PR Newswire Entertainment Weekly RoundUp for Week Ending Friday, May 20, 2005

PR Newswire Entertainment Weekly RoundUp for Week Ending Friday, May 20, 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. Put a Smile on Dad's (Poker) Face: Bicycle Premium Masters Poker Set is What He Really Wants for Father's Day

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2951262

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050520/LAFRU4

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN5

Caption: Bicycle Premium Masters Poker Set is what dad really wants for Father's Day! Packaged in a handsome black lacquered wood "royal flush" case, the poker chips created for this set feature rounded edges for better handling, a unique "rough" feel that allows for easy stacking and shuffling, and a centered logo and authentic casino stripes molded into the chips. High quality heavy-weight clay chips like those in the Bicycle Premium Masters Poker Set are preferred by poker players worldwide.

Contact: Jackie Lapin, +1-818-707-1473, jackielapin@cs.com, or Jim Llewellyn, +1-323-810-7685, ajllewell@excite.com, both for US Playing Card Company

2. Smirnoff Launches New Black Cherry Vodka

Just In Time for Summer Cocktail Season

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2951926

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/NYW015

Caption: This June, Smirnoff Vodka adds the dark, rich flavor of black cherry to the number one selling flavored vodka line in the country. When combined with soda, Smirnoff Black Cherry becomes a refreshing cherry drink just in time for summer.

Contact: Mara Flynn of Alan Taylor Communications, +1-212-714-1280, X339, mara@alantaylor.com, for Diageo; Patti Costantino of Diageo, +1-212-522-9876,patricia.costantino@diageo.com

3. bd's mongolian barbeque Expands to Mongolia

Partnership with children's organization creates non-profit restaurant

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2945908

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050520/LAFRU2

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN3

Caption: Billy 'bd' Downs (right) and Mongolian franchise partner, Myagmar Esunmunkh, toast the opening of bd's mongolian barbeque in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The franchised restaurant provides jobs for over 70 Mongolians and will share profits with the Mongolian Youth Development Foundation. It is the first American franchised restaurant in Mongolia. The Detroit-based create-your-own stir-fry restaurant chain operates 28 locations in ten states and two countries. Additional information and photos can be found at www.bdsmongolianbarbeque.com or by calling Brad Russell at (248) 398-2560.

Contact: Brad Russell of bd's mongolian barbeque, +1-248-398-2560, ext. 238, or brussell@mongoman.com; or Natalie Stavale of Marx Layne & Co., +1-248-855-6777, ext. 133, or nstavale@marxlayne.com, for bd's mongolian barbeque

4. Special Cleanliness Report: When Good Vacations Go Bad

SDA Survey Reveals Our Most Likely 'Vacation Spots'

Think P.A.C.K. for Clean, Healthy Summer Travel

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2946502

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050520/LAFRU3

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN4

Caption: The Soap and Detergent Association (www.cleaning101.com) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry(SM), representing manufacturers of household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products; their ingredients and finished packaging; and oleochemical producers. SDA members produce more than 90 percent of the cleaning products marketed in the U.S.

Contact: Brian Sansoni of The Soap and Detergent Association, +1-202-662-2517, or bsansoni@cleaning101.com

5. Make Contact with Alien Creatures in National Geographic Channel Special 'Extraterrestrial'

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2934523

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050520/LAFRU1

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN2

Caption: Featured in Extraterrestrial, the Gulphog is an intelligent creature with the capacity for social interaction.

Contact: Russell Howard, +1-202-912-6652, RHoward@natgeochannel.com, or National Broadcast: Alanna Zahn, +1-212-852-7093, AZahn@natgeochannel.com, both of National Geographic Channel; or National Broadcast: Cathy Saypol of CSPR, +1-212-288-8496, Saypolpr@aol.com, for National Geographic Channel; National Print: Chris Albert of National Geographic Channel, +1-202-912-6526, CAlbert@natgeochannel.com, or Nord Wennerstrom of The Fratelli Group, +1-202-496-2124, NWennerstrom@fratelli.com, for National Geographic Channel; or National & Local Radio: Clare Hertel of Clare Hertel Communications, +1-845-340-0731, CHertel@aol.com, for National Geographic Channel; or Local Print: Licet Ariza of The Fratelli Group, +1-202-496-2122, LAriza@fratelli.com, for National Geographic Channel; or Photos: Chad Sandhas of National Geographic Channel, +1-202-912-6632, CSandhas@natgeochannel.com

6. First Ever Wolverine Kits at the Detroit Zoo

Only kits born at a North American zoo this year

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2952337

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/DEW041-b

Caption: First ever Wolverine kits at the Detroit Zoo.

Contact: Rana Kozouz of Detroit Zoological Institute, +1-248-398-0903, x3234, or rkozouz@detroitzoo.org

7. Jaguar Cars for Jaguar Cats - Jaguar North America Joins Happy Hollow Park & Zoo to Celebrate New Jaguar Cat, Sophia

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2951044

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/DEW006

Caption: Jaguar North America donates $7,000 to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo to support their new jaguar cat, Sophia.

Contact: Leticia Parquer, +1-201-818-8182, lparquer@jaguar.com , or Rosemary Mariniello, +1-201-818-8010, rmarinie@jaguar.com , both of Jaguar Corporate Affairs

8. National Asparagus Queen Announced Today

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2952965

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050520/LAFRU5

AP PHOTOEXPRESS: PRN6

Caption: Allison Doyle, Noodles & Company's National Asparagus Queen

Contact: Kelly Pascal Gould of Noodles & Company, +1-720-214-1993 or +1-303-324-6723, kelly@noodles.com

9. Universal Pictures Expanding Rogue Pictures Label

Focus Features Co-President David Linde to Take on Additional Duties as Genre Division Begins Second Year in Business

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2951881

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/LAW112LOGO

Caption: Rogue Pictures Logo.

Contact: Adriene Bowles of Focus Features, +1-213-280-6121 (in Cannes); or Lea Porteneuve of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, +1-818-777-1391

10. FREE Collectible Star Wars Magazine Expected to Disappear From Theaters Within First 24 Hours

Free, Download of 32-page FLIcK Available at FLIcKmagazine.com

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2951791

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/DCW055

Caption: Darth Vader creates an imposing presence on the cover of the premiere issue of Flick in-theater movie magazine. Flick debuts May 19 with the release of Lucasfilms' Star Wars, Episode III and will be distributed to Star Wars moviegoers at Loews, Carmike, and Cinemark theaters nationwide. Even with its circulation of 2.5 million copies, Flick is expected to be gone by Friday, thanks to the Star Wars rush. For more information on Flick, contact Peter Lobred at +1-757-664-1110.

Contact: Peter Lobred, +1-757-664-1110, peter.lobred@decipher.com, or Monica Jones, +1-757-664-1146, monica.jones@decipher.com, both of Decipher Inc.

11. DVD Launch Party for the Complete First Season of Scrubs

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2949094

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050516/LAM094-b

Caption: Many celebrities were on hand at AER lounge in New York to celebrate the DVD launch of Scrubs: The Complete First Season, available on 05/17/05. PICTURED: Neil Flynn, Christa Miller, Sarah Chalke, Zack Braff, Bill Lawrence (Creator Executive Producer).

PHOTO by: Dave Allocca/startraksphoto.com

12. 'VH1 Storytellers: Coldplay'

Premieres Wednesday, June 8 at 10pm*

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2952581

Accompanying high-resolution photos are available at:

Photo #1 NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050519/NYTH087-a

Caption: Coldplay filming their performance during VH1 Storytellers.

Photo #2 NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050519/NYTH087-b

Caption: Coldplay filming their performance during VH1 storytellers.

Contact: Lori Hornik-VH1, +1-212-846-7131, or Vanessa Reyes-MTVN, +1-310-752-8081

13. XM Satellite Radio to Open New Studios at World-Renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City

XM is the Exclusive Satellite Radio Partner of Jazz at Lincoln Center

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2952478

Accompanying high-resolution photos are available at:

Photo #1 NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050519/NYTH050-a

Caption: XM Satellite Radio is opening new on-air studios at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City in summer 2005. The artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center is jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, pictured in concert at XM Satellite Radio's performance theater in Washington, DC in 2002.

Photo #2 NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050519/NYTH050-b

Caption: XM Satellite Radio on-air personality Tobi at XM's new studios at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Contact: David Butler of XM Satellite Radio, +1-202-380-4317, david.butler@xmradio.com; or Mary Fiance Fuss of the Jazz at Lincoln Center, +1-212-258-9829, mfuss@jalc.org

14. Vivendi Universal Games and 50 Cent Pull Back the Kevlar to Reveal 50 Cent: Bulletproof at E3 Expo 2005

Eminem and Dr. Dre Join the Cast as the Characters 'McVicar' and 'Grizz' in 50 Cent's Upcoming Video Game

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2951460

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/LAW024

Caption: Vivendi Universal Games and 50 Cent pull back the kevlar to reveal 50 Cent: Bulletproof at E3 Expo 2005.

Contact: Erik Reynolds of Vivendi Universal Games, +1-310-431-4530, Erik.Reynolds@vugames.com; or Yvette Gayle, +1-310-865-6278, Yvette.Gayle@umusic.com, or Dennis Dennehy, +1-310-865-7934, dennis.dennehy@umusic.com, both of Interscope Publicity, for Vivendi Universal Games

15. Square Enix Announces FINAL FANTASY(R) XII Release Date for PLAYSTATION(R)2 Computer Entertainment System

And Showcases the Look of FINAL FANTASY on PLAYSTATION(R)3

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2949607

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050516/LAM161-b

Caption: A state-of-the-art technology demonstration video was created and shown at the Sony Computer Entertainment press conference on May 16, 2005, in Los Angeles, California in preparation for the development of next generation software. The video recreated a scene from the opening sequence of FINAL FANTASY VII, the seminal 1997 hit on the PlayStation(R) game console, by utilizing the next-generation, high-performance processor Cell.

Contact: Kumiko Hakushi, kumiko@square-enix-usa.com, or Felice Wu, felice@square-enix-usa.com, both of Square Enix, Inc., +1-310-846-0400

16. Nintendo's Game Boy Micro Projects a Dynamic New Image

Best-Selling Video Game System Sports a Striking New Look

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2950487

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050517/LATU048

Caption: Nintendo takes aim at the pocket of your tightest jeans with the tiny Game Boy(R) Micro system, quite simply the smallest and sleekest Game Boy(R) product that Nintendo has ever created. It's thinner than a cell phone, as chic as an MP3 player and as fun as a Game Boy. In an instant it attracts attention and positions the image-conscious player as someone on the cutting edge of cool.

Contact: Chris Olmstead, +1-213-623-4200, ext. 780, colmstead@golinharris.com, or Eileen Tanner, +1-509-628-1993, etanner@golinharris.com, both of GOLIN HARRIS for Nintendo

17. Nintendo's Compact Console Will Turn the World of Gaming on Its Side

New System Will be Forward-Thinking, Yet Backward Compatible

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2950483

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050517/LATU045

Caption: Nintendo's compact-but-powerful next-generation home console, code-named Revolution, is the size of three stacked DVD cases and will play both standard 12-centimeter optical discs and Nintendo GameCube discs in a self-loading media bay. Due in 2006, the Wi-Fi-enabled system also will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for all of the past Nintendo systems.

Contact: Julia Roether, +1-213-623-4200, ext. 783, jroether@golinharris.com, or Eileen Tanner, +1-509-628-1993, etanner@golinharris.com, both of GOLIN HARRIS for Nintendo

18. AKQA Unveils Interface for New Xbox 360(R)

User Interface Delivers Intuitive, State-of-the-Art Experience for High Definition Era

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2951758

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/DCW053

Caption: AKQA created for Xbox 360 a user interface that is clean, consistent and customizable.

Contact: Molly Parsley, Marketing & PR Manager of AKQA, +1-415-645-9473, or molly.parsley@akqa.com

19. TEN Technology's Updated naviPlay(TM) Takes Calls

naviPlay Upgrades Bluetooth(R) Functionality to Connect iPod(TM) and Mobile Phones

Full text of the release is available at: http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/main.jsp?resourceid=2951598

An accompanying high-resolution photo is available at: NEWSCOM: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/DAW033

Caption: TEN Technology's naviPlay Bluetooth Stereo Kit for iPod has been updated to combine functionality of the two most popular consumer devices -- mobile phones and iPods. With the updated Bluetooth naviPlay, users can enjoy the music without fear of missing a call.

Contact: Starr Million of INK Public Relations, +1-512-228-2842, or starr@ink-pr.com, for TEN Technology, Inc.

PRNewswire -- May 20

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050520/LAFRU4 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/NYW015 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050520/LAFRU2 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050520/LAFRU3 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050520/LAFRU1 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/DEW041-b http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/DEW006 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050520/LAFRU5 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/LAW112LOGO http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/DCW055 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050516/LAM094-b http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050519/NYTH087-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050519/NYTH087-b http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050519/NYTH050-a http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050519/NYTH050-b http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/LAW024 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050516/LAM161-b http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050517/LATU048 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050517/LATU045 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/DCW053 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050518/DAW033 AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN5, PRN3, PRN4, PRN2, PRN6 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: PR Newswire

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