make good on all the debts incurred and owed by the former management team and truly thought that with the new team and proper funding, QTN could have succeeded. My sincere apologies to all the individuals and businesses who have suffered because of their affiliation with QTN.

"Even though we ceased operation as a network, I wanted to find a way to help shareholders, creditors and employees recover some of their investment in QTN. I have never experienced a business failure in my career and I want to do everything possible to help everyone that believed in QTN, and who invested their time, energies and resources as shareholders, creditors and employees. For this reason, I appointed Anthony (Tony) J. Gouveia as a consultant in July 2006 to help me restructure TMM/QTN. Mr. Gouveia's financial expertise, experience, impressive communication skills and understanding of the tools necessary to manage complex transactions will be invaluable. His extensive accounting background, his experience as a dynamic senior financial executive and his unquestionable character and integrity as a CPA for 20 years make him the ideal person to manage this process. Mr.Gouveia has held various positions in public and privately held companies as CFO, Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller. He spent several years as an auditor for large international accounting firms. Tony has my full support. I will remain involved in all business decisions with Tony's assistance. I want to thank Tony for taking on this difficult task."

Mr.Gouveia responded, "I'm very impressed with Mr. Fan's commitment as CEO and Chairman. He took over at a difficult time when things were totally hopeless. He has committed a significant amount of his time and resources to try to save this network. I admire and respect what he tried to do, and I know there are many others who feel the same way.

"I have been assisting Mr. Fan with his Taiwan-based company, QTN Asia, in which I own an interest. This is a new marketing and distribution company of high end consumer products. This company will provide an innovative sales and distribution channel for consumer products to the United States. We will offer the highest quality products at a significant discount directly to the consumer. This is a complete overhaul of the current business model every retailer, wholesaler and importer is using today. We are currently working on obtaining the necessary financing to launch this company. Mr. Fan is a very creative and innovative businessman who believes strongly in always conducting himself with integrity and that convinced me to work with Mr. Fan on this mission."

Mr. Fan added, "My dream is to consolidate the GLBT community strength and buying power, to use part of the proceeds to support local community events and to communicate an agenda to educate others to spread peace, love and equal rights.

"The unfair treatment to the vendors, shareholders and QTN employees was painful for me to bear, and thanks to the thousands of supporters and community leaders whom have rallied behind me, I'm able to find the strength to move forward and to find the best solution for all of us."

Mr. Gouveia added, "I have had no previous involvement with TMM, QTN or any other company associated with TMM or QTN. At no time was I a shareholder, creditor, employee or consultant prior to July 2006. Furthermore, I have had no personal relationships with anyone associated with TMM, QTN or any other company connected with TMM or QTN, except Lloyd Fan. I was introduced to Mr. Fan in May 2006 as a consultant who might be able to assist him in this process.

"It is very disturbing to hear some of the circumstances surrounding what happened at TMM and QTN prior to Lloyd's appointment as CEO and Chairman. We will consider all possible actions going forward to determine what went wrong, which could include a forensic accounting of all the various transactions that we believe require further investigation."

Triangle Multi-Media Limited, Inc. and Q Television Network, Inc. announces sale of Triangle Multi-Media Limited, Inc. and plans for Q Television Network, Inc.

Mr. Gouveia stated, "We are very pleased to announce the proposed sale of TMM to Cinemax Pictures and Production Company International, Inc. (Canada) ('Cinemax Pictures'), pending completion of due diligence and shareholder approval. Cinemax Pictures is not affiliated with Time Warner Entertainment. The sale of TMM will be an all-stock deal. TMM shareholders will receive 20% of Cinemax Pictures on a 'Pro-Rata' basis.

"Cinemax Pictures is a production company that has three distinct lines of business. First, Cinemax Pictures owns a reality television show that will be shown to 18 television networks. Cinemax Pictures expects to get this syndicated and to start generating revenue. The reality show is called 'Three Patriots and a Wagon.' It is a comedy drama that explores the relationship between a Native Indian and a 'Pale-Face' who has an intricate knowledge of law. Second, Cinemax Pictures owns six movies that are in different stages of production. Cinemax Pictures considers these movies to be blockbusters, not only because of the actors and actresses that have signed on, but because of the scripts that have been reviewed. The movies range from comedies to action-thrillers. Finally, due to Cinemax Pictures relationships and contacts throughout the industry, Cinemax Pictures has the opportunity to provide bridge-financing (or 'gap-funding' as it is referred to in the industry) to movies that go over their production budget. Cinemax Pictures will take a large percentage of the rights to the movies and will receive a return-on-investment once the movie has completed production and is sold to a distributor.

"Cinemax Pictures is committed to its new shareholders and it is interviewing a number of investor relation firms to keep the shareholders abreast of all the new developments. Cinemax Pictures' website is presently under construction, but it is expected to be revamped within the next month.

"Mr. Fan and I are both committed to supporting Cinemax Pictures. After the sale is completed, I will be a Director."

Mr. Gouveia added, "Mr. Fan and I are currently reviewing what will be the disposition of QTN. We will communicate our intentions when this process is finalized. The possible solutions under consideration are to sell QTN or to reacquire assets that may legally belong to QTN in order to pay off creditors and employees. We will consult with our attorneys on the proper method of accomplishing the above.

"We have negotiated a deal with the Obion Group. They are in the process of purchasing a shell company to reverse merge with. This will be a publicly traded holding company. This company will focus on a number of different fast food restaurant chains with products ranging from: Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Fish & Chips, Pizza, BBQ, Hamburgers, Spuds, Gyros, Hot Wings, Oriental, Tex-Mex, Vegetarian, Salads, and Diabetic eateries. The first of these fast food restaurant chains is Chicago Style Hot Dogs (a Nevada Corporation) which is being test marketed in Texas with two operating establishments. Furthermore, the Obion Group owns an interest in a virtual reality technology company and will explore opportunities in the resorts/destination industry. The Obion Group will set aside 25 billion of its authorized shares for the TMM shareholders. There will be a distribution of these shares on a 'Pro-Rata' basis at no cost to the TMM shareholders once the Obion Group is approved for public trading.

"The purpose of the distribution to TMM shareholders is to assist shareholders in recouping some of their losses. There is no requirement to invest in the Obion Group.

"Mr. Fan and I will be Directors and we will have an ownership interest in the Obion Group and all related businesses.

"Mr. Fan and I have formed a recovery team for two reasons: (1) to determine if there are assets that can be reacquired that rightfully belong to QTN, which may include a forensic accounting of all pertinent records associated with these assets; and (2) provide shareholders other opportunities to recover their investment. The cash value of all assets that may be acquired, less administrative costs and fees, will be used to pay-off creditors and employees. We will set up a website that will periodically be updated to provide all concerned with the status on our progress. This website will also be a vehicle for communicating information to us that might be used to assist us in this process."

Mr. Fan stated, "I'm very excited about what Tony has been able to accomplish. Tony did an outstanding job and exceeded my expectations. Everyone involved with these transactions was impressed with his significant skills and experience. He worked 24/7 to make this happen as quickly as possible. I fully support and approve of everything that he was able to accomplish."

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words "believes," "expects," "intends," "anticipated," or "may," and similar conditional expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Act. Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in the foregoing are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. It is possible that the assumptions made by management are not necessarily the most likely and may not materialize. In addition, other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the following: business conditions and the amount of growth in the company's industry and general economy; competitive factors; ability to attract and retain personnel; and the price of the company's stock. Triangle Multi-Media, Q Television Network, Cinemax Pictures and the Obion Group take no obligation to update or correct forward-looking statements and also take no obligation to update or correct information prepared by third parties that is not paid for by the companies.

“Great To Be Nominated” Concludes with “Network”

Beverly Hills, CA – The 1976 Best Picture nominee “Network” will be screened as the final feature in part three of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ “Great To Be Nominated” series. The scathing satire of network television will be shown on Monday, August 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Producer Howard Gottfried, cinematographer Owen Roizman, editor Alan Heim, production designer Philip Rosenberg, and cameramen Tom Priestley Jr. and Fred Schuler will participate in a panel discussion following the screening.

Oscar®-winner Peter Finch stars in “Network” as Howard Beale, an aging news anchor who threatens to commit suicide on-air after being fired by his network for poor ratings. His rant generates huge ratings, making him an asset to the network and altering his fate and the fate of his co-workers. The film won four Oscars, for Actor in a Leading Role (Finch, in his final performance), Actress in a Leading Role (Faye Dunaway as Diana Christensen), Actress in a Supporting Role (Beatrice Straight as Louise Schumacher) and Writing – Screenplay written directly for the screen based on factual material or on story material not previously published or produced (Paddy Chayefsky). The film also received nominations for Best Picture (Gottfried, producer), Actor in a Leading Role (William Holden as Max Schumacher), Actor in a Supporting Role (Ned Beatty as Arthur Jensen), Cinematography (Roizman), Directing (Sidney Lumet) and Film Editing (Heim).

The Oscar-nominated live action short “Number One” (live action) will be screened prior to the feature, and its director, Dyan Cannon, will be present.

Tickets for “Network” may be purchased at a cost of $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets may be purchased by mail, in person at the Academy during regular business hours or, depending on availability, on the night of the screening when the doors open at 6:30 p.m. Curtain time for the feature is 7:30 p.m., and pre-show elements will begin at 6:45 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call (310) 247-3600.

©A.M.P.A.S.®

JADOO POWER AWARDED GENERAL ATOMICS CONTRACT FOR
ADVANCED FUEL CANISTER DESIGN
New Fuel System Can Deliver 10X the Energy Density of Batteries

Jadoo Power Systems Inc. (Jadoo) www.jadoopower.com, the leading supplier of portable fuel cell power systems, announced today that General Atomics, Space Power Division has awarded Jadoo a contract to develop an advanced fuel canister for use with hydrogen fuel cells.

Using Jadoo’s N-Stor intelligent digital fuel interface, the new fuel canister utilizes an advanced chemical hydride derived from ammonia borane. Compared to re-chargeable metal hydrides, one-time use chemical hydrides provide higher energy densities at a dramatically reduced weight. The fuel canister will allow consumers to choose which fuel option they prefer, knowing that the interface ensures compatibility with the Jadoo N-Gen fuel cell power unit. The proprietary Jadoo N-Stor interface adds following capabilities to the new fuel canister:

Easy-to-use digital “state-of-fill” indicator

Automatic information transfer between fuel canister and fuel cell for power, data and fluids

Industry standard, tamper-proof safety valve design

100% compatibility with all N-Stor enabled fuel cell power units

“The N-Stor interface is certainly an important and necessary innovation for the advancement of fuel cell power,” said Dr. Tom Lechtenberg, General Atomics Vice President. “With an installed base of fuel cell systems in the market, the time to commercialization of an ammonia borane fuel solution will be cut in half thanks to the N-Stor interface.”

“Our N-Stor interface is quickly becoming a standard for the industry,” said Larry Bawden, President & CEO, Jadoo Power. “We are excited to be working with General Atomics to bring yet another advanced fuel option to market for our customers.”

About Jadoo Power Systems
www.jadoopower.com

Jadoo Power Systems, Inc. is a market-focused company that develops and sells next-generation, portable energy storage and power generation products. Jadoo is financed by Mohr Davidow Ventures, Venrock Associates and Sinclair Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.

About General Atomics
www.ga.com

General Atomics, founded in 1955 with corporate headquarters in San Diego, CA, specializes in diversified research, development, and manufacturing in defense, energy and other advanced technology arenas.

Jet Announces Fall Tour Dates; Ten-City Trek Sees the Aussie Rock Superstars Celebrating Eagerly Awaited Second Album; "SHINE ON" in Stores on October 3^rd

Atlantic recording group Jet has announced a series of North American concert dates heralding the upcoming release of their second album, "SHINE ON." The Aussie rock sensations' much-anticipated follow-up to 2003's RIAA platinum-plus debut, "GET BORN," is set to land in stores on October 3rd.

Jet will kick off the whirlwind ten-city tour at Austin, Texas' La Zona Rosa on September 20th, then travel across the continent through an October 7th show at Las Vegas' The Joint (see attached itinerary). The band made their long-awaited return to the live stage last week with a pair of very special shows in their native Australia -- their first in nearly two years. Next, Jet will rock the U.K.'s annual Carling Weekend: Reading & Leeds Festivals on August 26th and 27th. Further tour dates, both in North America and around the world, will be announced in coming weeks.

"Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is," the first single from "SHINE ON," is looking like another cross-the-board rock smash for Jet. Having only just impacted at multiple rock radio formats, the track immediately entered airplay charts at Alternative, Active Rock, and Heritage Rock outlets nationwide, while also receiving this week's "Most Increased Plays" at Alternative. The song is currently the #1 most added track at Modern Rock radio two weeks running.

Produced by Dave Sardy -- who helmed "GET BORN," as well as recent efforts by such bands as Oasis, Wolfmother, and Dirty Pretty Things -- "SHINE ON" sees Jet again putting their own contemporary stamp on timeless guitar-fueled rock 'n' roll. The band spent much of 2005 and 2006 working on "SHINE ON," including writing sessions at facilities in Barbados, Massachusetts, and their home country of Australia. The sessions wound up this spring with a marathon burst of creativity at Sardy's Hillside Manor Studios in Los Angeles.

From the poignant title track to the Captain Beefheart-esque "Holiday" to the massive rocker, "Stand Up," "SHINE ON" lights on a wider gamut of emotions than before, with more varied musical colors and deeper lyrical texture. The result is a full-scale rock 'n' roll sensation like only Jet could create.

Jet came together in 2001, united by a mutual passion for straight-up rock 'n' roll in all its many guises, from blues and garage to punk and psychedelia. Their goal from the get-go was to give new life to their inspirations, invigorating classic sounds with fresh fervor and dollops of contemporary energy. Raw, direct, and instantly irresistible, Jet's vibrant sonic style and heartfelt devotion to exuberant songcraft caused a frenzy in their native Australia and soon caught fire around the world.

Released in 2003, "GET BORN" proved an international blockbuster, with worldwide sales exceeding three and a half million units. Driven by a fistful of massively successful hit singles -- including the #1 smashes "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" and "Cold Hard Bitch," as well as "Rollover DJ" and "Look What You've Done" -- the album instantly established Jet as one of the most potent and popular rock outfits on the planet. In the U.S., both "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" and "Look What You've Done" earned RIAA platinum digital single certifications.

The band also earned a rep as an electrifying live outfit, blowing up stages everywhere they played -- as headliners, festival showstoppers, and special guests of such like-minded superstars as Oasis.

Jet has received a long list of international awards, highlighted by a MTV Video Music Award for 2004's "Best Rock Video," for the "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" clip. Also included on the band's honor roll are an American Music Awards nomination as "Favorite Artist - Alternative Music," and a triumphant six-trophy sweep of 2004's ARIA Music Awards in their home country.

Jet is: Nic Cester -- guitar, vocals; Chris Cester -- drums, vocals; Cam Muncey -- guitar, vocals; Mark Wilson -- bass.

For more information, please visit www.jettheband.com.

JET

NORTH AMERICAN TOUR -- FALL 2006

SEPTEMBER

20 Austin, TX La Zona Rosa On sale 8/26

21 Dallas, TX Gypsy Ballroom On sale 8/26

22 Houston, TX Warehouse On sale 8/26

25 Chicago, IL The Vic On sale 8/26

27 New York, NY Irving Plaza On sale 8/30

29 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts On sale 8/25

OCTOBER

1 Toronto, ON Guvernment On sale 8/31

4 Anaheim, CA House of Blues On sale 9/2

5 Los Angeles, CA The Fonda On sale 8/26

7 Las Vegas, NV The Joint On sale 8/26

AOL Music Adds Lupe Fiasco to Lineup of This Summer's Breaker Artists

This week AOL Music (http://www.aolmusic.com) added hip-hop phenom Lupe Fiasco to this season's list of Breaker artists. Though skateboarding, comic books and Japanese cartoons are not the preferred pastimes of most hip-hop artists, Lupe Fiasco is different. The 24 year-old Chicago legend has already worked with Kanye West (on 'Touch the Sky'), gotten support from Jay-Z and co-founded his own imprint called 1st & 15th.

With his debut album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor, hitting stores on September 19, Lupe Fiasco is ready to take the music industry by storm. Laced with 14-tracks of complex, thought-provoking and playful lyricism coupled with sure-fire beats, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor showcases his diverse background and artistry.

Throughout the season, Lupe Fiasco and other AOL Music Breaker artists are showcased on AOLMusic.com and across the AOL(R) Music and Radio Networks. Elements of the artist campaign includes an appearance on AOL(R) Sessions, the intimate, in-studio performance series, AIM(R) Music Interviews, song and music video debuts, and heavy rotation on AOL Radio (http://www.aolradio.com). Fans can visit AOL Music (http://www.aolmusic.com) to learn more about Lupe Fiasco, watch his video for "Kick Push" and listen to "I Gotcha."

As previously announced, this season's AOL Music Breakers include British chanteuse Corinne Bailey Rae, pop-punks Cartel, country band The Lost Trailers, hard-rocking Aussie trio Wolfmother, rhythmic singer-songwriter Mat Kearney and 15-year-old hip-hop phenomenon Young Leek.

Recent Breakers success stories also include 2006 Best New Artist Grammy winner John Legend and platinum artists Fall Out Boy and Sugarland, as well as newcomers Panic! at the Disco and Teddy Geiger. Other artists to be featured as Breakers at the onset of their careers include Avril Lavigne, Josh Groban, 50 Cent, Michelle Branch, The Game, Jet and Keyshia Cole.

AOL Music (http://www.aolmusic.com) is a leading online destination for music, reaching millions of music fans a month through a rich array of programming, products and services that make it easy to discover, experience, listen to and buy music online.

Anheuser-Busch Launches In-House Film and TV Production Company

Anheuser-Busch's top creative executive, Jim Schumacher, has been moved out of the advertising department and into the new entertainment production group. | ALSO: Comment on this article in the 'Your Opinion' box below.

The country's largest brewer is launching its own in-house film and TV production company that will make humorous shorts and sitcom-type programs to be broadcast over the internet and to cellphones, according to four people familiar with the matter, and could branch into full-length films.

While A-B has dabbled in content before -- particularly in sports TV, where its Bud Productions division recently produced National Football League preseason games for the St. Louis Rams -- this initiative is believed to be the brewer's most ambitious by far. Funding will likely be drawn from its $1.56 billion marketing budget.

Earlier this summer, A-B pulled VP-Creative Development Jim Schumacher -- its top in-house creative -- out of the advertising department and into the new production group. "The fact that Schu is leading this means they're serious about it," said one person familiar with his new assignment. "They wouldn't be wasting his time otherwise."

A-B has also assigned Michael Gianino, senior director-branded entertainment, to a unit devoted to producing online content. Mr. Gianino previously worked on A-B's product-placement deal for New Line Cinema's "Wedding Crashers," starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, which was the brewer's first Hollywood venture in 14 years. Since then, it's been increasingly star-struck, sponsoring Mr. Vaughn's comedy tour and tapping Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney for voice-overs on Budweiser Select spots.

At press time, it was unclear whether Messrs. Schumacher and Gianino are working together or on separate content-creation units.

Asked about the division and the assignments, an A-B spokesman said: "We're always looking for new ways to reach beer drinkers through innovative means of communications, but it's our practice to not comment on rumors and speculation."

By investing heavily in producing its own content, $15.5 billion A-B is following closely in the footsteps of other megamarketers. Last winter, PepsiCo produced the snowboarding documentary "First Descent" through its Mountain Dew Films unit. And Starbucks Corp., which last year partnered with Lions Gate Films to market "Akeelah and the Bee," intends to co-produce more features with Hollywood studios.

Marketers' march into content creation has not gone unnoticed by the $5 billion-plus production industry. "Too many marketers view production as a commodity, when the expertise to do it well isn't easily learned," said Matt Miller, president-CEO of the Association of Independent Commercial Producers. "Agencies and marketers have always run into limitation when it comes to the creative product. The expertise and talent suffers."

A-B to date has dabbled with one-offs, such as "Bud TV," an online production it promoted with a commercial during February's Super Bowl. Now it appears to be gearing up to produce a steady stream of original content.

"They've made it clear that they think the future is online, and I think we're going to see a lot of short films and sitcom-type stuff," said California-based A-B distributor Mike Fox. "A lot of us wholesalers have been pushing for them to do more entertainment stuff for awhile."

Mr. Fox said distributors have also been pushing A-B to use its theme parks, including Sea World and Busch Gardens, to host and produce concert events that could be powerful marketing tools.

A-B rivals, however, said they saw the potential for the entertainment business to wind up distracting A-B from selling beer, or so they hoped.

"Making movies is always a great idea for an alcohol company," said Don Faust Jr., a Miller and Coors distributor based in Houston. "Just look how great it was for the Bronfmans."

New Census Data Details Major Changes in Language Landscape
More Than 40% of Californians Speak a Tongue Other Than English at Home

If you want to communicate with California, you may need to try a language other than English or even Spanish. A full 42% of

Californians speak a language other than English at home, with two-thirds of that group (28%) speaking Spanish and the rest speaking some other tongue. Not coincidentally, 27% of Californians are foreign-born, the highest in the nation.

On the flip side, West Virginia has the lowest percentage of foreign-born residents (1%) and highest share of English speakers (99%). Some 95% of West Virginia residents are white and non-Hispanic (vs. 43% in California). But West Virginia has the lowest share of college graduates: Just 17% of residents have a degree, vs. 30% in California.

These are among the findings from the first major release of the American Community Survey, a Census Bureau program that each year will provide a demographic portrait of the nation based on a survey of 3 million households. The survey replaces the old "long form" version of the every-10-year census.

The Census Bureau last week released survey data on demographics, with results on economics, housing and other details to follow in coming months. Among the new data:

Ancestry: 17% of Americans say their roots are German, the largest ancestral group; 12% say their background is Irish; English (10%) ranks third. The fourth-largest group: 7% of the population says its ancestral background is "American."

Immigrants: One in eight residents (12.4%) are immigrants (legal or illegal), up from 11% in 2000. Latin America accounts for more than half (53%) of the immigrant population; 27% came from Asia/Pacific. Nearly one-third (31%) of immigrants are from Mexico; there are an estimated 11 million Mexican-born residents in the U.S., greater than the population of all but seven states.

Age and household: Utah has the nation's youngest median age (28.5), highest percentage of households with children (44%) and largest families (average 3.1 people). The oldest state? Maine (median age 41.2). In Florida, 29% of households have residents age 65-plus, the highest in the nation, but the Sunshine State ranks sixth in median age (39.5). Nation's median age: 36.4.

Education: 27% of U.S. adults (age 25+) have a bachelor's degree; 10% have an advanced degree. Massachusetts scores first among states in percentage of residents with a bachelor's (37%) or advanced degree (16%). Among large cities, San Francisco is by far the most educated: 50% of residents are college graduates.

They love New York: 21% of the state's residents are foreign-born, second highest after California. But native New Yorkers stay home (or come home); 82% of New York's U.S.-born residents were born in the state, the highest percentage in the nation.

Intersound Records to Release a World Music Album to Benefit Refugees

Intersound Records, in conjunction with Crazy Baby Records, has announced the August 22, 2006 release of the world music album "VOYCES UNITED FOR UNHCR," a compilation which will provide funds and additional public support for The United States Association for UNHCR (USA FOR UNHCR).

The album, four years in planning and development, was compiled by Crazy Baby Records and its President/Artist Joalby. Already released in Eastern Europe as a 2 CD set, Intersound has selected what it feels are the strongest 14 tracks for the album release in North America.

USA FOR UNHCR raises awareness and support for the UN Refugee Agency's Nobel Peace Prize-winning work through fundraising, education, and public advocacy.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects over 19 million people worldwide in 116 countries whom have been forced to flee their homes due to war or persecution. UNHCR provides refugees in such countries as Sudan, Afghanistan, and Bulgaria with shelter, medical care, and where needed, asylum or resettlement.

All of the participating Artists on the album are donating their sales royalties to USA FOR UNHCR, as is the Licensor of the tracks, Crazy Baby Records. Intersound will also donate a portion of their sales revenues to the Association.

Participating Artists include Universal Music Poland's Alicia Janosz, winner of Polish Idol and a mainstay on many international charts; South Africa's chart-topping Matt Allison; Bulgarian Dyana Dafova, whose current album "Charisma" is in release in 25 countries; Universal Music Canada's Mary Jane Lamond, best known for her hit "Sleepy Maggie"; Natasha Atlas, a major star in both France and England; the United Kingdom's Xanda Howe; American Idol semi-finalist Candice Coleman; and the British group White Town, whose 1997 single "Your Woman" achieved Gold status in 9 countries.

Also check out: www.myspace.com/usaforunhcr for continuous updates and A Taste of Triple A (August Edition) for the track "Inside of Me" from Matt Allison.

(STREET DATE 8/22/06)

About Intersound Records & Sheridan Square Entertainment:

Sheridan Square Entertainment Inc. is a full service independent music company based in New York. Its label group includes V2 Records, Artemis Records, Musicrama, Artemis Classics, Vanguard Classics, Triloka Records, Tone-Cool Records, Light Records, Spitfire Records and Intersound Records.

'The Panic Channel' Debuts With Free Three-Month Mobile Video Promotion for Sprint and Boost Mobile Customers
Retail Entertainment Design (RED) Helps 'The Panic Channel' Reach Over 5 Million Consumers With Fresh Content Every Two Weeks, Including Music Videos, Live Performances, and Behind-the-Scenes Interviews

Capitol Records, together with Retail Entertainment Design (RED) announced this week they will promote The Panic Channel's debut album (ONe) via video-enabled mobile phones. The promotion greatly expands on the way this technology has been used previously, taking mobile-video promotion in the music industry to a whole new level.

RED has partnered with GoTV Networks to provide all Sprint and Boost Mobile video-enabled mobile phone customers with exclusive features delivered directly to their phones. Starting this week and continuing for the next 90 days, users can watch behind-the-scenes footage of The Panic Channel, interviews with band members (Dave Navarro - Guitar, Stephen Perkins - Drums, Chris Chaney - Bass, Steve Isaacs - Vocals, Guitar) music videos, candid photos and live performances. New video features will be released every two weeks throughout the promotion, and will reach an estimated 5 million customers with video-enabled mobile phones.

"This is an exciting time for RED and our customers," said Lynda Stenge, Director of Strategic Marketing and Partnerships for RED. "We are truly breaking ground on a new way to connect to today's plugged-in consumers on- the-go, and we expect to see a lot more mobile video promotions like this start to happen. As they do, our retail customers will benefit from great opportunities with big-name artists like The Panic Channel."

The Panic Channel mobile video promotion is also designed to drive traffic to the Sprint web site so fans can purchase "Why Cry" and "Teahouse of the Spirits" ring tones. Sprint and Boost Mobile customers will be invited to visit the band's microsite, www.thepanicchannel.tv, where they can enter to win prizes. The promotion will end with thirty (30) winners chosen on November 16th, winning concert tickets, meet & greets with the band, The Panic Channel tee-shirts, autographed CDs and posters, and more.

"We approached The Panic Channel with this idea because they are absolutely the right artists to take advantage of a mobile video promotion, and because it is the right time for RED to dive in to the burgeoning world of mobile video," said Lynda Stenge of RED. "The Panic Channel's audience -- kids and adults alike -- spend a lot of time online, and speak the "text-it- to-me" language. Mobile video is a perfect way to introduce this band to the consumers who are waiting to hear them."

About Retail Entertainment Design (RED)

Contact: Laura Lowery of Retail Entertainment Design, +1-206-799-5604.

Web site: http://www.thepanicchannel.tv/

Web site: http://www.r-e-d.com/

According to the latest study by Shop.org and Forrester Research, says Webtrends, the US eCommerce industry has experienced a compound annual growth rate of 33%.

Forrester predicts that revenue in 2006 will continue to grow another 20% to top $200 billion. And, 41% of the retailers WebTrends surveyed said that the holiday season accounts for more than 20% of their annual revenue.

The Webtrends recent Online Retail Holiday Readiness Survey with over 300 retail professionals, found that overall, retailers surveyed ranked email marketing as the most important demand-generation activity for holiday success. In addition, 50% of the respondents said that visitor segmentation is important to the success of their online holiday season. Making sure that campaigns are targeted and relevant to customers is vital, says the report.

Email marketing to stimulate demand is the winner with ecommerce businesses, with Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ranking second and third. Print advertising was ranked second and in-store promotions third to Internet and Store retailers, while traditional forms of demand generation such as broadcast advertising and coupons didn't make the cut. Online banner ads were also a lower priority for all retailers.

More than 23% of retailers will provide no special offers during the holidays. Last year, free shipping was a clear winner, with value-added promotions such as "free gift with purchase" running a close second. This year, twice as many retailers are opting to see what happens without any promotions at all.

28% of respondents will use a "special repeat buyer discount" to fuel repeat purchases from existing customers, down from33% from last year's survey. The inclination to refrain from providing special offers applies to current as well as new customers.

The most popular site features in 2006 are:

49% of retailers surveyed indicating they intend to use suggested items to generate revenue from loyal customers.
40% are planning a gift idea center
37% planning a featured item sales page

The biggest increases in spending, according to the report will be:

eMail marketing (52%),
SEM (46%)
SEO (38%)

The biggest decreases in spending will be:

online banner ads (17%)
print advertising (16%)
broadcast advertising (14%)

Some other key findings reported in the study include:

63% of retailers are relying on response and activity-based metrics like clickthroughs, page and product views to measure demand generation
27% aren't consistently measuring their demand generation activities at all
10% of retailers surveyed are using visitor-centric metrics like unique visitors and deferred conversions to measure these activities

Today's Youth Look to Advertising as Much as Their Friends When Making Purchase Decisions
Newer Advertising Tactics Not Appealing - Only Five Percent Like Advertising on Cell Phones

Today's youth have an income of $233 billion(1) and influence many household purchases -- and not only youth products. Today's "wired" kids are receiving many advertisers' messages directly and some are particularly attuned to advertising to guide their purchase decision-making. Youth, particularly tweens, agree that they often pay close attention to advertisements to make sure they buy the right products (36% of tweens ages 8-12 and 22% of teens ages 13-18). The influence of advertising is similar to the influence of friends on young people's purchase decisions, with 36 percent of tweens and 23 percent of teens saying that they often look to see what their friends use and buy when making purchase decisions.

These are the results of a nationwide survey of 1,306 U.S. children and teenagers (ages 8 to 18) surveyed online by Harris Interactive(R) between May 18 to 23, 2006. Harris Interactive collaborated with the University of Delaware's Lerner College of Business and Economics on development of the questionnaire for this study.

Advertising likes and dislikes

When it comes to advertising tactics employed by companies, the top three liked by both tweens and teens relate to celebrity and notoriety, including having a famous person use a product (tweens 39% and teens 21%), having a person in a movie use a product (tweens 33% and teens 20%), and getting the company name included in the name of a sporting event or stadium (tweens 33% and teens 22%). Newer advertising tactics are viewed more negatively by young people. For example, only five percent of youth like it when companies advertise their product on cell phones (compared to 50% who dislike it), and four percent like it when companies get someone to mention a product in online chat sessions (with 41% disliking this tactic).

Truth in advertising

Youth seem to consider themselves to be discerning when it comes to advertising, and they can even be skeptical about what companies tell them. Fewer than one in ten (6%) 8-18 year olds agree with the statement "advertisements tell the truth," and more than half (57%) say they often notice tricks companies use to get them to buy something. About three-quarters (73%) agree that companies try to get people to buy things they do not really need. And, regarding mention of a product in an online chatroom, very few (only 1% of teens and 6% of tweens) feel that they can trust the discussion.

TABLE 1

PURCHASE DECISION-MAKING

"How much do you agree with the following?"

Base: All youth ages 8-18 years

Summary of Strongly / Somewhat Agree

Tweens Teens Total

age 8-12 age 13-18 age 8-18

% % %

I like to buy things my

friends have. 62 32 44

To make sure that I buy the

right products, I often look

to see what my friends use and

buy. 36 23 29

To make sure I buy the right

products I often pay close

attention to advertisements. 36 22 29

If I do not have much experience

with a product, I often ask my

friends to tell me what to buy. 29 33 31

If I do not have much experience

with a product, I often ask

someone who works in a store to

tell me what to buy. 22 28 26

I try to buy products that I've

seen before on television or in

the movies 53 29 40

I often use the Internet to get

information about products

before I buy them 30 51 40

TABLE 2

ATTITUDES ON ADVERTISING TACTICS

"How much do you like it when companies do the following?"

Base: All youth ages 8-18 years

Summary of Like / Summary of Dislike /

Strongly Like Strongly Dislike

Tweens Teens Total Tweens Teens Total

age 8-12 age 13-18 age 8-18 age 8-12 age 13-18 age 8-18

% % % % % %

Have a famous

person use their

product 39 21 29 12 22 18

Have a person in

a movie use

their product 33 20 26 12 19 17

Get their company

name included in

the name of a

sporting event

or stadium 33 22 26 13 18 17

Create cartoons or

TV shows that are

about their

product(s) 31 13 21 25 34 31

Have their product

appear in a video

game 27 13 19 22 25 24

Give their product

to popular kids

for free 24 12 18 43 44 44

Get someone to use

their product in

a public place

like a coffee shop 17 10 13 19 22 20

Get someone to

write a blog about

their product 14 10 11 24 32 29

Ask for personal

information like

your name and

email address 6 4 4 68 65 66

Advertise their

product on cell

phones 5 4 5 41 55 50

Get someone to

mention the product

in online chat

sessions 5 4 4 37 45 41

TABLE 3

TELLING THE TRUTH ABOUT PRODUCTS

"How much do you agree with the following?"

Base: All youth ages 8-18 years

Summary of Strongly /

Somewhat Agree

Tweens Teens Total

age 8-12 age 13-18 age 8-18

% % %

What famous people say about

a product is true 17 5 11

When companies say their

product is the best they

are always telling the truth 10 3 6

Companies can say anything

about their product, even if

it isn't true 54 42 47

When someone in an online

chatroom tells you about a

product, you can trust what

they say 6 1 3

Advertisements tell the truth 9 4 6

Products are used in movies

just to make the movies more

realistic 42 26 33

Companies want you to buy their

product only if it is the

best one for you 15 8 11

I often notice tricks that

companies use to get me to

buy something 51 61 57

Companies try to get people to

buy things that they don't

really need 76 71 73

Companies tell you only the

good things about their

products; they don't

tell you the bad things 77 70 72

Downloadable PDF files of previous issues, and the current issue of Trends and Tudes, containing this information and more, can be found at http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/newsletters_k12.asp.

Methodology

This survey was designed in collaboration with the University of Delaware's Lerner College of Business and Economics and was conducted online by Harris Interactive among 1,306 children and teenagers (ages 8-12, n=564 and ages 13-18, n=742) within the United States between May 18 to 23, 2006. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, parental education, and region were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.

All surveys are subject to several sources of error. These include: sampling error (because only a sample of a population is interviewed); measurement error due to question wording and/or question order, deliberately or unintentionally inaccurate responses, nonresponse (including refusals), interviewer effects (when live interviewers are used) and weighting.

With one exception (sampling error) the magnitude of the errors that result cannot be estimated. There is, therefore, no way to calculate a finite "margin of error" for any survey and the use of these words should be avoided.

With pure probability samples, with 100 percent response rates, it is possible to calculate the probability that the sampling error (but not other sources of error) is not greater than some number. With a pure probability sample of 1,306 one could say with a ninety-five percent probability that the overall results have a sampling error of +/-3 percentage points. Sampling error for subsamples is higher and varies. However this does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

These statements conform to the principles of disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.

About the Harris Interactive Youth and Education Research Practice

The Youth and Education Research Practice conducts research among children, teens, parents, educators, administrators and policy makers that assists in understanding the lives of children, teens and college students. The team specializes in research related to marketing geared toward the young consumer, to public policy related to youth and education, to family and parenting issues, and satisfaction studies and research that measures the standards of K-12 and higher education in districts across the nation. The practice conducts custom and syndicated studies both for non-profit and for- profit organizations.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is the 12th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world. The company provides research-driven insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll, one of the longest running, independent opinion polls and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what could conceivably be the world's largest panel of survey respondents: The Harris Poll Online. Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its United States, Europe and Asia offices, its wholly-owned subsidiary Novatris in France and through a global network of independent market research firms. The service bureau, HISB, provides its market research industry clients with mixed-mode data collection, panel development services as well as syndicated and tracking research consultation.

More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at http://www.harrisinteractive.com/.

To become a member of the Harris Poll Online, visit http://www.harrispollonline.com/.

Tower Records to Sell Company Under Chapter 11 Sale Process
Enters into $85 million in Debtor in Possession Financing; Negotiates Delivery Terms with Key Vendor Partners; Stores Remain Open ... Business as Usual

MTS Incorporated and its subsidiaries (Tower Records), America's leading independent music and entertainment retailer which owns and operates 89 Tower Records stores in 20 states nationwide, tonight announced its intent to sell the Company through a process (Section 363) under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. This process, which is subject to court approval, sets in motion a timeline of events that will ultimately insure a sale of the Company within approximately 60 days of the filing date.

According to Joseph D'Amico, Tower's recently named CEO, the filing is a necessary vehicle to execute his commitment to sell the Company. "Tower Records has conducted an extensive sale process and this step will allow buyers to complete a sale in time for the holiday season while maximizing the value for stakeholders." In March of 2006, the Company retained Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin as its marketing and sales agent. The Company is evaluating Letters of Intent from parties interested in acquiring the Company. Mr. D'Amico stated, "Potential parties seeking to acquire Tower Records recognize the strength of the brand and its unique position within the marketplace, making it a very attractive opportunity."

The Company also announced that it has entered into an $85 million Debtor in Possession financing with its current bank group led by CIT as agent. This financing will fund its operations and purchases of new product while the Company completes the sale. Tower has also been able to renegotiate delivery terms for product with the trade. D'Amico commented, "The trade has always supported Tower through difficult times and we recognize that their support is imperative to the consummation of a transaction."

Last week, Tower was voted 'Retailer of the Year' (Large Division) at the 48th annual National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) convention for the third consecutive year. "Tower Records is a great brand that has a unique place in the market. I am confident that the brand will continue to endure for many years to come," added D'Amico.

Visit http://www.omnimgt.com/ to view filing documentation by clicking "Real Time Data" and Tower Records 2006.

About Tower Records

Since 1960, Tower Records has been recognized and respected throughout the world for its unique brand of retailing. Founded in Sacramento, California, with the singular vision to have a music store with unparalleled selection and fair prices, Tower forges ahead with the development of exciting shopping environments, espousing diverse product ranges, artist performances, and technological advances in merchandising. Tower maintains its commitment to providing the deepest selection of entertainment merchandise in stores that celebrate the unique interests and needs of the local community. For the third year in a row, the music industry has voted Tower Records "Retailer of the Year."

Tower owns and operates 89 stores in the U.S. with 144 additional stores run by licensees in nine different countries. The Company opened one of the first Internet music stores on America Online in June 1995 and followed a year later with the launch of Tower.com.

Source: Tower Records

MGM Television Programming Available on the iTunes Music Store
New Media Division Expands Reach for Studio's Library of Classic & Popular TV Hits

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) today announced it has made current episodes of the hit science fiction/adventure series STARGATE SG1 and STARGATE ATLANTIS available for purchase and download from the iTunes Music Store (www.itunes.com).

Effective today the first five episodes of STARGATE SG1 season 10 and the first five episodes of STARGATE ATLANTIS season 3 will be available for download and subsequent episodes for both series will be available within 24 hours after airing on the SCI FI Channel.

"By making these popular series available through iTunes we're able to extend the reach of the MGM brand and the STARGATE franchise," said Doug Lee, MGM's executive vice president, New Media Division. "We're always delighted to enhance the consumer's experience of our popular content and see this as a win all the way around."

The deal marks the first step in MGM's strategy to expand its electronic distribution footprint globally with more announcements expected in the future. Since forming the New Media Division in April of this year and the recruitment of Lee to supervise it, MGM is now positioned to expand in the new media world, which will bring upside potential for the company's library.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Opera Great Jessye Norman Teams With Rachael Worby and The Pasadena POPS Orchestra for Concert of Hope for 1,500 Students at Pasadena's Blair High Sept. 22

In an extraordinary one-time event, legendary opera star Jessye Norman, acclaimed as one of the world's greatest sopranos, will join maestra Rachael Worby and The Pasadena POPS Orchestra in a rare West Coast performance exclusively for 1,500 inner city students at Pasadena's Blair IB Magnet High School on Friday, September 22 (11:15 a.m.).

Recognized globally for her vocal successes and humanitarian acts, Norman agreed to the concert on the request of Worby, who crafted a pioneering education residency program at Blair High three years ago to instill an appreciation for music and a platform for self discipline and hard work among the students.

The 45-minute performance will be held in Blair High's gymnasium, a far cry from the world's great concert halls Norman has visited throughout her distinguished career. She will regale the students with her personal interpretations of opera, gospel and jazz, as well as readings from great black authors and leaders, with the accompaniment of the POPS Orchestra under Worby's direction.

"Jessye Norman can perform anywhere in the world, but once I described the opportunity to do a concert that introduces great music to economically disadvantaged, at-risk teenagers, there was no hesitation on her part," said Worby. "It was especially compelling for her since the school is participating in one of our outreach programs aimed specifically at inner city kids."

Norman, a 2006 Lifetime Achievement Awardee from The Recording Academy and a 1997 Kennedy Center Honoree among her 30 or more decorations and awards, is a tireless champion of philanthropic activities. She is spokesperson for the LUPUS Foundation and The Partnership for the Homeless and serves on the boards of The New York City Public Library, New York Botanical Garden, Meals-on-Wheels of New York, The Dance Theater of Harlem, National Music Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Worby introduced the concept of a concert at Blair High through a series of transatlantic telephone calls and emails over the last several months. The venue and audience were immediately appealing to the opera star.

"Ms. Norman is sure to make an electrifying effect in the school because of her tremendous artistry and humanity," said John Hancock, executive director of the Pasadena POPS. "These are the themes of our ongoing work with the students in this and other schools where we pursue a path of commonality and personal accomplishment through music."

Norman will accept no fee for the performance and all other costs have been covered by anonymous donations.

"The opportunity to conduct for Jessye Norman in this setting is one of the dreams of my life," said Worby. "Her powerful and lustrous voice and interpretations will be one of the enduring joys these young people will ever experience."

The Norman and Worby collaboration will continue from Blair High School to Beijing and Shanghai in October when Worby will conduct Norman's concerts in China.

Norman made her operatic debut in 1969, and soon thereafter conquered the world's greatest stages. Her distinguished association with the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York began with her debut on the opening night of the organization's centennial season in 1983.

BLACK ENTERPRISE To Debut TV Series Hosted By Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Ed Gordon
Our World With Black Enterprise Premieres Nationwide This Fall

Our World With Black Enterprise, a new, half-hour, nationally syndicated television series that spotlights the contemporary African American experience, will bring more diversity to weekly, talk TV when it debuts next month.

Premiering on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006, Our World With Black Enterprise, hosted by acclaimed broadcast journalist Ed Gordon, will feature news, entertainment, roundtable discussions, and special interest stories about African Americans from all walks of life-from Hollywood to the corporate suite and everyone in between.

BLACK ENTERPRISE (BE) magazine, now in its 36th year, is the No. 1 business and investing resource for African Americans with a readership of 3.9 million. A multimedia company with print, radio, television, and Web properties, BE will partner with Central City Productions (CCP), a Chicago-based production, sales, and distribution firm, to produce the new lifestyle show.

"We are extremely excited to announce the launch of a weekly news and entertainment show dedicated to our core audience," says BE president and CEO Earl "Butch" Graves. "For more than three decades, BLACK ENTERPRISE has distinguished itself as a unique and independent voice for African Americans. Through Our World, BE will showcase the best of our society and offer viable solutions to the challenges we face."

Ed Gordon, host of Our World With Black Enterprise, says, "I am delighted to be part of a new program that will showcase the world of news, sports, and entertainment from a black perspective, and give voice to some of today's brightest minds and best talent. I look forward to bringing the rich conversation of the black community to the forefront, and presenting our culture, our people, and our perspective each week."

The Black Enterprise Report, BE's weekly, half-hour, televised business series, will continue to provide African American business professionals with content focusing exclusively on business and financial empowerment. The program, launched in 2003 with CCP, airs weekend mornings.

To catch the debut of Our World With Black Enterprise, viewers should check their local listings for time and station information, or visit http://ourworld.blackenterprise.com/ for details.

BLACK ENTERPRISE, your ultimate guide to financial empowerment, is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, be has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine provides 3.9 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. A multimedia company, be also produces radio and television programming, business and lifestyle events, Web content, and digital media. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the definitive source of information for and about African American business markets and leaders, and the authority on black business news and trends.

For more than three decades, Central City Productions (CCP) has specialized in the production, syndication, distribution, and sale of ad space of black entertainment television programs such as The Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the Black Enterprise Report, Know Your Heritage high school quiz show, and the Bud Billiken Parade. CCP has produced more than 1,000 shows for broadcast television and is a recognized giant in the industry. The company launched the first-ever black Nielsen Household Ratings Survey from which the advertising industry measures all black TV shows today.

Back to School Technology for Today’s Youth is More than Disney Mobile, iPods, and Nintendos

Back to school shopping which previously meant school supplies and clothes now includes technology for many of today’s youth. Standard cell phones and Nintendo are the big winners with iPods relegated to backpacks.

Clarendon of Hidden Hills Elementary School in Northern California estimates that more than half of the students in her 4^th grade class have cell phones. She remembers in previous years that more than half also had them when she was in 3^rd grade (2005) and in 2^nd grade (2004).

With all the discussions about first phones designed uniquely for kids such as Cingular’s Firefly, Verizon’s LG Migo, or Disney Mobile, with parent programmable buttons, I had expected for many of her fellow students in elementary school to have one of these phones. Surprisingly, many of them have the regular cell phones, with many of them sending text messages or talking in the bathroom and during breaks to friends and family.

Locally, at the Cingular Wireless store here in Southern California, managers confirm that the Pantech C300, seen in the Cingular back to school commercials, and the Motorola RAZR have been popular for the back to school youths.

iPods are not allowed in the classrooms of Hidden Hills Elementary School , however breaks are a different story. When I interviewed Clarendon, she had her iPod Nano for two days and had already learned how to use it from her friends. Plans are to use half of its memory of 500 songs with favorites such as the Pussycat Dolls and Shakira.

Gameboys and Nintendos are popular for gaming at Hidden Hills Elementary School , and are relegated to backpacks during class. After school day care in the Growing Room has eight computers, five Gameboys and fifteen Nintendos. Clarendon explained that “more people like Nintendos than Gameboys…because it’s a newer version of the Gameboy. You can play a Gameboy on it and Nintendos.”

Liz Prior, a mother of an 8 year old and 12 year old daughter, has not obtained cell phones for her daughters. She’s learned she’s not alone with these thoughts, despite their requests.

Cindy Quan, a Bay Area pediatrician, shared that while many of her younger patients had cell phones and iPods, there has been a growing concern for parents of theft. In the nightly news, I’ve seen parents suing other parents for the loss of iPods. Quan shares that the theft of cell phones and iPods is often by older students from younger students for money to buy drugs.

As technology penetrates to younger and younger youths for entertainment and safety, it strangely has become the reason for children to become targets. (Joyce Chow))

Celebrity Tattoo Artist Mario Barth's Starlight Tattoo to Partner with AOL Music Style Studio During the Week of MTV's 2006 Video Music Awards

Starlight Tattoo Is the First-Ever Tattoo Studio to Partner with AOL

at the 2006 Style Studio for Celebrity Guests

World-renowned tattoo artist Mario Barth and his premier tattoo organization Starlight Tattoo will partner with AOL Music Style Studio for a private *Invitation Only* retreat for celebrity guests from August 30th- August 31st. The 2006 AOL Music Style Studio will open its doors to the biggest names in the music and entertainment industries for VIP treatment as they arrive in NYC for VMA week.

There will be no hotter destination than the 2006 AOL Music Style Studio where Mario Barth will provide his exclusive services to the heavyweights of Rock and Hollywood royalty. Starlight Tattoo will be the first EVER tattoo studio to work within the AOL walls, providing tattoos and cool merchandise to celebrity guests.

Additionally, Barth will have a custom-made leather embroidered chair which will be signed by all celebrity attendees and auctioned for CureSearch, Childhood Cancer Foundation.

Barth is the foremost trendsetter and innovator in the tattoo industry. He is the inventor of the first-ever sterile single dose inks which are revered as the industry's new standards in safety. His celebrity clientele include Lenny Kravitz, Jason Kidd, members of the Wu-Tang Clan, members of My Chemical Romance, Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue and NFL Giants star David Diehl.

WHAT: The AOL Music Style Studio at the MTV Video Music Awards

WHO: Celebrity Tattoo Artist Mario Barth

WHEN: Wednesday, August 30 - Thursday, August 31st

Beginning at 9:00 AM EDT

WHERE: AOL

75 Rockefeller Plaza, 8th floor

New York City

Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Kobe Bryant Scores the Cover of NBA '07 for PlayStation(R)2 and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R) Portable)
Three-Time NBA Champ to Endorse Basketball Franchise Featuring Acclaimed Behind-the-Scenes Mode 'The Life: Vol. 2'

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that Los Angeles Lakers guard and eight-time NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant will suit up as the cover athlete and spokesman for NBA '07, due to hit stores in Fall 2006, exclusively for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and PSP(R) (PlayStation(R) Portable) system. Having just completed his 10th season with the Lakers, Bryant led the league in scoring with 35.4 points per game and put up the second highest NBA single game point total in history by scoring 81 points against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006.

Drafted in 1996 out of Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia, Bryant made his official league debut at 18 years of age and has since solidified his standing as one of the most explosive and clutch players in the game. During his career Bryant has gained entry into the record books in numerous categories, including being the youngest player to start an NBA All-Star Game (1998), reach the 10,000 point mark (2003) and be named to the NBA's All Defensive Team (1999-2000). In addition to helping the Lakers win three consecutive NBA championships from 2000-2002, Bryant has been selected eight times as a starter for the Western Conference All-Star team and has earned All-NBA Honors in each of the last eight seasons.

"Kobe Bryant has distinguished himself as one of the truly elite players in the NBA and we are thrilled to have him represent NBA '07 as our newest cover athlete," said Sharon Shapiro, senior director, promotions and sports product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With his explosive game and storied rise to the top of the NBA's ranks, Bryant is a great ambassador for NBA '07 and its unique gameplay-driven story mode 'The Life: Vol. 2.'"

NBA '07 builds upon the depth and authenticity introduced in last year's game by hitting the hardwood with new features, enhanced gameplay, and a return to the immersive inside experience of life in the league. In Volume 2 of the acclaimed Life Mode, players not only continue to experience the ups and downs of life in the NBA but will also delve further into team politics, press conferences, endorsement deals, and the contentious relationship between returning characters The Kid and Big W.

NBA '07's The Life Vol. 2 introduces the ability to play from the perspectives of both The Kid and Big W at various stages, further building the story of their rivalry and highlighting the glory and anguish of NBA stardom. Additionally, players can challenge Big W and others for league MVP honors based on overall skill progression and head-to-head match ups.

NBA '07 includes refined core gameplay elements including new mechanics for stealing, passing, and shot selection as well as more intuitive Artificial Intelligence (AI). Additionally, an all-new Open Shot Indicator provides a visual gauge of the impact defense has on shot opportunities, and a new Power Boarding System is now in place to offer a true 3D approach for players to position themselves for rebounds.

NBA '07 features more than a dozen mini-games including favorites such as 21, Own the Court, and 3-Point Shootout. "Showtime Gameplay" returns, providing players the opportunity to manage and balance a variety of game time elements including temperamental crowds, eager teammates, and individual basketball skills. With online access to compete in a variety of leagues and tournaments, EyeToy(R) functionality, and an all-new soundtrack, NBA '07 is prepared to deliver the most realistic professional basketball experience available -- on and off the courts.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating for NBA '07 is "E" for Everyone. For more information about ESRB visit www.esrb.org .

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(TM) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, and the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the upcoming, much-anticipated PLAYSTATION(R)3 system.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Visit us on the Web at www.us.playstation.com .

NOTE: The NBA and individual NBA member team identifications reproduced on this product are trademarks and copyrighted designs, and/or other forms of intellectual property, that are the exclusive property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the respective NBA member teams and may not be used, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of NBA Properties, Inc.

Source: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Byron Allen to Host and Executive Produce New Syndicated Series 'Comics Unleashed'
Entertainment Studios Sets Record Deals With Television Broadcast Stations for Comedy Series to Premiere on September 25 in HD

Actor-comedian Byron Allen is slated to host and executive produce "Comics Unleashed," a new nationally-syndicated comedy series by Entertainment Studios, premiering on September 25, it was announced today by Allen, Chairman and CEO of Entertainment Studios. The half-hour daily comedy strip is Allen's latest and most personal addition to the Entertainment Studios brand, setting station group deals with Sinclair Broadcast Group and one of the largest with Clear Channel.

"Stand-up comedy gave me my start in this business and I've always enjoyed the backstage comedy with other comedians before and after we took the stage," said Allen. "'Comics Unleashed' will bring those hilarious conversations to households worldwide and laughter to viewers each night."

Shot in HD, "Comics Unleashed" will mark the first time stand-up comedians sit together in front of a live audience to engage in uproarious panel conversations initiated by Allen. The first comics slated to appear include Dane Cook, Howie Mandel, George Wallace, Jon Lovitz, Carol Leifer, David Brenner, Pauly Shore and Brad Garrett. These comedians and others will appear nightly doing what they do best -- offering their own funny perspectives on relevant topics and everyday life.

With 85% U.S. clearance to date and several countries including Canada and Australia, "Comics Unleashed" will also be seen on all the military bases around the world. "Comics Unleashed" is positioned to reinvigorate the syndication landscape that is currently plagued with limited programming due to increased reality series and fewer available comedies entering the syndication marketplace.

"Our stations have a need for first-run comedy shows that are unique and cutting edge. And now we have the first one," said Bill Butler, Vice President of Group Programming and Promotions of Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Dan Stein, Vice President of Programming of Clear Channel Television added, "I'm looking forward to the premiere of 'Comics Unleashed' this fall and pleased to have the show in multiple markets. I think the time is right to have a television program with topical conversation with a comedic twist on broadcast television."

Allen got his start in show business at the tender age of 14, writing jokes with Jay Leno and David Letterman for Jimmy "J.J." Walker and performing his own stand-up routines in comedy clubs across the country. Just before graduating from high school at 18, Allen made his television debut on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," for which he holds the distinction of being the youngest comedian ever to have performed on the show with Johnny. Impressed by his network television debut, the producers of NBC's "Real People" convinced the young Allen to co-host what would become the first reality-based program ever broadcast on television, subsequently dominating the network's Wednesday nights for five years.

"Real People" introduced Allen to America as a television host. In 1993 Allen founded Entertainment Studios and launched the celebrity-driven television show "Entertainers with Byron Allen," a weekly, one hour program profiling the most current stars in film and television that, 13 years later, is still brought to television households worldwide. Allen continues to perform live stand-up comedy while executive producing and distributing 15 first-run syndicated television programs, four of which he hosts, making his company Entertainment Studios the largest independent producer/distributor of first-run, syndicated programming in the world.

About Entertainment Studios

Entertainment Studios produces, distributes and sells advertising time for fifteen television programs, making it the largest independent producer and distributor of first run, syndicated programming for broadcast television stations and video content for mobile devices and the World Wide Web. The company's commitment and mission is to provide excellent programming to television audiences, online users and fortune 500 advertising partners. Chairman and CEO Byron Allen founded the company in 1993, which is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York City and Chicago.

Celebrity Divorce Attorneys Release Revised Edition of Prenuptial Agreement Book
New Version Includes Domestic Partnership Information and Fascinating Prenuptial Clauses of the Rich, Famous and Eccentric

Scott Weston and Robert Nachshin, celebrity divorce attorneys, best known for their precedent-setting win in the Barry Bonds prenuptial case, announced today that they have issued a second edition of "I Do, You Do ... But Just Sign Here: A Quick and Easy Guide to Cohabitation, Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements" (ExecuProv Press), according to Scott Weston, partner at Nachshin & Weston in West Los Angeles.

The book has served as a comprehensive, layperson's guide in helping those who live together, who are contemplating marriage or who have been married, understand the intricacies of marital agreements. The new version includes the most up-to-date information on domestic partnerships and what individuals entering into those arrangements should know. "Domestic partnerships are viewed similarly to marital partnerships." Weston explains, "However, many people entering into them don't realize the serious legal consequences if and when those partnerships dissolve. It's important that such couples protect their interests and assets."

In the new edition, without naming names, authors Nachshin & Weston also share some of the outlandish clauses many of the rich, famous and eccentric couples insist upon in their agreements. "Not all the stipulations we share with the reader in this new book chapter are from our clients exclusively," Weston says, "they have come to us from other sources as well." Weston says readers of the book's first edition, including media sources, had queried both Weston and Nachshin repeatedly, asking for such information.

Family Law Specialists and LA Superlawyers, Scott Weston and Robert Nachshin, represent celebrities and high net worth type individuals in sports, music, film and television. Their client roster includes rapper Snoop Dog (Calvin Brodeus), Walt Disney Corporation's CEO, Robert Iger, pop idol singer/actor David Cassidy, screenwriter and author Terry McMillan, light middleweight champ, Oscar de la Hoya, Alana Stewart and Sheree Smith, former wives of Rod Stewart and Will Smith, respectively; the late country legend Buck Owens, baseball greats Gary Sheffield and Bret Saberhagen, among others.

The book is now available at all major bookstore outlets including Barnes & Noble, Borders and Amazon.com.

For more information on Robert Nachshin and Scott Weston, visit www.nwdivorce.com.

Source: Nachshin and Weston

U.S. Postal Service and Highlights for Children, Inc. to Celebrate Milestones

WHAT: The U.S. Postal Service and Highlights for Children,

Inc., will celebrate the printing of 1 billion copies of

Highlights for Children magazine, which made its debut

in June 1946.

WHO: John E. Potter, Postmaster General and Chief Executive

Officer, U.S. Postal Service

Kent S. Johnson, CEO, Highlights for Children, Inc.

Christine French Clark, Editor, Highlights for Children

magazine

Allen Kane, Director, National Postal Museum

WHEN: Wed., Aug. 23, 2006

11 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

WHERE: National Postal Museum

2 Massachusetts Ave., NE

Washington, D.C. 20002

BACKGROUND: The U.S. Postal Service for six decades has helped

connect young readers in America by delivering

Highlights for Children magazine.

A staple of schools, libraries and professional offices

across America, the publication is an important advocate

of children's education -- and a warm reminder of

childhood for members of the Baby Boomer generation.

With more than 2 million subscribers, Highlights for

Children (http://www.highlights.com/) provides a monthly

collection of fiction, nonfiction, crafts, puzzles and

activities. The publication also includes a mix of

letters, drawings, questions and poems submitted by its

readers. Each issue delivered by a Postal Service

letter carrier is a pathway to literacy.

The magazine is published by Highlights for Children,

Inc., with corporate offices in Columbus, OH. Its

editorial office is in Honesdale, PA. The publication is

printed by Quebecor World, Inc., in Clarksville, TN.

The National Postal Museum, a Smithsonian Institution

museum, was created by an agreement between the

Smithsonian Institution and the U.S. Postal Service in

1990 and opened to the public in 1993.

H3's Makin' Moves in Vegas
Company Headquarters Heading to Paradise, H3Players.com's WorldSeries Reset for Sunday, December 3, 2006

H3Enterprises, Inc. (OTC Pink Sheets: HTRE) today announced that it will be moving its company headquarters from New York City to Las Vegas. The company has just signed an agreement to begin operating out of the incomparable Turnberry Place on Paradise Road, in a brand new two-story penthouse overlooking the famed Las Vegas Strip. The luxuriously loaded facility features a mega-wide plasma screen CyberSportsTheater and has already been dubbed the "H3PlayersRetreat."

HTRE has also announced today that H3Players.com's inaugural WorldSeries of CyberSports has been rescheduled from October 22 to December 3, 2006. Every member of HTRE's new competitive CyberSports League, H3Players.com, will be eligible to compete on consoles for jackpots and cash prizes in four different CyberCategories: basketball, football, boxing, and a special novice tournament for players of all ages and skill levels.

H3Players.com has guaranteed a $500,000 payday for the finalists, boasting the largest prize money ever offered for a CyberSports Tournament anywhere in the world. Several athletes, announcers and celebrities that are all proud gamers and H3Players will be utilized to provide expert commentary during the competition. The event will still take place at the "Hardwood Suite(TM)" inside the Palms Resort Casino as previously reported.

"The change of date was necessary for HTRE to take full advantage of our synergies with celebrity events converging on Las Vegas at that time, including My Red Carpet, a concert tailored for 9,000 kids, and the Billboard Music Awards, taking place the following night at the MGM Grand," according to Adrian "Hollywood" Walton, H3's Chief Communications Officer. "We also expect to be signing a number of deals this week in Vegas regarding H3Players and the WorldSeries of CyberSports as well as a new HipHopSodaShop location."

About H3Enterprises, Inc.

H3Enterprises (OTC: "HTRE") is the first publicly traded company dedicated to the Hip Hop culture and lifestyle. H3 is committed to the positive growth of the entire community through business and educational opportunities. In just over a year, H3Enterprises has created a business focused on feeding the worldwide demand for everything Hip Hop and maximizing returns for its shareholders. H3Enterprises is the owner, creator, licensor, and franchiser of HipHopSodaShops, HipHopHeaven, H3Raps, H3WhiteTeaBeverages, H3Players.com, H3Merchandising, and H3's WorldSeries of CyberSports. Company websites include http://www.h3players.com/ , http://www.h3inc.com/ , and http://www.hiphopsodashop.com/ .

Safe Harbor: Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking" statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, such as statements relating to plans for future expansion and other business development activities. Such forward-looking information is subject to changes and variations that are not reasonably predictable and that could significantly affect future results and other factors discussed in filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Interact-TV Unveils MediaSafe - Complete Digital Media Protection Against Hard Drive Failure in the Home

Interact-TV(TM) , a leading developer of Linux-based Home Entertainment Servers, today unveils MediaSafe(TM) which offers automatic hard disc drive redundancy for secure home media storage without manual backups.

MediaSafe uses state-of-the-art RAID technology to automatically protect consumer's precious and irreplaceable media including saved DVDs, recorded videos, music and photos. MediaSafe is available on both Telly MC1200 and TellyRAID products. MediaSafe offers the most cost-effective secure storage solution available to end consumers today.

Telly MC1200 with MediaSafe uses RAID 1, providing redundancy by mirroring data from one 400GB drive on a second 400GB drive automatically so if either drive fails, no data is lost. Telly constantly monitors and manages the RAID for the user. In the event of a drive failure, Telly MC1200 will keep working while the consumer waits for a replacement drive.

Through redundancy, TellyRAID provides protection for media and information stored on the array. The data can even withstand complete failure of one hard drive (or sometimes more) without any loss of data and without requiring restoration of any data from backup. As larger hard drives become available and media collections grow, consumers can add larger hard drives to expand capacity easily, without ever reformatting the volume. TellyRAID is based on ReadyNAS(TM) from Infrant Technologies. No other NAS lets consumers expand storage capacity so easily.

"With hard drive prices dropping and capacity increasing, providing secure media storage, monitoring and management is now available to the end consumer," said Ken Fuhrman, CTO of Interact-TV. "Interact-TV is focused on delivering solutions that let our customers maintain extensive media libraries and peace of mind. No one wants to worry about backing up media. Consumers just want to know their media is safe. "

About Interact-TV Inc.

Interact-TV Inc. designs innovative products that empower the digital entertainment experience, creating an easy way to access, organize, share and enjoy ever-expanding libraries of movies, music and photos. The complete Telly product line is available directly from the manufacturer's online store at http://www.buyatelly.com/ and from a growing network of dealers throughout North America.

Headquarters for Interact-TV are in Westminster, Colorado. Find more information at www.interact-tv.com.

Westinghouse Digital Offers Students Ultimate Back to School Tech Package With New Laptop and 19" HD-Ready LCD TV
Back to School Tech Bundle Available Exclusively at Wal-Mart; Gives Students the Tools They Need to Make the Grade

Westinghouse Digital Electronics, one of the top five LCD manufacturers in the U.S.*, gives students the ultimate back-to-school package this fall that will help them achieve those coveted "A+" grades and provide a great way to enjoy well-earned free time: A complete Computer/TV system, which includes a laptop computer and 19" HD-Ready LCD TV.

Available exclusively at Wal-Mart stores nationwide, the back to school bundle retails at $989 and features a 14.1" widescreen laptop computer, Westinghouse Digital's brilliant LTV-19w6 19" HD-Ready LCD TV, a USB keyboard and USB optical mouse.

The Westinghouse laptop utilizes a WXGA TFT-Active Matrix widescreen display with a 1280 x 800 resolution, and Intel(R) Celeron(R) 410 M Processor (1.46 GHz, 533 MHz FSB, 1MB Cache) and Genuine Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition. The notebook utilizes an ATI(R) Xpress 200M Graphics card, 60GB Hard Drive, 512MB DDR2 SDRAM, 8x CD/DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer Support and Internal 802.11b/g Wireless LAN. The computer also includes a 4-in-1 Memory Card Reader and Built-in Microphone.

The Westinghouse LTV-19w6 is a 19" HD-Ready 1440 x 900 Widescreen TV that includes two HD Inputs and Integrated speakers. The display can be used as a TV, a computer monitor and a display device for viewing DVDs and playing online and computer games. Having the two screens promotes increased productivity and allows for the multi-tasking environment the student of today demands.

"The Westinghouse bundle we created for the back-to-school market provides students with the tools necessary to compete and stay ahead in the technology-driven academic race of the 21st century," states Rey Roque, Vice President of Marketing at Westinghouse Digital Electronics. "The bundle provides a high-end, yet affordable solution that will enable students to maximize their academic pursuits and also utilize the system for entertainment purposes as well."

Perfect for students living on campus and in dorm rooms, the Westinghouse laptop is portable and lightweight, weighing in at just over five pounds. With its built-in wireless access and dual-layer DVD burner, the notebook is ideal for any student on the move. Moreover, with its sleek design, the 14.1" widescreen is not much larger than a traditional 12.1" laptop when opened, making it a stellar travel companion.

The Westinghouse bundle is ideal for today's savvy multitasking students, allowing for two screen, real-time productivity. A student can run Instant Messaging and e-mail on the laptop screen while running separate applications on the high resolution TV. This enables many tasks to be completed at the same time, an absolutely necessity for today's college or high school student.

The Westinghouse bundle also offers exceptional total value. Many of today's 19" LCD TVs retail for well over $500 alone. At just $989, the Westinghouse bundle provides students with a powerful laptop computer and a high-quality LCD TV at an affordable cost.

The Westinghouse bundle is the perfect gift for students living on a tight budget. Parents and grandparents can rest assured that their loved students are heading off to school with the necessary tech tools to help them succeed and, most importantly, make the grade.

About Westinghouse Digital Electronics

Westinghouse Digital Electronics, one of the top five LCD TV manufacturers in the U.S.*, provides consumers with a full line of innovative LCD displays and other consumer electronics products, delivering the latest digital content for the ultimate entertainment experience. The company has successfully executed its visionary go-to-market strategy of bringing technologically advanced products to mainstream consumers, including LCD TV/DVD combos featuring Pixel Direct(TM) technology, video monitors that deliver 1080p resolution, digital photo frames, and HD-Grade(TM) computer monitors in both standard aspect and widescreen formats. Westinghouse Digital is dedicated to providing consumers with stylish, feature-rich and high-quality entertainment devices to meet the needs of every household member. Westinghouse products are available nationwide in more than 10,000 consumer electronics retail stores and other resellers. For more information, please visit www.westinghousedigital.com.

* S&A June 2006 LCD-TV Tracking Study.

Source: Westinghouse Digital Electronics

Lifetime Television Launches Its First-Ever VOD Service Featuring Full Length Episodes of the Network's Popular Programming Along With Special Featurettes
-- Programming Available to Approximately 10 Million Comcast Customers with ON DEMAND Beginning Tuesday, August 22 --

Building upon a recent study* showing that 24% of women are watching more VOD than they did six months ago -- on the average of 28 hours per month -- Lifetime Television is launching its first- ever VOD service, featuring a programming mix of full length episodes and special featurettes, to approximately 10 million Comcast Cable subscribers beginning Tuesday, August 22, it was announced today by Louise Henry Bryson, President, Distribution and Affiliate Business Development, Lifetime Entertainment Services.

"We're delighted to partner with Comcast, who has been one of the industry leaders in providing a wide range of entertainment platforms for their customers. Our launch coincides with the rollout of many new Lifetime series and we've decided to make this next generation of Lifetime programming the centerpiece of our Lifetime On Demand service to give viewers another vehicle for discovering and enjoying our some of our new programming," said Bryson.

"Viewers enjoy Lifetime's compelling programming, and we're pleased that they'll be able to discover and watch some of the network's new and exciting shows on their schedule with Comcast ON DEMAND," said Page Thompson, Senior Vice President and General Manager Video Services for Comcast. "Video on demand is a great way for programmers to build awareness and promote linear content while adding more value for viewers."

Lifetime On Demand includes full-length episodes of new Lifetime series such as the comedy series "Lovespring International" and the reality show "Cheerleader Nation," along with other series from the network's large library, from "Intimate Portrait" and "What Should You Do?" to "Speaking of Women's Health." Lifetime also offers specially created short-form programming not shown on linear channels, relating to series such as "Angela's Eyes," "Cheerleader Nation" and "Lovespring International."

Dedicated to using the power of the media to make a positive difference in women's lives, Lifetime VOD includes timely special advocacy sections, such as providing viewers with "Intimate Portrait" episodes examining women's health issues during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

*CTAM's Dimensioning the On Demand Market Study, fielded by The Artemis Group in 4Q '05.

Source: Lifetime Television

'Maddenoliday' Declared In Madden, Miss. (Pop. 74), to Celebrate Launch of Madden NFL 07 on Xbox 360
To Commemorate 'Maddenoliday,' NFL Greats Jerry Rice, Marshall Faulk and Warren Moon Deliver Free Xbox 360s to All Madden Residents in Small-Town Celebration of Top-Selling EA SPORTS Title

WHAT: Microsoft and Electronic Arts will be joining forces to declare

"Maddenoliday" in Madden, Mississippi (pop. 74), on August 22 to

celebrate the launch of Madden NFL(TM) 07 on Xbox 360, the only

next generation console available at the beginning of the

2006/07 football season for fans to experience the enhanced and

exciting new features of the most popular sports game in the

country.

As part of the celebration, NFL greats Jerry Rice, Warren Moon

and Marshall Faulk, along with United States Representative

Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), will join the celebration in a small-

town ceremony, with more than 1,000 children and parents from

surrounding communities expected to be among the first in the

country to play Madden NFL 07 on Xbox 360 kiosks.

WHO: The Madden NFL franchise has fast become a cultural phenomenon

as the most popular selling sports game in the U.S. Millions of

football fans each year, including pro footballers, eagerly wait

for the latest version of the game to be released to gain their

first taste of the upcoming season and get the closest in-game

experience possible beyond actually playing in the NFL. The

sheer popularity of the game has come to represent its yearly

launch as the unofficial NFL season kick-off -- hence the event

in Madden.

- Jerry Rice, Warren Moon, Marshall Faulk and Bennie Thompson are

available for interviews on August 22, as well spokespersons

from Xbox 360, EA and the Leake County Chamber of Commerce.

- B-Roll footage and photography of the event also will be

available shortly after the festivities conclude.

WHEN: Event is on August 22, from 9:00 - 10 a.m. (Central Time).

WHERE: Madden, MS

Virgin Mobile USA Woos Users with the Sultry Sounds of Cassie
Customers Get 'First Dibs' on Exclusive Ringtones and Chance to Win Phone Call From Cassie Herself

Virgin Mobile USA, in partnership with Warner Music Group, today announced the latest artist in the company's popular First Dibs ringtone lineup -- Bad Boy's new R&B/pop sensation, Cassie. This First Dibs offer runs from August 17th - September 21st.

Virgin Mobile is the only wireless service in the U.S. offering its customers access to exclusive a cappella and instrumental ringtone versions of five of Cassie's hottest tracks off her self-titled debut album, "Cassie." This includes exclusive versions of "Me & U," the single burning up the R&B charts. Virgin Mobile's four million customers also have the unique opportunity to hear Cassie's perspective on her new-found fame first-hand, through downloadable original interview excerpts.

Beyond access to this exclusive mobile content, this First Dibs offer takes things a step further with one lucky Virgin Mobile winner receiving a phone call from the artist herself.

The young artist, who skyrocketed to the top almost overnight, is thrilled about this opportunity to bring her songs to a new channel. In a recent interview with Virgin Mobile, Cassie noted the huge role the Internet and mobile phones have played in her fast rise. Talking about the fans who've driven high demand for her single across all channels, she said, "I just want to thank them so much because I'm a huge believer that the fans do it for real-they do it for you ... Thanks for buying my ringtones!"

"Virgin Mobile is excited to partner again with Warner Music Group and bring our users the freshest music from the hottest new artists," said Dominick Tolli, vice president, Mobile Data Services for Virgin Mobile USA. "Cassie's Virgin Mobile fans have spoken loud and clear, propelling her first single "Me & U" to the top of our ringtone charts. So we're ready to give them even more of what they want."

About Virgin Mobile USA, LLC:

Launched nationally in July of 2002, Virgin Mobile USA, LLC is the nation's first wireless network created for and defined by youth. Virgin Mobile is a joint venture between Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Sprint Nextel, which operates one of the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless networks in the United States. The country's first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Virgin Mobile's four million customers have access to a service portfolio that includes multiple voice pricing options, a full range of handsets and a broad array of messaging, music and mobile content offerings - without long-term contracts. In addition, J.D. Power and Associates has recognized Virgin Mobile for providing "An Outstanding Customer Service Experience" under its Certified Call Center Program.(SM)

Virgin Mobile phones are available at more than 25,000 stores, with Top-Up cards available at more than 100,000 locations nationwide. Virgin Mobile products can also be purchased online at www.virginmobileusa.com or by calling Virgin Mobile At Your Service (1-888-322-1122).

About Bad Boy Records

Bad Boy Records was formed in 1994 by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. In just over ten years, under the guidance of Combs, Bad Boy has grown to become one of the most dominant urban labels in the music business, with acts that have had significant crossover success. Bad Boy Records has sold more than 75 million records worldwide and its Grammy Award-winning catalog and roster of multi- platinum artists include B5, Boyz N Da Hood, Mase, Carl Thomas, 8 Ball & MJG, Mario Winans and P. Diddy himself. Bad Boy has been home to popular rappers such as Notorious B.I.G., The Lox and Mase, as well as R&B stars Faith Evans and 112 and pop group Dream.

Source: Virgin Mobile USA

Country Cruise Getaway Starring Tim McGraw Set for January 28-31, 2007 Aboard Carnival Liberty
Tickets on Sale Monday, August 28th for 3-Day Bahamas Cruise Featuring Multiple Artists, Q&A Sessions, Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament on Carnival's Newest 'Fun Ship'

It was announced today that Tim McGraw will anchor the next Country Cruise Getaway scheduled for January 28- 31, 2007, headlining an intimate, exclusive concert onboard Carnival Cruise Lines' newest ship, Carnival Liberty, during a 3-Day Bahamas cruise. The Country Cruise Getaway starring Tim McGraw will set sail on January 28, 2007 aboard the 2,974-passenger SuperLiner, offering passengers a musical jaunt through paradise accompanied by some of country music's hottest new stars.

Embarking in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, the Country Cruise Getaway will kick things off right as passengers are welcomed aboard with a special bon voyage deck party featuring live entertainment and cocktails. The Carnival Liberty will then cruise to Nassau, Bahamas where passengers will have plenty of time to explore the island before returning to the ship for Tim's historic concert onboard.

While at sea, music fans will be treated to a variety of live concerts with some of country music's hottest young performers and songwriters, and have the opportunity to participate in "behind the music" Q&A sessions with all of the artists onboard, including Tim McGraw. Passengers will also have a shot at winning the $20,000 grand prize during the cruise's Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament.

In addition to popular shipboard activities such as relaxing by the pool, working out in the ship's state-of-the-art gym, indulging in a massage or facial, or dining in one of the ship's four restaurants, passengers will be invited to take line dancing lessons and to participate in a special art auction. The ship also offers a fun and entertaining Camp Carnival for kids from 2 to 17 years old, as well as a teen program, Club O2, for older kids.

Tickets go on sale on Monday, August 28th for this special musical cruise. Reservations and accommodations are on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on this unique fan adventure, go to the official website at www.CountryCruiseGetaway.com

Source: Live Nation

Premiere Issue of Hallmark Magazine Hits Newsstands Today
Newest Periodical for Women Offers Fresh Approach to Women's Lifestyle Magazine Publishing
Hallmark Magazine Combines Service With Emotionally Resonant Storytelling

With its debut today, Hallmark Magazine brings a refreshing editorial voice to the women's lifestyle magazine category.

"People truly trust Hallmark to help them express themselves, celebrate life's seasons and events, and connect with the people who matter most," said Nancy Small, president, Hallmark Publishing. "Hallmark is an iconic American brand that ranks in the top 2% of all brands, and Hallmark Magazine is a natural extension of that brand."

This new venture from Kansas City-based Hallmark Cards, Inc. will help women connect with the things and the moments that matter most in their everyday lives. It's about the enjoyment that comes from being real rather than striving for perfection.

"We're proud that the magazine will exemplify the quality that people expect from Hallmark," said Lisa Benenson, Editor-in-Chief, Hallmark Magazine. "Once this magazine is in readers' hands, they'll notice the obvious difference between this and others in the category, and will realize they have never read or seen anything like it before."

With every issue, Hallmark Magazine will encourage readers to find the magic in everyday and to celebrate the road they are traveling through timeless inspirations, poignant, informative and fulfilling feature articles, and five focal points of everyday life:

* Inspire -- The things that make you feel, think, laugh

* Renew -- The take-care-of-yourself stuff

* Nest -- The place life happens

* Connect -- The people in our lives

* Nourish -- The taste of good times

The magazine offers insightful, warm and witty contributions from such acclaimed writers as Betsy Carter, Allegra Goodman, Peg Tyre, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and Amy Wilentz, as well as evocative fiction from Alice McDermott.

Among the articles in the inaugural issue:

* Simple, gorgeous home and craft ideas for bringing Autumn inside.

* A story by Michelle Slatalla, columnist for The New York Times, who uses

a well-known Internet brand to collect memories from a hometown she

never knew.

* A banana cream pie recipe that contains ingredients proven to help

reduce stress (really!)

* An interview with baseball legend Yogi Berra, who offers timely and sage

advice to help parents be good sports on behalf of their child athletes

* Three irresistible tips for kicking off Fall -- the real New Year!

* A feature by award-winning author Pam Houston, who redefines "pretty" in

a way that will resonate with readers.

* The inspiring story of neighbors and friends who came together in New

Orleans to clean up neighborhoods wrecked by Hurricane Katrina.

Strong Circulation Opening

"Hallmark Magazine has already been enthusiastically received by readers and we're pleased by our strong start, with direct-to-publisher sold subscriptions exceeding our expectations," said Laura Beddini, Circulation Director, Hallmark Magazine. "We anticipated at launch a rate base of 400,000, but we've enjoyed even stronger results. We expect paid circulation numbers to grow to 550,000 effective with the January/February 2007 issue.

Hallmark Magazine is available through subscription as well as in booksellers, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchants and Hallmark Gold Crown(R) stores across the country.

Advertisers Recognize the Value of the Hallmark Brand and What it Has to Offer

"No other publishing company has assets like Hallmark that can be leveraged for multi-dimensional marketing opportunities," said Carol Campbell-Boggs, publisher, Hallmark Magazine. "Only Hallmark can engineer this unique approach, offering advertisers a way to use their dollars more wisely."

Hallmark Magazine's integrated marketing programs allow access to:

* 4,200 Hallmark Gold Crown(R) retail locations

* 44,000 additional retail outlets that carry Hallmark products

* Hallmark.com, with approximately 150 million visitors annually

* Corporate database of 31 million consumers

* Hallmark Flowers & Gifts

* Hallmark Cards

Estee Lauder, Unilever, Epson, Milk, Kraft, WalMart, Nestle, and Campbell's are among the blue chip industry leaders advertising in the charter issue of Hallmark Magazine.

Hallmark Magazine is an editorially independent publication. It is a member of the MPA (Magazine Publishers Association), adheres to all ASME (American Society of Magazine Editors) guidelines and has applied for Audit Bureau of Circulations membership.

For additional information or to subscribe, visit http://www.hallmarkmagazine.com/.

About Hallmark Magazine

Hallmark Magazine is the first women's lifestyle magazine that talks to women about the true substance of their lives -- family, friends, homes and community. The magazine is available through subscription as well as in booksellers, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchants and Hallmark Gold Crown(R) stores across the country. Hallmark Magazine is a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Source: Hallmark Magazine

Become a Crime Scene Investigator With SBG/b EQUAL's New CSI: SENSES Board Game Based on Hit TV Series
CSI Creator Anthony E. Zuiker Develops a New CSI Board Game Replicating the #1 CBS TV Series

SBG/b EQUAL, an innovator in family games, announced today the latest exciting addition to its CSI: Crime Scene Investigation series of games, CSI: SENSES. Featuring multi-sensory player immersion components that tests players' vision, hearing, memory, communication and IQ skills, CSI: SENSES, the board game puts players in the shoes of real crime scene investigators and forces them to put their "senses" to work in order to gather evidence and solve the crime in question. CSI: SENSES can be found in all mass-market retailers and online at www.playsbg.com.

CSI: SENSES The Game is an original game concept by Anthony E. Zuiker, creator of the hit TV franchise CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, in which players gather evidence and formulate theories just as they do it on the #1 CBS TV show. In CSI: SENSES, players are challenged by moving their CSI: Crime Scene Investigation character-like pawns along the game board through five departments Preliminary Investigation, Crime Scene Sketch, Interrogation, Audio-Visual Lab and Grissom's Office. Dynamic leveling allows players to take a short or long track through each department, and ultimately be the first to Grissom's office to solve the crime. Purposely fashioned to have the same gritty feel of the original hit TV series based in Las Vegas, the game incorporates the settings and scenarios that fans have come to expect. Hands on game play using unique props for collecting evidence, including a mini-UV light, allow gamers to fully experience the thrill of solving a crime just like the professionals.

The concept for CSI: SENSES originated from Zuiker himself, who developed and wrote all six new storylines "CSI: Senses is great fun for the 'CSI' fan on any level. Whether you are the occasional viewer or hardcore fan, CSI: Senses will challenge you to think, act, and perform like a real CSI would. Now, watching the show on T.V. and playing the game is the same timeless experience." Stories developed by Zuiker for the game include crime scenes at an Elvis wedding chapel, hotel buffet and Lake Mead.

Ken Fong, Vice President of Marketing at SBG/b Equal, says, "It is exciting to bring such an engaging, thrilling, and unique board game to CSI fans across the globe. We are extremely excited to give players a chance to act as if they are the true crime scene investigator. This truly is a one-of-a-kind game and its capabilities will never be duplicated."

The game is intended for four players, and can be played in teams. The game is recommended for ages 14 and up and will sell at $29.00 MSRP.

About SBG/b EQUAL

SBG/b EQUAL is the newly formed merger between leading games companies Specialty Board Games (SBG) Inc. and The b EQUAL Company. SBG develops and publishes board games and DVD board games for the domestic and international markets. SBG identifies the hottest and up and coming licenses and incorporates innovative, reality game play to keep ages 10 and older entertained. Web site: http://www.playsbg.com/. b EQUAL is the leading innovator in family games. As the only company that features an exclusive, patent-pending technology called Dynamic Leveling, The b EQUAL Company ensures that everyone in the family will be equally engaged, entertained, and challenged. Created with world-class family brands, b EQUAL designs every game with families in mind. Website: http://www.bequal.com/.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is a fast-paced drama inspire that follows a Las Vegas team of forensic investigators who use both cutting-edge scientific methods and old-fashioned police work to solve crimes. The show is currently in its seventh season and airs on CBS Thursday nights at 9pm ET/PT.

About CBS Consumer Products

CBS Consumer Products, a unit of CBS Enterprises, manages the worldwide licensing, merchandising and video activities for a diverse slate of properties owned or controlled by the CBS Corporation. Additional information is available by visiting www.CBS.com.

Source: SBG/b EQUAL

Archer Launches First TV Channel for People of Indian Origin (PIO) Over IPTV

-- PIO TV, the first television channel for the Indian expatriate community, was launched by Archer Entertainment Media Communications Incorporated as the first of many channels to come from Archer Media (Pink Sheets: ACRM) on www.IndiaTVLive.com , a pioneering Indian Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platform with many state of the art features to be supplied by Buzz Technologies, Inc. (Pink Sheets: BZTG) www.12buzz.com , inaugurated today by India's Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Vyalar Ravi, in New Delhi.

PIO TV will offer specialized programming to the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) around the world. The channel distributed via the Internet on www.IndiaTVLive.com will offer daily news bulletins, business news & features, talk shows, sports coverage, segments on lifestyle, fashion, cuisines, culture, tradition, religion and an exhaustive coverage of Bollywood and Indian entertainment. "PIO TV distinguishes itself in not just bringing news, updates and features from India with the perspective of how Indians overseas but also covering events and developments relating to PIOs worldwide living in different continents and countries," said Munish Gupta, Archer Chief Operating Officer. PIO TV has established its first presence in Europe through an affiliate studio and office in Brussels and will soon have studio offices in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Dubai, Southeast Asia, Australia and South Africa. PIO TV will connect India to PIOs and PIOs to PIOs. Gupta added that GOPIO, of which he is the Media Council Co-Chair, has endorsed PIO TV and www.IndiaTVLive.com and that GOPIO member chapters will be contributing to the content on PIO TV.

Abhesh Verma, founder and CEO of www.Smashits.com , the No. 1 Indian entertainment portal in the world, ranking 274 of all Internet portals world wide, said that his experience in putting together content, marketing and advertising sales in the Internet domain over the past seven (7) years provided him valuable insight about the PIO/NRI community. Verma said IBL was put together as an innovative venture that combines technology integration, cost competitiveness, marketing savvy and advertising sales edge and would definitely make IBL a 'long-term player' in the IPTV marketplace.

Contact: info@archeremc.com or info@prestigeasia.com

About Archer

Archer Entertainment Media Communications Incorporated is the parent company of a distinctive portfolio of online and offline assets engaged in the production, aggregation, delivery, distribution, exhibition and security of digital content and the development of real property related to the conversion or construction of digital cinemas. Through multiple platforms that include live IP video streaming, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), Pay-per-View (PPV), Video-on-Demand (VOD) and digital cinema, Archer affords its subscribers and customers diverse and desired content through its digital network while safeguarding intellectual property rights through digital watermarking and DRM features, providing a unique and compelling value proposition to distributors, broadcasters, content aggregators and advertisers around the world. Archer has funded the development, technology integration and launch of www.indiatvlive.com , the forthcoming debut of People of Indian Origin (PIO) channel, and later this year, ChinaBroadcastLive (CBL).

IndiaBroadcastLive, LLC, is a vertically integrated global entertainment and media company engaged in the production, acquisition, delivery, distribution and exhibition of digital content through various platforms including the Internet, IPTV, Video-On-Demand (VOD), Pay-Per-View(PPV) and other electronic means and methods currently available and those in the future. IBL, LLC, has created a digital infrastructure leveraging existing Internet assets and resources providing a secure, complete, end-to-end digital solution positioned to capture the global audience. IBL, LLC members have extensive experience in content production, aggregation, acquisition, distribution and delivery of entertainment product in addition to talent management and studio administration. IndiaBroadcastLive intends to become the Voice of India to the world.

Safe Harbor:

The foregoing press release contains forward-looking statements based on the Company's beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company, including statements regarding the timing of the introduction of certain products. Archer Entertainment Media Communications Incorporated's acquisition of Creations Technology Development Company Limited's D-Cinema Unit is subject to continued due diligence and there can be no assurance that its acquisition of CTDC will be completed, or if completed, if it will be completed timely. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties some of which are beyond the Company's control. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors including, among others, issues related to the entertainment industries and prevailing economic conditions in general.

Source: Archer Entertainment Media Communications Incorporated; Buzz Technologies, Inc.

Pictures from the Red Carpet Carpet Wiliam Shatner Roast on the Comedy Channel to play Sunday 10pm Pacific and 9pm central

21st Annual Imagen Awards Honors Film and Television Actors Plus Five Special Awards Highlight Gala Event

A number of popular Latino actors were honored tonight at the 21st Annual Imagen Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Hosted by Lorenzo Lamas, sixteen awards were presented in categories including film and television, plus The Imagen Foundation presented five additional awards including Creative Achievement, Lifetime Achievement, President's Award, the Norman Lear Award, and the Foundation's first National Leadership Award.

The Imagen Awards were established in 1985 to encourage and recognize the positive portrayal of Latinos in all media and to increase Latino representation at all levels of the entertainment industry.

  The winners were:    FILM    Best Picture

The Lost City: Executive producers, Tom Gores, Johnny O. Lopez. Producers Frank Mancuso Jr., Andy Garcia. Directed by Andy Garcia; Crescent Drive Picture presents a Cineson Production. Distributed by Magnolia Pictures. Distributed by Lionsgate Films International.

Best Actor

Antonio Banderas, Take the Lead: Executive producers, Toby Emmerich, Matt Moore, Mark Kaufman, Ray Liotta, Matthew Hart; Directed by Liz Friedlander and produced by New Line Cinema.

Best Actress

America Ferrera, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants: Executive Producers, Leslie Morgenstein, Alison Greenspan, Kira Davis; Directed by Ken Kwapis; and produced by Alcon Entertainment.

Best Director

Andy Garcia, The Lost City: Executive producers, Tom Gores, Johnny O. Lopez. Producers Frank Mancuso Jr., Andy Garcia. Directed by Andy Garcia Crescent Drive Picture presents a Cineson Production. Distributed by Magnolia Pictures. Distributed by Lionsgate Films International.

  Best Theatrical Short or Student Film   My Backyard was a Mountain:  Written and Directed by Adam Schlachter.    TELEVISION    Best Primetime Series

The West Wing: John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television

Best Actor

Michael Pena, Walkout: Maya Pictures and Amicus Entertainment and Y.O.Y. Productions in association with HBO Films

Best Actress

Lisa Vidal, Odd Girl Out: Jaffe/Braunstein Films Ltd., Lifetime Television; Lifetime Television

Best Supporting Actor

Raymond Cruz, The Closer: The Shephard/Robin Company, in association with Warner Bros. Television

Best Supporting Actress

Cote de Pablo, NCIS: Belisarius Productions, Paramount Television, Thinkfilm

  Best Documentary for Television or Film   Viva Baseball: Shoot the Moon Productions; Spike TV    Best Variety or Reality Show

El Reto Final Nissan: Animus Group and Zeal Television; Fox Sports en Espanol

Best Children's Programming

High School Musical: First Street Films, Salty Pictures Inc., Walt Disney Pictures; Disney Channel

  Best National Informational Programming   Alcanzando El Exito Escolar: Univision Television Group    Best Local Informational Programming   KCBS-TV News "Villaraigosa Interview": KCBS    Best On-Air Advertising   Hispanic Heritage Month: SiTV

Picking up Imagen's prestigious Norman Lear Award was John Wells Productions, in association with Warner Bros Television, in recognition of their exemplary commitment and leadership in making diversity an integral part of the industry.

U.S. Representative Luis Gutierrez of Illinois was recipient of Imagen's inaugural National Leadership Award that was presented for the first time at the awards ceremony. Imagen President Helen Hernandez said the Imagen Board of Directors elected to add this award as part of its Special Awards category to honor those individuals who continually confront and address issues of importance to all Americans, Latinos in particular, in all areas of life with courage and conviction.

Emmy winning director-choreographer Kenny Ortega received Imagen's Creative Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to the industry.

The Imagen's President's Award was presented this year to Susan Whiting, CEO of Nielsen Media Research in recognition of their outstanding contributions to enhancing opportunities for Latinos in the Nielsen family.

Recipient of Imagen's Lifetime Achievement Award was director, producer, writer Gregory Nava of "El Norte" fame.

  Sponsors of the 21st Annual Imagen Awards included:    Diamond: Wells Fargo    Platinum: Hennessy, Lear Family Foundation, Nielsen Media Research and   Paradigm    Gold: The Bold & The Beautiful, CBS, Crescent Drive Pictures, Fox   Television Stations, Inc., FX Networks, NBC/Telemundo/Universal, The Walt   Disney Company, Hollywood Reporter, Variety.    Bronze: ABC7, Educational Adventures, LLC, Entravision Communications,   Latino Public Broadcasting, Mohawk Productions, Paramount Pictures,   SAG/AFTRA, Telemundo/Mun2, Warner Bros. Television.

TiVo Statement on Order Granting Injunction Against EchoStar and Damages of Over $89.6 Million

TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ:TIVO) , the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVR), today announced that U.S. District Court Judge David Folsom granted TiVo's motion for permanent injunction to prevent EchoStar Communications Corp. (Nasdaq: DISH; "ECC") from making, using, offering for sale or selling in the United States their DVR products at issue in the case (DP-501, DP-508, DP-510, DP-721, DP-921, DP-522, DP-625, DP-942, and all EchoStar DVRs that are not more than colorably different from any of these products). Judge Folsom also ordered ECC to pay TiVo approximately $73.992 million in damages as awarded by the jury, prejudgment interest at the prime rate through July 31, 2006 of approximately $5.638 million, and supplemental damages for infringement through July 31, 2006 in the amount of approximately $10.317 million. Judge Folsom denied EchoStar's request to stay the injunction pending appeal. The injunction extends to all of ECC's affiliates, employees, agents and representatives, and any persons in active concert or participation with them who have notice of the order. The Judge's ruling is final and is appealable.

TiVo sued EchoStar in Federal District Court on January 5, 2004, alleging that ECC and certain subsidiaries are violating U.S. Patent No. 6,233,389 issued to TiVo in May 2001, known as the "Time Warp" patent. The Time Warp patent discloses systems and methods for the simultaneous storage and playback of programs, supporting advanced capabilities such as pausing live television, fast-forwarding, rewinding, instant replays, and slow motion. On April 13, 2006, a Marshall, Texas jury concluded that EchoStar had willfully infringed TiVo's Time Warp patent.

The company said, "TiVo is pleased that Judge Folsom has granted a permanent injunction against EchoStar's DVR products along with supplemental damages and interest. This decision recognizes that our intellectual property is valuable and will ensure that moving forward EchoStar will be unable to use our patented technology without our authorization.

"TiVo is built on a strong foundation of innovative technology and intellectual property. Beyond the U.S. Time Warp patent, we now hold more than 86 patents in our worldwide patent portfolio and have more than 138 patent applications pending. TiVo has a long list of licensees in the consumer electronics, cable and satellite markets, and we will continue to license our technology under appropriate circumstances and arrangements. We will also continue to vigorously defend our intellectual property for the benefit of our licensees and shareholders."

About TiVo

Founded in 1997, TiVo pioneered a brand new category of products with the development of the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR). Sold through leading consumer electronic retailers, TiVo has developed a brand which resonates boldly with consumers as providing a superior television experience. Through agreements with leading satellite and cable providers, TiVo also integrates its full set of DVR service features into the set-top boxes of mass distributors. TiVo's DVR functionality and ease of use, with such features as Season Pass(TM) recordings and WishList(R) searches, has elevated its popularity among consumers and has created a whole new way for viewers to watch television. With a continued investment in its patented technologies, TiVo is revolutionizing the way consumers watch and access home entertainment. Rapidly becoming the focal point of the digital living room, TiVo's DVR is at the center of experiencing new forms of content on the TV, such as broadband delivered video, music and photos. With innovative features such as, TiVoToGo(TM) and online scheduling, TiVo is expanding the notion of consumers experiencing "TiVo, TV your way." The TiVo(R) service is also at the forefront of providing innovative marketing solutions for the television industry, including a unique platform for advertisers and audience measurement research. The company is based in Alviso, Calif.

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to, among other things, TiVo's business, services, financial statements, future product strategy, and the impact of the EchoStar litigation. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "intend," "estimate," "continue," or similar expressions or the negative of those terms or expressions. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include delays in development, competitive service offerings and lack of market acceptance, as well as the other potential factors described under "Risk Factors" in the Company's public reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2006, as updated by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect an analysis only and speak only as of the date hereof. TiVo disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Source: TiVo Inc.

Platinum Soul Star Lyfe Jennings to Celebrate New Album, The Phoenix, at Circuit City, Marlow Heights, MD

Who: Platinum Recording Artist Lyfe Jennings

What: An in-store fan meet & greet celebrating the release of The Phoenix

Where: Circuit City, 3551 32nd Avenue, Marlow Heights, MD

When: Friday, August 18, Beginning at 6pm (MEDIA CALL: 5pm)

Platinum soul icon Lyfe Jennings will meet and greet his fans at a special in-store appearance celebrating the release of The Phoenix, the superstar's eagerly-awaited new album, on Friday, August 18th at Circuit City (3551 32nd Ave, Marlow Heights, MD), beginning at 6pm (MEDIA CALL: 5pm).

Lyfe's eagerly-awaited new album, The Phoenix, is slated for release on August 15th from Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records.

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.

Lyfe's rise to stardom began on the stage of the legendary Apollo Theatre, winning the Amateur Show competition five straight times.

Source: Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records

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

Available Light Productions proudly announces the filming of Emily Jackson's music video "Yeah" Saturday, August 26th and Sunday, August 27th at Atlanta's Riverwood High School -- motivating students to explore technological and artistic interests.

A major force in the industry, Jacob Marmer found himself producing for top musicians Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Elton John, Nelly, Lil' John and Ludacris -- nowhere near his planned career when majoring at Emerson College to direct. "It's difficult to be creative and have no ability to implement it -- I'm a director trapped in a producer's body, responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars, in constant jeopardy of anything that halts production. It's tough, but not living your dream is worse, so I stopped producing to declare myself the director I know I am." An Atlanta producer for over 10 years, Jacob sought out top industry crew and vendors to support his project that challenges world-renowned Laurie-Ann Gibson to choreograph the largest routine ever filmed in a video comprised of several hundred top Atlanta dancers.

Urban Melodic Entertainment, headed by CBS & BET network audio supervisor Charlie Jones, represents 19-year-old singer Emily Jackson of Montclair, New Jersey. He is currently responsible for mixing several network shows including "The Late Show with David Letterman", "Guiding Light", and "CBS Sports". His limited funds had no bearing on the magnitude of Jacob's vision of the video and the success it will be.

Making his own rules as always, the radical and unorthodox Marmer combines forces with Riverwood, allowing high school students for the first time to learn film production in an academically rigorous environment, preparing them for a successful future. "Every interest is represented here in some way -- accounting, physics of lighting and exposure, set building, fashion, computer technology, translation ... everything is needed on a film set eventually."

Inspired principal Eddie Echols commits sponsorship with the vast resources of Georgia's #1 ranked high school, proposing Jacob's yearly return with expectations of international expansion. Filmmaker Timothy Bembury of the Career and Technology Center serves as supervising producer.

Sponsors on any level are urged to join the team and contribute to this momentous educational campaign

intimately BECKHAM...for Him. for Her.

Surrounded by an aura of fame, fortune and fashion - living an aspirational lifestyle achieved by talent and hard work, David and Victoria Beckham are the ultimate iconic couple.

Partners in the public eye... partners in life... and now partners in fragrance. A brand new fragrance duo has been created to convey their world of sophistication, luxury and intimacy.

intimately Beckham for Him. for Her. Two fragrances that are as unique as David and Victoria fuse in an atmosphere that sparkles and sizzles with the attraction and electricity between them. Two fragrances that are separately superlative and yet together are beautifully complimentary, bringing out the best in each other.

intimately Beckham brings you closer.

intimately

BECKHAM

for Him

The confidence of masculinity, the celebration of talent, the intimacy of David Beckham

David Beckham brings together supreme talent, striking flair and a smooth blend of style and masculinity.

Magnetic, provocative, cool - yet never aloof, he is aspirational but within reach.

A portrait of modern masculinity, he is at home on the world stage, among friends with the famous, and above all, at one with his wife and children. David thrives on the intimacy of life away from the crowds and cameras; revels in the relaxation of home life and adores the special moments with his family.

intimately BECKHAM

for Him

The Sense of Intimacy

The fragrance projects the edgy, sexy side of David. A modern woody-spicy accord radiating warmth and sensuality.

It leads with the intense freshness and sparkle of bergamot, tangy grapefruit zest and zingy cardamom. Awakening the senses and the appetite for life.

The excitement rises with a brilliant contrast of sexy violet and a spicy, virile blend of nutmeg and star anise.

Warm, sensual undertones of sandalwood, patchouli and amber create an unforgettable, intimate essence.

A heady mix of energy, vibrancy, comfort and warmth.

intimately

BECKHAM

for Him

A statement of sophistication

intimately Beckham's stunning glass bottle, radiating the warmth of the amber fragrance, is the epitome of sophistication. Combined with the crystal-clear cap and signature diamond base, this statement-making flacon evokes a world of intimacy and luxury.

The intricately embossed carton, proudly bearing the David and Victoria Beckham crest, picks up the understated colour theme, which is carried over to the intimately BECKHAM for Him grooming and body care line.

intimately BECKHAM for Him

FACT SHEET

The line-up

Eau de Toilette

30 ml (GBP19.50), 50 ml (GBP26), 75 ml (GBP32.50)

Hair & Body Wash 200 ml (GBP10)

Deodorant Spray 150 ml (GBP7)

Deodorant Stick 75 g (GBP7)

The creative cast

Perfumer: IFF

Packaging: Lutz Herrmann

Advertising photographer: Mikael Jansson

Available: 1st September from Boots, Superdrug and selected supermarkets and chemists nationwide.

intimately

BECKHAM

for Her

Shimmering elegance, self assured style,

the intimacy of Victoria Beckham

Very much her own woman, multi-talented Victoria Beckham wears success both naturally and beautifully.

Today, her personal magnetism and chic sense of style keep her in the spotlight, as she pursues her role as wife, mother, style icon and businesswoman...

Victoria Beckham's easy going, down-to-earth personality radiates her distinctive appeal and accessibility wrapped in an aura of sensuality, sophistication and pure elegance. She brings together the assurance of femininity, the softness of motherhood and the enjoyment of friendship.

intimately

BECKHAM

for Her

The closeness of sensuality

The first feminine fragrance, bearing the Beckham monogram, conveys the essence of the Victoria known only to the people closest to her.

An opulent bouquet of white flowers opens with the pure fresh notes of bergamot and rose petals that linger on the skin. Announcing the arrival of something special, something different.

The exquisite heart of Casablanca lily, sublime tuberose and sensual orange blossom leads to a seductive base of voluptuous vanilla, rich sandalwood and elegant, sensual layer of musk.

All woman, all self assurance, multi faceted and all inspiring...

intimately

BECKHAM

for Her

The embodiment of luxury and style

The beautifully faceted bottle with its crystal-clear cap echoes its masculine partner but radiates sensual soft pink tones - a statement of underplayed sophistication and femininity. A world of intimacy and luxury.

Again the intricately embossed carton, proudly bearing the David and Victoria Beckham crest, picks up the colour theme, which is carried over to the intimately BECKHAM for Her body care line.

intimately BECKHAM for Her

FACT SHEET

The line-up

Eau de Toilette

15 ml (GBP19.50), 30 ml (GBP26.00), 50, ml, 75 ml (GBP32.50)

Body Silk Lotion 200 ml (GBP12.50)

Shower Cream 200 ml (GBP12.00)

Deodorant Spray 150 ml (GBP11.00)

The creative cast

Perfumer: Firmenich

Packaging: Lutz Herrmann

Advertising photographer: Mikael Jansson

Available: 1st September from Boots, Superdrug and selected supermarkets and chemists nationwide.

Nominees Announced for the Fourth Annual Relly Awards Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa Return to Host 2006 Awards Ceremony on 'Live With Regis and Kelly,' Airing Friday, September 22, 2006
Will Philbin Finally Take Home 'Best Regis?'
Mariah Carey's Dog 'Jack' Earns Second Consecutive Nomination!

The full list of nominees has been announced for the Fourth Annual Relly Awards, "Live with Regis and Kelly's" gala awards show airing on September 22, 2006.

Repeat nominees from last year include "Live" hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, actor Mark Consuelos, late night host Jimmy Kimmel, actor Ted McGinley, and, in the Best Non-Human Guest category, purple dinosaur Barney and Mariah Carey's dog, Jack. (Word is that Carey has been lobbying for a repeat nomination since her beloved Jack Russell terrier was passed over in 2005 by porcine princess Miss Piggy.)

The Rellys recognize the best on-air moments of the past year on "Live," with the winners decided by "Live's" at-home viewing audience, who cast their votes at RellyAwards.com the week of August 28-Sept. 1. The theme of this year's ceremony is "Long Live the Stool" -- referring to the coveted Golden Stool statuette that is the symbol of the excellence of the Rellys, and one of the entertainment industry's most coveted awards.

The always controversial "Best Regis" category -- awarded to the best Regis impersonator -- again is shaping up to be the most hotly-contested race of the 2006 Rellys. Having lost two years in a row, Philbin is hoping to rise to the top of this year's nominees and finally take home the Golden Stool that bears his name. His stellar competition -- all includes Tom Hanks, Jennifer Garner, Anderson Cooper, Neil Patrick Harris, Ted McGinley, Mark Consuelos and co-host Kelly Ripa.

New to the Rellys in 2006 is "Favorite Athlete," with a selection of today's top sports superstars in the running: champion tennis player Maria Sharapova, Jason Kidd of the New Jersey Nets, New York Yankee Johnny Damon, Indy racer Danica Patrick, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, Olympic snowboarder Shaun White and Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward.

Singers and musicians always have a big presence at the Rellys, and this year is no exception, from "Best Winning Reality Guest" nominee Taylor Hicks, to "Best Junior Achiever" Cheyenne Kimball, to "Favorite Music Guest" nominees Shakira & Wyclef Jean, Joss Stone, Ricky Martin, Gretchen Wilson, Alanis Morissette and Stevie Wonder.

After losing the "Best Guest Co-Host" trophy to Ryan Seacrest last year, late night host Jimmy Kimmel will have two chances at a Golden Stool, in "Best Wild and Wacky" and the newly-created "Best Guest Co-Host Moment." He faces stiff competition, especially in the latter category, going up against past nominees Joy Philbin and Mark Consuelos, MTV's Damien Fahey, Pat Sajak and the gorgeous Vanessa Minnillo.

Other new categories this year are Male and Female versions of "Favorite Real Person," and "Favorite Go-Go Dancer" (featured dancers from the daily "Trivia A Go-Go" segment). Returning for a third year to man the red carpet will be awards show maven Joan Rivers, fresh off of the Emmys and having recently conducted her 1,000th red carpet interview.

Source: Buena Vista Television

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

Lance Bass Enlists Socialite & Celebrity Eric Schiffer to Relaunch His Mission into Space, and Other Exciting Things in Hollywood

At Saturday's "Adopt A School" exclusive event in the Hollywood Hills with Jaime Pressly, Socialite Eric Schiffer discussed the possibility of reentering negotiations with Russia in order to get Lance Bass back on track with his mission in Space. "Lance was excited about doing this and expressed needing help. I am open to meet with the leaders I have developed relationships with at the World Economic Forum in Davos to reignite the possibility," said Schiffer, who is an internationally known business thought leader and author of "Emotionally Charged Learning," which has sold over 300 thousand copies in 13 countries.

Earlier in the evening Schiffer was at the Los Angeles Emmys where he was spotted on the red carpet talking with Keith Olbermann, host of MSNBC's "Countdown with Keith Olbermann." Later, Schiffer attended the "Adopt A School" Hollywood event and was photographed flocked by several stunning Ford Models and later seen laughing with his friend, Shaun Toub, star of the Academy Award-winning film "Crash." Afterwards, Eric smiled for the cameras at the star-filled red carpet for the "Hot in Hollywood" event benefiting AIDS Awareness. Schiffer told reporters, "The key to dealing with the epidemic is a combination of parental education on personal responsibility, lower cost drugs and better global distribution -- so low income people worldwide can access them to save their lives."

On Tuesday, Schiffer attended the Congressional Awards at Venice Arts in Venice Beach, where Congresswoman Jane Harman gave out honors to eight local art students. Following that event, Mr. Schiffer walked the red carpet at the Christian Audigier Collection launch party at Ed Hardy on Melrose in Hollywood where he was photographed with Gene Simmons (KISS) to blinding paparazzi flashes. Eric's photo was also snapped laughing it up with star Ralf Moeller (Beerfest, The Scorpion King), T.K. Carter, Somaya Reece, Eric Benet, and Ed Hardy's own Christian Audigier.

KRON TV Personality Jan Wahl to Introduce My Man Godfrey at Sterling Silver Screen Series

Sterling Vineyards(R), the landmark Napa Valley winery, announced that Jan Wahl, entertainment reporter and movie critic for KRON 4 in San Francisco, will introduce the classic movie My Man Godfrey on Saturday, August 26 as part of their annual Silver Screen Series. All proceeds from tickets donations and a percentage of concession sales will benefit The Community Foundation of Napa Valley for the Stars & Vines Fund. More information is available online at www.sterlingvineyards.com, or by calling 877-737-3788.

Recognized as a woman of many hats, film critic Jan Wahl joined KRON 4 in October 1990. Sporting a different chapeau each week, she critiques recent movie releases, reviews new videos, conducts celebrity interviews, and offers interesting background on show business. In addition to her work at KRON 4, Wahl provides cultural and show business reports for KCBS Radio. "My Man Godfrey is one of my all-time favorite classic movies," says Wahl. "I am thrilled for the opportunity to share inside stories on the making of this film; it's implications on the movie industry, and my intense passion for film making with all the guests of this screening," she added.

My Man Godfrey is the latest movie feature at this summer's Sterling Silver Screen Series, an annual outdoor classic movie screening series. Considered by many film historians and critics to be the definitive screwball comedy, My Man Godfrey stars William Powell and Carole Lombard. The 1936 film follows the heiress of an eccentric and wealthy family, who hires a hobo to be the family butler and eventually falls in love with him. The movie was nominated for 6 Academy Awards.

Through the generosity of co-sponsor Universal Studios(R), the 2006 Sterling Silver Screen Series features classic titles in a variety of genres, from Universal's archives. The Series has already screened To Kill a Mockingbird and Double Indemnity, and will end with My Man Godfrey on August 26 and The Birds on September 9. Each screening offers wine tasting, a variety of concessions and festival seating on the Sterling Vineyard Meadow at Sterling Vineyards, 1111 Dunaweal Lane in Calistoga. The grounds open at 7 p.m. and guests are encouraged to arrive early, dress in warm layers and bring a picnic dinner and a blanket or low backed beach chairs. A pre-show of classic cartoons, followed by the feature presentation, begins at dusk. Ticket donations are $10 for adults and $5 for children (16 and under), with all proceeds going to charity.

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

Sterling Vineyards wines are produced by Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, which is part of Diageo, the world's leading premium drink business. DC&E also produces and markets Beaulieu Vineyard, Sterling Vintner's Collection, the wines of the Chalone Wine Group, Solaris and Blossom Hill, as well as the French wines of Barton & Guestier. DC&E is also a leading importer of classified Bordeaux in the U.S. and F.E. Trimbach wines from Alsace. A collection of Burgundy estate-bottled wines and several other fine European wines complement the selection. Please enjoy our quality responsibly.

Source: Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines

12th Annual Charlotte Fine Craft Show Debuts November 3-5 Featuring New Artists and a Live Craft Demonstration

What: 12th Annual Charlotte Fine Craft Show

More than 200 American craft artists including 37 artists

from the Carolinas, all selected by a rigorous jury process,

will present fine contemporary craft featuring sculptural

and functional ceramics, glass, metal, jewelry, clothing,

wood, baskets, quilts, enamels, toys and puzzles, paper,

furniture and leather. An "Extreme Craft" demonstration will

be hosted in collaboration with the Mint Museum of

Craft + Design.

In time for the upcoming holiday season, shoppers and

collectors will find prices ranging from $20 to several

thousand dollars.

When: Friday, November 3, 2006, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday, November 4, 2006, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday, November 5, 2006, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: The Charlotte Convention Center, 501 South College Street,

in Charlotte.

On-street and paid-lot parking are available adjacent to the

convention center.

Who: The Charlotte Fine Craft Show is sponsored by the American

Craft Council. For more information about the Council and

its programs, visit www.craftcouncil.org/charlotte.

Directions: Follow I-77 to Exit 9B to the 277/John Belk Freeway. Take

Exit 1E to College Street. The convention center is the

first building on the right at the corner of College and

Stonewall Streets.

Cost: Admission is $10; American Craft Council members and those

who join at the show also are admitted free. Children 12 and

under are admitted free. A two-day pass is available for

$16. Group discounts are available by calling 800.836.3470.

Info Line: For ticket and show information, call 800.836.3470 or visit

our website, www.craftcouncil.org/charlotte

Saturday, August 19, 2006, 6:30 Am - 10:00 Am

Fiesta Parade Floats

1727 Buena Vista * Duarte, Ca * 91010

The All-Time Winningest Float Builder Officially Kicks Off Its 'Run For The

Roses' as It Takes Its 2007 Line up for a Spin Through the Sleepy Suburban

Streets of Duarte

WHAT??

- Get a first look at some of the floats participating in the 118th

Tournament of Roses(R) Parade prior to flowering, and be the first to

catch a glimpse of some of the 2007 floats that will adorn the streets

of Pasadena, Calif. in just 4 months.

- The 6-time winner of the Parade's top honor, Rain Bird(R) Corporation

kicks off its 2007 "Run for the Roses" and seeks to add a 7th

Sweepstakes Trophy to its award-filled cache.

- Sleepy Southland neighborhood becomes larger than life as the annual

ritual showcases many of the 2007 float entries, including Rain Bird's

2007 float entry, "Natural Beauties."

WHY BE THERE??

- SMILING KIDS, GIANT STEEL SCULPTURES, AND AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE ROSE

PARADE FLOATS FOR YOUR AUDIENCE

- Jump on a float and bring your viewers up-close and personal with some

of the largest floats designed and created by Fiesta Parade Floats, the

winningest float-building company in Tournament of Roses Parade

history.

- Speak with Tournament representatives, Float drivers and Float

designers about what to expect on January 1, 2007.

Contact: Stefan Pollack/Landon Cowan

The Pollack PR Marketing Group

Crayola Draws Attention to Young Artists with Exhibition at Minnesota State Fair
Visitors Can Make and Take Art on a Stick!

Crayola is drawing attention to the art of childhood and recognizing children from the North Star State who created it with a new children's art exhibition opening at the Minnesota State Fair. "The Crayola Art of Childhood Exhibition," featuring 112 pieces of specially selected artwork made by young artists from around the state, will be on display at the Family Fair in Baldwin Park, from August 24 - Sept. 4, for fairgoers to view.

"We created this exhibit to enthrall people with what a child can do when they put art tools to paper and to recognize children for their artistic achievements," said Ron DeLong, Crayola Manager of Art Education. A complete list of Minnesota winners is located at http://www.crayola.com/mediacenter.

Throughout the week, families visiting the exhibition are invited to create a make-and-take craft activity -- a colorful fan on a stick featuring fair mascots "Fairborne" and "Fairchild" -- to commemorate their trip to the fair. August 24 and September 4 are designated Children's Days, with special events for families, discounted admission and reduced prices at various concessions.

Crayola put out a call in March for children to submit their drawings and paintings for the chance to be featured at the Minnesota State Fair. From all the pieces entered, 112 were selected for the exhibit based on visual appeal, workmanship, originality and age appropriateness. From these works, first, second and third place winners were picked for each grade division -- kindergarten through 2nd grade, 3rd through 4th grade, and 5th through 6th grade. Each winner will receive a U.S. savings bond ranging from $50 to $100 and a Crayola product prize pack.

Source: Crayola

Former Mission: Impossible Star Launches Health Company

-- Peter Lupus, star of the original Mission: Impossible TV series as well as former Mr. Hercules and fitness advocate for the last 50 years, has launched a new e-commerce health portal: www.peterlupusenterprises.com.

Lupus, 74, best known for his portrayal of strongman secret agent, Willy Armitage, from the original Mission: Impossible television series -- at one time shown in 108 foreign countries -- is one of the most respected and well-known figures in the nutrition and fitness industry.

"I am going on 50 years of promoting a healthy lifestyle and now it's time to share my secrets with the public," said Lupus.

The company's flagship product is Peter Lupus' Alive -- an anti-aging, detoxifying formula that delivers advanced immune system therapy and increases the body's energy output. The company has developed a line of natural health products, including multivitamins, liquids and supplements, which all have been professionally tested by nutritionists and biochemists. The products provide health solutions for people looking to lose weight, slow the aging process, re-build and re-strengthen the immune system, as well as increase their energy level and enhance their fitness goals.

In addition to his Mr. Hercules title, Lupus has held several other bodybuilding titles including Mr. Indiana and Mr. International Health Physique, and also has set multiple records for strength and endurance. In 2002, at age 70, he broke his own world record by lifting a total of 76,280 pounds in 27 minutes. In 2007, at age 75, Lupus is planning to break both of his own world records.

In addition, he has previously served on the California Governor's Council of Physical Fitness & Sports while Arnold Schwarzenegger was chairman, has owned and operated multiple health clubs and has been a special consultant to the nation's leading health spas for more than 40 years. The co-author of the Peter Lupus Guide to Radiant Health and Beauty and the Peter Lupus Celebrity Body Book, Lupus has also written several magazine articles and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs around the world as an advocate for health, fitness and nutrition.

Source: Peter Lupus Enterprises

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

eBay Dominates Online Clothing and Accessories

A deeper look into the sites, demographics, advertisers and ad methods and techniques for the Online apparel and beauty categories July, 2006

Top 10 Online Apparel and Beauty Destinations(Week ending July 23, 2006 US, Home and Work)
	*Unique Audience (000)*	Active Reach (%)
eBay Clothing Shoes & Accessories	4,828	3.71
eBay Jewelry and Watches	1,825	1.4
eBay Health & Beauty	1,333	1.02
Old Navy	1,318	1.01
zappos.com	1,109	0.85
Lancome^	1,065	0.82
AVON	1,048	0.81
victoriassecret.com	1,001	0.77
llbean.com	767	0.59
The Gap	747	0.57
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView

Demographic Data for Apparel and Beauty Category (Month of June 2006 US, Home and Work)
	Target	Unique Audience (000)	Audience Composition (%)
Total		52,007	100
Male		20,193	38.83
Female		31,814	61.17
Age	2 - 11	1,059	2.04
	12 - 17	4,172	8.02
	18 - 24	3,166	6.09
	25 - 34	8,355	16.07
	35 - 49	18,688	35.93
	45+	22,813	43.87
	55+	10,588	20.36
	65+	3,438	6.61
HH Income	$ 0 - 24999	3,112	5.98
	$ 25000 - 49999	10,614	20.41
	$ 50000 - 74999	13,313	25.6
	$ 75000 - 99999	10,638	20.45
	$ 100000 - 149999	8,631	16.6
	$ 150000+	4,900	9.42
	No Response	800	1.54
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings NetView

Data on the Retail Goods and Services Industry, Apparel and Jewelry Segment (Week ending July 23, 2006 US, Home and Work)

Top 20 Advertisers
	Impressions (000)	Share of all Impressions
Onlineshoes.com	33,674	19.5%
Bag Borrow or Steal	24,491	14.2%
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.	22,593	13.1%
Nordstrom, Inc.	15,106	8.8%
The Finish Line Inc	12,017	7.0%
J.C. Penney Company, Inc.	9,686	5.6%
American Apparel	6,612	3.8%
Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.	6,318	3.7%
ThoseShirts.com	5,980	3.5%
Shoebuy.com	3,819	2.2%
Palmer Cash	3,102	1.8%
Sears, Roebuck and Co.	2,479	1.4%
Zappos.com, Inc.	1,706	1.0%
SmartBargains	1,600	0.9%
Gottschalks	1,545	0.9%
80sTees.com	1,373	0.8%
Kohl's Illinois Inc.	1,237	0.7%
Football Fanatics	1,057	0.6%
Peter & Co. Jewelers, Inc.	1,035	0.6%
Target Corporation	955	0.6%
Total	172,430,000	100.0%
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

Top Ad Sizes
	Dimensions	Impressions (000)	Share of all Impressions
Leaderboard	(728x90)	48,873	28.3%
Wide Skyscraper	(160x600)	44,630	25.9%
Medium Rectangle	(300x250)	34,827	20.2%
Skyscraper	(120x600)	9,380	5.4%
Button #2	(120x60)	8,919	5.2%
Rectangle	(180x150)	8,782	5.1%
Vertical Banner	(120x240)	6,261	3.6%
Square Button	(125x125)	4,898	2.8%
Full Banner	(468x60)	1,502	0.9%
Non-Standard Dimension		1,522	0.9%
Half Banner	(234x60)	800	0.5%
Micro Bar	(88x31)	772	0.4%
Button #1	(120x90)	722	0.4%
Large Rectangle	(336x280)	457	0.3%
Square	(250x250)	78	0.0%
Vertical Rectangle	(240x400)	10	0.0%
Total		172,433,000	100.0%
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

Ad Delivery Types
	Impressions (000)	Share of all Impressions
Inline	171,317	99.4%
Pop-Up	913	0.5%
Pop-Under	177	0.1%
Floating/Overlay	13	0.0%
Interstitial	11	0.0%
Source: Nielsen//NetRatings AdRelevance

Posted by ladymountbatten at 08:36 AM | Permalink

August 17, 2006

More Andy Garcia Photos at the Virgin Megastore

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NASA

nasa

NASA NAMES PARSONS NEW KENNEDY SPACE CENTER DIRECTOR

NASA Administrator Michael Griffin today named William (Bill) W. Parsons the new director of the agency's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., effective in January 2007. Parsons succeeds James W. Kennedy, who is retiring.

Parsons currently serves as deputy director of NASA Kennedy Space Center, a position he has held since February.

As space shuttle program manager, Parsons led the return-to-flight activities for the agency and played a major role in the success of the Discovery STS-114 mission. His first stint as NASA's Stennis
Space Center director, Stennis, Miss., came in August 2002. He was
first assigned to Stennis in 1997 as the chief of operations of the
Propulsion Test Directorate. Parsons relocated to NASA's Johnson
Space Center in Houston to become the director of the Center
Operations Directorate. He later served as the deputy director of
Johnson. He returned to Stennis in 2001 and served as director of the
Center Operations and Support Directorate.

In 1990, Parsons joined the NASA team at Kennedy Space Center as a
launch site support manager in the Shuttle Operations Directorate. He
also worked as an executive management intern and later as the
shuttle flow director of the Shuttle Operations Directorate at
Kennedy. In 1996, he became manager of the Space Station Hardware
Integration Office at the center.

Parsons has received numerous honors, including the Presidential Rank
Award (Meritorious Executive); NASA's Exceptional Service Medal and
Distinguished Service Medal; and the Silver Snoopy, awarded by
astronauts for outstanding performance in flight safety and mission
success.

Parsons holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University
of Mississippi and a master's degree in engineering management from
the University of Central Florida.

NASA SELECTS 12 RESEARCH PROPOSALS IN RADIATION BIOLOGY NASA

will fund a dozen new research proposals to better understand and reduce the risks that crews of future moon and Mars missions could face from space radiation. The total potential value of the selected proposals is approximately $14 million. The health risks of radiation during space travel may include cancer, degenerative tissue damage -- including damage to the central nervous system -- and acute radiation sickness. The new research may help in the development of effective shielding or biological countermeasures for radiation exposure. The research is part of NASA's Space Radiation Program. The goal of the program is to assure astronauts can safely live and work in the space radiation environment, anywhere, anytime. Space radiation is different from forms of radiation encountered on Earth. Radiation in space consists of high-energy protons, heavy ions and secondary byproducts created when the protons and heavy ions pass through spacecraft shielding and human tissue. Since the data available on human exposure to these radiation types are limited, the risks of exposure are derived from an understanding based on radiation physics and radiation biology. The more research data collected, the more confident NASA can be that astronauts will be protected. The 12 new research areas were selected by the Space Radiation Program from 82 proposals received in response to a NASA Research Announcement. All of the proposals were peer-reviewed by scientific and technical experts from academia, government, and industry. The selected principal investigators, their organizations, and their proposal titles are: * Edouard Azzam, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, N.J., The Role of Gap-Junction Communication and Oxidative Metabolism in the Biological Effects of Space Radiation * Susan Bailey, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo., Telomeric Proteins in the Radiation/DNA Damage Response * Richard Britten, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Va., Proteomic Aided Investigation of the Mechanistic Basis For HZE-Induced Cognitive Impairment and the Development of Diagnostic Biomarkers * David Chen, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Mechanisms of the Repair of HZE-Induced DNA Double-Strand Breaks in Human Cells * Albert Fornace, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Mouse Models Approach for Intestinal Tumorigenesis Estimates by Space Radiation * Kathryn Held, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mechanisms for Induction of Bystander Effects by High Energy Particles in Cells and Tissues * Fiorenza Ianzini, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, Role of High-LET Radiation-Induced Mitotic Catastrophe in Mutagenesis: Implication for Carcinogenesis * Amy Kronenberg, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, Calif., Comparative Analysis of Charged Particle-Induced Autosomal Mutations in Murine Tissues and Cells * Bernard Rabin, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, Neurochemical and Behavioral Effects of Exposure to Heavy Particles * John Redpath, University of California Irvine, Irvine, Calif., High Energy Proton Dose-Rate and Mixed Field Effects on Neoplastic Transformation in vitro * Jerry Shay, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Risk Assessment of Space Radiation-Enhanced Colon Tumorigenesis * Betsy Sutherland, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Long Island, N.Y., DNA Damage Clusters in Human Cell Transformation Induced by Single or Multiple Space Radiation Ion Exposures

NASA POSTPONES SHUTTLE ATLANTIS LAUNCH, AIMS FOR SATURDAY

NASA has delayed Friday's launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on its STS-115 mission to the International Space Station. Lift-off now is set for 11:15 a.m. EDT Saturday.

Shuttle program managers decided to postpone Atlantis' launch at 10:52 a.m. EDT Friday due to an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities Friday morning a sensor inside the external tank failed a routine pre-launch
check. The engine cut-off, or ECO sensor, is one of four inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank.

The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen will be drained Friday.
While the tank is emptied, engineers will monitor and collect data on
the liquid hydrogen sensors. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned
procedure that states if a single ECO sensor fails, engineers need to
drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry.
If the sensors and system work as expected, Atlantis will be cleared
to launch with three of four working sensors Saturday. The reloading
of the external tank is set for 1:15 a.m. EDT Saturday.

During Atlantis' mission astronauts will deliver and install the P3/P4
truss, a girder-like structure, with solar arrays that will double
the International Space Station's power capability.

Atlantis' crew consists of Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson
and mission specialists Dan Burbank, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joe
Tanner and Steve MacLean, a Canadian Space Agency astronaut.

NASA POSTPONES SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS LAUNCH

NASA has delayed Wednesday's launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on its STS-115 mission to the International Space Station. Shuttle Program managers made the decision early Wednesday morning due to a problem that occurred during the activation of one of the shuttle's three
electricity-producing fuel cells.

Teams are evaluating data on what might have caused a voltage spike in the fuel cell's coolant pump that cools the fuel cell system. Mission managers will hold a meeting at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday to assess the issue. There will be a news conference on NASA TV at the conclusion of the meeting.

During STS-115, the astronauts will deliver and install a girder-like
structure, known as the P3/P4 truss aboard the station. The
35,000-pound piece includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries
and associated electronics. The arrays eventually will double the
station's power capability.

Atlantis' crew, Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson and mission
specialists Dan Burbank, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joe Tanner and
Steve MacLean, a Canadian Space Agency astronaut, remains at Kennedy
Space Center.

For the latest information about the STS-115 mission and its crew,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

NASA STARTS SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS COUNTDOWN SEPT. 3 NASA will start the launch countdown for Space Shuttle Atlantis' STS-115 mission at 8 a.m. EDT Sunday, Sept. 3, at the T-43 hour point. During this mission, Atlantis' crew will resume construction of the International Space Station, which is the goal of the remaining space shuttle flights until the spacecraft are retired in 2010. The first countdown for Atlantis' launch was stopped because of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The countdown includes 33 hours, 24 minutes of built-in hold time leading to a preferred launch time at approximately 12:29 p.m. EDT Wednesday, Sept. 6. The launch window for Wednesday extends an additional five minutes. A detailed list of launch countdown milestones and times is available at: http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2006/sep/HQ_06141_atlantis_countdown.html This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for Atlantis and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., about 8:03 a.m. EDT Sunday, Sept. 17. Atlantis' last mission was STS-112 in October 2002. In preparation for STS-115, Atlantis was moved into Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building on July 24. Atlantis then was attached to its modified external tank and solid rocket boosters. Space Shuttle Atlantis was rolled out to Launch Pad 39B on Aug. 2. The initial launch date of Aug. 27 was scrubbed to evaluate the shuttle and its systems after a lightning strike at the launch pad. A partial rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building took place Aug. 29 due to concerns about Tropical Depression Ernesto. The STS-115 crew is Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson, and mission specialists Joe Tanner, Dan Burbank, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Canadian astronaut Steve MacLean. During STS-115, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics. The P3/P4 truss segment will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. For information about the STS-115 crew and mission to the pace station, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

NASA TESTS TECHNOLOGY UNDER HARSH DESERT CONDITIONS Arizona's high desert is a long way from the moon and Mars, but its temperature extremes, gusty winds and dust make NASA's robots, rovers and latest space gear feel right at home. The state's famed Meteor Crater and Cinder Lake area represents a surrogate planet surface for NASA's Desert Research and Technology Studies team of scientists and engineers who test futuristic equipment. Media who would like to observe tests Sept. 12 or participate in open house activities Sept. 15, must contact the Johnson Space Center, Houston newsroom at 281-483-5111 or Glenn Research Center, Cleveland newsroom at 216-433-2901 by 6 p.m. EDT Sept. 11. This is the ninth year for the team to take on the high desert and volcanic ash beds found near Flagstaff, Ariz. The team of about 100 scientists and engineers from six NASA centers will test advanced prototype equipment and operational concepts that may support planetary exploration. During the field tests, space-suited test subjects will simulate a day in the life of a surface exploration crew on the moon or Mars, investigating the surrounding landscape, installing and testing science equipment, excavating and collecting samples. Also, a robotic vehicle called the All-Terrain Hex-Legged Extra-Terrestrial Explorer will navigate the rough terrain to establish a mock-up way station that would provide respite for a weary crew. For information about NASA and agency programs on the, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/home

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION STATUS REPORT: SS06-040 With the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis delayed, activities for the International Space Station crew were adjusted. The crew initially expected to greet Atlantis' crew this week. But the shuttle is set to launch Sept. 6 on mission STS-115 to bring a new truss section to the station, complete with a second set of 240-foot solar wings. The mission was originally planned to launch Aug. 27. It was postponed first to check possible lightning damage and then due to Tropical Storm Ernesto. The delay gave Commander Pavel Vinogradov, Flight Engineer NASA Science Officer Jeff Williams and European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter of Germany more time to prepare for Atlantis' mission. The crew packed items that will be returned to Earth and reviewed plans for the shuttle flight's three spacewalks. They also conducted normal station maintenance, daily exercise sessions and scientific experiments. Williams spent parts of three days this week working with a cosmic radiation study called the Anomalous Long-Term Effects in Astronauts' Central Nervous Systems. The experiment tracks cosmic radiation while monitoring brain activity and recording the subject's visual perceptions. Williams spent one orbit, about 90 minutes, floating prone with sensor blocks over and beside his head. The experiment's results may help develop ways to protect future space fliers from the effects of cosmic radiation. Later in the week, Williams worked with the Capillary Flow Effects experiment, studying the dynamics of capillary flow in microgravity. Insight gained from the experiment may help in the developments of fluid transport systems for future spacecraft. Other work included testing a seal the astronauts replaced on an experiment facility called the Microgravity Science Glovebox. The glovebox, in the U.S. laboratory Destiny, provides a contained environment for experiments involving fluid, flame or fumes. During Atlantis' mission, station status will be included in twice daily shuttle mission status reports. The next station status report will be issued after the STS-115 shuttle mission. http://www.nasa.gov/station

NASA CONTINUES SPACE EXPLORATION RESEARCH WITH UNDERSEA LAB NASA's third mission this year to an undersea laboratory off the Florida coast begins when four astronauts splash down Sept. 16. Veteran space flyer astronaut Sandra H. Magnus will lead the crew on a seven-day undersea mission Sept. 16 - 22 onboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Aquarius underwater laboratory. Army Lt. Col. Timothy L. Kopra, Army Col. Timothy J. Creamer and Air Force Maj. Robert L. Behnken round out the astronaut crew. Roger Garcia and Larry Ward of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington will provide engineering support inside the habitat. All four astronauts are training for possible assignment to missions to the International Space Station. During the NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) 11, astronauts will imitate moonwalks, testing concepts for mobility using various spacesuit configurations and weights to simulate lunar gravity. Techniques for communication, navigation, geological sample retrieval, construction and using remote-controlled robots on the moon's surface also will be tested. "We continue to press the limits of our imaginations as we test operational concepts that may be used when we return to the moon," said NEEMO 11 Mission Director Marc Reagan. "Building on the NEEMO 9 and 10 missions, we will explore new challenges and learn to overcome the inherent difficulties of living and working on the moon. These results will allow our designers and engineers to improve designs of habitats, robots and spacesuits." Aquarius is owned and funded by NOAA and operated by the University of North Carolina at Wilmington's Undersea Research Center. The center is part of NOAA's Undersea Research Program. Aquarius hosts teams of scientists on research missions, usually 10 days long, to study science and management issues on its surrounding coral reef ecosystems. Aquarius is a 45-foot-long, 13-foot-diameter complex three miles off Key Largo in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The laboratory rests 62 feet beneath the surface. A shore-based mission control center in Florida monitors the habitat and crew. The NEEMO 11 work will be monitored at NASA's Johnson Space Center's Exploration Planning Operations Center, Houston. This is the last NEEMO mission this year. More are planned in 2007. Magnus flew to the International Space Station on shuttle mission STS-112 in October 2002. She used the station's robotic arm to help attach a new segment to the station's truss structure. Magnus was born in Belleville, Ill. She has a bachelor's in physics and a master's in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla and a doctorate from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta. Kopra was selected as an astronaut in 2000 and is assigned to the Space Station Operations Branch of the Astronaut Office. He was born in Austin,Texas. He holds a bachelor's from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., and a master's in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Selected as an astronaut in 1998, Creamer works in the Robotics Branch of the Astronaut Office. Creamer considers Upper Marlboro, Md., his hometown. He has a bachelor's from Loyola College and a master's from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. Behnken was selected as an astronaut in 2000. He considers St. Ann, Mo., his hometown. He has bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering and physics from Washington University, St. Louis, and a master's and doctorate in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif. He is a graduate of the Air Force Test Pilot School, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. For interviews with the NEEMO 11 crew call the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111. For more on NOAA, contact Fred Gorell, Silver Spring, Md., at 301-713-9444, ext. 181. Through NASA's Digital Learning Network (DLN), classrooms will be able to videoconference with Aquarius. Students will conduct experiments of their own before talking with the aquanauts. The pre-event activities are designed to complement the NEEMO 11 mission objectives. For more information about NEEMO, including mission imagery, crew journals, and links to webcams and the Digital Learning Network, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/neemo

NASA SELECTS ORION CREW EXPLORATION VEHICLE PRIME CONTRACTOR NASA selected Wednesday Lockheed Martin Corp., based in Bethesda, Md., as the prime contractor to design, develop, and build Orion, America's spacecraft for a new generation of explorers. Orion will be capable of transporting four crewmembers for lunar missions and later supporting crew transfers for Mars missions. Orion could also carry up to six crew members to and from the International Space Station. The first Orion launch with humans onboard is planned for no later than 2014, and for a human moon landing no later than 2020. Orion will form a key element of extending a sustained human presence beyond low-Earth orbit to advance commerce, science and national leadership. The contract with Lockheed Martin is the conclusion of a two-phase selection process. NASA began working with the two contractor teams, Northrop Grumman/Boeing and Lockheed Martin, in July 2005 to perform concept refinement, trade studies, analysis of requirements and preliminary design options. Lockheed Martin will be responsible for the design, development, testing, and evaluation (DDT&E) of the new spacecraft. Manufacturing and integration of the vehicle components will take place at contractor facilities across the country. Lockheed Martin will perform the majority of the Orion vehicle engineering work at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, and complete final assembly of the vehicle at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla. All 10 NASA centers will provide technical and engineering support to the Orion project. The contract is structured into separate schedules for DDT&E with options for production of additional spacecraft and sustaining engineering. During DDT&E, NASA will use an end-item cost-plus-award-fee incentive contract. This makes the award fee subject to final determination after the contractor has demonstrated that it meets the technical, cost, and schedule requirements of the contract. DDT&E work is estimated to occur from Sept. 8, 2006, through Sept. 7, 2013. The estimated value is $3.9 billion. Production and sustaining engineering activities are contract options that will allow NASA to obtain additional vehicles as needed. Delivery orders over and above those in the DDT&E portion will specify the number of spacecraft to be produced and the schedule on which they should be delivered. Post-development spacecraft delivery orders may begin as early as Sept. 8, 2009, through Sept. 7, 2019, if all options are exercised. The estimated value of these orders is negotiated based on future manifest requirements and knowledge gained through the DDT&E process and is estimated not to exceed $3.5 billion. Sustaining engineering work will be assigned through task orders. The work is expected to occur from Sept. 8, 2009, through Sept. 7, 2019, with an estimated value of $750 million, if all options are exercised. For information about Orion, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/orion

NASA STUDY SOLVES OCEAN PLANT MYSTERY A NASA-sponsored study shows that by using a new technique, scientists can determine what limits the growth of ocean algae, or phytoplankton, and how this affects Earth's climate. Phytoplankton is a microscopic ocean plant and an important part of the ocean food chain. By knowing what limits its growth scientists can better understand how ecosystems respond to climate change. The study focused on phytoplankton in the tropical Pacific Ocean. It is an area of the ocean that plays a particularly important role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide and the world's climate. This area of the ocean is the largest natural source of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. "We concluded that nitrogen is the primary element missing for algae growth and photosynthesis in the northern portion of the tropical Pacific, while it was iron that was most lacking everywhere else," said Michael J. Behrenfeld, an ocean plant ecologist from Oregon State University, Corvallis, Ore. Scientists determined when phytoplankton is stressed from lack of iron; it appears greener, or healthier than they really are. Normally, greener plants are growing faster than less green plants. When iron is lacking, enhanced greenness does not mean phytoplankton are growing better. They are actually under stress and unhealthy. These conclusions solved the mystery why healthy looking phytoplankton are actually not so healthy. "Because we didn't know about this effect of iron stress on the greenness of algae or phytoplankton before, we have always assumed that equally green waters were equally productive," Behrenfeld said. "We now know this is not the case, and that we have to treat areas lacking iron differently." For the tropical Pacific, correction for this "iron-effect" decreases scientists' estimates of how much carbon ocean plants photosynthesize for the region by roughly two billion tons. This figure represents a tremendous amount of carbon that remains in the atmosphere that scientists previously thought were being removed. The results about the false health of phytoplankton allow scientists using computer models to re-create the movement of carbon around the world much more accurately. Resource managers will become more knowledgeable about where carbon is going and the impact of recreational, industrial or commercial processes that use or produce carbon. Researchers better understand the Earth as an ecosystem, and can incorporate these findings in future modeling, analysis and predictions. While satellite data from NASA's Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor played an important part in the study, the real cornerstone of the discovery was ship-based measurements of fluorescence. Fluorescence occurs when plants absorb sunlight and some of that energy is given back off again as red light. Scientists looked at approximately 140,000 measurements of fluorescence made from 1994 to 2006 along 36,040 miles of ship tracks. They found that phytoplankton give off much more fluorescence when the plants do not have sufficient iron. It is this signal they used to fingerprint what parts of the ocean are iron-stressed and what parts are nitrogen-stressed. It is important that scientists understand how ocean plants behave because all plants play a critical role in maintaining a healthy planet. Plants annually take up billions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and use this carbon to create the food that nearly all other organisms on Earth depend on for life. Nutrients that make ocean plants thrive, such as nitrogen and phosphate, mostly come from the deep parts of the ocean, when water is mixed by the wind. Iron also can come from dust blowing in the air. Approximately half of the photosynthesis on Earth occurs in the oceans, and the remainder on land. Ocean and land plants share the same basic requirements for photosynthesis and growth. These requirements include water, light and nutrients. When these three are abundant, plants are abundant. When any one of them is missing, plants suffer. An article on this technique appears in a recent issue of Nature. For images related to this research, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/topstory/2006/mystery_plants.html

NASA, NOAA DATA INDICATE OZONE LAYER IS RECOVERING A new study using NASA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data finds consistent evidence that Earth's ozone layer is on the mend. A team led by Eun-Su Yang of the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, analyzed 25 years of independent ozone observations at different altitudes in Earth's stratosphere, which lies between six and 31 miles above the surface. The observations were gathered from balloons, ground-based instruments, NASA and NOAA satellites. The stratosphere is Earth's second lowest atmospheric layer. It contains approximately 90 percent of all atmospheric ozone. The researchers concluded the Earth's protective ozone layer outside of the polar regions stopped thinning around 1997. Ozone in these areas declined steadily from 1979 to 1997. The abundance of human-produced ozone-destroying gases such as chlorofluorocarbons peaked at about the same time (1993 in the lowest layer of the atmosphere, 1997 in the stratosphere). Such substances were phased out after the 1987 international Montreal Protocol was enacted. To measure ozone at different altitudes in the stratosphere, the team combined data from balloons and independent ground-based observing networks with monthly averaged satellite data. The satellite data came from five independent NASA and NOAA instruments. Measurements were compared with computer predictions of ozone recovery that considered actual measured variations in human-produced ozone-destroying chemicals. The calculations took into account other factors that can affect ozone levels, such as sunspot cycle behavior, seasonal changes and stratospheric wind patterns. "These results confirm the Montreal Protocol and its amendments have succeeded in stopping the loss of ozone in the stratosphere," Yang said. "At the current recovery rate, the atmospheric modeling community's best estimates predict the global ozone layer could be restored to 1980 levels — the time that scientists first noticed the harmful effects human activities were having on atmospheric ozone — some time in the middle of this century." The researchers concluded approximately one half the observed ozone change was in the region of the stratosphere above 11 miles and the rest in the lower stratosphere from six to 11 miles. The researchers attribute the ozone improvement above 11 miles almost entirely to the Montreal Protocol. "Scientists expected the Montreal Protocol to be working in the middle and upper stratosphere and it is," said co-author Mike Newchurch of the University of Alabama in Huntsville. "The real surprise of our research was the degree of ozone recovery we found at lower altitudes, below the middle stratosphere. There, ozone is improving faster than we expected, and appears to be due to changes in atmospheric wind patterns, the causes of which are not yet well understood. Until the cause of the recent ozone increase in the lowermost stratosphere is better understood, making high-accuracy predictions of how the entire ozone layer will behave in the future will remain an elusive goal. Continued careful observation and modeling are required to understand how the ozone recovery process will evolve." "Our study is unique because it measures changes in the ozone layer at all heights in the atmosphere, then compares the data with models as well as observations from other instruments that measure variations in the total amount of ozone in the atmosphere," said Ross Salawitch, a senior research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Results are published in the latest Journal of Geophysical Research. For information about NASA and agency programs, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/home

NASA DECIDES TO MOVE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS OFF LAUNCH PAD NASA has decided to roll the Space Shuttle Atlantis off its launch pad and back inside the protection of the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The roll back is targeted to start at approximately 10:05 a.m. EDT Tuesday. The decision was made due to Tropical Storm Ernesto's track. Ernesto is expected to bring high winds as it passes Kennedy. A new launch date is not yet scheduled for Atlantis' flight, STS-115, to the International Space Station. NASA and the Russian Federal Space Agency continue to discuss the timing of Atlantis' mission and the Soyuz spacecraft, which will send the next crew to the station in September. Factors to be considered are the lighting constraints for the shuttle launch and Soyuz landing and the timing for docking and undocking the spacecraft with the station. NASA is also investigating additional launch windows later in the fall. The STS-115 crew will return to NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston. Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson, and mission specialists Joe Tanner, Dan Burbank, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Canadian astronaut Steve MacLean will continue training as they await a new target launch date. During STS-115, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics. The P3/P4 truss segment will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. For information about the STS-115 crew and mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

TROPICAL STORM ERNESTO FORCES SHUTTLE ATLANTIS' LAUNCH DELAY Tuesday's scheduled launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on its STS-115 mission to the International Space Station is being postponed because of Tropical Storm Ernesto. A new launch date has not been set. Although no final decision has been made, shuttle managers meeting at NASA's Kennedy Space Center instructed launch teams Monday to continue preliminary preparations to roll Atlantis off its launch pad and back inside the protection of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Managers will follow developments in Tropical Storm Ernesto's track. A decision on whether to roll back is expected by midday Tuesday. Ernesto is forecast to pass near Kennedy on Wednesday afternoon. The STS-115 crew will remain in Florida until a roll back decision is made. Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson, and mission specialists Joe Tanner, Dan Burbank, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Canadian astronaut Steve MacLean will study flight plans and spend time with their families. During STS-115, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics. The P3/P4 truss segment will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. For information about the STS-115 crew and its mission to the International Space Station, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION STATUS REPORT: SS06-039 With the countdown clock ticking toward the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on the STS-115 mission, the International Space Station crew continues to prepare for visitors. Commander Pavel Vinogradov, Flight Engineer, NASA Science Officer Jeff Williams and European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Reiter of Germany are ready for Atlantis to deliver a new section of the station's girder-like truss. Atlantis is set for launch on Sunday, which would result in docking with the station on Tuesday. During Atlantis' mission, astronauts will attach the new P3/P4 truss, a segment that includes a huge new set of solar arrays and a giant rotary joint to allow them to track the sun. To prepare for Atlantis' visit, the station crew members packed items that will be returned to Earth on the shuttle. They also reviewed spacewalk plans, talked with the shuttle crew in a long-distance conference and trained to photograph the shuttle's heat shield as Atlantis does a backflip while approaching the station. Flight controllers tested the operation of a U.S. air scrubbing system in advance. The Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly, or CDRA, was turned on for an extended period to test its capability to remove carbon dioxide from the air. The CDRA augments the Russian air scrubber, Vozdukh, which was turned off during the test. Engineers are continuing to evaluate data from the CDRA operations. The station was raised 2.5 miles by firing the ISS Progress 21 engines Wednesday. The boost places the complex at the optimum position for Atlantis' rendezvous and docking. It also puts the station at the optimum altitude for the launch of the next station resident crew, Expedition 14, from Kazakhstan in September. Williams replaced filters in part of the station's cooling system. The used filters will be returned to Earth for engineering analysis to confirm their success at removing fine particles from water in coolant lines. Williams completed runs of the Dust and Aerosol Measurement Feasibility Test, or DAFT experiment. DAFT is testing the effectiveness of a commercial hand-held air quality monitor called P-Trak that counts ultra-fine dust particles in microgravity. The study provides data that may help in the design of fire detection systems on future spacecraft. Its data also may prove useful for fire detection hardware in extreme environments on Earth, such as submarines or underwater laboratories. The station crew continued with the set-up and check-out of the European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) that was delivered on STS-121. This experiment system contains a centrifuge that can subject a wide range of small plant and animal experiments to partial gravity conditions. The first experiment that will be performed in EMCS is the Analysis of a Novel Sensory Mechanism in Root Phototropism, called Tropi, which seeks to identify the genes responsible for successful plant growth in microgravity. The experiment studies mustard seeds. Vinogradov and Reiter participated in European Space Agency science experiments that test the cardiovascular system's response to microgravity for long durations. The next station status report will be issued after the STS-115 shuttle mission. The status of the ISS will be included in the twice-daily shuttle mission status reports issued during STS-115. For more about the crew's activities and station sighting opportunities, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/station

NASA INVITES STUDENTS TO HELP ASTRONAUT COUNT THE STARS NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) are collaborating on a new education activity that helps students become astronomers. The Star Count Project will investigate the visual quality of the night sky and help assess the extent of atmospheric light pollution. There are many factors that affect how many stars can be seen at night. NASA and the CSA are inviting U.S. and Canadian students to participate in an effort to study these factors. The project was suggested and is being supported by CSA astronaut Steve MacLean. He is a member of the crew of the Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next mission, designated STS-115, to the International Space Station. The mission is scheduled to launch Sunday, August 27. MacLean will perform the Star Count experiment during the mission. While in space he will upload star observation information into a database via the Star Count Web site. As part of the project, students will learn how to estimate the number of stars observed based on random samples of sections of the sky. Students will add to the database by entering their location, number of stars observed and information about their viewing conditions. The students will be able to compare their observations with MacLean's and other observers. Star Count is a project of the NASA Student Observation Network. The network is a collection of online inquiry-based activities that challenge students to find answers to research questions by making their own observations and interpreting them with NASA data. To participate in the Star Count Project, students should visit: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/starcount/home/index.html or http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/educators/resources/stars/default.asp The Star Count Project is directly tied to NASA's major education goal of attracting students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics studies. NASA is committed to engaging and retaining students in these disciplines which are crucial to the agency's future missions. For information about NASA education programs, Star Count Project and the Student Observation Network, visit:

NASA AWARDS NOAA GOES-R INSTRUMENT CONTRACT NASA, in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES-R) Program, has selected Assurance Technology Corporation for a $101.7 million dollar contract. The contract is for the Space Environment In-Situ Suite (SEISS), which will provide data for monitoring space environments as an instrument on the next generation of GOES. The design and development of the SEISS instruments will be primarily performed at the contractor's facility in Carlisle, Mass. Once launched, the SEISS suite will be used primarily by NOAA's Space Environment Center in Boulder, Colo. The center provides real-time monitoring, forecasting and warnings of solar and geophysical events and disturbances. The contractor will provide the SEISS suite of instruments and post-delivery support for the GOES-R series of weather satellites. The suite consists of three particle sensors: a magnetospheric particle sensor; solar and galactic proton sensor; and an energetic heavy ion sensor. The sensors will provide important information to warn of high-impact space storms and operational information on the radiation environment hazardous to humans in space, high-altitude aircraft, spacecraft electronics, solar power systems and radio communications. GOES is funded, operated and managed by NOAA. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., manages the acquisition of GOES-R instruments for NOAA.

HUBBLE SEES FAINTEST STARS IN A GLOBULAR CLUSTER

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has uncovered what astronomers are reporting as the dimmest stars ever seen in any globular star cluster. Globular clusters are spherical concentrations of hundreds of thousands of stars. These clusters formed early in the 13.7-billion-year-old universe. The cluster NGC 6397 is one of the closest globular star clusters to Earth. Seeing the whole range of stars in this area will yield insights into the age, origin and evolution of the cluster. Although astronomers have conducted similar observations since Hubble was launched, a team led by Harvey Richer of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, is reporting they have at last unequivocally reached the faintest stars. Richer's team announced their findings Thursday at the 2006 International Astronomical Union General Assembly in Prague, Czech Republic and in the August 18 edition of Science. "We have run out of hydrogen-burning stars in this cluster. There are no fainter such stars waiting to be discovered. We have discovered the lowest-mass stars capable of supporting stable nuclear reactions in this cluster. Any less massive ones faded early in the cluster's history and by now are too faint to be observed," Richer said. Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys completed a census of two distinct stellar populations in NGC 6397. Hubble surveyed the faintest red dwarf stars, which fuse hydrogen in their cores like our sun, and the dimmest white dwarfs, which are the burned-out relics of normal stars. The light from these faint stars is as dim as the light produced by a birthday candle on the moon seen from Earth. NGC 6397 is 8,500 light-years away from Earth. Analyzing the burned-out remnants of stars that died long ago, Hubble showed the dimmest white dwarfs have such low temperatures they are undergoing a chemical change in their atmospheres that makes them appear bluer rather than redder as they cool. This phenomenon had been predicted, but never observed. These white dwarfs are the relics of stars up to eight times as massive as the sun, which have exhausted the fuel capable of supporting nuclear reactions in their cores. Stars that were initially even more massive died as supernovae very early in the cluster's life, leaving behind neutron stars, black holes or no debris at all. Astronomers have used white dwarfs in globular clusters as a measure of the universe's age. The universe must be at least as old as the oldest stars. White dwarfs cool down at a predictable rate. The older the dwarf, the cooler it is, making it a perfect "clock" that has been ticking for almost as long as the universe has existed. Richer and his team are using the same age-dating technique to calculate the cluster's age. NGC 6397 is estimated to be nearly 12 billion years old. A globular cluster's dimmest stars have eluded astronomers because their light is too feeble. Richer's team used Hubble's Advanced Camera to probe deep within the cluster for nearly five days to capture the faint stars. The camera's resolution is so sharp that it is capable of isolating cluster stars in this crowded cluster field, enabling cluster members to be distinguished from foreground and background stars. The cluster stars move together as the cluster orbits the Milky Way Galaxy, and Hubble was able to pinpoint which stars were moving with the cluster. The Hubble team used this technique together with archival Hubble images taken as much as a decade earlier to make sure they had a pure sample of cluster stars. For images and additional information about NGC 6397, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/hubble

NASA SATELLITES WILL IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE SUN

NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory mission will dramatically improve understanding of the powerful solar eruptions that can send more than a billion tons of the sun's outer atmosphere hurtling into space. The STEREO mission comprises two nearly identical spacecraft the size of golf carts, which are scheduled to launch on Aug. 31 aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Their observations will enable scientists to construct the first-ever three-dimensional views of the sun. These images will show the sun's stormy environment and its effect on the inner solar system. The data are vital for understanding how the sun creates space weather. During the two-year mission, the two spacecraft will explore the origin, evolution and interplanetary consequences of coronal mass ejections, some of the most violent explosions in our solar system. When directed at Earth, these billion-ton eruptions can produce spectacular aurora and disrupt satellites, radio communications and power systems. Energetic particles associated with these solar eruptions permeate the entire solar system and may be hazardous to spacecraft and astronauts. "In terms of space-weather forecasting, we're where weather forecasters were in the 1950s," said Michael Kaiser, STEREO project scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. "They didn't see hurricanes until the rain clouds were right above them. In our case, we can see storms leaving the sun, but we have to make guesses and use models to figure out if and when they will impact Earth." To obtain their unique stereo view of the sun, the two observatories must be placed in different orbits, where they are offset from each other and Earth. Spacecraft "A" will be in an orbit moving ahead of Earth, and "B" will lag behind, as the planet orbits the sun. Just as the slight offset between eyes provides depth perception, this placement will allow the STEREO observatories to obtain 3-D images of the sun. The arrangement also allows the spacecraft to take local particle and magnetic field measurements of the solar wind as it flows by the spacecraft. STEREO is the first NASA mission to use separate lunar swingbys to place two observatories into vastly different orbits around the sun. The observatories will fly in an orbit from a point close to Earth to one that extends just beyond the moon. Approximately two months after launch, mission operations personnel at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md., will use a close flyby of the moon to modify the orbits. The moon's gravity will be used to direct one observatory to its position trailing Earth. Approximately one month later, the second observatory will be redirected after another lunar swingby to its position ahead of Earth. These maneuvers will enable the spacecraft to take permanent orbits around the sun. Each STEREO observatory has 16 instruments. The observatories have imaging telescopes and equipment to measure solar wind particles and to perform radio astronomy. "STEREO is charting new territory for science research and the building of spacecraft. The simultaneous assembly, integration and launch of nearly identical observatories have been an extraordinary challenge," said Nick Chrissotimos, STEREO project manager at Goddard. The STEREO mission is managed by Goddard. The Applied Physics Laboratory designed and built the spacecraft. The laboratory will maintain command and control of the observatories throughout the mission, while NASA tracks and receives the data, determines the orbit of the satellites, and coordinates the science results. For more information about STEREO, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/stereo

NASA GIVES 'GO' FOR SPACE SHUTTLE ATLANTIS' LAUNCH NASA

senior managers on Wednesday unanimously voted to launch the Space Shuttle Atlantis on Aug. 27. Commander Brent Jett and his five crewmates are scheduled to lift off at 4:30 p.m. EDT on the STS-115 mission, which restarts construction of the International Space Station. The launch date was announced after the Flight Readiness Review, a traditional meeting in which top NASA managers and engineers determine whether the shuttle's complex array of equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for flight and assess any risks associated with the mission. "It was an honor to work with this team, a thrill to see another FRR," said NASA Administrator Michael Griffin. "It was a great review, and I look forward to a great launch." "The teams have done a great job of getting us here. We still have some minor open work in front of us. We look forward to the return to assembly," said Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier, who chaired the Flight Readiness Review. Joining Commander Jett aboard shuttle Atlantis will be Pilot Chris Ferguson, mission specialists Joe Tanner, Dan Burbank, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Steve MacLean. The crew will install the P3/P4 truss, a girder-like structure, aboard the station. The new piece will include a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics. There will be three spacewalks to hook up the truss and prepare the arrays for operation. For STS-115 crew and mission information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

NASA SETS SIGHTS ON THE NEXT GENERATION OF EXPLORERS

NASA's Education Office has released a new framework to work with the
academic community to prepare the next generation of explorers and
innovators. The Education Strategic Coordination Framework highlights
agency content, people and facilities as the foundation for sponsored
educational opportunities, while developing new non-traditional
partnerships.

"Through this framework, NASA will support the country's educators who
play a key role in engaging and preparing today's young minds to lead
the nation's laboratories and research centers of tomorrow," said the
agency's Acting Assistant Administrator for Education, John M.
Hairston, Jr.

The framework identifies three priorities for NASA to work with
academia, industry and informal educators to foster increased studies
in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. NASA's education
priorities include strengthening the nation's workforce, attracting
and retaining students, and engaging America in NASA's missions.

Another key element of the new education framework is to involve
partners and establish strategic alliances to work with NASA to
inspire and engage the nation's youth.

The agency strives to reach students at every level in the education
pipeline. NASA remains committed to engaging and retaining
underrepresented and underserved communities of students, educators
and researchers in its education programs.

For a copy of the NASA Education Strategic Coordination Framework and
information about agency education programs, visit:

http://education.nasa.gov/about/strategy/index.html

NASA FINDS DIRECT PROOF OF DARK MATTER
Dark matter and normal matter have been wrenched apart by the tremendous collision of two large clusters of galaxies. The discovery, using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes, gives direct evidence for the existence of dark matter. "This is the most energetic cosmic event, besides the Big Bang, which we know about," said team member Maxim Markevitch of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Mass. These observations provide the strongest evidence yet that most of the matter in the universe is dark. Despite considerable evidence for dark matter, some scientists have proposed alternative theories for gravity where it is stronger on intergalactic scales than predicted by Newton and Einstein, removing the need for dark matter. However, such theories cannot explain the observed effects of this collision. "A universe that's dominated by dark stuff seems preposterous, so we wanted to test whether there were any basic flaws in our thinking," said Doug Clowe of the University of Arizona at Tucson, and leader of the study. "These results are direct proof that dark matter exists." In galaxy clusters, the normal matter, like the atoms that make up the stars, planets, and everything on Earth, is primarily in the form of hot gas and stars. The mass of the hot gas between the galaxies is far greater than the mass of the stars in all of the galaxies. This normal matter is bound in the cluster by the gravity of an even greater mass of dark matter. Without dark matter, which is invisible and can only be detected through its gravity, the fast-moving galaxies and the hot gas would quickly fly apart. The team was granted more than 100 hours on the Chandra telescope to observe the galaxy cluster 1E0657-56. The cluster is also known as the bullet cluster, because it contains a spectacular bullet-shaped cloud of hundred-million-degree gas. The X-ray image shows the bullet shape is due to a wind produced by the high-speed collision of a smaller cluster with a larger one. In addition to the Chandra observation, the Hubble Space Telescope, the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope and the Magellan optical telescopes were used to determine the location of the mass in the clusters. This was done by measuring the effect of gravitational lensing, where gravity from the clusters distorts light from background galaxies as predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity. The hot gas in this collision was slowed by a drag force, similar to air resistance. In contrast, the dark matter was not slowed by the impact, because it does not interact directly with itself or the gas except through gravity. This produced the separation of the dark and normal matter seen in the data. If hot gas was the most massive component in the clusters, as proposed by alternative gravity theories, such a separation would not have been seen. Instead, dark matter is required. "This is the type of result that future theories will have to take into account," said Sean Carroll, a cosmologist at the University of Chicago, who was not involved with the study. "As we move forward to understand the true nature of dark matter, this new result will be impossible to ignore." This result also gives scientists more confidence that the Newtonian gravity familiar on Earth and in the solar system also works on the huge scales of galaxy clusters. "We've closed this loophole about gravity, and we've come closer than ever to seeing this invisible matter," Clowe said. These results are being published in an upcoming issue of The Astrophysical Journal Letters. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory controls science and flight operations from the Chandra X-ray Center, Cambridge, Mass. For additional information and images, visit: http://chandra.nasa.gov
Dark matter and normal matter have been wrenched apart by the tremendous collision of two large clusters of galaxies. The discovery, using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes, gives direct evidence for the existence of dark matter. "This is the most energetic cosmic event, besides the Big Bang, which we know about," said team member Maxim Markevitch of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Mass. These observations provide the strongest evidence yet that most of the matter in the universe is dark. Despite considerable evidence for dark matter, some scientists have proposed alternative theories for gravity where it is stronger on intergalactic scales than predicted by Newton and Einstein, removing the need for dark matter. However, such theories cannot explain the observed effects of this collision. "A universe that's dominated by dark stuff seems preposterous, so we wanted to test whether there were any basic flaws in our thinking," said Doug Clowe of the University of Arizona at Tucson, and leader of the study. "These results are direct proof that dark matter exists." In galaxy clusters, the normal matter, like the atoms that make up the stars, planets, and everything on Earth, is primarily in the form of hot gas and stars. The mass of the hot gas between the galaxies is far greater than the mass of the stars in all of the galaxies. This normal matter is bound in the cluster by the gravity of an even greater mass of dark matter. Without dark matter, which is invisible and can only be detected through its gravity, the fast-moving galaxies and the hot gas would quickly fly apart. The team was granted more than 100 hours on the Chandra telescope to observe the galaxy cluster 1E0657-56. The cluster is also known as the bullet cluster, because it contains a spectacular bullet-shaped cloud of hundred-million-degree gas. The X-ray image shows the bullet shape is due to a wind produced by the high-speed collision of a smaller cluster with a larger one. In addition to the Chandra observation, the Hubble Space Telescope, the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope and the Magellan optical telescopes were used to determine the location of the mass in the clusters. This was done by measuring the effect of gravitational lensing, where gravity from the clusters distorts light from background galaxies as predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity. The hot gas in this collision was slowed by a drag force, similar to air resistance. In contrast, the dark matter was not slowed by the impact, because it does not interact directly with itself or the gas except through gravity. This produced the separation of the dark and normal matter seen in the data. If hot gas was the most massive component in the clusters, as proposed by alternative gravity theories, such a separation would not have been seen. Instead, dark matter is required. "This is the type of result that future theories will have to take into account," said Sean Carroll, a cosmologist at the University of Chicago, who was not involved with the study. "As we move forward to understand the true nature of dark matter, this new result will be impossible to ignore." This result also gives scientists more confidence that the Newtonian gravity familiar on Earth and in the solar system also works on the huge scales of galaxy clusters. "We've closed this loophole about gravity, and we've come closer than ever to seeing this invisible matter," Clowe said. These results are being published in an upcoming issue of The Astrophysical Journal Letters. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory controls science and flight operations from the Chandra X-ray Center, Cambridge, Mass. For additional information and images, visit:

NASA NAMES NEW CREW EXPLORATION VEHICLE ORION
NASA announced Tuesday that its new crew exploration vehicle will be named Orion. Orion is the vehicle NASA's Constellation Program is developing to carry a new generation of explorers back to the moon and later to Mars. Orion will succeed the space shuttle as NASA's primary vehicle for human space exploration. Orion's first flight with astronauts onboard is planned for no later than 2014 to the International Space Station. Its first flight to the moon is planned for no later than 2020. Orion is named for one of the brightest, most familiar and easily identifiable constellations. "Many of its stars have been used for navigation and guided explorers to new worlds for centuries," said Orion Project Manager Skip Hatfield. "Our team, and all of NASA - and, I believe, our country - grows more excited with every step forward this program takes. The future for space exploration is coming quickly." In June, NASA announced the launch vehicles under development by the Constellation Program have been named Ares, a synonym for Mars. The booster that will launch Orion will be called Ares I, and a larger heavy-lift launch vehicle will be known as Ares V. Orion will be capable of transporting cargo and up to six crew members to and from the International Space Station. It can carry four crewmembers for lunar missions. Later, it can support crew transfers for Mars missions. Orion borrows its shape from space capsules of the past, but takes advantage of the latest technology in computers, electronics, life support, propulsion and heat protection systems. The capsule's conical shape is the safest and most reliable for re-entering the Earth's atmosphere, especially at the velocities required for a direct return form the moon. Orion will be 16.5 feet in diameter and have a mass of about 25 tons. Inside, it will have more than 2.5 times the volume of an Apollo capsule. The spacecraft will return humans to the moon to stay for long periods as a testing ground for the longer journey to Mars. NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, manages the Constellation Program and the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., manages the Exploration Launch Projects' office for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, Washington. For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/home
NASA announced Tuesday that its new crew exploration vehicle will be named Orion. Orion is the vehicle NASA's Constellation Program is developing to carry a new generation of explorers back to the moon and later to Mars. Orion will succeed the space shuttle as NASA's primary vehicle for human space exploration. Orion's first flight with astronauts onboard is planned for no later than 2014 to the International Space Station. Its first flight to the moon is planned for no later than 2020. Orion is named for one of the brightest, most familiar and easily identifiable constellations. "Many of its stars have been used for navigation and guided explorers to new worlds for centuries," said Orion Project Manager Skip Hatfield. "Our team, and all of NASA - and, I believe, our country - grows more excited with every step forward this program takes. The future for space exploration is coming quickly." In June, NASA announced the launch vehicles under development by the Constellation Program have been named Ares, a synonym for Mars. The booster that will launch Orion will be called Ares I, and a larger heavy-lift launch vehicle will be known as Ares V. Orion will be capable of transporting cargo and up to six crew members to and from the International Space Station. It can carry four crewmembers for lunar missions. Later, it can support crew transfers for Mars missions. Orion borrows its shape from space capsules of the past, but takes advantage of the latest technology in computers, electronics, life support, propulsion and heat protection systems. The capsule's conical shape is the safest and most reliable for re-entering the Earth's atmosphere, especially at the velocities required for a direct return form the moon. Orion will be 16.5 feet in diameter and have a mass of about 25 tons. Inside, it will have more than 2.5 times the volume of an Apollo capsule. The spacecraft will return humans to the moon to stay for long periods as a testing ground for the longer journey to Mars. NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, manages the Constellation Program and the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala., manages the Exploration Launch Projects' office for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, Washington. For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

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Warner Home Video to Release Eight Additional High Definition DVD Titles Including Four New Blu-rays, Four New HD DVDs; Studio Offering Largest Selection of New HD Format Titles Debuts Latest September 5 and 12

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U.S. Postal Service Sews Up Tradition With the Quilts of Gee's Bend Stamps Issued at the Largest Annual Philatelic Event in the United States
Lifetime Television Launches National Essay Contest in Conjunction With the
Premiere of the Lifetime Original Movie Event, 'The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Is Not a Fairy Tale' Essay Contest Winner Could Win Tickets to the 'American Idol'(R) Season Six Series Finale In Los Angeles - The Three-Night Movie Event Premieres on Lifetime Saturday, August 19 at 9 PM (ET/PT), with Encores Sunday, August 20 at 8 PM (ET/PT) and Monday, August 21 at 9 PM (ET/PT) -
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Appoints TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles as its Advertising Agency of Record for 79th Academy Awards(R)
Graham Nash Signs on With XM Satellite Radio to Host New Music Interview Show Beginning August 21 Carole King, Ben E. King, Grace Slick and Other Renowned Singer/Songwriters Will be Featured on 'SongStories with Graham Nash' in Exclusive Interviews Making Their Broadcast Debut on XM

Willie Nelson's 'Songbird' To Be Released by Lost Highway on October 31 Featuring Ryan Adams and The Cardinals Produced by Adams, Album Includes Originals and Songs By Leonard Cohen, Gram Parsons, The Grateful Dead and More

Importers and Gadget-Lovers Find Digital Cameras, MP3 Players, Portable DVD Players and More at Wholesale Prices at Chinavasion.com
China-Based Site Ships Internationally, Has No Minimum-Order Policy
Your Favorite Sofa May Star in a Hollywood Movie!
Major League Gaming's Orlando Competition Sets Record for Largest Console Gaming Competition Ever The August 25-27 Boost Mobile MLG Pro Circuit to Feature 208 Halo 2 Teams and 1,200 Individual Competitors Who Will Battle It Out in Front of Expected Audience of More Than 6,000
'Hostage: The Jill Carroll Story' Generates Record Web Site Traffic for The Christian Science Monitor Americans Respond in Droves to Reporter's Riveting Account of Her 82 Days of Captivity in Iraq
Columbia Records/Sony Music Soundtrax Set to Release 'Everyone's Hero - Music From the Motion Picture' Original Soundtrack from Animated Comedy-Adventure features New Recordings By John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting, Chris Botti featuring Lyle Lovett, Brooks & Dunn, Lonestar, Raven-Symone & More Film Opens Nationwide on September 15 Soundtrack In Stores on September 12
Sexy Tyrese Gibson & Meagan Good Lead an Adrenaline-Fueled Non-Stop Thrill Ride Through the Violent and Dangerous Streets of L.A. 'Waist Deep'
Coming to DVD With Exclusive Bonus Features October 10, 2006 From Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Buddhist Monks Keep Rolling in New Feature Film by Anna Wilding
The Anna Wilding Film Buddha Wild Monk in the Hut Selected With, Little Buddha, The Last Samurai and 2005 Oscar Winner Crash for Buddhist Film Festival
Google Code Jam 2006: Programmers Worldwide Invited to Participate in Google's Fourth Annual Global Coding Competition

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LOST Castaways Celebrate Emmy-Winning Series Second Season on DVD

Cast members of the multiple Emmy winning series reunited at the Ola Restaurant at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu to celebrate the second seasons arrival to DVD. Attendees included Evangeline Lilly, Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Terry O'Quinn, Daniel Dae Kim, Yunjin Kim, Michael Emerson and Executive Producers Bryan Burk and Carlton Cuse.

The multiple Emmy Award-winning show returns for a second season of action-packed mystery and adventure that will continue to bring out the very best and the very worst in the people who are lost. The band of friends, family, enemies, and strangers must continue to work together against the cruel weather and harsh terrain if they want to stay alive. But as they have discovered during their 40-plus days on the island, danger and mystery loom behind every corner, and those they thought could be trusted may turn against them. Even heroes have secrets. Some of these secrets will be revealed in over eight hours of bonus footage that take you deeper inside the mysteries of the island. Viewers can immerse themselves in a unique Dharma experience that includes never-before-seen Dharma video footage. The Lost Flashbacks include unaired flashbacks that bring new insights into the back stories. The Official Lost Connections uncovers shocking character connections as the viewer navigates through unseen footage and clips from the show in this unique immersive experience; Plus, the box set includes deleted scenes, bloopers, cast and creator audio commentaries, and a Channel 4 UK promo directed by David LaChapelle.

LOST: The Complete Second Season: The Extended Experience will be released on DVD on September 5, 2006 from Touchstone Television and Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

Disney

Josh Holloway and Evangeline Lilly . Lost: The Complete Second Season - The Extended Experience Launch event at Ola Restaurant at Turtle Bay Resort. (The DVD will be released on September 5, 2006 from Touchstone Television and Buena Vista Home Entertainment.) Photo by: Alex Berliner©Berliner Studio/BEImages
Byline: Photo by: Alex Berliner©Berliner Studio/BEImages

Disney

Daniel Dae Kim, BVHE's Lori MacPhereson, Evangeline Lilly, Josh Holloway and BVHE's Andy Siditsky . Lost: The Complete Second Season - The Extended Experience Launch event at Ola Restaurant at Turtle Bay Resort. (The DVD will be released on September 5, 2006 from Touchstone Television and Buena Vista Home Entertainment.) Photo by: Alex Berliner©Berliner Studio/BEImages
Byline: Photo by: Alex Berliner©Berliner Studio/BEImages

Jorge Garcia . Lost: The Complete Second Season - The Extended Experience Launch event at Ola Restaurant at Turtle Bay Resort. (The DVD will be released on September 5, 2006 from Touchstone Television and Buena Vista Home Entertainment.) Photo by: Alex Berliner©Berliner Studio/BEImages
Byline: Photo by: Alex Berliner©Berliner Studio/BEImages

Disney

Producer Carlton Cuse and Daniel Dae Kim . Lost: The Complete Second Season - The Extended Experience Launch event at Ola Restaurant at Turtle Bay Resort. (The DVD will be released on September 5, 2006 from Touchstone Television and Buena Vista Home Entertainment.) Photo by: Alex Berliner©Berliner Studio/BEImages
Byline: Photo by: Alex Berliner©Berliner Studio/BEImages

Disney

Producer Bryan Burk and Daniel Dae Kim . Lost: The Complete Second Season - The Extended Experience Launch event at Ola Restaurant at Turtle Bay Resort. (The DVD will be released on September 5, 2006 from Touchstone Television and Buena Vista Home Entertainment.) Photo by: Alex Berliner©Berliner Studio/BEImages
Byline: Photo by: Alex Berliner©Berliner Studio/BEImages

Disney

Yunjin Kim and Terry O'Quinn . Lost: The Complete Second Season - The Extended Experience Launch event at Ola Restaurant at Turtle Bay Resort. (The DVD will be released on September 5, 2006 from Touchstone Television and Buena Vista Home Entertainment.) Photo by: Alex Berliner©Berliner Studio/BEImages
Byline: Photo by: Alex Berliner©Berliner Studio/BEImages

Google Makes Trek to Las Vegas: Lands at Creation Entertainment's 40th Anniversary Star Trek Convention; Google Launches Special Site for Trek Fans, Announces New Feature in Maps for Mobile

WHO:        Google  WHAT:       Google Lands at 40th Anniversary Star Trek Convention  WHERE:      Hilton Convention Center, Las Vegas             http://www.google.com/trekfan  WHEN:       Thursday, August 17, through Sunday, August 20, 2006  WHY:  Wherever and whenever science fiction fans gather, an appreciation of technology -- and alien visitations -- can't be far behind. This year, there will be an unlikely visitor attending one of the biggest gatherings of science fiction fans, the 40th Anniversary Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas, hosted by Creation Entertainment. Google will join the more than 15,000 enthusiasts who make the annual trek to this memorable federation of fans.  In conjunction with this week's convention, Google launched a special site (http://www.google.com/trekfan) that provides developers with information on a number of Google tools, including Earth, Maps and SketchUp. From far and wide, Google users -- many of whom are science fiction fans -- have created thousands of imagery overlays for Google Earth, many illustrating their appreciation for all things other-worldly. While in Las Vegas to help celebrate Star Trek's 40th anniversary, the Google booth will showcase these science fiction scenes and structures, created by users, highlighting intergalactic life.  And because there is no better place than the vortex of pop culture, sci-fi and technology to introduce a cool tool that offers a better way to display visual information on handheld devices, Google today announced the availability of mobile KML (Keyhole Markup Language), which enables developers to illustrate information to overlay on Google Maps for mobile phones.  Already available on the desktop through Google Maps and Google Earth, now developers can more easily share palm-sized versions of their favorite Earth-bound destinations. Beginning today, mobile phone users will be able to view the same KML files they access on Earth and Maps on the PC -- directly on their phone. Throughout deep space, fans will be able to view alien outposts on Earth directly from their handheld devices. For those who prefer to stay on planet Earth, or end up in Las Vegas, mobile KML offers mobile phone users a bird's-eye view of the 24-hour playground.  And for Trek fans who feel ready to be part of the next generation of Google employees, bona-fide Googlers will be on hand during the convention to answer questions about life -- and work -- at the Googleplex.   Legal disclaimer: This website, the promotion thereof or any exhibition of material created by the software sponsored by Google or its designees is not endorsed, sponsored or affiliated with CBS Studios Inc. or the "Star Trek" franchise.  The "Star Trek" properties are owned by CBS Studios Inc. and protected by trademark and copyright laws, which not only protect CBS Studios, but the actors, artists and talent associated with the creation of the franchise and the hundreds of legitimate licensees.  CBS Studios is sensitive to fans desires to communicate and share information about "Star Trek." At the same time, CBS Studios takes action against infringements, to protect the franchise and others.  Posting on the internet of copyrighted material such as episodes, movies, music, content from the official website, photographs, artistic renditions of "Star Trek" characters, ships or other properties, sound files, video clips, books or excerpts therefrom are considered infringements of CBS Studios' rights. CBS Studios objects to any commercial use of the "Star Trek" properties including, but not limited to, the sale of unlicensed merchandise or any website deriving revenue from advertising (via ad banners) or any other sources

Continuing in their mission to provide consumers with the broadest choices for next generation home viewing, Warner Home Video will debut Blu-ray high definition versions of Lethal Weapon, Firewall, Blazing Saddles and Full Metal Jacket. On September 12 four more HD DVD titles will be released: Troy, Lethal Weapon 2, House of Wax and Space Cowboys. All titles will be available for $28.99 SRP, except Firewall, which will be available for $34.99 SRP.

Troy will make its HD DVD debut with In-Movie Experience (IME), the new interactive feature allowing viewers to enjoy new ways of accessing interviews and other material -- while the movie is running. Troy's IME has director Wolfgang Petersen and his creative team leading the viewer on an audio-visual tour of their epic recreations of Greece and Troy.

"Based on the reaction from consumers and writers alike, it's safe to say that everyone agrees that these exceptional new technologies afford viewers the best home theater there is," said Stephen Nickerson, WHV's Senior Vice President, Market Management. "The picture from true 1080p high definition provides a sharpness, a clarity and texture, superb shadow detail, great flesh tones and deep blacks -- all of which far exceed any previous visual experience. Finally, the outstanding dynamic range of sound provides a level of authenticity that brings new life to the audio experience in home."

Warner Home Video HD DVDs and Blu-ray Discs offer resolution six times higher than standard definition DVDs, as well as extraordinarily vibrant contrast and color and beautifully crisp sound. The new formats also provide a higher level of interactivity, with instant access to extra features via a seamless menu-bar where viewers can enjoy features without leaving or interrupting the film.

Blu-ray Discs

Lethal Weapon -- Mel Gibson and Danny Glover star as Riggs and Murtaugh, two L.A. detectives who uncover a huge drug-smuggling operation, and as their success rate grows so does their friendship.

Firewall -- Stars Harrison Ford as Jack Stanfield, whose perfect life is shattered when his wife and children are kidnapped and held for $100 million ransom, plunging him into a cyber-edged race against time.

Blazing Saddles stars Cleavon Little as an unlikely sheriff in the town of Rock Ridge, Harvey Korman as the villain, Madeline Kahn as a Marlene Dietrich-style chanteuse, Gene Wilder as the wacko Waco Kid and Brooks himself as a not-too-sharp politico.

Full Metal Jacket is Stanley Kubrick's definitive film about the Vietnam War which follows an 18-year-old marine recruit -- from boot camp to heavy fighting during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

HD DVDs

Troy -- Brad Pitt brings a muscular, brooding presence to the role of the Greek warrior Achilles in this spectacular retelling of Homer's classic tale, The Iliad.

Lethal Weapon 2 -- Mel Gibson and Danny Glover are at it again (with more than 4 added minutes) in this blockbuster sequel. Joe Pesci makes his first appearance in the series as Leo ("OK, OK") Getz.

House of Wax (2005) -- Six college-age friends' road trip to a big college football game takes a turn for the worse when sidetracked into an eerie backwater town. Once there, they're drawn to the town's main attraction -- Trudy's House of Wax, filled with wax-coated corpses. The kids must find a way out before they too become permanent exhibits.

Space Cowboys -- Clint Eastwood's rocket-powered action hit stars Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones. Donald Sutherland and James Garner as the bravest, boldest and fastest test pilots this country had to offer. Now, more than four decades later, a Russian satellite has suffered a systems failure and it's up to the four outdated heroes to finally go into space with the hopes of fixing a piece of equipment that's every bit as outdated as they are.

All bonus materials on the Standard Definition versions of these titles will be included on the HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc versions.

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.

DISH Network(TM) Expands High Definition Programming Lineup to 30 Channels; Food Network HD Now Available to DISH Network Customers

EchoStar Communications Corporation (Nasdaq:DISH) and its DISH Network(TM) satellite TV service today announced the launch of Food Network HD. This addition brings DISH Network's total national HD channel lineup to 30 channels -- the most comprehensive in the pay-TV industry.

As the first national provider of Food Network HD, DISH Network now offers subscribers their favorite Food Network programs such as "Boy Meets Grill," "Everyday Italian" and more in dazzling high definition.

"The addition of Food Network HD helps further compliment our industry-leading lineup of high definition programming," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "DISH Network offers twice as many national HD channels as most other providers, allowing customers to enjoy a better TV watching experience."

"Watching colorful personalities at work in the kitchen such as Bobby Flay and Giada De Laurentiis in high definition takes cooking to a whole new level," said John Baird, executive vice president for affiliate sales and marketing for Scripps Networks, the parent company of Food Network. "Food should be experienced like this in HD, and DISH Network is helping us to deliver this experience to viewers across the country."

Food Network HD is located on DISH Network Channel 9462 and is available to customers who subscribe to the DishHD Bronze programming package ($29.99 for 10 months) or above. DISH Network's DishHD packages offer customers more than 200 hours a day of HD content from the nation's top programmers.

New DISH Network subscribers will also receive free standard professional installation in up to four rooms, a free DVR or HD receiver upgrade and no equipment to buy, and a choice of premium movie package free for three months (HBO, Showtime, Starz or Cinemax).

For more information about DISH Network and the DishHD programming packages, call 800-333-DISH (3474), visit http://www.dishnetwork.com, or visit your local DISH Network retailer.

About EchoStar Communications

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:DISH) serves more than 12.46 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest-growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at http://www.dishnetwork.com or call 800-333-DISH (3474).

About Food Network

Food Network (http://www.foodnetwork.com) is a unique lifestyle network and website that strives to surprise and engage its viewers with likable hosts, personalities, and the variety of things they do with food. The network is committed to exploring new, different, and interesting ways to approach food -- through pop culture, adventure, and travel -- while also expanding its repertoire of technique-based information. Distributed to more than 85 million U.S. households, Food Network ranks first among ad-supported cable networks on year-to-year subscriber growth and first among food-related websites. With headquarters in New York City and offices in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit and Knoxville, Food Network can be seen internationally in Canada, Australia, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Monaco, Andorra, Africa, France, and the French-speaking territories in the Caribbean and Polynesia. The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE:SSP) also owns and operates HGTV (hgtv.com), DIY Network, FINE LIVING TV Network and Great American Country (GAC).

'CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC' Will Become the First Network Evening News Broadcast To Be Simulcast Live On The Internet

Free, Ad-Supported Live Webcast Will Begin on Tuesday, Sept. 5, When the Program Debuts on the CBS Television Network

The CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC will become the first network evening news broadcast to be simulcast live on the Internet beginning Tuesday, Sept. 5 (6:30-7:00 PM, ET/PT), when it debuts on the CBS Television Network, it was announced by Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports, and Larry Kramer, President, CBS Digital Media.

"Viewers can now see the CBS EVENING NEWS live, as never before," said McManus. "This is a groundbreaking development in making the program available to the largest possible audience. For people who can't be in front of their televisions when the EVENING NEWS is on, they can now watch the program live on their computers. It's another giant step towards providing CBS News content to people wherever they are -- in their homes, in their offices, in their cars, on their computers or on their cell phones."

"Technology has become an integral part of everyday life for most people, and it's dramatically changed the way they consume news, so this is a fantastic development," said Katie Couric, anchor and managing editor of the broadcast. "Now people will have access to great reporting by all the CBS EVENING NEWS correspondents, literally, anytime they want. It's another example of how we intend to use our website to complement our broadcast -- and, most importantly, to benefit our viewers."

"As we learned from our simulcast of March Madness on Demand, there is a huge appetite for real time content on the Internet," said Kramer. "Viewers increasingly want access to programming when it's fresh, and the Internet allows us to bring our content to them wherever they are and whenever that content is broadcast."

In addition to the live simulcast, the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC will also be available in two other ways. The complete broadcast may be viewed as an on-demand program any time after the live simulcast or, as has been the case for the past several years, viewers may build their own broadcast by choosing individual reports from each CBS EVENING NEWS program.

To access the simulcast, viewers will be asked to register so that they view it when the television broadcast is aired in their time zone. The live simulcast and on-demand versions of the broadcast will be advertiser-supported and free to all. CBSNews.com has long been a leader of free, advertiser- supported news video.

Other components of the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH KATIE COURIC that will be available online and on other platforms include:

* "Couric & Company" -- This blog will explore the day's developments through links to exclusive, free video, as well as contributions from CBS News correspondents around the world, and will be updated frequently throughout the day. Couric and the EVENING NEWS team will create a transparent, two-way, continuing dialogue with viewers and readers that encourages online comments and questions. The blog will be edited by veteran CBS News journalist Greg Kandra. * "Eye to Eye" -- This daily, on-demand web-exclusive feature will provide extended interviews with the day's newsmakers hosted by Couric and conducted by her or a CBS News correspondent. The segment will be posted on CBSNews.com by mid-afternoon and will run approximately five minutes in length. This report will be available for audio and video podcast and will be available on iTunes. * "CBS News First Look with Katie Couric" -- Early each weekday afternoon, Couric will offer a web-exclusive rundown on-camera from the newsroom -- a first look at the stories being considered for coverage on that night's CBS EVENING NEWS and some perspective on what is going on in the world that day. Correspondents may join her to talk about the stories they're reporting for the broadcast. This on-demand video clip, updated as needed, will be featured on the CBSNews.com home page and on the blog, "Couric and Company." * "Katie Couric's Notebook," a one-minute look into a top story or issue by Couric, will be available as an audio and video podcast and on iTunes.

Source: CBS

TIME Moves Delivery Date to Friday

Announces Plans to Reformulate Magazine and Website

TIME will shift its on-sale date to Friday as part of a larger plan to reformulate the magazine and TIME.com, effective January 2007, it was announced today by Richard Stengel, TIME Managing Editor and Ed McCarrick, TIME President and Worldwide Publisher.

Affecting all editions of TIME and TIME International, the move from the current Monday on-sale date is a return to the magazine's original Friday on- sale date established by founding editor Henry Luce in 1923.

Along with this change, TIME is launching a broader effort to redefine the relationship between the reader, the magazine and TIME.com as a continuous 24/7 experience. TIME will announce future changes in coming months.

"As we work to keep TIME as relevant in the 21st century as it was in the 20th, this new plan, starting with the Friday delivery date, will enable us to offer our unparalleled brand of analysis, news and agenda-setting ideas continuously and seamlessly," says Stengel.

Says John Huey, Editor in Chief, Time Inc.: "TIME is already the most important global print brand. This move paves the way for creating an even more powerful combination of the magazine and its web alter ego."

TIME's research shows that pre-weekend delivery will allow readers to spend more time with the magazine. Under the new plan, the magazine will be on newsstands on Fridays and the majority of TIME subscribers will receive the magazines by Saturday.

"The new Friday on-sale date gives advertisers a tremendous opportunity to convey their messages to TIME's 27 million readers before the weekend, when consumers do the large majority of purchasing," says McCarrick. "And the fact that we expect readers to spend more time with the magazine and TIME.com is an obvious plus as well."

Ann Moore, Time Inc. Chairman & CEO adds: "We are creating a more vibrant TIME brand overall that will undoubtedly energize our readers and also attract younger consumers so we're competing more effectively with all news brands in the print and digital worlds."

TIME is a global multimedia brand that includes TIME.com, TIME Style & Design, TIME For Kids and Timeforkids.com. TIME's worldwide editions include TIME U.S., TIME Canada, TIME Europe, TIME Asia and TIME South Pacific. TIME Magazine is the world's largest weekly newsmagazine with a weekly worldwide circulation of more than 5 million and a global audience of more than 27 million.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) and Yahoo!(R) (NASDAQ:YHOO) today announced the launch of the new AT&T Yahoo! Photos, a Web-based service designed to make it easier for people to enjoy and share their growing photo collections with family and friends. In addition, results from a survey commissioned by AT&T Inc. show that the new features of AT&T Yahoo! Photos arrive at a time when digital photo users are demanding more from online photo services, including an easier way to share digital photos with friends and family.

The upgrades to the new AT&T Yahoo! photo experience mirror the growing use of online photo services. According to InfoTrends, the total number of online photo service users is expected to grow from 55 million in 2004 to 83 million in 2009. And Nielsen/Net Ratings cites that 62.5 percent of Internet-connected U.S. households now have broadband, a factor that lends to more interactivity with online photos.

The new AT&T Yahoo! Photos addresses this demand, offering desktop-like functionality in a Web-based service. It delivers new features like photo-tagging -- or labeling -- for easy viewing. It provides Smart Albums, or online "playlists" of photos that detect newly tagged photos and automatically recognize and add tagged photos to online albums. The service offers deeper integration with leading AT&T Yahoo! services, including e-mail and Instant Messenger (IM), among other options. Users can also order professional-quality prints online for pickup at local stores, place ship-to-home orders, or order personalized photo gifts via the new service.

The new AT&T Yahoo! Photos brings a Web 2.0 experience to AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet subscribers, featuring the next generation of Web-based services and social media that enable people to collaborate and share information online. It moves beyond static online album structure, to dynamic, flexible and smart photo organization, and it provides the ability to save photos to more than one album. The enhanced service brings tagging capabilities to the mass consumer audience, and it extends beyond the PC, to mobile devices (such as AT&T Yahoo! Go for Mobile).

"The new community-based photo features -- like photo-tagging -- foster user interaction in ways that weren't possible before for AT&T Yahoo! broadband customers," said Kieran Nolan, vice president, AT&T Broadband. "For example, as photo collections continue to grow, they can become more difficult to manage. With tagging, users can label photos -- their own and those shared with them -- making them easier to organize and find later. Features like these mean that customers can now exchange comments on shared pictures, add tags to help organize photos and rate them for simple searching."

Unlike other Web-based services, the new AT&T Yahoo! Photos functions much like a desktop application but offers the combination of remote access from any Web-connected computer, with no software download required.

"AT&T Yahoo! Photos enables users to spend less time maintaining their photo collections and more time viewing and sharing them with family and friends," said Will Aldrich, director, Yahoo! Photos. "Whether they are online photo-sharing enthusiasts, or first-time digital photographers, next-generation capabilities like tagging, search and comments will change the way millions of AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet subscribers enjoy their pictures online."

A new survey commissioned by AT&T provides feedback on using digital photos with online tools, ideas on digital "photo personalities," ways to share and reasons why people like working with digital photos, among other topics.

WHAT USERS WANT

The AT&T survey revealed that currently more than one in five respondents already move their digital photos from a camera to their computer to enhance, edit and create their own visual content; however, eight in 10 (80 percent) of survey participants indicated that they would share digital photos with friends and family more often if they had the needed features, tools and know-how. When asked what they would do with online photos if they had additional skills, knowledge and tools, 74 percent of survey respondents aged 18 to 34 said they would save to an online album or create a personal Web site with their photos.

PHOTO PERSONALITIES

The AT&T survey results also revealed several unique "photo personalities" that people used to describe the way they work with digital photos.

  * Personal Paparazzi. Thirteen percent consider themselves to be people     who take lots of self-portraits and then share the photos with everyone     they can.   * Shoot and Run. Ten percent of respondents classified themselves as     digital photographers who store their photos on a portable device, such     as a digital music player or cell phone, and show them to friends and     family on the go.   * Webmaster of Ceremonies. One in five respondents described themselves as     people who not only take digital photos but also store them on a     computer, create slide shows, post photos to Web sites or make     multimedia movies or DVDs to share their photos with friends and family.   * Lens Cappers. Less than one in five (17 percent) of survey participants     classify themselves as people who take digital photos but usually leave     them in the camera.   * Underexposed. Thirty-seven percent of those surveyed describe themselves     as people who take digital photos and store them on their computers but     don't share or know what to do with the pictures.

The new AT&T Yahoo! Photos is available beginning today and will continue to roll out in the coming weeks to AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet subscribers. AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet offers consumers a unique broadband experience, including virtually unlimited photo and e-mail storage, Instant Messenger with webcam capabilities, commercial-free Internet radio, and a suite of powerful online security tools.

This survey was sponsored by AT&T to gather insights into how American consumers are taking advantage of digital photography today and where they want to go tomorrow. The survey was conducted through the ORC Caravan(TM), a nationwide telephone omnibus poll, from July 14 through July 17, 2006. Results for the AT&T Summer Photo survey are based on responses from 965 adults (from a total sample of 2,000 Americans) who have a digital camera. For this sample of 965, the margin of error because of sampling is less than plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence interval for values at or near 50 percent.

Note: This AT&T release and other news announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss .

About AT&T Inc.

Subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. provide products and services under the AT&T brand.

About AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet

AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet is provided by AT&T Internet Services with customized content, services, and applications from Yahoo! Inc. Yahoo!, the Yahoo! logos and other product and service names are the trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc.

Subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. provide products and services under the AT&T brand.

For more information and detailed disclaimer information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at www.att.com/newsroom .

About Yahoo!

Yahoo! Inc. is a leading global Internet brand and one of the most trafficked Internet destinations worldwide. Yahoo! seeks to provide online products and services essential to users' lives, and offers a full range of tools and marketing solutions for businesses to connect with Internet users around the world. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.

About Yahoo! Photos!

As the No. 1 photo sharing service worldwide, Yahoo! Photos (http://photos.yahoo.com/ ) makes it easy to enjoy, share and preserve memories. Users can order professional quality prints online for pick-up at a local Target store within one hour, place ship-to-home orders or order personalized photo gifts such as photo stamps, books and cards. A free service with unlimited storage, Yahoo! Photos is the most complete photo sharing service and includes deep integration across the Yahoo! network through leading services such as Yahoo! Mail, Messenger, Mobile and 360 degrees.

Yahoo! and the Yahoo! logo are registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Source: AT&T Inc.

The Opening Gala for BLACK STYLE NOW will kick off New York's Fashion Week with a star-studded, black-carpet event on Friday, September 8, 2006, from 6:00pm to 11:00pm at the Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street. The exclusive celebration, in honor of the Museum of the City of New York's groundbreaking exploration of hip-hop style and the Black fashion revolution, is hosted by Sean 'Diddy' Combs.

As the first major American exhibition to explore Black fashion, BLACK STYLE NOW will feature examples of the attire, accessories, and looks that define contemporary fashion; including a strapless fuchsia, velvet gown worn by Lil' Kim to the 2005 Costume Institute Gala, an original wool-pinstripe suit worn by Sean 'Diddy' Combs to the 2006 CFDA Awards, and a custom-designed white and cranberry leather, monogrammed cap made for LL Cool J in the 1980's, to name a few. Opening on September 9, 2006, and running through February 19, 2007, the exhibition will present historic photos, video images and stylized vignettes to reveal how today's fashion is shaped by African-American style. Beyonce, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Russell Simmons, Sean 'Jay-Z' Carter, LL Cool J, Kanye West, Lil' Kim and Andre 3000 are among the celebrities whose influence will be documented in BLACK STYLE NOW.

The BLACK STYLE NOW Opening Gala is a VIP party, offering a special preview of the BLACK STYLE NOW exhibition, which explores the history of African-American style and the influence of hip-hop on fashion and design. The BLACK STYLE NOW Opening Gala chairpersons, ESSENCE editorial director Susan L. Taylor, Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Museum of the City of New York President Susan Henshaw Jones, have assembled an illustrious event host committee, including Iman, John Dempsey, William P. Lauder, Susan Fales-Hill, Thelma Golden, Allison Whipple Rockefeller, and ESSENCE editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray, among others.

"ESSENCE is ecstatic to fete the opening of BLACK STYLE NOW, with a singular event uniting the entertainment industry with the fashion community to pay tribute to the history of Black style," said Michelle Ebanks, President of Essence Communications Inc. "Congratulations to the Museum of the City of New York for realizing its vision for BLACK STYLE NOW, a creative and pioneering exhibition reflective of the African-American experience, which ESSENCE proudly celebrates."

Commented Susan Henshaw Jones, President and Director of the Museum of the City of New York: "Much of the hip-hop phenomenon began in the streets of New York City, so it is fitting for the Museum of the City of New York to organize this groundbreaking exhibition. BLACK STYLE NOW will not only document the impact of the hip-hop style revolution on mainstream fashion, but will explore the contributions of African-American stylemakers throughout the twentieth century. The Museum is very grateful to Time Warner and to ESSENCE for making it possible for us to tell this story."

The Opening Gala for BLACK STYLE NOW is generously supported by platinum sponsor Macy's; gold sponsor Unforgivable by Sean John; fashion sponsors Akademiks, Rocawear and Sean John; bronze supporters Sony and Diet Pepsi Jazz; and VH1. BLACK STYLE NOW is funded by the Time Warner Foundation. ESSENCE magazine is the primary sponsor. Generous support has also been provided by Altria Group, Inc.

About ESSENCE:

With 7.7 million readers, ESSENCE is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women. Published by Essence Communications Inc., it is the leading source of cutting-edge information relating to every area of African-American women's lives. For 36 years, ESSENCE has celebrated personal achievement, chronicled social movement, documented struggles, showcased beauty, defined and set trends and illustrated the incredible journey of a resilient and splendid race. Additional information about ESSENCE is available at essence.com.

About the Museum of the City of New York:

The Museum of the City of New York presents and interprets the past, present, and future of New York City and celebrates its heritage of diversity, opportunity, and perpetual transformation. Founded in 1923 as a private, non-profit corporation, the Museum serves the people of New York and visitors from across the country and around the world through exhibitions, collections, publications, and school and public programs.

On August 2nd, Horizon Productions, Inc. announced a star-studded line-up for this year's Super Bowl XLI halftime special, Bodog.com Lingerie Bowl IV.

This season's broadcast team will have television sets smoking across the country. The most-searched celebrity on the Internet (beating out Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson), Jenna Jameson, will lead a team of analysts, commentators and sideline reporters that includes E! Entertainment's "Girls Next Door" stars and Playboy Cover Models Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt, Kendra Wilkinson and supermodel Joanna Krupa. Super Bowl XLI viewers will have the option of watching this team of all-star babes or the not-so-sexy CBS duo of Phil Simms and Jim Nantz.

The coaches will be two of the most outrageous bad boys in NFL history, Jim McMahon and Brian "The Boz" Bosworth. Returning as the Bodog.com Lingerie Bowl's "8th Wonder" will be former Chicago Bears great William "The Fridge" Perry, who will compete in lingerie for one play. World renowned sports & entertainment announcer Michael Buffer will be the official voice of the show.

Creator & executive producer Mitch Mortaza said, "The Bodog.com Lingerie Bowl will once again feature some of the biggest names from the worlds of entertainment and sports, this is definitely not your father's football game".

"Football Fanatics-Ad this to halftime activities" -- NEW YORK POST, Michael Starr

"This is truly Must-See TV!" -- NBC NEWS, Fred Rogan

"If the ads bomb, there's always The Lingerie Bowl" -- CNN/MONEY, Krysten Crawford

Horizon Productions, established in 2003, is a full-service, Hollywood-based entertainment company engaged in the development of alternative film and TV, as well as talent packaging, event production and media/sponsorship management.

Diddy Signs With The Firm

Multi-talented impresario and pop culture icon Sean "Diddy" Combs has signed with managerial powerhouse The Firm for representation.

Diddy is currently gearing up for the release of his new album Press Play which drops October 17th on his own Bad Boy Records through the Atlantic label. The Firm and its entire team of managers will be working in tandem with Diddy and his team to further globalize the Diddy brand, paying special attention to Diddy's musical career as an artist and producer. Diddy will continue to be represented theatrically by Peter Safran.

"It is an honor and privilege for The Firm to be in business with Sean 'Diddy' Combs, a true pioneer in the world of entertainment," said Jeff Kwatinetz, CEO of The Firm. "He is an inspirational leader, a trendsetter in fashion, music and pop culture and a truly great artist. Whether it be as a producer, a musician, a performer, an actor or an entrepreneur, Diddy's unprecedented accomplishments are legendary. And, we believe that his best years and accomplishments are to come in the day's ahead. We look forward to helping build the Diddy brand worldwide, and are thrilled to be a part of Team Diddy. We are also excited to work hand-in-hand with his theatrical manager Peter Safran, as Diddy continues his expansion into film and TV."

"I am really looking forward to my partnership with The Firm, an artist friendly company known for putting its clients above all else, said Diddy. Jeff Kwatinetz, Peter Katsis, Constance Schwartz and the rest of the Firm have proven their abilities at guiding the careers of some of today's brightest and most talented artists. With The Firm on my team, I believe we will accomplish great success together."

Sean Combs, the CEO and founder of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group, is a multifaceted entertainment powerhouse. A Grammy-Award winning singer, actor, producer and fashion designer, he was recently declared one of "The 100 Most Influential People in the World" by Time Magazine for being a leader in the world of business. Combs oversees one of the world's preeminent urban entertainment companies, encompassing a broad range of businesses including recording, music publishing, artist management, television and film production, recording facility, apparel and restaurants.

The Firm, founded in 1997, currently represents such current chart-topping acts as Kelly Clarkson, Korn and Ice Cube as well as Cameron Diaz, Martin Scorsese, Taylor Hicks, Rachel Weisz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Snoop Dogg and Jennifer Lopez, among others.

Source: PMK-HBH Public Relations

PlayStation(R)3 Owners to Experience F.E.A.R.(TM)
Critically Acclaimed FPS Set to Launch - November 2006.

Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, today announced that the award-winning F.E.A.R.(TM) (First Encounter Assault Recon), is currently in development for the PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system and is scheduled to launch during November 2006.

Already a critical and commercial smash on the PC, F.E.A.R. will bring a new level of FPS game play to PlayStation 3 with exclusive single player content designed to immerse the player deeper in the world of the F.E.A.R. team, as well as the visceral action of F.E.A.R. multi-player.

Developed by Day 1 Studios in conjunction with Monolith Productions, F.E.A.R is a paranormal action thriller presented entirely in first person. An unprecedented adrenaline rush of close quarters combat seamlessly melded with the spine-tingling, shocking intensity of the paranormal unknown.

To get more information on F.E.A.R. please visit www.whatisfear.com.

F.E.A.R. will ship for PlayStation 3 during November 2006.

About Monolith Productions

Monolith Productions, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, located in Kirkland, Washington, employs over 100 people. Over the past 10 years, Monolith has risen to critical acclaim through an emphasis on delivering quality products such as the No One Lives Forever franchise and Tron 2.0.

About Day 1 Studios

Day 1 Studios is an independent developer dedicated to the craft of creating revolutionary, interactive entertainment through superior design, artistic and technical processes. Day 1 Studios created and developed the award winning "MechAssault" series for Microsoft and Xbox Live. Day 1 is now developing exceptional games for the next generation of console and PC systems at their studios in Chicago, IL and Hunt Valley, MD.

About PlayStation 3

"PlayStation," "PS" Family logo and "PSP" are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick Duo(TM) may be required (sold separately).

About Vivendi Games

Vivendi Games (www.vivendigames.com) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG) category, holds leading positions in the PC, console, handheld and mobile games markets, and is an emerging player in casual online games. Vivendi Games' two principal studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, headquartered in Irvine, CA, the creator of World of Warcraft(R), Diablo(R), StarCraft(R), and Warcraft(R); and Sierra Entertainment, headquartered in Los Angeles, which includes Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios, and Massive Entertainment. Sierra's IPs include Crash Bandicoot(R), Spyro The Dragon(R), Empire Earth(R), SWAT(R), Darkwatch(TM), TimeShift(TM), Ground Control(R) and Leisure Suit Larry(R). Vivendi Games is also home to Vivendi Games Mobile, publishing games for the emerging mobile market, and Sierra Online, dedicated to publishing casual games for online play and distribution on all platforms. Vivendi Games maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment. The company has 16 offices around the world conducting business in 75 countries.

Source: Vivendi Games

Nickelodeon Announces 'Let's Just Play Giveaway' Winners
Network Distributes More Than $1.2 Million Over Past 10 Months to 240 Organizations in All 50 States

Nickelodeon announces the latest round of winners of the "Let's Just Play Giveaway," an effort by the network to distribute more than $1.2 million in funds to help kids improve their schools' or communities' play facilities. Forty kids from schools and organizations around the country will receive $5,000 each. The winners will be announced on Nick.com, and some will be featured on Nickelodeon's air. The "Let's Just Play Giveaway" is part of Nickelodeon's "Let's Just Play" pro-social campaign, which encourages healthy and active lifestyles for kids and families.

Kids entered to win the "Let's Just Play Giveaway" by visiting www.nick.com or www.everythingnick.com. Partnering with teachers and other community-based leaders, kids told Nickelodeon what they need for their school or club to help them play better and why, and gave three reasons why play is important. Once the entry form was completed and mailed to Nickelodeon, the winners were randomly selected.

The 40 May "Let's Just Play Giveaway" winners are* (in alphabetical order by school/organization):

-- Assumption School (Manchester, CT)

-- Bethany Elementary School (Reidsville, NC)

-- Bishop Ryan High School (Minot, ND)

-- Brewster Pierce Memorial School (Huntington, VT)

-- Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County (Black River Falls, WI)

-- Broad Brook Elementary School (Broad Brook, CT)

-- Cascade Christian - Tacoma Elementary School (Tacoma, WA)

-- Castleford Elementary School (Castleford, ID)

-- Cordova Library Museum After School Program (Cordova, AK)

-- Dora R-III School District (Dora, MO)

-- Eldora New Providence School (Eldora, IA)

-- Huntertown Elementary PTO (Versailles, KY)

-- Klassic Kids Loma Portal (San Diego, CA)

-- Lake George Charter School (Lake George, CO)

-- Lancaster Public School (Lancaster, MN)

-- Mahoosuc Arts Council (Bethel, ME)

-- Maury Elementary School (Washington, DC)

-- McDonald Green Elementary School (Lancaster, SC)

-- Metro Parks Tacoma (Tacoma, WA)

-- Mount Helena Gymnastics Boosters (Helena, MT)

-- New Heights Middle School (Jefferson, SC)

-- New Outlook Teen Center (Exeter, NH)

-- North East Community Center Raise the Roof After School Program

(Millerton, NY)

-- North Little Rock Montessori (North Little Rock, AR)

-- North Smithfield Elementary School (North Smithfield, RI)

-- Oakland Craig Public Schools (Oakland, NE)

-- Roosa Elementary School (Claremore, OK)

-- Shoshone School District/Elementary (Shoshone, ID)

-- South Memorial Elementary School (Peabody, MA)

-- SPLORE (Salt Lake City, UT)

-- St. John the Baptist (New Brighton, MN)

-- St. Joseph Regional Junior High School (Manchester, NH)

-- St. Paul School (St. Paul Island, AK)

-- St. Thomas School (Ft. Thomas, KY)

-- TASK OST Program (Tea, SD)

-- TOPPS, Inc. (Pine Bluff, AR)

-- Westwood Elementary School (Coker, AL)

-- Woonsocket School (Woonsocket, SD)

-- YMCA Downtown Teen Center (North Attleboro, MA)

-- YMCA of Metro Milwaukee (Milwaukee, WI)

The "Let's Just Play Giveaway" is an extension of the 2004-2005 "Let's Just Play" grants program, where Nickelodeon awarded more than $600,000 to 81 organizations and schools. A total of $9 million was cited in the 1,800 grant applications received, causing the network to more than double its funding for the "Let's Just Play Giveaway." The network, through its grants program and Giveaway, has awarded approximately $2 million to more than 320 organizations since 2004.

Nickelodeon's "Let's Just Play" recently entered into a partnership with The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a joint initiative of the William J. Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association, to combat the spread of childhood obesity. The three organizations are combining forces on a comprehensive media and public awareness campaign, encouraging young people to engage in healthy and active lifestyles.

As part of the partnership, the Let's Just Play Go Healthy Challenge, which focuses on four kids' real life struggles and successes in the quest to make their lives healthier, recently debuted on Nickelodeon in April, serving as the kick-off to a movement that aims to increase awareness among young people about the importance of eating well and being physically fit, and that empowers kids and families to be agents of change in their communities. Kids can sign up to take the challenge at www.nick.com/letsjustplay. The next installment of the Let's Just Play Go Healthy Challenge airs August 27, 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on Nickelodeon, leading up to the network's third annual World Wide Day of Play on September 30.

About Nickelodeon's "Let's Just Play" Pro-Social Campaign

Currently in its fourth year, "Let's Just Play" is Nickelodeon's pro- social commitment to encourage kids to participate in active, healthy, and playful lifestyles - a much needed antidote to reports of the rise in childhood obesity, the concerns about reduction of PE in schools and in after- school programs, and the over-scheduled and sedentary lifestyles of kids today. In addition to using the power of Nickelodeon's air, online sites, magazines, and celebrity support, the channel devotes significant year-round resources to building a grassroots infrastructure that supports physical play opportunities in communities everywhere.

"Let's Just Play" was recently awarded four Cable Television Public Affairs Association Beacon Awards, which recognize excellence in the public affairs industry. For more information on the "Let's Just Play" program, visit www.everythingnick.com.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number- one-rated basic cable network for eleven consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) .

Red Hot Chili Peppers and Shakira Top '2006 MTV Music Awards' Nominations With Seven Each
Madonna and Panic! At The Disco Follow With Five Nominations Each, Christina Aguilera Grabs Four Nods
Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, T.I., Panic! At The Disco, Ludacris and The Killers Scheduled to Perform
For the First Time Ever, Viewers Will Have Access to All Nominated Videos on MTV Overdrive
23rd Annual Awards Show Will Broadcast Live From Radio City Music Hall In New York City on Thursday, August 31st at 8:00 P.M. (Live ET/Tape Delayed PT)

-- From the historical and scenic Top Of The Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center, MTV today announced the nominees for the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards." Shakira and The Red Hot Chili Peppers topped the list with seven nominations each for "Hips Don't Lie" and "Dani California" respectively. Madonna's "Hung Up" and Panic! At The Disco's, "I Write Sins Not Tragedies," follow with five nods while Christina Aguilera received four nods for "Ain't No Other Man." It was also announced that Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, T.I., Panic! At The Disco, Ludacris and The Killers are scheduled to perform on the big show. In addition, it was announced today that The Raconteurs will provide the soundtrack for the VMA's live throughout the show. Host, additional performers and presenters will be announced shortly.

The "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" will broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall in New York, NY on Thursday, August 31, 2006 at 8:00 PM (LIVE ET/Tape Delayed PT).

"The VMA's is the first place you'll see Justin Timberlake perform, an all new show stopping performance from Beyonce, the much anticipated return of The Killers, T.I., hip hop's newest mega star and the breakout band, Panic! At The Disco," said MTV President, Christina Norman. "This is the beginning of what will no doubt be the most star-studded event and the hottest ticket of the year."

"New York City is proud to welcome the MTV Video Music Awards back to its rightful place at Radio City Music Hall and we are certainly happy that this year's show is expected to generate more than 25 million dollars in economic activity for our hotels, restaurants and other attractions," said Mayor Bloomberg. "MTV has transformed music and popular culture unlike any other medium before it and since its birth. It's no coincidence that MTV started here in New York City and catapulted itself and modern music into homes all across the globe. MTV's is a quintessentially New York story, and we're glad to have the VMA's back."

This year, for the first time, viewers will have access to all nominated videos on MTV Overdrive (http://www.vma.mtv.com/). The ballots for "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" were sent out to an exclusive industry group and viewers who determined the nominees for the telecast. Approximately 2,000 viewers and individuals including record labels, production companies, and management firms selected the nominees for awards categories encompassing wide-ranging contemporary music forms rap, dance, R&B and rock. Also, for the first time ever, voting for the General Categories will be open to all music fans and not just a select group of viewers and industry professionals. Viewers can start voting on the General Categories (excluding Viewer's Choice) starting July 31st through August 20th. Voting for "Viewer's Choice" begins August 7th through August 31st. Viewers can vote by visiting http://www.vma.mtv.com/.

In addition, this year there will be two new categories for the Online Gaming community to vote on through Gametrailers.com at http://www.gametrailers.com/vma/ and Xfire at http://www.xfire.com/cms/xf_mtv_vma. Gamers will vote for "Best Video Game Soundtrack" and "Best Video Game Score." Winners will be announced live on http://www.vma.mtv.com/ on August 31st during the MTV Overdrive broadcast.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is the official business advisor of the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards."

Following are the nominees for the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards":

GENERAL CATEGORIES

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Christina Aguilera

"Ain't No Other Man"

Back To Basics

RCA

Director: Bryan Barber

Producer: William Green

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Dani California"

Stadium Arcadium

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Tony Kaye

Producer: Rachel Curl

Production Company: Above The Sea

Madonna

"Hung Up"

Confessions On A Dance Floor

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Johan Renck

Producer: Lene Bausager and John Winter

Production Company: RSA Films

Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean

"Hips Don't Lie"

Oral Fixation Vol. 2

Epic Records

Director: Sophie Muller

Producer: Grant Jue

Production Company: Oil Factory

Panic! At The Disco

"I Write Sins Not Tragedies"

A Fever You Can't Sweat Out

decaydance/Fueled By Ramen

Director: Shane C. Drake

Producer: Brandon Bonfiglio

Production Company: Red Van Pictures

BEST MALE VIDEO

Busta Rhymes featuring Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd

Banks, Papoose & DMX

"Touch It (Remix)"

The Big Bang

Aftermath/Interscope Records

Director: Benny Boom and Busta Rhymes

Producer: Joyce Washington

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

Nick Lachey

"What's Left Of Me"

What's Left Of Me

Jive Records/Zomba Label Group

Director: Ray Kay

Producer: Clark Jackson

Production Company: Rockhard Films

James Blunt

"You're Beautiful"

Back To Bedlam

Custard Records/Atlantic Records

Director: Sam Brown

Producer: Kat Armour-Brow

Production Company: Flynn Productions

T.I.

"What You Know"

KING (The Album), ATL (The Movie)

Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records

Director: Chris Robinson

Producer: Melissa Larsen

Production Company: HSI Productions

Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx

"Gold Digger"

Late Registration

Roc-A-Fella Records

Director: Hype Williams

Producer: Hype Williams

Production Company: Naaila Entertainment

BEST FEMALE VIDEO

Christina Aguilera

"Ain't No Other Man"

Back To Basics

RCA

Director: Bryan Barber

Producer: William Green

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland

"Promiscuous"

Loose

Mosley Music/Geffen Records

Producer: Ron Mohrhoff

Production Company: HSI Productions

Kelly Clarkson

"Because of You"

Breakaway

RCA

Director: Vadim Perelman

Producer: Rhonda Vernet

Production Company: Tate USA

Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean

"Hips Don't Lie"

Oral Fixation Vol. 2

Epic Records

Director: Sophie Muller

Producer: Grant Jue

Production Company: Oil Factory

Madonna

"Hung Up"

Confessions On A Dance Floor

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Johan Renck

Producer: Lene Bausager and John Winter

Production Company: RSA Films

BEST GROUP VIDEO

All-American Rejects (The)

"Move Along"

Move Along

Interscope Records/Doghouse Records

Director: Marc Webb

Producer: Marcienne Friesland

Production Company: DNA

Panic! At The Disco

"I Write Sins Not Tragedies"

A Fever You Can't Sweat Out

decaydance/Fueled By Ramen

Director: Shane C. Drake

Producer: Brandon Bonfiglio

Production Company: Red Van Pictures

Fall Out Boy

"Dance, Dance"

From Under The Cork Tree

Island Records

Director: Alan Ferguson

Producer: Valerie Romer

Production Company: Anonymous Content

Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Dani California"

Stadium Arcadium

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Tony Kaye

Producer: Rachel Curl

Production Company: Above The Sea

Gnarls Barkley

"Crazy"

St. Elsewhere

Downtown/Atlantic Records

Director: Robert Hales

Producer: Coleen Haynes

Production Company: HSI Productions

BEST RAP VIDEO

50 Cent

"Window Shopper"

From "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" The Motion Picture

G-Unit/Interscope Records

Director: Benny Boom

Producer: Adam Witaker

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

T.I.

"What You Know"

KING (The Album), ATL (The Movie)

Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records

Director: Chris Robinson

Producer: Melissa Larsen

Production Company: HSI Productions

Busta Rhymes featuring Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd

Banks, Papoose & DMX

"Touch It (Remix)"

The Big Bang

Aftermath/Interscope Records

Director: Benny Boom and Busta Rhymes

Producer: Joyce Washington

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

Yung Joc featuring Nitty

"It's Goin' Down"

New Joc City

Block Ent./Bad Boy South

Director: Lenny Bass

Producer: Helen Urriola

Production Company: DNA

Chamillionaire featuring Krayzie Bone

"Ridin'"

The Sound of Revenge

Chamillitary/Universal Music

Director: Life Garland

Producer: Hagai Shaham

Production Company: Lotus Filmworks, Inc./Terrero Films

BEST R&B VIDEO

Beyonce featuring Slim Thug & Bun B

"Check On It (Pink Panther)"

Destiny's Child #1's

Music World/Sony Urban/Columbia

Director: Hype Williams

Producer: Matthew Stillman

Production Company: Stillking Productions

Mariah Carey

"Shake It Off"

The Emancipation of Mimi

Island Def Jam Music Group

Director: Jake Nava

Producer: Ron Mohrhoff

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

Chris Brown

"Yo (Excuse Me Miss)"

Chris Brown

Jive Records/Zomba Label Group

Director: E. White/Chris Brown

Producer: Roger Ubina

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

Mary J. Blige

"Be Without You"

The Breakthrough

Matriarch/Geffen Records

Director: Matthew Rolston

Producer: Nina Grossman

Production Company: HSI Productions

Jamie Foxx featuring Ludacris

"Unpredictable"

Unpredictable

J Records

Director: Hype Williams

Producer: Matthew Stillman

Production Company: Stillking Films

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO

Black Eyed Peas (The)

"My Humps"

Monkey Business

A&M Records

Director: Fatima Robinson and Malik Sayeed

Producer: Tony McGarry

Production Company: Black Dog at RSA Films

Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx

"Gold Digger"

Late Registration

Roc-A-Fella Records

Director: Hype Williams

Producer: Hype Williams

Production Company: Naaila Entertainment

Common

"Testify"

G.O.O.D./Geffen Records

Director: Anthony Mandler

Producer: Lou Miguel

Production Company: Box Fresh Pictures

Three 6 Mafia

"Stay Fly"

Most Known Unknown

Hypnotize Mind/Sony Urban/Columbia

Director: Bernard Gourley

Producer: Jeff Brown

Production Company: Immigrant Film

Daddy Yankee

"Rompe"

Barrio Fino En Directo

El Cartel Records/Interscope Records/HHH

Director: Jessy Terrero and Carlos Perez

Producer: Meredith Welsch

Production Company: Lotus Filmworks, Inc./Terrero Films

BEST DANCE VIDEO

Madonna

"Hung Up"

Confessions On A Dance Floor

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Johan Renck

Producer: Lene Bausager and John Winter

Production Company: RSA Films

Sean Paul

"Temperature"

The Trinity

VP Records/Atlantic Records

Director: X

Producer: Craig Fleming

Production Company: HSI Productions

Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland

"Promiscuous"

Loose

Mosley Music/Geffen Records

Producer: Ron Mohrhoff

Production Company: HSI Productions

Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean

"Hips Don't Lie"

Oral Fixation Vol. 2

Epic Records

Director: Sophie Muller

Producer: Grant Jue

Production Company: Oil Factory

Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg

"Buttons"

PCD

A&M Records

Director: Francis Lawrence

Producer: Lynn Zekanis

Production Company: DNA

BEST ROCK VIDEO

30 Seconds To Mars

"The Kill"

A Beautiful Lie

Virgin Records America

Director: Bartholomew Cubbins

Producer: Alexander Moon and Douglas Friedman

Production Company: A Common Thread, Inc.

Panic! At The Disco

"I Write Sins Not Tragedies"

A Fever You Can't Sweat Out

decaydance/Fueled By Ramen

Director: Shane C. Drake

Producer: Brandon Bonfiglio

Production Company: Red Van Pictures

A.F.I.

"Miss Murder"

Decemberunderground

Interscope Records

Director: Marc Webb

Producer: Marcienne Friesland

Production Company: DNA

Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Dani California"

Stadium Arcadium

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Tony Kaye

Producer: Rachel Curl

Production Company: Above The Sea

Green Day

"Wake Me Up When September Ends"

American Idiot

Reprise Records

Director: Samuel Bayer

Producer: Tim Lynch

Production Company: RSA Films

BEST POP VIDEO

Christina Aguilera

"Ain't No Other Man"

Back To Basics

RCA

Director: Bryan Barber

Producer: William Green

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

Pink

"Stupid Girls"

I'm Not Dead

LaFace/Zomba Label Group

Director: Dave Meyers

Producer: Joseph Sassone

Production Company: Radical Music

Madonna

"Hung Up"

Confessions On A Dance Floor

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Johan Renck

Producer: Lene Bausager and John Winter

Production Company: RSA Films

Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean

"Hips Don't Lie"

Oral Fixation Vol. 2

Epic Records

Director: Sophie Muller

Producer: Grant Jue

Production Company: Oil Factory

Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland

"Promiscuous"

Loose

Mosley Music/Geffen Records

Producer: Ron Mohrhoff

Production Company: HSI Productions

BEST NEW ARTIST IN A VIDEO

Angels And Airwaves

"The Adventure"

We Don't Need To Whisper

Suretone/Geffen Records

Director: The Malloys

Producer: Dave Robertson

Production Company: Black Dog at RSA Films

James Blunt

"You're Beautiful"

Back To Bedlam

Custard Records/Atlantic Records

Director: Sam Brown

Producer: Kat Armour-Brow

Production Company: Flynn Productions

Avenged Sevenfold

"Bat Country"

City Of Evil

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Marc Klasfeld

Producer: Rachel Curl

Production Company: Rockhard Films

Panic! At The Disco

"I Write Sins Not Tragedies"

A Fever You Can't Sweat Out

decaydance/Fueled By Ramen

Director: Shane C. Drake

Producer: Brandon Bonfiglio

Production Company: Red Van Pictures

Chris Brown featuring Juelz Santana

"Run It"

Chris Brown

Jive Records/Zomba Label Group

Director: E. White

Producer: Roger Ubina

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

Rihanna

"S.O.S."

A Girl Like Me

Def Jam/SRP

Director: Chris Applebaum

Producer: John Hardin

Production Company: Reactor Films

VIEWER'S CHOICE

Chris Brown featuring Juelz Santana

"Run It"

Chris Brown

Jive Records/Zomba Label Group

Director: E. White

Producer: Roger Ubina

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

Rihanna

"S.O.S."

A Girl Like Me

Def Jam/SRP

Director: Chris Applebaum

Producer: John Hardin

Production Company: Reactor Films

Fall Out Boy

"Dance, Dance"

From Under The Cork Tree

Island Records

Director: Alan Ferguson

Producer: Valerie Romer

Production Company: Anonymous Content

Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean

"Hips Don't Lie"

Oral Fixation Vol. 2

Epic Records

Director: Sophie Muller

Producer: Grant Jue

Production Company: Oil Factory

Kelly Clarkson

"Because of You"

Breakaway

RCA

Director: Vadim Perelman

Producer: Rhonda Vernet

Production Company: Tate USA

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES

BEST DIRECTION IN A VIDEO

10 Years

"Wasteland" Version 2

Autumn Effect

Republic/Universal Records

Director: Kevin Kerslake

Producer: Dave Robertson

Production Company: Merge @ Crossroads Films

Gnarls Barkley

"Crazy"

St. Elsewhere

Downtown/Atlantic Records

Director: Robert Hales

Producer: Coleen Haynes

Production Company: HSI Productions

A.F.I.

"Miss Murder"

Decemberunderground

Interscope Records

Director: Marc Webb

Producer: Marcienne Friesland

Production Company: DNA

Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Dani California"

Stadium Arcadium

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Tony Kaye

Producer: Rachel Curl

Production Company: Above The Sea

Common

"Testify"

G.O.O.D./Geffen Records

Director: Anthony Mandler

Producer: Lou Miguel

Production Company: Box Fresh Pictures

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY IN A VIDEO

Christina Aguilera

"Ain't No Other Man"

Back To Basics

RCA

Director: Bryan Barber

Producer: William Green

Production Company: F.M. Rocks

Choreographer: Jerri Slaughter

Sean Paul

"Temperature"

The Trinity

VP Records/Atlantic Records

Director: X

Producer: Craig Fleming

Production Company: HSI Productions

Choreographer: Tanisha Scott

Madonna

"Hung Up"

Confessions On A Dance Floor

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Johan Renck

Producer: Lene Bausager and John Winter

Production Company: RSA Films

Choreographer: Stephanie Roos

Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean

"Hips Don't Lie"

Oral Fixation Vol. 2

Epic Records

Director: Sophie Muller

Producer: Grant Jue

Production Company: Oil Factory

Choreographer: Sho-tyme

Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg

"Buttons"

PCD

A&M Records

Director: Francis Lawrence

Producer: Lynn Zekanis

Production Company: DNA

Choreographer: Mike Mindon

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS IN A VIDEO

Angels And Airwaves

"The Adventure"

We Don't Need To Whisper

Suretone/Geffen Records

Director: The Malloys

Producer: Dave Robertson

Production Company: Black Dog at RSA Films

Special Effects: Jack Effects

Pearl Jam

"Life Wasted"

Pearl Jam

J Records

Director: Fernando Apodaca

Producer: Eddie Vedder/Jason Mueller

Special Effects: Fernando Apodaca

Beck

"Hell Yes"

Guero

Interscope Records

Director: Garth Jennings

Producer: Nick Goldsmith

Production Company: Anonymous Content

Special Effects: Hammer & Tongs (Garth and Nick)

"Original Of The Species"

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

Interscope Records

Director: Catherine Owens

Producer: Catherine Owens and Katie Manning

Production Company: Spontaneous

Special Effects: John Leamy & Lawrence Nimrichter

Missy Elliott

"We Run This"

The Cookbook

From Touchstone Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment's "Stick It"

Hollywood/Gold Mind/Atlantic Records

Director: Dave Meyers

Producer: Barbara Benson

Production Company: Radical Music

Special Effects: Louis Mackall

BEST ART DIRECTION IN A VIDEO

10 Years

"Wasteland" Version 2

Autumn Effect

Republic/Universal Records

Director: Kevin Kerslake

Producer: Dave Robertson

Production Company: Merge @ Crossroads Films

Art Director: Trae King

Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Dani California"

Stadium Arcadium

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Tony Kaye

Producer: Rachel Curl

Production Company: Above The Sea

Art Director: Justin Dragonis

Common

"Testify"

G.O.O.D./Geffen Records

Director: Anthony Mandler

Producer: Lou Miguel

Production Company: Box Fresh Pictures

Art Director: David Ross

Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean

"Hips Don't Lie"

Oral Fixation Vol. 2

Epic Records

Director: Sophie Muller

Producer: Grant Jue

Production Company: Oil Factory

Art Director: Laura Fox

Panic! At The Disco

"I Write Sins Not Tragedies"

A Fever You Can't Sweat Out

decaydance/Fueled By Ramen

Director: Shane C. Drake

Producer: Brandon Bonfiglio

Production Company: Red Van Pictures

Art Director: Lindy McMichael, Jamie Drake, Erin Wieczorek

BEST EDITING IN A VIDEO

All-American Rejects (The)

"Move Along"

Move Along

Interscope Records/Doghouse Records

Director: Marc Webb

Producer: Marcienne Friesland

Production Company: DNA

Editor: J.D. Smyth

Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Dani California"

Stadium Arcadium

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Tony Kaye

Producer: Rachel Curl

Production Company: Above The Sea

Editor: Peter Goddard

Angels And Airwaves

"The Adventure"

We Don't Need To Whisper

Suretone/Geffen Records

Director: The Malloys

Producer: Dave Robertson

Production Company: Black Dog at RSA Films

Editor: Clark Eddy

"Original Of The Species"

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb

Interscope Records

Director: Catherine Owens

Producer: Catherine Owens and Katie Manning

Production Company: Spontaneous

Editor: Olivier Wicki

Gnarls Barkley

"Crazy"

St. Elsewhere

Downtown/Atlantic Records

Director: Robert Hales

Producer: Coleen Haynes

Production Company: HSI Productions

Editor: Ken Mowe

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY IN A VIDEO

A.F.I.

"Miss Murder"

Decemberunderground

Interscope Records

Director: Marc Webb

Producer: Marcienne Friesland

Production Company: DNA

Cinematographer: Wells Hackett

Prince

"Black Sweat"

3121

Universal Records

Director: Sanaa Hamri

Producer: Nicole Acacio

Production Company: Anonymous Content

Cinematographer: Checco Varese

Ashlee Simpson

"Invisible"

I Am Me

Geffen Records

Director: Marc Webb

Producer: Hagai Shaham

Production Company: DNA

Cinematographer: Jeff Cutter

Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Dani California"

Stadium Arcadium

Warner Bros. Records

Director: Tony Kaye

Producer: Rachel Curl

Production Company: Above The Sea

Cinematographer: Tony Kaye

James Blunt

"You're Beautiful"

Back To Bedlam

Custard Records/Atlantic Records

Director: Sam Brown

Producer: Kat Armour-Brow

Production Company: Flynn Productions

Cinematographer: Robbie Ryan

VIDEO GAME CATEGORIES

BEST VIDEO GAME SOUNDTRACK

Final Night Round 3 (Electronic Arts)

Burnout Revenge (Electronic Arts)

NBA 2K6 (2K Games)

Driver: Parallel Lines (Atari)

Marc Ecko's Getting Up (Atari)

BEST VIDEO GAME SCORE

Hitman: Blood Money (Jesper Kyd)

Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter (Tom Salta)

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey (Even "Magnet" Johansen)

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Jeremy Soule)

Electroplankton (User Generated Soundtrack)

The official sponsors of the "2006 MTV Video Music Awards" are Acuvue, Chevrolet, Dodge, Herbal Essences, JC Penny, Pepsi, Taco Bell and Virgin Mobile USA.

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

Source: MTV

Musicians Worldwide Raise Their Voices in Harmony for Humanity
Daniel Pearl World Music Days PSAs Feature Herbie Hancock, Elton John, Hamza el Din and Ida Haendel

Jazz icon Herbie Hancock, rock legend Elton John, the late father of modern Nubian music, Hamza el Din, and classical violinist Ida Haendel are featured in a series of 30-second television public service announcements to promote Daniel Pearl World Music Days -- an international network of concerts scheduled from October 6-15.

Their video message to professional and amateur musicians around the world is a simple one: "Join us in using the universal language of music to diminish hatred, respect differences, and reach out in friendship by dedicating performances for "Harmony for Humanity."

Television PSAs will be available on August 18, 2006 from 11:30am - 12:00pm Eastern Daylight Time. Stations can uplink at: C-Band, AMC01, Transponder 22, Downlink Frequency 4140 MHz, Vertical Polarity, Audio 6.2 and 6.8, and www.nab.org/publicservice. To order copies, contact Sarah Roberts of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) at (202) 429-5448 or Jeff Lloyd as listed above. Radio PSAs are available for download at www.musicdays.org.

"Danny was a talented musician and principled journalist who respected all cultures and found magic in every person," said Judea Pearl, Daniel's father and president of the Daniel Pearl Foundation. "World Music Days, which commemorates Danny's October 10th birthday, is his legacy to raise awareness of our common humanity. All musicians, no matter their genre, are invited to dedicate performances held from October 6th through 15th. We simply ask that they say a few words from the stage or in the program in affirmation of the principles for which Danny stood," he added.

Since World Music Days' inception, artists from more than 60 countries with musical events large or small have united in this global network of concerts. This year's Honorary Committee is composed of luminary musicians and artists from many genres, including Salman Ahmad, Theodore Bikel, Yefim Bronfman, Hamza el Din, Ida Haendel, Herbie Hancock, Elton John, Tania Libertad, Yo-Yo Ma, Zubin Mehta, Mark O'Connor, George Pehlivanian, Itzhak Perlman, R.E.M., A.J. Racy, Steve Reich, Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Ravi Shankar, Russell Simmons, Barbra Streisand and John Williams.

Daniel Pearl World Music Days

To participate, register online at www.musicdays.org. Musicians and artists are also invited to submit music, poetry, art, articles and dedications to the World Music Days eStage, an on-line gallery and radio station showcasing words and music that affirm the oneness of mankind. This is not a fund raising event and musical groups incur no financial obligation by registering.

The National Association of Broadcasters

The NAB is a full-service trade association that promotes and protects free, over-the-air local radio and television stations' interests in Washington and around the world. NAB is the broadcaster's voice before Congress, federal agencies and the courts. The organization also serves a growing number of associate and international broadcaster members. Information about NAB can be found at www.nab.org.

The Daniel Pearl Foundation

The Daniel Pearl Foundation was formed in 2002 in memory of journalist Daniel Pearl to promote the ideals that inspired his life and work. The world came to know Daniel Pearl as The Wall Street Journal reporter who was murdered by terrorists in Karachi, Pakistan. Since then, he has been remembered more for his humanity and love of life than his senseless death. The Daniel Pearl Foundation works domestically and internationally to promote cross-cultural understanding, to combat cultural and religious hatred, to encourage responsible and creative journalism, and to enrich people's lives through music. For more information, please visit www.danielpearl.org.

Walt Disney Concert Hall Multi-Million Dollar Construction Lawsuit Settles

A complex lawsuit filed by contractors relating to the construction of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Southern California for additional construction costs both direct and for impacts caused by delays, disruptions and inefficiencies has been settled, with one of the nation's leading general contractors, M.A. Mortenson Company and its subcontractors to receive $17.8 million. Attorneys for Mortenson, Jose L. Padilla, Jr., Esq. and Marion T. Hack, Esq., partners in the Los Angeles based law firm Gibbs, Giden, Locher & Turner LLP, believed the settlement to have been in the best interest of all the parties. It is estimated that if this matter would have gone to trial, combined litigation costs would have exceeded $10 million. "It was remarkable that we were able to settle this complex lawsuit without taking as much as a single substantive deposition and with minimal written discovery," said Mr. Padilla. "With the litigation behind us, we can now focus our attention to the marvel of this landmark Concert Hall, which is a proud accomplishment for all involved."

M. A. Mortenson Company, a Minneapolis based firm and one of the largest general contractors in the United States, filed a breach of contract and mechanic's lien foreclosure action against Walt Disney Concert Hall Inc. in November of 2003 alleging damages due to delays and disruptions resulting from incomplete plans and specifications and direct costs due to change order work. Several of Mortenson's subcontractors including The Herrick Corporation, ACCO Engineered Systems, Martin Bros./Marcowall Inc. also filed lien foreclosure actions alleging that their portion of the work was impacted due to inadequate design documents. Walt Disney Concert Hall Inc. counterclaimed against Mortenson for breach of contract alleging that Mortenson's pre-construction services were inadequate.

Gibbs, Giden, Locher & Turner LLP has been recognized by Chambers USA as the "top construction law firm headquartered in Southern California." Chambers USA reported: "This team of attorneys possesses a wide range of expertise and the ability to understand business decisions as well as legal ones... and is known for its skill in resolving disputes quickly." The firm is recognized as an established leader in the construction industry with a "high-work ethic"; and it is a "responsive, client-oriented" firm accomplishing "great results."

Founded in 1978, Gibbs, Giden, Locher & Turner LLP provides full legal service to construction and business clients, including related areas of business and commercial law; labor and employment law; real property transactions; environmental law; title insurance; suretyship; property, casualty and liability insurance; and common interest developments. From offices in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the firm represents clients involved in transactions and litigation throughout the United States.

Source: Gibbs, Giden, Locher & Turner LLP

Back by Popular Demand: Mastodon Bones on Display at Cranbrook Institute of Science Labor Day Weekend
-Lots of activities on tap for the entire family-

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- There's still some summer left before the kids are consumed with school work and the leaves fall from the trees. Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to visit Cranbrook and check out the wide variety of events around campus, including a special exhibit at Cranbrook Institute of Science featuring the Adams Road Mastodon bones recovered in Oakland County last month.

Seen by thousands of visitors during two earlier viewings, the Adams Road Mastodon Bone Viewing is back for an encore Labor Day weekend. Visitors to the Institute of Science also can stand beside a lifesize T. rex skeleton, soar through the solar system in a high-tech planetarium and see a roomful of glittering crystals. At Cranbrook Art Museum -- the region's top contemporary art museum -- visitors can gaze at works by Warhol, Eames, Lichtenstein, Saarinen and other groundbreaking artists who helped shape the look and feel of the 20th century.

In addition to the science and art museums, Cranbrook offers tours of two historic homes, more than 40 acres of picturesque gardens and sculpture and architecture tours. Founded in 1904 by George and Ellen Booth, Cranbrook's 319-acre campus has been called "the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America," and in 2004, the National Historical Landmark community was named one of 12 must-visit architectural wonders of the world by MSNBC.

Cranbrook Institute of Science

248-645-3200

http://science.cranbrook.edu/

$7/adults, $5/children 2-12 and seniors (65+); free for members and

children under 2

Daily 10am-5pm, Fridays open until 10pm

Adams Road Mastodon Bone Viewing

Labor Day weekend

You've heard about the bones all over the news -- now is your chance to see them up close! The Adams mastodon, found in Oakland County, is an example of the extinct American mastodon and is a mature individual that likely died between 10,000 and 13,000 years ago. Its bones were found preserved in a shallow lakebed during road construction near M-59 and Adams Road. Some of the fossil remains recovered include: a partial tusk; several limb bones, including an enormous humerus bone; a tooth; portions of the shoulder blade; skull fragments and many ribs and vertebrae. Free with museum admission.

Sea Monsters

September 2 - 24

Learn all about extreme sea animals and their amazing abilities! Marvel at the scale of the elusive giant squid through a life-size model. Come face to face with the jaws of a Mako shark. See a variety of fossils from the dinosaur era including a full skeleton of an Ichthyosaurus, a dolphin-like marine reptile, and a partial lower jaw of a giant North African Mosasaurus, the top predator of the Mesozoic seas. The exhibit also features the interactive game show "Sea Monsters - Truth or Tale?", September 2 - 4 at 12, 1, 2 & 3pm, in which participants can interact live via Internet videoconferencing with a specially trained science educator at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida. Free with museum admission.

Playing with Time

Through September 4

Go on a journey to the unseen world of natural change and see events that happen too fast or too slow for humans to perceive. This imaginative exhibit invites visitors to examine invisible dynamics using high-speed photography, time-lapse videos and animations to effectively turn the world's speed up and down. Playful hands-on stations mixed with natural objects and stunning displays let visitors experience natural phenomena occurring over vast timescales -- from billionths of seconds to billions of years. Free with museum admission.

Also at Cranbrook Institute of Science:

* Digistar Planetarium and Entertainment shows

Tickets required in addition to museum admission

* The Bat Zone and special bat programs

Tickets required in addition to museum admission

* Base Camp

Daily noon-4pm through Labor Day; free with museum admission

* Observatory

8:30-10pm Friday, 1-4pm Sunday; free with museum admission

Cranbrook Art Museum

248-645-3320

http://www.cranbrookart.edu/museum

$6/adults, $4/seniors (65+) and students; free for members and children 12

and under

Wednesday - Sunday 11am-5pm, Fourth Fridays open until 9pm

Think Again! Presence of the Past in Contemporary Art

Through September 17

Throughout history, artists have been inspired by tradition, reinterpreting what has come before them to create works that speak to their own time. Drawing from the collections of Cranbrook Art Museum and organized into seven different sections, Think Again! explores artistic ideas that have migrated from their original cultures into the work of today's globally- influenced artists. Each section of the exhibit culminates with work that is contemporary to our own time and that draws from historical sources in surprising new ways. Free with museum admission.

Critical Mass: Metalsmithing at Cranbrook under Gary Griffin

Through October 15

Celebrate the remarkable career of Gary Griffin, Academy of Art metalsmith-in-residence for 22 years, as he prepares to leave his post at the Academy. Critical Mass chronicles the careers of 121 students who studied under Griffin from 1985 through 2005, showcasing the influence of this master metalsmith on the young artists he led. Free with museum admission.

Saarinen House tours

Through October

Thursday & Friday - 1pm; Saturday & Sunday - 1 & 3pm; Fourth Friday 6:30pm

Architecture, Art Deco design, lighting, furniture, rugs and nature work in perfect harmony in this showplace 1930 home -- a total work of art. Saarinen House is the restored home and studio of former Cranbrook architect Eliel Saarinen and his wife, Loja, a revolutionary fiber artist. The two- story Saarinen House with its handcrafted decor and exquisite furnishings has been open to the public since its restoration in the early 1990s. $8/adults, $6/seniors and full-time students, free for members and children 12 and under.

Cranbrook House & Gardens

248-645-3147

http://hg.cranbrook.edu/

Cranbrook Gardens tours

Stroll more than 40 acres of lush, sculpture-filled gardens filled with roses, wildflowers and hundreds of other breathtaking greenery. Self-guided tours are available Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 11am to 5pm, through Labor Day. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for seniors.

Cranbrook House tours

Visit Metro Detroit's oldest manor home, built in the English Arts and Crafts style. See beautiful furnishings, tapestries, paintings and works by some of the early 20th century's top artisans. Tours are available June through September, Sundays at 3pm; Thursdays at 11am and 1:15pm. Lunch is available on Thursdays at noon for an additional $15. Reservations required for lunch. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors.

For more information on all these events, visit http://www.cranbrook.edu/ .

Cranbrook is an internationally renowned educational community dedicated to excellence in the arts, education and science. Cranbrook is located at 39221 Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and comprises its Academy of Art, Art Museum, Institute of Science, Schools and other affiliated cultural and educational programs. For more information, please call 1-877-GO-CRANBrook or visit http://www.cranbrook.edu/ .

Source: Cranbrook

CKX and Cirque du Soleil Announce the Return of Elvis to Las Vegas at MGM MIRAGE's Project CityCenter
Elvis Presley Show, to be Permanently Located at CityCenter Hotel/Casino, Expected to Open November 2009

CKX, Inc., (NASDAQ:CKXE) , its subsidiary Elvis Presley Enterprises and Cirque du Soleil have reached an agreement with MGM MIRAGE (NYSE:MGM) to create a permanent Elvis Presley show at the CityCenter hotel/casino, under construction in Las Vegas. The show is expected to open with the hotel in November 2009.

The deal announced during Elvis Week, the week in which we commemorate Elvis' untimely passing on August 16, 1977, marks the return of Elvis to Las Vegas, the site of some of the most remarkable performances of his illustrious career.

Cirque du Soleil's creative team is inspired by this new extravaganza. The creative combination of live musicians and singers, projections, dance and the latest in multimedia sound and lighting technology are stimulating and aim at offering an emotional bond with the audience. The show will bring Elvis back to Las Vegas for millions of his existing fans and create a buzz that will enable the persona of Elvis to reach untold numbers of new fans.

A design collaboration between MGM MIRAGE and six internationally acclaimed architects, CityCenter will open in 2009 on 66 acres between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts. At the heart of the action on the Las Vegas Strip, CityCenter will feature a soaring 60-story, 4,000-room hotel/casino, two 400-room non-gaming hotels, 500,000 square feet of retail shops, dining and entertainment venues and nearly 2,800 luxury condominiums.

Robert F.X. Sillerman, Chairman and CEO of CKX, Inc., commented, "I am pleased that during this time, when we remember Elvis Presley and celebrate his life, we are able to announce his return to Las Vegas, a place where he truly rose to iconic status. And with the remarkable creative talent of Cirque du Soleil, fans who saw Elvis perform, as well as those who never had a chance to see him, will be able to experience Elvis in an entirely new and exciting way. This will be the first step in establishing a twenty-first century presence in Vegas for the King."

Guy Laliberte, Founder of Cirque du Soleil, commented, "This new creative challenge is exactly what we strive at accomplishing in the development of our new productions. Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to be involved in CityCenter and we are particularly honored to be entrusted with this assignment. We are working closely with our partners to ensure the public will have an unforgettable encounter with the King of Rock and Roll. Elvis had a unique relationship with his adoring fans in Vegas and a large part of our mission is to recreate the excitement and the spirit of joy he generated here."

Bobby Baldwin, President and CEO of Mirage Resorts, an MGM MIRAGE operating division, said, "We are thrilled to partner with our friends and colleagues at Cirque du Soleil, who are known the world over for creating memorable entertainment experiences. With this show we will bring together Elvis, an icon of Las Vegas entertainment history, with CityCenter, a destination that represents the future of this remarkable city."

The announcement represents another step in the creative partnership between CKX and Cirque du Soleil. In May, the two companies announced an agreement for the creation, development, production and promotion of Elvis Presley Projects, featuring touring and permanent shows as well as multimedia interactive "Elvis Experiences" throughout the world. CKX and Cirque du Soleil expect by 2008 to open at least one touring Elvis show in Europe and/or Asia, and one "Elvis Experience" outside the United States. Beginning in 2009, at least one Elvis Presley Project will be opened in each of the next six years.

CKX Management will be hosting an investor conference call on August 17, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss this announcement. Investors may listen by dialing (800) 905-0392. Investors located outside of the United States may listen by dialing (785) 830-1913. CKX will Webcast the call through its corporate website, http://www.ckx.com/. The call will be available for rebroadcast over the website beginning not later than 90 minutes after its conclusion.

About CKX, Inc.

CKX, Inc., a company controlled by Robert F.X. Sillerman and affiliates, is engaged in the ownership, development and commercial utilization of entertainment content. To date, the Company has focused on acquiring globally recognized entertainment content and related assets, including the rights to the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley, the operations of Graceland, the rights to the name, image and likeness of Muhammad Ali and proprietary rights to the IDOLS television brand, including the American Idol series in the United States and local adaptations of the IDOLS television show format which, collectively, air in over 100 countries around the world. CKX plans to continue to make strategic acquisitions of, or partner or align with, companies or individuals that control various forms of established entertainment content, which may include intellectual property rights in music, film, television programming, written works and characters, rights to names, images and likenesses, video games, corporate brands and other related assets. For more information about CKX, Inc., visit its corporate website at http://www.ckx.com/.

About Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil is primarily a creative content provider for a wide variety of unique projects. In addition to shows, the Montreal-based company wishes to extend its creative talent to other spheres of activity. While maintaining stringent standards of artistic quality and originality, Cirque du Soleil brings to innovative projects the same energy and spirit that characterize each of its shows.

Cirque du Soleil is a Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. Since its beginnings in 1984, over 50 million spectators in over 100 cities on four continents have been thrilled by Cirque du Soleil. In 2006, 13 shows will simultaneously be presented across the globe. Cirque du Soleil is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gemeaux, Felix and Rose d'Or de Montreux.

About MGM MIRAGE

MGM MIRAGE, (NYSE:MGM) , one of the world's leading and most respected hotel and gaming companies, owns and operates 23 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has investments in three other properties in Nevada, New Jersey and Illinois. MGM MIRAGE has also announced plans to develop Project CityCenter, a multi-billion dollar mixed-use urban development project in the heart of Las Vegas, and has a 50 percent interest in MGM Grand Macau, a hotel-casino resort currently under construction in Macau S.A.R. MGM MIRAGE supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its properties. MGM MIRAGE also has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative and its community philanthropy programs. For more information about MGM MIRAGE, please visit the company's website at http://www.mgmmirage.com/.

About Elvis Presley Enterprises

Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. is based in Memphis, with additional offices in Los Angeles. In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and internet projects. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit Elvis.com. EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market System (NMS) under the ticker symbol CKXE.

This document includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are not historical facts but rather are based on management's current expectations or beliefs, and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive, technological and/or regulatory factors, consumer acceptance of the show or competition from other shows. More detailed information about these factors may be found in filings by CKX, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. CKX, Inc. is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any such obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Source: CKX, Inc.

Shark Meat Records to Release Shimmerplanet's Eagerly Anticipated Poly-Genre Album 'For The One Who Kills Tomorrow' on September 12, 2006
Hosted by emPower Fitness Studios

After a highly successful digital pre-release featured on the front-page of the US & Canadian iTunes Music Stores, Shimmerplanet celebrates the physical CD release of their poly-genre album "For The One Who Kills Tomorrow." Get physical with Shimmerplanet on Tuesday September 12, 2006 at 7pm at, of course, a gym: emPower Fitness Studios, 224 West 4th Street, Second Floor, New York, NY 10014.

In keeping with their tradition of performing in non-traditional spaces (recent concerts have been staged in a public library, a strip-club, and a church), Shimmerplanet, the Indie band created by Soren Anders, has teamed up with a personal training gym, emPower Fitness Studios who will be hosting the release event.

"For The One Who Kills Tomorrow", a highly emotional disc is inspired by the extravagance and musicianship of Bjork and Rufus Wainwright, and showcases Anders' dark, confessional lyrics as well as his classical training. He has created an album that successfully fuses elements of alternative, rock, classical, jazz and electronic music. The resulting unique sound appeals to fans of truly innovative and intelligent music.

Continuing her collaboration with Anders, the immortal Lesley Gore (legendary artist of "It's My Party" and "You Don't Own Me") appears as a guest vocalist on the new track, "Siren". Gore is one of three singers (including Anders) heard on the album. Avant-garde New York vocalist Carolyn Eufrasio returns in her role as Shimmerplanet's Yin, singing lead on many of the tracks.

Shimmerplanet's debut album "Welcome To Shimmerplanet" received critical acclaim and they also received special recognition from The Songwriters' Hall Of Fame for their single "No Safe."

Free admission will begin at 7pm and Shimmerplanet will take the stage for an always-captivating LIVE performance at 7:15pm.

Shimmerplanet is available from Amazon, iTunes, Yahoo! Music, AOL Music Now, MTV Urge, Wal-Mart Digital and other major digital retail outlets around the world.

EmPower Fitness Studios offer one-on-one training, group programs and seminars on fitness and nutrition.

Shark Meat Records, a member of the American Association Of Independent Music (www.a2im.org ), is an independent record label based in New York City with alternative, pop and electronic artists. Shark Meat Records embraces the latest digital music technologies.

For further information visit www.shimmerplanet.com, www.sharkmeatrecords.com or www.emPowerFitnessNYC.com.

Source: Shark Meat Records

U.S. Postal Service Sews Up Tradition With the Quilts of Gee's Bend Stamps Issued at the Largest Annual Philatelic Event in the United States

The following is being issued by the U.S. Postal Service:

What: First-day-of-issue ceremony for the Quilts of Gee's Bend

39-cent commemorative postage stamps. Three of the quilters

of Gee's Bend will be available for interviews and two of the

quilts that are pictured on the stamps will be on display.

Who: Mary Anne Gibbons, Senior Vice President and General Counsel,

U.S. Postal Service.

Nancy Rettinhouse, Acting District Manager, Northern IL, U.S.

Postal Service.

Mary Lee Bendolph, Gee's Bend Quilter.

Loretta Pettway, Gee's Bend Quilter.

Jessie T. Pettway, Gee's Bend Quilter.

Bill and Matt Arnett, Tinwood Alliance.

When: Noon (CT)

Aug. 24, 2006

Where: The American Philatelic Society's (APS) StampShow 2006

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

5555 North River Road

Hall G

Rosemont, IL 60018

Background: For this sixth issuance in the American Treasures series, Art

Director Derry Noyes chose photographs of 10 quilts created

between 1940 and 2001 by African-American women in Gee's

Bend, Alabama.

The rich quilting community of Gee's Bend is made up

primarily of African Americans descended from slaves. Water

surrounds the community on three sides, and by land, only one

long strip of roadway leads in from the northwest. The

isolation brought with it a priceless gift: the perpetuation

of generations of skilled quilters.

This classic America tradition will be celebrated at the APS

StampShow, Aug. 24, 2006. The largest annual philatelic

event in the United States, the StampShow features dealers, a

public auction, seminars, competitive exhibits, displays of

philatelic rarities, educational opportunities for the whole

family and a discussion and quilting demonstration with

quilters from Gee's Bend on Fri., Aug. 25, at 2 p.m.

Admission is free to the public.

Source: U.S. Postal Service

Lifetime Television Launches National Essay Contest in Conjunction With the Premiere of the Lifetime Original Movie Event, 'The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Is Not a Fairy Tale'
Essay Contest Winner Could Win Tickets to the 'American Idol'(R) Season Six Series Finale In Los Angeles
- The Three-Night Movie Event Premieres on Lifetime Saturday, August 19 at 9 PM (ET/PT), with Encores Sunday, August 20 at 8 PM (ET/PT) and Monday, August 21 at 9 PM (ET/PT) -

Despite facing many obstacles along the way, "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino found the courage to live her dream in front of millions of people. Now Lifetime Television, in conjunction with the Lifetime Original Movie Event "The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale," is cheering on women to achieve their dreams too and to start by writing them down for a special national essay contest. The writer of the winning essay could win two tickets to the 2007 "American Idol"(R) season six series finale in Los Angeles.

"The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale," premieres during a special three-night Lifetime Original Movie event on Saturday, August 19 at 9 PM, Sunday, August 20 at 8 PM and Monday, August 21 at 9 PM. All times are ET/PT.

The month-long essay contest is part of a multi-faceted public service initiative to raise awareness of the issues that Fantasia and many women and families experience -- ranging from low self-esteem to low literacy skills -- and to encourage viewers to make a difference in their own communities. In partnership with leading organizations such as Girls Inc., the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, the National Center for Family Literacy, RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network), Save the Children and the YWCA of the USA, Lifetime is offering viewers an online film discussion guide and resources on how to get involved. The Network will also air a PSA following the film's premiere in which Fantasia personally shares how she struggled to become a confident reader, a challenge which more than 30 million Americans share.

The essay contest, which asks the question "What is your life long dream and what steps must you take to achieve it?" will run from August 16 to September 16, 2006. It will be promoted in various ways, including in spots airing during the film premiere, at Lifetimetv.com, on special bookmarks distributed through Simon & Schuster to 300 independent bookstores across the country. Women and men 16 and older can enter by going to Lifetimetv.com and see all rules and regulations. Contest judges will include representatives from the non-profit partner groups.

"The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale" follows her journey before she ever captured the hearts and votes of millions to become the third season winner of American Idol(R). As the youngest child of Diane and JoJo Barrino, Fantasia experienced a complicated childhood, had low self-esteem and eventually dropped out of school in her early teens. With little education, money or chance of a real future, Fantasia found herself in a loveless relationship that left her pregnant at age 16.

The birth of her daughter Zion was the catalyst for Fantasia to rethink her choices and redirect her life. With the encouragement of friends and family, Fantasia took a leap of faith to audition for the hot television show American Idol(R) and quickly won over the judges and audiences with her sassy style and extraordinary voice. Her powerful singing made her an instant sensation and changed her life forever.

"The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale" is produced by Ostar Productions for Lifetime Television. Bill Haber ("Nightmares & Dreamscapes," "Uprising") and Robert Green ("Wild Fires," "Waiting") serve as executive producers and Ellyn Williams (Lifetime Television's "Hunger Point") co-executive produced. John McMahon ("Nightmares & Dreamscapes") is producer and Pulitzer Prize-nominated writer Keith Glover is the writer of the teleplay, inspired by the autobiography Life is Not a Fairy Tale by Fantasia.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Appoints TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles as its Advertising Agency of Record for 79th Academy Awards(R)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has appointed TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles as its advertising agency of record for the 79th Annual Academy Awards telecast next February.

The appointment, announced by Director of Marketing Beth Harris, marks the first time that the Academy has hired an ad agency to produce a fully integrated promotional campaign for the Oscar(R) telecast. The campaign will include television, outdoor and print advertising.

"We are looking forward to a creative partnership with TBWA\Chiat\Day," said Harris. "The agency's creative reputation, coupled with its innovative approach to helping brands connect with audiences, was integral to our decision to work with them to create a campaign to promote the 79th Annual Academy Awards."

"This is a dream assignment," said Carisa Bianchi, president of TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles. "The Oscars are one of the ultimate global brands with the power to capture people's imagination, and we are privileged to play a part in conveying the excitement and celebration of the Academy Awards."

TBWA\Chiat\Day is part of TBWA Worldwide. U.S. clients include Absolut, adidas, Apple, Beiersdorf, Embassy Suites Hotels, Energizer, Infiniti, Masterfoods, Nissan, Pennzoil, Sara Lee, Sprint-Nextel, PlayStation and Visa.

TBWA Worldwide (www.tbwa.com) is the most-awarded agency network in the world (The Gunn Report, 2005) and is one of the fastest growing top-ten global agency networks. TBWA has 258 offices in 75 countries, and approximately 9,700 employees worldwide.

TBWA Worldwide is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2006 will be presented on February 25, 2007, at the Kodak Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center(R). The show will be televised live by the ABC Television Network.

Source: TBWA Worldwide

Graham Nash Signs on With XM Satellite Radio to Host New Music Interview Show Beginning August 21
Carole King, Ben E. King, Grace Slick and Other Renowned Singer/Songwriters Will be Featured on 'SongStories with Graham Nash' in Exclusive Interviews Making Their Broadcast Debut on XM

XM Satellite Radio, the nation's leading satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers, today announced that celebrated singer/songwriter Graham Nash will host a new music program exclusively for XM. The half-hour show "SongStories with Graham Nash" spotlights Nash interviewing many of music's most talented and successful songwriters about the stories behind their most classic songs, their overall creative process and the art of songwriting itself.

The interviews grew out of Nash's book, "Off The Record," which presents the text of 25 such interviews along with rare photographs and handwritten manuscripts -- by the songwriters -- of the lyrics for the featured song. During the course of these remarkable conversations, which make their broadcast debut on XM's airwaves, these legendary songwriters also share personal memories about their lives in music. Carole King, Paul Williams, Waylon Jennings and Ben E. King are among the artists who will be featured during the first several episodes. "SongStories with Graham Nash" debuts Monday, August 21 on The Loft (XM 50), XM's commercial-free acoustic rock channel.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this project to XM," said Nash. "The songs we'll explore are ones whose lyrics have become emotional landmarks for many people, and continue to resonate through our lives. It's a delight to share the stories behind these compositions with the XM audience."

"Not only has Graham Nash written and performed some of music's most treasured songs, but he is sincere in his curiosity about the creative process other musicians endure for their own works, making 'SongStories' genuine and entertaining," said Lee Abrams, Chief Creative Programming Officer, XM Satellite Radio. "XM is committed to keeping the passion for music alive and well among fans and Graham's passion for music and musicians as expressed through 'SongStories' is a perfect fit for the XM audience."

The premiere episode presents Nash's conversation with famed soul guitarist and songwriter Steve Cropper about "Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay," the GRAMMY(R)-winning #1 Cropper co-wrote with the legendary Otis Redding, whose recording of it is an all-time classic. It also features Graham and Grace Slick discussing "White Rabbit," Slick's psychedelic hit from Jefferson Airplane's classic 1967 LP Surrealistic Pillow. Future episodes will feature Carole King on "I Feel the Earth Move," Waylon Jennings on "Good Hearted Woman," and Ben E. King on "Stand By Me."

"SongStories with Graham Nash" debuts Monday, August 21 at 11 pm ET on The Loft (XM Channel 50) with new episodes premiering every other week and encores airing throughout the month. Complete schedule details, including episode information, will be available online at http://www.xmradio.com/ and http://www.songstories.us/.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and GRAMMY(R) winner Graham Nash first rose to fame with British Invasion pioneers The Hollies, whose Nash-penned classics include "On A Carousel," "Carrie Anne" and "Bus Stop." Among the timeless songs he's composed for CSN and CSNY -- with whom he still tours and records - - are "Teach Your Children," "Our House" and "Marrakesh Express." An acclaimed solo artist, Nash released his fourth solo disc, "Songs For Survivors," in 2002. In 2006, "Highlights," Nash's latest CD as a duo with David Crosby, was released. A modern age Renaissance man, Graham is also a renowned photographer, and fifty-plus years of his images were recently spotlighted via the exhibition Eye to Eye: Photographs by Graham Nash, at San Diego's Museum of Photographic Arts, which expanded on Nash's 2004 book of the same name. As a pioneer in the digital realm, Graham -- with Mac Holbert -- founded Nash Editions in 1990. Recognized in 2005 by the Smithsonian for its role in the invention of digital fine art printing, it is renowned as one of the world's leading fine art/photographic printmaking houses. Currently, Graham Nash is on the road with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's "Freedom Of Speech '06" Tour.

For more information on Graham Nash, please visit http://www.grahamnash.com/.

About XM Satellite Radio

XM is America's number one satellite radio service with more than 7 million subscribers. Broadcasting live daily from studios in Washington, DC, New York City, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Toronto and Montreal, XM's 2006 lineup includes more than 170 digital channels of choice from coast to coast: the most commercial-free music channels, sports, talk, comedy, children's and entertainment programming; and the most advanced traffic and weather information.

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

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements in this press release include demand for XM Satellite Radio's service, the Company's dependence on technology and third party vendors, its potential need for additional financing, as well as other risks described in XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc.'s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 3-9-06. Copies of the filing are available upon request from XM Radio's Investor Relations Department.

Source: XM Satellite Radio

Willie Nelson's 'Songbird' To Be Released by Lost Highway on October 31 Featuring Ryan Adams and The Cardinals
Produced by Adams, Album Includes Originals and Songs By Leonard Cohen, Gram Parsons, The Grateful Dead and More

On October 31, Lost Highway will release "Songbird," the new album from the legendary Willie Nelson. "Songbird" was produced by Ryan Adams and recorded with Adams and The Cardinals on all 11 tracks, along with Nelson's longtime harmonica master Mickey Raphael.

"Songbird" includes a diverse range of covers, including Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," Gram Parsons' "$1000 Wedding," Jerry Garcia & Robert Hunter's "Stella Blue" and the gorgeous title track written by Christine McVie, which originally appeared on Fleetwood Mac's landmark album "Rumours."

Nelson and Adams each penned a new song specifically for "Songbird." Nelson's acoustic "Back To Earth" could have easily appeared on one of his timeless albums, while Adams' country blues gem "Blue Hotel," written for Nelson, features The Red Headed Stranger's signature stylings. New renditions of some Nelson classics also appear on "Songbird" including "Sad Songs and Waltzes" (from "Shotgun Willie") and "We Don't Run" (from "Spirit").

"Songbird" was recorded at Loho Studios in New York, NY and mixed by Jamie Candiloro. Along with production duties, Adams plays acoustic guitar, electric guitar and bass. The Cardinals are Neal Casal (piano, guitar), Jon Graboff (pedal steel), Brad Pemberton (drums) and Catherine Popper (bass).

Willie Nelson -Songbird

Track Listing

Song Composer

"Rainy Day Blues" Willie Nelson

"Songbird" Christine McVie

"Blue Hotel" Ryan Adams

"Back To Earth" Willie Nelson

"Stella Blue" Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter

"Hallelujah" Leonard Cohen

"$1000 Wedding" Gram Parsons

"We Don't Run" Willie Nelson

"Yours Love" Harlan Howard

"Sad Songs And Waltzes" Willie Nelson

"Amazing Grace" Traditional Arr. by Ryan Adams

Chinavasion Ltd. today announced the official launch of http://www.chinavasion.com/ - a discount marketplace of wholesale consumer electronics made by Chinese manufacturers - and the release of a complimentary newsletter featuring tips on how to import electronics from China.

China is home to many consumer-electronic manufacturers that don't have direct access to American retailers or that have limited international distribution agreements, said Rose Li, Public Relations Director at Chinavasion. Chinavasion, she said, is the online conduit for American importers to reach those Chinese manufacturers.

Chinavasion offers a wide assortment of electronics, ranging from cell phones and digital cameras to computer accessories and portable DVD players. The site includes a picture and description of each product - including specs - which make it easy for international buyers to review products and select their favorite electronic devices.

"There are plenty of businesses out there who want to buy low-cost electronics from China, but they don't know where to look, or, of course, they aren't familiar with the ins and outs of importing goods," Li said. "Our company gives clients a simple and reliable way to buy the electronics they want - without paying huge name-brand markups."

The site's recently debuted blog, "China Business News," contains new product reviews, frequently asked questions, details on international commerce, and a general list of products that can be imported from China. The site's new opt-in newsletter also features information on how to find products and suppliers in China, details on shipping and import taxes, tips on dealing with Chinese suppliers and advice on how to profit from a Chinese business relationship.

"We carefully explain everything in our newsletter, from drop-shipping to the current status of the global marketplace, so users know exactly what they're buying and what we're all about," Li said.

Li added that Chinavasion strives to offer the most competitive prices on all its products. For instance, a 1 GB MP3 Player costs $43.64 for a sample and a car-portable, region-free DVD player with two 7-inch TFT monitors costs $227.70. If a made-in-China consumer electronics product is not listed on the site, Chinavasion will help locate wholesale sources for it, as well as beat any competitor's price. The company accepts all major credit cards, PayPal payments and bank transfers.

Orders in the online shop are shipped by express courier internationally, and its shipping costs are based on the current rates of standard carriers such as UPS, FedEx and DHL. Chinavasion can also ship large wholesale orders using a consumer's preferred air or ocean freight service. Most products can be ready to ship in one or two business days, and all goods receive extra quality inspection before dispatch from a dedicated QA team.

For more information about Chinavasion and registration for a wholesale buyer account, visit http://www.chinavasion.com/.

About Chinavasion Ltd.

Chinavasion is a Chinese-owned general trading and wholesale company. It buys exclusively from Chinese manufacturers that produce consumer electronics, notebook computers and computer parts. Chinavasion offers a wide selection of consumer electronic products on its Website, including popular, cutting-edge products and hard-to-find specialty products.

Your Favorite Sofa May Star in a Hollywood Movie!

A new business allows ordinary people to place their 'stuff' in the movies or television. Hollywood Parts (http://www.hollywoodparts.com/) is a business designed to manage all kinds of assets, props, sets and wardrobe for the entertainment industry. In addition to this service, they will store your items and post detailed photos and descriptions online of everything from ordinary castoffs to treasured antiques, for movie decorators and designers to rent or buy for placement in the movies or television.

"Why pay storage and have items just sit in a dusty container, when you can pay the same rate and your treasures can have a chance for stardom!" said Mike Filonczuk, co-founder of Hollywood Parts and HollywoodParts.com. "With the high cost of fuel and the LA traffic, more decorators are searching for unique as well as common items on-line. We make it easy for them to find movie dressing and sets on our website and then deliver it to them."

Hollywood Parts also provides storage and a central clearing house on HollywoodParts.com for all things purchased and created for the entertainment industry so big studios and small productions alike can share assets and help reduce the cost of production and reduce waste. Hollywood Parts uses it own custom designed state of the art software and tracking systems to reduce asset loss during production as well as provide a public web sales outlet for these slightly used assets on-line after the movie or TV production is complete. "The industry is very wasteful," Mike contends. "Productions buy the same items over and over again, and when the production shuts down, they store these barely used yet valuable assets then discard them for the cost to haul them away."

HollywoodParts.com will also store and sell unique conceptual art, digital art, digital video and designs created for famous motion pictures as well as digital effects like explosions and virtual worlds. "You can buy the sofa Denzel sat on or he might sit on a sofa rented from you!" Mike states with enthusiasm. So the next time you go to your storage container or plan to throw out that old toaster or sofa, think twice, it could be the next star of a major motion picture!

Major League Gaming's Orlando Competition Sets Record for Largest Console Gaming Competition Ever
The August 25-27 Boost Mobile MLG Pro Circuit to Feature 208 Halo 2 Teams and 1,200 Individual Competitors Who Will Battle It Out in Front of Expected Audience of More Than 6,000

Major League Gaming (MLG) announced today the Boost Mobile MLG Pro Circuit competition this month in Orlando will be the largest console video game competition ever, featuring 208 4-person Halo 2 teams, more than 1,000 individual competitors and an audience of more than 6,000.

In addition to the thousands of spectators and competitors watching the action in Orlando, hundreds of thousands more will watch a live stream of the competition at www.mlgpro.com. And starting on November 11th, all the action of the 2006 Pro Circuit will be airing on USA Network to 89 million homes as part of a groundbreaking TV series that looks into the lives of the pro players and takes the audience through the drama of the competitions.

The number of competitors at the Orlando event breaks the previous attendance record set by MLG last month when 1,800 gamers battled it out in MLG's Chicago Pro Circuit stop.

"It is really exciting to see the kind of growth we're experiencing, with the number of teams, competitors and spectators more than doubling year-over- year," said Matthew Bromberg, president and COO of MLG. "And it's all leading up to our Playoffs at the Digital Life show in the Javits Center in New York in October, and the Finals in Las Vegas where MLG's $800,000 season comes to a close and the 2006 Champions are named."

MLG had previously limited the number of four man teams to 176. Orlando is the first competition that MLG opened to more than 200 teams, leading to 208 team registrations in a matter of hours. The 2006 Boost Mobile MLG Pro Circuit, presented by GameStop and Scion, opened on April 21 in New York and continued through to Dallas, Anaheim and Chicago. Remaining competitions include Orlando on August 25-27, and New York (Jacob Javits Center) on October 13-15, all leading up to the Championship in Las Vegas on November 10-12.

Spectators and gamers are welcome to come to the Wyndham Orlando Resort and be part of the action. For more information, including location details, player point system rankings and general competition rules, please visit the MLG Web site at www.mlgpro.com.

About MLG (Major League Gaming)

MLG is the first professional video game league. By raising video game competition to the level of professional sport, the company is creating a sports media business that provides players, developers, publishers, media partners, and advertisers a unique connection to the video game lifestyle enjoyed by 168 million Americans. With the support of major sponsors, MLG operates a pro tour that in 2006 will make 7 stops in major cities across the U.S., exclusively featuring the best gamers in the world. We produce a variety of online and broadcast-quality programming that showcases MLG's pros and this exciting new sports entertainment phenomenon. More information can be found at www.mlgpro.com.

Source: MLG (Major League Gaming)

'Hostage: The Jill Carroll Story' Generates Record Web Site Traffic for The Christian Science Monitor
Americans Respond in Droves to Reporter's Riveting Account of Her 82 Days of Captivity in Iraq

The Christian Science Monitor, an international daily newspaper founded in 1908, and WebSideStory, Inc. (NASDAQ:WSSI) , a leading provider of digital marketing and analytics solutions, today announced that the newspaper's 11-part, multimedia series, "Hostage: The Jill Carroll Story," is generating record visitor traffic levels at its web site, www.csmonitor.com. When the series went fully live on Mon., Aug. 14th, more than 450,000 unique visitors flooded the site during the next 24 hours, making it one of the top-ranked newspaper web sites in the country for that period. According to The Christian Science Monitor's new web analytics service, WebSideStory's HBX Analytics, page views broke through the 1 million mark on Monday and soared to more than 1.5 million page views on Tuesday. This represented a massive increase from the site's July average of 121,247 page views per day, according to WebSideStory. Much of the visitor traffic is coming from major news outlets and consumer portals, such as CNN, AOL and Yahoo, which are providing excerpts of the series and linking back to the newspaper's web site. Nearly 90 percent of the visitors to the site are coming from the U.S., with Canadians and the British also showing strong interest.

"The Jill Carroll series is clearly resonating with a broad range of visitors from over 144 countries, and we are grateful and proud of Jill and our entire staff for being able to deliver this type of package to our loyal readers," said Robin Antonick, the Christian Science Monitor's chief web officer. "It has also been gratifying to see the tremendous online response to the series using WebSideStory's technology. HBX Analytics really shows our audience's response and has given us an array of insightful visitor metrics which will help the Monitor provide greater coverage of critical world events and ultimately better monetize our content."

The Jill Carroll series has been particularly effective at exposing new readers to The Christian Science Monitor brand. During the first two days of the series, the number of new visitors to the site rose to more than seven times its daily average in July, according to WebSideStory. The series, which features online videos, image galleries, RSS feeds and podcasts, also proved extremely sticky, with the percentage of visitors viewing two or more pages rising from an average of 22 percent in July to more than 63 percent during the first two days of this week.

"The Christian Science Monitor is recognized worldwide for its journalistic excellence and it has outdone itself with this amazing series detailing Jill's harrowing experience," said Rand Schulman, Chief Marketing Officer for WebSideStory. "We look forward to helping the newspaper analyze all aspects of this multi-media package and achieve its long-term online business goals."

For more information about WebSideStory, please visit www.websidestory.com. To visit the Christian Science Monitor web site, please go to www.csmonitor.com.

About WebSideStory, Inc.

Founded in 1996, WebSideStory, Inc. is a leading provider of digital marketing and analytics solutions that improve online marketing, sales and business operations. Its WebSideStory suite of digital marketing applications consists of web analytics, site search, web content management, and keyword bid management. WebSideStory also provides enterprise analytics solutions through its wholly owned subsidiary, Visual Sciences, LLC, a leading provider of streaming data analysis and visualization software. WebSideStory is headquartered in San Diego, California, and has European headquarters in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. For more information, contact WebSideStory. Voice: 858.546.0040. Fax: 858.546.0480. Address: 10182 Telesis Court, 6th Floor, San Diego, CA 92121. Web site: www.websidestory.com. WebSideStory and HBX are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by WebSideStory, Inc. Visual Sciences is a registered trademark of Visual Sciences, LLC. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

About The Christian Science Monitor

The Christian Science Monitor and its website, csmonitor.com, are renowned for their in-depth, comprehensive, and unbiased coverage of events and issues worldwide. During its 93-year history, the Monitor's adherence to the highest standards of journalism has earned seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards. With 18 bureaus worldwide, the Monitor strives to cover both major news events and overlooked stories from every corner of the globe. In 1996, the Monitor launched its award-winning, multi-media website featuring the complete contents of the print edition, full electronic archives back to the first issue, and original material written for the site.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. You should not regard any forward-looking statement as a representation by WebSideStory that any of its plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in WebSideStory's business, including, without limitation: WebSideStory's reliance on its web analytics services for the majority of its revenue; blocking or erasing of cookies or limitations on our ability to use cookies; WebSideStory's limited experience with digital marketing applications beyond web analytics; the risks associated with integrating the operations and products of Avivo Corporation and Visual Sciences, LLC with those of WebSideStory; privacy concerns and laws or other domestic or foreign regulations that may subject WebSideStory to litigation or limit our ability to collect and use Internet user information; WebSideStory's ability to defend itself against claims of patent infringement alleged by NetRatings, Inc.; WebSideStory's ongoing ability to protect its own intellectual property rights and to avoid violating the intellectual property rights of third parties; the highly competitive markets in which we operate that could make it difficult for WebSideStory to acquire and retain customers; the risk that WebSideStory's customers fail to renew their agreements; the risks associated with the company's indebtedness; the risk that WebSideStory's services may become obsolete in a market with rapidly changing technology and industry standards; and other risks described in WebSideStory's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including WebSideStory's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Do not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date of this news release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and WebSideStory undertakes no obligation to revise or update this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release.

Source: WebSideStory, Inc.; The Christian Science Monitor

Columbia Records/Sony Music Soundtrax Set to Release 'Everyone's Hero - Music From the Motion Picture'
Original Soundtrack from Animated Comedy-Adventure features New Recordings By John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting, Chris Botti featuring Lyle Lovett, Brooks & Dunn, Lonestar, Raven-Symone & More
Film Opens Nationwide on September 15
Soundtrack In Stores on September 12

Columbia Records/Sony Music Soundtrax will release "Everyone's Hero - Music From The Motion Picture" on Tuesday, September 12.

The film, "Everyone's Hero," opens nationwide on Friday, September 15.

The original soundtrack album of music from the eagerly-awaited new animated comedy-adventure feature film premieres new recordings from John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting ("The Best"), Chris Botti featuring Lyle Lovett ("Chicago [That Toddling Town]"), Brooks & Dunn ("Keep On Swinging," co-written by John Ondrasik and Kix Brooks, and "Swing It"), Lonestar (a new version of baseball's classic theme song, "Take Me Out To The Ballgame"), Raven-Symone ("Keep Your Eye On The Ball"), John Debney ("The Tigers") featuring a vocalization by American Idol's Paris Bennett, and more.

"Everyone's Hero - Music From The Motion Picture" includes two pieces from the film's original score by John Debney ("Chicken Little," "Dreamer," "Sin City," "Elf," "Bruce Almighty" and an Oscar-nominee for "The Passion of the Christ").

"Everyone's Hero" is the story of Yankee Irving, a young boy (voiced by Jake T. Austin) who embarks on a grand adventure to restore his family's honor while making true friends -- including the fun-loving tom-boy Marti Brewster (voiced by Raven-Symone), a wise-cracking baseball named Screwie (voiced by Rob Reiner) and a talking baseball bat called Darlin' (voiced by Whoopi Goldberg) -- along the journey. The film's voice cast also includes Brian Dennehy (as Babe Ruth), William H. Macy (as the scheming Lefty Maginnis), Mandy Patinkin (as Yankee's dad, Irving) and the late Dana Reeve (as Yankee's mom, Emily Irving), who also served as the film's executive producer

The movie's theme of perseverance against all odds was inspired by Christopher Reeve, the film's originating director and executive producer. Originally directed by Reeve, "Everyone's Hero" was completed by Colin Brady and Dan St. Pierre.

Everyone's Hero - Music From The Motion Picture

Track listing

John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting - The Best

Brooks & Dunn - Keep On Swinging

Tyrone Wells - Dream Like New York

Chris Botti feat. Lyle Lovett - Chicago (That Toddling Town)

Jon Randall and Jessi Alexander - The Best Day Of My Life

Raven-Symone - Keep Your Eye On The Ball

Wyclef Jean feat. Kontrast - What You Do

Brooks & Dunn - Swing It

Lonestar - Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Mary-Chapin Carpenter - The Bug *

John Debney feat. Paris Bennett - The Tigers

John Debney - Yankee At Bat

* bonus track

http://www.everyoneshero.com/

http://www.columbiarecords.com/

Source: Columbia Records/Sony Music Soundtrax

Sexy Tyrese Gibson & Meagan Good Lead an Adrenaline-Fueled Non-Stop Thrill Ride Through the Violent and Dangerous Streets of L.A.
'Waist Deep'
Coming to DVD With Exclusive Bonus Features October 10, 2006 From Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Tyrese Gibson ("Four Brothers," "2 Fast 2 Furious") in a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde story ignites an explosive Los Angeles crime wave in a desperate race to save a child's life in Rogue Pictures' "Waist Deep," coming to DVD on October 10, 2006 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The sizzling cast of this riveting contemporary action thriller includes Meagan Good ("Roll Bounce," "Brick"), Larenz Tate ("Crash," "Ray") and multi-platinum rapper The Game, in his feature film debut. Director and writer Vondie Curtis Hall ("Redemption: The Stan 'Tookie' Williams Story") has created a hard-hitting thriller with enough attitude and suspense to keep viewers on the edge of their seats straight through to the spectacular finale. The DVD is loaded with pulse-pounding bonus features and an off-the-hook soundtrack featuring the hottest new songs from some of today's most popular music artists.

"Waist Deep" is the gripping story of a man in a desperate race against the clock to save his young son. Ex-con O2 (Tyrese Gibson) is a single father trying to make good for the sake of his son. When his vehicle is carjacked with his boy inside, O2 must forsake the law to rescue his son from his kidnapper -- a ruthless drug lord (The Game) who has a penchant for lopping off limbs. Determined to rescue his child, O2 will try anything, even if it means igniting an all-out gang war. The DVD is priced at $29.98.

Bonus Features Will Blow You Away!

"Waist Deep" pumps up the non-stop action with electrifying, exclusive-to-DVD extras and knockout bonus features, including:

* Going Deep: Analysis of a Scene -- Follow the intense preparation for

the crucial car-jacking scene. "Waist Deep" director Vondie Curtis

Hall works with the film's star, stunt coordinator and director of

photography to choreograph the heart-stopping action.

* Drive-By Filmmaking -- An insider's look at the techniques used by

filmmakers to create heart-pumping driving scenes and death-defying

chases.

* "Bad Girl" -- Black Buddafly teams up with hip-hop royalty Fabolous in

this dazzling music video.

* Plus exclusive additional scenes not shown in theaters!

Synopsis

Locked and loaded with action, "Waist Deep" is an explosive thrill ride featuring Tyrese Gibson as O2, an ex-con who's trying to go straight. His life takes a deadly turn when his son gets kidnapped in a carjacking and held for ransom by a ruthless druglord (The Game). With a street-smart hustler (Meagan Good) as his partner and his shady cousin (Larenz Tate) in the mix, O2 races through the violent streets of Los Angeles in a desperate attempt to outsmart rival gangs and save his son.

For more information please visit: www.waistdeep.net

CAST & FILMMAKERS

Director: Vondie Curtis Hall

Written By: Vondie Curtis Hall and Darin Scott; Story by Michael Mahern

Produced By: Preston Holmes

Executive Producers: Ted Field, Trevor Macy, Marc D. Evans, Russell

Simmons, Stan Lathan, Amy Kaufman, A. Demetrius Brown

Director of Photography: Shane Hurlbut

Production Designer: Warren Alan Young

Film Editor: Terilyn A. Shropshire

Costume Designer: Marie France

Music By: Kon Artis, Terence Blanchard

Cast: Tyrese Gibson, Meagan Good, Larenz Tate, The Game

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

DVD

Street Date: October 10, 2006

Price: $29.98

Selection Number: 26558 (Widescreen); 31212 (Full Frame)

Running Time: 1 Hour 37 Minutes

Layers: Dual Layer

Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1; Full Frame 1.33:1

Rating: R

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

Subtitles

Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.

Buddhist Monks Keep Rolling in New Feature Film by Anna Wilding
The Anna Wilding Film Buddha Wild Monk in the Hut Selected With, Little Buddha, The Last Samurai and 2005 Oscar Winner Crash for Buddhist Film Festival

The film BUDDHA WILD MONK IN THE HUT by Anna Wilding, produced by Carpe Diem Films, is opening on more screens. The small budget vibrant film screened for a week in cinema in Los Angeles in March garnering Critics Pick by LA Weekly Critic Marc Olsen who said, "GO! A Surprisingly Pleasant Trip," and Union Jack Newspaper saying, "Accomplished. Anna Wilding Captures Our Attention." The film is being re-released for 7 days opening on August 23 at the Laemmles Grande 4 Plex Cinema in Los Angeles and in New Zealand at the Academy Cinema. The film has just been acquired up by Gil Scrine Distribution for Australian and New Zealand territories. Talks with cinemas in USA and Europe are currently pending.

BUDDHA WILD MONK IN THE HUT is one of six films selected alongside The Last Samurai (2003), Crash, I Heart Huckabees, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai and Little Buddha for the first ever Buddhist Film Festival in Calgary November 3-5 2006. Films were selected on artistic merit and thematic diversity.

The film which was directed, produced, written and narrated by Anna Wilding tells the simple and pure tale of Thai and Sir Lankan monks on a missionary monastery. Despite limited access to large cameras and with the filmmaker facing constant days of rain, the film has been woven together in a complex and intelligent style that suits a Buddhist narrative and utilizes a combination of guerrilla, poetic, narrative feature and music video techniques. The film has consistently received good houses and praise for its colourful, engaging yet natural story telling by Anna Wilding and easy to understand distillation of the complex Buddhist beliefs. Anna Wilding also narrates and presents the film. Wilding has been keeping a low profile recently while threats and attempts to sabotage made by internet stalkers are investigated.

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

VDS Selected to Provide The Score Television Network With a New HD Ticker
The First Native 720p Ticker in North America for Sports Scores

MELVILLE, NY, August 14, 2006—VDS, a leading developer of graphics automation software, content design and plug-in products has delivered an exciting new HD ticker to The Score Television Network in Toronto. The signature graphic on The Score, the new ticker is the first native 720p ticker in North America, built from the ground up to deliver dynamic sports information to sports fans across Canada.

The heart of the system is a central database designed by VDS for the storage and distribution of live sports scores, statistical and other related information from multiple data sources. This database serves as the single source of data for all automated graphics applications at The Score, including the Ticker, website and other applications planned for the future.

Designed with three independent but simultaneously updating regions for main ticker, game bug, and breaking news the ticker includes advanced animations and transitions not yet seen in on-air tickers. It also includes a progress indicator, which shows how many entries remain within a specific subject as well as advanced line-up bars indicating sports segments that are coming up.

The integrated display of live game data from Stats Inc. and sports odds data from Chalk provides important and up to the minute information to the sports fan including advanced game situation display features, with base-runner indicators for baseball, ball possession and field position for football, and power-play/man advantage for hockey.

The Score ticker also has multiple modes of operation and display, including standard ticker mode, and live event mode, in which the ticker transforms, on the fly, to a smaller size at the bottom of the screen to minimize the video squeezeback required.

An advanced authoring tool allows The Score personnel to quickly create ticker playlists with as many as 1500 entries, which is common for the dynamic and comprehensive production requirements of The Score.

The VDS ticker system also allows for automatic scheduling and playback of multiple playlists based on date and time as well as advanced scheduling features for enabling individual or groups of playlist entries based on game situation and time of day.

“At the Score, we push ourselves to think of new ways to enhance the viewing experience and really deliver sports information in a form that is entertaining, informative, and innovative,” says David Errington, Sr. Vice President and General Manager, The Score Television Network. “The ticker is our signature and I believe that together we have taken something that was great and made it even better.”

“The Score ticker was one of the most challenging automated graphics systems VDS has implemented. Using our core Sportbase database, GameTrak system and modular graphics engine, we were able to provide The Score with a very unique and dynamic system that matches the excitement of The Score broadcast, said Jaye Gore, Vice President of VDS.

As part of its contract with The Score, VDS will also be delivering other advanced tools for the production of automated graphics, including a system that will drive full-screen graphics or “boards” with live game situation and statistical information.

About VDS
VDS is committed to providing automation and content design tools for the broadcast, cable television, internet, and post production markets. VDS designs products for the automated control of broadcast television systems, with an emphasis on graphics-related operations, content distribution and automation, and internet-to-video and video-to-internet systems. VDS content creation systems provide industry tools that deliver graphic design, universal file translation and integration capabilities

Google Code Jam 2006: Programmers Worldwide Invited to Participate in Google's Fourth Annual Global Coding Competition
Registration opens August 14th; finals to be held in
Google's New York City Engineering Office on October 27th, 2006

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., and New York, NY, - August 14, 2006 - Google
Inc., (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced today that registration is now open for
Google Code Jam 2006. Google's annual online coding competition
presents participants with a series of challenges that they must use
their programming skills and creativity to solve. Programmers ready to
match their skills against the world's best can register at
http://www.google.com/codejam2006. The top 100 contestants win an all
expenses paid trip to New York City to compete in the finals at
Google's New York Engineering Office.

"The Google Code Jam is an incredible opportunity for the most talented
and fastest computer scientists in the world to come together and
compete on an international stage," said Alan Eustace, senior vice
president, Engineering, Google Inc. "Google is proud to support these
amazing coders as they take on some of the world's most challenging
programming problems, and we're pleased to have the chance to introduce
them to our research and development offices around the world."

This year marks the first year the finals will be held in New York
City. "Google New York is very excited to be hosting Google Code Jam
2006," said Craig Nevill-Manning, director, Engineering New York,
Google Inc. "It's an incredible opportunity to introduce the best of
the programming world to our New York Engineering office in downtown
Manhattan and demonstrate the incredible diversity of experiences that
Google offers engineers all over the world. If you can make it in Code
Jam here, you can make it anywhere!"

In addition to the trip to Google's New York Engineering Office,
finalists will also divide $155,000 in prize money:

Grand Prize:            $10,000
2nd - 10th place:       $5,000 each
11th - 25th place:      $2,500 each
26th - 50th place:      $1,000 each
51st - 100th place:     $750 each

Registration for Google Code Jam closes September 5, and the qualifying
round begins on the same day.

Last year, more than 14,500 competitors from 32 countries took part in
the Google Code Jam, and Marek Cygan of Poland took home the grand
prize. The Google Code Jam is powered by TopCoder®, the leader in
online programming competition, skills assessment, and competitive
software development. More information about Google Code Jam 2006 can
be found at http://www.google.com/codejam2006.

About Google Inc.
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people
around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.

Posted by ladymountbatten at 12:20 PM | Permalink

News & News in Spanish

Los Usuarios de Verizon Wireless Ahora Pueden Personalizar sus Teléfonos Móviles con ToneMaker DJ y Wallpaper Maker de Sonic

Sept 13

Verizon Wireless, el principal proveedor de telefonía móvil del país, y Sonic Branding Solutions (Sonic), un desarrollador y editor líder de entretenimiento móvil, anunciaron hoy que la popular aplicación para crear tonos de sonido de Sonic, ToneMaker DJ, y su aplicación innovadora para crear protectores de pantalla, Wallpaper Maker, están disponibles con el servicio Get It Now(R) de Verizon Wireless. Estas aplicaciones ofrecen a los usuarios de Verizon Wireless nuevas herramientas de personalización para ayudarles a crear sonidos e imágenes únicas para sus teléfonos móviles.

Los usuarios de Verizon Wireless con determinados teléfonos habilitados con Get It Now ahora pueden acceder el principal producto galardonado de Sonic, ToneMaker DJ. Los usuarios con ToneMaker DJ pueden crear tonos de sonido originales con una interfaz fácil de usar de cuatro tonos que descarga y mezcla miles de sonidos no exclusivos de celebridades y músicos famosos. Los artistas en ciernes pueden exponer su trabajo y descargar y revisar las creaciones de otros que hayan producido tonos de sonido con ToneMaker DJ.

Wallpaper Maker es el primer diseñador de protectores de pantalla que permite que los usuarios tomen fotos de cualquier fuente o seleccionen de una vasta colección de protectores de pantalla prediseñados y los personalicen utilizando una extensa biblioteca de efectos especiales y clip-art. Con capacidades de edición avanzadas, los usuarios de Verizon Wireless pueden elevar la personalización de sus teléfonos móviles a un próximo nivel creando protectores de pantalla originales y diseñados a su gusto. Al igual que con ToneMaker DJ, Sonic integró una vasta gama de funciones comunitarias en Wallpaper Maker.

John Harrobin, vicepresidente de medios digitales para Verizon Wireless, dijo, "Los productos innovadores de Sonic ofrecen a los usuarios de Verizon Wireless una libertad creativa para personalizar sus teléfonos móviles, ayudándoles a llevar los tonos de sonido y protectores de pantalla al próximo nivel de personalización".

"Estas innovaciones marcan la primera vez que los individuos pueden verdaderamente personalizar sus teléfonos móviles creando tonos de sonido y protectores de pantalla a su gusto, únicos como los usuarios en si", dijo David JP Danon, CEO de Sonic. "El acceso a ToneMaker DJ y Wallpaper Maker para los usuarios de Verizon Wireless significa que ahora tienen la libertad de crear exactamente lo que desean ver y escuchar en sus teléfonos móviles".

Los usuarios de Verizon Wireless con determinados teléfonos habilitados con Get It Now pueden descargar ToneMaker DJ del pasillo de compras getTONES o Wallpaper Maker del pasillo de compras getWALLPAPER de la tienda virtual Get It Now; cada aplicación está disponible por $4.49 de acceso mensual. Los cargos por descargas de aplicaciones de Get It Now varían y se aplican otros cargos de tiempo aire por navegación, descargas y uso de ciertas aplicaciones. Los usuarios necesitan tener el servicio digital de Verizon Wireless para acceder a la tienda virtual de Get It Now.

Para obtener mayor información sobre los productos y servicios de Verizon Wireless, visite una tienda Verizon Wireless Communications Store, llame gratis al, 1-800-2 JOIN IN o visite http://www.verizonwireless.com/. Para obtener mayor información acerca de Sonic Branding Solutions por favor visite http://www.sonicbrandingsolutions.com/.

Acerca de Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless tiene y opera la red móvil más confiable del país y cuenta con 54.8 millones de clientes de sus servicios de voz y datos. Verizon Wireless, con sede en Basking Ridge, Nueva Jersey, es una sociedad conjunta de Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) y Vodafone (NYSE y LSE: VOD). Para más información, visite http://www.verizonwireless.com/. Si desea recibir secuencias de video, con resolución apropiada para difusión, y fotografías de alta resolución sobre las operaciones de Verizon Wireless, visite http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Acerca de Sonic

Sonic Branding Solutions Inc., es un desarrollador y editor líder global de entretenimiento móvil con una línea de productos que presenta algunos de los títulos de mayor venta en Estados Unidos y en el exterior. La tecnología innovadora, licencias sólidas y su visión creativa se unen en productos como ToneMaker DJ, Name That Tune(R), Hip Hop Hollywood Squares(R), Screensaver Maker y más. Las aplicaciones de Sonic están disponibles a través de las portadoras en todo el mundo.

Retailers Applaud Senator Collins' Bipartisan Approach on Port Security; Urge Senate to Reject Senator Schumer's Amendments on Scanning and New Container Tax

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) today urges the Senate to follow the approach to improving port security introduced by a bipartisan group of Senators led by Senator Susan Collins and to resist other extraneous amendments that might bog down the process, risking the opportunity to pass a good bill that will help secure our nation's ports, people and economy. RILA represents some of the largest and most knowledgeable stakeholders in the supply chain system.

"The Senate has the opportunity to pass strong bipartisan port security legislation and we avidly support this effort," said Paul Kelly, RILA's senior vice president, government affairs. "However, we call on the Senate to reject amendments that take an unrealistic approach to improving port security and may derail passage of this important legislation."

RILA called on the Senate to reject a scanning amendment (S 4930) introduced by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), calling the amendment "unrealistic, a diversion of resources and potentially damaging to the U.S. and global economies." RILA also urged Senators to reject a second amendment (S 4938) by Senator Schumer that would place a tax on all containers entering the United States.

"The Schumer amendment mandates the use of technology that is not ready to be deployed throughout the supply chain and has the potential to significantly impede the flow of commerce and damage the U.S. and global economy," said Kelly. "RILA and its members are strongly opposed to the amendment because it would put containers at greater risk of tampering, and would divert resources away from the current successful risk assessment approach. A container at rest is a container at risk."

Kelly continued, "Both the GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act passed by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House of Representatives-approved SAFE Ports Act (passed by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 421 to 2) address the scanning issue by calling for pilot projects to test the effectiveness and operational ability to conduct 100 percent container scanning. In addition, the House bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct an evaluation of scanning systems, taking into consideration false alarm rates and other operational issues, the impact on trade, the need for international cooperation, and the ability to integrate and deploy these systems overseas. These provisions represent the best approach to addressing this issue and will help to answer important operational and economic questions that will be critical to understanding how to effectively implement improved container scanning.

"The amendment will require scanning of the vast majority of cargo that poses no risk, and result in unnecessary delays that would damage the economy without improving security," said Kelly. "A study by the Rand Corp this June found that 100 percent scanning would add 5.5 hours to the movement of each of the 11 million containers that enter the US every year. U.S. manufacturing depends on 'just-in-time' delivery. Even a delay of several days in delivering needed inputs to U.S. manufacturing would have a devastating impact on the economy. A recent Washington Post editorial opposing 100 percent scanning proposals has it right: 'inspecting 100 percent of containers is a slogan, not a solution.'"

Regarding a tax on containers, Kelly stated, "Over the years, retailers have a long track record of funding and investing millions of dollars in security-related initiatives through federal tax, port/terminal security fees, C-TPAT funding and other charges/investments. According to a 2004 GAO report, industry pays $16 billion dollars a year in user fees and Customs duties. Yet only twenty-five percent of these funds are spent on the ports. Before additional user fees are put in place, Congress should ensure that existing user fees are dedicated to security purposes."

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is a trade association of the largest and fastest growing companies in the retail industry. Its members include retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales. RILA members operate more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers, have facilities in all 50 states, and provide millions of jobs domestically and worldwide.

Source: Retail Industry Leaders Association

Web site: http://www.retail-leaders.org/

Health Meets Expediency at the Point of Care in US Diagnostics Market

Diagnosing at the point of care offers many advantages: increased patient empowerment, improved clinical outcomes, and fewer days at the hospital. As a result, physicians are ordering more point of care tests and companies are racing to meet growing demand. Their efforts are made easier by improved knowledge of diseases and drug responses at the molecular level and improved technologies that enable simpler, more self-contained testing. These trends, according to a new report from BioPerspectives, are expected to drive double-digit growth over the next five years. According to the new report -- "Point of Care Diagnostics Market in the US: Opportunities and Challenges" -- the market is expected to grow from $5.5 billion in 2005 to as much as $7.5 billion in 2010.

But this opportunity is not without challenges. Point of care diagnostics is a highly competitive and challenging marketplace, with more than 50 companies and 40 types of tests, not to mention regulatory guidelines, reimbursement challenges, and information technology infrastructure needs. Moreover, point of care testing is inherently more expensive than central laboratory-based testing on a per test basis, resulting in intense price pressure. Success in this market depends on a detailed understanding of the trends, the unmet needs, the technologies, and the prices.

This new report from BioPerspectives is the ideal tool for planning for success. The comprehensive analysis of the US market is based on (1) a proprietary comprehensive database of tests, (2) discussions with clinicians, (3) detailed assessments of current and emerging technologies, and (4) CDC, FDA, and professional organizational guidelines and publications. Twenty-one figures, 32 tables, and 57 company profiles present the information in a clear and accessible manner. "Point of Care Diagnostics Market in the US: Opportunities and Challenges" is the go-to tool for those wishing to enter and those wishing to stay current in this dynamic market.

Radio Netherlands Worldwide busca el "nuevo Rembrandt"

September 12/

- Los artistas pueden presentarse al concurso hasta el 14 de octubre de 2006

¿Quién es el Rembrandt de nuestro tiempo? ¿Cómo inspira el "gran maestro holandés" a los artistas contemporáneos de todo el mundo? Para descubrirlo, Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW) ha lanzado una competición a nivel internacional bajo el título "Inspirado por Rembrandt". Los artistas de todo el mundo están invitados a participar a través del sitio web oficial rembrandt.rnw.nl. hasta el 14 de octubre de 2006. Competirán por un taller especial en la Academia Rietveld en Ámsterdam, un importante instituto de arte holandés. Las mejores entregas se mostrarán en una exposición que tendrá lugar en los Países Bajos.

Un jurado formado por expertos analizará las obras presentadas y seleccionará 10 semifinalistas, cuyos trabajos se expondrán en la página web rembrandt.rnw.nl. Mediante un formulario de voto en el sitio web el público general podrá elegir la obra de arte ganadora del 1 al 30 de noviembre. La ceremonia se celebrará en diciembre.

Embajadora cultural

Las celebraciones con motivo del 400 aniversario del nacimiento de Rembrandt se celebrarán en los Países Bajos a lo largo del año. En su función como embajadora de la cultura holandesa, Radio Netherlands proporciona una plataforma internacional multimedia para este "Año Rembrandt" a través de la radio, la televisión e Internet. A principios de año Radio Netherlands Worldwide emitió la obra dramática de radio 'The Edges of the Night Watch' en holandés, inglés, español, indonesio, francés e italiano.

Nota para los medios

Radio Netherlands Worldwide es el emisor público internacional holandés que ofrece noticias, información y cultura a través de la radio, la televisión e Internet, alcanzando a un público de unos 50 millones de personas a la semana.

Página web: www.radionetherlands.nl

Source: Radio Netherlands Worldwide

La inspiradora historia de la lucha de un muchacho por vencer los obstáculos en el competitivo mundo del fútbol profesional; Goal! The Dream Begins
Vibrantes escenas futbolísticas con un elenco internacional y materiales extras emocionantes

Viva de cerca el mundo veloz y competitivo del fútbol profesional y siga la inspiradora trayectoria de un muchacho que deja todo por alcanzar la gloria deportiva en Goal! The Dream Begins, la película distribuida por Buena Vista Home Entertainment que estará disponible en DVD el 12 de septiembre. En la tradición de exitosas películas deportivas como “Miracle” y “Glory Road”, Goal! The Dream Begins es la inspiradora historia de Santiago (Kuno Becker, "Lucia, Lucia"), un joven inmigrante mexicano de Los Ángeles que sueña con jugar en el fútbol profesional. Su estricto padre piensa que Santiago debería abandonar su sueño e instalarse definitivamente en la ciudad pero Santiago viaja a Inglaterra, donde consigue una prueba con el Newcastle United, uno de los mejores equipos de fútbol profesional del mundo. Completamente solo en esta nueva cultura, Santiago compite con algunos de los mejores jugadores. A fin de honrar a su familia y mantener su autenticidad, Santiago debe demostrar que cuenta con la determinación, la habilidad y la pasión por el juego para triunfar a pesar de todo.

Los materiales extras del DVD incluyen “The Beautiful Game”, un documental sobre el fútbol, el deporte más popular del planeta; el documental detrás de cámara “Behind The Pitch” sobre las emocionantes escenas futbolísticas de la película; comentarios del cineasta; video musical del grupo de rock Happy Mondays; y una colección de los mejores momentos futbolísticos de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA.

La película cuenta con un elenco internacional que incluye a Alessandro Nivola (Face Off, Jurassic Park III) como el jugador estrella de Newcastle United; Marcel Lures (Mission Impossible) como el entrenador difícil pero justo de Newcastle; Stephen Dillane (King Arthur, The Greatest Game Ever Played) como el cazatalentos; y Anna Friel (Timeline) como la bella muchacha local que no renunciará a Santiago. Goal! The Dream Begins está disponible en DVD a un precio de venta sugerido de $29.99 en los Estados Unidos y $35.99 en Canadá.

EXTRAS
-- “The Beautiful Game " – documental sobre el emocionante fenómeno mundial del fútbol
-- “Behind The Pitch” – documental detrás de cámara que muestra cómo las intensas escenas futbolísticas de la película se integraron con partidos reales jugados por superestrellas del fútbol
-- Comentarios del cineasta
-- Vídeo musical de Happy Mondays: “Playground Superstar”
-- Mejores momentos de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA

FECHA DE LANZAMIENTO: 12 de septiembre de 2006
-- Precio de venta sugerido: $29.99 en EE.UU.; $35.99 en Canadá
-- Clasificación: Estados Unidos: PG-13 por cierto contenido sexual, lenguaje grosero y breve referencia a drogas
-- Canadá: PG - No recomendada para niños pequeños
-- Los materiales extras no están clasificados ni subtitulados
-- Duración: Aproximadamente 118 minutos
-- Formato de imagen: 2.40:1 con formato para pantallas de TV de 16x9
-- Sonido de DVD: Dolby(R) Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
-- Idiomas: Inglés, español, francés. Subtítulos en español.
-- Subtitulado para las personas con deficiencias auditivas.

Historia y guión de Mike Jeffries y Adrian Butchart; Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais. Dirigida por Danny Cannon.

Aboard Air Force One En Route Andrews Air Force Base SEPT 11,2006

1:58 P.M. EDT

MR. SNOW: We're just going low-tech here. I don't have any statements, so -- questions.

Q -- interactions with families at the two sites?

MR. SNOW: Mostly, at the first site with first responders, with firemen and EMS, what the President did is he went table to table, and also posed for photos with each of the tables, and spent a lot of time not only talking about what they've been through in the last five years, but many also had messages that they wanted to pass on to him.

When we got to Shanksville, I don't know -- were you guys out there? Did you get to see it? So you had a large semi-circle in which family --

Q -- started his way around and then --

MR. SNOW: Yes, he and the First Lady started at opposite ends and both of them worked all the way around. In some ways, because you had a lot more family members, these were more emotional. There were some people who were still clearly grieving about what happened five years ago. And he just chatted with them, took his time, listened to what people had to say, had condolences.

Also, with regard to Shanksville, a number of the families had been to the White House to see the United 93 movie, so in a number of cases, the President and some of us who had been at the movie, as well, had seen family members at least for the second time.

Q -- expecting the benediction in Shanksville? Did you know that was going to happen?

MR. SNOW: You know what, I did not study the schedule.

Q Can you give us any hints of what's to come in the speech tonight, and whether or not the President will say anything at the Pentagon, or will we have sort of a wordless day from the President until the speech?

MR. SNOW: You will have, effectively, to use your phrase, a wordless day until the speech. A wreath-laying -- the President will be meeting with the Defense Secretary and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. There will be some family members also and he will meet with them at the Pentagon. But there will be no formal remarks until the Oval Office tonight.

As I said before, really it's a reflective speech, what we have learned since September 11th, where we're going. But it is, as I've been at some pains to say in the last few days, it's not a political speech, it's not trying to draw political distinctions or issue calls to action. I think this is a time to try to talk in a way that unifies the American people.

Q Can you talk about the unscripted stop, the unscheduled stop last night to the firehouse and the memorial site? When was it planned, and just tell us a little about the specifics behind that?

MR. SNOW: Honestly, I don't know. I mean, I knew it had been in the works. This is a site that formally opened today and had just been previewed yesterday morning by some of the family members. This had been organized in part by family members of September 11th.

Q Why was it not on the schedule? Why was it a surprise?

MR. SNOW: Because we wanted to add some spice and zest to your life.

Q Was the President surprised by anything, or was this day basically what he expected? Or has he talked about anything striking him as unexpected at either of the stops?

MR. SNOW: I don't think there has been. My conversations have been cursory at this point. He's now -- he knew going in that this was going to be emotional, and it has been. You see people directly affected when we were at the firehouse. It's interesting because you sit around a table with people who mention -- matter-of-factly, but not casually -- the memorial services for people who died, how long it took to find bodies. For them, it's an incredible reality -- what's gone on with the family members, the ways in which, since September 11th, they've chosen to put together memorials, whether they be at hospitals or schools or neighborhoods. There have been people handing out pictures and cards and commemorations. It's very personal.

And again, with Shanksville, you have family members who were weeping and recalling what had happened. There's an interesting little detail which I got at both sites. The people in New York said, the weather has been exactly the same every September 11th since September 11th, 2001; and the people at Shanksville said the same thing, the same kind of weather conditions have prevailed each year since. I don't know what you make of it, but it's one thing that people took pains to mention.

So, again, going in, he knew this was going to be emotional, and it will be emotional at the Pentagon. We'll be talking -- for those of us who live in Washington, we have a lot more direct experience because we know a lot of the people, including survivors, as well as people who died.

Surprises -- I don't know if you go in with fixed expectations to a day like this. You go in knowing that you're going to be commemorating, you're going to be reaching out to people. I don't think it's the kind of day where you're surprised so much as you've just got to be ready for whatever you encounter.

Q -- one thing that maybe moved the President more than anything else? Just something that really sits with him from this day or last night?

MR. SNOW: I'd hesitate to characterize it just because, again, I haven't asked him that specific a question and I wouldn't want to try to make a guess at what stands out more. I'll try to find out, but I don't know.

Q Has the President expressed any frustration with the pace of reconstruction at Ground Zero? Have you heard him say, why is it taking so long?

MR. SNOW: I think the President realizes what's going on at Ground Zero is a byproduct of New York politics and it will have to get worked out.

Q -- sort of temporary nature of some of these memorials? I mean, the families set up this Visitors Center. I mean, it doesn't seem, after five years, like the best we could do.

MR. SNOW: Well, I think what you're asking for, Richard, is a federal program right now. I think it's astounding, you not only had that memorial, but I don't know if you guys saw the little area where we were observing as they walked down to lay the wreath yesterday. But it's still crowded with pictures and with badges and hats and uniform fragments. I think people, in various ways, know that they're not going to forget. And for that bit of remembrance, they don't need federal help. What they do need is for other people to remember and other people to pitch in and say, absolutely, we're going to do everything we can to prevent this from happening again.

Again, with the peculiar nature of what's going on in New York, we hope that authorities will work it out and they'll get going.

Q -- on the speech on the flights today on the chopper, on the plane?

MR. SNOW: The speech is pretty much wrapped up. It's now really down to very small touches, a word here, a word there. And it's been in that condition probably for -- well, certainly for the last 24 hours.

Q -- leave some space to kind of talk about for a few minutes what he saw today in the text?

MR. SNOW: Yes, there's a little bit. Again, it will be a short speech, reflective, but also talking about our commitment to winning the war on terror. I think what's probably going to happen is we're going to go back after the Pentagon, everybody is going to catch their breath. We'll probably do a run-through or two before the Oval Office address tonight.

All right, thanks.

Telecom Italia selecciona la Guía de Servicios Electrónicos (ESG) EXPWAY para llevar a cabo el despliegue de su servicio de TV móvil

September 11 EXPWAY, el principal proveedor mundial de soluciones de software de gestión de servicios de contenido, se enorgullece al anunciar el despliegue de FastESG(TM), su solución de guía electrónica de servicios para TV móvil de Telecom Italia.

Telecom Italia ha seleccionado la solución EXPWAY FastESG (TM) para promover los servicios y el contenido disponibles en su nuevo servicio desplegado de TV móvil. Este despliegue confirma la posición de liderazgo de EXPWAY en el desarrollo y suministro de soluciones ESG compatibles con el estándar DVB IPDC en las redes DVB-H. Italia se ha convertido en el primer país en desplegar comercialemente los servicios de tipo DVB-H a gran escala.

Al permitir a los suscriptores el acceso, solicitud, visualización e interacción del contenido más relevante para ellos, la plataforma EXPWAY FastESG(TM) se sitúa en en el corazón del servicio de Telecom Italia. La Guía de Servicios Electrónicos mejora el que ya es considerado como lo más valioso del servicio de TV móvil: la emisión de contenido.

"Telecom Italia deseaba disponer de una ESG con especificaciones completas, y nuestra solución FastESG(TM) cumple completamente con este requisito", afirmó Antoine Weil, consejero delegado de EXPWAY. "EXPWAY apoya los servicios de TV móvil de Telecom Italia, ya que ofrece y permite disponer de una solución interactiva completa para los proveedores de contenido y también para los usuarios".

Al ser compatible con las especificaciones DVB IPDC, el estándar de convergencia respecto a las emisiones y servicios móviles, la solución EXPWAY FastESG(TM) sitúa a la Guía de Servicios Electrónicos en el camino de las oportunidades de ingresos para los operadores de los servicios de TV móvil. La solución de software de la Guía de Servicios Electrónicos, integrada en la red y en los teléfonos móviles, es la única entrada a la radio y los canales de TV y los programas bajo demanda en las redes móviles.

La solución EXPWAY se integra con los sistemas de acceso condicional y equipamiento de transmisiones, además de una amplia gama de dispositivos de consumo.

Acerca de EXPWAY

EXPWAY es un importante proveedor de soluciones completas de gestión de servicios y de contenido para las emisiones móviles, telecomunicaciones móviles y redes IP de banda ancha. Las soluciones de software de EXPWAY basadas en los estándares incluyen FastESG(TM), la solución ESG dedicada a la TV móvil y basada en las especificaciones DVB IPDC para DVB-H, FastEPG(TM), la solución EPG dedicada a IPTV y basada en DVB-IPTV y las especificaciones de TV-Anytime, además de los Servicios Interactivos, como las apuestas, votos y publicidad.

FastESG(TM) fue la primera solución compatible DVB IPDC desplegada a nivel comercial. Las soluciones de EXPWAY se integran con varios sistemas CAS y DRM, y ya han sido desplegadas en pruebas de mercado realizadas por los operadores de telecomunicaciones y emisiones de países como Italia, Francia, Alemania, Suecia y Japón, además de integrarse en los terminales mobiles, STB y TV de todo el mundo. Fundada en 2000, esta compañía privada tiene su sede en París (Francia). Si desea más información visite: www.expway.com

Source: EXPWAY

LAX Sets Remembrance Ceremonies for Sept. 11

Officials at Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) will commemorate the fifth anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, with the relighting of the LAX Pylons on Sunday, Sept. 10; and a "Circle of Unity" and wreath-laying ceremonies on Monday, Sept. 11, 2006, at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

WHAT:

1. LAX Pylons Relighting, Sunday, Sept. 10 at 9:01 p.m., following a six-month modernization project. Without ceremony, the LAX pylons will be turned on with red, white and blue programming at 9:01 p.m. that will continue for 27 hours until midnight Sept. 11. The landmark series of color light structures are comprised of 15 100-foot-high pylons in a circle at the Century Boulevard entrance to LAX and 11 more pylons ranging in height from 25 to 60 feet along the Century Boulevard median between Aviation and Sepulveda Blvds. At dusk on Tuesday, Sept. 12, the pylons will relight with a regular programming of a variety of colors and sequences. The pylons were upgraded with new technology that provides easy-to-use computer programming with a palette of millions of colors, 75 percent savings in energy use, and improved reliability and less maintenance.

2. Circle of Unity with a moment of silence at the landmark Theme Building. The public, airport employees and passengers are invited to form a silent human "Circle of Unity" around the Theme Building -- re-creating the one held Sept. 14, 2001, the first full day of flight activity after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The minute of silence at 12 noon on Monday, Sept. 11, will be followed by all attendees singing "God Bless America." Small U.S. flags and a red-white-and-blue heart sticker will be distributed to those attending. Media parking: ALL media may park in Vendor Delivery Lot 6 on the Lower/Arrivals Level across from Terminal 6.

3. Wreath Laying Ceremony at the LAX Flag Court at the intersection of Century and Sepulveda Blvds. by the Los Angeles Airport Police Honor Guard at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 11. The Honor Guard will lay a wreath at the base of the U.S. flag where a bronze plaque was dedicated on the first anniversary of 9-11. The plaque is inscribed with the names of all those who died on the four California-bound flights. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) LAX Choir will sing during the ceremony. Media parking: Broadcast-equipped media vehicles ONLY may park in southside LAX employees parking lot located between LAWA Administration Building and Terminal 7. ALL other media may park in Parking Structures 1 and 7 (parking will be validated).

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been selected by the U.S. Army as one of six contractors to provide satellite communications systems and services for the World-Wide Satellite Systems program under a five-year, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract valued at up to $5 billion.

The contract calls for six satellite terminal types, operating on a variety of military and commercial satellite bands, including C, Ku, X and Ka, and services for satellite operation and sustainment. The six types include combat support service very small aperture terminal (VSAT); fixed station satellite terminal; flyaway VSAT satellite terminal; military certified satellite terminal; prime mover/trailer mounted satellite terminal; and deployable satellite earth terminal.

Advanced Information Systems, a unit of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems, will provide satellite communication systems, as well as engineering and support services, that provide commercial and tactical beyond-line-of-sight communications. Boeing's solution will support current systems and strategic satellite communications to sustain a flexible baseband, while offering continuous technological improvements in performance, logistics supportability, reliability and maintainability.

"Satellite communications have become integral to overall mission success," said Dan Jones, director of Advanced Information Systems. "Boeing has assembled a team of small and large best-of-industry suppliers to deliver turnkey network-centric communications solutions that will enable federal agencies, homeland security, military organizations, and others to quickly respond to emerging requirements."

A unit of The Boeing Company, Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services

Sept. 09, 2006 -- The Boeing [NYSE: BA] 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter took to the skies for the first time at 10:38 a.m. (UTC/GMT +8 hours) today, initiating the flight test program that will culminate in U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification.

The two-hour, four-minute flight was the first of 250 expected flight test hours for the unique freighter, a specially modified 747-400 that will transport major composite structures of the all-new 787 Dreamliner.

The enormous jet -- with its enlarged upper fuselage that can accommodate three times the cargo by volume of a standard 747-400 freighter -- gracefully took off under rainy skies from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (formerly Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport). Boeing flight test pilots, Capts. Joe MacDonald and Randy Wyatt, took the airplane north, and then flew roughly 150 miles south following along the east side of the island before heading north again.

"It went beautifully," MacDonald said after the flight ended. In fact, the airplane handled so well, "quite often during the flight, it was easy to forget you were in an LCF rather than a regular 747-400," he said.

Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp., part of Taiwan's Evergreen Group, is modifying the fleet of three airplanes at its facility at the airport.

"This is a key moment in the Dreamliner program," said Scott Strode, 787 vice president of Airplane Development and Production. "The LCF fleet is the foundation of our lean, global production system and enables us to meet the unprecedented customer demand for the 787. I congratulate the global LCF team -- our design and production partners, our modification partner EGAT, and our incredible Boeing team -- for this remarkable achievement."

The flight test program is expected to last through the end of the year. The LCF also will complete more than 500 hours of ground testing in Taipei and Seattle combined. This comprehensive test program will ensure the LCF's reliability and ability to fly its intended mission.

After completing initial flight tests in Taiwan, during which the airplane's handling characteristics will be evaluated as well as ensuring the LCF is free from flutter and excessive vibration, the airplane will fly to Seattle's Boeing Field to complete the remainder of the flight test program. The ferry flight to Seattle is expected to occur mid-month. A fleet of three LCFs will ferry 787 assemblies between Nagoya, Japan; Grottaglie, Italy; Wichita, Kan. and Charleston, S.C., before flying them to the Boeing factory in Everett, Wash., for final assembly. The first two LCFs will enter service in early 2007; the third will follow later.

Since the 787 launch in April 2004, 32 customers have logged 420 orders and commitments, of which 377 are firm orders valued at $59 billion at current list prices, making the Dreamliner the most successful commercial airplane launch in history.

Mayor Villaraigosa Announces First-Ever Airline and Baggage Check-In Service at Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal for LAX Passengers

Service to Open Soon at L.A. Convention Center, Union Station and Port of Los Angeles; Combining Airport Check-In and Dedicated Airport Bus Service Is First in U.S.

Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa today announced the start of a revolutionary new service that will increase security and improve the customer experience at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The new service -- known as remote airline and baggage check-in -- allows U.S. domestic travelers to obtain boarding passes and check luggage for a nominal fee before arriving at LAX. It is facilitated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) in collaboration with airlines at LAX, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Baggage Airline Guest Services (BAGS), Inc.

"Remote flight and baggage check-in for LAX travelers is a key element of the LAX Customer Service Improvement Program," Mayor Villaraigosa said. "It benefits travelers, federal security screeners, the airlines and the airport. It eliminates a passenger's need to wait in line at the airport to check bags. Passenger security is increased because congestion is reduced in the terminal lobbies and on the sidewalks in front of the terminals."

Mayor Villaraigosa and representatives from LAWA, the airlines, and the Transportation Security Administration inaugurated the new service today during a ceremony at the Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal, which is the first location to offer the inexpensive check-in service.

The Van Nuys FlyAway Bus Terminal is located at 7610 Woodley Ave., (corner of Woodley Avenue and Saticoy Street) in the San Fernando Valley. Travelers can obtain airline boarding passes and check up to two bags for a nominal fee of $5 before boarding a FlyAway bus for the 21-mile, nonstop trip to LAX. BAGS, Inc. will operate the remote airline and baggage check-in service from a counter located inside the terminal from 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays. Representing the airlines, BAGS will charge passengers checking more than two bags and/or bags weighing more than their airlines' weight limits will be charged the airlines' normal overweight fees. Baggage check-in at the FlyAway terminal will be accepted up to two and a half hours before flight departure.

Passengers using the new service will be able to proceed directly to passenger security upon arrival at LAX. The new service is the first in the United States to combine remote airline check-in with a dedicated airport bus service.

Initially, the service is available on domestic flights operated by American, American Eagle, Alaska, Continental, Delta, Horizon, Northwest, Ted, United, and United Express/Skywest Airlines. Additional airlines are expected to join the program soon.

Expansion of the new remote airline and baggage check-in service is set for the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sept. 13, the Union Station FlyAway on Sept. 18, and the Port of Los Angeles Cruise Ship Terminal on Sept. 24.

LAWA Executive Director Lydia Kennard said, "The possibilities for remote flight and baggage check-in are limitless. LAWA is exploring other future locations, such as airport parking lots, hotels and rental car facilities, and possibly an off-airport, drive-through facility." She added that as LAWA expands FlyAway bus service program beyond Van Nuys and Union Station to other Southern California sites in the next few years, remote check-in will be included in the start-of-service.

The Van Nuys FlyAway serves up to 90,000 passengers monthly and the Union Station FlyAway served over 100,000 travelers during the first six months of service, which began last March.

"The airlines are excited for their passengers," said Dennis Olson, managing director of the LAX Airlines-Airport Affairs Committee. "With this new service, passengers can avoid dragging bags through the airport or waiting in congested airport lines. This is a natural progression of the multi-year effort by the airlines to develop web-based passenger check-in services. Those efforts and innovative thinking by the Mayor's Office, the airport and TSA led to this key service extension. It is now possible for most domestic passengers to complete the entire check-in process without ever standing in any ticket counter line."

BAGS Chief Executive Officer Craig Mateer said, "A FlyAway traveler handles a bag only once before a flight and then is free to use time traditionally used for flight processing for more productive things. For example, a passenger checks-in with BAGS the required two and a half hours before their flight. Upon arrival at LAX, the traveler proceeds directly to passenger security screening and then to his boarding gate. It affords the passenger more time to shop or conduct business before flight departure."

"TSA appreciates the initiative and leadership of our partner Los Angeles World Airports," said Lawrence Fetters, TSA federal security director at LAX. "The implementation of new tools, like remote baggage check-in, enhances both the customer service and security experience. LAX is one of a handful of airports that offers this time-saving tool to passengers, and TSA recognizes the value in remote baggage check-in, as it enhances security by reducing congestion in our terminals and moves passengers through the ticketing and check-in process in a timely manner."

The FlyAway bus fare is $3 one way for adults, $2 for children 2 to 12 years old, and free for children under 2 years. The FlyAway bus departs from Van Nuys every 15 minutes from 3:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; and hourly from midnight to 3 a.m. The bus departs LAX every 30 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; and on a 15- and 30-minute schedule between midnight and 4:45 a.m.

BAGS uses proprietary technology through its partnership with ARINC Incorporated to access airline reservation systems to facilitate the automated check-in process. Its agents are trained and credentialed to adhere to strict TSA regulatory practices

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has selected the KC-135 Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) program as its 2006 Support Systems Lean Excellence Award winner.

Support Systems, a business of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, established the award earlier this year with the intention of making the performance recognition an annual event. The KC-135 PDM program's achievements included:

An 18 percent improvement in the average number of days aircraft spent away from their unit
An unprecedented 153 days to "pulse" the aircraft through all eight lean work stations; the effort included extensive structural repairs of the bulkhead web and belly skin
Two aircraft deliveries in a single month with less than 160 flow days, demonstrating the ability to deliver KC-135 aircraft below the U.S. Department of Defense's 175-day future requirement
100 percent of aircraft met their scheduled delivery dates, including an average of 10 days ahead of schedule in 2005 (18 total aircraft)
Quality performance of 0.63 defects per aircraft (as of July 31, 2006) for a 12-month rolling average, less than one-half of the U.S. Air Force KC-135 PDM program requirement
100 percent of factory workforce and program personnel supporting factory floor processes are assigned to and participate on Employee Involvement teams

"The credit for outstanding performance on execution of the KC-135 PDM contract goes to the Boeing Employee Involvement teams in San Antonio," said Pat Finneran, president, Boeing Support Systems. "They have made the most significant contribution."

Boeing Support Systems manages the KC-135 PDM program in Oklahoma City, Okla., where Tinker Air Force Base (AFB) conducts the second half of the Air Force's 50/50 depot maintenance program. Boeing performs its share of KC-135 depot maintenance in San Antonio, Texas.

"We've been able to work with our customer to find ways to improve processes and decrease the amount of time the aircraft spends away from its squadron, while maintaining our high level of quality," said Ben Robinson, Boeing KC-135 program manager. "It's the dedication our men and women have to the warfighter that elevates the importance of the team's 'lean' efforts. While we are a nation at war, we can do no less for our warfighters."

The services delivered under the original KC-135 contract, and now the bridge contract, include KC-135 depot-level inspections, repairs, maintenance, modifications, Time Compliance Technical Orders, (de)painting and supply chain services. Nearly half of the work performed on each aircraft is unplanned repairs resulting from PDM inspection activities.

The award will be on display at the following events:

KC-135 50th Anniversary Celebration, Tinker AFB, Okla. Sept.8-9, 2006
Air Force Association, Washington, D.C., Sept. 25-27, 2006
Logistics Officers Association, San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 9-12, 2006
Airlift/Tanker Association, Orlando, Fla., Oct. 29 - Nov. 1, 2006

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer, a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.

In a landmark endorsement of the Boeing [NYSE: BA] strategy to transform the way airlines fly and maintain their jets, Air France will install the Boeing Class 3 Electronic Flight Bag on its entire fleet of 777 airplanes, including 42 currently in service and 13 to be delivered.

The Boeing Class 3 EFB is a computer integrated into an airplane's avionics that is becoming a must-have device for airlines looking to improve both the safety and efficiency of their fleet.

The Air France order represents an endorsement of both the value and capability of Boeing's EFB by one of the world's most respected carriers. Air France is well- situated to evaluate Boeing's EFB: Amsterdam-based KLM, also under the Air France-KLM Group, launched the Boeing EFB on 777s when it ordered the device in 2002. Thirteen of KLM's 18 EFB-equipped 777s have been delivered.

"We have been able to see the value of Boeing's Class 3 EFB up close," said Pierre Caussade, vice president of Flight Operations for Air France. "We're confident that the Class 3 EFB will help us operate a more efficient airline, and we're pleased to have Boeing helping make that happen."

Boeing's EFB has recorded more than 850 total orders since it was introduced for sale in 2002. It has been ordered for Next-Generation 737s, 747s, 757s, 767s, 777s and 787s (the Class 3 EFB comes as standard equipment on the 787).

"When an airline as respected and admired as Air France orders our Electronic Flight Bag, the victory is magnified," said Dan da Silva, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Boeing Commercial Aviation Services. "It validates the Class 3 EFB and what it brings to 777 operators. But even more important, Air France is inviting Boeing to be a partner in its drive to maximize the performance and safety of the airline. We couldn't ask for a better endorsement."

Air France is the eighth Boeing customer in 2006 to announce the adoption of Boeing's Class 3 EFB. Earlier this year, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, UPS, SonAir, Etihad Airways and Jet Airways announced they will install Boeing's EFB. Air France is the most significant order from a European carrier for the EFB to date.

Boeing's Class 3 EFB can serve as a critical communications gateway between the airplane in the sky and an airline's operations center and maintenance department on the ground. The EFB has the capability to be an integral part of an information system that helps an airline gather and share information across an entire enterprise.

EFB is a core technology in Boeing's vision of an e-Enabled air-transport system in which data, information and knowledge can be shared easily across an aviation enterprise. It integrates smoothly with a range of other Boeing e-Enabled maintenance and performance products such as Airplane Health Management, Maintenance Performance Toolbox and Integrated Materials Management.

Boeing's EFB also has the capability to run advanced communications systems that improve aviation safety both in the air and on the ground. Applications currently being tested include some that improve the "situational awareness" of pilots by allowing them to follow airplane movements on the ground and in the air on a video screen. Some carriers have successfully tested Boeing's EFB to help reduce fuel consumption and reduce the impact of airplane noise pollution around airports.

"It is the increased capability of the EFB that is really attracting attention," said Boeing's Dave Allen, chief engineer for installation and development of the EFB. "The flight deck of a modern commercial airliner is extremely crowded, and any new device must demonstrate maximum functionality and flexibility before it can muscle its way in."

Using software developed by Boeing and its subsidiary, Jeppesen, the Boeing EFB provides an open-architecture platform that allows the airline to add its own documents or third-party applications. The fact that the Class 3 EFB is integrated with an airplane's avionics allows the tool to be certified for all phases of operation on the ground and in the air.

With two aircraft flying about 50 feet apart at hundreds of miles per hour, aerial refueling, even under the most ideal conditions, is an exacting maneuver. Boeing's [NYSE: BA] KC-767 Tanker recently demonstrated technology that will improve safety for tanker aircrews and the airplanes receiving critical fuel.

Using a series of cameras mounted on the tanker's fuselage, the KC-767 Remote Vision System (RVS) provides high-definition stereoscopic imagery to the aircraft's boom operator stationed behind the KC-767 cockpit. Boeing flight crews recently activated the RVS while on a test flight and evaluated the system using a Cessna Citation in the receiver's position.

"This advanced technology will give KC-767 aircrews wingtip-to-wingtip visibility behind their aircraft," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Tanker Programs. "In addition to improving safety, RVS will enhance all-weather, day/night refueling capabilities for military forces around the world."

Following the RVS flight, Boeing KC-767 crews flew to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., where they completed two weeks of takeoff performance testing and certification required by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Since its first flight in May 2005, the KC-767 Tanker has logged more than 120 flights and 360 hours. Boeing is building tankers for both Italy and Japan, with delivery to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in February 2007, followed by delivery to Italy in mid-2007.

In addition to flight-testing the KC-767 for international customers, Boeing is competing for a contract to build the U.S. Air Force's next-generation tanker aircraft.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] recently delivered the first Next-Generation 737 equipped with an in-seat video entertainment system.

The airplane, a Jet Airways 737-800, has 7-inch video monitors mounted in the back of every seat in economy class and 9-inch video monitors mounted in the seat arms in business class. The system offers passengers audio and video on-demand movies, games and in-fight information.

"Our goal is to help our customers continue to succeed by providing technologies that add value to their operations and make flying more enjoyable for passengers," said Mark Jenkins, vice president and general manager of 737 Airplane Production.

To date three customers have ordered the in-seat video system option, which is manufactured by Panasonic and Thales.

In addition to the Panasonic eFx in-seat video system, the Jet Airways 737-800 also is equipped with 110-VAC power outlets throughout the cabin and gooseneck personal reading lights in business class.

"Jet Airways strives to provide service of the highest standard to our customers, both while on the ground and in flight," said Naresh Goyal, chairman of Jet Airways. "We are especially proud to be the first 737 operator both in India and the world to offer this service to its customers. We strongly believe that we are bringing innovative ideas and setting new standards in commercial aviation."

The India-based carrier currently operates a fleet of 43 Boeing Classic and Next-Generation 737-400/-700/-800/-900 airplanes. The airline has one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world.

The Next-Generation 737 airplane family is the most technologically advanced single-aisle jet family on the market today. Known for its versatility, reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the Next-Generation 737 models have been selected by leading full-service airlines and low-cost carriers throughout the world, and continue to be the company's best-selling airplane model.

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Bavaria International Aircraft Leasing today announced the delivery of the company's first Next-Generation 737-800. New Delhi, India-based Air Sahara will operate the airplane.

Bavaria, based in Munich, Germany, has a variety of Boeing airplanes on lease to operators around the globe, including 11 737-300s, six 737-700s and five 717-200s. Bavaria will take delivery of a second 737-800 later this month.

"The 737 is the preferred jetliner among our leasing customers," said Karsten Sensen, chief executive officer of Bavaria. "The 737-800's efficiency and reliability are attractive to airlines, and the airplane's residual value makes it an excellent investment."

Bavaria, a wholly owned subsidiary of the privately owned Schörghuber Group, is the world's largest privately owned aircraft leasing firm.

"This delivery represents another important milestone in Boeing's 27-year partnership with Bavaria," said John Feren, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The popular Boeing 737-800 will be an excellent addition to the Bavaria fleet."

The digitally designed Next-Generation 737 is the most technologically advanced airplane family in the single-aisle market. The 737-800, which can seat between 162 to 189 passengers, is 1,500 pounds lighter, can fly 260 nautical miles farther and 1,100 feet higher while carrying 12 more passengers than the competing model.

Boeing's [NYSE: BA] current on-orbit fleet of 95 satellites has been providing services for a combined 887 years -- 156 years beyond their initial contract life. This longevity is a testament to the quality and value Boeing provides to customers in 19 countries on six continents.

Boeing has produced satellites for military, civil government and commercial customers for more than four decades. Boeing's on-orbit commercial satellite fleet is comprised of 27 Boeing 376 and other spin-stabilized satellites, 44 Boeing 601 satellites, 10 Boeing 702 satellites and two Boeing Geostationary Mobile satellites. Government customers own and operate the other 12 satellites.

Among the commercial satellites providing service beyond their contract life is the first Boeing-built 601 satellite, Optus B1, for Optus Communications Pty., Ltd. Optus B1, designed to provide a minimum of 10 years of service, introduced the first domestic mobile satellite communications network in Australia. The three-axis, body-stabilized 601 satellite was launched in 1992 and continues to provide specialized direct broadcast television, videoconferencing and other data services.

Another example of Boeing's satellite longevity is the Intelsat VI satellite fleet, introduced in 1980s. The five Intelsat VI spin-stabilized satellites that were launched from 1989 to 1991 exceeded their design life, and four of the five continue to provide international telecommunications services in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. The satellites incorporate state-of-the-art spot beams that provide flexible coverage to meet Intelsat's changing business needs.

"Boeing engineers continue to design and manufacture spacecraft that change the way people live, work and play," said Stephen T. O'Neill, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International, Inc. "Our talented team has the knowledge and experience that only can be accumulated from Boeing's heritage of building the most advanced satellites in the world with a passionate vision for the future. Beginning with the historic 1963 launch of the Boeing-built Syncom by NASA -- the first geosynchronous satellite -- and continuing with the successful launch and engineering handover of GOES-N, the first of three next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Boeing has been at the vanguard of satellite technology for customers all over the world."

Boeing's current backlog of unclassified satellites include three Boeing 601 satellites, nine of the industry's largest satellites -- the powerful Boeing 702 -- and four specialized Boeing Geostationary Mobile satellites.

In the four decades that Boeing has been building satellites, generations across the globe have reaped the benefits of these innovative space systems. Boeing has consistently implemented satellite technology that has shaped the industry. From the baseband processors of the early 1990s to today's broadband, multimedia processors that are equivalent to 10,000 modern personal computer processors, Boeing has increased satellite throughput capability by 20 times.

From the 1960s through the 1990s, users transmitted data from the ground to a satellite, which re-transmitted the same signals to specific locations on Earth. This "bent pipe" architecture limited the satellites' ability to process transmitted information. Today, Boeing is building satellites with efficient active array antennas. Coupled with improved processors, antennas onboard Boeing satellites now have the ability to receive information from large areas on the ground and transmit information into specific markets, using advanced beamforming, with the flexibility to manipulate bandwidth and power on demand.

Boeing designs and manufactures satellites in El Segundo, Calif. Covering approximately 1 million square feet, the state-of-the-art facility is the world's largest dedicated satellite factory. Boeing has manufactured a total of 240 satellites, excluding those built for targeted military applications.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government, and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.

The newest member of the Boeing [NYSE: BA] Next-Generation 737 airplane family took to the skies over Washington state Friday on its maiden flight.

Painted in the Boeing blue-and-white livery, the 737-900ER (Extended Range) took off at 9:21 a.m. PDT from the Renton Municipal Airport in Renton, Wash.

The first flight marks the beginning of a five-month flight test program to obtain certification of the airplane from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency by early 2007.

Boeing flight test pilots, Capts. Ray Craig and Van Chaney, flew the airplane west toward the Pacific Ocean, then south to Astoria, Ore., and over Washington state's Olympic Peninsula before landing at Boeing Field in Seattle. The first flight tested the airplane's airworthiness, aerodynamic performance, stability and cruise performance. Flight controls, the autopilot, pressurization, avionics, air condition systems and the flight management computer also were checked during the flight.

"It was a near flawless flight," said Craig, following the one-hour, 45-minute flight. "We've been working on this airplane since 2001 and to see it come to fruition under budget and ahead of schedule is a great tribute to the Boeing engineering and manufacturing team."

The 737-900ER flight test program will include a second test airplane, and the two jets are scheduled to accrue a total of 235 hours of flight testing and 210 hours of static ground testing. Both flight-test airplanes are scheduled to be delivered next year to Lion Air, the 737-900ER launch customer.

To date, Boeing has won orders for 80 737-900ERs from Lion Air, GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS), Sky Airlines, Continental Airlines and SpiceJet. Additionally, Futura International Airways and Excel Airways will begin operating 737-900ERs on lease from GECAS in 2008.

The 737-900ER incorporates a new pair of exit doors, a flat rear-pressure bulkhead and other structural and aerodynamic design changes that allow it to carry up to 215 passengers and fly up to 3,200 nautical miles (5,900 km).

The 737-900ER will begin commercial service with Lion Air in the spring of 20.

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], working with industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, today successfully completed a missile defense flight test that demonstrated the increased operational capability of the nation's only defense against long-range ballistic missiles.

The test of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system began at 1:22 p.m Eastern. when a long-range ballistic missile target lifted off from the Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska. Seventeen minutes later, military operators launched an interceptor from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. After flying into space, the interceptor released its exo-atmospheric kill vehicle, which proceeded to track the target warhead. Due to earlier program accomplishments, several test objectives were accelerated and included in this test.

The test achieved several significant objectives for the first time:

An operationally configured interceptor was fired from an operational GMD site;
An operationally configured interceptor tracked a ballistic missile;
A newly upgraded missile-warning radar at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. , provided target data to an in-flight interceptor;
The mission-control center at the Joint National Integration Center in Colorado Springs , Colo. , controlled a live GMD engagement.

Although not a primary objective of the test, the kill vehicle intercepted the warhead and destroyed it. This was the first intercept with an operationally configured interceptor.

The test also laid groundwork for the program's planned intercept in late 2006.

"Today's successful test is a major accomplishment for the GMD team and demonstrates a significant step in GMD's evolution to a robust and reliable capability for the warfighter," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems. "A key radar collected target information and shared it with an operationally configured interceptor, the interceptor used that data to zero in on a target in space, and battle managers oversaw this activity in real time from thousands of miles away. The team is energized and focused as they continue to see the pivotal role they are playing in developing and deploying a missile defense system that protects the United States ."

GMD provides the nation a limited defensive capability against long-range ballistic missiles, with interceptors deployed in underground silos at Vandenberg Air Force Base and Ft. Greely , Alaska . An integral element of the global ballistic missile defense system, GMD also consists of radars, other sensors, command-and-control facilities, communications terminals and a 20,000-mile fiber optic communications network.

Boeing is the prime contractor for GMD, the central element of the Missile Defense Agency's overall layered ballistic missile defense architecture. Industry partners include Raytheon, Orbital Sciences Corp., and Northrop Grumman.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.

The test achieved several significant objectives for the first time:

An operationally configured interceptor was fired from an operational GMD site;
An operationally configured interceptor tracked a ballistic missile;
A newly upgraded missile-warning radar at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. , provided target data to an in-flight interceptor;
The mission-control center at the Joint National Integration Center in Colorado Springs , Colo. , controlled a live GMD engagement.

Although not a primary objective of the test, the kill vehicle intercepted the warhead and destroyed it. This was the first intercept with an operationally configured interceptor.

The test also laid groundwork for the program's planned intercept in late 2006.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.

Monterey Mushrooms Recalls Fresh Sliced White and Baby Bella Mushrooms in PA, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, and VA Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Monterey Mushrooms, Inc.
1-800-333-6874
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Watsonville, CA -- September 7, 2006 --- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monterey Mushrooms of Watsonville, CA is recalling approximately 10,000 cases of fresh sliced white mushrooms and fresh sliced baby bella mushrooms, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Fresh sliced mushrooms were distributed from Monterey's location in Temple, PA into the northeastern states of Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia through retail stores and produce market channels.

These fresh sliced mushrooms were packaged for retail stores in 4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz foam tills and 10 oz plastic bags with code dates 237 through 247.

No illnesses have been reported to date. The mushrooms are labeled "Wash before using"; however, Listeria monocytogenes may not be removed with washing. Cooking will destroy the organism.
Monterey received a positive test result for listeria on their 6 oz sliced Baby Bella product through a random product sampling by the Ohio State Department of Agriculture. No complaints of illnesses have been reported. The company believes the source of potential contamination has been identified and corrected, effective September 5, 2006.

Monterey initiated a voluntary recall on September 6, 2006 based on preliminary information. Most product has already been removed from distribution. All OTHER sliced mushrooms from Monterey's Temple, PA facility should be considered safe as of this date.

Consumers who have purchased Monterey Mushrooms' fresh sliced white or Baby Bella mushrooms in these states are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company

Airlines On-Time Performance Improves in July The nation’s largest airlines recorded a higher rate of on-time flights this past July than in either the previous month or July of last year, according to the Air Travel Consumer Report released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

According to information filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), a part of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), the 20 carriers reporting on-time performance recorded an overall on-time arrival rate of 73.7 percent in July, an improvement over both July 2005’s 70.9 percent and June 2006’s 72.8 percent.

The monthly report also includes data on the causes of flight delays, as well as information on flight cancellations, reports of mishandled baggage filed with the carriers, and consumer service, disability and discrimination complaints received by DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division. This report also includes reports required to be filed by U.S. carriers of incidents involving pets traveling by air. Cancellations

The consumer report includes BTS data on the number of domestic flights canceled by the reporting carriers. In July, the carriers canceled 1.7 percent of their scheduled domestic flights, the same rate recorded in June 2006 and down from the 2.2 percent cancellation rate recorded in July 2005. Causes of Flight Delays

The carriers filing on-time performance data reported that 7.16 percent of their July flights were delayed by aviation system delays, compared to 7.67 percent in June 2006; 8.37 percent by late-arriving aircraft, compared to 8.67 percent in June; 7.53 percent by factors within the airline’s control, such as maintenance or crew problems, the same percentage recorded in June; 1.15 percent by extreme weather, compared to 1.26 in June; and 0.05 percent for security reasons, compared to 0.06 percent in June. Weather is a factor in both the extreme-weather category and the aviation-system category. This includes delays due to the re-routing of flights by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration in consultation with the carriers involved. Weather is also a factor in delays attributed to late-arriving aircraft, although airlines do not report specific causes in that category.

Data collected by BTS also show the percentage of overall flights delayed by weather, including those reported in either the category of extreme weather or included in National Aviation System delays. In July, 42.04 percent of flights were delayed by weather, down 22.28 percent from July 2005, when 54.09 percent of flights were delayed by weather, and down 6.93 percent from June when 45.17 percent of flights were delayed by weather.

Detailed information on flight delays and their causes is available on the BTS site on the World Wide Web at http://www.bts.gov.

Mishandled Baggage

The U.S. carriers reporting flight delay and mishandled baggage data posted a mishandled baggage rate of 6.50 reports per 1,000 passengers in July, down from July 2005’s 7.22 rate but higher than June 2006’s 6.28 mark. Incidents Involving Pets

In July, carriers reported six incidents involving pets while traveling by air, the same number reported in June. The July incidents involved four pet deaths and two injuries.

Complaints About Airline Service

In July, the Department received 833 complaints from consumers about airline service, down 3 percent from the 859 complaints received in July 2005 but 9.9 percent more than the 758 filed in June 2006. Complaints About Treatment of Disabled Passengers

The report also contains a tabulation of complaints filed with DOT in July against specific airlines regarding the treatment of passengers with disabilities. The Department received a total of 46 disability-related complaints in July, up 15 percent from the 40 complaints received in July 2005 and identical to the total of 46 filed in June 2006. Complaints About Discrimination

In July, the Department received seven complaints alleging discrimination by airlines due to factors other than disability – such as race, religion, national origin or sex – down from the 16 complaints received in both July 2005 and June 2006.

Consumers may file their complaints in writing with the Aviation Consumer Protection Division, U.S. Department of Transportation, C-75, Room 4107, 400 7^th St. SW, Washington, DC 20590; by e-mail at airconsumer@dot.gov; by voice mail at (202) 366-2220 or by TTY at (202) 366-0511.

Consumers who want on-time performance data for specific flights should call their airline ticket offices or their travel agents. This information is available on the computerized reservation systems used by these agents.

The Air Travel Consumer Report can be found on DOT’s World Wide Web site at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov. It is available in “pdf” and Microsoft Word format.

New “Stars on Cars” Rule Announced Today Will Help Consumers Evaluate Safety of New Cars

Manufacturers will display the government's star safety ratings on every new vehicle with a price sticker, according to a federal rule made final today in Washington, DC. The rule announced by National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator Nicole Nason and Ohio Senator Mike DeWine, provides for an expanded window sticker meant to provide consumers with safety rating information about new vehicles.

The rule requires that NHTSA’s star safety rating information be displayed on part of the window sticker on new cars beginning with the 2008 model year. Consumers will be able to measure the safety information by the number of stars on the sticker.

The new vehicle price stickers will contain NHTSA safety ratings in three areas – front and side crash and non-destructive rollover tests. All three tests use the five-star rating, with five stars being the safest.

“Senator DeWine, a strong advocate for highway safety, has done a great service for consumers by demanding that vehicle safety information be included on the sticker as well,” said Nason. “By making safety a selling point, it is my hope that this rule will encourage the faster development of these kinds of technologies.”

Senator DeWine was the sponsor of the legislation creating the “Stars on Cars” program, which was included in the 2005 highway bill. "This measure just makes sense. By placing safety ratings directly on new car window stickers, consumers will have the ability to make more informed decisions right there on the car sales lot," said Senator DeWine.

NHTSA safety ratings can be seen at: www.safercar.gov. The “Stars on Cars” requirements can be seen at: www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

Japan’s Princess Kiko Gives Birth to a Boy and Preserves Male Throne

Japan ’s Princess Kiko gave birth to a boy early Wednesday, now third in line for Japan ’s Chrysanthemum Throne. The yet unnamed prince is the first male heir born in 40 years and is the first grandson to Emperor Akihito.

Prior to the Princes birth, efforts to allow a female to assume the throne have been seriously discussed, threatening the male only heir imperial system that has continued for about 1500 years. With the birth of a new prince, a male will be on the Chrysanthemum Throne for at least another 70-80 years.

Monaco has recently had a princely problem threatening the Grimaldi dynasty, with bachelor Prince Albert , who became the reigning Prince last year. After his accession to the throne, the Princely law was passed allowing the throne to pass to Prince Albertt’s siblings and their descendents. Previously the Grimaldi throne continued with the son by marriage of the reigning prince.

It is a monarchy that will be returned to France by law without a male heir.

Is the idea of the male ruling heir archaic or a necessary part of tradition which gives us foundation?

Harris Corporation mostrará sus productos y soluciones para mercados emergentes móviles de TV en IBC2006

- Los pabellones mostrarán las soluciones de despliegue de contenido total para las redes de TV móviles

La División de Emisión de Comunicaciones de Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS) ha anunciado que llevará a cabo una muestra destacada para los mercados emergentes móviles de TV en IBC2006, cuyas presentaciones se celebrarán en su principal expositor (7.621, Hall 7) y en la Mobile Zone (M225). Su participación en la fase primaria de los ensayos en Europa y Australia, además de su desarrollo de los transmisores para las aplicaciones Modeo y Qualcomm MediaFLO U.S.A. (cuyo lanzamiento está previsto para 2007), han situado a Harris como principal vendedor de transmisiones para aplicaciones móviles de TV. En IBC2006, Harris llevará a cabo demostraciones de emisiones móviles de TV para los principales estándares (DVB-H, FLO(TM) y T-DMB), que contarán con los transmisores de Harris y los productos de infraestructuras/redes, además del equipamiento receptor de las terceras partes.

"Nuestras demostraciones móviles de TV en IBC demostrarán de forma clara el rango de productos disponibles a través de Harris", comentó Dale Mowry, vicepresidente y responsable general de la unidad empresarial de Sistemas de Emisión de Televisión y División de Emisión de Comunicaciones de Harris. "Más allá de nuestro liderazgo en las plataformas de transmisión para instrumentos de TV móviles, también se mostrará un amplio abanico de soluciones de despliegue de contenido para TV móvil de Harris, incluyendo las plataformas para las aplicaciones DVB-H, FLO y T-DMB. Cada uno de los estándares ofrece beneficios viables para los operadores. IBC es una oportunidad excelente de demostrar estos beneficios y de cómo Harris está equipada para ofrecer la transmisión más completa y técnica disponible, además de las soluciones de infraestructura en la industria de las emisiones".

Las soluciones de transmisión de TV móviles de Harris se han utilizado para desarrollar y proporcionar la mayor eficacia en los estándares DVB-H, FLO y T-DMB para la emisión móvil de televisión. La compañía anunciará su gama de productos completos de TV móviles a través de cuatro demostraciones separadas realizadas en la Mobile Zone. Un sistema de redes Harris NetVX(TM) será el encargado de desplegar el contenido en la Mobile Zone a través del principal stand de Harris en algunas de las demostraciones.

DVB-H en UHF

Las soluciones Harris DVB-H UHF han demostrado su valía a nivel mundial tanto en aplicaciones de alta potencia como de baja potencia. El transmisor de alta potencia Atlas, refrigerado por agua (ofrecida en versiones de 1.25 a 9 kW) se expondrán en el principal pabellón de Harris. En la Mobile Zone, Harris mostrará su contenido DVB-H a una vía de terminales de mano a través del transmisor Atlas DTV-660 UHF refrigerado por aire, que se ofrecerá en niveles de potencia de hasta 1.5 kW.

DVB-H en Banda L

El transmisor de TV móvil Harris Cool Play(TM) ofrece una arquitectura única de "convención refrigerada" para las instalaciones externas. La versión del transmisor de 1670 MHz se encargará de transmitir vídeo a un terminal de mano desarrollado para Modeo, un operador DVB-H de EE.UU. El transmisor Cool Play 1670 está disponible para niveles de potencia de hasta 400 watios en Banda L.

FLO(TM) en UHF

La gama completa de transmisores Harris ATSC ya está disponible para aplicaciones FLO, y se basa en el nuevo estimulador Harris Apex FLO que Harris mostrará en la Mobile Zone. Harris recibirá las transmisiones en directo de los servicios FLO multicanales en un terminal de mano. Esto lo convierte en el primer display de Harris de Europa en productos de transmisiones FLO.

T-DMB en DAB

Como uno de los líderes de mercado y pioneros en DAB, Harris cuenta con una gama completa de transmisores VHF y L-Band DAB que pueden utilizarse para el despliegue de TV móvil en DAB. En la Mobile Zone, Harris demostrará la recepción de los canales de radio digitales y multicanales de TV en un terminal T-DMB para el transmisor Harris DAB-660. Harris realizará demostraciones sobre la elevada eficacia de los estándares de decodificación de audio, que nos permiten la transmisión de múltiples radios digitales y canales de vídeo que utilizan el mismo transmisor.

En el expositor de Harris, la compañía mostrará su Fortaleza en la transmisión terrestre de TV. La gama de transmisores Harris Atlas(TM) se mostrará de forma completa en la sección de despliegue del stand de Harris. Como plataforma de transmisión global UHF, la gama de transmisores Atlas refrigerada por líquido es compatible con los estándares de televisión análogos, digitales y móviles. Los visitantes disfrutarán de una demostración activa de la plataforma Atlas DVB-T/DVB-H gracias al despliegue de HDTV y del contenido móvil de TV H.264. El monitor de pantalla ancha recibirá y emitirá el contenido HDTV, mientras que el contenido móvil H.264 se recibirá en los instrumentos de mano.

El área de TV terrestre también incluirá demostraciones de Harris/Neural Audio MultiMerge para DTV. MultiMerge utiliza la detección inteligente para mezclar cualquier tipo de audio (mono, estéreo, estéreo con matriz decodificada (L/R), y contenido discreto 5.1) en un sistema de sonido envolvente sin interrupciones 5.1.

Harris comenzó con el desarrollo de las plataformas de transmisión terrestres para TV móvil en 2004 después de participar en el desarrollo de un estándar DVB-H. La reciente adquisición de la compañía de Leitch Technology ha añadido una amplia gama de servidores, enrutadores, conectores y equipamiento de procesamiento para los sistemas de decodificación de vídeo y sistemas de distribución Harris(R) NetVX, proporcionando la infraestructura necesaria para disponer del contenido en los terminales móviles de TV. Mientras, el equipamiento de la unidad empresarial de Harris Software Systems añade un complemento de software de banda ancha y de equipamiento de distribución para la gestión de redes, programación de tráfico, gestión de evaluación digital e intersección añadida, entre otras aplicaciones. La cartera completa proporciona a Harris la solución más completa de TV móvil.

Acerca de la división de comunicaciones de banda ancha de Harris

Harris es una compañía de tecnología de comunicaciones e información internacional que presta sus servicios a los mercados gubernamentales y comerciales en más de 150 países. Con sede en Melbourne, Florida, la compañía cuenta con unas ventas anuales de más de 3.500 millones de dólares, y dispone de cerca de 14.000 empleados, incluyendo más de 6.000 ingenieros y científicos, que se dedican a desarrollar los mejores productos de su clase en assured communications(TM), sistemas y servicios. Las divisiones operativas de la compañía prestan servicio a los mercados de comunicaciones gubernamentales, comunicaciones RF, comunicaciones de emisión y comunicaciones por microondas. Más información acerca de Harris Corporation disponible en la página http://www.harris.com .

FLO(TM) es una marca registrada de Qualcomm MediaFLO USA

Página web: http://www.harris.com

MediaScrape(TM) - Una Red Global de Noticias de TV por Internet en Formato de Vídeo de 100%

MediaScrape(TM), la primera red de información global que implementa tecnología web para proveer clips de noticias de transmisión cien por cien en vídeo, sin costo, se lanzará hoy en vivo en http://www.mediascrape.com/. MediaScrape es la primer Red de Noticias de TV por Internet en digitar transmisiones televisivas análogas en un formato cien por cien de vídeo de alta calidad, a pedido, traducido en el lugar, interactivo, gratis y que se puede buscar y archivar.

"Este es un gran avance en información noticiosa puesto que MediaScrape provee todos los clips de noticias del exterior desde las Américas, África, Europa, Medio Oriente y Asia Pacífico en su formato e idioma original, proporcionando una plataforma virtual para perspectivas múltiples sobre asuntos individuales y las principales noticias imparciales regionales y mundiales", dijo Tyler N. Cavell, fundador y COO de MediaScrape.

Con su actualización cada 30 minutos, 24 horas al día, MediaScrape ofrece a los usuarios control total sobre la manera en que reciben sus noticias. La función play-all (reproducción de todos los vídeo clips) permite que los espectadores puedan ver de 10 a 12 minutos de clips de las principales noticias locales y del mundo; reproducir un loop de una hora y media de vídeo clips de noticias diarias; o usar vídeos a pedido, donde los clips se buscan por región y país.

"Gracias al auspicio total de los anunciantes, MediaScrape puede ofrecer sus servicios de vídeo por Internet sin ningún costo para el público", dijo Cavell. "MediaScrape se esfuerza por mejorar el flujo de información entre las personas, dirigida a satisfacer las necesidades de la población cibernética joven, poblaciones inmigrantes así como la generación Bloomberg interesada en noticias de último minuto en vivo sobre inversiones en el exterior, interactividad y comercio global".

A diferencia de otros sitios noticiosos, MediaScrape presenta las tres capacidades interactivas, pizarras de mensajes, blogs y contenido enviado por el usuario, incluyendo, vídeo, fotos, texto y audio.

MediaScrape firmó acuerdos con mayoristas y agencias noticiosas vídeo líderes nacionales e internacionales, incluyendo Associated Press, Canadian Press y Dogan News Agency (81 oficinas mundiales). MediaScrape hasta el momento ha firmado asociaciones con transmisores televisivos locales de Georgia, Turquía, Azerbaiján y Armenia y espera inscribir a más de cien países en el transcurso del próximo año. Los clips de noticias actualmente con subtítulos en inglés, muy pronto estarán disponibles en otros idiomas.

MediaScrape, con sede en Montreal y oficinas en Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaiján y Turquía, desarrollada por Tyler N. Cavell, que percibió que había un déficit de información en la transmisión actual y desarrolló http://www.mediascrape.com/ para satisfacer las necesidades de una red de información global por Internet de alta calidad.

SBS Broadcasting adquiere el principal canal musical de televisión de Rumania

SBS Broadcasting Sàrl (NASDAQ: SBTV) ha anunciado hoy que la filial de su propiedad en Rumania, Amerom Television S.R.L., ha finalizado la adquisición del canal musical más popular de Rumania, TV K Lumea., TV K Humea, que se centra especialmente en los éxitos musicales nacionales e internacionales, es el líder de las clasificaciones en el grupo objetivo urbano con edades comprendidas entre los 15 y los 24 años. TV K Lumea debutó en 1999 como principal canal musical local de Rumania. Las condiciones de la adquisición son confidenciales.

Patrick Tillieux, responsable de operaciones de SBS y consejero delegado en funciones, afirmó acerca de esta nueva noticia: "Estamos muy contentos con la adquisición del canal musical televisivo más popular de Rumania. Creamos el canal a partir de nuestra experiencia operativa de los exitosos canales musicales televisivos The Voice TV para los países nórdicos y a través de la capacidad para integrar completamente el canal en nuestras otras operaciones en Rumania, Kiss FM, y nuestra emisora de televisión orientada a los jóvenes, Prima TV, mejorando así nuestra oferta de múltiples canales. Esta inversión destaca nuestro compromiso de hacer crecer nuestros negocios en Rumania y buscar más oportunidades en esta región".

Christoph Buerge, consejero delegado de las operaciones de radio y televisión de SBS en Rumania, comentó: "Esperamos que TV K Lumea tome una posición líder de mercado y amplíe su audiencia mediante una programación innovadora que sea atractiva para la audiencia joven del canal, con una especial atención en el panorama musical popular de Rumania".

SBS opera en varios mercados en crecimiento en el sureste de Europa. En Rumania SBS posee Prima TV así como la red de radio líder nacional, Kiss FM, y Magic FM. En Bulgaria, SBS posee las redes Radio Vitosha y Radio Vesselina, además de Radio Atlantik, Radio Ritmo y Vesselina TV. SBS también posee la emisora de radio número uno de Atenas (Grecia), Lampsi FM.

SBS también pone en funcionamiento los canales musicales de televisión The Voice TV en Dinamarca, Noruega, Suecia y Finlandia.

Acerca de SBS Broadcasting Group

SBS Broadcasting Group es uno de los grupos de retransmisión líder en Europa, con televisión comercial, canales de pago, emisoras de radio y negocios impresos relacionados en Europa central y occidental. Los países en los que SBS cuenta con operaciones de emisión son: Bélgica (Flandes), Bulgaria, Dinamarca, Finlandia, Grecia, Hungría, Países Bajos, Noruega, Rumania, Suecia y Reino Unido. SBS está financiado por dos firmas de capital privado líderes, Permira y KKR. Telegraaf Media Groep N.V. (TMG), de los Países Bajos, también es accionista en SBS, con un capital de acciones por valor del 20%. www.sbsbroadcasting.com

Source: SBS Broadcasting Group

FDA RECALLS

Good Karma Food Technologies Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert for Good Karma Organic Rice Cream Mudd Pie, Mint Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Products Due to Undeclared Milk Ingredient--

Good Karma Food Technologies, Inc. of Glendale, California is recalling Good Karma Organic Rice Cream Mudd Pie, Good Karma Organic Rice Cream Mint Chocolate Chip and Good Karma Organic Rice Cream Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, all lot codes, because they may contain undeclared milk proteins. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The products distributed across the U.S. may have reached consumers at natural foods retail and mass market retail grocery stores nationwide. The Mudd Pie product can be identified by a label that reads "Good Karma Organic Rice Cream Mudd Pie." This item comes in a pint, blue package with dark brown lid band and a banner that reads Mudd Pie. It has a UPC Code of 2946270102. The Mint Chocolate Chip product can be identified by a label that reads "Good Karma Organic Rice Cream Mint Chocolate Chip." This item comes in a blue package with green lid band and a banner that reads Mint Chocolate Chip. It has a UPC Code of 2946270106. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge product can be identified by a label that reads "Good Karma Organic Rice Cream Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge." This item comes in a blue package with a light brown lid band and a banner that reads Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge. It has a UPC Code of 2946270105.

The recall was initiated after it was revealed thru testing that the chocolate chips contained in these products contained undeclared levels of milk protein. Packages with a Best If Used By Date of July 27th, 2007 or earlier should not be consumed.

There have been no reports of illness or injury associated with the product. No other Good Karma Organic Rice Cream products are part of the recall, and there is no health risk for consumers who are not allergic to milk.

Production of these products has been suspended until the FDA and Good Karma are certain that these products are back in compliance and the problem has been corrected.

All of Good Karma's Distributors, Customers and Brokers have been notified about this issue and have been advised to pull the product off the shelf. Consumers who have purchased Pint containers of the Good Karma Organic Rice Cream: Mudd Pie, Mint Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge products with the Best If Used By Date of July 27th, 2007 or earlier are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-550-6731.

At Good Karma, integrity is the heart of our business. Safety and the well-being of all people who use our products is our highest priority.

Meadow Gold Dairies announced today that it is voluntarily recalling all cartons of Meadow Gold Hook’d on Chocolate ice cream. The recall was initiated because the product contains egg, which is not listed on the label.

Individuals with allergies to eggs run the risk of a serious or life threatening reaction if they consume this product.

The recalled ice cream was packed in 56 ounce cartons. It was processed at the Meadow Gold plant in Orem, Utah and distributed to retailers in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming and Utah.

Meadow Gold employees and retailers are removing the product from store shelves. Consumers can return the product to their place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions can contact the company at 877-234-0022.

Meadow Gold Dairies has been a part of the community for over 100 years. The quality of our products and safety of our consumers is our foremost concern. The company will continue to work with retailers to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and State of Utah have been advised of this action.

FDA Statement on Tenth Circuit’s Ruling to Uphold FDA Decision Banning Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedrine Alkaloids

Background: On Aug. 17, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in Denver upheld the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) final rule declaring all dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids adulterated, and therefore illegal for marketing in the United States, reversing a decision by the District Court of Utah.

The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling demonstrates the soundness of FDA's decision to ban dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids, consistent with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals also found that Congress clearly required FDA to conduct a risk-benefit analysis under DSHEA.

FDA conducted an exhaustive and highly resource-intensive evaluation of the relevant scientific data evidence on ephedrine alkaloids before issuing its final rule, which became effective in 2004. The court found that the 133,000-page administrative record compiled by FDA supports the agency's findings that dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids pose an unreasonable risk of illness or injury to users, especially those suffering from heart disease and high blood pressure.

No dosage of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids is safe and the sale of these products in the United States is illegal and subject to FDA enforcement action.

Boeing Completes GOES-P Weather Satellite Thermal Vacuum Testing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that GOES-P, the third of three Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) built for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has successfully completed testing designed to ensure that the spacecraft will operate in the extremely harsh environs of space.

GOES-P underwent a battery of tests that examined and recorded how the spacecraft's sensitive instruments will operate in the extreme temperatures of deep space. The thermal vacuum chamber test temperatures ranged from minus 292 degrees Fahrenheit to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermal vacuum testing followed a series of vibration and acoustic tests that verified the satellite's system hardiness. Together, the tests are intended to validate the quality of workmanship and survivability during launch and in orbit.

GOES-P remains on schedule for completion later this year and could be launched as early as 2008. GOES-O is complete and in storage awaiting launch in 2007. Boeing successfully launched GOES-N, now operating as GOES-13, on a Boeing Delta IV vehicle on May 24, 2006.

"Mission assurance is our top priority, and the thermal vacuum tests indicate that GOES-P will have the same success that its on-orbit sister satellite, GOES-13, is experiencing," said Stephen T. O'Neill, president of Boeing Satellite Systems International, Inc. "Together with GOES-13 and GOES-O, GOES-P is part of a new constellation of earth observation satellites for NASA and NOAA that will improve weather prediction accuracy in the years to come."

The new GOES satellites will provide more accurate prediction and tracking of severe storms and other weather phenomena, resulting in earlier and more precise warnings to the public. The new satellites also will support NOAA and NASA scientists by providing steadfast atmospheric surveillance of severe weather events such as tornadoes, flash floods, hail storms and hurricanes. When these conditions develop, the GOES satellites can monitor storm development and track their movements.

Boeing's 40 years of knowledge and experience in weather and Earth observation space systems underpins the next-generation environmental system in support of NOAA's strategic mission: Assessing and predicting environmental changes, protecting life and property, and providing decision makers with reliable climate information

Boeing Receives First Production Remote Aerial Refueling Operator Station for KC-767 Tanker The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] recently received its first production Remote Aerial Refueling Operator (RARO) II station for the KC-767 Tanker from DRS Laurel Technologies of Johnstown, Pa., a unit of DRS Technologies, Inc. [NYSE: DRS].

RARO II is a mission management and planning console positioned behind the KC-767 cockpit, where aircrews can control boom and drogue aerial-refueling operations through a remote-vision system. Using a series of cameras flush-mounted on the aircraft's fuselage, the boom operator will have controls and displays for the operation of the boom, wing pods, hose drum unit and exterior aerial refueling lighting.

"The RARO II remote-vision system will increase tanker aircrew mission capability and safety," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Tanker Programs. "RARO II also improves communication between the aircrew and uses advanced video digital processing to provide superior definition during night and adverse weather conditions."

Boeing will receive additional RARO II systems from DRS Laurel Technologies for the advanced KC-767 tankers being built and flight tested today for Italy and Japan. The delivery ceremony for Japan's first KC-767 is scheduled for February 2007. The first Italian KC-767 is scheduled for delivery in mid-2007.

Boeing developed and installed its first remote aerial refueling operator station (RARO I) on two Royal Netherlands Air Force KDC-10 tankers, which have been operational since 1996. The third generation remote-vision system (RARO III), which will incorporate the key technologies of previous stations, is being developed to meet unique U.S. Air Force requirements.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.

Boeing Redelivers 747-400BCF to Korean AirBoeing and Korean Air today announced completion and certification of Korean Air’s 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter.

For this modification, Boeing managed every aspect of the conversion process from contract signing, design and production through redelivery. Boeing contracted with Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering Co., Ltd. (TAECO) in Xiamen, China, for the hands-on modification work. This is the fourth 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter that has been redelivered through Boeing to cargo operators.

On Aug. 4, workers at Korean Air’s Aerospace Division in Pusan Korea began modifying a 747-400 passenger airplane. For this and follow-on conversions, Korean Air’s Aerospace Division receives a "freighter kit" from Boeing, and will use the kit to convert and certify a combination of its own and other airlines’ 747-400 passenger airplanes into freighters.

Korean Air has six firm freighter kits remaining on order with options for 13 more kits.

Boeing-Built, On-Orbit Commercial Satellite Proves Technology Proposed for Future Military Satellite System Boeing [NYSE: BA], in conjunction with Hughes Network Systems, LLC [HUGHES], has successfully demonstrated the space-based delivery of MP-3 files, a streaming video multi-cast and voice over Internet protocol services to a government audience, validating key elements of the Boeing communications approach for the Transformational Satellite Communications Space Segment (TSAT SS) program.

Boeing and Hughes demonstrated to the TSAT customer the system's functionality using the digital processor on the Hughes SPACEWAY™ satellite during a series of live, over-the-air tests at Hughes headquarters in Germantown, Md.

"SPACEWAY is the pathfinder for TSAT," said John Peterson, Boeing TSAT SS program director. "The demonstrated functionality shows the network services TSAT will build upon, proves the maturity of several technologies and provides an operational model of the TSAT user experience. Our TSAT technology test proves it can be done in the real world, not just on a test bench."

Boeing currently leads a team that is pursuing the space segment of the TSAT program. TSAT is a major element of a secure, high-capacity global communications network that will serve the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). Hughes provides the Boeing TSAT team with demonstrated network expertise based on years of satellite system development on the VSAT, Thuraya Mobile Sat and SPACEWAY systems.

"Our military customers are requesting the ability to 'fight jointly,' which means that information is accessible to the warfighter, regardless of worldwide location, branch of military, platform or network being used," Peterson said. "A system's ability to recognize relevant data and route it automatically, while remaining compliant with information security, is the most important aspect of network-centric operations."

Boeing's fourth generation digital processor has the processing power of 10,000 Pentium IV chips and is already in use on SPACEWAY, a high-power Boeing 702 spacecraft. The processor is designed to field and manage large amounts of data as a part of a broader network. It also has the inherent capability to efficiently multicast data to other terminals that have joined a multicast group.

Supported by a constellation of satellites in geosynchronous orbit, TSAT SS will provide the backbone for the Defense Department's high-bandwidth networked communications system. Boeing received the Risk Reduction and System Definition contract in January 2004, and the DOD is expected to select the ultimate system provider in 2008.

Hughes Network Systems, LLC [HUGHES] is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for enterprises, governments, small businesses and consumers. HughesNet™ encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. To date, Hughes has shipped more than one million systems to customers in over 100 countries. Its broadband satellite products are based on the IPoS (IP over Satellite) and RSM-A global standards, approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU standards organizations. Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Md., USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. [OTCBB: HGCM]. For additional information, visit www.hughes.com.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.

Boeing, Monarch Airlines Announce Order for 787 Dreamliner

-- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Monarch Airlines of the United Kingdom announced today that the airline has ordered six Boeing 787-8s with purchase rights for another four. The order is worth $916 million at list prices.

With first delivery starting in 2010, the airline will use the new advanced, fuel-efficient 787s as the basis of its future long-haul operations. Monarch's current long-haul fleet comprises Boeing 767s, A300s and A330-200s.

The Dreamliner's size, extended range and superior fuel efficiency make it ideally suited for Monarch Airlines' business model, which includes both scheduled and charter operations. Since its launch in April 2004, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has attracted the attention of customers operating a variety of business models.

"Operating successfully in the leisure market requires flexible and innovative products. With the 787's longer-range capabilities, we will be opening up new destinations in the Americas, Asia and Africa," said Peter Brown, chief executive officer of Monarch Airlines. "We are very impressed by Boeing's use of innovative technologies on the 787, such as composite materials, which will reduce our maintenance costs."

Monarch Airlines, headquartered in Luton, is a leading provider in the U.K. of low-cost scheduled flights from bases at London Gatwick, London Luton, Manchester and Birmingham airports, as well as a major supplier to the tour operating industry.

"Monarch's passengers will be thrilled with the 787's innovative and appealing interior design, which features more personal space and a range of enhancements that will help the airline to significantly differentiate its product," said Marlin Dailey, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia. "The Dreamliner's faster cruise speed will also enable passengers to benefit from shorter sector times on long flights. The 787 has proven appeal to the long-haul leisure market segment."

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, scheduled for delivery beginning in 2008, provides passengers with a better flying experience and operators with a more efficient commercial jetliner. Using 20 percent less fuel per passenger than similarly sized airplanes, the 787 is designed for the environment with lower emissions and quieter takeoffs and landings. Inside the airplane, passengers will find cleaner air, bigger windows, more stowage space and improved lighting.

Since the 787 launch in April 2004, 32 customers including Monarch have logged 420 orders and commitments, of which 377 are firm orders valued at $59 billion at current list prices, making the Dreamliner the most successful commercial airplane launch in history.

Boeing Tells C-17 Suppliers Line May End in 2009

Due to the lack of U.S. government orders for the C-17 military cargo aircraft, The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is directing program suppliers to stop work on uncommitted airplanes. This move will be the first step in an orderly shut down of the production supply chain should no further orders be received from the U.S. government.

For over a year, Boeing spent its own money protecting the C-17 supplier base. This investment was intended to keep the production line viable while the U.S. Government and Boeing pursued international orders, and to allow time for the U.S. Government to update its post-9/11 mobility requirements, if they chose to do so. During that time Boeing received international orders and commitments for more than a dozen of the advanced air lifters. Congress has added funding for up to three more as part of its recent 2007 budget deliberations. However, when the orders are totaled, there are not enough to sustain continued production beyond mid-2009.

Since late 2005, Boeing has stressed the need for a commitment from the U.S. Government for continued C-17 procurement or the company would be forced to make the difficult decision to begin winding down the production line.

This action will ultimately affect the 5,500 Boeing jobs in California, Missouri, Georgia, and Arizona, directly tied to the C-17, and the program's nationwide supplier workforce that totals more than 25,000 people. Nearly 700 companies in 42 states provide parts and services that go into each C-17.

"The C-17 is one of the Defense Department's most successful acquisition programs ever," said Ron Marcotte, vice president and general manager of Boeing Global Mobility Systems. "No one questions its operational value. But we can't continue carrying the program without additional orders from the U.S. Government."

The stop-work orders affect long-lead items from suppliers that, in many cases, are built 34 months before a C-17 is delivered. Boeing is re-evaluating the financial impact should the U.S. government not order additional C-17s, and may incur costs aside from any recovered from the U.S. government.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $30.8 billion business. It provides network-centric system solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer; a foremost developer of advanced concepts and technologies; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in sustainment solutions and launch services.

Forward-Looking Information Is Subject to Risk and Uncertainty

Certain statements in this report may constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, among others, statements regarding the financial impact to the company should the government decide to cease production of the C-17. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak only as of the date they were made and the company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The company's actual results and future trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, including the continued operation, viability and growth of major airline customers and non-airline customers (such as the U.S. Government); adverse developments in the value of collateral securing customer and other financings; the occurrence of any significant collective bargaining labor dispute; its successful execution of internal performance plans including its company-wide growth and productivity initiatives, production rate increases and decreases (including any reduction in or termination of an aircraft product), availability of raw materials, acquisition and divestiture plans, and other cost-reduction and productivity efforts; charges from any future SFAS No. 142 review; ability to meet development, production and certification schedules for the 787 program; technical or quality issues in development programs or in the commercial satellite industry; an adverse development in rating agency credit ratings or assessments; the actual outcomes of certain pending sales campaigns and the launch of the 787 program and U.S. and foreign government procurement activities, including the uncertainty associated with the procurement of tankers by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and funding of the C-17 program; the cyclical nature of some of its businesses; unanticipated financial market changes which may impact pension plan assumptions; domestic and international competition in the defense, space and commercial areas; continued integration of acquired businesses; performance issues with key suppliers, subcontractors and customers; significant disruption to air travel worldwide (including future terrorist attacks); global trade policies; worldwide political stability; domestic and international economic conditions; price escalation; the outcome of political and legal processes, changing priorities or reductions in the U.S. Government or foreign government defense and space budgets; termination of government or commercial contracts due to unilateral government or customer action or failure to perform; legal, financial and governmental risks related to international transactions; legal and investigatory proceedings; tax settlements with the IRS and various states; U.S. Air Force review of previously awarded contracts; and other economic, political and technological risks and uncertainties. Additional information regarding these factors is contained in the company's SEC filings, including, without limitation, its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 and for the quarter ended June 30, 2006.

Boeing Names John Bruns to New Boeing Commercial Airplanes, China Position

The Boeing Company [NYSE:BA] today named John W. Bruns as vice president - China Operations, Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA). The posting, effective immediately, makes Bruns BCA's senior in-country executive and underscores the company's long-term commitment to China.

Bruns, 41, will report to Mike Cave, vice president, BCA Airplane Programs, and will be responsible for overseeing BCA's China strategy and business development. He will work with Boeing-China President David Wang who reports to Boeing International and represents Boeing's broader corporate interests in China.

"John's customer focus, extensive China experience and proven cross-cultural leadership skills make him the ideal choice to expand our growing partnership with this dynamic and important country," said Alan Mulally, BCA president and chief executive officer. "China is an important partner and a highly valued customer. This new position symbolizes our commitment to the future there."

Bruns, a 20-year veteran of The Boeing Company, will relocate to Beijing from Seattle, where he has served since 1999 as Sales director, Asia Pacific, responsible for leading teams serving various Chinese airline customers. During his tenure, Bruns' teams recorded sales and commitments valued at more than US$8 billion.

Bruns spent his formative years in Asia where he learned Mandarin. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Studies from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. He earned his MBA in International Business from the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management, Claremont Graduate University in California.

The posting to Beijing will be Bruns' second China assignment. Beginning in 1994, he worked in the McDonnell Douglas Beijing office, continuing in that position during and after the merger with The Boeing Company.

Boeing projects that China will be the world's second largest market for new commercial airplanes after the United States, with demand for 2,600 aircraft valued at $213 billion during the next 20 years. Since the beginning of the Boeing-China relationship in 1972, Boeing has provided some 61 percent of China's commercial jetliner fleet. A major aspect of the Boeing-China relationship is a shared dedication to providing a safe and efficient operating environment during the country's rapid airline growth. Boeing works with Chinese airlines on design requirements for new Boeing airplanes and relies on China as an important supplier of high-quality assemblies for all current models, including the new 787 Dreamliner.

Boeing Signs Contract to Support C-17s in Australia

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has reached an agreement with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to provide logistics support services for Australia's C-17 fleet.

Australia is buying four Globemaster III aircraft with the first delivery planned for December 2006. Under the $80.7 million contract, Boeing will manage spare parts for the Australian fleet. The RAAF will be responsible for flight line maintenance with Boeing performing heavier, depot-level maintenance. Boeing has similar responsibilities for the U.S. Air Force and the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force C-17 fleets through the Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP).

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