Boggy Woggy!

When Will You Stop Fighting?

2012-01-08T10:52:00.001-08:00

When will you stop fighting?

UL and the Muppets Team Up to Help Make the Holiday Season Safe and Bright

2011-11-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

National Campaign Encourages Families to
Commit a Minute to Safety

Dr. Bunsen Honeydew learns about the importance of keeping a UL listed fire extinguisher handy. See Disney's The Muppets in theaters this Thanksgiving.

NORTHBROOK, Ill. November 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Every minute, 17 children visit the ER due to unintentional injuries, a startling number that equates to an estimated 9.2 million injuries a year.¹ Household injuries are especially top of mind during the hectic months of November and December, with an estimated 230 people in the United States visiting emergency rooms each day as a result of holiday-related injuries. In response to these alarming statistics, UL, a global safety organization, is working with stars of Disney’s The Muppets, including Kermit the Frog, Swedish Chef, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker, on a national campaign – Commit a Minute to Safety. The campaign’s goal is to raise awareness of the importance of holiday safety and make sure parents know valuable holiday safety information – water your tree daily, never leave a lit candle unattended, turn pot handles in while cooking, and always look for the UL Mark.

Beaker learns about the importance of fire safety from UL, a global safety organization. See Disney’s The Muppets in theaters this Thanksgiving.

Beginning today, UL is asking families to take time out of their busy schedules to ensure they are making safety a priority this holiday season. To illustrate the simple steps families can take to dramatically cut the risk of injuries, UL, with the help of The Muppets characters Kermit the Frog, Swedish Chef, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker, is launching a series of online safety videos and a national public service announcement (PSA) that provides families with vital safety tips to ensure a safe and bright holiday season. The first video focuses on the importance of fire safety and can be viewed at www.SafetyAtHome.com.

“The holidays are a happy time and we want to help keep them that way. Commit a Minute to Safety shows folks how easy it is to keep their home and family safe,” said Kermit the Frog, who adds an additional holiday safety tip of his own: “Never mix mistletoe and romantic pigs. Trust me on this.”

In addition to The Muppets holiday safety videos and PSA, UL has revamped its website and is offering downloadable holiday safety content such as the Safety Time learning and activity book for children. UL will also be updating its SafetyAtHome Facebook and Twitter pages with news about upcoming events including UL’s presenting sponsorship of the City of Chicago Tree Lighting and the National Tree Lighting in Washington, D.C.

“During the holidays, UL reminds families to look for the UL Mark on decorations, lights and electronics,” said John Drengenberg, Consumer Safety Director at UL. “When you see the UL Mark, you can rest assured that the highest safety standards have been met.”

UL independent engineers and scientists perform thousands of rigorous tests on products such as holiday lights, electric decorations and artificial trees. This year, UL offers the following safety guidelines to show how safety can take as little as one minute and help families identify and prevent hazards that too often result in accidents or tragedy.

* WATER YOUR TREE DAILY: Dry trees pose a substantial fire risk. After bringing your tree home, make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk before putting it in a sturdy stand. Be sure to water it daily. Additionally, know your tree’s expiration date. After about four weeks, the tree will stop absorbing water and dry out, and should be properly discarded or recycled.
* CHECK YOUR LIGHTS, CHECK THEM TWICE: Inspect all of your electric lights and decorations for damage or wear. Cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections may pose a fire or shock hazard.
* DECORATE WITH A SAFE EYE:Cords should not be run under carpets or tacked up with metal nails or staples. Small decorations can be a choking hazard for small children or pets and should be kept out of reach.
* BE FLAME AWARE:Always blow out unattended candles and keep flammable materials “three feet from the heat” of lit candles or fireplaces.
* INDOOR OR OUTDOOR? LOOK FOR THE UL MARK: Indoor-use-only light strings are marked with UL’s green holographic label. Indoor-or outdoor-use light strings are marked with UL’s red holographic label. Only use light strings and other electrical decorations that bear the UL Mark near the plug, signifying that safety standards have been met.

To learn more about UL’s Commit a Minute to Safety holiday campaign and for valuable safety information for keeping your home safe and bright this holiday season, please visit www.SafetyAtHome.com.

About UL
UL (Underwriters Laboratories), a world leader in advancing safety, has more than 100 years of proven history. Employing more than 6,800 professionals in over 96 countries, UL is evolving the future of safety with five distinct business units – Product Safety, Environment, Life & Health, Verification and University – to meet the expanding needs of customers and the global public. For more information on UL services, visit http://www.ul.com/.

About Disney’s “The Muppets”
On vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams), from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute band called the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris, Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is a high-powered plumbing magnate. With signature celebrity cameos, Disney’s “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.

# # #

¹ CDC Childhood Injury Report (2000-2006)

CONTACT:
Joe Hirschmugl
Media Relations Manager
Underwriters Laboratories
(847) 664-1508
Joseph.F.Hirschmugl@us.ul.com

Christie Shein
MSLGROUP for UL
(312) 861-5237
Christie.Shein@mslgroup.com

Farewell Elizabeth Taylor, Queen of Hollywood

2011-03-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Taylor dies at 79

Legendary film actress Elizabeth Taylor has passed away. The Hollywood icon, who was 79, died of congestive heart failure in a Los Angeles hospital, where she had been hospitalized for the last six weeks. The actress, who starred in more than 50 movies and won 3 academy awards, was known for her beauty, glamour, and stormy personal life. She is survived by her 4 children, 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Happy New Year 2011!

2011-01-01T08:23:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: Trendz Info

Happy New Year 2011!

We give all the glory to God for protecting and saving our beautiful and wonderful life to see the dawn of another year and we trust HIM to continue to see us through in the coming years and decades!

We thank God 24/7!

31 Dec 2010 10:00 Africa/Lagos

The Top Baby Names of 2010 Revealed

LONDON, December 31, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- Katie and Amy have fallen out of the list of the top 20 female christian names, it emerged yesterday (30th January 2010).

The monikers of troubled stars Katie Price and Amy Winehouse have been replaced by prettier and less infamous names, Maisie and Isabella.

The highest climber in the list of the most popular girls' names in the UK today is Bella, due in no small part to the lead character in Twilight, played by actress Kristen Stewart. Lacey, as in EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, is also on the up, soaring from number 57 up to 37. Florence is also becoming increasingly popular, moving up 33 places, as is Maisy.

Olivia is still top after 3 years and Sophie is still second. Lily is now third, up from 8th place, with Emily and Ruby completing the top five.

In the boys list Jack has finally been bumped off top spot by Oliver after 16 years in first place. Jack is now second while Harry, Charlie and Alfie, all non-movers, make up the top five.

Another bad year for F1 ace Lewis Hamilton has seen the popularity of his first name drop from 13th to 19th place, whilst his singer girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger fares even worse, with the name Nicole dropping seven places down the girls list to 84th place.

Ollie emerged as the biggest climber - up 56 places to number 53 - while Zachary, perhaps inspired by High School Musical's Zac Efron or even the son of jungle queen Stacey Soloman, has also become more common.

Bobby - the name of the late Jade Goody's son - is another big climber, up 25 places to number 70. And Kai - Coleen and Wayne Rooney's son has stepped up 10 places to number 56, despite his father's indiscretions.

The list was compiled by parenting club Bounty from names given to 423,000 children born in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during 2010.

Yesterday, Faye Mingo, spokeswoman for bounty.com (http://www.bounty.com/) said: ''Our records show that parents are continuing to be influenced by popular culture and celebrity trends.

"The remarkable rise in popularity of names such as Ollie and Florence are most probably due to the X Factor star Olly Murs and the singer from Florence and the Machine experiencing their time in the limelight.

"However, parents are looking to a wide range of sources for influence and also seem to be rediscovering more traditional, 'old-fashioned' names like Ava and Stanley which have been more associated with grandparents in the past.

"Biblical names are also proving popular with Noah rising 20 places to 15th place and Jacob up 7, just missing the top ten."

Olivia is enjoying its third year in top spot after deposing Grace in 2008.

Jessica climbed one place to sixth, while Chloe dropped from fifth to seventh. Ava made it into the top ten for the first time while Grace slipped to ninth from sixth.

Amelia completed the top ten. Lucy was a non-mover at 13 while the next four places were all taken up by new names, including Isabella which climbed eight places to 14th.

Megan, Isla and Freya have all become more popular as has Lilly, most probably inspired by the singer Lily Allen.

On the boys list Jack finally surrendered top spot to Oliver but very little of the rest of the top ten changed. William climbed one spot to eighth as did Daniel to ninth while James slipped two to tenth.

Other names we will be hearing more regularly includes Logan, which climbed seven places to 17th and Oscar, which moved up four to 22nd.

Callum and Liam seem to have had their day - they were the biggest fallers in the top 30, seven and nine places respectively.

And new entries into the bounty.com top 100 lists were Esme, Courtney, Jude, Elliot and Stanley.

Faye Mingo added: "A recent study we ran found that one in five parents regret the names they have chosen for their children, so it's more important than ever for parents to choose a name them and their child will love for the rest of their life.

"It's hard to predict what we'll see next year but it's most probable that celebrities and popular culture will again play a part - and with a royal wedding on the horizon we may well see an increase in Williams and Kates born in celebration!"

See the Top 100 boys and girls names of 2010 and check the latest regional popularity (http://www.bounty.com/baby-names/regional-names) ratings at Bounty's baby names (http://www.bounty.com/baby-names) section which features a host of unique and handy functions to help parents decide on baby names. As well as being able to search names using letters of the alphabet (http://www.bounty.com/baby-names/names-beginning-with), number of syllables, origin, and meaning, parents can also search trend graphs which show if names are declining/growing in popularity as well as popular sibling/middle names for their chosen name, amongst a host of other useful tools.

TOP 100 BOYS NAMES 2010

1. Oliver
2. Jack
3. Harry
4. Charlie
5. Alfie
6. Thomas
7. Joshua
8. William
9. Daniel
10. James
11. Jacob
12. George
13. Ethan
14. Lucas
15. Noah
16. Max
17. Logan
18. Joseph
19. Lewis
20. Dylan
21. Samuel
22. Oscar
23. Ryan
24. Archie
25. Riley
26. Jayden
27. Tyler
28. Jake
29. Callum
30. Liam
31. Alexander
32. Connor
33. Luke
34. Adam
35. Benjamin
36. Matthew
37. Leo
38. Finley
39. Jamie
40. Alex
41. Freddie
42. Mason
43. Harrison
44. Henry
45. Ben
46. Harvey
47. Nathan
48. Isaac
49. Cameron
50. Aaron
51. Theo
52. Edward
53. Ollie
54. Finlay
55. Owen
56. Kai
57. Harley
58. Aiden
59. Michael
60. Toby
61. Sam
62. Leon
63. Kyle
64. David
65. Rhys
66. Evan
67. Bailey
68. Reece
69. Zachary
70. Bobby
71. Ashton
72. Kian
73. Sebastian
74. Luca
75. Kayden
76. Louis
77. Zac
78. Taylor
79. Brandon
80. John
81. Hayden
82. Billy
83. Caleb
84. Jude
85. Blake
86. Joe
87. Louie
88. Jay
89. Christopher
90. Joel
91. Bradley
92. Ellis
93. Corey
94. Elliot
95. Zak
96. Robert
97. Stanley
98. Aidan
99. Jenson
100. Patrick

TOP 100 GIRLS NAMES 2010

1. Olivia
2. Sophie
3. Lily
4. Emily
5. Ruby
6. Jessica
7. Chloe
8. Ava
9. Grace
10. Amelia
11. Mia
12. Evie
13. Lucy
14. Isabella
15. Maisie
16. Poppy
17. Daisy
18. Ellie
19. Ella
20. Megan
21. Isla
22. Freya
23. Charlotte
24. Lilly
25. Summer
26. Isabelle
27. Holly
28. Sophia
29. Millie
30. Erin
31. Katie
32. Amy
33. Scarlett
34. Hannah
35. Lexi
36. Imogen
37. Lacey
38. Molly
39. Eva
40. Brooke
41. Lola
42. Phoebe
43. Layla
44. Emma
45. Leah
46. Abigail
47. Sienna
48. Gracie
49. Amber
50. Jasmine
51. Alice
52. Matilda
53. Elizabeth
54. Anna
55. Madison
56. Rosie
57. Paige
58. Lauren
59. Isabel
60. Bethany
61. Caitlin
62. Georgia
63. Faith
64. Lexie
65. Florence
66. Rebecca
67. Niamh
68. Zoe
69. Maya
70. Skye
71. Maddison
72. Tilly
73. Keira
74. Scarlet
75. Tia
76. Amelie
77. Libby
78. Sofia
79. Sarah
80. Aimee
81. Isobel
82. Esme
83. Zara
84. Nicole
85. Julia
86. Martha
87. Maisy
88. Heidi
89. Abbie
90. Mya
91. Darcy
92. Rose
93. Eleanor
94. Kayla
95. Miley
96. Hollie
97. Eve
98. Bella
99. Evelyn
100. Courtney

TOP 100 BOYS NAMES 2009

1. Jack
2. Oliver
3. Charlie
4. Harry
5. Alfie
6. Thomas
7. Joshua
8. William
9. James
10. Daniel
11. George
12. Ethan
13. Lewis
14. Max
15. Lucas
16. Dylan
17. Archie
18. Joseph
19. Jacob
20. Samuel
21. Liam
22. Callum
23. Oscar
24. Jayden
25. Logan
26. Ryan
27. Jake
28. Tyler
29. Riley
30. Luke
31. Harvey
32. Ben
33. Adam
34. Alexander
35. Benjamin
36. Leo
37. Matthew
38. Noah
39. Connor
40. Alex
41. Jamie
42. Harrison
43. Mason
44. Cameron
45. Owen
46. Henry
47. Nathan
48. Finley
49. Aaron
50. Freddie
51. Issac
52. Sam
53. Finlay
54. Theo
55. Harley
56. Aiden
57. Toby
58. Edward
59. Rhys
60. Michael
61. Evan
62. Kyle
63. Leon
64. Reece
65. David
66. Kai
67. Ashton
68. Bailey
69. Kian
70. Louis
71. Taylor
72. Hayden
73. Brandon
74. Joe
75. Jay
76. Luca
77. Kayden
78. Ewan
79. Joel
80. Sebastian
81. Zac
82. Ellis
83. Josh
84. Aidan
85. John
86. Billy
87. Zak
88. Bradley
89. Kieran
90. Blake
91. Christopher
92. Morgan
93. Caleb
94. Louie
95. Andrew
96. Bobby
97. Gabriel
98. Robert
99. Elliot
100.Jude

TOP 100 GIRLS NAMES 2009

1. Olivia
2. Ruby
3. Sophie
4. Chloe
5. Emily
6. Grace
7. Jessica
8. Lily
9. Amelia
10. Evie
11. Mia
12. Lucy
13. Ava
14. Ella
15. Charlotte
16. Amy
17. Daisy
18. Katie
19. Megan
20. Summer
21. Ellie
22. Isabella
23. Holly
24. Millie
25. Poppy
26. Freya
27. Erin
28. Isla
29. Isabelle
30. Hannah
31. Emma
32. Brooke
33. Molly
34. Phoebe
35. Eva
36. Leah
37. Lilly
38. Abigail
39. Sophia
40. Imogen
41. Maisie
42. Scarlett
43. Lexi
44. Jasmine
45. Lola
46. Layla
47. Isabel
48. Lauren
49. Amber
50. Madison
51. Matilda
52. Elizabeth
53. Bethany
54. Sienna
55. Rosie
56. Anna
57. Gracie
58. Paige
59. Alice
60. Caitlin
61. Georgia
62. Maddison
63. Rebecca
64. Lacey
65. Isobel
66. Faith
67. Libby
68. Tia
69. Keira
70. Lexie
71. Niamh
72. Skye
73. Nicole
74. Aimee
75. Sarah
76. Zoe
77. Eleanor
78. Amelie
79. Julia
80. Eve
81. Maya
82. Tilly
83. Zara
84. Martha
85. Sofia
86. Scarlet
87. Darcy
88. Abbie
89. Victoria
90. Heidi
91. Alexandra
92. Taylor
93. Miley
94. Kayla
95. Mya
96. Lydia
97. Florence
98. Evelyn
99. Rose
100. Courtney

Notes to Editors:

- The top 100 boys and girls names lists were compiled using data
collated from the registered births of Bounty Parenting Club members in
2010

- Bounty (http://www.bounty.com) is the UK's favourite parenting club,
providing information, support and products for young families
throughout the four key-life stages: pre-birth, birth, toddlers and
pre-school

- With 2.5 million members and over 50,000 new members joining
every month, Bounty reaches 9 out of 10 new and expectant parents in
the UK through its Bounty bag sampling

- http://www.bounty.com has 750,000 opted-in members and a further
28,000 new members joining each month
- http://www.bounty.com/baby-names features a host of unique and
handy new functions and tools to help you decide on baby names.
Whether your heart is set on a name and you want to find out more about
its origin or meaning, have absolutely no idea how to go about choosing
a name or simply want to find a name rated by others as 'cool' or
'exotic', Bounty.com is the go-to site for all your naming needs. In
just one click you can search:

- Regional mapping (search the popularity of names throughout the UK
based on where you live)

- Middle names (search for names that are most commonly used as middle
names with your chosen first name)

- Sibling names (search for common sibling names alongside your chosen
first name)

- Rate names according to how 'cool', 'great', 'traditional', 'exotic',
'unique' they are

- Find out nick-names, explore famous people names, and characters
featured in books, TV or film

- Find out who else likes the names you do and ask friends and family to
confidentially rate your favourite names

- Name trend graph showing if names are in declining/growing in
popularity

- Search using letters of the alphabet, number of syllables, origin, and
meaning

- Collate your own 'shopping basket' of preferred names

Source: Bounty UK Ltd

For further information please contact Rachel Burrows on +44-(0)1707-294000, or email rburrows@bounty.com

Jennifer Hudson Identified Nephew's Body

2008-10-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Hudson Identified Nephew's Body

October 28, 2008

(Chicago, IL) Hudson's nephew was found murdered today ending a frantic 3-day search. It was a crushing blow after her mother and brother were found murdered Friday and Jennifer Hudson has the grim task of identifying the bodies. CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports.

Motown Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Sound That Changed America

2008-09-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

Motown Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Sound That Changed America

Dido Set to Release New Album, Safe Trip Home, on November 4

2008-08-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

Dido Set to Release New Album, Safe Trip Home, on November 4

For Bernie Mac

2008-08-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Bernard Jeffrey McCullough (October 5, 1957 – August 9, 2008),

This post is a memorial tribute to Bernie Mac, the American actor and comedian who was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago.

I never saw his acts as a stand-up comedian, because I only saw his comedies.

May his soul rest in peace and may the Almighty God Jehovah comfort his bereaved family.

Hip Hop Hustler

2008-08-18T04:11:00.001-07:00

Elvis Presley Is Still #1

2008-08-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

15 Aug 2008 11:00 Africa/Lagos

Elvis Presley Is Still #1

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- On the eve of the thirty-first anniversary of his passing, Elvis Presley holds a commanding lead in the voting for RockinTown.com's Greatest Rock Artist of All-Time. Presley, who easily out-polled Pearl Jam (2006 winner) and Nirvana (2005 winner) last year could become the first artist to top the survey twice.

Presley, rock n' roll's first superstar, set the bar -- and set it high. With talent to burn and charisma that has never been matched, Presley's catalog continues to log impressive sales worldwide. That his career was able to survive over a dozen bad movies and a slew of toss-off late-70's concert albums is a true testament to his talent and enduring appeal.

Trailing Presley in the voting are Led Zeppelin (#2), Green Day (#3), The Beatles (#4) and Nirvana (#5). Evanescence and My Chemical Romance have a few hundred vote lead over the Rolling Stones who are currently 10th on the list. Over 69,000 votes have been cast for 63 groups or solo acts -- only Presley has garnered more than 10% of the ballots.

"The Top 5 is a pretty eclectic group," said Mark Clinton, RockinTown.com's manager. "There's the King of Rock n' Roll, the Hammer of the Gods, Punk, the Fab Four and Grunge. Rock's breath and scope is encapsulated right there."

Fans are allowed to vote once a day through the New Year's Eve deadline with the annual winner announced on New Year's Day. Voters must be RockinTown.com members but membership is free. Rock fans can go to http://www.rockintown.com/ to register and vote.

RockinTown.com is also polling fans for the Best Artist of 2008. This award goes to a group/performer that has released an album of original material in the past 12 months. Currently, Puddle Of Mudd (for "Famous") leads the voting.

RockinTown.com, an entertainment site, chronicles rock's history from the beginning to the present with over 750 artist bios and a daily rundown of key events in rock history (Today In Rock). Rock fans can exchange views, find like-minded enthusiasts, lobby for favorite bands and review albums in the RockinForum.

For more information contact:

Mark Clinton

(206) 579-2716

info@rockintown.com

Source: RockinTown.com

CONTACT: Mark Clinton of RockinTown.com, +1-206-579-2716,
info@rockintown.com

Web site: RockinTown

Funny or Die's 'Paris Hilton' Video Sets Record

2008-08-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

Funny or Die's 'Paris Hilton' Video Sets Record

Paris Hilton Fires Back at John McCain's Presidential Ad, Keeping Hilton Top of Mind with Web Users on Lycos Search List

2008-08-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

Paris Hilton Fires Back at John McCain's Presidential Ad, Keeping Hilton Top of Mind with Web Users on Lycos Search List

Girls Gone Wild and Joe Francis Are Vindicated AGAIN

2008-08-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

Girls Gone Wild and Joe Francis Are Vindicated AGAIN

Ronke Ojo's "Gbajumo" is A Classic Yoruba Comedy

2008-08-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ronke Ojo was at her best in this Yoruba comedy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcGTYNB44cMGbajumo. It was produced by Ronke Ojo and directed by Said Balogun.

The movie featured top Yoruba movie stars, from Saheed Balogun to Kayode Odumosu and from Rachael Oniga to Eniola Olaniyan. Seyi Ogunde acted well as the husband of "Ayoka" in London.

The movie was shot at locations in Nigeria and the UK.
The scenes in the village in Western Nigeria were well shot and the scenes in London were good. The performance of the cast was good. The cameramen did very well.

Ronke Ojo who played the leading role of "Ayoka", the semi-literate Yoruba village beauty also wrote the story. The exposé on the Nigerian visa racketeering in the UK was a good plot in the serio-comic movie.

I found "Gbajumo" more entertaining than "Osuofia in London" and with a better cast too.

The title of the movie should have been "Ayoka" and not "Gbajumo". "Ayoka" would have beem more popular among fans of Yoruba movies.

I give "Gbajumo" two thumbs up and five stars.

Violin Lessons

2008-08-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

Keyshia Cole Releases Steady Flow of #1 Hits

2008-07-17T05:10:00.000-07:00

Keyshia Cole Releases Steady Flow of #1 Hits

Kanye West Announced As Grand Finale Performance For The Nike Human Race - The World's Largest One Day Running Event

2008-06-19T04:11:00.000-07:00

Kanye West Announced As Grand Finale Performance For The Nike Human Race - The World's Largest One Day Running Event

Hip Hop Artist Johnny Prez Launches Music Label

2008-06-17T04:05:00.000-07:00

Prezident Music artist Princestar will be making several special appearances throughout the summer at various music festivals and venues in major cities throughout the United States. (PRNewsFoto/Celebrity PR Co.) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES 06/17/2008

17 Jun 2008 11:48 Africa/Lagos

Hip Hop Artist Johnny Prez Launches Music Label

NEW YORK, June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Multi-platinum hip hop artist Johnny Prez has launched Prezident Music, a music production company and record label based in his home town of San Juan, Puerto Rico with a satellite office in New York City to open in July.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080617/NYTU073 )

Prezident Music's future release forecast will include Johnny Prez's next CD titled "Imperdonable" which is currently being produced by Johnny Prez and with co-producers Scott Storch, Elvis Garcia, and Predicador. Other artists to be featured on the CD are Lil Wayne, Akon, and Jamie Foxx. "Imperdonable" is expected to be released later this year worldwide. As for other artists on the label, Prezident Music has been developing a promising rapper by the name of Princestar, a seventeen-year-old Puerto Rican rapper from Brooklyn. Production on Princetar's project will begin shortly at the Prezident Music studios in San Juan with a projected winter '09 release.

"We are extremely excited about Princestar; he is extremely talented, unique, genuine, down to earth and full of energy. He reminds me a lot of Johnny -- both have positive messages in their music and aim to please their audiences," says Ruben Malaret, Manager for both Johnny Prez and Princestar. Princestar will be making several special appearances throughout the summer at various music festivals and venues in major cities throughout the United States. "We want to introduce Princestar to the masses of attendees at these festivals; they will love him," continued Malaret.

Prezident Music is currently developing a reality series to air on VH1, a series that will help Prezident Music find their next artist. More information on the show and how upcoming artists can participate will be available on the label's official web site: www.prezidentmusic.com . For updates and more information on Johnny Prez and Princestar, please visit their official web sites: www.johnny-prez.com and www.princestar.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080617/NYTU073
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Celebrity PR Co.

CONTACT: Ruben Malaret, Celebrity PR Co., +1-212-812-4427 Ext. 705, or
+1-310-356-6066 Ext. 705

Web site: President Music
Johnny Prez
Prince Star

Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter Christine Evans Is Now Shooting Her Debut Film Role, the Female Lead In An Independent Feature, in Los Angeles

2008-06-16T04:23:00.000-07:00

Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter Christine Evans Is Now Shooting Her Debut Film Role, the Female Lead In An Independent Feature, in Los Angeles

Welcome To Amy's Joint

2008-06-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

Photo: Perez Hilton.

Obama/Clinton/McCain 'Naked' Video Sweeping the Nation!

2008-06-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

7 Jun 2008 10:00 Africa/Lagos

Obama/Clinton/McCain 'Naked' Video Sweeping the Nation!
Animated video hits front page of MySpace

Pop sensation Al Walser, through his recording label 'Liechtenstein Kingdom,' releases the new single that has America buzzing!
To See the video, go to http://myspacetv.com and check the featured video section.

LOS ANGELES, June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of Americans take a first look at what life might look like with Obama and Clinton together in the White House on social website, MySpace.
Fans of Barack Obama and supporters of Hillary Clinton have finally come together celebrating the Democratic Dream Ticket through music on the Internet.

The controversial videoclip, a sort of "Dream Ticket gone wild" interpretation, depicts the presidential nominees as animated characters commanding, dancing and singing together to promote the one theme all of America agrees on.

The catchy song "Naked," with its surprising cameo appearances from cartoon candidates, has already had thousands of views within its first hours of release alone, and is expected to be seen by over a million Internet users by the end of next week. Due to heavy fan demands, MySpaceTv and HOLLYWOOD.TV announced today that they will feature the video on their frontpages throughout this entire weekend. HOLLYWOOD.TV founder Sheeraz Hasan: "This has got to be the funniest music video I have seen this year!"

The video is a response from impatient fans that have been waiting for Senator Clinton and Senator Obama to stop debating each other and come together as one democratic powerhouse. As Fox News reported (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,354680,00.html), Clinton was offered 1 million dollars to appear in one of Al Walser's upcoming music videos last month. As she mulled over the idea, fans put out this bootleg video with an animated Clinton and Obama, giving us a glimpse of what life could be like in Washington for the next four years if the Dream Team ticket is elected into office.

Al Walser, a Goodwill Ambassador to the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein and its country's first bi-racial citizen, has been generating a lot of buzz in the U.S. bringing him into constant contact with high profile celebrities and politicians such as Obama and Clinton. Al Walser is quickly surpassing celebrities in Internet searches on popular sites such as YouTube, iTunes, and MySpace. The club hit "Naked," was officially released worldwide last week.

Source: Liechtenstein Kingdom

CONTACT: Al Walser, Artist, media@alwalser.com,

or John Carragans,+1-310-600-3064, both of Liechtenstein Kingdom
Web site: http://www.alwalser.com/

Linkin Park Adds Busta Rhymes to 2008 Summer Tour

2008-06-03T11:29:00.001-07:00

3 Jun 2008 17:00 Africa/Lagos

Linkin Park Adds Busta Rhymes to 2008 Summer Tour

ACCLAIMED HIP HOP INNOVATOR WILL PERFORM WITH LINKIN PARK, CHRIS CORNELL, THE BRAVERY, ASHES DIVIDE ON PROJEKT REVOLUTION MAIN STAGE
REVOLUTION STAGE HEADLINED BY ATREYU AND FEATURING 10 YEARS, HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS, ARMOR FOR SLEEP & STREET DRUM CORPS
TOUR BEGINS JULY 16 IN BOSTON

LOS ANGELES, June 3 /PRNewswire/ --
Multi-platinum two-time Grammy-winning rock band Linkin Park has announced that acclaimed hip-hop innovator Busta Rhymes will join their Projekt Revolution 2008 lineup. Rhymes and Linkin Park recently collaborated on "We Made It," the first single and video from Rhymes' upcoming album, Blessed. By touring together, Linkin Park & Busta are taking a cue from the chorus of their song: " ... we took it on the road ... ".

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070220/LATU096LOGO)

As recently pointed out in Rolling Stone's "Summer Tour Guide," the tour will see nine acts joining rock superstars Linkin Park, who are also offering concertgoers a digital souvenir pack that includes a recording of the band's entire set. As the band's co-lead vocalist Mike Shinoda told the magazine, "That puts extra pressure on us to make sure our set is different every night."

The fifth installation of Linkin Park's raging road show will see them headlining an all-star bill that features former Soundgarden/Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell, electro-rockers The Bravery and Ashes Divide featuring Billy Howerdel, known for his work with A Perfect Circle. The Revolution stage will be headlined by metallic act Atreyu and features hard hitters 10 Years, fiery Ohio natives Hawthorne Heights and buzz band Armor For Sleep. Also performing will be percussive force Street Drum Corps. The tour launches July 16 at the Tweeter Center in Boston.

Fans can go to http://www.linkinpark.com/, http://www.projektrevolution.com/ or http://www.livenation.com/ for show dates and on-sale information in each area.

Produced by Live Nation and partnered with Major League Baseball, Monster Energy Drink, Verizon Wireless and Nowwhat.com, Projekt Revolution 2008 sees Linkin Park building upon the success and excitement of previous Revolution tours, which included artists such as My Chemical Romance, Korn, Snoop Dogg, HIM, Xzibit and Mudvayne, among others.

"We started Projekt Revolution six years ago and have been lucky to have toured with some great bands," says Linkin Park co-frontman Chester Bennington. "This year, however, might just be the best lineup yet. We're looking forward to taking this show on the road and bringing great music to the masses."

Last month Linkin Park took a break from their headlining tour in support of new album MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT and traveled to New Orleans to help families displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The band joined volunteers from Music for Relief, and Habitat homeowner families from New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity to build homes in the damaged Gulf Coast area. Prior to that, Linkin Park's nonprofit organization, Music For Relief, initiated a partnership with Hollywood for Habitat For Humanity to fund and build homes in hurricane ravaged areas. Additionally, Linkin Park recently donated $1 from each ticket sold on their European & UK, U.S. & Canadian headlining dates to Music for Relief for a tree-planting initiative.

With Projekt Revolution 2008, Linkin Park continues to give back, as $1 from every ticket sold will go toward Music for Relief to support disaster relief and reduce global warming. In just over a year Music For Relief has raised over $1 million for reforestation, planting over 797,000 trees. Music For Relief endeavors to help victims recover and rebuild following natural disasters but also works to reduce global warming. During Projekt Revolution 2008, Music for Relief will continue its grassroots outreach to fans to educate them on how to reduce their own carbon emissions and how those changes can have a global effect.

About the Main Stage Artists

Linkin Park
Linkin Park (Bennington, drummer Rob Bourdon, guitarist Brad Delson, DJ Joe Hahn, bassist Dave "Phoenix" Farrell and vocalist Mike Shinoda) is touring in support of double-platinum-selling album MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT and new top ten hit single "Given Up." The album, one of the highest-debuting discs of 2007 and the seventh best-selling album of the year, has already spawned three additional top ten hits ("Bleed It Out," "What's I've Done," "Shadow of the Day"), amplifying an already illustrious career. Since arriving in 2000, Linkin Park has won two Grammy Awards (Best Hard Rock Performance in 2002 with their hit single "Crawling" and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration with Jay-Z in 2006 for the innovative "Numb/Encore"), sold more than 45 million albums worldwide (their Diamond-Certified debut Hybrid Theory has sold more than 18 million copies alone), and garnered an international fanbase whose members number in the millions. According to the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry), Linkin Park was 2007's best-selling rock band, with MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT moving 4.8 million units worldwide.
http://www.linkinpark.com/

Chris Cornell
Ranked 12th in MTV's "22 Greatest Voices in Music" survey, ahead of such icons as David Bowie, Steven Tyler and Bruce Springsteen, Chris Cornell has been called "the single most dynamic rock and roll force produced by the Grunge Revolution of the early 90s." As the frontman for Soundgarden, he marshaled five studio albums including the groundbreaking Superunknown, which went multi-platinum and earned two Grammy Awards. His songwriting continued to develop with the critically acclaimed side project, Temple of the Dog, a collective of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden members who formed in tribute to late Mother Love Bone singer Andrew Wood. During his tenure as frontman for the rock supergroup Audioslave, he continued his multi-platinum success and produced hit singles "Like a Stone," "Cochise" and "Be Yourself." Cornell's songs have been featured on film soundtracks including Pump Up the Volume, Wayne's World, True Romance, Feeling Minnesota (a title taken from one of Cornell's own Soundgarden lyrics), Singles, Great Expectations, Mission: Impossible II, Collateral and BUG. Cornell's second solo album, CARRY ON (Suretone/Interscope), marks his 13th studio album and was released in June 2007. Carry On includes the 2008 Grammy nominated "You Know My Name," the theme song from the last James Bond installment, Casino Royale (Columbia Pictures). Cornell was honored to be the first American male in history to create a theme song for the classic James Bond film franchise. Cornell is currently in the studio with super-producer Timbaland working on his third solo album. In addition to his work in the music world, Chris Cornell served as the face of the 2006 John Varvatos ad campaign and became a restaurateur with the opening of Black Calavados (BC) in Paris, where he lives with his wife Vicky and two young children.
http://www.chriscornell.com/

Busta Rhymes
Busta's previous album, 2006's The Big Bang, his first for Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, became the first #1 Pop album of his career, and fourth #1 R&B/Hip-hop album. Spinning off the Top 20 Pop hit "Touch It," The Big Bang claimed the top spot in its first week and went gold. The album followed his gold It Ain't Safe No More. The Brooklyn-born, Long Island-raised Busta Rhymes (named by Chuck D of Public Enemy) launched his solo career in 1996 with the platinum #1 R&B/Hip-hop The Coming and its Top 10 platinum "Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check." Called "the most idiosyncratic personality in rap and possessor of its most recognizable delivery, a halting, ragga-inspired style with incredible complexity, inventiveness, and humor" (All Music Guide), Rhymes followed with three more platinum albums: When Disaster Strikes (#1 R&B/Hip-hop), Extinction Level Event (The Final World Front) (#2 R&B/Hip-hop), Anarchy (#1 R&B/Hip-hop) and Genesis (#2 R&B/Hip-hop), and their gold Top 10 Pop hits "Dangerous," "Turn It Up" and "What's It Gonna Be." His highly anticipated new album, BLESSED, arrives in stores June 17.
http://www.bustarhymes.com/

The Bravery
The Bravery - singer/guitarist and songwriter Sam Endicott, guitarist Michael Zakarin, bassist Michael Berreto Hindert, keyboardist John Conway, and drummer Anthony Burulcich just re-launched their highly lauded album, THE SUN AND THE MOON COMPLETE, as part of a two-disc configuration. Disc one (THE SUN) is the original 12-song album issued last May. The album was produced and mixed by two-time Grammy Award winner Brendan O'Brien. Disc two (THE MOON) is the album reimagined/reworked by the New York-based Bravery, who were recently named Artist of the Week on MTV's 52/52. The album features Top 10 Modern Rock hit "Believe," whose video was recently added to MTV, MTV2, VH1 and Fuse, following its premiere on Yahoo! "Believe" has been featured on a plethora of television shows, including "The Hills," "Friday Night Lights," "Grey's Anatomy," "Gossip Girl," "Moonlight," "Las Vegas," "Rescue Me" and "Reaper." The song has also been heard on two new video games "Madden '08" and "Game With Fame," and is receiving additional exposure in the current Pontiac and Gap advertising campaigns.
http://www.thebravery.com/

ASHES dIVIDE
ASHES dIVIDE is the new band formed by lead guitarist/singer-songwriter Billy Howerdel -- founder/producer of multi-platinum group A Perfect Circle, the band he led with Tool frontman Maynard Keenan through three albums (two platinum and one gold). Three weeks before the April 8th release of Howerdel's long-awaited first solo project, KEEP TELLING MYSELF IT'S ALRIGHT, lead single "The Stone" was the No. 1 Most Streamed Song at both the Alternative and Rock formats of Clear Channel Online New and its video has been added at both Fuse and MTV2. In a recent Entertainment Weekly poll of film and television music producers, Dana Sano (Dan In Real Life) praised ASHES dIVIDE for sounding " ... so very dreamy rock with a '90s feel." Howerdel produced and engineered the new album in Los Angeles, playing guitar, bass and keyboard. Longtime collaborator Danny Lohner (APC, Nine Inch Nails) helped out with the recording process, while drummer Josh Freese (APC) appears on the album. Other contributors include Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde), Matt Skiba (Alkaline Trio), and Paz Lenchantin. Innovative Brit producer Alan Moulder, known for his work with Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, My Bloody Valentine and the Killers, mixed the album in London.
http://www.ashesdivide.com/

About Revolution Stage Artists
Atreyu
The Orange County, CA-based hard rockers are touring in support of LEAD SAILS PAPER ANCHOR, which debuted at No. 8 on Billboard's Top 200, making it both the highest debut and highest-charting album of the band's career. It follows 2006's A Death-Grip On Yesterday, which entered the chart at No. 9. The album, produced by John Feldmann (The Used, Good Charlotte) and mixed by Andy Wallace (Nirvana, Slipknot, Linkin Park), drew rave reviews from around the world, including Metal Hammer, who declared it to be "a truly landmark album." Kerrang! gave the record 4 K's and Blender gave it 3 1/2 stars and called it "metal that takes you to a magical bygone era." Revolver awarded the album 4 stars and praised it for flowing "beautifully through the speakers" and for being "a coffin-tight collection of singles." Since the album's release, the band shared stages alongside Korn and Evanescence on the Family Values Tour and blazed a headlining run of their own. They're currently co-headlining the Rockstar Taste of Chaos Tour with Avenged Sevenfold. Their new hit single, "Falling Down," is currently No. 3 on Billboard's Alternative Rock Chart.
http://www.atreyurock.com/

10 YEARS
10 Years recently put the finishing touches on new album DIVISION, readying it for a nationwide in-store release on May 13th. DIVISION was helmed by acclaimed producer Rick Parasher (Pearl Jam, Nickelback, Soundgarden, Rob Zombie). Recorded during what the band has described as "an intense creative process" this past summer, songs on DIVISION include "Just Can't Win," "In Your Eyes," "Day Dreamer," and the band's latest radio hit, "Beautiful." 10 Years came to the attention of the rock world with 2005's Autumn Effect which unleashed one of 2005-2006's biggest rock radio hits with the mythic single "Wasteland." The iconic song not only set career highs for the band when it was certified gold, it reigned on US rock charts for more than a year, notching the #4 year-end spot on the Active rock chart, and eventually pulled off a hat-trick of #1 slots at Active rock, Alternative rock and Billboard's Modern rock chart. The album also spawned a second hit single for the band, "Through The Iris."
http://www.10yearsmusic.com/

Hawthorne Heights
Hawthorne Heights (vocalist/guitarist JT Woodruff, drummer Eron Bucciarelli, guitarist Micah Carli and bassist Matt Ridenour) will be supporting the follow-up album to 2006's gold-selling IF ONLY YOU WERE LONELY, which is slated for release early summer '08. Hawthorne Heights broke onto the scene in 2004, selling a staggering one million copies of their debut release The Silence In Black And White, which featured cult hits "Ohio Is For Lovers" and "Niki FM." Since that time the band has toured relentlessly, developing a rabid fanbase and selling nearly 2 million albums worldwide. Projekt Revolution marks the bands triumphant return after a tumultuous year of setbacks and great personal loss.
http://www.hawthorneheights.com/

Armor For Sleep
The New Jersey-based post-hardcore quartet has been busy promoting their recent release SMILE FOR THEM, a compelling third addition to their ever-evolving catalogue of music. The band formed in the suburban utopia of northern NJ in 2002, catalyzed by singer/guitarist Ben Jorgensen's songwriting and desire to form a band centered around it. The release of the group's debut, Dream To Make Believe, in 2003 on independent label Equal Vision Records, thrust them on tour where receptive listeners were attracted to the genuine, personable sensibility of the band and their music. But 2005's critically acclaimed concept-based follow-up, What To Do When You Are Dead, set them far apart from the other bands swimming in the deep sea of emo bands, and put them distinctly on the top of the bubbling genre. Selling over 220,000 records to date, the album solidified the bond between band and fan, and eventually piqued the interest of Sire Records who signed them in 2006. Having played shows with the likes of Against Me!, Taking Back Sunday, All-American Rejects and Underoath, the band is ready to join this year's Projekt Revolution.
http://www.armorforsleep.com/

Street Drum Corps
Known for their high-energy percussion shows, which Kevin Lyman (founder of the Vans Warped Tour) calls a "Punk Rock Stomp," Street Drum Corps bring an unparalleled dynamic element to an evening's event. Bobby Alt, Adam Alt, and Frank Zummo formed Street Drum Corps in Los Angeles in 2004. They use found and traditional instruments. SDC has been touring the world the past four years. Tour highlights include: Vans Warped Tour, SXSW, Coachella, Matisyahu, Australian Tour, MTV $2 Bill Tour with 30 Seconds To Mars, Six Flags Magic Mountain, The Used, Guitar Center Drum Off and Taste Of Chaos. SDC was recently inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame's "Warped Tour Exhibit." They also performed on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and Fuse TV.
http://www.streetdrumcorps.com/

About the Partners
Major League Baseball's Access To The Show:
Now in its sixth year, "Access To The Show" is a summer festival tour featuring the MLB Road Show, a high-tech tractor-trailer that's completely outfitted to give fans a chance to have an all-encompassing baseball experience. The truck includes pitching and batting cages, kiosks featuring the latest MLB video games, and showcases the MLB Authentic Collection line of apparel, which includes the jerseys, headwear and outerwear that are identical to what is worn by players on all 30 clubs. The MLB Road Show will be returning to Projekt Revolution as the sole professional sports league sponsor, and will receive exclusive branding rights for the MLB Authentic Collection as well as Second Stage sponsorship, bringing together music and baseball in a unique and exciting festival environment. Over the years "Access To The Show" has become a major part of the summer festival experience for music fans everywhere, having been along for the ride with festivals and tours such as SXSW, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Vans Warped Tour, Lollapalooza, Sasquatch Music Festival, Projekt Revolution, Virgin Festival, Langerado, and many more.

Monster Energy Drink
Monster Energy supports the music scene from top concert tours like Projekt Revolution to up-and-coming bands on their quest to break through. The bands are pounding down Monster more than ever. Check out the entire Monster line-up: Original Monster Energy, Monster-Lo Carb, Monster Assault and the new Monster/fruit juice hybrids Khaos, M-80 and Mixxd.

http://www.nowwhat.com/

Now What will be onsite with an interactive booth where concert goers can stop by to get their free online photo, win great prizes, and pick up their net decoder card to enter the daily and grand prize sweepstakes online. Plus, concert goers can log on to NowWhat.com after the show to watch exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the tour!

Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 65.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Tour dates are as follows:
Date City .........................Venue
7/16 Boston, ......................MA Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts
7/18 Pittsburgh, PA ...............Post-Gazette Pavilion
7/19 Philadelphia, PA .............Susquehana Bank Center
7/20 Hartford, CT .................New England Dodge Music Center
7/22 New York, NY .................Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
7/23 Holmdel, NJ ..................PNC Bank Arts Center
7/25 Raleigh, NC ..................Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
7/26 Virginia Beach, VA ...........Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater
7/27 Washington, DC ...............Nissan Pavilion
7/30 Charlotte, NC ................Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8/1 West Palm Beach, FL ...........Cruzan Amphitheatre
8/2 Tampa, FL .....................Ford Amphitheatre
8/3 Atlanta, GA ...................Lakewood Amphitheatre
8/7 Phoenix, AZ ...................Cricket Wireless Pavilion
8/9 San Francisco, CA .............Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View
8/10 Irvine, CA ...................Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8/12 Denver, CO ...................Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre
8/15 Cincinnati, OH ...............Riverbend Music Center
8/16 Chicago, IL ..................Alpine Valley Music Theatre
8/17 Indianapolis, IN .............Verizon Wireless Music Center Indianapolis
8/19 Cleveland, OH ................Blossom Music Center
8/21 St. Louis, MO ................Verizon Wireless Amphitheater St. Louis
8/23 Dallas, TX ...................Superpages.com Center
8/24 Houston, TX ..................Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

http://www.projektrevolution.com/

About Live Nation
Live Nation is the future of the music business. With the most live concerts, music venues and festivals in the world and the most comprehensive concert search engine on the web, Live Nation is revolutionizing the music industry: onstage and online. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.livenation.com/ under the "About Us" section.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070220/LATU096LOGO

AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Live Nation
CONTACT: Dvora Vener Englefield, +1-310-248-6161,
denglefield@bwr-la.com, or Michael Moses, +1-310-248-6171,
mmoses@bwr-la.com, or Luke Burland,+1-615-214-1490,
Luke.Burland@wbr.com,
all for Linkin Park
Web site: http://www.livenation.com/
http://www.linkinpark.com/
http://www.projektrevolution.com/
http://www.chriscornell.com/
http://www.bustarhymes.com/
http://www.thebravery.com/
http://www.ashesdivide.com/
http://www.atreyurock.com/
http://www.10yearsmusic.com/
http://www.hawthorneheights.com/
http://www.armorforsleep.com/
http://www.streetdrumcorps.com/
http://www.nowwhat.com/
http://www.verizonwireless.com/

Spike TV Announces 2008 'Guys Choice' Winners

2008-05-31T07:12:00.000-07:00

31 May 2008 06:39 Africa/Lagos

Spike TV Announces 2008 'Guys Choice' Winners

SECOND ANNUAL SHOW HOSTED BY "HAROLD & KUMAR" STARS JOHN CHO AND KAL PENN

PREMIERES ON SPIKE TV SUNDAY, JUNE 22 AT 10:00 PM, ET/PT

DOUBLE MANTLER WINNER MATT DAMON NAMED THE ULTIMATE "GUY OF THE YEAR" AND "BIGGEST ASS KICKER"

LEGENDARY ACTOR HARRISON FORD GIVEN "BRASS BALLS" AWARD

"THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY" INDUCTED INTO "GUY MOVIE HALL OF FAME"
Show Features Performances And Appearances By Robert Downey, Jr., Jack Black, Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, Anne Hathaway, Steve Carell, LeBron James, Marisa Miller, Eva Mendes, Tila Tequila, Eli Manning, Snoop Dogg, Disturbed, Katy Perry and Many More
To View Exclusive Footage From "Guys Choice" Log-On to www.spike.com

LOS ANGELES, May 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Winners were announced last tonight during the second annual Spike TV "Guys Choice" (http://www.spike.com/guyschoice/) held at the Sony Studios in Los Angeles. Hosted by stars John Cho and Kal Penn, the show that pays homage to the best in "guydom" premieres on Spike TV (http://www.spike.com/) Sunday, June 22 (10:00 PM-Midnight, ET/PT).

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060322/NYW096LOGO )
Matt Damon netted two of the night's top honors as he was voted "Guy of the Year" by Spike TV viewers, and his portrayal of Jason Bourne in "The Bourne Ultimatum" earned him "Best Ass Kicker" bragging rights.

Box office smash hit "Iron Man" garnered the "Guy Movie of the Year" honor. Star Robert Downey, Jr. and director Jon Favreau were on hand to receive the award.

Playboy editor-in-chief and chief creative officer and American icon, Hugh Hefner, was given the first ever "Alpha Male Award" for his pioneering vision and ground-breaking achievements that forever changed the face of entertainment for men.

The show also honored one of the most successful comedies of all time, as "There's Something About Mary" was inducted into the "Guy Movie Hall of Fame" with Bobby and Peter Farrelly, as well as castmembers Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, Lin Shaye and Markie Post on hand to accept the honor. Diaz was also there to receive the "Decade of Hotness" award.

In addition, fresh off winning Super Bowl XLII, Eli Manning took home two awards, "Most Unstoppable Jock" and sharing "Badass DNA" with his brother Peyton. Spike TV's "GUYS CHOICE" also included a house-shaking performance by Disturbed, and appearances by Chuck Liddell, Harrison Ford, Marisa Miller, Robert Downey, Jr., Anne Hathaway, Steve Carell, Kim Kardashian, LeBron James, Eva Mendes, Tila Tequila, Snoop Dogg, and Jeremy Piven, among others.

In addition to honoring the sexiest women and coolest guys from the past year, the show featured unforgettable tributes to legendary entertainers, rockers and babes, as well as edgy stand-up comedy and ground breaking musical performances. A full list of winners is included below:

GUY OF THE YEAR ALPHA MALE GUY MOVIE OF THE YEAR
Matt Damon Hugh Hefner "Ironman"
BRASS BALLS NEXT BIG THING HOTTEST GIRL ON THE PLANET
Harrison Ford Megan Fox Jessica Biel
BALLSIEST BAND FUNNIEST M.F. GUY MOVIE HALL OF FAME
Linkin Park Steve Carell "There's Something About Mary"
BIGGEST ASS KICKER SEXIEST SIREN MOST UNSTOPPABLE JOCK
Jason Bourne Rihanna Eli Manning
KING OF COMEDY MOST DANGEROUS MAN DECADE OF HOTNESS
Chris Rock Anderson Silva Cameron Diaz
HOT N' FRESH PLAY OF THE YEAR OUTSTANDING LITERARY ACHIEVEMENT
Marisa Miller David Tyree Slash
REAL SPORTS MIRACLE BADASS DNA TOP FANTASY LEAGUER
Kevin Everett Eli/Peyton Manning LeBron James
HOTTEST EVA SO HOT THEY'RE FAMOUS PRESIDENTIAL VOTING CATEGORY
Eva Mendes Tila Tequila Barack Obama
FEMME FATALE HOT & FUNNY FIERCEST FEMALE
Jessica Simpson Sarah Silverman Milla Jovovich ("Resident Evil")
VIRAL VIDEO LUCKIEST BASTARD HILARIOUS DOT COM AWARD
I'm F**king Ben Brian Austin Green Funny or Die
Affleck
SICKEST RHYMES KILLER QUOTE FOXIEST PRESIDENTIAL GROUPIE
Kanye West "Don't taze me, bro." Hillary Hottie

To view exclusive footage, interviews, behind-the-scenes access, and more from the "Guys Choice," log-on to www.spike.com
The official sponsors of Spike TV's "Guys Choice" (http://www.spike.com/guyschoice/) are Cingular, now the new AT&T, Corona, Degree Men, Pizza Hut, Sega: "The Incredible Hulk Video" Game, SoBe and the U.S. Army.

Casey Patterson, Spike TV's senior vice president, event production & talent development, Carol Donovan and Beth McCarthy-Miller are executive producers.

Spike TV is available in 96.1 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060322/NYW096LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Spike TV
CONTACT: Shana Agron, +1-917-952-4106, shana.agron@spiketv.com;
AileenBudow, +1-917-842-9653, aileen.budow@spiketv.com,
both of Spike TV
Web site: http://www.spike.com/
http://www.spike.com/guyschoice

Dima Bilan Clinches Russia's First Victory in the Eurovision Song Contest

2008-05-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

Dima Bilan clinches Russia's first victory in the Eurovision Song Contest. The show, held this year in Belgrade, drew a television audience of some 100 million for the annual glitz-fest now in its 53rd year.

© 2008 Reuters

Embassy of Jordan in Washington, DC Hosts Special Screening for Award Winning 'Captain Abu Raed'

2008-05-21T06:03:00.000-07:00

21 May 2008 06:17 Africa/Lagos

Embassy of Jordan in Washington, DC Hosts Special Screening for Award Winning 'Captain Abu Raed'

WASHINGTON, May 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan hosted a special screening last evening for the award winning Jordanian film, "Captain Abu Raed," marking the first time the film is shown to Washington's diplomatic and policymaking circles.

"Captain Abu Raed," the first Jordanian feature film ever exported to the world's cinemas, is a winner of the Audience Award at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and the Dubai International Film Festival. "We are very proud of the film's success here in the United States' vast and competitive movie industry. Films are indeed a potent intercultural weapon that we hope to use more often to enhance people's understanding of the complex beauty of our region," said His Royal Highness Prince Zeid Ra'ad, Jordan's Ambassador in the United States, as he welcomed guests at the screening. He added, "We can only expect more Jordanian winning films in the near future; especially given the rich pool of young and talented Jordanians aspiring to become part of the world of film and the arts."

"Captain Abu Raed" presents a universal story of friendship, inspiration and heroism set in contemporary Jordan. It is also a story of everyday people intersecting across social boundaries and of individual destinies coming together into one. The film also captures breathtaking footage of Amman and especially of East Amman, where the first settlers of the Capital gave life to the city.

The special screening was followed by a vibrant discussion with the talented writer and director Amin Matalqa and the esteemed executive producer David Pritchard. The discussion was moderated by Foreign Editor of the Washington Post, Scott Wilson who lived in Amman-Jordan as well as Jerusalem as the Post's chief Middle East correspondent.

The special screening is part of the Embassy's cultural program, organized by the Jordan Information Bureau, which aims to introduce the American audience to Jordan's rich cultural heritage and its hospitable and complex people.

For More Information, Contact 202-265-1606 or jordaninfo@aol.com

Source: Jordan Information Bureau

CONTACT: Jordan Information Bureau, +1-202-265-1606, jordaninfo@aol.com

COMEDY CENTRAL'S 'The Gong Show With Dave Attell' Holds Open Call Auditions in New York City on Thursday, May 22 From 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. ET

2008-05-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

19 May 2008 17:56 Africa/Lagos

COMEDY CENTRAL'S 'The Gong Show With Dave Attell' Holds Open Call Auditions in New York City on Thursday, May 22 From 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. ET

Auditions Held At Arlene's Grocery at 95 Stanton Street in New York City

'The Gong Show With Dave Attell' Premieres Thursday, July 17 At 10:30 P.M. ET/PT*

NEW YORK, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The most original and wonderfully bizarre comedy variety show is now casting! The New York open casting call for "The Gong Show with Dave Attell" will take place Thursday, May 22 at Arlene's Grocery at 95 Stanton Street in Manhattan, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.

Performers should submit their name, phone number, type of act and any links or videos to gongshowcasting@aol.com or call 310-840-5721 to register for the open call audition.
COMEDY CENTRAL and host Dave Attell are looking for the wackiest, wildest, most bizarre, unique performers out there! All acts are welcome -- from cutting edge variety to stupid human tricks and animal tricks, from the dark to the daring to the downright insane! "The Gong Show with Dave Attell" premieres Thursday, July 17 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 95 million homes nationwide. COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of Viacom Inc.'s (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) MTV Networks. COMEDY CENTRAL's Internet address is www.comedycentral.com. For up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs visit Press Central, COMEDY CENTRAL's press Web site at www.comedycentral.com/press.

*All Times ET/PT
Source: COMEDY CENTRAL Corporate Communications
CONTACT: Jamie Lee of COMEDY CENTRAL Corporate Communications,+1-212-767-3949, jamie.lee@comedycentral.com
Web site: http://www.comedycentral.com/

Updated - The 'Hottest Ticket on Television' Has Been Announced: The BET Awards '08

2008-05-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

The official press release on the 2008 BET Awards was sent out last night, but I waited to preview the preparations and nominees before reporting it.
I bet you that indeed BET Awards '08 is the hottest ticket on TV this summer.

Quincy Jones Will Be Honoured With The 2008 BET Humanitarian Award

17 May 2008 14:00 Africa/Lagos

Updated - The 'Hottest Ticket on Television' Has Been Announced: The BET Awards '08

T-Pain Leads the Pack with Five Nominations, Chris Brown Follows Closely with Four Nods, Kanye West and Keyshia Cole with Three and Mary J. Blige, Flo Rida and Alicia Keys Hold Steady with Two Each

The Eighth Annual BET AWARDS '08 Will Be Televised LIVE from Los Angeles' Famed Shrine Auditorium on Tuesday, June 24 with Performances by Usher, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Lil' Wayne and Nelly.

Legendary R&B Icon Al Green to Receive BET's Lifetime Achievement Award and Celebrated Producer/Arranger/Composer Quincy Jones Set for BET's Humanitarian Award

T-Pain

NEW YORK, May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- BET Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA; VIA.B), today announced the nominees, performers and recipients of the Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian honors for the BET AWARDS '08. The BET AWARDS '08 is raising the stakes and promises to be the "hottest ticket on television" for the eighth year running, as the biggest stars in music, sports and entertainment unite in Los Angeles' historic Shrine Auditorium for a night of explosive LIVE performances on Tuesday, June 24 at 8:00 PM ET/PT. As in years past, the BET AWARDS '08 will continue its landmark tradition of hot performances by some of today's heavy hitters, including Usher, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Lil' Wayne and Nelly. The host, along with additional presenters and performers, will be announced shortly.

Chris Brown

At this year's most hyped event, BET will recognize the achievements of artists, entertainers and athletes in 15 categories. Hip hop R&B singer, songwriter and producer T-Pain tops the line-up with five nominations for his collaborations with Chris Brown, Kanye West and Flo Rida, followed by Chris Brown with four nods and rapper/producer Kanye West earning three nominations with his successful third album, "Graduation," in the Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Best Collaboration and Video of the Year categories.

Kanye West

Among the other multiple nominees are R&B songstress Mary J. Blige for Best Female R&B, as well as Video of the Year for "Just Fine," along with Ne-Yo, Flo Rida, Alicia Keys and Keyshia Cole.

Keyshia Cole

Those nominated for the second straight year include Jay-Z and Lil' Wayne for Best Male Hip Hop; Mary J. Blige for Best Female R&B; last year's Best Male R&B winner Ne-Yo; Angela Bassett and Chandra Wilson for Best Actress; last year's winner, basketball sensation LeBron James, boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr., and golfing phenomenon Tiger Woods for Male Athlete of the Year; smash hitter and four-time category winner Serena Williams and b-ball superstar Tamika Catchings for Female Athlete of the Year.

In keeping with the history-making track record of the most highly anticipated night in Black entertainment, BET is pulling out all of the stops in naming this year's special honorees. Legendary R&B icon Al Green will be in the house to receive BET's Lifetime Achievement Award. Joining him will be celebrated producer/arranger/composer Quincy Jones, who will be honored with BET's prestigious Humanitarian Award for his outreach to young African- Americans through the Listen Up Foundation, a charity which connects youth with music, technology and culture. In addition, Jones helped launch the We Are the Future project, giving hope to children in poor and conflict-ridden areas.

For the past seven years, the BET AWARDS has boasted unforgettable moments such as Michael Jackson's surprise appearance during James Brown's tribute; Rick James in his final duet with Teena Marie; Will Smith presenting Muhammad Ali with the first-ever Humanitarian Award; Prince onstage backing Chaka Khan; Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams and India.Arie in a powerhouse tribute to Rufus' first lady of funk; Destiny's Child's steamy lap dance; the reunion of one of hip hop's most beloved trios, The Fugees; and last year's touching opening performance with Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday and Public Enemy's tribute to James Brown.

BET has once again teamed with Cossette Productions, the famed producers of the GRAMMY Awards(R) and the seven record-setting BET AWARDS shows, to handle production of the telecast. Stephen Hill, BET Executive Vice President, Music and Programming, along with Lynne Harris-Taylor, BET Vice President of Specials, will executive produce the telecast.

BET AWARDS '08 will be sponsored by Dodge, Pepsi, Verizon Wireless, General Motors, P&G, Target, CIROC Vodka and Ford.

Log onto BET.com for BET On Blast video highlights, photos and continuous BET AWARDS '08 updates at www.bet.com/betawards.

BET AWARDS '08
NOMINEES AND CATEGORIES

Best Female R&B Best Male R&B Best Group
Mary J. Blige Chris Brown Danity Kane
Mariah Carey Raheem DeVaughn Day 26
Keyshia Cole J. Holiday Gnarls Barkley
Alicia Keys Ne-Yo Playaz Circle
Rihanna Trey Songz UGK

Best Gospel Artist Best Female Hip Hop Artist Best Male Hip Hop Artist
The Clark Sisters Missy Elliott Common
Kirk Franklin Eve Jay-Z
Deitrick Haddon Kid Sister Lil Wayne
Marvin Sapp Lil Mama Snoop Dogg
Trin-I-Tee 5:7 Trina Kanye West

Best New Artist Best Collaboration
Estelle Chris Brown f/ T-Pain "Kiss Kiss"
Flo Rida Keyshia Cole f/ Missy Elliott, Lil' Kim "Let It Go"
Chrisette Michelle Flo Rida f/ T-Pain "Low"
Soulja Boy Tell'em Kanye West f/ T-Pain "Good Life"
The Dream DJ Khaled f/ Young Jeezy, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes,
Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman and Rick Ross
"I'm So Hood (The Remix)"

Best Video Director Video of the Year
Erykah Badu and Mr. Roboto Ashanti "The Way That I Love You"
Benny Boom Erykah Badu "Honey"
Gil Green Mary J. Blige "Just Fine"
Chris Robinson Alicia Keys "Like You'll Never See Me Again"
Hype Williams UGK f/ Outkast "International Player's
Anthem (I Choose You)"
Kanye West f/ T-Pain "Good Life"

Best Actress Best Actor Female Athlete of the Year
Angela Bassett Anthony Anderson Tamika Catchings
Halle Berry Don Cheadle Cheryl Ford
Queen Latifah Idris Elba Candace Parker
Jill Scott Terrence Howard Serena Williams
Chandra Wilson Denzel Washington Venus Williams

Male Athlete of the Year Viewer's Choice Award
Kobe Bryant Chris Brown f/ T-Pain "Kiss Kiss"
LeBron James Keyshia Cole f/ Missy Elliott and Lil' Kim
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. "Let It Go"
Chris Paul Alicia Keys "No One"
Tiger Woods Lil Wayne f/ Static "Lollipop"
Jordin Sparks f/ Chris Brown "No Air"
Soulja Boy Tell'em "Crank Dat (Soulja Boy)"

Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Tracy McGraw, BET Networks, +1-212-205-3013,
tracy.mcgraw@bet.net; or Bobbi Marcus, +1-310-889-9200, BOBBI MARCUS PR,
bobbi@bobbimarcuspr.com

Web site: BET

NOTE TO EDITORS: To apply for media credentials, please visit http://betawards2008.iwebreg.com/massapply/BET_Awards_2008/Media

Review: 'Speed Racer' A Mind-Numbing Extravaganz

2008-05-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

About Speed Racer

From the Wachowski brothers and producer Joel Silver, creators of the groundbreaking "The Matrix" trilogy, comes the high-octane, live-action family adventure "Speed Racer," which follows the adventures of the young racecar driver Speed (Emile Hirsch) in his quest for glory in his thunderous Mach 5. The Wachowski brothers directed "Speed Racer" from their own screenplay. Joel Silver, Grant Hill, Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski are the producers, with David Lane Seltzer, Michael Lambert and Bruce Berman serving as executive producers. The film stars Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, Benno Furmann, Hiroyuki Sanada, Asian pop superstar Rain, and Richard Roundtree. Based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida, the live-action "Speed Racer" will showcase the kind of revolutionary visual effects and cutting-edge storytelling that have become the benchmarks of the Wachowski brothers' films. "Speed Racer" is a Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, of a Silver Pictures Production, in association with Anarchos Productions. This film is rated PG. www.speedracerthemovie.com

PRNEWSWIRE

Showbiz News Extra

2008-05-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

Multi-Platinum Rapper and Actor T.I. Speaks to Toure about His Trouble With the Law in a BET News National Exclusive: 'T.I. Speaks' on May 7 @ 7: 30PM

2008-05-06T06:56:00.001-07:00

6 May 2008 11:00 Africa/Lagos

Multi-Platinum Rapper and Actor T.I. Speaks to Toure about His Trouble With the Law in a BET News National Exclusive: 'T.I. Speaks,' Premiering Wednesday, May 7 at 7:30PM*

NEW YORK, May 6 /PRNewswire/ --

In his first televised interview since a plea bargain on weapon charges, multi-platinum recording artist and actor T.I., a.k.a. Clifford Harris, Jr., speaks exclusively to BET News in the half-hour special T.I. SPEAKS, premiering Wednesday, May 7 at 7:30 PM*. He directly answers the tough questions from host Toure and at-risk youth about his life and future after being sentenced to a year in prison. In a compelling moment, he explains why someone who seems to have everything -- money, power and fame -- would risk it all.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080506/NETU045 )
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO )

On October 13, 2007, T.I. was set to perform at BET's second annual HIP HOP AWARDS in Atlanta, but he never made it to the stage. Just hours before the show, the Grammy Award winner and budding actor was taken into custody by federal authorities who alleged that he gave his bodyguard cash to buy firearms. Never bashful in his lyrics about his days of drug dealing and guns, this arrest was just another line in the 27-year old Atlanta native's already long rap sheet.

While not making excuses for his poor decisions, the rapper discusses his best friend's murder in 2006 and explains how being a celebrity has its drawbacks and "ignites a certain paranoia." He says, "Every one knew me and I knew no one ... you can't tell if a person is a fan or not until the (car) window winds down." With a new baby on the way, a forthcoming marriage, a new album and the one-year jail sentence awaiting him, T.I. details how this entire ordeal has changed his life. Claiming a new understanding for life and its meaning, T.I. delivers a strong message about decision-making to a group of at-risk students and reveals his thoughts about going back to jail and his career's future. He says, "I must be a man and stand up and accept responsibility. I exercised extremely poor judgment, and for that, I must be willing to pay whatever price that comes before me."

For more on T.I. SPEAKS, viewers can go online to www.bet.com.

* All times ET/PT.

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (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 87 million households according to Nielsen Media Research, and can be seen in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, a leading internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; 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; BET Mobile, which offers ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, an extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080506/NETU045
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Tricia N. Newell of BET Networks, +1-212-975-8230,
tricia_newell@bet.net

Web site: BET NETWORKS

Madonna April 30 U.S. Performance at New York City's Roseland Ballroom Available to the Public for Free on MSN

2008-04-30T02:36:00.000-07:00

You are invited to watch the live concert of the iconic Pop star, Madonna in the Roseland Ballroom on April 30, New York City.

Here is the video of Madonna's No.1 single '4 Minutes' , featuring Justin Timberlake

The details are in the following press release I received last might.

29 Apr 2008 17:43 Africa/Lagos

Madonna April 30 U.S. Performance at New York City's Roseland Ballroom Available to the Public for Free on MSN

Control Room and MSN present Madonna live - exclusively on music.msn.com/madonna; new songs including No.1 single '4 Minutes' unwrapped from Material Girl's highly anticipated Hard Candy CD.

LOS ANGELES, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

Madonna's exclusive performance at New York City's famed Roseland Ballroom will be available live to millions of fans via an online broadcast at MSN Music, it was confirmed today by MSN and Control Room, which announced that the show will stream live Wednesday evening, April 30, at 10 p.m. EDT in the United States and will be available on demand to international audiences on May 15. Along with some past hits, Madonna will be debuting several new songs including her 37th No. 1 smash single "Four Minutes" from her upcoming CD Hard Candy, which is scheduled to be released on April 29. The Control Room- produced show will also include never-before-seen rehearsal footage, a pre- recorded interview with Madonna and her full performance, giving fans around the globe unprecedented access to one of the biggest music events of 2008 by simply logging on to MSN Music In Concert.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

"Madonna is a legendary performer, and we're thrilled to be bringing this live online broadcast to her fans on the heels of her Hall of Fame induction, her record-breaking 37th top-10 single '4 Minutes,' and in conjunction with the launch of this hotly anticipated new album," said Aaron Grosky, Control Room president. "As experts in bringing live music performances to the Web, Control Room will deliver Madonna fans an online experience that captures the excitement and authenticity of this exclusive show."

Control Room, the leading producer and distributor of world-class entertainment content, delivers nearly 40 live music shows per year to the MSN Music In Concert series. Past performances have included international superstars such as Rihanna, Jay-Z, Lenny Kravitz, Sheryl Crow and many more. Coming in May, fans can watch performances by Jack Johnson and Daughtry. The Music In Concert series (http://music.msn.com/inconcert), which is available in 42 countries and 21 languages through the international MSN network, gives music fans worldwide the chance to see live music performances from their favorite artists.

"MSN Music In Concert is one way we are bringing together the best and most compelling entertainment content on the Web," said Rob Bennett, general manager, entertainment, video and sports, MSN. "Madonna has a huge international following, and we are very excited that we're able to offer the exclusive webcast of her concert to her fans around the world."

About Control Room

As the leading producer and distributor of world-class entertainment, Control Room's live music programming showcases the world's biggest artists from a variety of venues through multi-platform broadcasts via television, broadband and wireless platforms. Control Room has produced and distributed nearly 100 live music events delivering the highest quality productions in the industry with 8-10 camera shoots in Native HD (1080p) and using Dolby 5.1 to ensure the most compelling audience experience. In 2007, Control Room produced the largest entertainment event in history, Live Earth. On July 7, 2007, the 7-continent, 24-hour music extravaganza featured 150 of the world's leading artists to raise awareness for the Climate Crisis with a message of solutions and personal responsibility.

About MSN Video

MSN Video is one of the largest free programmed video services on the Web, watched by more than 12 million unique users per month. In addition to streaming news, entertainment and sports video clips from more than 50 content partners including "The Today Show," FOX Sports, MSNBC, Reveille, Control Room, CBS, News Corp. and Fox Entertainment Group, MSN Video presents a broad array of live events to online audiences worldwide. More than 50 top advertisers support MSN Video, which is available to consumers at no charge. MSN Video is available on the Web at http://msnvideo.com/ to consumers in the U.S. MSN Video is also live in Australia, Canada, France (English and French), Japan, Netherlands, U.K., Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Mexico, Sweden, Belgium, Taiwan, India, Vietnam, Russia and in Spanish in the U.S. MSN Video is coming soon in China, Norway, Argentina, Chile and Columbia.

Overall, MSN, Windows Live and Microsoft.com attract more than 550 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Most recently, MSN partnered with Control Room to stream Live Earth, the largest online entertainment event in history, with over 62 million streams worldwide.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Microsoft

CONTACT: Brynn Vitale of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide,
+1-212-907-6649, bvitale@waggeneredstrom.com, or Rapid Response Team, Waggener
Edstrom Worldwide, +1-503-443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com, both for
Microsoft

Web site: Microsoft

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft's corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

The Future of Film Distribution; Documentary LEADING TO WAR Released Worldwide on the Web in 19 Languages

2008-04-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

Starring: George W. Bush, Dick Cheney Director: Barry J. Hershey Rating

28 Apr 2008 14:00 Africa/Lagos

The Future of Film Distribution; Documentary LEADING TO WAR Released Worldwide on the Web in 19 Languages

BOSTON, April 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

The unique documentary film LEADING TO WAR is redefining conventional film distribution. Praised by the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung as a "staggering film," the 72-minute documentary, constructed from selected news footage, powerfully chronicles the Bush administration's rush to war in Iraq.

The release of LEADING TO WAR pushes the boundaries of film distribution beyond the new media strategies of even the most forward-thinking Hollywood studios. Taking a page from the Web 2.0 playbook, the producers of LEADING TO WAR are offering the complete film online for free via progressive streaming or download at www.LeadingToWar.com.

This is a far more powerful distribution system than is possible in theaters, as this release is available on demand, around the world. To support this international push, the film is subtitled in an unprecedented 19 languages.

The model is similar to that of a classic tiered Web 2.0 service like the photo sharing site Flickr.com. The product is provided for free, attracting a large number of users. An enhanced product is then offered to customers seeking a premium experience. For Flickr, it's more storage for photos, with fewer restrictions. For LEADING TO WAR, the premium experience is watching the film on DVD, which is available for purchase on the website via Amazon.com.

This new business model is what noted venture capitalist and blogger Fred Wilson named "The Freemium Business Model," which has been widely cited in leading business publications and blogs:

"Give your service away for free, possibly ad supported but maybe not, acquire a lot of customers very efficiently through word of mouth, referral networks, organic search marketing, etc, then offer premium priced value added services or an enhanced version of your service to your customer base."

For LEADING TO WAR, the DVD -- the premium product -- provides the highest quality viewing experience. The expectation is that DVD sales will be significantly increased by the higher viewership and awareness which only the free availability can attract.

This "Freemium" strategy is working. Notable comments online include:

"This is an amazing film. Let's buy DVDs to support these guys," "I'm buying the DVD for my parents," and "I will show this DVD to as many people as I can, and I will save it for my 3 year old son for his future watching."

In conjunction with the film, a companion website, www.LeadingToWar.com, examines the strategies and rhetorical techniques used by Bush officials. The film and website create the most comprehensive online resource about the build-up to the Iraq War.

To enhance the availability of LEADING TO WAR around the world, the film utilizes the Akamai Content Delivery Network, with 20,000 "edge servers" worldwide. This improves the quality of the streaming as well as the speed of download in virtually every country.

"We are amazed at the initial results," said producer Lewis Wheeler. "Within days of LeadingToWar.com going live, the film was viewed in each of the 19 subtitled languages, and within 2 weeks the site was visited from 142 different countries."

LEADING TO WAR was directed by Barry Hershey (whose first feature film, "The Empty Mirror," premiered at the Cannes International Film Festival) and was edited by two-time Emmy Award winner Marc Grossman.

For appearances and phone interviews with the filmmakers, contact Aaron
Lavallee at 001+301-887-1060 or aaron@kelleycampaigns.com
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: LeadingToWar.com

CONTACT: Aaron Lavallee, 001+301-887-1060, aaron@kelleycampaigns.com,
for LeadingToWar.com

Web Site: Leading To War

Click To Watch Leading To War Now

Wesley Snipes Sentenced to Three Years Imprisonment

2008-04-25T07:27:00.000-07:00

25 Apr 2008 00:06 Africa/Lagos

Wesley Snipes Sentenced to Three Years Imprisonment

OCALA, Fla., April 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

U.S. District Judge Wm. Terrell Hodges today sentenced Wesley Trent Snipes to three years imprisonment for charges of failing to file income tax returns. Snipes was found guilty by a jury on February 1, 2008. Eddie Ray Kahn, of Sorrento, Florida, was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment and Douglas P. Rosile, of Venice, Florida, was sentenced to four years and six months' imprisonment.

The same jury found Kahn and Rosile guilty of conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and presenting a fraudulent claim for payment to the IRS. Kahn was the founder and leader of American Rights Litigators (ARL), a tax protestor organization based in Lake County, Florida. Rosile prepared returns for ARL clients, such as Snipes.

"Snipes' long prison sentence should send a loud and crystal clear message to all tax defiers that if they engage in similar tax defier conduct, they face joining him and his co-defendants, Kahn and Rosile, as inmates in prison," said Nathan J. Hochman, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department's Tax Division.

"The law is very clear: people must pay their taxes," said Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Douglas Shulman. "There is no secret formula that eliminates a person's tax obligations, nor are there any special exceptions. The majority of Americans pay their taxes timely and accurately. Those who willfully violate the law must be held accountable."

This case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). It was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill, Assistant United States Attorney Scot Morris, and Trial Attorney Jeffrey A. McLellan, U. S. Department of Justice Tax Division.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice

CONTACT: Steve Cole of the U.S. Department of Justice, +1-813-274-6136,
+1-813-274-6300 (fax); or U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs,
+1-202-514-2007

Web Site: http://www.usdoj.gov/

To see more releases from U.S. Department of Justice, Click Here

My Thriller Video: Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Video Stars You as Part of the 25th Anniversary Celebration!

2008-04-12T03:15:00.000-07:00

11 Apr 2008 14:00 Africa/Lagos

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Video Stars You as Part of the 25th Anniversary Celebration!

Seminal Video from the 20th Century is Enhanced by Breakthrough Technology for the Next Century

PASADENA, Calif., April 11 /PRNewswire/ --

For the first time ever and through the magic of technology, anyone can now star in the greatest music video of all time -- Michael Jackson's Thriller -- as part of the album's worldwide 25th anniversary celebration! Michael Jackson and Epic/Legacy Recordings (Sony BMG) have partnered with innovative media company Big Stage and YouTube to bring this landmark entertainment experience to the world. Central to the tribute is the ability for fans to easily create a life-like 3-D version of themselves that literally replaces the role of Michael Jackson in the music video. This cutting edge technology was developed by Big Stage. The campaign begins today at www.MichaelJackson.com/mythrillervideo.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060130/LEGACYLOGO)

"This is a great tribute to Michael Jackson, involving one of the greatest and most innovative music videos of all time," said Jonathan Strietzel, co-founder and chief creative officer, Big Stage. "We're excited about working with Epic/Legacy Recordings to demonstrate the first public Big Stage experience -- inserting a photo-realistic avatar of 'you' into digital content. This is just a taste of the way consumers will be able to personalize everything from famous movie scenes to video games, virtual worlds and social networking sites, when we officially launch next quarter."

"Michael Jackson is an innovator and a pioneer in the music industry and so it only makes sense, as part of our anniversary celebrations for Thriller, to give fans worldwide a new way to experience the video in a way not even Michael could have imagined 25 years ago," said J.J. Rosen, Executive Vice-President, SonyBMG Commercial Music Group. "Our partnership with Big Stage, is an amazing way to fundamentally change people's interaction with content."

Once users have uploaded their photos to create their personalized Thriller video, they will be sent a link to a YouTube page where the video will be posted. From there, it can be shared with friends by email and posted on social networking sites like MySpace or Facebook. A recent fan generated video reached the Top 25 viewed Entertainment videos on YouTube, and most recently, MTV caught wind of the My Thriller Video tool, and produced a piece with their talent showcasing the process for MTV.com NewsBlog.

The Michael Jackson Thriller 25th anniversary celebration kicked off in December 2007 with the release of a new single and continues throughout 2008 with a multi-faceted global marketing campaign featuring high-profile television, radio and online events around the world. The Big Stage-enabled Thriller video piece is part of Epic/Legacy Recordings' viral campaign in support of the album's 25th anniversary release on February 12, of which the first single was "Wanna Be Startin' Something 2008," a duet between Michael Jackson and Akon. The album has already sold 2 million copies worldwide.

With Big Stage's 3-D capture technology, users will take three simple pictures of themselves with a digital camera and upload them to the Web, where they will be quickly converted into a life-like 3-D avatar called an @ctor(TM). Big Stage's proprietary technology will automatically map the contours of a user's face to generate an incredibly accurate replica of the user, fully equipped for animation. In under a minute, your @ctor will be born and fully alive through realistic movement and gestures. Users can then style it with a host of accessories, from hair to eyeglasses, tattoos, hats and more.

After users create and style their @ctors, they can drop them into the library of Big Stage-enabled user and professionally created content or Scenes. These highly personalized Scenes can then be shared by users across everything from famous movie scenes, TV shows and video games, to music videos, short video clips, virtual worlds, still images, user-generated content, instant messages, e-mails, social networks and more -- instantly. Big Stage will officially launch to consumers in the second quarter of 2008.

About Big Stage

Big Stage is a media company, currently in Beta, whose breakthrough technology allows users to easily create and integrate a life-like 3-D avatar of themselves, called an @ctor, into everything from famous movie scenes, TV shows and video games, to music videos, short video clips, virtual worlds, still images, user-generated content, instant messages, e-mails, social networks and more -- instantly. Big Stage will launch to consumers in the second quarter of 2008. For more information and to sign up for the Big Stage Beta program, please visit www.BigStage.com.

About Thriller

Epic/Legacy Recordings proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's Thriller with a newly expanded deluxe edition of the phenomenal record-breaking pop culture touchstone. The Thriller -- 25th Anniversary Edition will include the original album in its entirety as well as seven bonus tracks and a DVD featuring Michael Jackson's groundbreaking short films from Thriller ("Thriller," "Beat It," and "Billie Jean") and the artist's Emmy-nominated breakout performance of "Billie Jean" from the legendary "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever" television special. Additionally, the newly expanded version of Thriller premieres six tracks previously unreleased in any form: "Beat It 2008" with Fergie; a new Kanye West remix of "Billie Jean"; a new 2008 version of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" with Akon; will.i.am remixes of "The Girl Is Mine" and "P.Y.T."; and "For All Time," a rare unreleased cut from the original Thriller recording sessions, newly mixed and mastered by Michael Jackson. Originally released in the United States 25 years ago on November 30, 1982 by Epic Records, Thriller, Michael Jackson's sixth solo album and second with producer Quincy Jones, rocketed the former child-star lead singer for the Jackson 5 into the stratosphere of international superstardom. In 1985, the Guinness Book of Records named Thriller the Best Selling Album of All Time, an achievement which remains unsurpassed to this day.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060130/LEGACYLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Epic/Legacy Recordings

CONTACT: Michelle Mikoljak of Fleishman Hillard, +1-213-489-8213,
Michelle.Mikoljak@Fleishman.com; or Lois Najarian O'Neill of THE DOOR,
+1-718-383-1708, Lois@TheDOORonline.com; or Tom Cording of Legacy Media
Relations, +1-212-833-4448, LegacyMediaRelations@sonybmg.com

Web site: My Thriller Video
Legacy Recording
Big Stage

Satisfy Your Obsession - Enrique Iglesias is Bigger on mun2

2008-04-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

7 Apr 2008 20:34 Africa/Lagos

Satisfy Your Obsession - Enrique Iglesias is Bigger on mun2

Vivo Returns With the Insomniac for Third Season Premiere

Month-Long Multi-platform Campaign Kicks off Today

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire/ --

After selling tens of millions of albums, breaking records with 18 number one hits on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs Chart and nonstop touring, Enrique Iglesias is Bigger on mun2. The Madrid born, Miami raised pop star comes to mun2 for a month long campaign of performances, holamun2.com originals, hosted shows, interactive features, original promos, music video blocks, and exclusive interviews. Bigger on mun2 brings the multi-platinum artist to the screen in a big way beginning April 7th.

High Resolution Photograph

"mun2 is bringing a true pioneer of bilingual pop to fans with our exclusive Bigger on mun2 treatment of original, irreverent, and candid content on-air and online," said Flavio Morales, mun2 Vice President of Programming. "Kicking off the new season of Vivo with Enrique Iglesias, one of the greatest international pop stars of all time, is a huge treat for our audience."

"Enrique Iglesias: Bigger on mun2" highlights include:

-- mun2 On-air promo: Desperately calling the mun2 hotlines to rekindle
her deluded love affair with the pop heartthrob, the ultimate fanatic
sparks Enrique's Bigger on mun2 romance.

-- Holamun2.com: This holamun2.com original unveils exclusive coverage of
the reunion between Enrique and his beauty mark on its very own late
night talk show. The hilarious vignette is set to appear online and
on Holamun2.com: El Show, mun2's newest show that brings the award
winning mun2 web to both screens at 9PM on Thursday, April 24th.

-- 2RSLVJ: Enrique is the VJ on April 12 at 9PM as he picks his favorite
videos from his new "95/08" greatest hits album. You think he always
got the superstar treatment? Just wait until you find out what his mom
used to call him. This candid, relaxed half hour with the sarcastic
superstar will surely raise some eyebrows.

-- The Shuffle: Throughout the month, Pico will be serving up the latest
Enrique news and on April 16 at 5PM, fans can catch behind the scenes
footage from Enrique's Live in Belfast tour.

-- Pepsi Musica: On April 18 at 5PM, Pepsi Musica does it big as Roser
presents exclusive concert footage courtesy of our Bigger on mun2
artist, Enrique Iglesias.

-- Enrique Iglesias "95/08" video block: Celebrating Enrique's hits from
95 - 08, mun2 is airing a half hour of his newest singles and classics
starting April 22 at 4PM.

-- VIVO: host Yasmin Deliz kicks off the third season of the hit music
variety show by interviewing the Biggest artist for the job, Quique
himself. Enrique dishes on the media's major misconceptions about
him, his dogs, and even gets literally up close and personal with hugs
and kisses to the studio audience on Thursday May 1st at 8PM.

For exclusive images, original vignettes and promos, news and all things Bigger on mun2, visit holamun2.com/bigger

Note to Editors: Additional photos available upon request.

About mun2:

mun2 is the preeminent voice for Latino youth in America. Launched in 2001, mun2 was the first national cable network to offer bilingual programming for young U.S. Latinos. mun2 is a multiplatform youth entertainment network that offers authentic content that reflects the lifestyle of the fastest-growing segment of the Hispanic population with original, relevant and cutting-edge programs in proven genres including music, movies, sports, fashion, and social activism. The network, which reflects emerging trends in all areas of pop and youth culture that are endorsed by its bicultural audience, is available nationwide on digital and analog cable, satellite and free television. mun2 will reach 24 million U.S. TV households and is the first-ever Latino youth-oriented cable network to have full subscription to the Nielsen Homevideo Index measurement service. The network is part of Telemundo Cable Networks, a division of NBC Universal TV Networks Distribution.

About holamun2.com:

For your daily dos of candy, glitters and freejoles, visit http://holamun2.com/, mun2's fully interactive site featuring all things mun2. A portal for bicultural youth to experience entertainment on their terms, holamun2 features exclusive interviews, original videos, entertainment news, interaction with other mun2 fans and ways to vote for what's next on mun2. From politics and pop to videos and video games, holamun2.com is the online destination devoted to the lifestyles of Latino youth.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080407/CLM105
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: mun2

CONTACT: Maria Gonima, mun2, +1-818-622-4112, Maria.Gonima@nbcuni.com

Web site: http://www.holamun2.com/
http://www.mun2tv.com/

Grammy-Winning Music Superstar Michelle Williams Seeks Nation's Hottest Male Dancers for Upcoming Projects Surrounding Release of New Contemporary Pop

2008-04-07T14:25:00.001-07:00

7 Apr 2008 21:36 Africa/Lagos

Grammy-Winning Music Superstar Michelle Williams Seeks Nation's Hottest Male Dancers for Upcoming Projects Surrounding Release of New Contemporary Pop/Dance Album, 'Unexpected'

Auditions Scheduled for Sunday, April 13 in North Hollywood

NEW YORK, April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire/ --

Pop icon Michelle Williams will be holding auditions in Los Angeles looking for the nation's hottest and most talented male dancers for a series of performances and projects in support of her new solo album, the contemporary pop/dance collection Unexpected, set for release on Tuesday, August 12.

Auditions for the Michelle Williams Unexpected project will be held at The Basement in North Hollywood on Sunday, April 13 (please see full details following).

Auditions are open to male dancers only. Applicants need to be 5' 10" or taller and at least 18 years old. Prospective dancers should bring a resume, headshot, and best moves.

* * * * *
Michelle Williams -- Auditions
Sunday, April 13, 2008

Open Call
2pm to 5pm

Agency call (Agency Dancers only)
6pm to 8pm

The Basement
5259 Lankershim Blvd. Studio C
North Hollywood, CA 91601

Source: Music World/Columbia Records

CONTACT: Yvette Noel-Schure of Columbia Records, +1-212-833-4483,
yvette.noel-schure@sonybmg.com

Website: Columbia Records

We Love Michelle
Michelle Williams' MySpace
Music World Entertainment

Grammy-Winning Music Superstar Michelle Williams Seeks Nation's Hottest Male Dancers for Upcoming Projects Surrounding Release of New Contemporary Pop

2008-04-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

Mariah Carey's 'Touch My Body'- Her 18th #1 Single!!!

2008-04-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

2 Apr 2008 14:00 Africa/Lagos

Mariah Carey's 'Touch My Body' - Her 18th #1 Single!!!

HISTORIC NEW BILLBOARD HOT 100 SINGLES CHART RECORD - SURPASSES ELVIS PRESLEY's 17 #1's - FIRST HIT FROM NEW ALBUM, 'E=MC2'

'Touch My Body' nets record-setting 286,000 debut week on Billboard hot digital songs chart - Hot 100 Airplay radio audience passes 115 million - pre-orders underway for 'E=MC2,' as customers receive 'Touch My Body' instantly with pre-order at iTunes

SAVE THE DATES:

- April 9th: Mariah joins all-star international cast on FOX's second annual Emmy-winning 'IDOL Gives Back' two-hour charitable TV special

- April 14th: Mariah special guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show

- April 15th: 'E=MC2' new album arrives in stores

- April 16th: Mariah performs on 'American Idol' as musical mentor to finalists

NEW YORK, April 2, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- International superstar Mariah Carey reaches a once-in-a-lifetime career achievement as her current single "Touch My Body" goes to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week and becomes her 18th career #1 hit -- surpassing one of the most enduring chart records in Billboard Hot 100 history, Elvis Presley's 17 #1's. Mariah is now positioned as the only active recording artist in the 50 years of the Hot 100 (which began in 1958) with the potential to surpass the Beatles' all-time high of 20 #1 hits.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080402/LAW018LOGO)

"Touch My Body" takes over #1 with an all-time record-setting 286,000 debut week at #1 on the Billboard hot digital songs chart, and a Hot 100 Airplay radio audience now over 115 million. The video, directed by feature filmmaker Brett Ratner, and featuring a cameo by Jack McBrayer (30 Rock's Kenneth Parcell), stays at #1 on the Yahoo Music Video Chart, Yahoo Launchcast and AOL. And Mariah's widget has been viewed over 4.26 million times!

"Touch My Body" is the first smash from Mariah's highly anticipated hot new album "E=MC2," arriving in stores April 15th. Pre-orders are now underway for "E=MC2," with iTunes customers receiving "Touch My Body" instantly with their pre-order.

"Touch My Body" was one of two songs Mariah performed last month on NBC's Saturday Night Live (show to be re-run on May 3rd). Last week, Mariah gave a special performance of "Touch My Body" and "We Belong Together" after the third season premiere of the MTV reality series, "The Hills." The episode set a year-to-date record as the highest rated telecast on cable TV, with 5 million viewers tuning in.

On April 9th, Mariah will join an all-star cast for the second annual "IDOL Gives Back" two-hour tv special, a music celebration raising awareness and benefiting various U.S. and international charities. The first special raised $76 million last year, and won a prestigious Governor's Emmy Award.

On Monday, April 14th, Mariah will appear as special guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, preceding the "E=MC2" album release day on the 15th. The next night, April 16th, Mariah will perform on "American Idol" after serving as musical mentor to that week's finalists.

"Touch My Body" was produced by Mariah Carey, C. "Tricky" Stewart, and fellow Island Def Jam artist The-Dream. Other guest producers joining Mariah on "E=MC2" include Jermaine Dupri, DJ Toomp, Stargate, Will I Am, Bryan Michael Cox, Nate "Danjahandz" Hills and James Poyser. The album is executive produced by Mariah Carey and Antonio "LA" Reid, Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group.

The 11th studio album of her career, "E=MC2" follows-up "The Emancipation Of Mimi," Mariah's worldwide 10 million selling #1 album, which generated three Grammy awards (including Best Contemporary R&B Album), two #1 singles, and countless more honors during its 18-month stay on the charts. Released April 12, 2005, "Mimi" was an industry phenomenon for the mega-platinum award-winning superstar. Soundscan's biggest-selling album of the year, it brought total sales of Mariah's albums, singles and videos to over 160 million worldwide, making her the top-selling female recording artist in history.

"Mimi" featured "We Belong Together" (Grammy winner for Best Female R&B Vocal and Best R&B Song) and "Don't Forget About Us," Mariah's 16th and 17th #1 singles respectively -- which tied Elvis Presley's 17 #1's. "Touch My Body" now surpasses Elvis as Mariah's 18th #1 hit, and positions her as the only active recording artist with the potential to surpass the Beatles' all-time high of 20 #1 hits. "Touch My Body" also marks Mariah's 78th cumulative career week at #1, as she closes the gap on Elvis Presley's all-time high record of 80 weeks at #1.

Contact: Laura Swanson, 212.333.8533

email: Laura.Swanson@umusic.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080402/LAW018LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Island Def Jam Music Group

CONTACT: Laura Swanson, +1-212-333-8533, Laura.Swanson@umusic.com, for
Island Def Jam Music Group

Superstar Artist Usher Announces New Album 'Here I Stand' For Worldwide Release May 27th

2008-04-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

2 Apr 2008 19:47 Africa/Lagos

Superstar Artist Usher Announces New Album 'Here I Stand' For Worldwide Release May 27th

MTV Video Premiere For 'Love In This Club' Will Air Exclusively Across MTV, BET and VH1 Networks on April 7th

Smash single 'Love In This Club' Heats Up The Charts

NEW YORK, April 2, 2008 /PRNewswire/ --

LaFace/Zomba recording artist Usher sets to release his eagerly awaited album "Here I Stand" on May 27th. Originally scheduled for a June release the highly anticipated album has been pushed up in order to satiate increasing global demand from all of his fans. The video for "Love In This Club" will make its worldwide debut on MTV April 7th and the latest smash hit sits comfortably at #2 as the weeks greatest Airplay Gainer on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

Usher's newest single, "Love In This Club," features Young Jeezy, and is co-written by Usher and produced by Polow Da Don. The smash hit currently holds the #2 position on both the Hot 100 and Hot Digital Tracks charts. The song became his eighth #1 hit and is the lead single from his forthcoming, fifth studio album, Here I Stand. The video for "Love In This Club" was directed by the rising directing tandem of the Brothers Strause and will have its worldwide debut on MTV, BET and VH1 on April 7th.

Slated for global release on May 27th, Here I Stand is Usher's follow-up to his history-making, 9x platinum-selling Confessions. Within the first week of the release of Confessions, Usher sold more than any other R&B artist in the history of SoundScan. The album spawned four #1 hit singles and Usher spent 40 weeks in the No. 1 position on The Billboard Hot 100- which is more than any other male artist in the nearly 50 year history of the chart. Worldwide, the multi-talented, five-time Grammy-winner, musician and actor has sold nearly 14 million copies of Confessions and it earned a multitude of honors including MTV, BET, and People's Choice awards.

Over the span of his 14-year career, Usher has sold close to 26 million albums worldwide and combining all of his single, album and DVD sales, he's sold in excess of 36 million units globally. With four studio albums, the eponymous first release, Usher (1994) and multi-platinum albums, the 6x- platinum My Way (1997),the 4x-platinum 8701 (2001), and the 9x-platinum Confessions (2004) and one gold-certified live album simply titled Live (1999), and a string of #1 hit singles including "U Remind Me," "U Got It Bad," "Yeah," "Burn," and "My Boo" Usher's return to the top of the charts is inevitable. The Tennessee-born, Atlanta raised performer, songwriter, producer, dancer, actor started his multi-faceted career at the age of 15- years old.

Usher Raymond IV has achieved what few other contemporary entertainers have ever accomplished. He most recently launched a successful line of signature fragrances, actively heads up his own charity, New Look Foundation, a camp for teens that teaches them about the entertainment business, and he is part owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team.

Source: Zomba Label Group

CONTACT: Patti Webster of W&W PR, +1-732-469-5955, patti@w-wpr.com; or
Wendy Washington of Zomba Label Group, +1-212-833-6886,
Wendy.Washington@sonybmg.com

U2 to Join Live Nation Artists

2008-03-31T01:53:00.000-07:00

U2
31 Mar 2008 05:45 Africa/Lagos

U2 to Join Live Nation Artists

LOS ANGELES, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Live Nation President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Rapino announced today that the company has reached an agreement in principle to enter into a 12-year global contractual relationship with U2, who will join the company's Live Nation Artists roster.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080331/LAM091)
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070220/LATU096LOGO)

"U2 has created some of the greatest rock music of all time and their career has been uniquely successful," said Michael Cohl, Chairman of the Board of Live Nation and Chief Executive Officer of Live Nation Artists. "It has long been our intention to consolidate and extend our relationship with U2, so this is a very exciting deal for us. The band has always been forward thinking and as one of our original and most successful artists, we are delighted to be able to work with them for many years into the future."

Acknowledged as one of the best live acts in the world, U2 has played to millions around the world on their ground-breaking tours. Their eleven studio albums have garnered 22 Grammy Awards and sold in excess of 140 million copies globally. Through this new association U2 and Live Nation Artists will collaborate on a variety of the band's global music enterprises including touring, merchandising, and the band's website, U2.com.

"We've been dating for over 20 years now, it's about time we tied the knot," said U2's Bono. "With regards to U2.com, we feel we've got a great website, but we want to make it a lot better. We want a closer, more direct relationship between the band and its audience and Live Nation has pledged to help us with that."

Arthur Fogel, Chairman of Live Nation's Global Music Division and Chief Executive Officer of Global Touring, who has produced every U2 tour since PopMart in 1997, said, "Our long relationship with U2 has endured and flourished over the years. This is an opportunity to move forward with them while building on the past, utilizing our unparalleled global marketing platform to expand U2's universe into the future."

Paul McGuinness, U2's Manager said, "U2 are doing their best work right now, on record and in concert. The opportunity to integrate U2 and Live Nation's vision of the future is a great extension of our established business and of our working relationship with Arthur Fogel and Michael Cohl, which started back in 1980 at the El Mocambo in Toronto."

By expanding the scope of its activities with touring artists, Live Nation Artists unlocks value to increase economic benefits to artists through the creation of innovative new products, and delivery and distribution channels for music and other content. Operating within this new model, Live Nation Artists serves more than 1,000 artists through its array of services, including global touring, merchandise and licensing (Signatures Network, Anthill, TRUNK, Ltd.), sponsorship and strategic alliances, recorded music, studios, media rights, digital rights, fan club/websites (UltraStar, Musictoday), marketing and creative services (Tour Design) to facilitate direct artist to fan connection.

U2's longstanding relationship with Universal Music for recording and also publishing is not affected by the Live Nation deal. The deal is subject to the completion of documentation and is expected to be finalized in the coming months.

ABOUT LIVE NATION:

Live Nation is the future of the music business. With the most live concerts, music venues and festivals in the world and the most comprehensive concert search engine on the web, Live Nation is revolutionizing the music industry: onstage and online. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.livenation.com/ under the "About Us" section.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080331/LAM091
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070220/LATU096LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN14
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Live Nation

CONTACT: John Vlautin of Live Nation, +1-310-867-7127,
johnvlautin@livenation.com

Web site: Live Nation
U2

Attend the Star-Studded Sex and the City Movie Premiere in New York City

2008-03-28T12:08:00.001-07:00

This is from my romance and life blogzine, Kisses and Roses.

It is an exclusive offer from the one and only Vogue and I am the first breaking the news in the blogosphere to give you the opportunity of getting such an offer.

I have also provided the Official YouTube Trailer from the producers.
Simply read the following and honour the invitation.

VOGUE is sending one very fabulous person (and a friend!) to New York City to attend the star-studded Sex and the City Movie Premiere.

Subscribe to Vogue for only $15 & be automatically entered to win. At a savings of 68% off the cover price, that's like getting 8 issues FREE!

Visit New York in true Carrie Bradshaw style:
· Roundtrip airfare to NYC
· Luxurious hotel accommodations
· A tour of the VOGUE offices
· 2 tickets to the Sex & the City movie premiere

Click here.

Theatrical Release Date: 05/30/2008
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, more cast
Directed By: Michael Patrick King
Released By: New Line
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Rating: NA
Synopsis: The hit cable series Sex and the City catwalks its way onto the big screen in this feature-film continuation that fans all over have been clamoring for. Sarah Jessica Parker returns once again as Carrie Bradshaw, the style-maven journalist whose romantic exploits were the key focus of the show. Also reprising their roles are Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon, with the series' executive producer Michael Patrick King taking on writing and directing duties. Dreamgirls' Jennifer Hudson co-stars as Carrie's assistant. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

Eliot Spitzer's "Kristen" Is Now Hot Property

2008-03-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

Eliot Spitzer's "Kristen" Ashley Alexandra Dupré's songs on AmieStreet.com are making her richer by the hour and she has made over $200, 000 from over 300, 000 downloads since yesterday as hundreds of thousands of people search for more details on the Eliot Spitzer sex scandal. Porn magazines have offered her millions of dollars to pose nude.

Ben Affleck, Matt Damon & John Legend Join MoveOn to Announce 'Obama in 30 Seconds' TV Ad Contest

2008-03-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

13 Mar 2008 17:22 Africa/Lagos

Ben Affleck, Matt Damon & John Legend Join MoveOn to Announce 'Obama in 30 Seconds' TV Ad Contest

Contest Profiles Real People's Creativity and Enthusiasm for Barack Obama

Winner Will Run On National Television

WASHINGTON, March 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

MoveOn.org joined forces today with Academy Award-winners Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Oliver Stone, multiple Grammy-winner John Legend and author Naomi Wolf to announce a new ad contest, "Obama in 30 Seconds." The contest provides a platform for Obama supporters to show in 30-second spots what inspires them about the Senator's candidacy. MoveOn will buy time to run the winning ad on national television.

"After eight years of President Bush campaigning on fear and war, people are feeling hopeful again. They're eager to talk about what inspires them about our country -- and Senator Obama leading it," said Eli Pariser, Executive Director of MoveOn. "Since creative and grassroots energy has helped power Barack Obama's campaign from the start, this contest is a great way to deliver that message of hope to voters in Pennsylvania and across the nation."

Joining MoveOn today in announcing the contest:

Ben Affleck, Academy Award-winning writer/actor/director:

"MoveOn's 'Obama in 30 seconds' ad contest is a chance for everyone, from aspiring filmmakers to armchair pundits, to raise their voices to put Obama over the top and help make history."

John Legend, Grammy-winning Musician:

"Part of the joy of this campaign is the tremendous amount of positive creativity it has inspired. I think this contest is a powerful way for ordinary citizens to be involved in an extraordinary moment in our history. I'm thrilled to be a part of it."

The ads, which will be submitted at the "Obama in 30 Seconds" website http://www.obamain30seconds.org/, will be judged by a celebrity judging panel that includes Academy Award-winning writer/actor/director Ben Affleck; Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor/director Steve Buscemi; Academy Award-winning writer/actor Matt Damon; progressive hero & future Congresswoman Donna Edwards; musician/activist Michael Franti; actor/musician/director Adrian Grenier; Academy Award-nominated producer Ted Hope; author & civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson; award-winning documentary filmmaker Rory Kennedy; Grammy-winning recording artist John Legend; Stanford Law professor & founder of the Center for Internet and Society Lawrence Lessig; recording artist & Bush in 30 Seconds co-founder Moby; Daily Kos founder Markos Moulitsas; President of Lionsgate Entertainment Tom Ortenberg; Native American activist and documentary filmmaker Heather Rae; President of Focus Features James Schamus; producer, author, and entrepreneur Russell Simmons; author, lecturer, & experimental hip hop musician DJ Spooky; Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker Ricki Stern; Academy Award-winning writer/director Oliver Stone; Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker Annie Sundberg; Grammy & Golden Globe award-winning songwriter and musician Eddie Vedder; and New York Times best-selling author Naomi Wolf.

Contestants will be allowed to submit their ads between March 27th and April 1st. Beginning April 4th, 3.2 million MoveOn members and the public will have a chance to vote on which ads advance to the finals. On April 10th, the finalists will be announced and the panel of judges will begin judging the final ads. The winning ad, and ad-maker, will be announced on April 17th--just before Pennsylvania's April 22nd primary.

MoveOn Political Action will purchase air time on national television to air the winning ad, and the winning ad-maker will receive a gift certificate for $20,000 in video equipment.

For a complete description of the contest, please visit: http://www.obamain30seconds.org/.

Source: MoveOn.org

CONTACT: Trevor FitzGibbon, +1-202-246-5303, or Doug Gordon,
+1-202-494-5141, both for MoveOn.org

Web Site: http://www.moveon.org/
http://www.obamain30seconds.org/

Entertainment Highlights
Crime Thriller 'FLAWLESS' Starring Demi Moore and Michael Caine to Premiere as a Sneak Preview on HDNet Movies
Isabella Rossellini's Short Film Series 'Green Porno' to Premiere on Sundancechannel.com and HELIO Mobile Service May 5, 2008
Warner Bros. Plans Two-Part Film Adaptation of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" to be Directed by David Yates
Iron Maiden's 'Best of Eighties' Album 'SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME' Heralds a Download Revolution
HarperCollins Deploys Web 2.0 Initiatives for Narnia With 'Read It Before You See It' Campaign
Satellite Radio Roundup
Cable Programming Highlights

Lender to Michael Jackson: Pay Up or Beat It

2008-03-08T03:25:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson

8 Mar 2008 02:40 Africa/Lagos

Lender to Michael Jackson: Pay Up or Beat It

WILL FORECLOSURE AUCTION OF POP STAR'S NEVERLAND RANCH TOP $22 MILLION FETCHED BY HEARST'S VILLA VENEZIO MANSION?

IRVINE, Calif., March 7 /PRNewswire/ --

For the second time in less than a month, the real estate bubble has burst on a rich and famous homeowner's palatial estate. Following closely on the heels of another trophy property recently sold on the auction block, Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch is set to possibly suffer a similar fate.

On March 19, at 1:00 p.m., Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos, Calif., is scheduled for a public auction at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse at 1100 Anacapa Street. The opening bid is estimated to be at least $20,000,000. The sprawling Jackson estate -- located at 5225 Figueroa Mountain Road -- sits on 2,800 acres of rolling hills in California's wine county north of Santa Barbara. Financial Title Co. filed the notice of trustee's sale with the Santa Barbara County Superior Court on Feb. 26. The auction notice for the property was recently posted on RealtyTrac, the leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties (www.realtytrac.com/PropertyDetails/PropertyDetails.aspx?propid=16967922).

"We are starting to see evidence of a rise in high-end foreclosures across the nation," said James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer at RealtyTrac. "With the auction of the Hearst mansion in Palm Beach, Fla., and the scheduled auction of Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, it appears that even the rich and famous are not immune to foreclosure."

Last month, the oceanfront south Florida mega mansion owned by the widow of publishing heir Randolph Hearst went on the auction block at the Palm Beach County Courthouse. Veronica Hearst's Manalapan estate -- known locally as Villa Venezio -- was auctioned for $22 million. Sitting on 3.5 acres of beachfront property, the 32,000 square foot trophy mansion -- complete with 9 bedrooms and 12 full bathrooms -- was originally built in 1929 for the grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt.

About RealtyTrac Inc.

Ranked as the third largest real estate site by MediaMetrix and No. 53 on Inc. magazine's 2006 Inc. 500 list of the nation's fastest-growing private companies, RealtyTrac Inc. (http://www.realtytrac.com/), is the leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties, providing all the resources that home seekers, investors and real estate agents need to locate, evaluate and buy properties below market value.

Founded in 1996, RealtyTrac publishes the largest and most comprehensive national database of pre-foreclosure, foreclosure, For Sale By Owner, resale and new construction properties, with more than 1 million properties across the country, property reports, productivity tools and extensive professional resources. RealtyTrac hosts nearly 3 million unique visitors monthly and has been chosen to supply foreclosure data to MSN Real Estate, Yahoo! Real Estate and The Wall Street Journal's Real Estate Journal. For more information, visit http://www.realtytrac.com/.

Source: RealtyTrac Inc.

CONTACT: Michelle Sabolich of Atomic Public Relations, +1-415-402-0230,
michelle.sabolich@atomicpr.com, for RealtyTrac Inc.

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

'Usher's Newest Single "Love In This Club" Skyrockets From #51* to #1*

2008-03-05T13:22:00.000-08:00

5 Mar 2008 16:44 Africa/Lagos

'Usher's Newest Single "Love In This Club" Skyrockets From #51* to #1*

Usher's Newest Single Dominates U.S. Charts: Superstar's Smash Hit 'Love In This Club' Skyrockets From #51* to #1* on Billboard's Pop Singles Chart and is the Best-Selling Digital Song in the Country Fifth Studio Album Titled 'Here I Stand' Scheduled for Worldwide Release in June '08.

NEW YORK, March 5 /PRNewswire/ --

Fans of LaFace/Zomba recording artist Usher are embracing the multi-talented superstar's newest song, "Love In This Club." It is the No. 1 song in the country making an astonishing leap from #51* to the No. 1* position on Billboard's "Hot 100 Singles" chart. "Love In This Club" also claims the No. 1 spot on SoundScan's digital tracks and iTunes tracks charts during the first week of its release. This accomplishment marks Usher's eighth No. 1 single in the United States.

"Love In This Club," featuring Young Jeezy, co-written by Usher and produced by Polow Da Don is also being well-received by music critics; Entertainment Weekly calls it a "Must" listen, proclaiming that Usher "returns with his magnetic club groove."

"Love In This Club" is the first single from his eagerly-awaited fifth studio album titled Here I Stand, slated for worldwide release this June. Here I Stand is Usher's follow-up to his history-making, 9x platinum-selling Confessions. Within the first week of the release of Confessions, Usher sold more than any other R&B artist in the history of SoundScan. The album spawned four #1 hit singles and Usher spent 40 weeks in the No. 1 position on The Billboard Hot 100 -- which is more than any other male artist in the nearly 50 year history of the chart. The multi-talented, five-time Grammy-winner, musician and actor has sold nearly 14 million copies of Confessions worldwide and it earned a multitude of honors including MTV, BET, and People's Choice awards.

Over the span of his 14-year career, Usher has sold close to 26 million albums worldwide and combining all of his single, album and DVD sales, he's sold in excess of 36 million units globally. With four studio albums, the eponymous first release, Usher (1994) and multi-platinum albums, the 6x-platinum My Way (1997),the 4x-platinum 8701 (2001), and the 9x-platinum Confessions (2004) and one gold-certified live album simply titled Live (1999), and a string of #1 hit singles including "U Remind Me," "U Got It Bad," "Yeah," "Burn," and "My Boo" Usher's return to the top of the charts is inevitable. The Tennessee-born, Atlanta raised performer, songwriter, producer, dancer, actor started his multi-faceted career at the age of 15-years old.

Usher Raymond IV has achieved what few other contemporary entertainers have ever accomplished. He most recently launched a successful line of signature fragrances, actively heads up his own charity, New Look Foundation, a camp for teens that teaches them about the entertainment business, and he is part owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team.

He is currently gearing up to promote his forthcoming album.

Source: LaFace/Zomba

CONTACT: Patti Webster of W&W PR for LaFace-Zomba,

+1-732-469-5955,

patti@w-wpr.com; or Wendy Washington of Zomba Label Group,

+1-212-833-6886,

Wendy.Washington@sonybmg.com

Speed Racer To Be Simultaneously Released as IMAX(R) Film in May 2008

2008-03-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

4 Mar 2008 13:30 Africa/Lagos

Speed Racer to be simultaneously released as IMAX(R) film in May 2008

Next Action/Adventure From the Makers of "The Matrix Trilogy" To Be Digitally Enhanced For IMAX's Larger-Than-Life Format

LOS ANGELES, March 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

IMAX Corporation and Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Speed Racer, the action-packed adventure from the creators of 'The Matrix' trilogy, will be simultaneously released to IMAX(R) and conventional theatres on May 9, 2008. Speed Racer, based on the hit anime series created by Tatsuo Yoshida, is written and directed by The Wachowski Brothers. The film will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering) technology. Warner Bros. Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the film to IMAX theatres worldwide.

"Speed Racer combines riveting action with stunning special effects, making it an ideal choice for IMAX's format," said Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures. "We are delighted to release the film to IMAX theatres, where audiences can experience the next best thing to actually sitting in the driver's seat during this high speed adventure."

"Speed Racer is a fantastic addition to our 2008 film slate, and we are very pleased to welcome The Wachowski Brothers back to the world of IMAX," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "The unique vision of these talented filmmakers has always been well suited to IMAX's format, and we're more than excited to be a part of this release."

"Speed Racer has all the elements for a powerful IMAX experience, with its broad appeal and spectacular effects," said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "We are excited to be exhibiting the film internationally in this unique format."

"Audiences will experience an incredible thrill ride when they see Speed Racer in IMAX theatres this May," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "Warner Bros Pictures, The Wachowski Brothers and Joel Silver are masters at telling stories specifically for the big IMAX screen, and with up to 14,000 watts of digital surround sound combined with crystal-clear, larger than life images, this movie and IMAX are made for each other."

Hurtling down the track, careening around, over and through the competition, Speed Racer is a natural behind the wheel. Born to race cars, Speed is aggressive, instinctive and, most of all, fearless. His only real competition is the memory of the brother he idolized-the legendary Rex Racer - whose death in a race has left behind a legacy that Speed is driven to fulfill. Speed is loyal to the family racing business, led by his father, Pops Racer, the designer of Speed's thundering Mach 5. When Speed turns down a lucrative and tempting offer from Royalton Industries, he not only infuriates the company's maniacal owner but uncovers a terrible secret-some of the biggest races are being fixed by a handful of ruthless moguls who manipulate the top drivers to boost profits. If Speed won't drive for Royalton, Royalton will see to it that the Mach 5 never crosses another finish line. The only way for Speed to save his family's business and the sport he loves is to beat Royalton at his own game. With the support of his family and his loyal girlfriend, Trixie, Speed teams with his one-time rival-the mysterious Racer X - to win the race that had taken his brother's life: the death-defying, cross-country rally known as The Crucible.

About IMAX Corporation

IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading digital entertainment and technology companies. The worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with IMAX theatres delivering the world's best cinematic presentations using proprietary IMAX, IMAX(R) 3D, and IMAX DMR(R) technology. IMAX DMR is the Company's groundbreaking digital remastering technology that allows it to digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R). IMAX's renowned projectors and new digital systems display crystal-clear images on the world's biggest screens. The digital system being developed by IMAX is configured for an IMAX MPX-style auditorium, which is designed specifically to enable multiplex operators to more cost effectively enter into the IMAX theatre business. The IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of September 30, 2007, there were 296 IMAX theatres operating in 40 countries.

IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX DMR(R), IMAX MPX(R), and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on the Company can be found at www.imax.com.

This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on IMAX management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Important factors that could affect these statements include ongoing discussions with the SEC and OSC relating to their ongoing inquiries and the Company's financial reporting and accounting, the timing of theatre system deliveries, the mix of theatre systems shipped, the timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses on film production and distribution agreements, the performance of films, the viability of new businesses and products, risks arising from potential material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and fluctuations in foreign currency and in the large format and general commercial exhibition market. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in IMAX's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2006, as well as IMAX's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q/A and Form 10Q.

Source: IMAX Corporation

CONTACT: Media: IMAX Corporation, New York, Sarah Gormley, (212)
821-0155, sgormley@imax.com; Warner Bros. Pictures, Los Angeles, Jessica
Zacholl, (818) 954-3599, jessica.zacholl@warnerbros.com; Business Media:
Sloane & Company, New York, Whit Clay, (212) 446-1864, wclay@sloanepr.com;
Investors: Integrated Corporate Relations, Amanda Mullin, (203) 682-8243,
amanda.,mullin@icrinc.com; Entertainment Media: Newman & Company, Los Angeles,
Al Newman, (310) 278-1560, asn@newman-co.com

Nominations Announced for the 43rd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC(R) AWARDS Country Music's Party of the Year(TM)

2008-03-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

4 Mar 2008 18:45 Africa/Lagos

Nominations Announced for the 43rd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC(R) AWARDS Country Music's Party of the Year(TM)

For The First Time In Academy Of Country Music History Fans Will Vote For Entertainer Of The Year!

Telecast To Air Live From MGM Grand In Las Vegas Sunday, May 18th At 8:00 PM Live ET/ Delayed PT On CBS Television Network

Kenny Chesney leads with 11 nominations; Rodney Atkins receives 6 nominations; Brad Paisley receives 4 individual nominations; Big & Rich and Sugarland receive 4 nominations as a duo; Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift each receive 3 nominations

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Nominations have been announced for the 43rd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS. Winners will receive their awards during the star-studded event to be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

The nominees were announced at a press conference held today at the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame(R) and Museum in Nashville. Participating in the press conference were multi-platinum recording artists Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, the Academy's current Top Male Vocalist and Top Female Vocalist. Paisley and Underwood read nominations live during a CBS' The Early Show broadcast, which also included live performances by Rodney Atkins and Miranda Lambert, the Academy's reigning Top New Male Vocalist and Top New Female Vocalist, respectively.

It was also announced that for the first time in Academy of Country Music history, fans will choose the winner of the Academy's highest honor, Entertainer of the Year. Fan voting begins May 5 and more details on how to participate will be announced at a later date.

This morning Kenny Chesney led with eleven nominations, including Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist. In addition, Chesney was nominated as an artist and producer for Album of the Year for Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates, Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year for "Don't Blink." If Kenny Chesney wins Entertainer of the Year, it will be his fourth consecutive win.

Rodney Atkins is nominated for six awards including Top Male Vocalist. He is also nominated for Song of the Year and Video of the Year for "Watching You" and Album of the Year for If You're Going Through Hell. He won Top New Male Vocalist last year.

Brad Paisley is nominated in four categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Top Male Vocalist, Album of the Year for 5th Gear and Video of the Year for "Online." Last year, Paisley won Top Male Vocalist.

Big & Rich received four nominations including Top Vocal Duo and, for the song "Lost in this Moment," Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year. John Rich is nominated for a producer and writer award, and Big Kenny is nominated for two producing awards.

Sugarland was also nominated for four awards including Top Vocal Duo, and for the song "Stay," Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year. Jennifer Nettles also received two nominations for writing and producing, and Kristian Bush received one for producing.

Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift received three nominations each. Both received nominations this year for Top Female Vocalist. Lambert was also nominated for her album Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and for Single Record of the Year for "Famous in a Small Town." She was last year's Top New Female Vocalist. Swift was also nominated this year for Top New Female Vocalist and her album Taylor Swift was nominated for Album of the Year.

Members of the Academy of Country Music select the nominees and winners of the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, including selection of the final top five nominees of the Entertainer of the Year category. This year, for the first time ever, fans will have the opportunity to select the winner from the Entertainer of the Year nominees (more information to be released at a later date). Presenters and performers who will appear on the special will be announced.

Following is the list of final nominees in the 13 categories voted on by the membership. Winners in each of the following categories will be presented with an ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD during the television broadcast:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

-- Kenny Chesney
-- Brad Paisley
-- Rascal Flatts
-- George Strait
-- Keith Urban

TOP MALE VOCALIST

-- Rodney Atkins
-- Kenny Chesney
-- Brad Paisley
-- George Strait
-- Keith Urban

TOP FEMALE VOCALIST

-- Miranda Lambert
-- Martina McBride
-- LeAnn Rimes
-- Taylor Swift
-- Carrie Underwood

TOP VOCAL GROUP

-- Diamond Rio
-- Eagles
-- Emerson Drive
-- Little Big Town
-- Rascal Flatts

TOP VOCAL DUO

-- Big & Rich
-- Brooks & Dunn
-- Halfway To Hazard
-- Montgomery Gentry
-- Sugarland

TOP NEW MALE VOCALIST

-- Luke Bryan
-- Jack Ingram
-- Jake Owen

TOP NEW FEMALE VOCALIST

-- Sarah Buxton
-- Kellie Pickler
-- Taylor Swift

TOP NEW DUO OR VOCAL GROUP

-- Carolina Rain
-- Lady Antebellum
-- The Wreckers

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]

-- 5th Gear -- Brad Paisley (Arista Nashville)
Produced by Frank Rogers
-- Crazy Ex-Girlfriend -- Miranda Lambert (Columbia)
Produced by Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke
-- Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates -- Kenny Chesney (BNA)
Produced by Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
-- If You're Going Through Hell -- Rodney Atkins (Curb)
Produced by Rodney Atkins, Ted Hewitt
-- Taylor Swift -- Taylor Swift (Big Machine)
Produced by Scott Borchetta, Nathan Chapman
# 6 Produced by Robert Ellis Orrall

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record
Company]

-- Don't Blink
Kenny Chesney, Produced by Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
BNA
-- Famous In A Small Town
Miranda Lambert, Produced by Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke
Columbia
-- Lost In This Moment
Big & Rich, Produced by Big Kenny, John Rich
Warner Bros/WRN
-- Stay
Sugarland, Produced by Kristian Bush, Byron Gallimore, Jennifer Nettles
Mercury
-- Watching Airplanes
Gary Allan, Produced by Gary Allan , Mark Wright
MCA Nashville

SONG OF THE YEAR [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

-- Don't Blink
Kenny Chesney
Writers: Casey Beathard, Chris Wallin
Publishers: Lavender Zoo Music (BMI), Mama's Dream Music (ASCAP),
Sony/ATV Acuff Rose (BMI), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
-- Lost In This Moment
Big & Rich
Writers: Keith Anderson, Rodney Clawson, John Rich
Publishers: EMI April Music, Inc. (ASCAP), Romeo Cowboy Music (ASCAP),
WB Music Corp. (ASCAP), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI),
Writer's Extreme Music (BMI)
-- Moments
Emerson Drive
Writers: Dave Berg, Annie Tate, Sam Tate
Publishers: Gravitron (SESAC), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
-- Watching You
Rodney Atkins
Writers: Rodney Atkins, Steve Dean, Brian White
Publishers: Bethar Music (BMI), Mike Curb Music (BMI), Multisongs
(SESAC), Songs From The White House (SESAC)
-- Stay
Sugarland
Writer: Jennifer Nettles
Publishers: Jennifer Nettles Publishing (ASCAP)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

-- Don't Blink -- Kenny Chesney
Producer: Tacklebox Films
Director: Shaun Silva
-- Lost In This Moment -- Big & Rich
Producer: Big Kenny, Steve Lamar, Marc Oswald
Director: Robert Deaton and George Flanigen
-- Online -- Brad Paisley
Producer: Frames Per Second
Director: Jason Alexander
-- Stay -- Sugarland
Producer: Kristian Bush, Byron Gallimore, Jennifer Nettles
Director: Shaun Silva
-- Watching You -- Rodney Atkins
Producer: Broken Poet Production
Director: Eric Welch

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]

-- Because Of You -- Reba McEntire Duet With Kelly Clarkson
Produced by Tony Brown, Reba McEntire
MCA Nashville
-- Find Out Who Your Friends Are -- Tracy Lawrence With Tim McGraw and
Kenny Chesney
Produced by Julian King, Tracy Lawrence
Rocky Comfort/CO5
-- Shiftwork -- Kenny Chesney Duet With George Strait
Produced by Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
BNA
-- Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore -- Bon Jovi Featuring LeAnn Rimes
Produced by Dann Huff
Mercury
-- What You Give Away -- Vince Gill With Sheryl Crow
Produced by Vince Gill, John Hobbs, Justin Niebank
MCA Nashville

PLEASE NOTE: Nominees in the technical or off-camera categories will be announced later in March. You may check back at http://www.acmcountry.com/ for more information.

About the Academy of Country Music

Founded in 1964, the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC is an artist and industry-driven organization, that provides the financial resources to ensure the on-going philanthropic work of its Charitable Fund. The Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund promotes and supports music education and humanitarian programs that transform the human spirit. Through its charitable donations, the ACMCF works towards promoting Learning Through Music and Healing Through Music. The Academy is comprised of more than 4,500 professional members and more than 40,000 associate members and is headquartered in Encino, Calif.

About the Academy of Country Music Awards

The 43rd Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry. The show is produced for television by Dick Clark Productions and will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. The show is executive produced by R.A. Clark, and produced by Barry Adelman. The executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo.

For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC and the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, please visit http://www.acmcountry.com/. For more information on the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC CHARITABLE FUND, please visit http://www.acmcf.org/.

Source: Academy of Country Music

CONTACT: Julie Smith, jsmith@bncpr.com, or Enjoli Duval,
eduval@bncpr.com, both of BNC, +1-310-854-4800, for the Academy of Country
Music

Web site: http://www.acmcountry.com/
http://www.acmcf.org/

First Ever Feature Film About Legendary Musician Bob Marley

2008-03-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

Bob Marley: The Legend Lives On

4 Mar 2008 16:50 Africa/Lagos

The Weinstein Company Acquires Rights to Produce the First Ever Feature Film About Legendary Musician Bob Marley

Feature Film to be Based on the Autobiography 'No Woman No Cry: My Life With Bob Marley' Written by Rita Marley

NEW YORK, March 4 /PRNewswire/ --

The Weinstein Company is thrilled to announce that they have acquired the rights to develop, produce and distribute the first ever biopic about the legendary Jamaican singer, songwriter, guitarist, and activist, Bob Marley and his wife Rita Marley. The feature film will be based on the autobiography "No Woman No Cry: My Life With Bob Marley" written by Rita Marley, the widow of the legendary reggae musician. The book is an intimate and epic account of their relationship, which went from the streets of Trenchtown to the heights of the international music and political worlds. Rudy Langlais ("The Hurricane") is set to produce the film from a script written by Lizzie Borden ("Working Girls"). Rita Marley will serve as executive producer. More details about the project will be announced soon. The announcement was made today by Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company.

Rita Marley stated, "Bob always told me, 'Wherever you are I will be there' and I didn't understand it until much later. Our lives began in a government yard in Trenchtown with hopes of reaching the world through music and through our dreams. I wrote my book to tell my story -- of the dreams we shared and those days we spent living and believing in our hope. I saw it and now we get to tell it through our movie. I've waited a long time to tell this story, about growing up in Jamaica and meeting Bob and making our music and falling in love and making our family. All that, and all that we went through went into this. Now is that time. This is my story."Harvey Weinstein stated, "I could not be more excited about this film and about bringing audiences around the world a true look into the delicate and dynamic lives of Rita and Bob Marley. Bob Marley was a prolific individual who has influenced and impacted the world with engaging messages he expressed through his moving and socially observant music. His voice commanded attention, it commanded compassion, and it commanded peace. He was a profound musical prophet, whose voice and words inspired generations across the world. We hope this film will resonate across all classes and creeds.

"Rudy Langlais stated, "Rita Marley is the only one and the only way to tell this extraordinary love story. There's a reggae song, 'She who lives it, knows it.' Rita lived it all with Bob - the rugged years in the Trenchtown ghetto, the rise to fame and stardom with the Wailers, the complex love affair that spanned his short life, the attempted assassination of both of them on the eve of a concert, and his tragic death at 35. Rita was there, she saw it all -- and she is taking us into the heart of it all through her amazing book and story. This is Rita's story of her life with Bob."Production Executive, Ben Famiglietti brought this project to The Weinstein Company, along with Michael Cole, Co-Head of Production. They will oversee the project on behalf of The Weinstein Company. Eric Roth, EVP of Business and Legal Affairs negotiated the deal on behalf of The Weinstein Company. Mickey Freiberg from ACME Talent Literary along with Eric Weissmann from Weissmann, Wolf, Bergman, Colman & Silverman negotiated on behalf of Rudy Langlais and Lizzie Borden. Attorneys Bob Epstein, Marvin Zolt and Claude Ismael represented Rita Marley in negotiations.

"No Woman No Cry: My Life with Bob Marley" written by Rita Marley with Hettie Jones, was published by Hyperion in May of 2004.About Rita MarleyRita Marley was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, married Bob Marley in 1966 and remained married to him until his death in 1981. She was the mother of two of his children, who displayed musical talent like their parents. Rita was also a musician, and performed with a girl-group called the I-Three who had been the back-up singers to Bob Marley and the Wailers. After having witnessed the visit of Ethiopian leader Haile Selassie to Jamaica in 1961, Rita Marley converted to the Rastafarian religion and introduced it to Bob as well. He began to devote his spiritual life to its beliefs and adopted its traditions, which included wearing his iconic dreadlocks. As Marley's music and persona became more and more controversial in Jamaica, the political turmoil it stirred resulted in an assassination attempt on the eve of a concert in Kingston, at which Bob and Rita were shot. To this day, Rita Marley is a benefactor of numerous humanitarian causes. She continues to perform worldwide and lives in Ghana, West Africa.

About Bob Marley

Bob Marley was born under the name of Nesta Robert Marley in the Jamaican countryside town of Nine Miles in 1945. His father was a white Jamaican Marine Officer and Captain of English descent, while his mother was a young black Jamaican girl. After his father's death, Bob moved with his mother to the Kingston ghetto of Trenchtown. There he began playing music, imitating American R&B, and soon formed a band with several other musicians, including Neville O'Riley Livingston and Peter Tosh, calling themselves The Wailers. Their music evolved into what they called "reggae," expressing their rebellious spirit against British colonial rule. Financed by Island Record owner and fellow Jamaican Chris Blackwell, Marley and the Wailers soon were brought to international attention and broke out into world fame. Marley went solo under Blackwell's direction and became an international legend, his music addressing everything from passionate love to revolution in the third world, to humanity's unity in the anthem "One Love." Bob Marley died of a long- gestating cancer in 1981. At the end of the century, Time Magazine and The New York Times named him the most important popular artist of the 20th Century and his record "Exodus" the important record of the century. He was also awarded the United Nations Medal of Peace for the Third World.

About The Weinstein Company

The Weinstein Company (TWC) was created by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films Corporation in 1979. TWC is a multi-media company that officially launched on October 1, 2005. Dimension Films, the genre label that was founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, is also included under the TWC banner.During the Weinsteins' tenure at Miramax Films the company released some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful independent feature films which received 249 Academy Award(R) nominations and won 60 Oscars(R), have generated billions of dollars in worldwide box office receipts and billions more in home video sales. In its history, Dimension Films has released some of the most successful franchises including "Scream," "Spy Kids" and "Scary Movie.

Source: The Weinstein Company

CONTACT: Matthew Frankel of The Weinstein Company,

+1-646-862-3878,

matthew.frankel@weinsteinco.com

Rihanna: I am Not Dating Chris Brown

2008-03-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

Rihanna has come of age. She is all woman.

The R&B superstar Rihanna has dismissed the rumours that she is dating singer Chris Brown. She says she is still single and free and enjoying her celebrity life.

Chris Brown sings another love song to melt the hearts of teenage girls.

Chris Brown and Rihanna together for a duet of love?

Here are the details of how the rumours started. See their pictures.

The Sweet (and Cool) Smell of Pop Art Revealed in Perfume Inspired by Andy Warhol

2008-02-27T04:26:00.000-08:00

27 Feb 2008 11:20 Africa/Lagos

The Sweet (and Cool) Smell of Pop Art Revealed in Perfume Inspired by Andy Warhol

NEW YORK, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- "My favorite smell is the first smell of spring in New York," Andy Warhol once said.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080227/NYWFNS1 )

Warhol began painting and silk-screening colored flowers during the 1960s, and returned to the subject in 1970, when he developed a portfolio of vibrantly colored flower screenprints at the first of his two studios on Union Square.

Both the flowers and the location were the inspiration for Andy Warhol Union Square, the latest in Bond No. 9's series of limited edition collectible Warhol perfume ($195 for 100ml; $135 for 50ml).

"Working with Bond No. 9 represents a unique, unexpected, and exciting opportunity to introduce Warhol to an ever-widening audience," said Michael Hermann, director of licensing at The Andy Warhol Foundation.

The connection between the Warhol Foundation and Bond No. 9 is New York. If Andy Warhol was a mirror of his time, he also reflected the vitality and creativity of his adopted city.

Marking the junction of Broadway and Park Avenue South between 14th and 17th streets, Union Square and the park within it have a storied history as a choice location for outdoor public gatherings-notably union rallies in the early 20th century.

These days, Union Square is thriving, with a busy Greenmarket and a lively bar and restaurant scene, a far cry from its deteriorated state when Warhol arrived in 1968. He stayed put, despite an attempt on his life outside his studio later that year and remained in Union Square until 1984.

During the age of Warhol, Union Square was witness to the collision and subsequent uniting of uptown and downtown, especially when Warhol drew the likes of Mick Jagger, Truman Capote, and Diane von Furstenberg to his studio.

"With the Warhol collaboration, we're connecting his vision not just with a line of fragrances," Bond No. 9 President Laurice Rahme said, "but with another kind of artistry-that of the sense of smell, and to interpret the scents of the studios, the clubs, the streets of New York that Warhol frequented and made famous."

Rahme describes the green floral scent as "simultaneously cool and warm." It is housed in a flacon displaying Warhol's fuchsia, red and yellow flowers - like nothing found in nature -- and places his artistry in a new medium.

"They are like psychedelic paper cut-outs superimposed above the blades of grass, which have an outsized life of their own," Rahme said.

Bond No. 9 is offering a Portfolio of ten different bottles, which are meant to be viewed as one, just as Warhol intended for his Flowers, Rahme said ($1,500).

Andy Warhol Union Square will be available at Bond No. 9's four New York boutiques, www.bondno9.com, and at Saks Fifth Avenue nationwide.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080227/NYWFNS1
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Bond No. 9 New York

CONTACT: Alix Perez, +1-212-228-0842, ext. 15, for Bond No. 9 New York

Web site: http://www.bondno9.com/

Winners of the Oscars at the 80th Academy Awards

2008-02-25T05:59:00.000-08:00

Daniel Day-Lewis accepts the Oscar for Best Actor for his great role in "There Will Be Blood".
View the Oscar Red Carpet Gallery

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Javier BardemNo Country for Old Men

Best Visual Effects
The Golden Compass

Best Animated Film
Ratatouille

Best Short Film (Live Action)
Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)

Best Short Film (Animated)
Peter & the Wolf

Best Costume Design
Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Best Make Up
La Vie en Rose

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Tilda SwintonMichael Clayton

Best Documentary Short
Freeheld

Best Documentary Feature
Taxi to the Dark Side

Best Art Direction
Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Best Music (Score)
Atonement

Best Sound Mixing
The Bourne Ultimatum

Best Music (Song)
Once

Best Sound Editing
The Bourne Ultimatum

Best Foreign Language Film
The Counterfeiters

Best Editing
The Bourne Ultimatum

Best Actor in Leading Role
Daniel Day-LewisThere Will Be Blood

Best Cinematography
There Will Be Blood

Best Actress in Leading Role
Marion CotillardLa Vie en Rose

Best Adapted Screenplay
No Country for Old Men

Best Original Screenplay
Juno

Best Directing
No Country for Old Men

Best Picture No Country for Old Men

80th Academy Awards - Nominations

2008-02-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

80th Academy Awards - Nominations
LIVE Telecast: Sunday, February 24, 2008

Performance by an actor in a leading role
George Clooney in "Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.)
Daniel Day-Lewis in "There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax)
Johnny Depp in "Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (DreamWorks and Warner Bros., Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
Tommy Lee Jones in "In the Valley of Elah" (Warner Independent)
Viggo Mortensen in "Eastern Promises" (Focus Features)

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Casey Affleck in "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" (Warner Bros.)
Javier Bardem in "No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage)
Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Charlie Wilson's War" (Universal)
Hal Holbrook in "Into the Wild" (Paramount Vantage and River Road Entertainment)
Tom Wilkinson in "Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.)

Performance by an actress in a leading role
Cate Blanchett in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" (Universal)
Julie Christie in "Away from Her" (Lionsgate)
Marion Cotillard in "La Vie en Rose" (Picturehouse)
Laura Linney in "The Savages" (Fox Searchlight)
Ellen Page in "Juno" (A Mandate Pictures/Mr. Mudd Production)

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Cate Blanchett in "I'm Not There" (The Weinstein Company)
Ruby Dee in "American Gangster" (Universal)
Saoirse Ronan in "Atonement" (Focus Features)
Amy Ryan in "Gone Baby Gone" (Miramax)
Tilda Swinton in "Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.)

Best animated feature film of the year
"Persepolis" (Sony Pictures Classics): Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud
"Ratatouille" (Walt Disney): Brad Bird
"Surf's Up" (Sony Pictures Releasing): Ash Brannon and Chris Buck

Achievement in art direction
"American Gangster" (Universal): Art Direction: Arthur Max; Set Decoration: Beth A. Rubino
"Atonement" (Focus Features): Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer
"The Golden Compass" (New Line in association with Ingenious Film Partners): Art Direction: Dennis Gassner; Set Decoration: Anna Pinnock
"Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (DreamWorks and Warner Bros., Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount): Art Direction: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax): Art Direction: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Jim Erickson

Achievement in cinematography
"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" (Warner Bros.): Roger Deakins
"Atonement" (Focus Features): Seamus McGarvey
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (Miramax/Pathé Renn): Janusz Kaminski
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage): Roger Deakins
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax): Robert Elswit

Achievement in costume design
"Across the Universe" (Sony Pictures Releasing) Albert Wolsky
"Atonement" (Focus Features) Jacqueline Durran
"Elizabeth: The Golden Age" (Universal) Alexandra Byrne
"La Vie en Rose" (Picturehouse) Marit Allen
"Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (DreamWorks and Warner Bros., Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount) Colleen Atwood

Achievement in directing
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (Miramax/Pathé Renn), Julian Schnabel
"Juno" (A Mandate Pictures/Mr. Mudd Production), Jason Reitman
"Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.), Tony Gilroy
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage), Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax), Paul Thomas Anderson

Best documentary feature
"No End in Sight" (Magnolia Pictures) A Representational Pictures Production: Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
"Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience" (The Documentary Group) A Documentary Group Production: Richard E. Robbins
"Sicko" (Lionsgate and The Weinstein Company) A Dog Eat Dog Films Production: Michael Moore and Meghan O'Hara
"Taxi to the Dark Side" (THINKFilm) An X-Ray Production: Alex Gibney and Eva Orner
"War/Dance" (THINKFilm) A Shine Global and Fine Films Production: Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine

Best documentary short subject
"Freeheld" A Lieutenant Films Production: Cynthia Wade and Vanessa Roth
"La Corona (The Crown)" A Runaway Films and Vega Films Production: Amanda Micheli and Isabel Vega
"Salim Baba" A Ropa Vieja Films and Paradox Smoke Production: Tim Sternberg and Francisco Bello
"Sari's Mother" (Cinema Guild) A Daylight Factory Production: James Longley

Achievement in film editing
"The Bourne Ultimatum" (Universal): Christopher Rouse
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (Miramax/Pathé Renn): Juliette Welfling
"Into the Wild" (Paramount Vantage and River Road Entertainment): Jay Cassidy
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage) Roderick Jaynes
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax): Dylan Tichenor

Best foreign language film of the year
"Beaufort" Israel
"The Counterfeiters" Austria
"Katyn" Poland
"Mongol" Kazakhstan
"12" Russia

Achievement in makeup
"La Vie en Rose" (Picturehouse) Didier Lavergne and Jan Archibald
"Norbit" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount): Rick Baker and Kazuhiro Tsuji
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (Walt Disney): Ve Neill and Martin Samuel

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
"Atonement" (Focus Features) Dario Marianelli
"The Kite Runner" (DreamWorks, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment and Participant Productions, Distributed by Paramount Classics): Alberto Iglesias
"Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.) James Newton Howard
"Ratatouille" (Walt Disney) Michael Giacchino
"3:10 to Yuma" (Lionsgate) Marco Beltrami

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
"Falling Slowly" from "Once" (Fox Searchlight) Music and Lyric by Glen Hansard and: Marketa Irglova
"Happy Working Song" from "Enchanted" (Walt Disney): Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz
"Raise It Up" from "August Rush" (Warner Bros.): Music and Lyric by Jamal Joseph, Charles Mack and Tevin Thomas
"So Close" from "Enchanted" (Walt Disney): Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz
"That's How You Know" from "Enchanted" (Walt Disney): Music by Alan Menken; Lyric by Stephen Schwartz

Best motion picture of the year
"Atonement" (Focus Features) A Working Title Production: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Paul Webster, Producers
"Juno" (A Mandate Pictures/Mr. Mudd Production) A Mandate Pictures/Mr. Mudd Production: Lianne Halfon, Mason Novick and Russell Smith, Producers
"Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.) A Clayton Productions, LLC Production: Sydney Pollack, Jennifer Fox and Kerry Orent, Producers
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage) A Scott Rudin/Mike Zoss Production: Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax) A JoAnne Sellar/Ghoulardi Film Company Production: JoAnne Sellar, Paul Thomas Anderson and Daniel Lupi, Producers

Best animated short film
"I Met the Walrus" A Kids & Explosions Production: Josh Raskin
"Madame Tutli-Putli" (National Film Board of Canada) A National Film Board of Canada Production Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski
"Même les Pigeons Vont au Paradis (Even Pigeons Go to Heaven)" (Premium Films) A BUF Compagnie Production Samuel Tourneux and Simon Vanesse
"My Love (Moya Lyubov)" (Channel One Russia) A Dago-Film Studio, Channel One Russia and Dentsu Tec Production Alexander Petrov
"Peter & the Wolf" (BreakThru Films) A BreakThru Films/Se-ma-for Studios Production Suzie Templeton and Hugh Welchman

Best live action short film
"At Night" A Zentropa Entertainments 10 Production: Christian E. Christiansen and Louise Vesth
"Il Supplente (The Substitute)" (Sky Cinema Italia) A Frame by Frame Italia Production: Andrea Jublin
"Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)" (Premium Films) A Karé Production: Philippe Pollet-Villard
"Tanghi Argentini" (Premium Films) An Another Dimension of an Idea Production: Guido Thys and Anja Daelemans
"The Tonto Woman" A Knucklehead, Little Mo and Rose Hackney Barber Production: Daniel Barber and Matthew Brown

Achievement in sound editing
"The Bourne Ultimatum" (Universal): Karen Baker Landers and Per Hallberg
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage): Skip Lievsay
"Ratatouille" (Walt Disney): Randy Thom and Michael Silvers
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax): Christopher Scarabosio and Matthew Wood
"Transformers" (DreamWorks and Paramount in association with Hasbro): Ethan Van der Ryn and Mike Hopkins

Achievement in sound mixing
"The Bourne Ultimatum" (Universal) Scott Millan, David Parker and Kirk Francis
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage): Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter Kurland
"Ratatouille" (Walt Disney): Randy Thom, Michael Semanick and Doc Kane
"3:10 to Yuma" (Lionsgate): Paul Massey, David Giammarco and Jim Stuebe
"Transformers" (DreamWorks and Paramount in association with Hasbro): Kevin O'Connell, Greg P. Russell and Peter J. Devlin

Achievement in visual effects
"The Golden Compass" (New Line in association with Ingenious Film Partners): Michael Fink, Bill Westenhofer, Ben Morris and Trevor Wood
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (Walt Disney): John Knoll, Hal Hickel, Charles Gibson and John Frazier
"Transformers" (DreamWorks and Paramount in association with Hasbro): Scott Farrar, Scott Benza, Russell Earl and John Frazier

Adapted screenplay
"Atonement" (Focus Features), Screenplay by Christopher Hampton
"Away from Her" (Lionsgate), Written by Sarah Polley
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (Miramax/Pathé Renn), Screenplay by Ronald Harwood
"No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage), Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
"There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax), Written for the screen by Paul Thomas Anderson

Original screenplay
"Juno" (A Mandate Pictures/Mr. Mudd Production), Written by Diablo Cody
"Lars and the Real Girl" (MGM), Written by Nancy Oliver
"Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.), Written by Tony Gilroy
"Ratatouille" (Walt Disney), Screenplay by Brad Bird; Story by Jan Pinkava, Jim Capobianco, Brad Bird
"The Savages" (Fox Searchlight), Written by Tamara Jenkins

YOU CAN WATCH THE VIDEO COVERAGE ON THE BOGGY WOGGY MOVIES TV BELOW.

Lindsay Lohan's Semi Nude Imitation of Marilyn Monroe Crashes New York Magazine's Website

2008-02-23T03:18:00.000-08:00

Bert Stern's semi nude photographs of actress Lindsay Lohan's imitation of the late Marilyn Monroe have become so popular online that the New York Magazine's web site crashed, with over 20 million daily page views on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The average daily page view in January was 1.2 million.

The photographs were meant to copy "The Last Sitting" of Marilyn Monroe, before she died of drug overdose or even murdered in 1962.

The Nielsen Company's 2008 Guide to the Academy Awards

2008-02-22T06:58:00.000-08:00

21 Feb 2008 19:50 Africa/Lagos

The Nielsen Company's 2008 Guide to the Academy Awards

NEW YORK, Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ --

With the writers strike settled and the 80th Academy Awards confirmed for February 24 in Hollywood, California, The Nielsen Company today released its annual Guide to the Academy Awards, which showcases a wide range of consumer and media information illustrating the enormous impact the Academy Awards has in the U.S.

Among the findings:

-- TELEVISION: The Academy Awards telecast on ABC Network continues to be
one of the highest rated TV events of the year, with last year's award
show attracting more than 41 million U.S. viewers.

-- BOX OFFICE AND BOOK SALES: Box Office figures for most Best Picture
Nominees increased significantly after the Academy Awards nominations
were announced. Sales of books related to nominated movies also rose
after their nominations were announced.

-- MUSIC: Following last year's event, album sales and digital downloads
of songs performed during the Academy Awards telecast surged. Will
this year's nominees reap the same post-Oscars benefits?

-- ONLINE: Oscars buzz in the blogosphere peaked after the February 13
announcement that the show would go on as planned. But perhaps because
this year's event remained in doubt for several months, the Web sites
of nominated films received less traffic this year than in 2007.

-- ADVERTISING: The cost for a 30-second commercial edged up to an all-
time high in 2007, but total ad spending decreased slightly, from $80.7
million in 2006 to $79.9 million in 2007.

-- DEMOGRAPHICS OF ACADEMY AWARD VIEWERS: People in upper to upper-middle
income brackets are almost twice as likely to watch the Oscars
telecast. Of this group, a majority are women at least 35 years old,
college educated, and living in the New England, Mid-Atlantic, or
Pacific regions of the U.S.

TELEVISION VIEWERSHIP

In 2007, an average of 41 million Americans tuned in to the ABC Network to watch the Academy Awards, Nielsen Media Research reports. Last year, the event averaged a 23.6% household rating, up slightly from previous years.

The most-watched Academy Award broadcast in the last decade was in 1998 when Titanic was voted Best Picture. That telecast drew 55 million viewers for an average household rating of 34.9%. The lowest rated Oscars in recent years was in 2003 when Chicago was voted Best Picture: only 20% of U.S. homes tuned in for the telecast.

Among local U.S. markets, New York received the highest overall local rating for 2007 (35%), while the second largest local TV audience was in Los Angeles (32%). See Tables 1 and 2 for more details.

Table 1: Television Ratings for Academy Awards Telecasts

Academy Award Year Average Viewers on ABC Network
2007 41 million
2006 39 million
2005 42 million
2004 43 million
2003 33 million
2002 41 million
2001 42 million

Source: Nielsen Media Research

Table 2: Top 10 Local Market Ratings for 2007 Academy Awards Telecast

Market Rank Average Household
Local Market (size) Rating

San Francisco-
Oak-San Jose 6 37.7
Chicago 3 37.1
New York 1 35.3
Los Angeles 2 32
Boston 7 29.2
Washington, DC 9 29.2
Philadelphia 4 27
Atlanta 8 26.8
Houston 10 25.6
Dallas-Ft. Worth 5 24.5

Source: Nielsen Media Research

Note: local TV ratings include data for time-shifted viewing within one week of the awards telecast.

Box Office Sales

Do Academy Award nominations impact the distribution and ticket sales of nominated movies? Nielsen EDI compared the number of theatres showing each movie and ticket sales before and after the nominations were announced on January 22 and found significant increases in most cases (See Tables 3 and 4).

Table 3: Number of Theatres

Weekend Prior to Weekend After
Movie Nominations Nominations % Change

Michael Clayton 33 1,102 3239%
There Will Be Blood 389 885 128%
No Country for Old Men 818 1,107 35%
Atonement 1,291 1,400 8%
Juno 2,534 2,426 -4%

Source: Nielsen EDI

Table 4: Box Office Receipts

Movie Total 3 Total 3
Weekends Prior Weekends After
Nominations Nominations % Change

Michael Clayton $170,893 $5,454,040 3091%
There Will Be Blood $6,843,469 $13,501,867 97%
No Country for Old Men $4,571,298 $6,840,326 50%
Atonement $14,814,820 $8,935,793 -40%
Juno $41,439,508 $22,766,828 -45%

Source: Nielsen EDI

Impressive gross sales are not a requirement for a nominee in the top categories. For example, There Will Be Blood, in movie theaters for seven weeks, earned only $28 million at the U.S. box office through February 14, while fellow nominee Juno pulled in close to $119.5 million since its December 25 release (See Table 5).

Table 5: Cumulative Gross Box Office Sales

Open Date Nominated Movie Gross Box Office Sales

Best Picture

12/5/2007 Juno $119,464,789
11/9/2007 No Country for Old Men $59,042,924
10/5/2007 Michael Clayton $46,550,004
12/26/2007 There Will Be Blood $27,944,883
12/7/2007 Atonement $45,999,123

Best Actor
10/5/2007 Michael Clayton $46,550,004
12/26/2007 There Will Be Blood $27,944,883
12/21/2007 Sweeney Todd $52,127,564
9/14/2007 In the Valley of Elah $6,775,540
9/14/2007 Eastern Promises $17,181,265

Best Actress
10/12/2007 Elizabeth: The Golden Age $16,383,509
5/4/2007 Away From Her $4,571,521
6/8/2007 La Vie En Rose $10,072,300
11/28/2007 The Savages $5,380,756
12/5/2007 Juno $119,464,789

Best Director
12/5/2007 Juno $119,464,789
11/9/2007 No Country for Old Men $59,042,924
10/5/2007 Michael Clayton $46,550,004
12/26/2007 There Will Be Blood $27,944,883
11/30/2007 The Diving Bell and the
the Butterfly $4,488,924

Source: Nielsen EDI
*Includes sales data through Feb. 14, 2008.

BOOK SALES

Nielsen BookScan, which covers 75% of sales in the book industry, took a look at sales of books that are related to the nominated movies. Table 6 below compares total 2007 sales with book sales since the release of the movie related to each title. All data below includes sales for hard and paperback formats.

Table 6: Sales of Books Related to Nominated Movies

Book Sales
Year of 2007 U.S. Film Since Film
Title Author Original Sales Release Release
Publication (units) Date (units)*

Atonement Ian McEwan 2002 295,000 1/4/08 196,000
No Country
for Old Men Cormac McCarthy 2005 160,000 11/21/07 145,000
The Diving Bell
and the Jean-Dominique
Butterfly Bauby 1997 24,000 11/30/07 45,000
Oil! Upton Sinclair 1927 6,000 1/11/08 18,000

Source: Nielsen BookScan

Note: Nielsen BookScan does not track sales of books through WalMart, Sam's, BJ's, airports, or libraries.

*Includes sales data through Feb. 10, 2008.

MUSIC SALES

Billboard's Geoff Mayfield used data from Nielsen SoundScan to analyze sales of songs nominated for this year's Academy Awards. Of the current nominees for Best Original Song, three songs come from Walt Disney's Enchanted. That soundtrack album, released on November 20, 2007, had sold 195,000 copies in the U.S. as of February 10, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Enchanted's three nominated songs -- "Happy Working Song," "So Close," and "That's How You Know" -- have also sold a combined 177,000 digital downloads.

A surprise hit last year, the Once soundtrack -- nominated for "Falling Slowly" -- is also a notable contender this year. The album has sold 343,000 copies since it debuted on May 22, 2007, making it the tenth best-selling soundtrack of 2007. This year's fifth nominee, "Raise It Up," comes from the August Rush soundtrack, which has moved 103,000 copies since its release on November 13, 2007.

Last year, songs from Dreamgirls -- "Listen," "Love You I Do," and "Patience" -- also locked up three out of five nominations in the Best Original Song category. None of the Dreamgirls songs won the Oscar, however. That honor went to Melissa Etheridge's "I Need To Wake Up" from the soundtrack for An Inconvenient Truth.

Despite losing to Etheridge's song, Dreamgirls sales rose 19% after last year's Academy Awards telecast. The album shifted 45,000 copies in the week immediately following the event and finished 2007 as the sixth best-selling soundtrack of the year, according to Nielsen SoundScan. To date, it has sold 1.1 million units in the U.S.

The three nominated songs from Dreamgirls also saw handsome gains in their download sales following last year's Academy Awards. "Love You I Do" sold 6,000 downloads in the first week after the event (a 100% increase), "Patience" downloads increased by 53%, and "Listen" increased downloads jumped by 73%.

Meanwhile, last year's winner, Etheridge's "I Need to Wake Up," experienced a 295% gain in downloads in the week of the Academy Awards, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Perhaps viewers, moved by Etheridge's win, rushed to their computers to download her song immediately after the telecast.

ONLINE USAGE

In 2007, traffic to the three major Oscar Web sites (oscars.movies.yahoo.com, oscar.com, and oscars.org) reached 1.8 million unique visitors on the day of the awards ceremony, according to Nielsen Online. On the day after the telecast, combined Web traffic to these sites increased 81% to 3.3 million unique visitors. Traffic to these three Web sites grew 183% during the week of the Academy Awards, from 905,000 unique visitors in the previous week to 2.6 million unique visitors in the days leading up to the ceremony.

Last year, Oscar.com grew 88% year over year, from an Oscars week unique audience of 720,000 to 1.4 million.

This year, the writers' strike left the Academy Awards ceremony in doubt for several months, perhaps resulting in less Web traffic to the sites of nominated films. Web sites for this year's Oscar contenders received just 831,000 unique visitors during January 2008 -- compared with 993,000 in January 2007.

BLOGOSPHERE Buzz

Drawing on its database of approximately 70 million blogs, Nielsen Online monitors consumer-generated content on the Internet before, during, and after the Academy Awards to provide advertisers with both quantitative and qualitative insight into virality and the popularity of the event and the nominees.

Table 7 shows the percentage of blog buzz related to this year's Best Actor and Actress nominees. With 32.24% buzz volume, Johnny Depp dominated Academy Awards discussion on blogs. Depp far outpaced George Clooney, who claimed second place, with 13.74% of the blog buzz. Laura Linney was least buzzworthy.

Table 7: Blog Buzz Online

% of Internet Buzz Related to Oscars Among
All Best Actor Candidates
Best Actor Nominees (Last 90 Days)*

Johnny Depp 32.24%
George Clooney 13.74%
Ellen Page 10.84%
Daniel Day-Lewis 9.56%
Cate Blanchett 9.27%
Tommy Lee Jones 6.56%
Viggo Mortensen 5.29%
Julie Christie 4.74%
Marion Cotillard 4.40%
Laura Linney 3.36%
100.00%
Source: Nielsen Online
*Includes data from Nov. 17, 2007 - Feb. 14, 2008.

CONSUMER BUZZ

The members of The Nielsen Company's new consumer-driven opinion network, Hey! Nielsen (www.heynielsen.com), who recently rated ads during the Super Bowl, are now making predictions on who will win Oscar gold. The predictions in eight major categories reveal a few clear front-runners: Daniel Day-Lewis, Javier Bardem, and Ratatouille, to name a few. There are also several tight races heading into Oscars night. In the Best Actress category, newcomer Ellen Page holds a slim lead over double-nominee Cate Blanchett, while Blanchett and Ruby Dee are tied in the Best Supporting Actress contest. The full results are compiled in Table 8 below.

Table 8: Hey! Nielsen Academy Award Winner Predictions

Category Leading Nominees % of Votes

Best Picture No Country for Old Men 35%
Best Actor Daniel Day Lewis
(There Will Be Blood) 46%
Best Supporting Actor Javier Bardem
(No Country for Old Men) 42%
Best Actress Ellen Page (Juno) 33%
Best Supporting Actress Cate Blanchett (I'm Not There) 26%
Ruby Dee (American Gangster) 26%
Best Director Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
(No Country for Old Men) 44%
Best Animated Film Ratatouille 81%
Best Documentary Sicko 37%

Source: Hey! Nielsen
*Includes data collected from Feb. 5 - Feb. 19, 2008

Advertising Trends

Nielsen Monitor-Plus, the competitive advertising intelligence service of The Nielsen Company, analyzed advertising for the 2007 Academy Awards telecast and found:

-- Movies nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best
Director spent more than $102 million on advertising during 2007.
-- The last year's event had a total of 24 commercial minutes during the 3
hour and 10 minute televised broadcast on ABC Network, down slightly
from 24 1/2 minutes of advertising in 2006.
-- The cost for a 30-second ad rose slightly from $1.65 million in 2006 to
$1.67 million in 2007.
-- Twenty-seven unique brands aired a total of 38 national advertisements
in the 2007 broadcast.

Advertising Spending

In 2007, movies nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor/Actress, and Best Director spent more than $102 million on advertising in the U.S. Michael Clayton, which was nominated in three of the four categories, spent $27.6 million-more than any other movie, while There Will Be Blood, also nominated in three categories, spent the least: $404,618 (See Table 9).

Spending on movies nominated in the Best Actor category reached $59.4 million in 2007, accounting for almost 60% of total advertising expenditures. In comparison, the movies in the Best Actress category spent only $26.1 million on advertising. Movies nominated for Best Director and Best Picture spent just over $45 million each on advertising.

Table 9: Advertising Spending

Jan. 2007 -
Movie Nominee Nov. 2007 $

Best Picture
Michael Clayton n/a $27,566,058
No Country for Old Men n/a $15,803,659
Atonement n/a $1,069,970
Juno n/a $695,846
There Will Be Blood n/a $404,618

Best Actor
Michael Clayton George Clooney $27,566,058
Eastern Promises Viggo Mortensen $15,193,993
In the Valley of Elah Tommy Lee Jones $11,823,644
Sweeney Todd Johnny Depp $4,422,039
There Will Be Blood Daniel Day-Lewis $404,618

Best Actress
Elizabeth: The Golden Age Cate Blanchett $20,908,766
La Vie En Rose Marion Cotillard $2,104,227
Away From Her Julie Christie $1,392,853
The Savages Laura Linney $970,855
Juno Ellen Page $695,846

Best Director
Michael Clayton Tony Gilroy $27,566,058
No Country for Old Men Joel Coen and
Ethan Coen $15,803,659
Juno Jason Reitman $695,846
The Diving Bell and
the Butterfly Julian Schnabel $531,715
There Will Be Blood Paul Thomas Anderson $404,618

Source: Nielsen Monitor-Plus

Commercial Minutes

Over the past five years, the number of commercial minutes in the Academy Awards telecasts ballooned from 24 minutes in 2003 to a high of 27 1/2 minutes in 2005 (See Table 10). By 2007, that number had shrunk back to 24 minutes -- the same commercial duration as in 2003.

Table 10: Commercial Minutes

Year Commercial Duration (Minutes:Seconds)
2007 24:00
2006 24:30
2005 27:30
2004 27:00
2003 24:00

Source: Nielsen Monitor-Plus
Note: Commercial Minutes exclude promotional announcements

Average Cost for a 30-Second Commercial

The average cost for a 30-second commercial has increased 23% over the past five years-from $1.35 million in 2003 to $1.67 million in 2007 (See Table 11). Total advertising expenditures decreased slightly last year, from $80.7 million in 2006 to $79.9 million in 2007.

Table 11: Average Cost Per 30-Second Commercial

Academy Award Average Cost Per
Year 30-Second Commercial Best Picture Winner

2007 $1,665,800 The Departed
2006 $1,646,800 Crash
2005 $1,503,000 Million Dollar Baby
2004 $1,503,100 Lord of the Rings:
Return of the King
2003 $1,345,800 Chicago
2002 $1,290,000 A Beautiful Mind
2001 $1,450,000 Gladiator
2000 $1,305,000 American Beauty
1999 $1,000,000 Shakespeare in Love
1998 $950,000 Titanic
1997 $850,000 The English Patient
1996 $795,000 Braveheart
1995 $700,000 Forrest Gump
1994 $643,500 Schindler's List
1993 $607,800 Unforgiven

Source: Nielsen Monitor-Plus

Top Advertisers During the 2007 Telecast

For the second consecutive year, General Motors was the top advertiser, with 3 1/2 minutes of commercial time -- 30 seconds less than it aired when it claimed the top advertising slot during the 2006 Academy Awards telecast. Coca-Cola, L'Oreal, and J.C. Penney rounded out the top four advertisers for the 2007 telecast (See Table 12).

These four companies have held the top Oscars advertising slots since 2006. Coca-Cola replaced Pepsi-Cola as the leading soft drink advertiser beginning in 2006, and L'Oreal became a major Academy Awards advertiser in 2005.

Table 12: 2007 Top Advertisers

Advertiser Commercial Time (Seconds)

General Motors Corp. 210
Coca-Cola Company 180
L'Oreal 180
J.C. Penney 150

Source: Nielsen Monitor-Plus

2007 Advertisers: Old and New

Beyond last year's top four, McDonald's, which aired two commercials during the 2007 event, and American Express, which aired a 120-second spot that was the longest running commercial of the telecast, hold the distinction of being the only two companies that have advertised during the last 14 Academy Awards telecasts.

There were also several notable, new advertisers last year. Apple previewed its iPhone with three 30-second spots, and Unilever aired a 60- second Dove Cream Body Wash spot created by the winner of a contest that asked women to create commercials for Unilever's new Dove product.

Viewing the Commercials

To view full-motion commercials, storyboards, and ratings from past Academy Awards telecasts, visit Nielsen's Monitor-Plus website at https://www.nielsenmedia.com/monitorplus/specialevents.

Commercials from this year's Academy Awards will be posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2008.

THE DEMOGRAPHICS OF AN ACADEMY AWARD VIEWER

According to data from Spectra, a Nielsen marketing service that measures lifestyle behaviors of American consumers, almost 60% of Academy Awards viewers are women. Among this group, most were at least 35 years old, college educated with incomes of at least $75,000 per year, and living in the New England, Mid-Atlantic, or Pacific regions of the U.S.

In general, these viewers live in upscale suburban areas or major urban centers (40%) and are either live in large families with older children (age 6 and older), or are older couples (age 35 and older) with no children. Academy Award viewers also tend to be health conscious consumers of wine, nuts, pretzels, yogurt, liquor, health bars, trail mix, coffee, pudding and popcorn.

Additional data from Claritas, Nielsen's marketing research unit, indicates that Academy Awards viewers are predominantly in upper to upper- middle income brackets. These "upper crust" viewers are twice as likely to watch the show. Conversely, people in lower to lower-middle income categories-for examples, downscale retirees-are half as likely to watch the Oscars telecast.

About The Nielsen Company

The Nielsen Company is a global information and media company with leading market positions in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), online intelligence (NetRatings and BuzzMetrics), trade shows and business publications (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Adweek). The privately held company is active in more that 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and New York, USA. For more information, please visit, www.nielsen.com.

Source: The Nielsen Company

CONTACT: Nielsen EDI: Anne Saini, +1-646-654-8691; Nielsen Online: Suzy
Bausch +1-408-941-2965, or Sandra Parrelli, +1-646-654-7772; Nielsen Monitor-
Plus: Jamillah Wright, +1-646-654-8357; Nielsen SoundScan: Anna Loynes,
+1-213-639-6167; Nielsen BookScan: Whitney Jacoby, +1-914-684-5505; Nielsen
Media Research: Anne Saini, +1-646-654-8691; Claritas: Steve Moore,
+1-858-677-9634; Spectra: Jennifer Frighetto, +1-847-605-5686

Web site: http://www.nielsen.com/
http://www.heynielsen.com/
http://wwww.oscars.movies.yahoo.com/
http://www.oscar.com/
http://www.oscar.org/
https://www.nielsenmedia.com/monitorplus/specialevents

Trope de Elite Wins Berlin's Golden Bear

2008-02-18T05:29:00.000-08:00

Jose Padilha's anti-corruption film Elite Squad (Trope de Elite) won the Golden Bear for Best Film at the Berlin Film Festival last Saturday.
More details.

Hot Entertainment News

2008-02-18T01:09:00.000-08:00

Have Lunch With Entertainment Icon Patti LaBelle...and Yes, You CAN Have Marmalade!
'Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert' in 3-D Enabled by AccessIT Technology and Deployment
'Soldier Boy' Turns 50: The Shirelles Celebrate 50th Anniversary in Music
Gap Partners With Emerging Artists to Create Original Music and Videos Inspired by Colors
A-list Celebrity Jordan Matthews Embraces Causes Close to the Heart, Crucial to Humanity
Borat's Sacha Baron Cohen and Simon Cowell are the Ballsiest Entertainment Figures; Tom Cruise and Zac Efron are the Most In-Need According to IFC's 'Who's Got 'Em' Survey
Jordin Sparks Tapped as the Opening Act for the Alicia Keys 'As I Am' Tour

Jordin Sparks Tapped as the Opening Act for the Alicia Keys 'As I Am' Tour

2008-02-18T01:01:00.000-08:00

Jordin Sparks

15 Feb 2008 12:00 Africa/Lagos

Jordin Sparks Tapped as the Opening Act for the Alicia Keys 'As I Am' Tour

Sparks Wins Outstanding New Artist at the NAACP Image Awards

NEW YORK, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- 19 Entertainment/Jive Records artist, Jordin Sparks, who recently performed the national anthem to an audience of nearly 100 million viewers at Super Bowl XLII, announces that she will be the opening act on the upcoming and highly anticipated Alicia Keys "As I Am" tour. The 18-year old star, who just won the Outstanding New Artist award at the 39th NAACP Image Awards, will help kick-off the tour on April 19th in Hampton, VA.

Alicia Keys

Since the release of her critically-acclaimed eponymous debut, Jordin's first single, "Tattoo," shot up the charts and has resided in the Top 10 of Billboard's Pop 100 Airplay singles chart for close to two months; currently the single is holding on to the #7 slot for it's second week in a row. Her second single "No Air" a smash duet with label mate Chris Brown is getting major radio support across the country and is already in the Top 20 on Billboard's Pop 100, Pop 100 Airplay and Hot Digital singles charts. The video for "No Air" recently wrapped and was shot by famed director Chris Robinson.

In support of her self-titled debut Jordin will open for Alicia Keys through-out the entire 30-date tour, which is scheduled to wrap in New York on June 18th.

On-sale dates will be announced locally in each market and show dates are as follows:

DATE CITY VENUE
April-19 Hampton, VA Hampton Coliseum
April-20 Philadelphia,PA Liacouras Center
April-22 Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Events Center
April-24 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
April-26 Columbus, OH Value City Arena at Schottenstein Ctr
April-27 St Louis, MO Scottrade Center
April-30 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
May-1 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
May-5 Los Angeles, CA TBA
May-7 San Diego, CA San Diego Sports Arena
May-9 Las Vegas, NV MGM Garden Arena
May-10 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose
May-12 Phoenix, AZ Jobing.com Arena
May-14 Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie
May-18 Houston, TX Toyota Center
May-22 New Orleans New Orleans Arena
May-24 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum
May-25 Miami, FL American Airlines Arena
May-28 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
May-30 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
May-31 Cincinnati, OH U.S. Bank Arena
Jun-3 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena
Jun-5 Cleveland, OH Wolstein Center at Cleveland State
Jun-6 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
Jun-8 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
Jun-11 Boston, MA TD Bank North Garden
Jun-13 Washington D.C. Verizon Center
Jun-15 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena
Jun-17 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
Jun-18 New York, NY Madison Square Garden

Currently, Jordin Sparks is scheduled to perform at the upcoming NBA All-Star Game on February 15th.

Source: 19 Entertainment/Jive Records

CONTACT: Wendy Washington, +1-212-833-6886,
wendy.washington@sonybmg.com; or Tice Merriweather, +1-212-833-6479,
Ticeman.merriweather@sonybmg.com, both of 19 Entertainment/Jive Records

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

St. Valentine's Day Wishes: Perfume? Jewelry? Labiaplasty?

2008-02-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

14 Feb 2008 11:15 Africa/Lagos

St. Valentine's Day Wishes: Perfume? Jewelry? Labiaplasty?

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ --

St. Valentines Day has always conjured up images of eager boyfriends and husbands rushing to buy that perfect gift that says, "I Love You." Over the decades, women have become better able to communicate more specific wish lists to their significant others rather than simply accepting generic and, sometimes, short lived gifts such as flowers.

Such was the case for Carl and Kristina of suburban Chicago. After twelve years of marriage and five very large children, sex for Kristina had become, physically and emotionally, a mind numbing experience. Her anatomy had changed and sensation had disappeared during sexual relations. The vulvar appearance no longer looked "trim and youthful," said Kristina. "I was so embarrassed; I no longer wanted him near me without the lights off." That's when the Chicago couple began their internet research. Kristina was going to get the ultimate gynecologic cosmetic makeover for St. Valentine's Day.

The couple discovered the website for the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of Michigan and phone consulted with the director, board certified gynecologic surgeon Dr. Joseph Berenholz. When queried whether she had spoken with her gynecologist, Kristina explained that, "She said it was all a normal consequence of childbirth, not to worry and just keep doing my kegel exercises. I was so disappointed. I had been doing kegels for two years with no results!" The couple booked their flight for Michigan and arranged a date for surgery.

The consultation took place at the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of Michigan. During the exam, Dr. Berenholz realized that Kristina was also suffering from stress incontinence, a condition where women lose urine when they laugh, sneeze, cough, jump or run. The surgery was scheduled for the following day. Kristina had a Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation to tighten her vagina. She also had a Laser Labiaplasty and a sling procedure to cure her incontinence. The procedure took two hours. The couple spent the night at a local hotel and then saw Dr. Berenholz in the morning. After being given final medical approval, the couple returned to Chicago happy and hopeful.

"I took a mirror and looked down below," said Kristina. "I was so surprised how wonderfully normal I looked. It was as though I had gone back in time prior to having my children!" Tears welled up in her eyes. "I was so ashamed to discuss my problem with nearly anyone. Dr. Berenholz just made it all so comfortable." Carl just smiled, happy to see the joy in Kristina's face.

Dr. Berenholz was the first Gynecologic surgeon in the Midwest to offer Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation. He trained in Beverly Hills with Dr. David Matlock, the originator of the technique and a regular appearing physician on "Dr. 90210." Asked why he thought patients come to him from the entire Midwest including Michigan, Dr. Berenholz simply replied, "People want experience. This is the most delicate part of the female anatomy and is tied in very closely to the female psyche." Dr. Berenholz is still amazed at how women tell him of the dismissive attitude of their Gynecologists. When asked if he found it humorous that a woman would ask for this type of surgery for St. Valentine's Day, Dr. Berenholz laughed and said, "It beats getting a box of chocolate."

Contact: Dr. Joseph Berenholz +1-248-593-8780, +1-888-593-8780
jberenholz@jberenholz.com

http://www.drberenholz.com/

Source: Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Institute of Michigan

CONTACT: Dr. Joseph Berenholz of the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation
Institute of Michigan, +1-248-593-8780, or 1-888-593-8780

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

2008 OSCARS: Students Poll Thousands During 80th Annual Academy Awards

2008-02-14T11:41:00.001-08:00

14 Feb 2008 19:14 Africa/Lagos

2008 OSCARS: Students Poll Thousands During 80th Annual Academy Awards

- Simultaneous voting from Facebook, the iPhone, and the website VoteOscars.com -

EVANSTON, Ill., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ --

Using a technology called MIMIEO, students at Northwestern University will poll thousands of people during the February 24th ABC broadcast of the 80th Annual Academy Awards.

Participants will be asked to rate each Oscar nominated movie ad, as well as rate how likely they are to go see the movie. Graduate student Rohit Bhat feels, "MIMIEO will provide insight into measuring both the entertainment value of the ads, and the viewer's preference for going to see the movie".

On Oscar night, a panel of graduate students will analyze the data from the polls and publish a report on the findings.

The students previously conducted research during Super Bowl XLII and released a report called the EnMark Survey. The survey evaluated Super Bowl advertisements on two key dimensions: entertainment value and marketing value. The entertainment score reflected the degree to which viewers liked the advertisement. In contrast, the marketing score reflected the extent to which the ad influenced the viewers' perceptions of the advertised brand.

Key findings from the study revealed some advertisers, such as Pepsi with their Justin Timberlake ad, ranked high in entertainment score, but lower in marketing score. Alternatively, advertisers such as Coke with their Charlie Brown ad, ranked higher in marketing score, but lower in entertainment score. Graduate student Bryan Tabiadon indicated, "Viewers found the Pepsi ads to be entertaining, but when it came down to the ads ability to influence preference for a brand, more people preferred Coke!"

The survey methodology was created in collaboration with students and faculty from Northwestern University. The students are enrolled in the Master of Science in Information Technology program. Based in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, courses are taught by tenured faculty from the McCormick School and the Kellogg School of Management.

Additional details regarding the research can be found on the student website http://www.mimieo.com/.

Source: MIMIEO

CONTACT: Glenn Allison of MIMIEO, +1-847-456-8726,
glenn.allison@mimieo.com

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

Dear Writers of Saturday Night Live

2008-02-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

12 Feb 2008 18:35 Africa/Lagos

Dear Writers of Saturday Night Live

NEW YORK, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The following letter was sent to the Writers of Saturday Night Live:

Dear Writers of Saturday Night Live,

Congratulations on your victory! Saturday Night Live fans could not be happier, myself included, and we're all looking forward to new hilarious episodes.

After so many weeks off the job, Barc (www.getbarc.com) knows that many of you have given up shaving and grown a "strike beard." While we know the strike was a big pain, at Barc we believe shaving should be as painless as possible! Our products work especially well on men with sensitive skin!

That's why we are offering Saturday Night Live staff writers a free supply of Barc shaving cream plus a free shave.

Now you have even more reason to celebrate!

Yours truly,
Christopher Hayes
CEO, Barc

Source: Barc

CONTACT: Mara Siegler of Mark Allen & Company for Barc, +1-646-775-6325,
mara@markallenco.com

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

Amy Winehouse Wins 5 Grammys!

2008-02-11T06:27:00.000-08:00

Amy Winehouse won 5 Grammys Sunday, but she was not there in person to receive them as she joined the 50th Grammy Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles by satellite from London. She won the Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Performance for "Rehab," a track from Back to Black, which was named Best Pop Vocal Album and the Grammy for the Best New Artist.

Carrie Underwood said Amy Winehouse deserved the awards.

© Orikinla Osinachi, 2008.
Photo credit: Mishca Richter

See the news video below.

MTV Movie Contest

2008-02-05T02:57:00.000-08:00

New Bond Girl Gemma Arterton is Still Paying Off

2008-02-04T02:16:00.000-08:00

New James Bond star Gemma Arterton is struggling to pay off her student debts - despite looking set to earn millions from her latest role in the superspy franchise.
Continue reading....

Nas Not Dropped From Label and other Latest News

2008-01-26T10:43:00.000-08:00

As well as the news from FemaleFirstwe take a look at the Oscars, the tragedy of Heath Ledger, and Mark Ronson and the Brits.

The fate of the Oscars ceremony is still up in the air, but that doesn't mean producer Gil Cates & Co. has stopped working to put a show together. So much so that I’m told requests have gone out to potential presenters. A well-placed source reports that Cameron Diaz is one of the first—if not the first—to sign on as a presenter.“Not confirming anything,” Diaz’s rep said in an email. "Any conversations about the Oscars are contingent upon the status of the strike." It would be Diaz's fifth time as a presenter at the Academy Awards.While Cates hasn’t revealed any backup plans if the Writers Guild pickets the 80th annual awards gala on Feb. 24—many big-name celebs like George Clooney have said they will not cross the picket line—I’m told the mood at the Academy is upbeat, and they're optimistic they won’t be left with a Golden Globes-like fiasco

Tara Reid agree's with the jailing of Lohan and Hilton, Mark Ronsons meteororic rise to fame is charted in our feature, and we look back on the short but interesting career.
Get all these and any breaking news from FemaleFirst...
Joclyn Manners

Entertainment Gossip
Mark Ronson's chart conquest With a bunch of BRIT and Grammy nominations and the promise of a third album, this looks set to be Mark Ronson's year.

Tom Hanks: Hollywood's nice guy turns bad Tom Hanks is Hollywood's ultimate nice guy. He's been one of Tinseltown's biggest stars for over 20 years but there's never been a bad word said about him. You don't hear stories of Hanks falling out of nightclubs, being in rehab or sleeping with every woman who comes his way, and Hanks is quite happy with his reputation.

Nas Not Dropped From Label.
Def Jam label bosses have hit back at reports the company is dropping rapper Nas over his plans to title his next album Nigger.

Oscars: Miramax Films Flying High with Remarkable 21 Nominations for 'No Country For Old Men,'

2008-01-23T02:35:00.000-08:00

22 Jan 2008 20:48 Africa/Lagos

Miramax Films Flying High with Remarkable 21 Nominations for 'No Country For Old Men,' 'The Diving Bell and The Butterfly,' 'Gone Baby Gone' And 'There Will Be Blood' As The 80th Annual Academy Award Nominations Are Announced

"No Country for Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood" tie for most nominations at 8

"No Country for Old Men*" Nabs 8 Nominations, including: Best Picture Joel Coen and Ethan Coen for Best Director Joel Coen and Ethan Coen for Best Adapted Screenplay Javier Bardem for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role Roger Deakins for Best Cinematography Roderick Jaynes for Best Film Editing Peter Kurland, Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff for Best Sound Mixing Skip Lievsay for Best Sound Editing

"The Diving Bell and The Butterfly" Lands 4 Nominations: Julian Schnabel for Best Director Ronald Harwood for Best Adapted Screenplay Janusz Kaminski for Best Cinematography Juliette Welfling for Best Film Editing

"Gone Baby Gone" Lauded with Nomination for Amy Ryan for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

"There Will Be Blood*" Scores 8 Nominations, including: Best Picture Daniel Day Lewis for Best Actor in a Leading Role Paul Thomas Anderson for Best Director Paul Thomas Anderson for Best Adapted Screenplay Robert Elswit for Best Cinematography Dylan Tichenor for Best Film Editing Jack Fisk for Best Art Direction Matthew Wood for Best Sound Editing

NEW YORK, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ --

When the nominations for the 80th Annual Academy Award nominations were announced today in Los Angeles, Miramax Films as a company received an astounding 21 overall nominations, including 8 for "No Country for Old Men," 4 for "The Diving Bell and The Butterfly," one for "Gone Baby Gone," and 8 for "There Will Be Blood."

"I am so thrilled that Miramax's faith in these extraordinary filmmakers and their ambitious work has been rewarded by the Academy. To have 21 nominations across four films is an incredible achievement for Miramax," said Daniel Battsek, company president.

Bringing the Coen brothers together with one of America's leading novelists, Cormac McCarthy, "No Country for Old Men," is about people dealing with a morally inscrutable universe. The film received a Best Picture nomination and is produced by Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen. Executive producers are Robert Graf and Mark Roybal.

"I couldn't possibly be more thrilled for Joel and Ethan. To me, they are among the most exciting and visionary filmmakers making movies anywhere in the world. To have had the honor of making this movie with them, and of watching them collaborate with the great American writer Cormac McCarthy -- well, that's been a tremendous reward in itself. It's a thrill to see the Academy recognize their work and that of our creative partners on the movie -- Javier Bardem, Roger Deakins, Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff, Peter Kurland, and all of our colleagues," said Scott Rudin.

In addition to their Best Picture nomination for "No Country," previous Academy Award-winners Joel Coen and Ethan Coen also received nominations for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. The Coens together previously won an Academy Award for Best Screenplay in 1997 for the film "Fargo," for which Joel was nominated for Best Director and Ethan was nominated for Best Picture as producer. They also received an Oscar nomination for their screenplay for "O, Brother Where Art Thou?" in 2000.

"We are very happy to have received these nominations and would like to thank the Academy and all of our friends and associates with whom we made this film-especially Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Kelly Macdonald, Woody Harrelson, cinematographer Roger Deakins, editor Roderick Jaynes, author Cormac McCarthy, producers Scott Rudin and Robert Graf, Daniel Battsek and everyone at Miramax Films and Paramount Vantage. Thank you very much," said Ethan and Joel Coen.

Previously nominated for an Academy Award for his leading role in 2001's "Before Night Falls," Javier Bardem recently won a Golden Globe for his performance in "No Country."

Said Bardem: "It's an honor to receive this nomination, which is undoubtedly the recognition of the work and talent of all those creative and professional people from my trade, that have inspired and improved me during all these years. And especially to the Coen brothers' genius, because they have raised the character of Chigurh into a dimension that goes beyond my performance. Thanks to Scott Rudin, Miramax and Paramount Vantage for giving me the change to work alongside such talented actors - Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones and Kelly Macdonald. My gratitude to all the Academy for this wonderful gift."

Cinematographer Roger Deakins received an amazing two nominations today, for both "No Country" and for "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," marking his sixth and seventh Academy Award nominations. He was previously nominated for three of his other Coen brother collaborations, "The Man Who Wasn't There" in 2002, "O, Brother, Where Art Thou?" in 2001 and "Fargo" in 1997. In addition, he received nominations for "Kundun" in 1998 and "The Shawshank Redemption" in 1995.

"It's such an honor to be nominated for 'No Country.' What can you say about working with Joel and Ethan - they're the best!" said Deakins.

Editor Roderick Jaynes today garnered his second Academy Award nomination for Best Film Editing. A previous Oscar nominee for "Fargo," Jaynes also received an ACE nomination for that film.

Sound mixer Peter Kurland was previously nominated for an Oscar for his work on "Walk the Line." Today's nod marks sound mixer Craig Berkey's first Oscar nomination. Academy Award-winning sound mixer Greg Orloff previously won for the film "Ray." Sound mixer and editor Skip Lievsay received two nominations today, his first Academy nods. He was previously nominated for an Emmy for the HBO film "4 Little Girls."

The Oscar(R) nominations for "No Country for Old Men," are the latest in a series of honors the film has already received, including Best Film awards from the National Board of Review, the New York Film Critics Circle, the Washington Area Film Critics Association, the Boston Society of Film Critics and the Chicago Film Critics Association; Best Acting Ensemble awards from the National Board of Review and the Washington Area Film Critics; Best Director awards from the New York Film Critics Circle, the San Francisco Film Critics Circle and the Chicago Film Critics Association; Best Screenplay from the Golden Globes, the National Board of Review, the New York Film Critics Circle and the Chicago Film Critics Association; and Best Supporting Actor awards for Javier Bardem from the Golden Globes, the New York Film Critics Circle, the Washington Area Film Critics Association, the Boston Society of Film Critics, the New York Film Critics Online and the Chicago Film Critics Association. "No Country for Old Men" also received 9 BAFTA nominations including Best Film.

Through a mesmerizing blast of color, beauty and humor, and a rousing spirit of creativity, "The Diving Bell and The Butterfly" tells the story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, the high-flying editor of French Elle and father of two, who was renowned for his sense of humor and style, his joie de vivre and amorous energy, when, in an instant, his world was plunged into the depths of catastrophe. The film earned Julian Schnabel a nomination for Best Director, Ronald Harwood a nod for Best Screenplay, Janusz Kaminski a Best Cinematography nomination and Juliette Welfling a Best Film Editing nomination.

Among numerous other accolades this season, Julian Schnabel recently won the Golden Globe award for Best Director. This is his first Oscar nomination. Screenwriter Ronald Harwood won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2003 for "The Piano" and was nominated in the same category for "The Dresser" (1984).

"Thank you, this is a great honor. I am extremely happy for Juliette Welfling, Janusz Kaminski and Ronald Harwood for their nominations. It's hard to believe that this foreign language film received four big nominations for director, editing, cinematography and screenplay - that in itself is a huge win for us," said Julian Schnabel.

Said Harwood: "This nomination is particularly important to me since the screenplay was the most challenging and difficult of my career. When Kathy Kennedy first sent me Jean-Dominique's moving memoir I wasn't sure how it could be translated into a viable film given the complicated nature of the subject matter. After much agonizing when I finally came up with the concept of focusing the first part of the film from Jean-Do's point-of-view and through his eyes the rest seemed to flow quite naturally. Given this was such complicated and challenging material this honor from the motion picture academy is not only a vote of confidence for me and my work but also celebrates Jean-Dominique's life."

Cinematographer Janusz Kaminski has previously won two Academy Awards for his work, in 1999 for "Saving Private Ryan" and in 1994 for "Schindler's List." In addition, he was nominated for 1998's "Amistad."

"Getting this recognition from the Academy is a tremendous honor and to have them recognize my colleagues with Director, Adapted Screenplay and Editing nominations as well makes it even more thrilling. Hopefully these nominations will encourage more people to see the film because it's a life- affirming story full of hope," said Janusz Kaminiski.

With these nominations, "The Diving Bell and The Butterfly" continues an impressive streak of honors that includes: the Best Film award from the New York Film Critics Online; the Best Foreign Film award from the National Board of Review, the Boston Society of Film Critics, the Washington Area Film Critics Association and the San Francisco Film Critics Circle; the Best Director award for Julian Schnabel from the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, the Golden Globe awards and the Boston Society of Film Critics; the Best Cinematography award for Janusz Kaminiski from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the Boston Society of Film Critics; the Sloan Award at the 2007 Hamptons Film Festival; the Audience Award at the 2007 AFI Film Festival; the Grand Prize Best of Fest at the 2007 Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival and the Gateway Film Critic's Award for Best Film of the Festival at the 2007 St. Louis Film Festival. "Diving Bell" also recently received two BAFTA nominations.

Amy Ryan received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for her harrowing portrayal of a missing child's mother in Ben Affleck's "Gone Baby Gone." With this nod, Ryan caps off a year that has including winning countless Best Supporting Actress awards including: the National Board of Review, the New York Film Critics Circle, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the Washington Area Film Critics Association, the Boston Society of Film Critics, the San Francisco Film Critics Circle, the Phoenix Film Critics Society, the Southeastern Film Critics Association. Ryan is also nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for this performance.

"Thank you so much to the Academy for this honor. In a year with so many great films, it is truly amazing to be nominated in the company of such talent actresses. I must thank Ben Affleck who is an extraordinary and gifted writer and director. I also want to thank Aaron Stockard, who wrote the script with Ben, and Dennis Lehane, for giving me Helene - this wonderfully delicious role to play. I am forever grateful to my fellow cast members, Miramax, and everyone else involved in 'Gone Baby Gone,'" said Amy Ryan.

"There Will Be Blood," a Miramax co-production with Paramount Vantage, was honored with nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor for Daniel Day-Lewis, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for Paul Thomas Anderson, Best Cinematography for Robert Elswit, Best Film Editing for Dylan Tichenor, Best Art Direction for Jack Fisk and Best Sound Editing for Matthew Wood. Day-Lewis previously received an Academy Award for his performance in "My Left Foot" in 1990 and was nominated for his performances in "Gangs of New York" in 2003 and "In the Name of the Father" in 1994. Anderson was previously nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay for "Magnolia" in 2000 and "Boogie Nights" in 1998. Cinematographer Robert Elswit was previously nominated for his work on 2006's "Good Night, and Good Luck." Today's nominations mark the first Academy Award nominations for Dylan Tichenor, Jack Fisk and Matthew Wood.

*Both "No Country For Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood" are co- productions with Paramount Vantage.

For more information, please visit:

www.miramaxhighlights.com

Source: Miramax Films

CONTACT: Emily Bear, +1-917-606-5500

Web site: http://www.miramax.com/
http://www.miramaxhighlights.com/

Move Over Rover Let Barack Take Over

2008-01-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

21 Jan 2008 12:00 Africa/Lagos

Move Over Rover Let Barack Take Over

Time Has Come for Change, Let the Whole World Know

www.letbaracktakeover.com

CHICAGO, Jan. 21 /PRNewswire/ --

Strange Cargo has been kicking out t-shirts of questionable taste from their Chicago storefront for almost 15 years. Now they have decided to take it one step further and get political. So, when Jimi Hendrix first took the stage in the '60s he changed Rock n' Roll forever. Now some 40 years later Barack Obama is doing the same to America's political landscape. He is changing who a candidate for President can be, what a candidate for President can be, and how a candidate for President can be. He is the person to bring about change. The time has come for Rover to Move Over and Let Barack Take Over.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080118/AQM021B)

Let everyone know change is gonna come. Put it on your chest at letbaracktakeover.com. $1.00 from each shirt sold will go to the "Obama for America" campaign so we can put this man in the White House where he belongs.

Time Has Come For Change, Let The Whole World Know

http://www.letbaracktakeover.com/

Contact:
Jay Schwartz - jay@strangecargo.com
Paul Butler - pbutler@strangecargo.com
c/o Strange Cargo
3448 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657
773-327-8090
f. 733-327-3437

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080118/AQM021B
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: www.letbaracktakeover.com

CONTACT: Jay Schwartz, jay@strangecargo.com, or Paul Butler,
pbutler@strangecargo.com, both of Strange Cargo, +1-773-327-8090, fax,
+1-733-327-3437

Web site: http://www.letbaracktakeover.com/
http://www.strangecargo.com/

The Rolling Stones & Universal Music Link for 'Shine A Light' Soundtrack

2008-01-18T03:20:00.000-08:00

18 Jan 2008 04:02 Africa/Lagos

The Rolling Stones & Universal Music Link for 'Shine A Light' Soundtrack

London, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ --

The Rolling Stones and Universal Music Group (UMG) are delighted to announce they have signed an exclusive worldwide recording agreement for the group's next album due for release in March 2008.

The one album deal is for the soundtrack CD from director Martin Scorsese's film 'Shine A Light'. The movie, set for cinema release in April 2008, was shot at The Rolling Stones' acclaimed performance at New York's Beacon Theatre in the autumn of 2006. With special guests Buddy Guy, White Stripes' Jack White and Christine Aguilera joining the Stones onstage, the Oscar-winning director captures an extraordinary performance from the band. The film also integrates rarely seen archival footage of the Stones in a unique cinema experience.

A spokesman for The Rolling Stones said, "The band are looking forward to working with Universal Music and are excited about this new venture."

This new deal for the Rolling Stones comes on the back of their record breaking A Bigger Bang World Tour which ended in triumph at London's O2 Arena in August 2007.

The 'Shine A Light' soundtrack will receive a physical and digital release across Universal Music's labels around the world. It will be released in the US by Interscope Records.

About Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group is the world's largest music company with wholly owned record operations or licensees in 77 countries. Its businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, the industry's largest global music publishing operation.

Universal Music Group consists of record labels Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, Emarcy, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Geffen Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, Lost Highway Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Philips, Polydor Records, Universal Music Latino, Universal Motown Republic Group, Universal South Records and Verve Music Group, as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalog of music in the industry, which is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). Universal Music Group also includes eLabs, a new media and technologies division, and Global Digital Initiatives.

Universal Music Group is a unit of Vivendi, a global media and communications company.

Source: Universal Music Group

CONTACT: Dennis Dennehy, +1-310-865-7934, for Interscope Records; or
Fran Curtis of Rogers & Cowan, +1-212-445-8423, for The Rolling Stones

2008 Sundance Film Festival Announces Short Films Available Online to Audiences Worldwide

2008-01-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

16 Jan 2008 19:17 Africa/Lagos

2008 Sundance Film Festival Announces Short Films Available Online to Audiences Worldwide

Sundance Institute and Sundance Channel Announce the Short Films Available on Sundance.org/Festival, the iTunes Store, Netflix, and Xbox 360

PARK CITY, Utah, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ --

Sundance Institute and Sundance Channel announced today the program of 2008 Sundance Film Festival short films available far beyond the streets of Park City for free on www.sundance.org/watch and for sale on the iTunes Store, Netflix and Xbox 360.

This year's short films include sophisticated animation, compelling nonfiction work, action-packed dramas, outrageous comedies, and everything in between. The 2008 Sundance Film Festival runs January 17-27, in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Sundance, Utah.

Premiering January 18 and running all 10 days of the Festival, audiences worldwide can view one short film each day of the Festival for free for 24 hours at www.sundance.org/watch. At the same time, Sundance Institute helps build audiences for short films through partnerships with the iTunes Movie Store, Xbox LIVE, the online entertainment network for Microsoft's Xbox 360, and through Netflix's instant watching feature on the company's member Web Site. Presented in collaboration with Sundance Channel, a selection of 45 short films from the 2008 Sundance Film Festival shorts will launch simultaneously on all three platforms beginning January 18, 2008 and run through 2011.

The Festival's Shorts Programs showcase the creative, boundary-pushing work of filmmaking's newest talents. Short films screen in Festival theatres prior to a feature film or as part of one of the Festival's eight short film programs. The Short Film Program, both at the Festival and online is presented by Festival sponsor, Adobe Systems.

Short films have always played an important part in the Sundance Film Festival and were inaugurated as an official program in 1991. The shorts program at Sundance has long been established as a discovery for directors, including Todd Haynes, Spike Jonze, Paul Thomas Anderson, Wes Anderson, David O. Russell, Tamara Jenkins, Nicole Holofcener, and Alexander Payne.

10 OVER 10: SHORT FILMS FREE ON SUNDANCE.ORG/WATCH

Beginning January 18, visit www.sundance.org/watch to view 10 short films over 10 days from the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, each streaming free online for 24 hours beginning at 12:01 am MST each day. From a sublimely sweet love story set among zombies and a thriller about an Inuit hunter witnessing a murder to the tale of a man's affection for his miniature guide horse and the true story of a man looking for answers to his failed marriage, these shorts truly celebrate the innovation of the short filmmaking craft.

Day 1: Friday, January 18
I Love Sarah Jane (Director: Spencer Susser)

Jimbo is 13 and can think of only one girl -- Sarah Jane. And no matter what stands in his way -- bullies, violence, chaos, or zombies -- nothing will stop him from finding a way into her world.

Day 2: Saturday, January 19
Pariah (Director: Dee Rees)

A Bronx lesbian teenager juggles multiple identities to avoid rejection from friends and family, but pressures from home, school, and within corrode the line between her dual personas with an explosive consequence.

Day 3: Sunday, January 20
Yours Truly (Osbert Parker)

Animation and live action collide in the story of Frank and Charlie, a dark romance of psychological tension that unfolds as the two sacrifice their morals surrounding the ultimate kiss off letter.

Day 4: Monday, January 21
My Olympic Summer (Director: Daniel Robin)

After his marriage fails, the filmmaker looks at home video footage of his parents when they were young in hopes to understand how they kept the magic. This film is set against the historical backdrop of the hostage crisis at the Munich Olympic games of 1972.

Day 5: Tuesday, January 22
Sick Sex (Director: Justin Nowell)
Amanda has a fever. Ken is horny.

Day 6: Wednesday, January 23

Because Washington is Hollywood For Ugly People (Director: Kenneth Tin-Kin Hung)

Employing images from popular culture, political figures and Internet imagery, this piece adopts viral advertising in a reduction of contemporary events to a cartoon-like mythology while touching on issues such as identity politics, US Foreign policy, sexuality and power.

Day 7: Thursday, January 24
Force 1 TD (Director: Randy Krallman)

Three friends, one of whom is visually impaired and has a miniature guide horse named Carmine, set off to find Carmine a very special pair of sneakers for a very special occasion.

Day 8: Friday, January 25
Wind, Ten Years Old (Director: Marzieh Vafamehr)

A day in the life of a 10-year-old Iranian girl highlights the Iran-Iraq war and the national/educational propaganda that informs the tumult, fear, infatuation, and mindset of a generation.

Day 9: Saturday, January 26

Sikumi (On the Ice) (Director: Andrew Okpeaha MacLean) An Inuit hunter takes his dog team out on the frozen Arctic Ocean in search of seals, and inadvertently becomes a witness to a murder.

Day 10, Sunday, January 27
Spider (Director: Nash Edgerton)
It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye.

Films Available on the iTunes Store, Netflix, and Xbox 360:

Sundance Institute is helping to build audiences for short films through partnerships with Apple's iTunes Movie Store, Xbox LIVE, the online entertainment network for Microsoft's Xbox 360, and the Netflix member Web site. Starting January 18, 2008 through 2011, audiences can own and watch 45 of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival short films at the iTunes Store, Netflix or Xbox 360.

Sundance Film Festival Short Films will be priced at $1.99 each with www.iTunes.com/sundance being the primary download-to-own platform for viewing on an iPhone, iPod, Mac, PC or widescreen TV with Apple TV. Also available on the iTunes Store are free podcasts that go behind the scenes of the Sundance Film Festival, including panels with filmmakers, journalists and industry leaders and live music performances straight from Park City.

Netflix is making the Sundance shorts available to its subscribers at no additional fee through its instant watching feature, which offers thousands of films and TV episodes to be viewed instantly on PCs.

Xbox 360 will offer yet another $1.99 download-to-own platform through Xbox LIVE. Xbox LIVE is the leading provider of high definition on demand content, offering movies for video on demand and TV shows and music videos for download-to-own. More information about content being offered on Xbox LIVE is available at http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/marketplace/moviestv/?WT.svl=nav.

Maintaining its core mission of supporting filmmakers, Sundance Institute has partnered with industry leader and digital distribution company Mediastile, Inc. to provide ongoing digital distribution and encoding services to the 2008 Filmmakers. As the Official Digital Clearinghouse of the Sundance Film Festival, Mediastile provides a digital on-ramp to content retailers for filmmakers around the world.

Films Available:

THE APOLOGY LINE/ United Kingdom (Director: James Lees) -- Based on the creation of a real-life 'apology line' where members of the public anonymously confess to absolutely anything over the telephone.

AUGUST 15/ China (Director: Xuan Jiang) -- Based on a real life event, a young Chinese woman boards a bus with her boyfriend to head home to meet his parents. What was supposed to be a joyful holiday turns unpredictable when a pair of countryside crooks hijack their bus. Traveling through China's dangerous mountain passes, the passengers must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice for their own safety.

BECAUSE WASHINGTON IS HOLLYWOOD FOR UGLY PEOPLE (Director: Kenneth Tin-Kin Hung) -- Employing images from popular culture, political figures and Internet imagery, this piece adopts viral advertising in a reduction of contemporary events to a cartoon-like mythology while touching on issues such as identity politics, US Foreign policy, sexuality and power.

BUYO/ Italy (Director: Andrea Fasciani) -- In this post-modern tale, Ralph is a guy whose voice only generates weird sounds, and Anna is deaf. One day they meet in the elevator. Ralph's unusual voice makes Anna's body vibrate, prompting Anna's affections and her desire to follow him everywhere.

BY MODERN MEASURE (Director: Matthew Lessner) -- As part of an ongoing, unaired TV series, an amateur French sociologist presents his observations on a day in the life of two young Americans who meet by chance outside a Taco Bell on October 8, 2006.

CHERRIES/ United Kingdom (Director: Tom Harper; Screenwriter: Fiona Kissane) -- A class of teenage schoolboys are oblivious to their teacher's attempts to question them about the wider world. They are about to get a lesson they will never forget...one that will change their lives forever.

CHONTO (Director: Carson Mell) -- Wilted rock idol Bobby Bird literally tries to buy a friend when he adopts a monkey from a zoo in South America.

CROSSBOW/ Australia (Director: David Michod) -- A kid. His Mum and Dad. The sex and drugs. And the boy next door who watched the whole thing unravel.

THE DEEP (Director: Alex Haworth) -- A journey unravels through the thoughts of a solitary character in the heart of a future dystopia. As he journeys deep underground, he tends to the machines that fuel the surface city. His jobs are precise, almost compulsive, and he is unable to stop.

DOG LOVERS (Director: Danny Roew, Screenwriters: Tonya Cornelisse, Graham Sibley) -- Two potential lovers meet to talk about their affection for dogs.

DUGONG/ Australia (Director: Erin White) -- In an effort to repair the past, a loner returns home with his dog on the day of his brother's wedding, but learns that in order to make amends he must leave a piece of himself behind.

THE EXECUTION OF SOLOMON HARRIS (Directors: Wyatt Garfield, Ed Yonaitis; Screenwriter: Ed Yonaitis) -- An electric chair execution fails, delivering a non-lethal jolt of electricity that leaves the prisoner screaming in pain. Protocol and routine fail to provide a resolution, and the warden has to cope with the human dilemma that falls into his hands.

FAREWELL PACKETS OF TEN/ Ireland (Director: Ken Wardrop) -- Two ladies discuss the pros and cons of their mutual addiction to cigarettes.

FCU: FACT CHECKERS UNIT (Director: Dan Beers; Screenwriters: Dan Beers, Peter Karinen, Brian Sacca) -- After being assigned to check a bizarre fact about Bill Murray's love for drinking milk, two magazine fact checkers break into Bill's house to spy on him. Cast: Bill Murray

THE FUNERAL/ Canada (Director: Sara St. Onge) -- A dark comedy about a young woman in her early thirties becomes aware of her own mortality and reacts by meticulously planning her own funeral. Possibly due to a lack of other big days in her life so far, such as a wedding, this becomes her moment to shine.

GAS ZAPPERS (Director: Kenneth Tin-Kin Hung) -- A short animation about climate change, where an ironically over-appropriated and fuzzy polar bear, abruptly finds itself in a position to save its home.

THE HISTORY OF AMERICA (Director: MK12) -- A psychedelic western space opera.

I HAVE SEEN THE FUTURE/ Canada (Director: Cam Christiansen; Screenwriter: Kris Demeanor) -- A suburban boy competes in a tennis match with his father in the suburbs of Calgary when three young men approach and start to rudely accost them.

I LOVE SARAH JANE/ Australia (Director: Spencer Susser) -- Jimbo is 13 and can think of only one girl-Sarah Jane. And no matter what stands in his way -- bullies, violence, chaos, or zombies-nothing will stop him from finding a way into her world.

IGNITE (Director: Shawn Bannon) -- The 2007 fires of Griffith Park. Shot with seven time-lapse cameras. An experimental perspective that is beautiful, eerie, and captivating.

LLOYD NECK (Director: Benedict Campbell) -- Alex has a crush on her brother's friend, Jesse. But Jesse likes Alex's brother, Taylor. Alex knows something is up with her brother. Caught in an awkward position, Taylor takes Alex and Jesse to his favorite spot.

THE LOSS OF A WRESTLING MATCH (Director: Jed Cowley) -- So far in the season, Don has a 9-0 record. He is perfect, but in the upcoming duel he has to wrestle a higher-ranked opponent.

MADAME TUTLI-PUTLI/ Canada (Directors: Chris Lavis, Maciek Szczerbowski) - - Madame Tutli-Putli boards the night train, weighed down with all her earthly possessions and the ghosts of her past. As day descends into dark, she finds herself caught up in a desperate metaphysical adventure adrift between real and imagined worlds.

MAN (Director: Myna Joseph) -- Maggie and her sister form an unusual bond during an encounter with a young man.

THE MARK (Director: Thomas Barndt) -- A lawyer rents a room to a human lightning bolt.

MOTION STUDIES: INERTIA (Director: Jake Mahaffy) -- This film documents a motion study of a man running as hard and as long as he can in a full suit of smithied High Middle Age armor.

NIKAMOWIN (SONG)/ Canada (Director: Kevin Lee Burton) -- Deconstructing and reconstructing Cree narrative, this film experiments with language to create a linguistic soundscape.

NUMBER ONE (Director: Leighton Pierce) -- Water imagery engages the experience of elasticity between varying states of mind.

OIRAN LYRICS/ Japan (Director: Ryosuke Ogawa) -- A historical musical about the glamorous yet plaintive life of Kiyomi, a beautiful oiran or high- class Japanese courtesan.

ON THE ASSASSINATION OF THE PRESIDENT (Director: Adam Keker) -- A top- secret government file, only to be viewed in the event of the President's death by assassination, gives specific instructions on what should be done, and presents dossiers on the three most likely suspects.

PARADISE/ France (Director: Yi Zhou) -- A lyrical look at an imaginary paradise based on black and white nature and insects -- with no humans, no souls in the landscape. Based on "The Divine Comedy" by Dante.

PARIAH (Director: Dee Rees) -- A Bronx lesbian teenager juggles multiple identities to avoid rejection from friends and family, but pressures from home, school, and within corrode the line between her dual personas with an explosive consequence.

PLEASE STAND BACK! (zurrueckbleiben bitte)/ Austria (Directors: stadtmusik) -- The directorial collective, stadtmusik, deals with sounds in cities by analyzing sound structures that are triggered by urban buildings and facilities. They focus on the aspect of movement in the city, reinforcing a dynamic experience of the urban soundscape.

THE RAMBLER (Director: Calvin Reeder) -- A stranger takes to the lonely highway with his guitar and traveling sack.

A RELATIONSHIP IN FOUR DAYS (Director: Peter Glanz) -- Coming from a wealthy family, Paul recently turned 30 and has never had, or needed a real job. Lost in his own imagination, he often preaches his grand ideas, but in reality never does much...until he meets Sabine.

SCORING/ Ireland (Director: Ken Wardrop) -- A young man explains the true power of a kiss.

THE SECOND LINE (Director: John Magary) -- After MacArthur's savings are stolen from his FEMA trailer, he and his cousin Natt take work gutting a house.

SICK SEX (Director: Justin Nowell) -- Amanda has a fever. Ken is horny.

SMILE/ Canada (Director: Julia Kwan) -- A subtle look at the fractures that bond a Chinese immigrant family on the day they use their cut-out Sears coupon for a free family portrait.

SOFT/ United Kingdom (Director: Simon Ellis) -- A father rediscovers his fear of confrontation at the worst possible time.

THE SOUND OF PEOPLE/ Ireland (Director: Simon Fitzmaurice) -- An 18-year- old boy stands in a moment on the brink of death.

SPIDER/ Australia (Director: Nash Edgerton) -- It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye.

TEAT BEAT OF SEX (Director: Signe Baumane) -- A take on sex exclusively from a woman's point of view.

UNTITLED #1 (from the series EARTH PEOPLE 2507) (Director: Nao Bustamante) -- An enchanting meditation on an ancient species from the future using found footage, cell phone video, and crude chroma key effects to create a coherent and petite spell. The rendition of buffalos made from a "herd" of toy poodles tweaks at our understanding of the symbolic world.

WIND, TEN YEARS OLD (BAAD, DAH SALEH)/ Iran (Director: M. Mehr) -- A day in the life of a 10-year-old Iranian girl highlights the Iran-Iraq war and the national/educational propaganda that informs the tumult, fear, infatuation, and mindset of a generation.

2008 Sundance Film Festival Sponsors

The 2008 Sundance Film Festival sponsors help sustain Sundance Institute's year-round programs to support independent artists, inspire risk-taking, and encourage diversity in the arts. This year's Festival Sponsors include: Presenting Sponsors -- Entertainment Weekly, Volkswagen of America, Inc., HP, and Adobe Systems Incorporated; Leadership Sponsors -- American Express, Delta Air Lines, DIRECTV, and Microsoft Corporation; Sustaining Sponsors -- 360 Vodka, Blockbuster Inc., L'Oreal Paris, The New York Times, Ray-Ban, Sony Electronics, Inc., Stella Artois(R), Turning Leaf Vineyards, Utah Film Commission, and ZonePerfect(R) Nutrition Bars. Sundance Channel is the Official Television Network of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.

Sundance Film Festival

Sundance Film Festival is the premier showcase for U.S. and international independent film. Held each January in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Sundance, Utah, the Festival is a core program of Sundance Institute, a nonprofit cultural organization founded by Robert Redford in 1981.

Presenting dramatic and documentary feature-length films in nine distinct categories and approximately 80 short films each year, the Sundance Film Festival has introduced American audiences to some of the most innovative films of the past two decades. Since 1984, the Festival program has evolved to include music, art, and dialogue. Beyond the streets of Park City, the official website of the Sundance Film Festival, http://www.sundance.org/festival shares the Festival experience with a global audience with short films, filmmaker interviews, video episodes, podcasts, photos, news stories, and more.

Sundance Institute

Dedicated year-round to the development of artists of independent vision and to the exhibition of their new work, Sundance Institute celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2006. Founded by Robert Redford in 1981, the Institute has grown into an internationally recognized resource for thousands of independent artists through its Film Festival and artistic development programs for filmmakers, screenwriters, composers, playwrights, and theatre artists. The original values of independence, creative risk-taking, and discovery continue to define and guide the work of Sundance Institute, both with U.S. artists and, increasingly, with artists from other regions of the world.

Sundance Channel

Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, uncompromising and irreverent, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is a venture of NBC Universal, CBS, and Robert Redford.

Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression. Sundance Channel's website address is www.sundancechannel.com.

Mediastile

Mediastile is a new breed of distributor for the digital age. Mediastile is focused on enabling studios, home video companies, and filmmakers alike to distribute their movies to digital outlets such as iTunes, Xbox 360, Netflix, and many more. Mediastile is on the cutting edge of digital distribution, and with its relationship with the Sundance Film Festival, it continues to help independent filmmakers realize their vision and reach new audiences around the world.

Mediastile provides mass digital distribution of media content. Now, filmmakers can turn their focus towards the creative issues and avoid the hassles involved with independent distribution in the digital age. For more information, please go to www.mediastile.net

NOTE TO EDITORS: For images, please visit: ftp://ftp.sundance.org; Login
ID: press; password: SFF08! .
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Sundance Institute; Sundance Channel; Sundance Film Festival

CONTACT: Emily Brunt, +1-435-658-3456, Emily_Brunt@sundance.org, or Amy
McGee, +1-310-492-2333, Amy_McGee@sundance.org, both of Sundance

Web site: http://www.sundancechannel.com/
http://sundance.org/Festival
http://www.sundance.org/watch
http://www.mediastile.net/

New Line Cinema's 'The Golden Compass' Passes $300 Million at Worldwide Box Office

2008-01-16T02:53:00.000-08:00

15 Jan 2008 17:30 Africa/Lagos

New Line Cinema's 'The Golden Compass' Passes $300 Million at Worldwide Box Office

Fantasy Epic To Open in Japan March 1

NEW YORK, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ --

New Line Cinema's "The Golden Compass", starring Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, crossed the $300 million mark at the worldwide box office and now has a cumulative gross of more than $315 million. The film has earned more than $67 million in the United States since its Dec. 7 opening.

The fantasy epic has performed strongly in various foreign territories -- including the United Kingdom, Spain, South Korea and Australia -- where this genre continues to be popular. On March 1, "The Golden Compass" will open in its last major territory -- Japan.

"'The Golden Compass' has immense global appeal," said Rolf Mittweg, President and Chief Operating Officer of Worldwide Distribution and Marketing at New Line Cinema. "The box office revenue has been nothing less than astonishing overseas. With the forthcoming premiere in Japan, we can expect a significant boost to our worldwide box office."

Based on author Philip Pullman's bestselling and award-winning novel, "The Golden Compass" tells the first story in Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy. The fantasy adventure is written and directed by Chris Weitz, and features an all-star cast of Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, Eva Green and Dakota Blue Richards.

About New Line Cinema Corporation:

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).

Contact:
Candice McDonough (LA) Tracy Lorie (International)
(310) 967-6991 (310) 967-6424
candice.mcdonough@newline.com tracy.lorie@newline.com

Kerri Chyka (NY)
(212) 649-6189
kerri.chyka@newline.com

Source: New Line Cinema Corporation

CONTACT: Candice McDonough, [LA], +1-310-967-6991,
candice.mcdonough@newline.com, Tracy Lorie, [International], +1-310-967-6424,
tracy.lorie@newline.com, or Kerri Chyka, [NY], +1-212-649-6189,
kerri.chyka@newline.com, all of New Line Cinema Corporation

Happy New Year 2008!

2007-12-31T01:36:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year 2008!

I wish you all the best things you need in 2008.

I wish you divine protection and divine provision and divine promotion every day by day in 2008.

I wish you all round success in 2008.

Cheers and God bless you always.

Paris Hilton Loses Out? Grandfather Gives Fortune To Charity

2007-12-26T23:18:00.001-08:00

Paris Hilton's grandfather, Barron Hilton has pledged their family fortune to charity. Paris has to earn her own fortune henceforth.
"Oh, my baby! What are you going to do now?"

Breaking News: Jay-Z Stepping Down As Def Jam President

2007-12-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

Jay-Z and Rihanna.

Jay-Z has stepped down as the President of Def Jam.

Read more here.

The Most Overpaid Celebrities

2007-12-24T05:43:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2008 to you all.

As the year 2007 is about to end, it is good to review how we have fared since January to date and see how much we have achieved. The Forbes feature on
"The Most Overpaid Celebrities" is worth reading and hoping that you are going to be as successful as you wish in your own chosen career.

FORBES REPORTS:

Los Angeles - Once you’re in Hollywood's A-list earnings club, it’s hard to get kicked out, no matter how badly your films perform at the box office.

Case in point: Oscar winner Nicole Kidman. She earned an estimated $15 million for her latest film, The Golden Compass, known around the studio lot these days as the biggest turkey of 2007. It grossed a dreary $26 million when it debuted stateside last weekend, though its reported budget flirted with $200 million. (That's Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings territory.) The film garnered a respectable $55 million overseas since its release, but it's unlikely the international box office will salvage this expensive pic.

Click Here To See In Pictures: The Most Overpaid Celebrities

Cheers and God bless.

N.B:

If you have a website and you want to earn more money from adverts, you should see what I am offering on my successful business blog, Gateway To Success and sign up without delay so that you can be included in our Audio Advert Program to be launched in February 2008.

Orikinla O' Fashion Designs Made in France

2007-12-21T12:55:00.000-08:00

Here are my original fashion designs and there are over 100 designs of different apparels to choose from.
Click on the samples to see more.

Buffalo Girl

Naivasha Kenya Safari

Naivasha Kenya Safari Bag

Naivasha Kenya Safari Classic Black T- Shirt.

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.

CONTACT: COMBOUTIQUE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING MY APPARELS

Boggy Woggy!

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Showbiz News Extra

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My Thriller Video: Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Video Stars You as Part of the 25th Anniversary Celebration!

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Grammy-Winning Music Superstar Michelle Williams Seeks Nation's Hottest Male Dancers for Upcoming Projects Surrounding Release of New Contemporary Pop

Grammy-Winning Music Superstar Michelle Williams Seeks Nation's Hottest Male Dancers for Upcoming Projects Surrounding Release of New Contemporary Pop

Mariah Carey's 'Touch My Body'- Her 18th #1 Single!!!

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U2 to Join Live Nation Artists

Attend the Star-Studded Sex and the City Movie Premiere in New York City

Eliot Spitzer's "Kristen" Is Now Hot Property

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First Ever Feature Film About Legendary Musician Bob Marley

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The Sweet (and Cool) Smell of Pop Art Revealed in Perfume Inspired by Andy Warhol

Winners of the Oscars at the 80th Academy Awards

80th Academy Awards - Nominations

Lindsay Lohan's Semi Nude Imitation of Marilyn Monroe Crashes New York Magazine's Website

The Nielsen Company's 2008 Guide to the Academy Awards

Trope de Elite Wins Berlin's Golden Bear

Hot Entertainment News

Jordin Sparks Tapped as the Opening Act for the Alicia Keys 'As I Am' Tour

St. Valentine's Day Wishes: Perfume? Jewelry? Labiaplasty?

2008 OSCARS: Students Poll Thousands During 80th Annual Academy Awards

Dear Writers of Saturday Night Live

Amy Winehouse Wins 5 Grammys!

MTV Movie Contest

New Bond Girl Gemma Arterton is Still Paying Off

Nas Not Dropped From Label and other Latest News

Oscars: Miramax Films Flying High with Remarkable 21 Nominations for 'No Country For Old Men,'

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2008 Sundance Film Festival Announces Short Films Available Online to Audiences Worldwide

New Line Cinema's 'The Golden Compass' Passes $300 Million at Worldwide Box Office

Happy New Year 2008!

Top Entertainment Stories of 2007

Paris Hilton Loses Out? Grandfather Gives Fortune To Charity

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The Most Overpaid Celebrities

Orikinla O' Fashion Designs Made in France