PR Newswire Entertainment Weekly RoundUp for Week Ending Friday, May 13, 2005

PR Newswire Entertainment Weekly RoundUp for Week Ending Friday, May 13, 2005

The following is a select summary of the top entertainment-related press releases transmitted this week by PR Newswire. The full text of these releases is available at no charge to journalists on PR Newswire for Journalists, http://www.prnewswire.com/media.

Editors are also advised that high-resolution photos are available to accompany these previously transmitted releases. Members of the media may download the photos at no charge from the online archive links indicated below. Many photos are also available via the AP PhotoExpress Network, as indicated by the PRN# listed below.

1. Sony Online Entertainment Begins the Search for a Real-Life Video Game Heroine on May 17

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2937687

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU5

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN5

Caption: The Quest for Antonia

Stuff Magazine and Sony Online Entertainment are searching for a woman who resembles the computer-generated video game heroine Antonia Bayle, from the new MMO video game EverQuest II.

The Quest for Antonia begins May 17, 2005 at www.QuestForAntonia.com. Five finalists win an all-expense paid trip to Stuff Magazine's Casino Weekend 4 gala in Las Vegas where the winner will be crowned Antonia and will receive a modeling contract with Sony Online and a pictorial in Stuff.

Contact: Courtney Simmons of Sony Online Entertainment, +1-858-577-3335, csimmons@soe.sony.com; or Scott Gorenstein of Susan Magrino Agency, +1-212-957-3005 ext 203, sgorenstein@smapr.com, for Stuff

2. World's Top Fireknife Dancers Compete at Hawaii's Polynesian Cultural Center

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2943913

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU3

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN3

Caption: Flame-seared knives fly at the Polynesian Cultural Center's 13th-annual World Fireknife Dance Competition. Competitors- ages six to 51-will gather this weekend at Hawaii's favorite visitor attraction to showcase the Samoan ceremonial dance. Polynesian Cultural Center guests can attend the competition and learn the ancient dance during on-site seminars.

Since its beginning in 1963, the Polynesian Cultural Center has entertained over 30 million visitors by preserving the culture and people of Polynesia. For more information, call 800.367.7060 or visit polynesia.com.

Contact: Ray Magalei of Polynesian Cultural Center, 1-808-293-3218, or 1-800-367-7060, magaleir@polynesia.com

3. $1,000,000 Tournament Grand Prize Largest in Video Game History to Be Promoted Through GameStop

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2944175

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU6

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN6

Caption: $1,000,000 RYL: Path of the Emperor Tournament

Contact: Mark Politi, VP Sales and Marketing of Planetwide Games, 1-800-560-2993, ext. 202, or Mark@PlanetwideGames.com; or Rita Tennyson of Terpin Communications, +1-310-821-6100, ext. 104, or rita@terpin.com, for Planetwide Games

4. $1,000,000 Tournament Grand Prize Largest in Video Game History to be Promoted Through EB Games

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2939031

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU6

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN6

Caption: $1,000,000 RYL: Path of the Emperor Tournament

Contact: Mark Politi, VP Sales and Marketing of Planetwide Games, +1-800-560-2993, ext. 202, or Mark@PlanetwideGames.com; or press, Rita Tennyson of Terpin Communications, +1-310-821-6100, ext. 104, or rita@terpin.com, for Planetwide Games

5. Majesco Entertainment Rises To The Occasion With Multi-Million Dollar Marketing Campaign For 'Advent Rising' Video Game

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2943527

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050510/NYTU082

Caption: Advent Rising, the first in Majesco's epic, sci-fi trilogy, ships to stores May 31.

Contact: Laura Heeb of the HighWater Group, +1-212-338-0077, ext. 307, laura@highwatergroup.com

6. Trailer for 'War of the Worlds' Graphic Novel Now Playing on the Internet

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2945138

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050208/LATU035

Caption: War of the Worlds' invades bookstores this spring. New publisher Best Sellers Illustrated (www.bestsellersillustrated.com) launches with a 100,000 copy first printing of its Graphic Novel based on the classic H. G. Wells tale of alien invasion. A modernized adaptation told from the viewpoint of a small group of New Yorkers, WOTW resonates with post-9/11 angst as humans battle Martians for the fate of Earth. Cover art by legendary comics artist Frank Brunner.

Contact: Aron Kessler of Best Sellers Illustrated, +1-800-988-8300, info@bestsellersillustrated.com

7. Scholastic Releases Exclusive Artwork for Deluxe Edition of Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince

On Sale July 16, 2005

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2944822

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050511/NYW079

Caption: Scholastic Releases Exclusive Artwork for Deluxe Edition of Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince.

Contact: Kris Moran, +1-212-389-3789, kmoran@scholastic.com, or Kyle Good, +1-212-343-4563, kgood@scholastic.com, both of Scholastic

8. Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith(TM) Soundtrack Makes History as the Third Star Wars Soundtrack to Debut in the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2945487

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050511/NYW146

Caption: Star Wars : Episode III Revenge of the Sith Album Cover Art.

Contact: Doreen D'Agostino, Sr. Director Of Publicity of Sony BMG Masterworks, +1-212-833-7576, doreen.dagostino@sonybmg.com

9. American Idol Season 4: The Showstoppers

New Album Release May 17, 2005; Features Signature Songs By The Top 12

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2945134

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050511/NYW032

Caption: American Idol Season 4: The Showstoppers. New album release May 17, 2005 on RCA Records.

Contact: Roger Widynowski, Sr. Director Of Publicity, +1-310-358-4125, or rogerw@sonybmg.com

10. SHOWTIME Heats up the Summer With New, Hot Comedy Series 'Barbershop' and 'Weeds' Premiering Back-to-Back on August 10

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2945377

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU9

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN8

Caption: Omar Gooding to star in the Showtime original series Barbershop slated to premiere on Showtime on August 10.

Contact: Chloe Comins, East Coast PR, +1-212-708-1708, or Katrina Sutton, West Coast PR, +1-310-234-5221, or Joan Ziff, Trade PR, +1-212-708-1590, all of SHOWTIME

11. VIPsports.com Dodge Stratus NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car The Road to Atlanta...

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2945148

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050511/MXW001

Caption: VIPsports.com Dodge Stratus top alcohol funny car.

Contact: Charlie Henry, Challenger Consulting, +1-248-477-1970, or fax, +1-248-476-0191, or charlie@challengerconsultingllc.com, for VIPsports.com

12. Arizona State Honors Peterson Zah, First President of Navajo Nation

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2946965

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU11

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN10

Caption: Peterson Zah, considered one of the 100 most important Native Americans in the last century and first president of the Navajo Nation, was honored with a Doctor of Human Letters degree at Arizona State University's commencement May 12 in Tempe, Ariz. He has served for the last decade as ASU's adviser to the president on American Indian Affairs, focusing on recruitment and retention of Native American students. Photo credit: Tim Trumble/ASU. More images: www.asu.edu/news/newsroom"

Contact: Sharon Keeler, Arizona State University, +1-480-965-4012

13. Bright Beginnings(TM) Salutes Spokesperson Brooke Shields on the Launch of Her New Book, 'Down Came The Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression'

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2940957

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050126/DCTU042A

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN9

Caption: The makers of Bright Beginnings(tm) infant formula salute product spokesperson Brooke Shields on the publication of her new book, Down Came The Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression (Hyperion). In the book, the new mom recounts her positive experiences working with the Bright Beginnings team, as well as successfully feeding Bright Beginnings infant formula to her daughter, Rowan. "My association with Bright Beginnings infant formula has been a wonderful experience," said Shields. "Bright Beginnings has been great for my baby."

Contact: Joe Shields, +1-800-959-2066, ext. 131, or jshields@pbmproducts.com, for Bright Beginnings

14. First Ever Lite Spirit Launched ISLAND BREEZE(TM) by Bacardi is The Original Lite Spirit(TM)

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2946104

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050512/NYTH045

Caption: Kim Cattrall unveils Bacardi's revolutionary 1/2 calorie Spirit Island Breeze at Hotel Gansevort.

Contact: Liz Anklow, +1-212-981-5103, or Diane Briskin, +1-212-981-5224, Robert Zimmerman, +1-212-981-5118, all of Dan Klores Communications, forBacardi U.S.A., Inc.

15. Lorraine Bracco, Star of HBO's 'The Sopranos,' to Write Her First Book, ON THE COUCH, to Be Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons in Spring 2006

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2945197

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050511/NYW102

Caption: Lorraine Bracco, star of HBO's "The Sopranos," to write her first book, 'ON THE COUCH', to be published by G.P. Putnam's Sons in Spring 2006 . Acclaimed film and television actress shares candid reflections about her life, her career and overcoming personal struggles in stirring memoir.

Contact: Marilyn Ducksworth, +1-212-366-2564, marilyn.ducksworth@us.penguingroup.com; Dave Zimmer, +1-212-366-2687, david.zimmer@us.penguingroup.com

16. Couples That Play Together Stay Together

Prepare for a Lifetime of Adventures, Together, With the REI Gift Registry

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2940516

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU8

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN7

Caption: Outdoor expert Recreational Equipment Inc. is leading the alternative gift registry trend with a multi-channel service catering to outdoorsy types.

Contact: Laura Butorac of Edelman, +1-206-223-1606, or laura.butorac@edelman.com, for REI

17. Great News for Summer Cooks -- Wisconsin Has the Blues

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2944159

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU4

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN4

Caption: As Americans look for bigger, bolder flavors in their foods, they are increasingly turning to Blue Cheese, making it one of the fastest growing specialty cheese categories in the country. Wisconsin Blue Cheese can be enjoyed on a cheese plate as above or used to add flavor to all of your summertime meals from burgers and pizzas to sensational side dishes and salads. For more information, including recipes, visit www.WisDairy.com.

Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.

Contact: Amy Heinemann of Lindsay, Stone & Briggs, +1-608-268-5332, aheinemann@lsb.com

18. Breyers Light Ice Cream Now Double Churned

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2943418

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU1

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN1

Caption: Unilever Ice Cream is the first to launch an all natural premium light ice cream that has the same creamy taste as regular premium ice cream with half the fat. New Breyers Double Churned Light ice cream is available in seven creamy flavors -- Creamy Vanilla, Vanilla Bean, Creamy Chocolate, Vanilla/Chocolate/Strawberry, Mint Chocolate Chip, Butter Pecan and Rocky Road. A half-cup serving contains between 100 and 140 calories. Available nationally, a 56-ounce container has a suggested retail price of $5.09.

Contact: Lisa Piasecki, +1-312-857-7342, or toll-free, +1-888-707-8737, for Unilever Ice Cream

19. 1,500 Neighborhoods Across America Will Scoop up an Ice Cream Block Party This Summer

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2943418

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU2

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN2

Caption: Neighbors slow down during the summer months to enjoy time with each other over two scoops of ice cream. Fifteen hundred American neighborhoods will celebrate summer with ice cream block parties sponsored by Dreyer's/Edy's Slow Churned Light Ice Cream during July and August. Studies have shown that the relationships people build with their neighbors can enhance connections in their communities and foster healthy environments for families. Visit www.icecream.com for ideas and suggestions for planning a neighborhood ice cream block party.

Contact: Kim Goeller-Johnson of Dreyer's, +1-510-601-4211, or kagoelle@dreyers.com; or Drew McGowan, +1-415-984-6196, or drew.mcgowan@ketchum.com, for Dreyer's

20. Two New Teams of Castaways Hit the Beach in Second Season of TBS's THE REAL GILLIGAN'S ISLAND

Comic Reality Series Set to Premiere Wednesday, June 8, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2946606

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050512/CLTH051

Caption: TBS's THE REAL GILLIGAN'S ISLAND, one of cable's most popular reality series, is back for another season of comedy, outrageous competitions and island hook-ups as two sets of castaways embodying the original characters are stranded on an island and challenged to find a way off. From left to right: Millionaires Howard & Melissa, Ginger Erika Eleniak, Mary Ann Mandy, Skipper Ken, Gilligan Zac, Professor Andy, Gilligan Shawn, Professor Tiy-E, Mary Ann Randi, Skipper Crazy Charlie, Ginger Angie Everhart and Millionaires Jim & Donna. THE REAL GILLIGAN'S ISLAND premieres Wednesday, June 8, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT), only on TBS. Photo credit: Peter "Hopper" Stone. All photos (TM) Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

Contact: Erin Naman in Atlanta, +1-404-885-0797, or erin.naman@turner.com , or Eileen Quast in Los Angeles, +1-310-788-6797, or eileen.quast@turner.com , or Cheryl Lassiter in New York, +1-212-275-8234, or cheryl.lassiter@turner.com , all of TBS

21. American Superstars Show at the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower Adds Tim McGraw Tribute

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2946706

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050512/LATH096

Caption: American Superstars Show at the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower adds Tim McGraw tribute.

Contact: Michael Gilmartin, Public Relations Manager of American Casino & Entertainment Properties, +1-702-383-4790, michael.gilmartin@stratospherehotel.com; or James Woodrow of Preferred Public Relations & Marketing, +1-702-254-5704, james@preferredpublicrelations.com, for Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower

22. Aria Alpert Commands Title Role in NORA, the Blue Angel Theatre's Inaugural Production at L.A.'S Century City Playhouse

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2946403

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050512/LATH035

Caption: Actress Aria Alpert.

Contact: Michael Jensen or Bryan Alsop, both +1-626-585-9575, info@jensencom.com, for Aria Alpert

PRNewswire -- May 13

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU5 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU3 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU6 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050510/NYTU082 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050208/LATU035 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050511/NYW079 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050511/NYW146 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050511/NYW032 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU9 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050511/MXW001 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU11 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050126/DCTU042A http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050512/NYTH045 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050511/NYW102 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU8 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU4 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU1 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050513/LAFRU2 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050512/CLTH051 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050512/LATH096 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050512/LATH035 AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1, PRN2 PRN3, PRN4, PRN5, PRN6, PRN7, PRN8, PRN9, PRN10 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: PR Newswire

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