PR Newswire Broadcast Minute for Wednesday, December 14, 2005

PR Newswire Broadcast Minute for Wednesday, December 14, 2005

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Consumers Say Steady Diet of $3 Gas Prices Needed Before They Trade in Current Car for More Fuel-Efficient Model

More than 70 percent of consumers said it would take gasoline prices in excess of three dollars a gallon before they would be motivated to replace their current vehicle with a more fuel-efficient alternative, according to a recent cars.com survey that targeted the future effect of gas prices on consumer buying habits. Of that 70 percent, 30 percent said gas prices would have to hit four dollars a gallon before they would take action. However, many people already have been affected by the high cost of gasoline. More than 14 percent of those surveyed said they have already replaced their car because of high gas prices.

Full story at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=3102863

NASD Cautions Investors About Cell Phone Spam Touting Hot Stock Tips

NASD has issued an Investor Alert, Beware of "Hot" Stock Tips on Your Cell Phone, warning investors of a new version of a "pump-and-dump" scheme that has made its way into investors' cell phones. N-A-S-D is issuing this Alert because it is aware of instances in which stocks are hyped through cell phone text messaging. The Alert describes "pump and dump" schemes that involve an individual recommending a company's stock through false and misleading statements. Misled investors then buy the stock, often causing its price to soar. Fraudsters then sell their shares off, leaving investors with worthless stock. While the text messages are generally brief, they frequently include price targets or predictions of a tremendous run up in price, such as "200 percent Profit TODAY!" and pressure to invest immediately. The best way to avoid being taken in by text message scammers is to ignore the message, the Alert explains.

Full story at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=3102813

Washington DC Critics Name Munich Best Film, Spielberg Best Director

The Washington D-C Area Film Critics Association has selected "Munich" the best film of the year and selected its director, Steven Spielberg, for top honors as well. Other films receiving more than one award were "Capote" for best actor to Philip Seymour Hoffman and best adapted screenplay to first-time screenwriter Dan Futterman. Also, "Crash" for best original screenplay to Paul Haggis and Bobby Moresco and best ensemble acting. This year, W-A-F-C-A's "breakthrough" award went to Terrence Howard for "Hustle & Flow."

Full story at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=3102315

Universal Music Publishing Group and Prince Renew Long-Term, Exclusive Worldwide Publishing Administration Deal

In a landmark agreement, Universal Music Publishing Group has announced the renewal of a long term worldwide publishing administration deal with of one of music's royal elite -- PRINCE. The deal includes administration of Prince's numerous future works and his complete, extensive back catalog of more than 35 albums and compilations including landmark, multi-platinum albums Musicology, 1999, Sign O' The Times, Diamonds and Pearls, Parade, Around the World in a Day, Emancipation, Purple Rain, and Batman -- The Motion Picture Soundtrack.

Full story at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=3103175

AAA Reports National Average Gas Prices Back Above $2 Per Gallon

Triple 'A' reports that, after weeks of declining gas prices, Americans once again are paying more at the pump, with retailers charging an average of more than two dollars per gallon in all but one state -- Utah. The nationwide average price for self-serve regular gasoline dropped to a season low of $2.12 on December 4 before reversing course and rising five point eight cents to $2.18 as of today. In addition, reports of refinery problems in Venezuela and a terminal fire in Great Britain both are helping push pump prices higher. All these factors, plus the increased demand anticipated during the approaching holiday season, should keep the national average gasoline price between $2.15-$2.25 per gallon between now and the end of the year.

Full story at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=3103184

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. 14

Source: PR Newswire

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