Paul Korda . com - The Web Home of Paul Korda, singer, musician & song-writer.

International Entertainment News

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Creative Introduces Live! Cam Voice - The Only Web Camera Featuring Ground-Breaking Directional Audio and Noise Reduction Technology

Creative Introduces Live! Cam Voice - The Only Web Camera Featuring Ground-Breaking Directional Audio and Noise Reduction Technology

Live! Cam Voice Features Dual Microphones With Directional Adaptive Array Audio Technology for Stunning Sound Quality in Video Instant Messaging

MILPITAS, Calif., May 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Creative Technology Ltd. (NASDAQ:CREAF), a worldwide leader in digital entertainment products, today announced the Live!(R) Cam Voice web camera with breakthrough Directional Live! Audio technology for unrivaled voice clarity and noise reduction during video instant messaging. The Live! Cam Voice is available now at us.creative.com for only US$99.99.

In just minutes, the stylish, sophisticated Live! Cam Voice web camera is set up and ready for video instant messaging. Creative Directional Live! Audio technology integrates dual adaptive array microphones to capture the user's voice while minimizing background and environmental noise coming from outside the webcam's field of view. This enables users to speak naturally while video instant messaging in public places.

The Live! Cam Voice web camera delivers true hardware 1.3 megapixel resolution for photo and video capture. Users can snap still photos up to 5.0 megapixels -- the highest resolution of any web camera available. To further enhance video and image quality, the Live! Cam Voice web camera incorporates Live! View technology to maximize the number of frames that are displayed per second, enabling exceptional low-light performance and delivering rich, saturated color.

"Noisy coffee shops, airports and offices are no longer an unacceptable environment for video instant messaging -- the Live! Cam Voice blocks out all the distracting conversations and noise around you so you can clearly communicate wherever you are," said Dr. Jeff Stoen, general manager for cameras at Creative. "The Live! Cam Voice features innovative dual array microphones, so even when you're in public, you can have private conversations that sound as clear as a phone call."

The Creative Live! Cam Voice web camera includes a robust software suite:

-- Creative WebCam Center -- a powerful and user-friendly application that enables users to remotely monitor a Creative web camera, set up motion detection alerts, create time lapse video, and much more. The included Creative Advanced Video FX adds fun stylized video effects.

-- Creative Photo Manager and Photo Calendar and Muvee(TM) autoProducer enable users to organize photos, add cool effects to video chats, and make professional-looking home movies.

-- SightSpeed(TM) -- award-winning software application enables users to make the best quality video and voice calls over the Internet.

-- OrbSecure(TM) -- for remote access to a webcam using any Internet- enabled device.

Pricing and Availability

The Live! Cam Voice will be available now at us.creative.com for only US$99.99. For more information on Creative web cameras, please visit www.us.creative.com.

About Creative

Creative is a worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for PC users. Famous for its Sound Blaster(R) sound cards and for launching the multimedia revolution, Creative is now driving digital entertainment on the PC platform with products like its highly acclaimed Zen(TM) and MuVo(R) portable audio players. Creative's innovative hardware, proprietary technology, applications and services leverage the Internet, enabling consumers to experience high-quality digital entertainment ... anytime, anywhere.

This announcement relates to products launched in the United States. Availability is subject to change without notice and may differ elsewhere in the world according to local factors and requirements. Sound Blaster, Live, Live! Cam Voice, Zen and MuVo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd. in the United States and other countries. All other brand or product names are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Creative Technology Ltd.

CONTACT: Lara B. Vacante of Creative Labs, Inc., +1-408-546-6732, or lara_vacante@creativelabs.com

Web site: http://www.creative.com/ http://us.creative.com/

------- Profile: International Entertainment

International Entertainment News

Sunday, May 21, 2006

NEWSWEEK COVER: The Mystery of Mary Magdalene Beyond 'The Da Vinci Code'

NEWSWEEK COVER: The Mystery of Mary Magdalene Beyond 'The Da Vinci Code'

Controversial 'Da Vinci Code' Depiction of Mary Magdalene Still Old-Fashioned, Focusing on Her Sexuality Rather Than Her Intellect

Gnostic Gospels Offer Further Clues to Magdalene's Life and Relationship to Jesus, Other Apostles

NEW YORK, May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite its revolutionary central claim- that Mary Magdalene was the wife of Jesus and bore his child-best-selling novel "The Da Vinci Code" and its film adaptation are remarkably old- fashioned, making Magdalene important for her body more than her mind, writes General Editor Jonathan Darman in the May 29 Newsweek cover story "The Mystery of Mary Magdalene" (on newsstands Monday, May 22). "The Da Vinci Code" seems to think that the secret tradition of Mary Magdalene speaks to the carnal. In reality, it speaks to something far more subversive: the intellectual equality of the sexes. The current Magdalene cult focuses on her sexuality even though no early Christian writings speak of her sexuality at all. "Why do we feel the need to re-sexualize Mary?" wonders Karen King, author of "The Gospel of Mary Magdala." "We've gotten rid of the myth of the prostitute. Now there's this move to see her as wife and mother. Why isn't it adequate to see her as disciple and perhaps apostle?"

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060514/NYSU005 )

From age to age, Mary Magdalene's changing image in the minds of believers and historians and artists has reflected the temper of the times -- so much so that it is difficult to recover the historical Mary Magdalene from centuries of myth. Yet her history sheds light on essential questions, from the role of women in first century Judaism to the nature of Jesus' ministry to the formation of early Christianity. The gospel authors mention her only 13 times in the New Testament and offer few details of her life. This was perhaps no accident: women were considered untrustworthy in the Roman world and the Gospels, eager to make new converts, probably did not wish to highlight the fact that a woman was a key witness to their story of the Resurrection-a story that was already difficult enough to explain. The New Testament Gospels "tell us a woman called Mary Magdalene was a follower of Jesus and played a role around the time of his betrayal and resurrection," says Elaine Pagels, a professor of early Christian history at Princeton. "But beyond that they tell us very little about what her role really was."

Yet from the earliest hours of Christianity, there were other voices, too, those determined to present a fuller picture of the Magdalene. In several Gnostic Gospels, texts whose dissemination in the past 50 years has turned the study of Christian origins on its head, she is not the wallflower of the New

Testament but rather a favored, perhaps favorite follower of Christ. In the gospel of Thomas, she and another woman, Salome, are one of six (not 12) true disciples of Jesus. In the Gnostic Dialogue of the Savior, she is referred to "as the woman who understood all things." Most compelling is the Gospel of Mary, not just for its portrait of the Magdalene as a strong willful woman, but also for its radical ideas about gender. While Mary is called the disciple "the Savior loved ... more than all other women," she and Jesus see gender as irrelevant, something that will disappear in the path to the next life. "The text is arguing that the distinction between male and female is one of the body, which will dissolve," says Harvard historian Karen King. "The basis for leadership lies in spiritual development."

Why, then, did this woman, whom the New Testament tells us was Jesus's constant companion and whom the Gnostics claim was privileged above all others, disappear after the Resurrection? The non-canonical gospels provide a troubling answer. In Gnostic texts, Mary is under constant attack, most often from Peter. "Tell Mary to leave us," he implores Jesus in the Gospel of Thomas, "for women are not worthy of life." Mary understands his threat. "I am afraid of Peter," she tells Jesus in the Gnostic dialogue Pistis Sophia, "he threatens me and hates our race." In her frightened voice, we can hear the beginnings of a rift that would determine Mary's future in the church. "You have one tradition where Peter plays a role of tremendous significance and Mary is on the margins," says Pagels, "while in another tradition Mary is the significant figure and Peter is suspect." And Peter's version is the one that comes down to us, which means it was his story, not hers, that carried the day.

(Read cover package at www.Newsweek.com. Click "Pressroom" for news releases.)

Mary Magdalene: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12893635/site/newsweek/ Movie Review: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12892029/site/newsweek/

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060514/NYSU005 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Newsweek

CONTACT: Andrea Faville of Newsweek, +1-212-445-4859

Web site: http://www.newsweek.msnbc.com/ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12893635/site/newsweek http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12892029/site/newsweek

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Friday, May 19, 2006

DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures Give Cannes a Backstage Pass to 'Dreamgirls'

DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures Give Cannes a Backstage Pass to 'Dreamgirls'

Talent From Both Sides of the Camera - Including Director Bill Condon and Stars Jamie Foxx and Beyonce Knowles - Are on Hand to Talk About the Making of the New Movie

CANNES, France, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Press attending this year's Cannes Film Festival were given an opportunity to see 20 minutes of never-before-seen footage from the film, which opens in the United States this Holiday season. In addition, guests were invited to go "behind the scenes" and meet some of the talents involved in the making of DreamWorks Pictures' and Paramount Pictures' upcoming film version of DREAMGIRLS.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060519/LAF046 )

This evening, members of the media were invited to a cocktail reception at the Martinez Hotel Ballroom, which had been transformed to showcase the sets, costumes, music and dancing in DREAMGIRLS. Guests mingled with director/screenwriter Bill Condon and producer Laurence Mark to learn more about bringing DREAMGIRLS to the big screen. Also on hand to offer insights into their respective fields were: two-time Oscar(R)-winning production designer John Myhre ("Memoirs of a Geisha," "Chicago"), who brought along scale models of different sets from the film; Oscar(R)-nominated costume designer Sharen Davis ("Ray"), with mannequins displaying a few of the film's wide-ranging costumes; award-winning choreographer Fatima Robinson, backed up by a video monitor showing her working out dance moves with the cast; and twice Tony-nominated composer Henry Krieger, who composed the original Broadway musical "Dreamgirls," and returned to write new music for the film version.

Following the cocktail hour in the Ballroom, guests were invited into the theatre, where Bill Condon introduced select footage from DREAMGIRLS. The director then introduced the cast members in attendance: Jamie Foxx, along with Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose, who play the film's title roles. Returning to the Ballroom, the press had an opportunity to meet and greet the stars and filmmakers over the course of the rest of the evening.

In December 2006, 25 years after first bringing Broadway audiences to their feet, the Tony Award-winning show "Dreamgirls" will come to the big screen, under the direction of Bill Condon. DREAMGIRLS brings together an ensemble of award-winning stars from the worlds of film, television, Broadway, and the recording industry, including Academy Award(R) winner Jamie Foxx ("Ray"), recording superstar and actress Beyonce Knowles ("The Pink Panther") and box office favorite Eddie Murphy ("The Nutty Professor," "Dr. Dolittle"). The film also introduces Jennifer Hudson, making her feature film debut. Rounding out the main cast are veteran actor Danny Glover ("Lethal Weapon"), Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose (Broadway's "Caroline or Change"), Keith Robinson ("Fat Albert"), Sharon Leal (TV's "Boston Public"), and three-time Tony Award winner Hinton Battle ("The Tap Dance Kid," "Miss Saigon," "Sophisticated Ladies").

Set in the turbulent early 1960s to mid-70s, DREAMGIRLS follows the rise of a trio of women -- Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Deena (Beyonce Knowles) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose) -- who have formed a promising singing group called The Dreamettes. At a talent competition, they are discovered by an ambitious manager named Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx). Although the Dreams go on to become a crossover phenomenon, they soon realize that the cost of fame and fortune may be higher than they ever imagined.

Bill Condon, who won an Oscar for his screenplay for "Gods and Monsters" and gained a second Oscar nomination for his screenplay adaptation of "Chicago," wrote the screenplay for DREAMGIRLS, based on the stage musical's original book by Tom Eyen. Academy Award(R)-nominated producer Laurence Mark ("Jerry Maguire," "As Good As It Gets," "I, Robot") produced DREAMGIRLS, with Patricia Whitcher ("Memoirs of a Geisha") serving as executive producer. The lyrics are by Tom Eyen, with music by Henry Krieger.

DREAMGIRLS is a co-production of DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, and will be distributed by Paramount.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060519/LAF046 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: DreamWorks

CONTACT: Diana Loomis of DreamWorks, +1-212-588-6141

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Mann Theatres - Notification Pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1798.82

Mann Theatres - Notification Pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1798.82

LOS ANGELES, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Mann Theatres today announced that it is providing notice under California Civil Code Section 1798.82 regarding a possible breach of data security.

Mann Theatres has been advised by representatives of the United States Secret Service, Discover Financial, Visa and MasterCard that a number of theatres in the Mann Theatres chain in Southern California were a common point of use for credit cards which were subsequently counterfeited and used by unknown persons in unauthorized transactions. To address this concern, Mann Theatres engaged forensic auditors to investigate the purported breach and its scope. As of today, the investigation has not produced any evidence that any credit or debit card data from the files or computer systems of Mann Theatres actually has been misappropriated. However, the investigation indicated the potential for illegal acquisition of customer data, specifically a cardholder's name, account number, card expiration date and other card data permitting the manufacture of fraudulent cards for card-present transactions. Given that theatres in the Mann Theatres chain were a common point of use of the legitimate cards before the counterfeit card transactions occurred, and the possibility that some customer credit card and debit card information may have been compromised, Mann Theatres is taking a precautionary step to ensure consumers' protection by providing this notice.

Because the forensic auditors have not found evidence of misappropriated data in the systems of Mann Theatres, at this time Mann Theatres does not possess data that would indicate the first date of possible misuse of card information for credit cards and debit cards used at theatres in the Mann Theatres chain. To assist customers in assessing their risk, Mann Theatres requested that MasterCard, Visa and Discover Financial identify possible time frames of potential misuse. As a result of those inquiries, Mann Theatres understands that at least one issuing bank for MasterCard has identified the time of potential compromise as the period beginning on April 1, 2005 and concluding on March 8, 2006, and Discover Financial has indicated possible compromise of Discover credit cards used at theatres in the Mann Theatres chain between August 21, 2004 and January 21, 2006.

Based on this information, Mann Theatres recommends that, for additional assurance, customers who purchased tickets or concessions using MasterCard or Visa between April 1, 2005 and March 8, 2006, or using Discover between August 21, 2004 and January 21, 2006, contact their respective card organizations and/or the banks issuing such credit cards and debit cards with any questions or concerns. Mann Theatres also recommends that customers place a fraud alert on their credit files. A fraud alert lets creditors know to contact the customer before opening new accounts.

"It is a high priority of Mann Theatres to protect the financial information of our customers, and we regret any inconvenience," said Peter Dobson, CEO, Mann Theatres. "While there is still no clear evidence that there was an actual breach of our computer systems, we are, nonetheless, encouraging our credit card and debit card partners to alert potential victims. In addition, to ensure future protection for our customers' data, we have conducted a review of our point-of-sale systems and have enhanced our existing security systems, features and processes. We will continue to work with the card organizations, issuing banks and law enforcement authorities to investigate the matter and enhance our systems further, where appropriate."

Information about Mann Theatres. Mann Theatres is a chain of movie theatres based in Los Angeles, California. Mann Theatres operates 18 theatres and 113 screens in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.

For more information on identity theft and the California Security Breach Information Act, please contact the California Office of Privacy Protection by phone, toll-free, at (866) 785-9663 or on the Internet at www.privacy.ca.gov.

Contact: Tom Goff Edelman Public Relations Office: 323-202-1032 Mobile: 213-925-5876

Source: Mann Theatres

CONTACT: Tom Goff of Edelman Public Relations, +1-323-202-1032, mobile +1-213-925-5876, for Mann Theatres

Web site: http://www.privacy.ca.gov/

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Goodyear Teams With DisneyPixar for CARS Summer Blockbuster Promotion

Goodyear Teams With DisneyPixar for CARS Summer Blockbuster Promotion

AKRON, Ohio, May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE:GT) today announced the details of its promotion with Disney and Pixar for the highly anticipated summer movie CARS, which opens in theaters nationwide on June 9, 2006. Goodyear tires and Buzz Lightyear, a character from DisneyPixar's TOY STORY films, inspired two elements in the upcoming movie: the main character Lightning McQueen's tires, and another of the film's characters -- the high-flying "Lightyear" blimp, fashioned after Goodyear's popular airships. Goodyear will support its involvement with the film at the exclusive World Premiere of CARS at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC, on Friday, May 26, 2006.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO )

"We are honored by the recognition we have been given in this film, said Joey Viselli, Director, Marketing Services, Goodyear North America. "The connection between Goodyear's racing heritage and Disney-related films that feature racing storylines is nothing new. Last summer, Goodyear played a supporting role in Walt Disney Pictures' Herbie: Fully Loaded."

"Goodyear was great to work with and we're very excited because it's a perfect match with our film," said Brett Dick, EVP, Buena Vista Pictures Marketing. "In CARS, not only does Lightning McQueen drive on Lightyear tires but the Lightyear blimp even makes a special cameo appearance."

At retail, Goodyear will be supporting its involvement with CARS via a national "Calling All Cars" Tire Sale promotion that runs between May 21 - June 17 and features consumer advertising, value-added offers, on-site signage and in store POS materials at Goodyear-owned and participating independently owned and operated locations across the country.

During this promotion, consumers can receive a free copy of the CARS soundtrack on CD and a Goodyear cash card -- valued for $25 to $100 -- by outfitting their cars with a qualifying set of tires at participating Goodyear retail locations. The special-edition CARS soundtrack is presented by Goodyear, and features music by Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts and James Taylor. For complete details on sale offers, visit http://www.goodyeartires.com/.

Goodyear will support the "Calling All Cars" Tire Sale with national print ads in USA Today and Time Magazine; national television spots featuring footage from the movie on ESPN, TNT, TBS, The Weather Channel, TLC, USA Network, Fox, The History Channel, Travel Channel, Discovery and ABC and radio commercials on network radio stations including ABC Radio, Westwood One, Sirius Satellite Radio, Premiere Radio Network and XM Satellite Radio. Online advertising will appear on popular sites such as Google, Yahoo! Maps, Weather.com, Edmunds.com, CarandDriver.com, MotorTrend.com and Womansday.com.

In addition to its role in the movie, Goodyear also is helping bring CARS to life in the DisneyPixar "CARS Road Trip '06." Goodyear supplied tires for each of the vehicles, including the centerpiece character cars, for the tour, which is bringing actual life-sized models of the film's animated stars to several U.S. cities. Goodyear worked closely with Disney and Pixar to provide the right tires for each character, including the development of custom-made tires to match the ones worn by 'Lightning McQueen' in the movie. The real- life 'McQueen' is a race car built on a modified 1978 Pontiac Trans Am body, and sports Goodyear-made P355/55R19 "Lightyear" racing tires.

After taking moviegoers magically into the realm of toys, bugs, monsters, fish, and superheroes, the masterful storytellers and technical wizards at Pixar Animation Studios (THE INCREDIBLES, FINDING NEMO, MONSTERS, INC.), and Academy Award(R)-winning director John Lasseter (TOY STORY, TOY STORY 2, A BUG'S LIFE) hit the road with a fast-paced comedy adventure set inside the world of cars. Lightning McQueen (voiced by OWEN WILSON), a hotshot rookie race car driven to succeed, discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. On route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California to compete against two seasoned pros, McQueen gets to know the town's offbeat characters -- including Doc Hudson (a 1951 Hudson Hornet with a mysterious past, voiced by PAUL NEWMAN), Sally Carrera (a snazzy 2002 Porsche voiced by BONNIE HUNT), and Mater (a rusty but trusty tow truck voiced by LARRY THE CABLE GUY) -- who help him realize that there are more important things than trophies, fame and sponsorship. CARS opens in theaters on June 9, 2006.

About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Goodyear is the world's largest tire company. The company manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 90 facilities in 28 countries around the world. Goodyear employs about 80,000 people worldwide. For more information on Goodyear's tires, go to http://www.goodyeartires.com/.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

CONTACT: Ed Markey of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, +1-330-796-8801; or Rich Lukis or Geoffrey Phelps of Coyne PR, +1-973-316-1665

Web site: http://www.goodyear.com/ http://www.goodyeartires.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Downloadable photos are available at Goodyear's media website, www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com.

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

International Entertainment News Suspended Temporarily

Just a note to inform you that we have been broadcasting on http://paulkorda.com/news and will be rectifying the problem as soon as possible. Thanks for your patience.

International Entertainment News

Scripps to Discuss Interactive Media Strategy at Two Investor Conferences

Scripps to Discuss Interactive Media Strategy at Two Investor Conferences

CINCINNATI, May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tim Peterman, senior vice president, interactive media, for The E. W. Scripps Company, will provide an overview of the company's newest operating division at two investor conferences next week.

Peterman will speak at Morgan Stanley's 11th Annual Media and Communications Conference in Washington, D.C. on May 23 from 11:15 a.m. to noon EDT; and the Goldman Sachs 7th Annual Global Internet Conference in Las Vegas, Nev., on May 25 from 7:05 to 7:50 p.m. EDT.

The Scripps interactive media division includes: Shopzilla, the online comparison shopping service that enables customers to search approximately 30 million products from more than 75,000 merchants, and uSwitch, a UK-based online service that helps customers compare prices and switch providers for essential home services.

The audio of both presentations will be webcast live via the Scripps Web site at www.scripps.com. A replay will be available at the same site for 30 days.

About Scripps

The E. W. Scripps Company (NYSE:SSP) is a diverse and growing media enterprise with interests in national cable networks, newspaper publishing, broadcast television stations, electronic commerce, interactive media, and licensing and syndication.

Source: The E. W. Scripps Company

CONTACT: Tim Stautberg of The E. W. Scripps Company, +1-513-977-3826, or Stautberg@scripps.com

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

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Legendary Latin Superstar Marco Antonio Solis to Perform at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in August

Legendary Latin Superstar Marco Antonio Solis to Perform at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in August

Tickets On-Sale Friday, May 26 for Solis's First-Ever North Bay Appearance

SANTA ROSA, Calif., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Latin GRAMMY award-winning recording and performing artist Marco Antonio Solis is coming to Santa Rosa's Wells Fargo Center for the Arts on August 25th at 8pm for his first-ever North Bay performance. One of the most influential singer-songwriters in the Latin music world, Solis is known for appearing at arena-sized venues with upwards of 6,000 seats. Tickets for this unique and rare performance at the Wells Fargo Center's intimate 1600 seat theater go on sale Friday, May 26 and are expected to sell quickly.

Over his extensive career, Marco Antonio Solis has written hundreds of songs that have become standards, covered by scores of artists, shaping the development of Latin music. He is recognized for across the board success in sales, airplay, industry awards and concert dates attesting to his enormous popularity and critical acclaim. For more than 25 years he has penned some of Latin music's greatest hit songs such as "Tu Carcel," "Como Fui A Enamorarme De Ti," "Sigue Sin Mi," "Si No Te Hubieras Ido," to name a few.

An impressive career with over 20-recorded albums and more than 300 songs, Solis' extensive music career has earned him Gold and Platinum albums in the United States, Mexico and Latin America, plus a string of radio hits, six of which have reached No.1 on Billboard's 'Hot Latin Tracks' chart.

The presentation of Marco Antonio Solis is latest in the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts' on-going outreach efforts aimed at working with the North Bay Latino community to provide meaningful opportunities for entertainment and cultural enrichment. Previous performances have included Juan Gabriel, Los Cenzontles, Gipsy Kings, and Pepe Aguilar.

Tickets ($65, $85, $125) for the August 25th performance of Marco Antonio Solis are available, beginning Friday, May 26 at noon, at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts Box Office - 50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa, by phone at 707-546-3600, and online at www.wellsfargocenterarts.com.

Source: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts

CONTACT: media, Kristi Buffo, Public Relations Coordinator of Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, +1-707-527-7006, ext. 150, or kristib@wellsfargocenterarts.com, or box office, +1-707-546-3600

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

NOTE TO EDITORS: Print quality artist images available at: http://www.wellsfargocenterarts.com/docs/contact/media.html

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Turner Classic Movies Donates $100,000 to the Magic Johnson Foundation for New State-of-the-Art Screening Room

Turner Classic Movies Donates $100,000 to the Magic Johnson Foundation for New State-of-the-Art Screening Room

Gift Coincides with Race & Hollywood: Black Images on Film Airing on TCM in May

ATLANTA, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has donated $100,000 to the Magic Johnson Foundation towards the implementation of a state-of-the-art TCM Screening Room, it was announced today by Tom Karsch, executive vice president and general manager of TCM. The venture coincides with Race & Hollywood: Black Images on Film, an on-air and online event in May that chronicles the varied concepts, stereotypes and imagery of African Americans as represented in classic Hollywood cinema.

Magic Johnson Empowerment Centers serve as comprehensive, one-stop facilities to provide youth and adults access to technology and educational resources that will improve academic performance and prepare them for the emerging job market. The TCM Screening Room in the Atlanta facility will provide a safe environment for underserved youth and adults to gather to watch movies. As part of the donation, TCM will provide equipment, furniture and DVDs in addition to consulting on the high-tech screening room.

In addition, TCM provided enrichment materials to Magic Johnson Empowerment Centers around the country on the TCM film series Race & Hollywood: Black Images on Film to spark thoughtful discussion and debate on the subject of African American roles in Hollywood and the cultural impact of those depictions upon American society.

"TCM is honored to assist with the empowerment center's efforts to improve the quality of life for so many people in Atlanta," Karsch said. "We hope the new screening room will serve families throughout the community."

"These empowerment centers are meant to provide kids with a safe place to go," said Earvin "Magic" Johnson, founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation. "The screening room is an excellent venue for providing them with quality entertainment and a secure environment where they can watch movies."

TCM's Race & Hollywood: Black Image on Film month long film series including Birth of a Nation (1915), The Jazz Singer (1927), Gone with the Wind (1939), Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) and Devil in a Blue Dress (1995) airs on Tuesday and Thursday primetime evenings. TCM will look at not only the more controversial or striking films but also the evolution of Hollywood's relationship with black characters as well as details regarding the climate today. Noted film historian Donald Bogle and TCM's primetime host Robert Osborne will help viewers put in context a full slate of films, and several prominent African Americans will provide further commentary and retrospective, including Eva and Evangela Anderson, Lenny Bluett, Bill Cosby, Charles Dutton, William Greaves, James Earl Jones, Rigmor Nicholas, Bill Nunn, Richard Roundtree, Cicely Tyson, Richard Wesley and Forest Whitaker.

The Magic Johnson Foundation, which was founded in 1991, is committed to improving the quality of life for people residing in underserved communities. They serve as the facilitator to deliver the much-needed programs and resources that others can't or won't deliver to these communities including access, education and information. It is their hope that their efforts will serve as a call to action to encourage other foundations, corporations, civic organizations and individuals to join them in this most worthy cause. The Magic Johnson Foundation is committed to making a positive impact on families, one child at a time.

Turner Classic Movies, currently seen in more than 70 million homes, is a 24-hour cable network from Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company. TCM presents the greatest motion pictures of all time from the largest film library in the world, the combined Time Warner and Turner film libraries, from the '20s through the '90s, commercial-free and without interruption. More information is available at the TCM Web site at www.tcm.tv.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

Source: Turner Classic Movies

CONTACT: Gina McKenzie of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., +1-404-885-4315, or gina.mckenzie@turner.com

Web site: http://www.tcm.tv/ http://www.turner.com/

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Goodyear Re-Casts Iconic Blimp to Support DisneyPixar's Cars Premiere

Goodyear Re-Casts Iconic Blimp to Support DisneyPixar's Cars Premiere

Spirit of Goodyear to Temporarily Wear 'Lightyear'

POMPANO BEACH, Fla., May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE:GT) today unveiled the Spirit of Goodyear bearing a temporary "Lightyear" name on its right side in honor of the company's involvement in the highly anticipated DisneyPixar movie, CARS, which opens in theaters nationwide on June 9, 2006. In the movie, Goodyear inspires all of the tires, as well as one of the characters: the high-flying "Lightyear" blimp fashioned after Goodyear's popular airships. The Spirit of Goodyear's first official role with the new name decal will be participating in the CARS World Premiere celebration at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC, on Friday, May 26, 2006, where it will provide World Premiere event coverage, including red- carpet activities.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060519/CLF038 ) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO )

"We are honored by the recognition we have been given in this film," said Joey Viselli, Director, Marketing Services, Goodyear North America. "This is the first time in more than 80 years our blimp has displayed something other than Goodyear on its side, so this is truly a special occasion."

The makeover process required more than 250 man-hours of work by Goodyear's airship crew, with the blimp entering its Florida hangar this week for the Lightyear logo transformation. Workers cleaned the right side of the blimp, then covered the 10-foot tall "GOOD" letters and the Wingfoot symbol with a protective masking material. The "LIGHT" letter decals, weighing 5 pounds each, were placed into position and a few areas not covered by the temporary letters had to be painted over. All of this work is needed for about 15 days of service as the "Lightyear" blimp, since the airship is scheduled to return to its previous identity on June 1.

Goodyear will also be supporting its involvement in CARS with a national product promotion at 750 Goodyear-owned and at participating independently owned and operated locations across the country. Consumers can receive a free copy of the CARS soundtrack on CD and a Goodyear cash card -- valued for $25 to $100 -- by outfitting their cars with a qualifying set of tires. The special-edition CARS soundtrack is presented by Goodyear, and features music by Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts and James Taylor. For complete details on sale offers, visit http://www.goodyeartires.com/.

After taking moviegoers magically into the realm of toys, bugs, monsters, fish, and superheroes, the masterful storytellers and technical wizards at Pixar Animation Studios (THE INCREDIBLES, FINDING NEMO, MONSTERS INC.), and Academy Award(R)-winning director John Lasseter (TOY STORY, TOY STORY 2, A BUG'S LIFE), hit the road with a fast-paced comedy adventure set inside the world of cars. Lightning McQueen (voiced by OWEN WILSON), a hotshot rookie race car driven to succeed, discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. On route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California to compete against two seasoned pros, McQueen gets to know the town's offbeat characters -- including Doc Hudson (a 1951 Hudson Hornet with a mysterious past, voiced by PAUL NEWMAN), Sally Carrera (a snazzy 2002 Porsche voiced by BONNIE HUNT), and Mater (a rusty but trusty tow truck voiced by LARRY THE CABLE GUY) -- who help him realize that there are more important things than trophies, fame and sponsorship. CARS opens in theaters on June 9, 2006.

About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Goodyear is the world's largest tire company. The company manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 90 facilities in 28 countries around the world. Goodyear employs about 80,000 people worldwide. For more information on Goodyear's tires, go to http://www.goodyeartires.com/.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060519/CLF038 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN5 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

CONTACT: Ed Markey of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, +1-330-796-8801; or Rich Lukis, or Geoffrey Phelps of Coyne PR, +1-973-316-1665

Web site: http://www.goodyear.com/ http://www.goodyeartires.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Downloadable photos are available at Goodyear's media website, www.GoodyearNewsRoom.com.

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Dr. Jack Kevorkian Files Petition for Pardon, Parole or Commutation of Prison Sentence

Dr. Jack Kevorkian Files Petition for Pardon, Parole or Commutation of Prison Sentence

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Mayer Morganroth, the attorney representing Dr. Jack Kevorkian, filed application with the Michigan Board of Parole and Governor Jennifer M. Granholm Friday seeking the pardon, parole or commutation of Dr. Kevorkian to time served.

"Dr. Kevorkian is 78-years-old," Morganroth said via telephone. "Jack doesn't have very many days left. For God's sake, he's been locked up for more than seven years for an offense that not one doctor in the United States has spent even one day in prison. It's time for compassion ... it's past time."

The petition and doctors state that Dr. Kevorkian will probably not survive another year if kept in prison, because his health has deteriorated so rapidly.

"Dr. Kevorkian has become increasingly frail and has fallen twice, injuring his wrist and fracturing two ribs," Morganroth said.

Dr. Kevorkian also suffers from seriously high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, temporal arthritis, active Hepatitis C which is violently attacking his liver (Dr. Kevorkian contracted the Hepatitis C during Vietnam in the service of his country testing soldiers' blood transfusions), peripheral arteritis, adrenal insufficiency, chronic pulmonary obstruction disease, hypertensive cardiovascular disease and cataracts. Kevorkian is also suffering from diplopia, vertigo, dysphagia, headaches, left ventricular hypertrophy, osteoporosis, ataxia and eschemia.

A recent MSNBC national poll showed that 88% of respondents believed that Kevorkian should be released immediately. Similarly, other polls, including one conducted by Comcast, overwhelmingly support Dr. Kevorkian's immediate release from prison.

Currently, a film written by Emmy award nominee Barbara Tumer, directed by two-time Academy Award winner Barbara Kopple, and produced by Bee Holder Productions, is in pre-production and will begin filming this year. The film, "You Don't Know Jack," will center upon the fascinating life, times and work of Dr. Kevorkian.

In addition, a newly-published book, "Between the Dying and the Dead," by Neal Nicol and Harry Wylie (University of Wisconsin Press. 2006), for the first time, reveals the real man behind the public image of Jack Kevorkian. Specifically, the book will explore the many facets and talents of Dr. Jack Kevorkian as an artist, writer, pianist, composer and sensitive human being.

Source: Mayer Morganroth

CONTACT: Mayer Morganroth, attorney representing Dr. Jack Kevorkian, +1-248-355-3084 or +1-248-613-6347

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Verizon Statement on N.Y. PSC's Confirmation of Company's Video Franchises With the Town of Hempstead and Village of Upper Nyack

Verizon Statement on N.Y. PSC's Confirmation of Company's Video Franchises With the Town of Hempstead and Village of Upper Nyack

Franchises Provide More New York Consumers With a Choice for Cable Television Service

NEW YORK, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York Public Service Commission issued Wednesday (May 17) an order confirming Verizon's video franchises in the town of Hempstead on Long Island and in the Rockland County village of Upper Nyack. The town of Hempstead granted the company a franchise on April 4, 2006. The village of Upper Nyack granted a franchise to the company on March 16, 2006. The commission has the authority to review franchise agreements between local governments in New York and TV providers, such as Verizon, to make sure the agreements comply with statewide rules and regulations. Earlier this year, Verizon began offering residents in the Long Island village of Massapequa Park, as well as the Rockland County communities of Nyack and South Nyack, FiOS TV -- all-digital services with more than 350 channels, delivered over an all-fiber network. Verizon currently is bringing fiber connections directly to homes in more than half the states where it offers landline communications services, including more than 150 communities in New York.

The following statement should be attributed to Monica Azare, Verizon senior vice president for New York.

"The PSC's confirmation of the franchise agreements for the town of Hempstead and the village of Upper Nyack helps us to provide the choice and competition that New York consumers demand. This is an important victory for cable consumers who want a choice for their video services.

"We believe these communities -- and all communities where we plan to deliver FiOS TV -- benefit most from policies that recognize the world has changed and that technology offers consumers a real alternative to cable TV.

"We look forward to offering more New York consumers the benefits and innovation of FiOS TV."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other communication innovations to wireline and wireless customers. Verizon operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 53 million customers nationwide; one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks; and one of the nation's premier wireline networks, serving mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of more than 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit http://www.verizon.com/.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

Source: Verizon

CONTACT: Heather Wilner, of Verizon, +1-212-321-8333, heather.b.wilner@verizon.com

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

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Semester at Sea Congratulates Alumni Who Won 'The Amazing Race'

Semester at Sea Congratulates Alumni Who Won 'The Amazing Race'

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Semester at Sea congratulated former alumni, BJ Averell and Tyler Macniven, on winning the $1 million prize on the CBS reality TV show, "The Amazing Race." The million- dollar duo met on a Semester at Sea voyage four years ago, and are no strangers to adventures across the world. Averell and Macniven beat out other competitors in a 59,000-mile race that concluded in Denver on Wednesday.

"As every Semester at Sea alumni knows, traveling around the world is a life-changing adventure," explained Les McCabe, President of the Institute for Shipboard Education which runs the 43-year-old Semester at Sea program. "BJ and Tyler displayed an international savvy that allowed them to win the race. Semester at Sea has a 40-year track record of providing life-changing educational experiences. Our alumni tell us that Semester at Sea literally opens their eyes to the world."

The Institute for Shipboard Education sails Semester at Sea voyages during the spring, fall, and summer semesters of each year. For each semester-long voyage, the ship docks at an average of 10 ports all around the world. Approximately four hundred college students from around the world participate each semester. On board, students take a full course load of classes for college credit. While in port, students have the opportunity to interact with the people and cultures that they were studying in the classroom.

About Semester at Sea

The Institute for Shipboard Education is a non-profit, 501c3 organization that administers the Semester at Sea program. Semester at Sea is one of the longest standing and most well-known study abroad programs in the United States today. Since 1963, over 40,000 students have studied abroad on Semester at Sea and its predecessor programs. The Institute is committed to providing challenging and creative study abroad programming to help students prepare for the demands of an ever-changing world. The University of Virginia is the academic sponsor of Semester at Sea. Undergraduate students from colleges and universities across the U.S. and abroad participate each semester, earning academic credit from the University of Virginia. For more information, please visit http://www.semesteratsea.com/.

Source: Institute for Shipboard Education

CONTACT: Jennifer Quasdorf of Sightline Marketing, +1-202-342-8415, for Semester at Sea

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

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Present at the Lehman Wireless, Wireline & Media Conference

SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Present at the Lehman Wireless, Wireline & Media Conference

NEW YORK, May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) today announced that David Frear, its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, is expected to present at the Lehman Wireless, Wireline & Media Conference in New York on Monday, May 22, 2006 at 9.00 am ET.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991118/NYTH125 )

A live audio webcast of the presentation will be available via the Investor Relations section of the company's website sirius.com on Monday, May 22, 2006, at 9.00 am ET.

About SIRIUS

SIRIUS delivers more than 125 channels of the best programming in all of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free music channels in satellite radio, offering 67 music channels available nationwide. SIRIUS also delivers 61 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, NBA and NHL and broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NFL, NBA and NHL. All SIRIUS programming is available for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95.

SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at shop.sirius.com.

SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep(R), Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln-Mercury, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Rolls Royce, Scion, Toyota, Porsche, Volkswagen and Volvo. Hertz also offers SIRIUS in its rental cars at major locations around the country.

Click on http://www.sirius.com/ to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase a SIRIUS radio and subscription.

Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance with respect to SIRIUS Satellite Radio Inc. are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such statements involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among the key factors that have a direct bearing on our operational results are: our dependence upon third parties, including manufacturers of SIRIUS radios, retailers, automakers and programming partners, our competitive position and any events which affect the useful life of our satellites.

G-SIRI

Contacts:

Jim Collins Media 212-901-6422 jcollins@siriusradio.com

Michelle McKinnon Analysts 212-584-5285 mmckinnon@siriusradio.com

Jaymie VanValkenburgh Investor Relations 212-584-5158 jvalkenburgh@siriusradio.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19991118/NYTH125 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: SIRIUS Satellite Radio

CONTACT: Jim Collins, Media, +1-212-901-6422, jcollins@siriusradio.com; or Michelle McKinnon, Analysts, +1-212-584-5285, mmckinnon@siriusradio.com; or Jaymie VanValkenburgh, Investor Relations, +1-212-584-5158, jvalkenburgh@siriusradio.com

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

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Cunard Line's Queen Victoria Keel Laying Ceremony Takes Place in Italy

Cunard Line's Queen Victoria Keel Laying Ceremony Takes Place in Italy

VALENCIA, Calif., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- A ceremony marking the keel laying for Cunard Line's Queen Victoria was held today at the Marghera shipyard of Fincantieri near Venice, Italy. The second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria will enter service on December 11, 2007 and become the third in Cunard's fleet of Queens when she joins Queen Mary 2, the largest liner in the world, and QE2, the most famous ship in the world.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060519/LAF031-ahttp://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060519/LAF031-b )

The keel laying involved the placement in the dry dock of one section of the ship's hull. This section is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 325 tons and is fitted with 50 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment.

The ceremony follows an intensive period of design and development. 80 sections will be used in the construction of Queen Victoria and she will take to the water for the first time at her float out in January 2007 before her delivery to Cunard in December 2007.

In a speech prior to the laying of the keel, Carol Marlow, Cunard's president and managing director, said:

"Queen Victoria is a very significant ship for Cunard; not only is she the second largest ship we have ever built but she further reinforces Cunard's commitment to our British heritage. This is evident in her reflection of past Cunarders with her traditional livery and elegant and classically-styled interior. When she comes into service next year there will be, for the first time, a trio of Queens in Cunard's fleet."

Queen Victoria will not only be a classic ocean liner, offering the very best of Cunard's heritage and traditions along with all modern luxury facilities, but she will also feature some exciting innovations. These will include the first private boxes at sea, in the Royal Court Theatre; a "Cunardia" museum, housing Cunard artifacts and memorabilia; the first two-story library at sea, with its 6,000 books and splendid spiral staircase; and a grand, British colonial-style conservatory, complete with central fountain, greenery and a retractable glass roof.

With the addition of this new 90,000-ton vessel, the Cunard liner legacy will be upheld, as Queen Victoria will offer all the classic characteristics that have become associated with the company's unique heritage. From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery and strengthened hull will hint at the experience that differentiates a Cunard liner from a modern-day cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions of the past, with elegant and classically-styled public rooms, many on a grand scale, luxuriously endowed with rich wood panelling, intricate mosaics, chandeliers, and cool marbles.

The public spaces will be the setting for a host of diversions that also define Cunard's liner heritage, as guests enjoy stylish entertainment and informative talks that suggest a more civilized era of travel.

The ship will also feature the line's celebrated luxury Grills accommodation and dining, further enhanced on Queen Victoria with exclusive deck terraces and an al fresco dining option.

And, of course, the ship has been constructed with impressive sea keeping qualities that will enable it to travel easily and efficiently through the demanding waters of the world's oceans.

Queen Victoria will depart on her Maiden Voyage on Tuesday, December 11, 2007 -- a voyage that was full within days of being announced.

The world's newest ocean liner will depart New York on January 13, 2008 on her 105-day Pathway to the Explorers maiden world cruise which will call at 36 cities in 23 countries. Every call, with the exception of Lisbon, will be a maiden call for Cunard's new Queen. Queen Victoria will circumnavigate the globe in a westbound direction and, after calling at New York, will transit the Panama Canal before making maiden calls at some of the world's most famous cities including Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Dubai, Athens and Barcelona.

Early Booking Fares for Queen Victoria's 105-day Pathway to the Explorers maiden world cruise start from $18,827 per person, double occupancy.

For more information about Cunard or Queen Victoria, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

Cunard Line has operated the most famous ocean liners in the world since 1840. Cunard vessels have a classic British heritage and include the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2. Queen Victoria joins the fleet in 2007.

Cunard Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060519/LAF031-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060519/LAF031-b AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Cunard Line

CONTACT: Jackie Matthews of Cunard Line, +1-661-753-1035, jmatthews@cunard.com; or Maria Andriano, andriano@redpointpr.com, or Cindy Adams, adams@redpointpr.com, both of Redpoint Marketing PR, +1-212-229-0119, for Cunard Line

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

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Viacom Chief Financial Officer Mike Dolan to Speak at the Morgan Stanley 11th Annual Media & Communications Conference

Viacom Chief Financial Officer Mike Dolan to Speak at the Morgan Stanley 11th Annual Media & Communications Conference

NEW YORK, May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA)(NYSE:and)(NYSE:VIA.B) today announced that its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Mike Dolan, will participate in a question and answer session at the Morgan Stanley 11th Annual Media & Communications Conference on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at approximately 8:45 a.m. ET. An audio webcast of the session will be open to the general public through Viacom's website at http://www.viacom.com/, and a replay of the audio webcast will be available in the "presentations / webcasts" section of the site.

About Viacom

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

Source: Viacom Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Julia Phelps, +1-212-846-5288, julia.phelps@viacom.com, or Investors, James Bombassei, 212-258-6377, james.bombassei@viacom.com

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

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Miffy and Friends Exhibit to Open at Chicago Children's Museum

Miffy and Friends Exhibit to Open at Chicago Children's Museum

Interactive Exhibit Opens in Chicago May 20th

CHICAGO, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Beloved characters from the popular children's book series and NOGGIN TV program Miffy and Friends, comes to Chicago Children's Museum (CCM) in a new exhibit May 20, 2006 -- September 4, 2006. Geared to stimulate the youngest of imaginations, the Miffy and Friends exhibit is full of colorful and hands-on activities featuring interactive and educational elements based on the classic children's book character, Miffy. Miffy will make special appearances to greet young visitors at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m on opening day, Saturday, May 20, 2006.

Highlights of the 600-square foot Miffy and Friends exhibit include: a child-size Miffy house and garden; a puppet theater, starring Miffy and Friends puppets; a school area with craft and reading tables, a computer kiosk featuring Miffy and Friends CD-ROM activities; a Miffy reading center; and an animal friends area focusing on texture, sorting, and matching-activities intended to enhance motor skills.

"Chicago Children's Museum is delighted to present a fun and interactive exhibit where children and families have the wonderful opportunity to read, draw and play together," said Jennifer Farrington, CCM Chief Operating Officer/ Vice President of Education. "This exhibit creates the backdrop for early learning in a colorful, whimsical, literacy-based environment just right for preschoolers and their parents or educators."

Miffy is an adorable white rabbit whose simple stories offer tiny lessons for everyday adventures and experiences. Written and illustrated by Dutch artist, Dick Bruna, the Miffy and Friends books have been guiding and enchanting young children for more than 50 years.

Miffy and Friends books have been translated into more than 40 languages and have sold nearly 85 million copies worldwide. Big Tent Entertainment is the publisher of Miffy and Friends in the United States and the licensing partner for the brand. For more information, visit http://www.miffy.com/ .

Miffy's stop-motion, animated television series, "Miffy and Friends," is one of NOGGIN's most popular television series. The half-hour pre-school show airs every day. "Miffy and Friends" weaves together simple animated tales with new interactive games in which Miffy introduces preschoolers to basic math concepts and helps them appreciate the relevance of mathematical relationships in our everyday world. NOGGIN is the commercial-free, educational network for preschoolers owned by Nickelodeon.

Chicago Children's Museum (CCM) is a non-profit organization committed to creating a community where play and learning connect. CCM teaches children through hands-on daily multicultural programs and interactive exhibits. With over fifteen interactive exhibits, including The Allstate Foundation presents Play It Safe and new activities daily, every visit is unique for parents, caregivers, educators and children from toddlers to 10-year-olds.

Admission is $8 per person; $7 for seniors and free for museum members and children under 1 year old. On Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., admission is free during Kraft Free Family Night. During Target Free First Mondays, admission is free for children 15 years old and younger the first Monday of every month.

Located at Navy Pier, Chicago's number one attraction at 700 East Grand Avenue, CCM is the final stop for CTA buses #29, #65, #66, and #124. For more information, please visit http://www.chichildrensmuseum.org/ .

Source: Chicago Children's Museum

CONTACT: Beth Olsen of Goodman Media for Miffy and Friends, +1-212-576-2700, ext. 243, bolsen@goodmanmedia.com , or Breelyn Pete of Chicago Children's Museum, +1-312-464-7687, bpete@chichildrensmuseum.org

Web site: http://www.miffy.com/ http://www.chichildrensmuseum.org/

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

New Artist MAYDAY! Takes Over YouTube.com With Two Million Views in One Day

New Artist MAYDAY! Takes Over YouTube.com With Two Million Views in One Day

MIAMI, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- New artists MAYDAY! are making history with their new breakout video for the hit single "Groundhog Day" featuring Cee-Lo and DJ Craze. With two million plus views within 24 hours on the popular website YouTube.com, "Groundhog Day" landed the #1 slot for the most viewed video of the month.

"This is clearly a historic moment for new music marketing," said Gregory Frankel, president and Chief Executive of MAYDAY!'s label SouthBeat Records. "For the first time, outlets like YouTube.com provide a space for emerging artists to market their music directly to consumers, and our strategic partnerships with online properties and the label and management's email databases allowed us to get the word out."

Groundhog Day was also the #64 most viewed video of all time in one day on YouTube.com.

Plex and Bernbiz, who make up MAYDAY!, have shared the stage with The Roots, Method Man, Red Man, Mos Def and too many others to name. On May 30th, MayDay! will begin the 45-Day Storm Tour, performing around the country with Aceyalone, Ugly Duckling, The Procussions, Wrekonize and Diverse. MAYDAY!'s highly-anticipated self-titled album is scheduled for release in August through SouthBeat Records.

About YouTube.com: YouTube.com is a place for people to engage in new ways with video by sharing, commenting on, and viewing videos. YouTube originally started as a personal video sharing service, and has grown into an entertainment destination with people watching more than 40 million videos on the site daily.

Source: SouthBeat Records

CONTACT: Miatta David of MVD Inc, +1-212-244-5436, Miatta@mvdinc.us

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Thursday, May 18, 2006

CorpHQ SVP Alan W. Silberberg to be Interviewed on Nationally Syndicated 'Business of Success' Talk Radio Show

CorpHQ SVP Alan W. Silberberg to be Interviewed on Nationally Syndicated 'Business of Success' Talk Radio Show

Business of Success Radio Show and Websites to Feature CorpHQ in Live Interview Sunday May 21 at 10:00 a.m. PDT

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CorpHQ, Inc. announced that Senior Vice President Alan W. Silberberg will be featured on the nationally syndicated Business of Success talk radio show broadcast live Sunday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m. PDT. The show has hosted business leaders, politicians and personalities including Donald Trump, John C. Bogle, Bill Gates, Peter Navarro, Michael Dell, Famous Amos, Jay Leno, George W. Bush and Colin Powell among many others.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050628/LATU103LOGO )

Silberberg is expected to discuss CorpHQ's recent developments including completing the reverse merger of portfolio company SGT, Ventures , the progress the company has made facilitating a reverse merger transaction for portfolio company, The Giving Card, Inc., the two year voluntary audit CorpHQ recently completed in preparation for graduating the Company's listing to a senior exchange and becoming a fully reporting company, and the continued growth and development of its portfolio companies over the past five years

CorpHQ's interview will be available for live feed or rebroadcast on the Business of Success website at http://www.businessofsuccess.com/radio.html as well as 65 terrestrial radio stations in major U.S. and European markets. CorpHQ will also be included in the Business of Success blog, http://www.businessofsuccess.typepad.com/.

CorpHQ's Alan W. Silberberg commented: "It is exciting to be invited onto the Business of Success talk radio show. CorpHQ operates at the epicenter of the American Dream, where the entrepreneur and capital intersect to find success, so the show is a natural fit for us. We serve a whole universe of companies too big for angel investors and too small for most venture capitalists -- a niche filled with highly promising companies in need of CorpHQ's innovative combination of capital and strategic direction to fuel their success."

Silberberg continued: "I look forward to providing insight into our objectives for 2006 and how we plan to achieve them. We see The Business of Success as the perfect venue to build awareness of what CorpHQ has to offer portfolio companies as well as shareholders and outline for listeners our company's unique strategy for success."

About Business of Success Talk Radio

Business of Success Talk Radio is a nationally syndicated weekly radio show carried on 65 terrestrial stations as well as broadcast on the internet. It is broadcast on Sundays from 9-11 a.m. PDT, with affiliate stations coast-to-coast and well over 1.5 million listeners. Host Alan Rothman presents a dynamic and provocative program featuring "entertaining and informative information on how to network, build successful relationships, and learn from the experiences of successful business people and celebrities at the top of their game in their respective fields of expertise."

About CorpHQ, Inc.

CorpHQ, Inc. provides money and management to high caliber early stage companies, fast-tracking their growth from startup to profitability. Acting as a business accelerator, CorpHQ works with high potential entrepreneurs and provides both the capital and hands-on leadership needed for long term growth. The company has a track record of building successful businesses and making a profit. Since 2001, it has helped develop seven companies while generating five consecutive years of growth and earnings for shareholders. CorpHQ portfolio company SGT Ventures recently completed a reverse merger and began trading publicly. CorpHQ has announced plans to take a second portfolio company public this year.

CorpHQ can be found on the internet at www.corphq.com. The company voluntarily reports all financial information and material events on www.pinksheets.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements made in this press release which are not historical facts contain certain forward-looking statements; as such term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning potential developments affecting the business, prospects, financial condition and other aspects of the company to which this release pertains. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results of the specific items described in this release, and the company's operations generally, to differ materially from what is projected in such forward-looking statements. Although such statements are based upon the best judgments of management of the company as of the date of this release, significant deviations in magnitude, timing and other factors may result from business risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the company's dependence on third parties, general market and economic conditions, technical factors, the availability of outside capital, receipt of revenues and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the company. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of such statements, and we disclaim any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement.

For more information please contact: CorpHQ, Inc. Investor Relations 310-540-8851 Alan W. Silberberg or Gregg Davis aws@corphq.com or gregg@corphq.com

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050628/LATU103LOGO AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/ PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: CorpHQ, Inc.

CONTACT: Alan W Silberberg, aws@corphq.com or Gregg Davis, gregg@corphq.com, both Investor Relations of CorpHQ, Inc., +1-310-540-8851

Web site: http://www.businessofsuccess.com/radio.html

Web site: http://www.businessofsuccess.typepad.com/

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

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Statement From Dennis M. Bone, President of Verizon New Jersey on the New Jersey State Senate Approval of the Cable Choice Act (S-192)

Statement From Dennis M. Bone, President of Verizon New Jersey on the New Jersey State Senate Approval of the Cable Choice Act (S-192)

NEWARK, N.J., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The New Jersey State Senate today approved the Cable Choice Act (S-192). The bill authorizes a competitive systemwide franchise for certain providers of cable television services. As such, the bill would streamline New Jersey's 34-year-old video franchise laws and allow new entrants to compete with cable television companies. The following statement can be attributed to Dennis Bone, president of Verizon New Jersey.

"We applaud the New Jersey Senate for taking a huge step toward opening the state's cable TV market to true choice and competition. Consumers in New Jersey are one giant step closer to seeing the true benefits of competition: more choices, competitive prices and improved cable television services.

"This legislation could soon bring long-needed updates to the state's 34- year-old cable franchise laws --- laws that are out of date with technology, out of touch with consumer demands, and serve only to delay choice and competition.

"We commend Sen. Joe Doria, Sen. Anthony Bucco, Assemblyman Wilfredo Caraballo and all legislative leaders and supporters who have moved to bring rapid competition to communities and deliver significant benefits to the marketplace, municipalities and the state.

"We're optimistic the full Assembly will also approve the cable choice bill on Monday (May 22), which will finally open the New Jersey market to Verizon and potentially many additional service providers."

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.

Source: Verizon

CONTACT: Rich Young of Verizon, +1-973-649-2279, richard.j.young@verizon.com

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

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/094251.html

------- Profile: Ent

International Entertainment News

Hurray! Reports First Quarter 2006 Financial Results

Hurray! Reports First Quarter 2006 Financial Results

BEIJING, May 18 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Hurray! Holding Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ:HRAY)(NASDAQ:-)(NASDAQ:News), a leader in wireless music distribution and other wireless value-added services, artist development and music production, and wireless value-added services management software in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2006.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050314/CNM005LOGO )

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

* Total revenues: $16.6 million, growth of 3.9% quarter-over-quarter and 11.4% year-over-year

* Wireless value-added services revenues: $14.5 million, decline of 0.8% quarter-over-quarter and growth of 11.8% year-over-year

* Software and system integration services revenues: $0.6 million, decline of 54.6% quarter-over-quarter and 67.3% year-over-year

* Recorded music revenues, which are from the Company's new music development, production and distribution business: $1.5 million

* Net income: $0.9 million, decline of 69.3% quarter-over-quarter and 83.5% year-over-year

* Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure which is defined as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation): $1.6 million, decline of 43.7% quarter-over-quarter and 75.7% year-over-year

* Diluted earnings per ADS: $0.04

Commenting on the first quarter 2006 results, QD Wang, Chairman and CEO of Hurray! stated: "While we are satisfied with our revenue results which are within our previous estimate, we are disappointed with the weaker net income for the quarter due to continued weakness in our WAP business, slowdown in software business, and increased costs and operating expenses. To renew our bottomline growth, we will focus on 1) stabilizing our WAP business, 2) taking steps to ensure that we are not subject to further sanctions and penalties from the mobile operators in China, and 3) streamlining our operations to reduce costs and expenses."

BUSINESS RESULTS

Total revenues for the first quarter ended March 31, 2006 were $16.6 million, representing a 3.9% increase over $16.0 million for the preceding quarter, and an 11.4% increase from $14.9 million for the first quarter in 2005.

Total wireless value-added services revenues were $14.5 million for the first quarter of 2006, a decline of 0.8% as compared with $14.6 million in the previous quarter and growth of 11.8% as compared with $12.9 million in the first quarter of 2005.

2.5G services revenues were $7.9 million for the first quarter of 2006, representing a decrease of 6.7% as compared with $8.5 million for the previous quarter and a decrease of 15.7% as compared with $9.4 million for the first quarter of 2005.

Of 2.5G services revenues, WAP revenues were $5.6 million, a decline of 23.7% as compared with $7.3 million in the previous quarter and a decline of 40.3% as compared with $9.4 million in the first quarter 2005. The decline of WAP revenues was caused by 1) the continued weakness of China Unicom's WAP business, and 2) the negative impact of the previously disclosed sanction imposed by China Mobile. WAP revenues from China Unicom were $3.5 million for the quarter, as compared to $4.5 million in the previous quarter and $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2005. WAP revenues from China Mobile were $2.1 million for the quarter, as compared to $2.9 million in the previous quarter and $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2005.

MMS, which was fully commercially launched in the second quarter of 2005, recorded revenues of $1.4 million for the first quarter 2006, an increase of 23.0% as compared with $1.1 million in previous quarter.

Java(TM) revenues, which for the first time included consolidated revenues from Shanghai Magma Digital Technology Co., Ltd., a leading Java game developer we acquired at the end of 2005, were $0.9 million as compared with insignificant revenues in previous quarters.

2G services revenues were $6.5 million for the first quarter of 2006, representing an increase of 7.5% as compared to $6.1 million for the previous quarter and an increase of 85.0% as compared to $3.5 million for the first quarter of 2005.

Of 2G services revenues, SMS revenues were $3.1 million for the first quarter of 2006, representing an increase of 8.2% as compared with $2.8 million in the previous quarter and an increase of 34.2% as compared with $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2005.

IVR revenues increased 14.2% to $2.9 million for the first quarter of 2006, as compared with $2.6 million for the previous quarter and an increase of 135.3% as compared with $1.2 million for the first quarter of 2005.

RBT, which was launched at the end of first quarter 2005, recorded revenues of $0.5 million for the first quarter 2006, representing a decline of 23.6% as compared with $0.7 million in previous quarter.

Software and system integration services revenues were $0.6 million for the first quarter of 2006, representing a decrease of 54.6% as compared with $1.4 million for the previous quarter and a decrease of 67.3% as compared with $2.0 million for the first quarter of 2005. The quarterly decline of software revenue is a result of continued delays by the mobile operators in expanding or building out their 2.5G and 3G data infrastructure pending the issuance of 3G licenses. Software and system integration services revenues from time to time include revenue from third-party hardware sold on a no-margin, pass- through basis.

In the first quarter of 2006, our financial results also included for the first time revenues from recorded music, which represents the revenues of our controlled music companies into which we recently invested, Freeland Music and Huayi Brothers Music. In the first quarter, such revenues were $1.5 million.

Total gross margin was 35.5% for the first quarter of 2006 as compared with 41.5% for the previous quarter and 57.1% for the first quarter of 2005.

Gross margin for wireless value-added services was 34.6% for the first quarter of 2006, as compared with 36.8% in the previous quarter and 55.1% for the first quarter of 2005.

Gross margin for 2.5G services was 44.2% for the first quarter of 2006, as compared to 56.3% for the previous quarter and 56.5% for the first quarter of 2005. The decline of 2.5G gross margin resulted from the fact that 2.5G revenues declined in the quarter while cost of 2.5G services increased mainly due to 1) a previously disclosed penalty imposed by China Unicom on us in the amount of $0.4 million, and 2) the accrual of $0.7 million in cost for a contribution to a joint marketing fund established by China Unicom, of which about $0.2 million will be recurring each quarter going forward. China Unicom initiated the joint marketing fund with all major service providers in June 2005 and started drawing from the fund in 2006.

Gross margin for 2G services expanded to 23.0% for the first quarter of 2006 as revenues increased. This compares to 9.6% for the previous quarter and 51.2% for the first quarter of 2005.

Software and system integration services gross margin was 25.1% for the first quarter of 2006, as compared to 88.9% for the previous quarter and 70.4% for the first quarter of 2005, due to lower software revenues and higher revenues from third-party hardware sold on a no-margin, pass-through basis.

Recorded music gross margin was 48.6% for the first quarter of 2006.

Total gross profit was $5.9 million for the first quarter of 2006, representing a decline of 11.0% as compared with $6.6 million for the previous quarter and a decline of 30.7% as compared with $8.5 million for the first quarter of 2005.

Total operating expenses were $5.3 million for the first quarter of 2006, representing an increase of 20.6% as compared to $4.4 million for the previous quarter and an increase of 73.9% as compared to $3.0 million for the first quarter of 2005. The increase in operating expenses was mainly due to 1) $0.5 million in operating expenses consolidated from three acquired entities, Freeland Music, Huayi Brothers Music, and Shanghai Magma; 2) $0.3 million increase in the amortization of intangibles associated with the above three acquisitions; 3) $0.3 million in expenses associated with stock based compensation, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and director and officer insurance; and 4) $0.2 million in other miscellaneous one-time expenses.

Interest income for the first quarter of 2006 was $0.6 million. Income tax was $0.3 million for the first quarter of 2006.

Net income was $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2006, representing a decrease of 69.3% as compared to $3.0 million for the previous quarter, and a decrease of 83.5% as compared to $5.6 million for the first quarter of 2005. Net margin was 5.5% for the first quarter of 2006 as compared to 18.7% for the previous quarter and 37.4% for the first quarter of 2005.

Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation (adjusted EBITDA), was $1.6 million for the quarter, a decline of 43.7% as compared with $2.9 million in the previous quarter and a decline of 75.7% as compared with $6.6 million in the first quarter of 2005. Reconciliations of net income under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and adjusted EBITDA are included at the end of this release.

Fully diluted earnings per ADS were $0.04 based on a weighted average of 22.5 million diluted ADSs for the first quarter of 2006. This figure compares to $0.13 based on a weighted average of 22.4 million diluted ADSs for the previous quarter and $0.31 based on a weighted average of 17.9 million diluted ADSs for the first quarter of 2005.

As of March 31, 2006, the company had outstanding 22.3 million basic ADSs and 22.5 million fully diluted ADSs, excluding share options granted above the average market value of Hurray! stock for the quarter as their effects would have been anti-dilutive.

As of March 31, 2006, the company had $78.3 million in cash and cash equivalents.

The following tables compare key operating data for the company's wireless value-added services business for first quarter 2006 and first quarter 2005:

First Quarter 2006 Revenue Breakdown by Operator Account by Service Platform:

Unit: China China China China Total $ million Mobile Unicom Telecom Netcom

SMS $ 2.0 $ 1.1 $ -- $ -- $ 3.1 IVR 1.4 0.7 0.6 0.2 2.9 RBT 0.3 0.2 -- -- 0.5 2G Revenues 3.7 2.0 0.6 0.2 6.5 WAP 2.1 3.5 -- -- 5.6 MMS 1.3 0.1 -- -- 1.4 Java 0.9 -- -- -- 0.9 2.5G revenues 4.4 3.6 -- -- 7.9 Total $ 8.1 $ 5.6 $ 0.6 $ 0.2 $ 14.5

First Quarter 2005 Revenue Breakdown by Operator Account by Service Platform:

Unit: China China China China Total $ million Mobile Unicom Telecom Netcom

SMS $ 0.5 $ 1.8 $ -- $ -- $ 2.3 IVR 0.4 0.8 -- -- 1.2 RBT -- -- -- -- -- 2G Revenues 0.9 2.6 -- -- 3.5 WAP 2.3 7.1 -- -- 9.4 MMS -- -- -- -- -- Java -- -- -- -- -- 2.5G revenues 2.3 7.1 -- -- 9.4 Total $ 3.2 $ 9.7 $ -- $ -- $ 12.9

First Quarter 2006 Revenue Contribution % by Operator Account by Service Platform:

China China China China Total Mobile Unicom Telecom Netcom

SMS 64.7% 35.2% --% 0.1% 100.0% IVR 49.0 25.6 20.6 4.8 100.0 RBT 57.1 42.1 -- 0.8 100.0 2G Revenues 57.0 31.4 9.3 2.3 100.0 WAP 37.4 62.5 -- 0.1 100.0 MMS 95.4 4.6 -- -- 100.0 Java 100.0 -- -- -- 100.0 2.5G revenues 54.9 45.1 -- -- 100.0 Total 55.8% 38.9% 4.2% 1.0% 100.0%

First Quarter 2005 Revenue Contribution % by Operator Account by Service Platform:

China China China China Total Mobile Unicom Telecom Netcom

SMS 19.8% 80.2% --% --% 100.0% IVR 31.9 68.1 -- -- 100.0 RBT 14.3 85.7 -- -- 100.0 2G Revenues 24.1 75.9 -- -- 100.0 WAP 24.6 75.4 -- -- 100.0 MMS -- -- -- -- -- Java 100.0 -- -- -- 100.0 2.5G revenues 24.6 75.4 -- -- 100.0 Total 24.5% 75.5% --% --% 100.0%

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

Throughout 2005 and in the first quarter of 2006, Hurray! continued executing on the following strategic initiatives:

* Building balanced operator reach, emphasizing growth from China Mobile, China Telecom and China Netcom accounts;

* Establishing full wireless value-added services platforms to include WAP, MMS, Java, SMS, IVR, and RBT platforms;

* Building diversified marketing, promotion and distribution channels, emphasizing the operator-independent channels; and

* Increasing differentiated products through in-house development and partnerships, focusing on music and music related products.

In the first quarter of 2006, the company made further progress in these areas as follows:

* Wireless value-added services revenues generated from the China Mobile, China Telecom and China Netcom accounts grew 24.6% quarter-over-quarter and 179.1% year-over-year to $8.8 million for the quarter. As a percentage of total wireless value-added services revenues, they increased to 61.1% in the first quarter of 2006 from 48.7% in the previous quarter and 24.5% in the first quarter of 2005.

* Wireless value-added services revenues generated from SMS, IVR, RBT, MMS, and Java(TM) platforms grew 22.1% quarter-over-quarter and 149.3% year-over-year to $8.8 million for the quarter. As a percentage of total wireless value-added services revenues, they increased to 61.1% in the first quarter of 2006 from 49.6% in the previous quarter and 27.4% in the first quarter of 2005.

* Wireless value-added services revenues generated from operator- independent marketing, promotion and distribution such as Internet marketing alliances, direct media advertising and handset vendor partnerships reached approximately 29.0%, or $4.2 million, of total wireless value-added services revenues for the quarter, as compared with 21.7% in the previous quarter and approximately 5.0% in the first quarter of 2005.

* Music related revenues from ringtone, ringbacktone, and truetone download or playback embedded in our WAP, MMS, SMS, IVR and RBT services have grown to represent approximately 47.0%, or $6.8 million, of total wireless value-added services revenues for the quarter, as compared with 45.0% in the previous quarter and 20.0% in the first quarter of 2005.

* In the first quarter of 2006, Hurray! and Huayi Brothers Music partnered with Yahoo! China in promoting Jane Zhang's first EP through Huayi Brothers Music's offline channels, Yahoo! China's Internet platform, and Hurray!'s wireless platforms. This marketing campaign alone generated record breaking offline EP sales of 300,000 units, or $0.5 million in revenues, at Huayi Brothers Music in the quarter.

* Total music related revenues, representing revenues from our recorded music and our wireless value-added services with music content, were $8.3 million or about 52% of total content services revenues for the quarter.

"Hurray! has significantly improved its revenue mix and fundamentally resolved its business concentration issues within one year. In addition, we have made remarkable progress toward becoming a leading digital music production and distribution house in China. Going forward, we will drive for sustained growth in both revenues and profitability," commented Mr. Wang.

Business Outlook

For the second quarter 2006, Hurray! expects its total consolidated revenues to be between $16.5 and $17.5 million.

Share Repurchase Program

In April 2006, Hurray!'s shareholders authorized the repurchase of up to $15 million worth of ADSs of the company.

As of May 19, 2006, Hurray! has put in place a scheduled purchase plan following 10B5-1 and other SEC rules and regulations and is ready to execute share repurchase program pursuant to such authorization.

Cost Reduction Program

To remain competitive in an operating environment that is experiencing continued margin erosion, Hurray! will start implementing cost-cutting programs to reduce headcount and operating expenses from its existing business (excluding newly acquired businesses) over the next two quarters, effective immediately. To kick off the program, CEO QD Wang and CFO Jesse Liu will take 25% reduction in salaries for the rest of 2006, starting from the month of June 2006.

Note to the Financial Information

The financial information in this press release has been extracted from unaudited financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Conference Call

The company will host a conference call to discuss the first quarter results at

Time: 9:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time on May 18, 2006 or 9:00 am Beijing/Hong Kong Time on May 19, 2006

The dial-in number: 866-203-3436 (US) 617-213-8849 (international) Password: 93285973

A replay of the call will be available from May 18, 2006 until May 25, 2006 as follows:

888-286-8010 (US) 617-801-6888 (international) PIN number: 96873334

Additionally, a live and archived web cast of this call will be available at: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/playerlink.zhtml?c=187793&s=wm&e=1301604 or http://www.hurray.com/english/home.htm

About Hurray! Holding Co., Ltd.

Hurray! is a leading provider of music and music-related products such as ringtones, ringbacktones, and truetones to mobile users in China through SMS, IVR, RBT, WAP, MMS and Java wireless value-added services platforms over mobile networks and through the Internet. The company also provides a wide range of other wireless value-added services to mobile users in China, including games, pictures and animation, community, and other media and entertainment services.

In addition, Hurray! is a leader in artist development, music production and offline and online distribution in China through its majority controlled record labels Huayi Brothers Music and Hurray! Freeland Music.

Hurray! also designs, develops, sells and supports a service provisioning and management software for mobile operators in China to manage wireless value-added services.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward- looking statements by terminology such as "will," "expects," "believes" and similar statements. The accuracy of these statements may be impacted by a number of business risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated, including risks related to: continued competitive pressures in China's wireless value-added services market; changes in technology and consumer demand in this market; the risk that Hurray! may not be able to control its expenses in future periods; Hurray!'s ability to succeed in the music development, production and distribution business, with which it has only limited experience; changes in the policies of the mobile operators in China or the laws governing wireless value-added services; the state of Hurray!'s relationships with China's mobile operators and the risk that Hurray! may be subject to further sanctions and penalties from them in future periods; and other risks outlined in Hurray!'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its registration statement on Form F-1, as amended. Hurray! does not undertake any obligation to update this forward-looking information, except as required under applicable law.

Hurray! Holding Co., Ltd. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

As of As of March 31, December 31, 2006 2005(1) (Unaudited) (in thousands of U.S. dollars) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $78,277 $75,959 Accounts receivable 14,011 18,089 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,386 1,859 Amount due from related parties 79 -- Inventories 394 437 Total current assets 96,147 96,344

Deposits and other non-current assets 257 1,502 Property and equipment, net 2,427 2,536 Acquired intangible assets, net 5,753 3,312 Goodwill 27,422 23,026 Non-current deferred tax assets 154 140 Total assets $132,160 $126,860

Liabilities and shareholders' equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $4,451 $3,731 Acquisition payable 932 154 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 3,094 3,210 Amount due to a related party -- 202 Income tax payable 328 90 Deferred tax liability 363 248 Total current liabilities 9,168 7,635

Minority interests 2,979 605

Shareholders' equity: Ordinary shares 113 111 Additional paid-in capital 77,452 77,336 Retained earnings 40,821 39,899 Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,627 1,274 Total shareholders' equity 120,013 118,620 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $132,160 $126,860

(1) December 31, 2005 balances were extracted from audited financial statements.

Hurray! Holding Co., Ltd. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

For the three months ended

March 31, December 31, March 31, 2006 2005 2005

(in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)

Revenues: 2G services $6,533 $6,078 $3,531 2.5G services 7,928 8,496 9,404 Software and system integration services 646 1,424 1,978 Recorded music 1,507 -- -- Total revenues 16,614 15,998 14,913

Cost of revenues: 2G services 5,031 5,492 1,722 2.5G services 4,420 3,715 4,091 Software and system integration services 484 158 586 Recorded Music 775 -- -- Total cost of revenues 10,710 9,365 6,399

Gross profit 5,904 6,633 8,514

Operating expenses: Product development (including stock-based compensation expense of $5, $5 and $nil for the periods ended March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2005, respectively) 639 697 510

Selling and marketing (including stock-based compensation expense of $73, $10 and $nil for the periods ended March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2005, respectively) 2,821 2,791 1,985

General and administrative (including stock-based compensation expense of $13, $23 and $nil for the periods ended March 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2005, respectively) 1,810 882 536

Total operating expenses 5,270 4,370 3,031

Income from operations 634 2,263 5,483

Other income, net 174 7 636 Interest income, net 619 553 20 Income tax expense (323) 174 (559) Minority interests (182) -- -- Net income $922 $2,997 $5,580

Earnings per share, basic $0.0004 $0.0014 $0.0032 Earnings per ADS, basic $0.04 $0.14 $0.32 Earnings per share, diluted $0.0004 $0.0013 $0.0031 Earnings per ADS, diluted $0.04 $0.13 $0.31

Shares used in calculating basic earnings per share 2,229,854,010 2,219,045,975 1,742,740,800 ADSs used in calculating basic earnings per ADS 22,298,540 21,190,460 17,427,408 Shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share 2,245,876,853 2,243,429,037 1,787,720,156 ADSs used in calculating diluted earnings per ADS 22,458,769 22,434,290 17,877,202

The use of non-GAAP financial measures:

To supplement its consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States, Hurray! uses non-GAAP measures of operating results and net income, including in this press release earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and before stock-based compensation expense ("adjusted EBITDA"), which are adjusted from results based on GAAP to exclude certain expenses. Hurray!'s management believes the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses that are not indicative of the Company's core operating results. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparisons to Hurray!'s historical performance and our competitors' operating results. Hurray! believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. The presentation of this additional financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. Please see below financial table for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA.

Reconciliation of net income under GAAP to adjusted EBITDA for the following periods:

For the three months ended

Adjusted EBITDA: March 31, December 31, March 31, 2006 2005 2005

(Unaudited)

Net income $922 $2,997 $5,580 Add: Interest expenses -- -- 27 Income tax expenses 323 55 559 Depreciation and amortization 892 552 513 Non-cash stock compensation expense 91 38 -- Less: Interest income (619) (553) (47) Income tax credit -- (229) -- Adjusted EBITDA $1,609 $2,860 $6,632

For more information, please contact: Phoebe Meng Investor Relations Manager Tel: 8610-6518-8989 x 6806 yfmeng@hurray.com.cn

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050314/CNM005LOGO Source: Hurray! Holding Co., Ltd.

CONTACT: Phoebe Meng, Investor Relations Manager of Hurray! Holding Co., Ltd., +8610-6518-8989 x 6806, or yfmeng@hurray.com.cn

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

------- Profile: Ent