New York Man's 5-Year Fight for Service Takes 1st Place in Worst Cable Nightmare Contest; 'Cable Dragon You Down?' Web site Theme Rings in New Year

New York Man's 5-Year Fight for Service Takes 1st Place in Worst Cable Nightmare Contest; 'Cable Dragon You Down?' Web site Theme Rings in New Year

INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Think your wait for the cable guy was too long? Count yourself lucky you aren't David Shapiro, who waged a five-year long battle that took him from town to state government offices before he could get affordable cable television service at his New York home.

"I felt like I was the only one in the world left on dial-up," said Shapiro, who by day works on supercomputers for IBM but until October depended on spotty dial-up connections to reach the electronic world.

Shapiro's saga earned him an iPod Nano and the dubious honor of submitting December's worst cable horror story to http://www.mycablenightmare.com/ , a Web site that offers frustrated consumers a forum to vent about bad cable TV service. It offers the monthly contest as a consolation prize for those who have suffered the most. The Web site's current theme, "Cable Dragon You Down?" wonders if 2006 will be The Year of The Cable Rate Increase (Again.)

Consumers for Cable Choice (C4CC), a national alliance of individuals and groups working for cable TV competition to control prices and to improve program offerings and customer service, sponsors the cable nightmare Web site.

"David's story is a clear example of why we need competition in the cable TV market right away," said Robert K. Johnson, C4CC president. "Incumbent cable companies have no incentive to value consumers, and as a result, rates are skyrocketing while customer service is plummeting. Competition will reverse that course."

Shapiro, one of the newest members of C4CC, learned firsthand about the need for regulatory reform in 2000 when he sought cable service at his home, which is in the town of Esopus near the Highland town border. Shapiro has a Highland address, but cable service was available only through Esopus. In separate offers over five years, the company authorized to serve his neighborhood offered to install cable at Shapiro's house for fees ranging from more than $18,000 to nearly $26,500. The Highland-based cable company would install for free, but it didn't have an Esopus franchise and as such, couldn't legally make the connection.

Frustrated and unwilling to pay such a premium for installation, Shapiro repeatedly appealed to town officials and the New York State Public Service Commission (Case No. 427808). Finally, the Town of Esopus applied for a second cable franchise and won the state approval it needed to offer competition.

In October 2005, Shapiro finally got cable service through the new provider. His installation cost: zero dollars. He bought the company's triple play of Internet/phone/television service, eliminating three land lines for phone service, along with his monthly dial-up Internet Service Provider fee. Total savings were over $100 month.

"I wouldn't have been as frustrated by my lack of high-speed access if the entire area around me also couldn't get it," Shapiro said. "But around here, almost everyone else already had high speed Internet service. At work I was the only one stuck on dial-up service."

Johnson said the Web site compilation of cable nightmares is designed to demonstrate to policy makers just how badly reform is needed. "If you think Dave's experience is bad -- and it is -- look at our Top Ten Cable Nightmares of 2005," Johnson said, referring to the Worst of the Worst list from 2005 available by contacting Cheryl Reed at cherylreed@synergy-mg.com .

About Consumers for Cable Choice, Inc.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind. Consumers for Cable Choice, Inc. is a national alliance of consumer advocacy groups, private citizens and others who are committed to promoting maximum choice for consumers in cable, video and broadband services. Consumers for Cable Choice uses a combination of education and grassroots advocacy to impact change, which will result in a deregulated and pro-consumer market that stimulates fair price, more choices and better service options in the cable television industry. President Robert K. Johnson has been advocating for policies that benefit residential and small business consumers for more than 20 years. To learn more, visit http://www.consumers4choice.org/ or http://www.mycablenightmare.com/ .

Source: Consumers for Cable Choice, Inc.

CONTACT: Cheryl Reed, +1-317-446-5240, cherylreed@synergy-mg.com , for
Consumers for Cable Choice, Inc.

Web site: http://www.consumers4choice.org/
http://www.mycablenightmare.com/

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Stevie Wonder, Multi-Platinum, Award Winning Recording Artist Performs at 2006 Monster Retail Awards

Stevie Wonder, Multi-Platinum, Award Winning Recording Artist Performs at 2006 Monster Retail Awards

Attn: Media
News and Photo Tip for January 6, 2006

WHO: Universal Motown Records Multi-Platinum, Award Winning Artist and
Creative Visionary, Stevie Wonder

WHAT: Stevie Wonder salutes top Electronic Retail Outlets through a rare
performance at the 2006 Monster Retail Awards. The leading
manufacturer of high-performance cable and power for home theater,
car, and Apple iPods electronics, MONSTER CABLE, gathers government
officials, top executives from Consumer Electronics, Music and
Entertainment Industries as well as, celebrities to celebrate the
achievements of the top Electronic Retail Outlets.

For over 25 years, The Monster Retail Awards has been the most well
attended event of the International CES Conference, and has included past
performances by superstar performers such as: Carlos Santana and Rod
Stewart.

WHEN: FRIDAY, JANUARY 6
8:00 pm-9:30 pm

Special press arrival at 7:30 pm for Red Carpet Photos and Interviews

WHERE: PARIS LAS VEGAS HOTEL
PARIS BALLROOM
3655 Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702)-946-7000

Contacts: For Monster Cable For T3 Agency
Daniel Graham Syreta J.Oglesby
(415)-716-2795 (201)-658-3711
dgraham@monstercable.comSyretaOglesby@aol.com

PRNewswire -- Dec. 30

Source: Monster Cable

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

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C I Host to Host Major New Year's Eve Webcam of UNICEF Fundraisers

C I Host to Host Major New Year's Eve Webcam of UNICEF Fundraisers

Global Online Auctions of VIP Music Celebrity Packages to Help Children

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- C I Host will partner with Involved, Inc., to host a New Year's Eve webcam of the New York City and Los Angeles segments of a worldwide online auction of VIP packages linked to the top DJs and clubs in the world.

Proceeds from the event, which includes donated concert tickets and visits with such celebrities as the world-renowned DJs Carl Cox, Sander Kleinenberg and Sasha, will go to benefit UNICEF.

"This is a way that we can engage the good will of a generation that considers both music and the Internet to be integral parts of their lives," said Christopher Faulkner, CEO of C I Host. "These young men and women probably aren't reached through traditional appeals for help, but an online auction of events they love is a perfect way to give them the opportunity to help the children of the world."

Involved, Inc., creator of Involved Events, is dedicated to organizing sophisticated and stylish events and online auctions featuring the top DJs in the world -- all to raise money for those in need.

The idea for the auction came from Shari and Steve Coe, who wanted a way to help victims of the Asian tsunami and U.S. hurricanes. They chose UNICEF because of its global reach and reputation of having a large portion of donations actually reach those who need it.

"Because we know many people in the dance music industry through Sasha (Steve's son), we decided to put on a gig," Steve said. "That led to the idea of an online auction, and when people heard that, the top DJs and clubs in the world all started to get involved."

UNICEF encouraged the Coes to continue raising funds, he said, because "we had found a way to reach young people, who usually don't donate to organizations. We found a way that was cool and fit their lifestyles. They could do something they loved doing and the money was going to a good cause."

C I Host became involved when Involved needed a web hosting company that could handle the massive amount of traffic that the website where the auction was coordinated was receiving. Conversations between Faulkner and the Coes led to the idea of a webcast of two of the major sites of the New Years Eve events.

"This seemed like the perfect match for C I Host because Shari and Steve have created a first-of-its kind experience that is perfectly tuned to the online generation," Faulkner said. "At the same time, this helps families who have lived through some of the worst natural disasters in recent memory."

The New Year's Eve webcasts will be of Carl Cox of the UK from Pacha NYC and Sander Kleinenberg of the Netherlands from Avalon, Los Angeles.

Among the groups who have donated VIP packages for the auction are the Pacha NYC nightclub, Fat Boy Slim, performing New Years Eve in Bondi Beach, Australia, and Paul Van Dyk who will be at the LA Sports Arena.

Sasha will be performing at the Kristal Glam Club in Bucharest on New Years Eve. One mother who had already given her daughter airfare and tickets to the show when she heard about the VIP auction, also won the auction so her daughter can "meet, have a photo op and hang out," with one of her favorite performers, Steve said.

"That's what it's all about -- it's the generosity of the whole industry getting behind this, people doing something they enjoy and all money going to help children in need," he said.

C I Host, with 250,000 clients in nearly 100 countries all over the world, has a long history of thinking globally and contributing time and resources.

"We are still in the infancy of the potential of the Internet," Faulkner said. "When we can find ways for it to help others and improve their lives on our increasingly interconnected planet, that is a wonderful way to start a New Year."

About C I Host

C I Host (www.cihost.com), based in the Dallas/Fort Worth market, is a Web hosting and Internet solutions provider, domain name registrar (DNR) and application service provider (ASP), serving 250,000 individual consumers and businesses in 192 countries worldwide. The company creates business-class Web hosting solutions for the small- and medium-enterprise (SME) market, with the broadest portfolio of managed hosting and value-added services in the industry. C I Host has been consistently ranked among the Top 5 Web hosting companies out of 16,000 around the globe. C I Host's turn-key services range from initial domain name registration to custom dedicated servers for e-commerce. C I Host is headquartered from its main facility and Network Operations Center in Bedford, Texas, and the company operates diverse data centers in Los Angeles, Chicago and Newark.

Contact:
Tamra Freedman
Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations
888.868.9931
tamra@cihost.com

Source: C I Host

CONTACT: Tamra Freedman, Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations
of C I Host, +1-888-868-9931, tamra@cihost.com

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

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99Bill and E.E Media to Launch Live Online Broadcast Of 'Super Girl New Year Concert'

99Bill and E.E Media to Launch Live Online Broadcast Of 'Super Girl New Year Concert'

BEIJING, Dec. 30 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- 99Bill Corporation ( http://www.99bill.com/ ), the first company in China offering email and mobile phone number based online payment platform and solutions, announced today that the company will jointly launch live online broadcast of ''Super Girl New Year Concert'' with Shanghai E.E. Media Co. Ltd. Millions of China internet users will be able to enjoy the 5 hours show of the ''Super Girl'' stars over the Internet at the 2006 New Year Eve.

Shanghai E.E. Media Co., Ltd is a professional entertainment and media company covering film & TV production, records distribution, entertainment program planning and talent agency. ''Super Girls'' is one of the most successful TV programs E.E. Media developed in 2005, and the grand final show reached about 400 millions TV viewers in China. ''Super Girl New Year Concert'' is another major event planed by E.E. Media to host many the ''Super Girls'' stars, as well as leading musicians from Hong Kong and Taiwan, for the celebration of 2006 New Year. 99Bill will be the exclusive partner to roll out the online live show for the concert with leading P2P video streaming operators in China, and enable millions of ''Super Girl'' fans and internet users to view the full event online.

Oliver Kwan, CEO of 99Bill said, ''As the leading third party payment services company in China, we are continuing to explore new business and service with our partners by leveraging our payment platform. Our partnership with E.E. Media is an excellent project toward the direction.''

The total transaction volume of Internet products and services, as well as wireless value added services in China, reached USD2.8 billion in 2004. However, most of these transactions were conducted through legacy and high cost payment means, such as C.O.D, postal wire, pre-paid cards and bill collection service by mobile operators. Now on the 99Bill platform, anyone or any business with a verified email address or a mobile number can accept debit card and credit card payment in real time and send and receive payments easily, securely and promptly without exposing the recipient's personal information such as bank account, name and address. In addition, Internet users and business customers can choose from 99Bill's diversified product portfolio and innovative merchant tools to meet their personal and business online payment needs.

About 99Bill Corporation

99Bill Corporation is the first company in China offering email and mobile phone number based online payment platform and solutions. The Company's founding members are seasoned entrepreneurs in China's Internet industry and have extensive experience in product development, technology innovation, marketing and capital financing. The company's products and services aspire to provide secured, integrated and confidential payment platform, as well as innovative payment and merchant tools to e-commerce operators, Internet and wireless service providers and individual users. 99Bill's payment services currently cover over 2.7 billion domestic and international debit and credit cards, as well as support bank wire, postal wire and pre-paid card transactions nationwide. 99Bill is currently partnering with leading domestic and international Internet companies to enable payment collections for various Internet and wireless applications and will continue to introduce new products and services to the market in the near future. For further information, please visit http://www.99bill.com/ .

About E.E. Media

Shanghai E.E. Media Co., Ltd is an innovative company of the China media industry. It was born under the background of the ''general entertainment'' cooperation between the professional entertainment production and the media company. E.E. Media gathered the best professionals and the most talented actors and actress, and covers film & TV production, record publication, entertainment activities planning, performance planning and talent agency, etc. For further information, please visit: http://eemedia.coolpo.com/ .

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Olive Zhou or Janet Mu
99Bill Corporation
Tel: +86-10-8454-9510 x802/809
Fax: +86-10-8454-9515
Email: ozhou@99bill.com or jmu@99bill.com

Ms. Li Yan or Zeng Mingxuan
Beijing Proway-Consulting Information Service Co.
Tel: +86-10-8284-5139 / 37 - 203 / 215
Fax: +86-10-8284-4520
Email: liy@proway-consulting.com

Source: 99Bill Corporation

CONTACT: Ms. Olive Zhou or Janet Mu of 99Bill Corporation, +86-10-8454-
9510 x802/809, or fax, +86-10-8454-9515, or ozhou@99bill.com or jmu@99bill.com;
or Ms. Li Yan / Zeng Mingxuan of Beijing Proway-Consulting Information Service
Co., +86-10-8284-5139, or fax, +86-10-8284-4520, or liy@proway-consulting.com,
for 99Bill Corp.

Web Site: http://eemedia.coolpo.com/
http://www.99bill.com/

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PR Newswire Broadcast Minute for Friday, December 30, 2005

PR Newswire Broadcast Minute for Friday, December 30, 2005

To hear a Podcast of the PR Newswire Broadcast Minute and other MultiVu radio content, cut and paste this URL into your podcast application (e.g. iTunes, iPodder): http://feeds.feedburner.com/prnewswire_bcm

Sizeable Minorities Still Believe Saddam Hussein Had Strong Links to Al Qaeda, Helped Plan 9/11 and Had Weapons of Mass Destruction

More than four years after the attacks of September 11th, 2001, many U-S adults still believe some of the justifications for the invasion of Iraq, which have now been discredited, according to a new Harris Poll. For example, forty-one percent of U-S adults believe that Saddam Hussein had strong links to Al Qaeda. Twenty-two percent of adults believe that Saddam Hussein helped plan and support the hijackers who attacked the United States on September 11th. Twenty-six percent of adults believe that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction when the U-S invaded, and twenty-four percent of all adults believe that several of the hijackers who attacked the United States on September 11th were Iraqis. However, all of these beliefs and others have declined sharply since the questions were asked in February 2005.

Full story at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=3110735

9 Percent of Adolescents Experienced a Major Depressive Episode in the Past Year, Survey Finds

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says about two-point-two million adolescents ages twelve to seventeen experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year. These adolescents were more than twice as likely to have used illicit drugs in the past month than their peers who had not experienced a major depressive episode.

Full story at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=3110762

Get a Better Sex Life in the New Year

How many people have vowed to get a better sex life this New Year? Or perhaps just get more sleep in the New Year? According to Dr. Michael Gelb, one of the nation's leading specialists in sleep apnea and snoring, people who snore have less active sex lives than those who don't. Out of more than one thousand men and women surveyed, eighty-one percent of the partners of snorers said they don't get a good night's sleep and are constantly tired, making them less likely to have the energy for intimacy.

Full story at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=3110777

Myvesta Survey Shows Americans Paring Down Credit Card Debt

According to the annual Credit Card Survey conducted by Myvesta, a nonprofit consumer education organization, the average amount of credit card debt carried by individuals has declined by eleven-point-four percent. The average American is now carrying two thousand three hundred twenty eight dollars in credit card debt, down from two thousand six hundred twenty seven dollars in 2004. Individuals also haven't added any new credit cards to their wallets in the past year. Americans still hold an average of two-point-nine cards each, the same as in 2004.

Full story at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=3110774

The PR Newswire Broadcast Minute is available by email at no charge to members of the media who sign up for PR Newswire for Journalists, http://www.prnewswire.com/media . For more information, contact Rob Fisher at 408-365-8793 or email rob.fisher@prnewswire.com

PRNewswire -- Dec. 30

Source: PR Newswire

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CareerBuilder.com Awarded Funniest Commercial of the Year

CareerBuilder.com Awarded Funniest Commercial of the Year

CHICAGO, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The votes are in and the monkeys win! CareerBuilder.com, the nation's largest online job site, took the top spot in TBS's annual countdown of the "Funniest Commercials of the Year." An estimated 3 million-plus viewers tuned in last night to see the results of TBS's online poll, where voters selected their favorites from the ten most popular humorous TV commercials of 2005. CareerBuilder.com's "working with monkeys" ad, which features a human employee working in an office inhabited by chimpanzee co-workers, was ranked number one, rounding up a series of kudos the job site received for its national marketing campaign this year.

CareerBuilder.com's TV commercials, created by Cramer-Krasselt, made their debut at the 2005 Super Bowl and quickly became a crowd favorite. The ads recently scored among the Top Ads of 2005 in USA Today's end-of-the-year Ad Track Survey, which measures the "likability" of ads among the public. CareerBuilder.com's spots were rated the fifth most popular overall and in the top ten for male, female and young adults demographics. Earlier this year, its Super Bowl spots landed in the top ten of USA Today's Super Bowl Ad Meter and other polls including FOX Sports, ESPN, TiVo, Ad Bowl, Adweek and more.

"The success of our creative is driven by the right blend of humor with a memorable message that resonates with a wide audience," said Richard Castellini, Vice President of Consumer Marketing for CareerBuilder.com. "Everyone can relate to working with a bunch of monkeys on some level. We appreciate the honors and look forward to building on the momentum we created this year in 2006 as we tackle the Super Bowl and other major events once again."

CareerBuilder.com's 2005 marketing campaign, valued at more than $200 million, produced record gains in brand awareness, traffic, job postings and revenue growth. The company is getting ready to launch a new series of ads in the New Year that is designed to further increase their market penetration and, of course, keep them laughing.

About CareerBuilder.com

CareerBuilder.com is the nation's largest online job site with more than 20 million unique visitors and over 1 million jobs. Owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI), Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB), and Knight Ridder, Inc. (NYSE:KRI), the company offers a vast online and print network to help job seekers connect with employers. CareerBuilder.com powers the career centers for more than 800 partners that reach national, local, industry and niche audiences. These include more than 165 newspapers and leading portals such as America Online and MSN. More than 50,000 of the nation's top employers take advantage of CareerBuilder.com's easy job postings, 15 million-plus resumes, Diversity Channel and more. Millions of job seekers visit the site every month to search for opportunities by industry, location, company and job type, sign up for automatic e-mail job alerts, and get advice on job hunting and career management. For more information about CareerBuilder.com products and services, visit http://www.careerbuilder.com/ .

Media Contact:
CareerBuilder.com
Jennifer Sullivan
(773) 527-1164
Jennifer.Sullivan@careerbuilder.com

Source: CareerBuilder.com

CONTACT: Jennifer Sullivan of CareerBuilder.com, +1-773-527-1164,
Jennifer.Sullivan@careerbuilder.com

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

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World Premiere - Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films' Glory Road

World Premiere - Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films' Glory Road

Thursday, January 5th at the Pantages Theatre

WHO: From the film: Josh Lucas, Derek Luke, Austin Nichols, Jon
Voight, Evan Jones, Schin A. S. Kerr, Alphonso McAuley, Mehcad
Brooks, Sam Jones III, Damaine Radcliff, Emily Deschanel, Al
Shearer, Red West, Kip Weeks, Mitch Eakins, Alejandro Hernandez,
James Olivard, Tatyana Ali, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and
director James Gartner.

From the 1966 Texas Western Miners: Jerry Armstong, Orsten Artis,
Louis Baudoin, Willie Cager, Harry Flournoy, Mrs. (Tina) Bobby
Joe Hill, Moe Iba, David Lattin, Dick Myers, Eddie Mullens, Togo
Railey, Fred (Freddy Joe) Schwake, Nevil Shed, Willie Worsley and
Coach Don Haskins.

Special Guests: Governor of Texas Rick Perry, James Worthy,
Allen Iverson, Lee Nailon, Louis Williams, Kyle Korver, John
Salmons, Steven Hunter, Mychal Thompson, Eric Dickerson, Penny
Toler, Derek Lowe, Ann Meyers-Drysdale, Milton Bradley, Sweet Lou
Johnson, Steve Lyons, Dennis Gilbert, Bruce Jenner, Dwight
Stones, Kim Delaney, Linda Thompson, Josh Braaten, Steve Hartman,
Vic Jacobs and more ...

WHAT: To celebrate the World Premiere of WALT DISNEY PICTURES AND JERRY
BRUCKHEIMER FILMS' GLORY ROAD.

GLORY ROAD, from Walt Disney Pictures', in association with Jerry
Bruckheimer Films, is based on the inspiring true story of the
underdog Texas Western basketball team whose drive to win
superseded some of the most bruising and difficult challenges
during a point in U.S. history of massive cultural and
philosophical turmoil. It was a time when, against all odds, the
first all African American starting lineup of players took the
country by storm and, in a surprise turn of events, won the 1966
NCAA tournament title. Josh Lucas stars as Hall of Famer Don
Haskins, the passionately dedicated college basketball coach that
changed the history of basketball and, in turn, helped change the
course of history.

WHEN: Thursday, January 5, 2006 WHERE: Pantages Theatre
5:00PM Press Arrivals 6233 Hollywood Boulevard
6:00PM Celebrity Arrivals Hollywood, CA 90028
7:00PM Screening

YOUR COVERAGE IS INVITED
YOU MUST CALL FOR CREDENTIALS

WALT DISNEY PICTURES AND JERRY BRUCKHEIMER FILMS'
GLORY ROAD
Opens Friday, January 13, 2006

PRNewswire -- Dec. 29

Source: Walt Disney Pictures

CONTACT: Domestic press, D. Candelaria, +1-818-560-4814, or
International press, M. Todd, +1-818-972-3569, both of Walt Disney Pictures

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Interfaith Celebration Raises Spirits in the Shadow of the Louisiana Superdome

Interfaith Celebration Raises Spirits in the Shadow of the Louisiana Superdome

/CAUTION - ADVANCE FOR RELEASE AT 6:00 A.M., SUNDAY, JAN. 1/

Religious Leaders, First Responders, Local Artists and Children Signal Hope for a New New Orleans and Louisiana

/ADVANCE/ NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- At a symbolic site where thousands rode out Hurricane Katrina's wrath, religious leaders welcomed 2006 on New Year's morning with Louisiana Rebirth: An Interfaith Celebration to proclaim the rebirth of New Orleans and Louisiana.

"January 1st, 2006 marks a new beginning, a rebirth for our State and this great city of New Orleans," said Louisiana Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu. "This is a celebration like no other in history, as it follows four months after being struck by the worst natural disaster in our nation's history. In this truly symbolic gesture of faith and hope we want to recognize this American Tragedy, with a truly American response and thank those whose compassion, support and spirits have lifted our hearts during this tough time," continued Landrieu.

The four months preceding New Year's Day 2006 have defied human dignity, the spirit of a community and the will of a nation. The special service, inspired by faith, celebrated the enduring strength of those dedicated to the rebirth of Louisiana.

"As we enter this New Year we come together, with God as we rebuild the city of New Orleans. This city is known for its diversity and I cannot think of a better way to celebrate our rebirth than a gathering of diverse individuals with the mutual hope that our state will be rebuilt," said Reverend Lois J. Dejean, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church.

One of the first musical tributes as residents returned to the storm damaged city was performed at New Orleans' Christ Church Cathedral by noted Jazz musician and Louisiana Cultural Ambassador, Irvin Mayfield, who repeated a soulful rendition of Just a Closer Walk with Thee, a tribute to Mayfield's father, one of over 1,000 New Orleanians who lost their lives in the tragedy. "This is both a solemn and joyful unification of spirit that calls out to a nation to help us turn our hopes into a new reality," said Dean David duPlantier of Christ Church.

The hour-long commemoration was highlighted by well known gospel and spiritual hymns, and the presence of well known local faith leaders including, Pastor Charles Southall (First Emmanuel Baptist Church), Bishop Paul Morton (Paul S. Morton Ministries), Bishop Roger Morin (Archdiocese of New Orleans), Dr. Gregg Thomas (Christian Faith Temple), Dean David duPlantier (Christ Church Cathedral) and Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn (Temple Sinai), who officiated the celebration. The service also featured the voices of first responders, evacuees, musicians, artists and children whose lives were interrupted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita including musical performances by Irvin Mayfield and Ronald Markham as well as the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Choir. The celebration will be held in the shadow of the Superdome outside of Gate C connecting the New Orleans Centre and the Superdome.

"We are proud to host this celebration at the Louisiana Superdome," said Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu. "The Superdome is emblematic of our state's spirit of hospitality and has hosted some of America's most memorable sports, entertainment, cultural and special events. As we gather to pause and reflect on the damage to our state, we also look forward to again, greeting visitors from all over the world to this most unique destination."

The Louisiana Rebirth Plan, launched by Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu and Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism Secretary Angele Davis, outlines the process to rebuild Louisiana to worldwide preeminence as a top tourist destination, make Louisiana's Cultural Economy the engine of economic and social rebirth, build better lives and livelihoods than before for all Louisiana's people, and make Louisiana's recovery the standard for high performance, accountability, and ethical behavior.

To learn more about the Louisiana Rebirth Plan or to download a copy, please visit http://www.crt.state.la.us/ .

CONTACT: Judy Morse of the Lieutenant Governor's Office, +1-225-342-8153; or for National reporters: Sue Kaplan +1-337-988-0966 or Louisiana reporters: Jeanne Nathan, +1-917-232-4522, both for the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism

Source: Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism

CONTACT: Judy Morse of the Lieutenant Governor's Office,
+1-225-342-8153; or for National reporters: Sue Kaplan +1-337-988-0966 or
Louisiana reporters: Jeanne Nathan, +1-917-232-4522, both for the Louisiana
Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism

Web site: http://www.crt.state.la.us/

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National Arbitration Forum Issues Decision on Pearl Jam's Web Address

National Arbitration Forum Issues Decision on Pearl Jam's Web Address

A National Arbitration Forum arbitrator rules in favor of alternative rock band Pearl Jam regarding the Internet domain name pearljams.com.

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Arbitration Forum announced today that a ruling has been issued in favor of alternative rock band Pearl Jam regarding the rights to pearljams.com.

Pearl Jam, A General Partnership, represented by Leslie C. Ruiter of Stokes Lawrence, P.S., filed a complaint electronically with the National Arbitration Forum on November 8, 2005, asserting legal rights to the domain name pearljams.com. The address was registered with Domain Systems, Inc. by the Respondent, Vertical Axis, Inc. c/o Domain Administrator, on August 25, 2005. The panel found that the domain was being used without permission to refer Internet users to a variety of commercial web sites unrelated to Pearl Jam, including links to "Sponsored Results for Eddie Vedder," "Eddie Vedder at Amazon.com, Pearl Jam and Eddie Vedder-$9.99 and Eddie Vedder on Yahoo!Music," and, later, to categorized links, including links to "Freshwater Pearl," "Jam," and "Eddie Vedder," as well as "chess," "music," "Fischer," "ICC," and "Blitz."

Ruling in Pearl Jam's favor, National Arbitration Forum arbitrator Bruce E. Meyerson concluded that pearljams.com was "confusingly similar" to the PEARL JAM trademark, which was registered on August 15, 1995 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Meyerson also found that Vertical Axis, Inc. did not have legitimate rights to, or interest in, the disputed Web address, and was using the address in bad faith for its own commercial gain. Vertical Axis, Inc. did not submit a response in the case.

The National Arbitration Forum administers more than 1,000 Internet domain dispute resolutions similar to that of the Pearl Jam dispute each year under the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The domain name dispute resolution process is a popular alternative to lengthy and expensive trademark lawsuits.

A copy of the decision, Pearl Jam, A General Partnership v. Vertical Axis, Inc. c/o Domain Administrator, is available for viewing on the National Arbitration Forum website at: http://www.arb-forum.com/domains/decisions/593325.htm .

About the National Arbitration Forum

The National Arbitration Forum is one of the world's leading providers of alternative dispute resolution solutions, including arbitration and mediation, representing a distinguished panel of over 1,500 attorneys and retired judges in the U.S. and in 29 countries. Founded in 1986, the National Arbitration Forum administers more than 50,000 cases annually. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the National Arbitration Forum also has offices located in New Jersey and Los Angeles. Additional information is available at the National Arbitration Forum's website at http://www.arbitration-forum.com/ .

Source: National Arbitration Forum

CONTACT: Kimberly Johnson of National Arbitration Forum,
+1-952-516-6478, kjohnson@arb-forum.com

Web site: http://www.arbitration-forum.com/

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PARADE Magazine Poll Finds: Prez Bush and Paris Hilton Have Something in Common; Oprah is Biggest Brainiac; 'Celebrity Superlatives'

PARADE Magazine Poll Finds: Prez Bush and Paris Hilton Have Something in Common; Oprah is Biggest Brainiac; 'Celebrity Superlatives'

NEW YORK, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Who made the grade in celebrity superlatives? Which hook-up of '05 shocked Americans most? PARADE asked Americans about pop culture and entertainment in 2005. Here are highlights:

* What do Paris Hilton and President Bush have in common? If Americans
were on Survivor with a group of celebrities, 35% would send Paris
packing first. But trailing close behind, with 33% of the vote, is
George W. Tom Cruise got 12%; Britney Spears, 9%; and Jessica
Simpson, 7%.

* Smartest celeb is Oprah Winfrey, with 42% of the vote. She beat Donald
Trump, 24%, Jon Stewart, 11%, Brooke Shields, 9%, Bono, 8%, and
Madonna, 6%.

* The young actor most likely to succeed for the long haul is Kiera
Knightly, with 23% of the vote. Trailing close behind are Jake
Gyllenhall and Rachel McAdams, with 22%.

* Halle Berry won best-dressed female by a landslide, with 46%,
beating out Jennifer Aniston (20%), Angelina Jolie (13%), Jennifer
Lopez (11%), Jessica Simpson (6%) and Sienna Miller (3%).

* Michael Jackson's acquittal was the biggest shock of 2005, with (39%)
of the vote. Renee Zellweger and Kenny Chesney's brief marriage (22%)
and Tom Cruise's wacky behavior in the media (21%) followed.

* Celebrity relationship drama abounds, but most found Brad Pitt and
Jennifer Aniston's the most captivating this year, with 45% of the
vote. Twenty percent enjoyed following the trials and tribulations of
Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards. Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey
received 17%, Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie received 13%, and only
5% found Jude Law and Sienna Miller's relationship most interesting.

* Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's union was voted the most shocking
hook-up of 2005, with(27% of the vote. Renee Zellweger and Kenny
Chesney had 22%, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes came in third with 20%,
and Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn had 9%.

* Which Tinseltown liaison has the best chance of survival? Fifty
percent think it's Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore. TomKat came in
second, with 23%, Jude Law and Sienna Miller got 21%. Britney and
Kevin might be doomed -- only 6% voted for them!

* M*A*S*H would be first show to return to TV if 29% of voters had their
way. Seinfeld (22%), X Files (20%), All in the Family (14%), Taxi (9%)
and Six Feet Under (6%) follow.

* Bizarre baby names run rampant in Hollywood. The celeb offspring with
the most unusual name is Moxie Crimefighter Jillette (32%), daughter
of comedian Penn Jillette. Julia Roberts' twins, Hazel and Phinnaeus,
came in second place, with 25%.

Parade's poll was conducted online by InsightExpress in December of 2005 among a representative sample of 500 Americans. The margin of error is +/- 4%. Results are available on Parade.com on January 1, 2006.

Source: PARADE Magazine

CONTACT: Alexis Richel of PARADE Magazine, +1-212-450-7014

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

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NBC 10 Rings in the New Year!

NBC 10 Rings in the New Year!

Join NBC 10's Tim Lake, Amy Freeze and Lori Wilson as They Count Down to 2006 With a New Year's Eve Special ...

Featuring a Dazzling Fireworks Show Starting at 11:30PM Immediately Following NBC 10 News at 11

BALA CYNWYD, Pa., Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- What are you doing on New Year's Eve? You're invited to tune into NBC 10 on Saturday, December 31, 2005, at 11:30PM, for an end of the year special: NBC 10 Rings in the New Year! Hosted by NBC 10's Tim Lake, Amy Freeze and Lori Wilson, the program promises to be both informative and entertaining for the entire family!

NBC 10 Rings in the New Year will take a look back at some of the biggest news stories of the year, visit some of the area's hottest New Year's celebrations, and review a few of the most compelling moments in 2005.

Throughout this special, the NBC 10 News Team will broadcast live coverage from various New Year's Eve venues around the Delaware Valley. NBC 10 News Reporter Lori Wilson will be at the Moshulu Restaurant, Meteorologist Amy Freeze will be at the River Rink, where she will give weather forecasts for both the fireworks and the Mummer's Parade and NBC 10 News Anchor Tim Lake will report from across the bridge on the world's most decorated battleship, the Battleship New Jersey.

For the 5th year, NBC 10 is the only station to broadcast the fireworks show live and in its entirety. As we count down to 2006, watch the fireworks from both sides of the Delaware River.

For more information on NBC 10 Rings in the New Year and the special fireworks broadcast, turn to NBC 10 or visit NBC 10's website at www.nbc10.com.

Source: NBC 10

CONTACT: Eva Blackwell, NBC 10 Publicist, +1-610-668-5790, or fax,
+1-610-668-7059, eva.blackwell@nbcuni.com

Web site: http://www.nbc10.com/

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Last Day to Qualify for Raven Moon's 100 for 1 Warrant Dividend With a 7 Day Grace Period for Payment

Last Day to Qualify for Raven Moon's 100 for 1 Warrant Dividend With a 7 Day Grace Period for Payment

Company Gives Christmas Bonus and Waives $25 Processing Fee and Adds 7 Days for Payment

Shareholders Who Have Paid the Fee Will Receive a Refund

The 100 for 1 Warrants Must Be Paid for by January 7, 2006 To Qualify for Additional Shares From The Company's 5-for-1 Forward Split

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Raven Moon Entertainment, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: RVMN) announced today that because of the holidays, the New York transit strike and the back-up of FEDEX, DHL and UPS to make over night deliveries on time, a 7 day grace period has been established for payment of warrants by the company's Board of Directors. The company also has waived the $25 processing fee as a Christmas Bonus to its shareholders. Shareholders who received the company's 100-for-1 warrant dividend and choose to exercise them must pay for them by January 7, 2006. The company will also refund any fees that have already been paid in by shareholders who have already exercised their warrants.

December 31, 2005 is also the record date for the company's 5-for-1 forward split, with a pay date on January 30, 2006. "However, shareholders who exercise their warrants to purchase restricted shares and pay for them by January 7, 2006, will be eligible for the 5-for-1 forward split. Because the record date of the forward split is also the exercise deadline, warrants exercised at the $0.0015 exercise price will have the effect of one-fifth that price," said Joey DiFrancesco, Chairman and CEO of Raven Moon.

Instructions for exercising warrants

If your account is with a broker and you have not received a physical warrant, have the broker send a letter to Raven Moon Entertainment, 120 International Parkway, Suite 220, Heathrow, FL 32746 verifying the number of shares you owned in your account as of September 30, 2005. Indicate the number of warrants you would like to exercise at $0.0015 per share and enclose a check payable to Raven Moon Entertainment for the number of warrants you are exercising with no processing fee required.

If you have received a physical warrant from the company, fill it out and indicate the number of warrants you wish to exercise at $0.0015 each, sign it and send a check for the number of warrants with no processing fee required to Raven Moon Entertainment. Upon receipt, the company will authorize the transfer agent to issue shares to you.

Information on the 5-for-1 Forward Split

The company announced a forward stock split on a 5-for-1 share basis. The record date for the forward split is December 31, 2005. The pay date is January 30, 2006.

As a result of the forward stock split, every one outstanding share of the company's common stock will be exchanged for five (5) new shares of common stock. Common stockholders are not required to take any action related to the forward split.

About Raven Moon Entertainment, Inc.

Raven Moon Entertainment, inc. is involved with the production of family entertainment programs for television, VHS tapes, DVDs, music CDs and related toys. Raven Moon has produced 24 episodes of Gina D's Kids Club(R), which started airing in September 2004 and is currently carried on 227 television stations nationwide. In November 2005, the company signed an exclusive agreement with public television station WPBT-Miami to offer the programs through American Public Television (APT) to public stations across the country for a June 2006 launch.

For more information on Raven Moon Entertainment and Gina D's Kids Club(R), visit http://www.ravenmoon.net/ or http://www.ginadskidsclub.com/ .

Safe Harbor Statement

This release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, acceptance of the company's products, increased levels of competition, product and technological changes, the company's dependence upon financing and third-party suppliers, and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's federal filings, annual reports, offering memorandum, or prospectus. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Raven Moon Entertainment assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Contact: Carol Merry
Fahlgren Mortine Investor Relations
Phone: 614-825-1750
Email: carol.merry@fahlgren.com

Source: Raven Moon Entertainment, Inc.

CONTACT: Carol Merry of Fahlgren Mortine Investor Relations,
+1-614-825-1750, or carol.merry@fahlgren.com, for Raven Moon

Web site: http://www.ravenmoon.net/
http://www.ginadskidsclub.com/

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The Aflac Duck Pitches In at Home

The Aflac Duck Pitches In at Home

Commercial demonstrates how Aflac helps keep you financially healthy in time of need

COLUMBUS, Ga., Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac's newest ad, titled "Pitchin In," features the insurer's famous duck taking care of an injured policyholder and his family. Scheduled to debut nationwide on January 1, the new commercial blends humor with an important message about maintaining quality of life and keeping your finances secure when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges.

In this commercial, the Aflac Duck pitches in to help a woman care for her family as her husband recovers from two broken arms. Similar to the successful "Helping Out" and "Broken Leg" commercials that debuted in 2005, the new ad shows how Aflac insurance policies can help customers focus on getting better and worry less about their finances. The Aflac Duck is seen taking care of several errands, such as feeding the couple's baby, visiting the deli counter at the grocery store, and even washing the car window at a gas station, where the duck is shocked by the price of gas.

"When someone gets sick or injured, their primary focus needs to be on getting better. Yet so many families, even those with major medical insurance, become overburdened with out-of-pocket expenses not covered by their primary insurance. With Aflac, policyholders can direct cash where they need it most to cover loss of earning power, expenses, deductibles and any of life's necessities," said Dan Amos, chairman and CEO of Aflac.

The Aflac Duck has become one of America's favorite icons since debuting in the first ad on December 31, 1999. "Pitchin In" is the company's 24th commercial featuring the Aflac Duck created by the Kaplan Thaler Group.

Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan. Aflac's insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. In January 2005, Aflac was included in Fortune magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the seventh consecutive year. Aflac has also been included in both Forbes magazine's Platinum 400 List of America's Best Big Companies and in Fortune magazine's listing of America's Most Admired Companies for five consecutive years. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041202/CLTH019LOGO)

Media Contacts:

Laura Kane Yolonda King
Aflac Incorporated Aflac Incorporated
(706) 596-3493 Voice (706) 243-8547 Voice
(706) 593-0786 Cell (706) 320-2288 Fax
lkane@aflac.comyking@aflac.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041202/CLTH019LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Aflac Incorporated

CONTACT: Laura Kane, +1-706-596-3493, or cell, +1-706-593-0786, or
lkane@aflac.com, or Yolonda King, +1-706-243-8547, or fax, +1-706-320-2288, or
yking@aflac.com, both of Aflac Incorporated

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

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SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Broadcast Exclusive Concerts New Year's Eve

SIRIUS Satellite Radio to Broadcast Exclusive Concerts New Year's Eve

Jimmy Buffett, Patti Smith, G. Love, Sheryl Crow, ELVIS, and the Original MTV Veejays Will Ring in the New Year All Across North America

NEW YORK, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ:SIRI) will present its subscribers with a very special way to ring in 2006 when it broadcasts exclusive performances New Year's Eve by five amazing artists -- Jimmy Buffett, G. Love & Special Sauce, Patti Smith & Her Band, Sheryl Crow, and the King of Rock N' Roll -- Elvis Presley.

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

Saturday, December 31 at 9:30 pm ET, SIRIUS will broadcast a rare intimate concert with Jimmy Buffett on Radio Margaritaville channel 31. This very special show was recorded last week at Belly Up in Aspen, Colorado. Jimmy took the stage as his alter ego, Freddy and the Fishsticks, the moniker Buffett uses for his special under-the-radar performances and recordings. SIRIUS will air this exclusive performance -- a perfect soundtrack to listener's end-of-the-year parties.

For the second year in a row, SIRIUS will broadcast Patti Smith, punk rock's poet laureate, live on New Year's Eve from NYC's Bowery Ballroom. Patti Smith and Her Band will begin their live concert at 10pm ET on SIRIUS Disorder channel 24, New Year's Eve (Saturday, December 31).

Blues-rock artist G. Love & Special Sauce will also provide their own lively soundtrack for your New Year's celebration when SIRIUS broadcasts a live performance starting at 10:30 pm Mountain Time, January 1, on The Spectrum channel 18. G. Love and his band, Special Sauce, will take the stage at The Belly Up in the upscale party mecca of Aspen, Colorado.

SIRIUS will also broadcast a stellar performance from Sheryl Crow, recorded at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City. This show features live songs from Sheryl's Grammy nominated album "Wildflower", and will air on The Pulse channel 9 beginning at 10pm ET on Saturday, December 31.

The best Vegas New Year's Party ever was Elvis -- live, in concert. To celebrate the ringing in of 2006, SIRIUS' Elvis Radio channel 13 will present non-stop Elvis Live In Concert tracks and performances starting New Year's Eve at 7 pm ET.

Original MTV Veejays and SIRIUS hosts Nina Blackwood, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter, and Martha Quinn will also ring in the New Year on The Big 80s channel 8 with a special countdown to midnight in each time zone, a feat they first made famous on MTV.

About SIRIUS

SIRIUS delivers more than 120 channels of the best commercial-free music, compelling talk shows, news and information, and the most extensive sports programming to listeners across the country in digital quality sound. SIRIUS offers 65 channels of 100% commercial-free music, and features over 55 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95. SIRIUS also broadcasts live play-by- play games of the NFL, NHL and NBA and is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, NBA and NHL.

SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are distributed by Alpine, Audiovox, Brix Group, Clarion, Delphi, Directed Electronics, Eclipse, Jensen, JVC, Kenwood, Magnadyne, Monster Cable, Pioneer, Russound, Tivoli and XACT Communications. Available in more than 25,000 retail locations, SIRIUS radios can be purchased at major retailers including Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at shop.sirius.com.

SIRIUS is also available at heavy truck dealers, truck stops and travel centers nationwide.

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

Click on http://www.sirius.com/ to listen to SIRIUS live, or to find a SIRIUS retailer or car dealer in your area.

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, 2004 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.

P - SIRI

Media Contact:
Lauren Kruk
SIRIUS
212.584.5168
lkruk@siriusradio.com

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

CONTACT: Lauren Kruk of SIRIUS Satellite Radio, +1-212-584-5168, or
lkruk@siriusradio.com

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

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BLOCKBUSTER(R) Announces People's Choice for Top 2005 Movies; Will Smith Wins Hearts With 'Hitch,' Most Rented Film of the Year

BLOCKBUSTER(R) Announces People's Choice for Top 2005 Movies; Will Smith Wins Hearts With 'Hitch,' Most Rented Film of the Year

DALLAS, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Critics may get the first word on movies, but the final reviews ultimately come from the people. Once again, movie lovers across America voted with their BLOCKBUSTER membership cards for the must-see films of the year. Topping the list of most popular BLOCKBUSTER movie rentals in 2005 is "Hitch," the romantic comedy starring Will Smith, followed by the action and adventure film "National Treasure" starring Nicolas Cage.

The list of 2005's 25 most popular movies from BLOCKBUSTER offers consumers a chance to see what must-see films they missed as we head into a new year. The collection also provides a wellspring of ideas for holiday gifts.

"Love won the day in 2005, with "Hitch" coming in as the most popular movie of the year with BLOCKBUSTER customers," said Curt Andrews, senior vice president and general merchandise manager for Blockbuster Inc. "What we'd like to know is if people were looking for a good laugh -- or dating tips."

MOST POPULAR MOVIES OF 2005 *
1. "Hitch"
2. "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"
3. "National Treasure"
4. "Guess Who"
5. "Meet The Fockers"
6. "Crash"
7. "War of the Worlds"
8. "Ocean's Twelve"
9. "The Forgotten"
10. "The Notebook"
11. "Million Dollar Baby"
12. "Hostage"
13. "Monster-in-Law"
14. "The Longest Yard"
15. "The Pacifier"
16. "Spanglish"
17. "Troy"
18. "Ladder 49"
19. "The 40 Year-Old Virgin"
20. "Cellular"
21. "The Aviator"
22. "Sahara"
23. "Hide and Seek"
24. "Ray"
25. "Be Cool"

* Most popular rentals list is based on actual and projected rentals for
the remainder of 2005.

These and other top movies of 2005 can be rented from BLOCKBUSTER stores across the country, as well as at blockbuster.com.

About BLOCKBUSTER

Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE:BBI)(NYSE:BBI.B) is a leading global provider of in- home movie and game entertainment, with more than 9,000 stores throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company may be accessed worldwide at blockbuster.com.

Source: Blockbuster Inc.

CONTACT: Holly Vershum of Blockbuster Inc., +1-214-854-3190

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

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Rose Parade Goes Hollywood This Year With a Star-Studded Line Up

Rose Parade Goes Hollywood This Year With a Star-Studded Line Up

From an Opening Spectacular Featuring Leann Rimes, to Entertainment Throughout the Parade by Toni Braxton, Lance Burton and a Youth Chorus Representing Voices From Around the World, This Year's Parade is Designed to Delight and Excite!

PASADENA, Calif., Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's Rose Parade is truly going to be magical. For the first time in its history, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses is producing its own opening act. Sponsored by Wells Fargo, this magical extravaganza will feature Grammy Award Winning Superstar Leann Rimes debuting the world premiere of her newest hit, "Something's Gotta Give," from her latest album, "This Woman." Adding to Leann's performance, are the pageantry of colorful floats, equestrian units and marching bands that have made the Rose Parade famous around the world. Sprinkled throughout the Parade for the first time, will be additional entertainment provided by Grammy Award winning vocalist Toni Braxton (performing on the NAMM float), Lance Burton (performing on the FTD float) and a Disney youth chorus (performing on the Disney Parks float). The three floats with performers will pause in front of the television cameras so everyone can enjoy the performances.

"Just like everyone else in America and around the world, I have grown up with the Rose Parade, the marching bands, the beautiful floats on New Years Day, said Leann Rimes. "I'm so excited to be able to perform at the parade this year. It's a part of history and a magical way to kick off 2006," she added.

This year's theme is "It's Magical" and that's what the Parade will be all about. In addition to this year's exceptional performers, the Rose Parade will feature a very special guest. While she won't be performing, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor will travel the Parade route as this year's Grand Marshal.

"I can't think of a more magical Rose Parade," said Tournament of Roses President, Libby Evans Wright. "What could be better than having Leann Rimes treat us to a spectacular opening performance; Justice Sandra Day O'Connor ride the parade route as our Grand Marshal; and Toni Braxton, Lance Burton and youth singers provide entertainment throughout?"

The 117th Rose Parade themed "It's Magical" will take place Monday, Jan. 2, 2006 at 8 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands traveling from all across the nation. On Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 4:30 p.m. (PST), the 92nd Rose Bowl Game will host the BCS National Championship Game between the two top-ranked teams in the nation, showcasing the best of collegiate football. For additional information on Tournament of Roses activities please visit the official Tournament of Roses website at www.tournamentofroses.com.

Source: Pasadena Tournament of Roses

CONTACT: Caryn Eaves or Adria DeBaca, both of Pasadena Tournament of
Roses Association, +1-626-449-4100; or Ilana Shenitzer, Hill and Knowlton,
Inc., +1-310-633-9443, for Pasadena Tournament of Roses

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

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Sinclair Announces Analogue and Digital Carriage Agreement With Verizon Services Corp.

Sinclair Announces Analogue and Digital Carriage Agreement With Verizon Services Corp.

BALTIMORE, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SBGI) is pleased to announce that it has reached a multi-year retransmission consent agreement with Verizon Services Corp. providing for the analogue and digital cable carriage for television stations owned and/or operated by Sinclair in the Baltimore and Tampa markets. The affected stations are WTTA (WB 38) in Tampa and WBFF (FOX 45) and WNUV (WB 54) in Baltimore. Tampa and Baltimore are the initial Sinclair markets in which Verizon plans to launch its FIOS-TV service as a competitor to cable and satellite providers of television programming.

Barry Faber, Sinclair's Vice President and General Counsel, commented, "We are pleased to have reached an agreement beneficial to all parties involved. This agreement was made possible because Verizon recognized the value of being able to carry our signals, which allowed for an appropriate economic agreement to be reached. We look forward to helping Verizon as it moves forward with its new business venture and anticipate being able to enter in similar agreements for other stations as FIOS-TV expands its footprint into other Sinclair markets."

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies, currently owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 60 television stations in 37 markets. Sinclair's television group reaches approximately 22% of U.S. television households and includes ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, WB, and UPN affiliates.

Source: Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.

CONTACT: Barry Faber, VP & General Counsel, Sinclair Broadcast Group,
Inc., +1-410-568-1500

Web site: http://www.sbgi.net/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/110203.html

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Video Without Boundaries, Inc. Linux-based Media Centers to Support Apple iPod and iTunes, Google Video, AOL Optimized 9.0, and More

Video Without Boundaries, Inc. Linux-based Media Centers to Support Apple iPod and iTunes, Google Video, AOL Optimized 9.0, and More

Revolutionary Advance in Media Center Technology to be Showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Video Without Boundaries, Inc. , a leading provider of interactive, media- convergent home entertainment devices, today announced it has further extended the capabilities of its award-winning MediaREADY(TM) Digital Media Center product line to include support for an array of new applications and services. To be demonstrated live at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on the Linux-based line of products will be a series of popular online services and applications including iTunes, Yahoo! Music, Google Video, AOL Optimized 9.0, voice calling as well as transfer of video and audio to the Apple iPod. The demonstrations will take place at Video Without Boundaries' booth in the Sands Convention Center - IP 240 in Las Vegas from January 5 - 8, 2006.

"This is a revolutionary change in the way services, applications and media is delivered," said Jeffrey Harrell, president and CEO of Video Without Boundaries. "Current and future MediaREADY owners will now have access to the most popular applications and services available online in their living rooms and from the comfort of their couch."

The MediaREADY 4000 and MediaREADY 5000 products already include popular TV-centric applications like Personal Video Recording, DVD/MPEG-1, 2, 4/CD/MP3 recording and playback, electronic program guide, Internet browsing, email, and karaoke. All MediaREADY products also support broadband Internet and wired/wireless home network connections and offer a durable Linux operating platform, easy software/hardware upgrades, and exclusive downloadable content from a wide range of entertainment providers.

The combination of popular applications such as AOL Optimized 9.0 to the MediaREADY platform bridges the gap between the ever-evolving online service environment and the consumer's interaction with it. AOL is now providing more video, music, and all around entertainment choices on the Internet and now the VWB MediaREADY products bring that excitement and access to the television and home stereo in the home. The Internet is changing; the kinds of content and services that are accessed are becoming more media and communication focused. VWB is pushing the boundaries on enabling complete home access to this expanding world of content and services.

For more about VWB's innovative MediaREADY product line, or to purchase MediaREADY products, visit http://www.vwbinc.com/.

About Video Without Boundaries:

Video Without Boundaries is a leader in digital media-on- demand, enhanced home entertainment, and interactive products that connect people simply. VWB is focused on delivering flexible Consumer Electronics- based products and services that are affordable, easy to use, and simple to understand.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Forward-looking statements and comments in this document are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements relating to, among other things, the prospects for the company to increase the level of sales, maintain current sales levels, add new products and services and develop new Web sites are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which are significant in scope and nature, including risks related to the demand for the company's products and services, competition, and availability of capital.

MediaREADY and Video Without Boundaries are trademarks of Video Without Boundaries, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

VWB CONTACT: VWB INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Belinda Banks Video Without Boundaries, Inc.
S&S Public Relations, Inc. Robert Gartzman
908-685-2300 954-527-7780
Belinda@sspr.comvwbinvestor@vwbinc.com

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.

Source: Video Without Boundaries, Inc.

CONTACT: VWB Contact: Belinda Banks of S&S Public Relations, Inc.,
+1-908-685-2300, or Belinda@sspr.com; or VWB Investor Relations: Robert
Gartzman of Video Without Boundaries, Inc., +1-954-527-7780, or
vwbinvestor@vwbinc.com

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

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2005 ImagePower(R) Newsmaker Brands Survey Shows Americans' Attitude Toward Top Brands, Highlights Predictions for 2006

2005 ImagePower(R) Newsmaker Brands Survey Shows Americans' Attitude Toward Top Brands, Highlights Predictions for 2006

Study by Landor Associates and Penn, Schoen & Berland Identifies iPod, Google, Oprah and eBay Among Year's Winning Brands; Howard Stern, Britney Spears and Hummer Are in Decline

NEW YORK, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Landor Associates, a leading branding and design consultancy, and research firm Penn, Schoen & Berland, today released the results of a national survey that examines Americans' attitude toward some of the top brands that made headlines this year. The 2005 ImagePower(R) Newsmaker Brands Survey identifies which high-profile brands came out on top in consumer's minds, which brands suffered, and what Americans think their future holds for 2006.

Conducted in mid-December, the survey examines the year's most noteworthy brands within categories such as Internet, portable technology, telecommunications companies, television programs and networks, and celebrity brands.

The research identifies the top 20 winning and losing brands for 2005, and offers predictions for their performance in 2006. By surveying a representative sample of the population, the survey offers significant insight into brand perceptions and trends for the upcoming year.

"Brands make a powerful impact on people, especially in today's world of ever-increasing consumer choice," said Allen Adamson, Managing Director of Landor Associates in New York. "This survey highlights the importance that brands play within many aspects of our lives, and reveals some interesting trends, such as the dominance of technology and Internet-based brands. Companies that take a proactive approach to managing their brands are in a much better position to earn respect from their customers, as exemplified by the top-ranked brands on the list."

Key Findings:
Among the results, a few key trends stand out:

-- Dominance of Internet and technology brands. The strong showing of
Internet and technology companies illustrates the broad appeal these
brands have throughout the country. Four Internet brands (Google, eBay,
Amazon.com and Yahoo!) are among the top 10 winning brands in 2005,
while the iPod brand earned the No. 1 overall spot. The release of the
shuffle, nano and video iPods in 2005 combined with effective branding
efforts helped iPod continue its domination of the MP3 market. Other
technology brands in the top 20 include DVR, Xbox 360 and SIRIUS
Satellite Radio.
-- Reality TV programs are out, while TV dramas are back in. In recent
years, the abundance of reality television programs has offered
audiences plenty of choices, but most Americans now prefer tuning in to
dramatic programs. Reality shows "Survivor" and "The Apprentice (Donald
Trump)" were named among the top 20 losing brands in 2005, while dramas
such as "Desperate Housewives" and "Lost" were named among the winning
brands.
-- Polarizing celebrity brands. Britney Spears, Howard Stern and Donald
Trump are all deemed "losers" this year, but are all making money with
their brand names. Britney Spears has a top-selling perfume, Howard
Stern has a $500 million deal with SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Donald
Trump continues to grow his brand empire. On the other hand, Oprah
Winfrey earned tremendous positive appeal and placed third on the 2005
winning brands list. Oprah continues to generate positive buzz through
her giveaways, book club, magazine and various successful extensions of
her brand.
-- Sports Utility Vehicles lose to hybrid cars. While SUVs continue to be
top-sellers in the U.S., hybrid cars win the battle, as the Ford Escape
hybrid makes the winners list and the Hummer ranks No. 6 on the losers
list. With the rise in gas prices and increased sensitivity to the
environment, drivers realize the importance of hybrid cars and car
manufacturers are responding by offering sleeker, more popular models
in hybrid form.

Michael Berland, CEO of Penn, Shoen & Berland said, "2005 has been a very interesting year -- we're seeing a new sense of optimism in the winning brands. People see themselves in the brands they choose, and this year technology brands have prevailed, with iPod and Google topping the list, and Xbox coming on strong. People are in a mood to have fun -- Las Vegas is the top city destination, and they're turning away from confrontational reality shows like "Survivor" and "The Apprentice.""

About Landor Associates

Landor Associates is one of the world's leading branding and design consultancies. Founded by Walter Landor in 1941, Landor pioneered many of the research, design and consulting methodologies that are now standard in the branding industry. Partnering with clients, Landor drives business transformation and business performance by creating brands that are more innovative, progressive and dynamic than their competitors.

Landor's holistic approach to branding is a balance of rigorous, business- driven thinking and exceptional creativity. Our work spans the full breadth of branding services, including but not limited to: brand research and valuation, brand positioning and architecture, naming and nomenclature systems, corporate identity and consumer packaging design, branded environments, brand equity management, brand engagement, writing and digital branding.

With 23 offices in 18 countries, Landor's current and past clients include some of the world's most powerful brands, such as Pepsi, BP, FedEx, GE, Delta, Frito-Lay, Hyatt Hotels, Levi's, Japan Airlines, Lucent, Netscape, Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, Cathay Pacific and LG Group.

Landor is part of WPP Group PLC, one of the world's largest global communications services companies.

About Penn, Shoen & Berland Associates

Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates (PSB) has nearly 30 years of experience in leveraging consumer opinion to provide clients with a competitive advantage, or more simply -- providing clients with Winning Knowledge(TM).

PSB brings an extensive network and unique knowledge base to bear on communications issues. PSB uses experience and global reach to deliver unrivaled business and political insights.

PSB executes polling and message testing services in over 70 countries for Fortune(R) 500 companies and major political campaigns to develop brand positioning, guide successful advertising campaigns, generate favorable publicity, and advise in crisis management decisions.

Mindy Romero
Manager, Public Relations
Landor Associates
212-614-5261
mindy_romero@landor.com

Jennifer Bennett
Account Executive
Cohn & Wolfe
415-365-8528
jennifer_bennett@cohnwolfe.com

Source: Landor Associates

CONTACT: Mindy Romero, Manager, Public Relations of Landor Associates,
+1-212-614-5261, or mindy_romero@landor.com; or Jennifer Bennett, Account
Executive of Cohn & Wolfe, +1-415-365-8528, or jennifer_bennett@cohnwolfe.com,
for Landor Associates

NOTE TO EDITORS: A summary presentation of the survey is available to members of the media upon request

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PR Newswire Broadcast Minute for Thursday, December 29, 2005

PR Newswire Broadcast Minute for Thursday, December 29, 2005

To hear a Podcast of the PR Newswire Broadcast Minute and other MultiVu radio content, cut and paste this URL into your podcast application (e.g. iTunes, iPodder): http://feeds.feedburner.com/prnewswire_bcm

Sinusitis: One of the Most Diagnosed Diseases in the United States

Each year 35 million Americans are affected by chronic sinusitis, making it one of the most diagnosed diseases in the United States, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. If you have ongoing headaches or facial pain during cold weather, you don't have to live with the pain. You may have sinusitis and you can be treated for it. Sinusitis occurs when there is an inflammation of one or more of the paranasal sinuses, the hollow cavities within the cheek bones found around the eyes and behind the nose.

Full story at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=3110346

From 'Getting Out of Debt' to 'Spending Less Time on the Net' - Ask Jeeves Reveals the Most Popular New Year's Resolutions

Ask Jeeves has released the most popular New Year's Resolutions for 2006, as noted on Ask Jeeves. The resolutions ranged from getting out of debt to becoming more philanthropic in the upcoming year, and spending more time with family to spending less time on the Internet. Overall, users' New Year's Resolution searches show a trend towards bettering themselves and the lives of their loved ones.

Full story at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=3110293

Chicago Number One New Year's Eve Destination for the Second Year in a Row

What are travelers top picks for New Year's Eve vacations? Chicago, Orlando and Phoenix are the three top places to begin 2006, according to discount travel site Hotwire.com. For the second consecutive year, Chicago topped the list as revelers braved the cold to ring in the New Year in the Windy City. And while traditional New Year's Eve destination New York City remained seventh on the list for the second year, Orlando rose in popularity from fifth in 2004 to second in 2005.

Full story at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=3110099

Professional Football Continues to Be the Nation's Favorite Sport

According to Harris Interactive, professional football continues to surge in popularity as one-third of U-S adults who follow at least one sport say it is their favorite sport. This is up three points from last year. Baseball slips slightly again this year, dropping to 14 percent, down one point from last year. Coming close on the heels of baseball is college football followed by auto racing. While both of these have seen a rise in the past year, racing is up four points this year, most likely as a result of NASCAR's increasing popularity.

Full story at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=3110166

The PR Newswire Broadcast Minute is available by email at no charge to members of the media who sign up for PR Newswire for Journalists, http://www.prnewswire.com/media . For more information, contact Rob Fisher at 408-365-8793 or email rob.fisher@prnewswire.com

PRNewswire -- Dec. 29

Source: PR Newswire

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MSN Video Brings New York City Times Square New Year's Eve Celebration to Worldwide Audience Online

MSN Video Brings New York City Times Square New Year's Eve Celebration to Worldwide Audience Online

Provides viewers with party coverage, live performances and a number of exclusive online entertainment appearances; real-time experience to be provided by as many as 26 cameras and multiple streams bringing six hours of broadband content directly from Times Square.

REDMOND, Wash. and NEW YORK, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- New Year's Eve 2006 revelers from all around the world now have the opportunity to experience nonstop streams covering New York City's Times Square New Year's Eve countdown event in real time via an exclusive webcast from MSN(R) Video. MSN Video is the exclusive online provider of the official Times Square New Year's Eve 2006 celebration, and revelers can begin their New Year's Eve journey now at http://msn.com/newyears .

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

The live event in Times Square on Dec. 31 begins at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST. It will include a multistream, multicamera look at numerous performances and celebrations happening in and around the New York City Times Square location. On the Web site now through Dec. 31, 2005, online visitors can watch exclusive video flashbacks of 2005. This marks the second consecutive year that MSN Video has webcast the Times Square New Year's Eve festivities.

Three live co-hosts will help online viewers navigate through numerous events and performances in and throughout Times Square. The specially assembled team, positioned for maximum coverage in Times Square, includes Romeo, host of "Romeo on the Radio," which is featured on New York's No. 1 radio station, Z100; award-winning comedian Angela LaGreca, who is seen and heard every morning on "The View"; and Brandi Williams, entertainment reporter and host of "Ultimate Poker Challenge." Romeo, LaGreca and Williams will guide viewers throughout the MSN Video site ( http://msn.com/newyears ), assisting them along the way to create their own New Year's Eve program.

The live webcast will include an "all-access backstage pass" to Little Steven's Underground Garage Live at the Hard Rock Cafe, where Steven Van Zandt ("The Sopranos," Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, Sirius Satellite Radio's "Little Steven's Underground Garage") will perform and present the evening's New Year's Eve music performances. Throughout the evening viewers will be able to watch live performances by The Woggles, The Charms, The Chesterfield Kings, The Troggs, The Mooney Suzuki and The New York Dolls. The co-hosts will enable viewers to contribute to the evening's celebration by e-mailing in comments or questions about the evening's performances and celebrations and well-wishes for the coming year, which will be interspersed with coverage of the New Year's Eve countdown, ball drop, Times Square festivities and crowd frenzy.

"We are very excited to be producing this one-of-a-kind view of the ultimate New Year's Eve experience live from Times Square, the most historic and thrilling place to ring in the New Year," said Steve Sterling, executive producer of the MSN Video Times Square New Year's Eve Celebration. "This webcast clearly provides a broader, more extensive New Year's Eve Times Square program than any other medium can offer. We can't wait for webcast viewers to see New Year's Eve their way on MSN Video."

"For the second year running, we're giving New Year's revelers around the world a unique view of Times Square," said Rob Bennett, product unit manager for MSN Video, TV and Movies. "Last year viewers spent 45 minutes on average watching the celebration on MSN Video and this year we are making it even more interactive by giving consumers the opportunity to choose the camera angles and the events to focus on, instantly shaping their New Year's Eve experience."

About The Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment

The Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment are the organizers of Times Square 2006. The Times Square Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square so that it retains the energy, edge and distinctiveness that have made it an icon of entertainment, culture and urban life. Countdown Entertainment, which represents the owners of One Times Square and the New Year's Eve Ball, is a marketing management and consulting services company specializing in the Times Square area.

More information about New Year's Eve in Times Square, plus a host of information about Times Square's restaurants, hotels, special events, what's new, and other key facts, can be found at the Times Square Web site, located at http://www.timessquarenyc.org/ .

About MSN and Windows Live

MSN attracts more than 440 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live(TM), a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services. Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase on Nov. 1, 2005; these and future beta updates can be found at http://ideas.live.com/ . MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/ . MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx .

About Microsoft

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

NOTE: Microsoft, MSN and Windows Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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

CONTACT: Erika Bitzer, +1-503-443-7000, or erikab@WaggenerEdstrom.com,
or Rapid Response Team, +1-503-443-7070, or rrt@WaggenerEdstrom.com, both of
Waggener Edstrom Worldwide

Web site: http://www.timessquarenyc.org/

Web site: http://msn.com/newyears

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

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

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USC and UT Are Going to Disneyland!

USC and UT Are Going to Disneyland!

Before They Meet at the Rose Bowl for the National Championship, the University of Southern California and University of Texas Football Teams Are Headed to the Happiest Place on Earth

Feed Date: Thursday, December 29, 2005 Thursday, December 29, 2005 ** NEW VIDEO ** Feed Time: 18:15 EST (15:15 PST) 20:00 EST (17:00 PST) Coordinates: IA-6C-Transponder 11 IA-6C-Transponder 11 Downlink: 3920 MHz(V) 3920 MHz(V) Audio: 6.2, 6.8 6.2, 6.8 B-Roll: * USC & UT Disneyland * Teams receiving glass "stadium" entrance castle * Disneyland characters and * Teams on Matterhorn fans welcoming teams * USC & UT Disneyland "stadium" entrance * Disneyland characters and fans welcoming teams Interviews: * Matt Ouimet, President, * Reggie Bush, USC Heisman Disneyland Resorts Trophy Winner * Libby Wright, President, * Matt Leinart, 2005/2006 Tournament of USC Quarterback Roses * Pete Carroll, USC Head Coach * Vince Young, UT Quarterback * Mack Brown, UT Head Coach

ANAHEIM, Calif., Dec. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Less than one week before the 2006 National Championship Rose Bowl game, players and coaches from the University of Southern California and University of Texas will make an official Rose Bowl appearance at Disneyland on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005.

A tradition dating back to 1959, the Trojans and Longhorns will bust into the park in a stadium-like entrance where they will be welcomed by the famous Disney characters, the Disneyland Band and fans.

Players from each team, including UT's quarterback Vince Young and USC's quarterback Matt Leinart and Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, will meet at Sleeping Beauty Castle where each team will be presented with a glass castle. The teams will then take a break to relax and enjoy the attractions at Disneyland.

This is the second year in a row for the University of Texas to visit Disneyland as part of the Rose Bowl festivities. The 92nd Rose Bowl game will be played in Pasadena on Wednesday, January 4, 2006.

The 2005 Rose Bowl occurs during the biggest celebration in the history of the Disneyland Resort. Through 2006, The Happiest Place on Earth is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with new attractions and entertainment throughout the park. The newest attraction to open at the Resort is "Monsters, Inc. -- Mike & Sully to the Rescue!" which opens officially January 23 at Disney's California Adventure.

For more information contact Disneyland Press & Publicity
Heather Hust 714-781-4521 (office), 714-936-4095 (cell)
- or email at heather.hust@disney.com
Satellite Control (during feed) 714-781-7599
Satellite feed free for News and Public Affairs use only

PRNewswire -- Dec. 28

Source: Disneyland Resort

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Acquisition of ShopKo Stores, Inc. Completed

Acquisition of ShopKo Stores, Inc. Completed

GREEN BAY, Wis., Dec. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ShopKo Stores, Inc. (formerly NYSE: SKO), said today it has completed its merger with an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc.

ShopKo Stores will continue to operate 137 ShopKo stores, 216 Pamida stores and three ShopKo Express Rx stores, in 22 states primarily in the Midwest, Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions. Based in Green Bay, Wis., ShopKo Stores will continue to function as an independent company.

"Our new owner brings us additional expertise and resources that will allow us to build on our successes and take advantage of new opportunities," said acting ShopKo co-chief executive officer Paul White. "Today's completion of the merger is good news for our teammates, vendors and customers."

"We thank the management team and employees for the dedication and hard work that allowed us to close this investment in an expeditious manner," said managing director of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. Gary Talarico. "ShopKo, Pamida and ShopKo Express Rx have superior name recognition in their markets, loyal customers and suppliers and excellent teammates. We look forward to helping position the company for long-term growth and prosperity."

About the Transaction

Under the terms of the merger agreement, ShopKo shareholders will receive $29.07 in cash for each share of ShopKo Stores, Inc. common stock they own, which includes an increase in the per share price at the rate of 6 percent per annum each day beginning on December 15, 2005 through today. Shareholders will soon receive a letter of transmittal from ShopKo's transfer agent for them to complete and return with their stock certificates to obtain their per share merger consideration.

About ShopKo Stores, Inc.

ShopKo Stores, Inc. is a retailer of quality goods and services headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., with stores located throughout the Midwest, Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions. Retail formats include 137 ShopKo stores, providing quality name-brand merchandise, great values, pharmacy and optical services in mid-sized to larger cities; 216 Pamida stores, 116 of which contain pharmacies, bringing value and convenience close to home in small, rural communities; and three ShopKo Express Rx stores, a new and convenient neighborhood drugstore concept. For more information about ShopKo, Pamida or ShopKo Express Rx, visit our Web site at http://www.shopko.com/ .

About Sun Capital Partners, Inc.

Sun Capital Partners, Inc. is a leading private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts, equity, debt, and other investments in market-leading companies that can benefit from its in-house operating professionals and experience. Sun Capital affiliates have invested in and managed more than 100 companies worldwide since Sun Capital's inception in 1995, with combined sales in excess of $26.0 billion. Sun Capital has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles, New York, and London. For more information about Sun Capital Partners, Inc., visit http://www.suncappart.com/ .

Source: ShopKo Stores, Inc.

CONTACT: Media, John Vigeland, +1-920-429-4132, or Shareholders,
+1-920-429-7039, of ShopKo Stores

Web site: http://www.suncappart.com/
http://www.shopko.com/

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Mary J. Blige's 'The Breakthrough' Debuts at #1

Mary J. Blige's 'The Breakthrough' Debuts at #1

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Dec. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Long live the Queen! Mary J. Blige's seventh album, "The Breakthrough," released on December 20th, follows through on its title's promise as it blasts to the top of the chart to debut at #1. The outstanding first week sales of 727,000, her highest sales debut ever, foretells that this latest effort is without doubt one of her strongest albums ever and reminds us why she has the title -- the Queen of Hip Hop Soul!!

"The Breakthrough" delivers more of Mary's straight-up, fan-pleasing messages all sung with her trademark serenity, conviction and compassion. The album takes the listener on a journey through its 14 tracks. Essential stops on this trip are the album's debut single, "Be Without You;" an inspiring duet with Bono on U2's "One;" "MJB Da MVP;" "Good Woman Down" and "I found My Everything." Helming this musical expedition is an all-star cast of producers including Bryan-Michael Cox, Rodney Jerkins, the Black Eyed Peas' Will I Am, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Dre & Vidal, Raphael Saadiq and more.

More than delivering a her loyal fans, Mary delivered a package of Christmas joy for many retailers with the smash "The Breakthrough" while winning over media and radio programmers along the way.

Vanity Fair raves, " ... she's still the Queen, 13 years and five studio albums later ... " Doc Wynter, Clear Channel's Senior Vice President of Urban Programming, enthuses, "We're so glad to have Mary's music back on the radio. The journey that she's taken us on through her music continues to bring listeners back to the radio with each new single she drops." USA TODAY states, "Blige still touches souls, by laying bare her own."

Over the course of 14 years, with a voice that is rough and ready, sweet and pure, Mary J. Blige is capable of conveying heartache and happiness in a single musical phrase. A confessional singer, her emotional honesty reflects the great traditions of blues and soul with a ripped-from-the-pages-of-your- diary immediacy that has won her countless honors and a devoted, ever-growing audience around the world. More than a vocalist, she is an accomplished three-time Grammy Award winning recording artist known for her electrifying live performances and dramatic videos.

Mary will bring one of her thrilling performances into the nation's homes when she rings in the New Year with a headline performance on NBC's "New Year's Eve with Carson Daly." The broadcast will begin at 11:30 EST with a live Mary performance from Times Square in New York City on Saturday, December 31st. Mary will return again later in the show to perform a second song.

Mary's six prior platinum and multi-platinum hit albums include such classics, "No More Drama," "What's the 411," "My Life," "Share My World," "Mary" and "Love & Life."

www.GeffenRecords.com

www.mjblige.com

Source: Geffen Records

CONTACT: Jim Merlis, +1-310-865-0570, jim.merlis@umusic.com, for Geffen
Records

Web site: http://www.mjblige.com/
http://www.geffenrecords.com/

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