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SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ — PlayFirst, Inc., the innovative entertainment company making games appealing to everyone, today announced the release of Cooking Dash(TM), a spin-off of the DinerTown(TM) story world. Diner Dash(R) and its three sequels, four of the most popular titles in the casual games industry, all feature the spunky, pragmatic Flo, following her adventures as she uses waitressing and customer service skills to become DinerTown’s top restaurateur. Cooking Dash, PlayFirst’s first game featuring Flo that isn’t a direct Diner Dash sequel, introduces a new gameplay style to her loyal fans.
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Cooking Dash is an assembly-management game featuring Flo and her beloved grandma. The duo find themselves filling in at DinerTown’s busiest kitchens as they work to cover a cook shortage brought about by a reality TV program featuring Flo’s hardworking chef, Cookie.
“Cooking Dash serves up Flo like you’ve never seen her before,” says Kenny Shea Dinkin, vice president and creative director of PlayFirst, Inc. “She’s out off the floor and behind the grill, learning a new skill while the player learns a new type of gameplay.”
PlayFirst continues to innovate new experiences in casual gameplay within exclusive story worlds built around richly defined characters and compelling storylines. This innovation consistently brings consumers back to their favorite characters while offering a wide variety of gameplay options.
An exciting story world expansion, Cooking Dash does not replace the Diner Dash series, which is scheduled to release new episodic content as well as full-length sequel games.
Cooking Dash is now available for both Mac and PC. Play a free 60-minute trial or purchase the full-version for $19.95. For more information on the game, or to purchase Cooking Dash, please visit .
About PlayFirst, Inc.
PlayFirst is an innovative entertainment company that makes games appealing to everyone. PlayFirst creates engaging story worlds that capture the imagination and makes those experiences available everywhere consumers want to play. PlayFirst teams create outstanding games, then bring those games to life across popular platforms worldwide, including PC, Mac, mobile, handheld, and console. The company’s portfolio includes world-renowned titles, such as Diner Dash(R), wedding Dash(R), Chocolatier(R), and Dream Chronicles(R). PlayFirst games are available in major retailers and on more than 500 sites in 20 languages. For more information, visit .
PlayFirst, Chocolatier, Cooking Dash, Diner Dash, DinerTown, Dream Chronicles, Flo, wedding Dash, Dash, and all related titles, logos, and characters are trademarks of PlayFirst, Inc. PlayFirst, Chocolatier, Diner Dash, Dream Chronicles, and wedding Dash are registered in the U.S.

PlayFirst, Inc.

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NEW YORK, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Superstar David Beckham opens up in the September issue of Men’s Health magazine, on newsstands August 12, 2008, about his unique formula for success. Having reached the one year milestone of playing for Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy, Beckham reflects on bringing notoriety to “football” and to U.S. fans across the pond, choosing his kids over sports, the importance of training in his overall success, and the “madness” that constantly surrounds his family. At age 13, Beckham was discouraged from pursuing soccer from a teacher when he was told, “You’ll never play for England, because you’re too small and not strong enough.” It was those words that set Beckham on a path to change the sport forever.
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Peek inside Beckham’s workout regime from weight training to practice sessions, and learn how one of the most recognized athletes stays focused when game time comes.
On juggling family and sports…
“There is this madness around me, around my family. Without a doubt, out on the field is where I’m most comfortable, where I’m happiest, because I know what I’m doing, and I know I can do it.”
“People always ask me, ‘Do you play golf?’ Because a majority of sportsmen do. I used to play, quite a few years ago, but to be honest, I’d rather spend 4 hours with the kids than 4 hours on a golf course. As much as it can be relaxing, it’s a frustrating sport. My way of relaxing is listening to music and spending time with the kids.”
On the growing popularity of soccer in America…
“I never do anything where I don’t believe in what I’m doing. I see that something could happen in U.S. soccer. That change isn’t going to happen in a year or two. It’s more of a 5-, 10-, or even 15-year plan. I believe in it, and I believe that in years to come, this could be one of the biggest sports here in America.”
On training and handling stress…
“I’m a really bad loser. It stays with me for a while. I always take it quite personally when we don’t win as a team or I don’t win in everything else I do.”
“I don’t worry about any other players. I’ve always concentrated on what my job is more than anything, more than how good the other team is, no matter who the opponent is-even off the field. If you do your job, then there’s nothing else.”
“Preseason if where you get the stability for the rest of the season. I’ll never perform at my highest level unless I’m 100 percent fit. That’s one of my biggest attributes, the energy I’ve got on the field. For me, training is as important as the games.”
“My game’s all about moving around the pitch. I went through a stage a few years ago where I lifted a lot of weights and put on about a stone [about 14 pounds] and ended up not being able to run.”
On his superstar status…
“To be someone kids look up to is a great honor. What matters is how you carry yourself, off and on the field.”
“People always say to me, ‘Why would you place yourself in a position where you have to put pressure on yourself?’ But it’s what gives me energy.”
“I know what I’m doing,” Beckham says of his fashion style.

On what motivated his success…

Beckham credits his father with helping him harness his focus. “Even if I had a great game he’s always say, ‘You played well, but these were the mistakes you made.’ If I had a bad game, I’d hear all about that. When I was playing for Manchester United, playing something like 200 games and winning European Cup finals, he still wouldn’t let me get away with saying, ‘I’ve made it.’ So that’s one thing I have never done and never will do.”
“You’ll never play for England, because you’re too small and not strong enough,” Beckham heard these words from a soccer player at age 13, which led him to his professional career in “football.”
An image of the September cover of Men’s Health magazine featuring David Beckham is available upon request.
About Men’s Health
Men’s Health is the largest men’s lifestyle magazine brand in the world with 36 editions and a worldwide readership of 18.5 million. Published 10 times a year in the U.S. by Rodale, Men’s Health speaks to every aspect of a man’s life, providing its readers with the latest information on health, fitness, fashion, nutrition, relationships, travel, gear and money. Men’s Health was named to Adweek’s “Hot List” of top-ten magazines (’04, ‘05); Advertising Age’s “A-List” for general excellence (’03, ‘04); a Capell’s Circulation Report “Best Newsstand Performer of the Decade” (’04) and top-ten “Best Performer in Circulation” for the past three consecutive years; as well as one of min magazine’s “Most Notable Launches” of the past 20 years. The magazine also won a National Magazine Award in the personal service category (’04).

Men’s Health

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DENVER, July 22 /PRNewswire/ —

- TICKETS ON sale NOW FOR YAMAGUCHI’S ANNUAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY ICE SHOW
OCTOBER 12

The Jonas Brothers, platinum selling Hollywood Records artists and Disney
Channel stars, will join Olympic gold medalist and “Dancing with the Stars”
champion Kristi Yamaguchi for one rockin’ evening of entertainment in the US
Airways Center in Phoenix.

Tickets for this one-time only event are on sale now. The show is
scheduled for Oct. 12.

The Jonas Brothers — featuring brothers Kevin, Joe and Nick — will be
the music headliners for Yamaguchi’s annual Friends and Family ice show,
which features Olympic and world-class skaters and their children. The show
will be nationally televised on NBC-TV at a date to be announced.

The Jonas Brothers have grown into a pop culture phenomenon, with hits
like “S.O.S.” and “When You Look Me in the Eyes.”"Burnin’ Up,” the first
single from their third album, “A Little Bit Longer,” debuted at # 1 on
iTunes for both song and video, and was the # 1 video of the week on YouTube.
“A Little Bit Longer” is scheduled to be released August 12. Joining the
Jonas Brothers is Demi Lovato, the band’s “Camp Rock” co-star who will be
releasing her solo debut this fall. In addition, Jordan Pruitt will be
performing. Jordan’s second CD, “Permission to Fly” is being released
exclusively at Limited Too and Justice stores today, July 22, and will be out
in wide release later this Summer.

The Friends and Family show will be sponsored locally by CNW
Entertainment, a children’s entertainment and educational company showcasing
its CrocPond (TM) brand.

“When great family brands come together that are 10 out of 10 in our
book, such as Kristi Yamaguchi and her Always Dream Foundation, The Jonas
Brothers, Musselman’s Apple Sauce, CrocPond, and NBC, it is amazing the
cumulative and exponential power they can all bring to a special event like
this one,” said Nicholas Zaldastani, CEO of CNW Entertainment, which includes
CrocPond. “It will be great for everybody to see. How often do you see brands
with integrity, concern for other people and wholesome family entertainment
come together for an event like this?”
The Friends and Family show concept has been something dear to
Yamaguchi’s heart. She and husband Bret Hedican are parents of two daughters.
Keara was born in 2003, and Emma arrived in 2005. Their children have big
skates to fill as Yamaguchi has won a gold medal and Hedican was part of the
Carolina Hurricanes team that won the coveted Stanley Cup title in 2006.
Yamaguchi has always been involved with children’s organizations, and
established her Always Dream Foundation for children in 1996.

Among the skaters expected to join Yamaguchi in the show this year are
Olympic gold medalists Jamie sale and David Pelletier, who will be making
their first appearance in the show having become proud parents of son, Jesse,
on Sept. 30, 2007. Two-time Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan, who gave birth
to her third child, daughter Nicole, in May, also will take to the ice.

Other members of this star-studded cast are two-time Olympic gold
medalist Ekaterina Gordeeva, Olympic gold medalist Viktor Petrenko, four-time
world champion Kurt Browning, three-time U.S. champion and two-time world
bronze medalist Michael Weiss, Olympic bronze medalist Jozef Sabovcik,
three-time U.S. pairs champions Jenni Meno and Todd Sand and Isabelle
Brasseur and Rocky Marval. Brasseur won a world title and an Olympic silver
medal with Canadian partner Lloyd Eisler and is married to Marval, a former
U.S. Pairs Champion. Children of the skaters are also expected to participate
in the show.

Comcast-Spectacor (comcast-spectacor.com) is the Philadelphia-based
sports and entertainment company which owns the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL),
the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), the Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL), the two arenas
in which their teams play, the Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum, four
Flyers Skate Zone community ice skating and hockey rinks and Comcast
SportsNet Philadelphia. In addition, Comcast-Spectacor is also the principal
owner of Global Spectrum, the fastest growing firm in the public assembly
management field with more than 50 facilities throughout the United States
and Canada; Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage service provider; New
Era Tickets, a ticketing and marketing company for public assembly
facilities; Front Row Marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company;
and 3601 Creative Group, a full-service in-house advertising agency.
Comcast-Spectacor also owns the Bowie Baysox, the Delmarva Shorebirds, the
Frederick Keys baseball teams, all affiliates of the Baltimore Orioles.

Web site: http://www.comcast-spectacor.com
http://www.crocpond.com

Disson Skating

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LOS ANGELES, June 27 /PRNewswire/ — Borden Entertainment and Distinctive Assets will team up with the Environmental Media Association (EMA) and LA.Direct Magazine to throw the coolest party in Malibu on the 4th of July! Entertainment industry elite will enjoy functional water from ACTIVATE Drinks, cocktails from Right Gin, exquisite wine from Bottlenotes, delectable catering from Stone Fire Pizza and sustainable furnishings from Naturescast(R). The event will be styled by J. Gatsby Events, whose clients include the GRAMMYs, Disney and the Hard Rock Hotel.
This eco-fabulous event will be “greened” with the help of Conscious Planet Media, including an eco-friendly red carpet from flor, odor eliminators from Pure Ayre, biodegradable bags from Biobag, soy candles from Soy Basics, hand sanitizer from Handefend, air sanitizers from Germ Guardian, biodegradable umbrellas from Brelli, energy-saving light bulbs from Aero-Tech Light Bulb Company, and recyclable plates/cups/utensils from Preserve. The carbon footprint of the party will be offset thanks to the generous support of Carbonfund.org. The N9NE Group at the Palms Hotel is providing a bevy of fun summer accessories including Playboy Club Frisbees, Ditch Friday hats and Perfecto Las Vegas beach towels. Plus, all of the talent in attendance will receive gifts from Sofft Shoe Company, SHIBUE couture and The Face Shop, among others!
“Our Malibu Beach Parties are all about the chic, fun and socially-conscious Southern California lifestyle,” said Glenda Borden, celebrity party planner and president of Borden Entertainment.
The allure of this particular Malibu Beach House and its blend of social consciousness with traditional beach fun has already drawn the attention of Pink, Matthew McConaughey, Minnie Driver, Elisabeth Rohm, Plain White T’s, Paris Hilton, Jeremy Piven and Adrian Grenier.
Official event photographs will be available at
To learn more about the fabulous companies behind the Malibu magic, please visit the following Web sites:

Distinctive Assets

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BURBANK, Calif., June 4 /PRNewswire/ — Insomniac Games, a 28.5-million unit selling independent console videogames developer ranked among the top 10 best small companies to work for nationally and locally, announced today it is opening a North Carolina-based development studio.
The new studio, which will be located in the Raleigh-Durham area, marks the first expansion in Insomniac’s 14-year history. The North Carolina studio will also be known as Insomniac Games, and will focus both on developing current and new intellectual properties. While the new studio will operate largely autonomously from Insomniac’s Burbank group, it will receive administrative support along with shared tools and technology.
“As a studio, Insomniac Games is known for developing high-quality blockbuster titles and for nurturing a creative and collaborative culture,” said Ted Price, Insomniac’s founder and CEO. “Our goal with the North Carolina studio is to blend our experience and proven track record with the tenacity of a start-up venture. Expanding to Raleigh-Durham also allows us to maintain an ideal size in Burbank while offering an attractive alternative for developers wishing to live on the East Coast.”
Chad Dezern, Insomniac’s art director, will serve as the North Carolina studio director while veteran Insomniac gameplay lead Shaun McCabe will assume the role of production director. The two have worked at Insomniac for 10 and five years, respectively. They will continue to help lead production of Resistance 2(TM), Insomniac’s highly anticipated sequel to the PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) exclusive Resistance: Fall of Man(TM), until it launches this fall.
Insomniac’s Raleigh-Durham studio will be operational by January 2009 and is currently seeking employees for a variety of positions. The studio will likely be comprised of 25-30 developers. Job-related questions may be submitted to .
About Insomniac Games
Insomniac Games is a wholly independent console videogames developer that has released award-winning hits for the PlayStation(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and PLAYSTATION(R)3 for 14 years. The company created the first three Spyro the Dragon(TM) games, the Ratchet & Clank(TM) franchise and Resistance: Fall of Man(TM), which have combined to sell more than 28.5 million units worldwide. Insomniac Games is currently developing Resistance 2(TM), which will release this fall, exclusively for PlayStation 3.
In addition to making blockbuster videogames, Insomniac is known for ranking among the top four “Best Small Companies to Work for in America” in 2005 and 2006 and among the Top 10 for 2007, according to the Great Places to Work Institute and Society for Human Resources Management. More information can be found at or by listening to Insomniac’s “Full Moon Show” podcast, available on iTunes and the studio’s website.
Insomniac Games

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UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., June 2 /PRNewswire/ — Drawn from Universal’s crypt of classic monsters and updated with spectacular Broadway production values and special effects, “Creature from the Black Lagoon — The Musical” will rise, live, on stage at Universal Studios hollywood beginning Spring 2009.
With state-of-the-art stagecraft, acrobatic choreography and hilarious, toe-tapping music, the Creature will be brought to life in a story based on the original screenplay, updated to emphasize the element of romance and just a bit of comic relief. Original new music and dazzling production numbers will keep the attraction contemporary and lively.
Audiences will be immersed in the ominous environment of the deepest Amazon, enveloped by the exotic sounds and scents of the jungle. And from the production’s first moments, they’ll be thrust into an unexpectedly outrageous, strangely romantic, frequently melodic and often hilarious adventure as a monster classic is re-imagined for the 21st Century.
“Creature from the Black Lagoon — The Musical” will be staged as an attraction within the Universal Studios hollywood theme park. Admission will be included in the price of theme park tickets and annual passes.
Universal Studios hollywood (), The Entertainment Capital of L.A., includes a movie-based theme park and Studio Tour, the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal Cinemas and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue. The theme park features the groundbreaking attractions “The Simpsons Ride,”"Revenge of the Mummy — The Ride,”"Shrek 4-D,”"Jurassic Park — The Ride” and the world-renowned Studio Tour, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of such landmark TV and movie locations and sets as Steven Spielberg’s “War of the Worlds” and “Desperate Housewives.” Universal CityWalk features 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, nightclubs, shops and dynamic entertainment options. The Universal CityWalk Cinemas, which includes California’s largest IMAX venue, features the best movie-going experience in Los Angeles.
Universal Studios hollywood () is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Universal Studios, a part of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May of 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi Universal.
Universal Studios Hollywood

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NEW YORK, May 19 /PRNewswire/ — Lifetime Networks, CosmoGIRL! and the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization Declare Yourself, today announced the launch of the 2008 Future Frontrunners contest to identify and inspire the next generation of women leaders. The contest offers 16 lucky winners the once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet the country’s top women in politics at a Future Frontrunners summit during the Democratic National Convention in Denver or the Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, MN.
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To enter, contestants must submit either a written or video entry at myLifetime.com answering the question, “What would you do if you were president?” Winning entries will be selected by a distinguished panel of judges, including:
— Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX)
— Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
— Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the Democratic National Convention Committee
(DNCC)
— Maria Cino, President & CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention
— Jo Ann Davidson, Co-Chair, Republican National Committee
— Leticia Van de Putte, Permanent Convention Co-Chair, DNCC, and Texas
State Senator
— Faye Wattleton, President, Center for the Advancement of Women
— Candy Crowley, Senior Political Correspondent, CNN
— Michelle Bernard, President, Independent Women’s Forum
— Maria Teresa Peterson, Executive Director, Voto Latino
— Ellen Goodman, Boston Globe columnist
— Carol Jenkins, President, The Women’s Media Center
— Meredith Wagner, Executive Vice President, Lifetime Networks
— Susan Schulz, Editor-in-Chief, CosmoGIRL!
— Diana Nguyen, Associate Director, Declare Yourself

As role models for girls and women around the world, the panel’s extraordinary talent, dedication and success embody the spirit of this competition.
To encourage young women across the country to enter the contest, Lifetime Networks will air a public service announcement (PSA) featuring artist and actress Ashlee Simpson, who is currently promoting her new album Bittersweet World, on Lifetime, Lifetime movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and myLifetime.com throughout the month of May to mid-June. CosmoGIRL! will promote Future Frontrunners in its June/July issue and on cosmogirl.com. Additionally, Declare Yourself will highlight the contest on its web site and through e-newsletters.
“I am so excited to use my voice to get young girls thinking about their future and how they can change the world,” said Simpson. “This contest is a really cool opportunity to get girls involved in voting and the political process.”
Future Frontrunners, first created in 2004, is part of Lifetime Networks’ award-winning, nonpartisan Every Woman Counts campaign to encourage women to speak out on issues they care about most, vote and run for office.
The summit will bring the Future Frontrunners together with members of Congress, key political and business leaders, journalists and advocates to learn leadership skills, how to impact public policy, and the importance of the women’s vote. Winners will also be acknowledged in an on-air PSA on Lifetime and featured online at myLifetime.com, cosmogirl.com and declareyourself.com.
The competition, open to women nationwide ages 16-22, runs through June 16th. Winners will be announced in August. For more information, go to myLifetime.com.
About Every Woman Counts:
Every Woman Counts is the only public service campaign dedicated to encouraging women to speak out on the issues they care about most, vote and run for office. For the first time, the 2008 Every Woman Counts initiative will leverage the power of the #1 and #2 television networks’ for women — Lifetime and Lifetime movie Network (LMN) — and include the most extensive on-air programming, digital content and grassroots efforts to date. To expand the effort and reach women everywhere they live, work and play, Lifetime launched the first-ever Every Woman Counts media and advocacy coalition in partnership with REDBOOK, CosmoGIRL!, Marie Claire, celebrities, experts and hundreds of women’s nonprofit organizations representing more than 15 million women from all sides of the political spectrum.
LIFETIME is the leader in women’s television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (including myLifetime.com) are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.
About CosmoGIRL!/Project 2024
CosmoGIRL! () empowers and inspires young women to be leaders in all aspects of their lives. From setting the latest trends to standing up for what they believe in, our readers were Born To Lead. CosmoGIRL! publishes ten issues annually, as well as CosmoGIRL! Prom. Teens can also interact with the brand on the digital front, with CosmoGIRL.com, CosmoGIRL! mobile (m.cosmogirl.com), and an original webisode series covering up-and-coming fashion designers. In addition to its U.S. flagship, CosmoGIRL! publishes 7 editions around the world. The magazine is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst Corporation () and one of the world’s largest publishers of monthly magazines, with nearly 200 editions around the world, including 19 U.S. titles and 20 magazines in the United Kingdom, published through its wholly owned subsidiary, The National Magazine Company Limited. Hearst reaches more adults than any other publisher of monthly magazines (77.4 million total adults, according to MRI, Fall 2007).
About Declare Yourself
Declare Yourself, founded by Norman Lear, is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit campaign to empower and encourage every eligible 18-29-year-old in America to register and vote in the 2008 presidential election. Using the power of strategic media partnerships, celebrity spokespeople, the sports arena, and most importantly, mobile and Internet technology, Declare Yourself’s campaign blankets the landscape of popular culture with a simple, clear message: REGISTER and VOTE! Declare Yourself registered 1.2 million young people in 2004 and has targeted 2 million registrations in 2008.

Lifetime Networks

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LOS ANGELES, May 13 /PRNewswire/ — Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) today announced Bedi A. Singh, most recently the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc., has been named President, Finance and Administration & Chief Financial Officer of MGM, reporting directly to Harry E. Sloan, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of MGM. (Photo: ) (Logo: )In this newly created position, Singh takes on the overall responsibility for the company’s financial activities. This includes oversight of the studio’s relationship with the banking and finance community as well as overseeing MGM’s strategic financial planning and human resources departments and information systems functions. Singh’s appointment also signals further support for the studio’s commitment to ramping up its feature film production and distribution operations and he will work with Mary Parent, recently appointed Chairman, Worldwide Motion Picture Group at MGM. Additionally, Singh will look to enhance MGM operations for future growth.”Bedi brings an impressive wealth of worldwide entertainment industry and financial management experience to MGM’s top financial post,” said Sloan. “Among his financial accomplishments, Bedi contributed to the rebuilding of Gemstar-TV Guide and I was impressed by his long and successful career within the News Corp. family. Bedi’s knowledge, experience and understanding of the world’s financial centers and players will be a tremendous asset to the studio as we look to grow the studio’s output of filmed entertainment for the global marketplace.”Commented Singh: “I’m honored to be joining MGM at this exciting time of growth and evolution for the studio and look forward to working with Harry and Mary as well as the senior management team in realizing the goal of returning MGM to its rightful position among the top studios of Hollywood.”A talented senior financial executive with impressive technical credentials, Singh has held high level finance positions at both News Corporation and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Singh comes to the post from Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc. where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2006. This follows the recent successful completion of the acquisition of the Los Angeles based Gemstar-TV Guide by Macrovision Solutions Corporation.Prior to joining Gemstar, Singh served as Chief Finance and Administration Officer for pharmaceutical company Novartis Pharma A.G., based in Basel, Switzerland. From 1999 to 2003, Singh was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment in Los Angeles, a division of Sony Corporation. Before joining Sony Pictures Entertainment, Singh spent nine years at Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp., serving in senior financial roles, including Financial Controller at News International plc, based in London; Senior Vice President Office of the Chairman; and Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President Strategic Planning at Fox Filmed Entertainment, based in Los Angeles.Singh began his finance career with Arthur Andersen & Co. in London in 1980. He spent 11 years with the global accounting and consulting firm, working in London as senior audit manager, and also in Andersen’s Lagos, Nigeria, office on major consulting and accounting assignments. A graduate of the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Business School in 1994, Mr. Singh earned a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1980. Mr. Singh is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution In, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit . CONTACT: Jeff Pryor Executive Vice President/Corporate Communications Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. ; o. 310-449-3446Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

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ARLINGTON, Texas, May 7 /PRNewswire/ — Strike Ten Entertainment, the marketing arm of the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA), announced today the continued growth of the sport in 2007. For the second year in a row, participation increased with more than 67.2 million people having bowled across 5400 centers, enabling bowling to maintain its status as the nation’s number one participatory sport. Strike Ten Entertainment also announced that bowling is generating more revenue than ever before, making a $10 billion impact on the U.S. economy. The sport’s resurgence has been fueled by new interest from younger bowlers and the advent of entertainment bowling centers.”We are very pleased to report that 2007 was a great year for the bowling industry. Centers are enjoying increased profitability and seeing a broader consumer demographic,” said Jim Sturm, Chairman of Strike Ten Entertainment. “From The Wall Street Journal to Good Morning America, the media is reporting on bowling as an industry that is on the rise with trendy young consumers. More young people and young families are bowling and centers across the country are selling more food and beverages than ever before.”Strike Ten Entertainment reported that in 2007 the number of traditional bowling centers decreased. Many of these centers are either being reopened as completely remodeled facilities or replaced by larger “entertainment” bowling centers offering amenities including lounge areas and enhanced entertainment, technology and food/beverage offerings.”These new entertainment bowling centers are generating quadruple the revenue of traditional venues and many longtime centers are stepping up their game and undergoing renovations to tap into surging interest from young adults and young families,” added Sturm. “While the misperception still exists that bowling is a sport enjoyed by older males, the average bowler is now 29 years old with 49 percent being female.”The past year also saw increased growth for bowling on the high school and collegiate levels. Bowling maintained its status over ice hockey as the nation’s fastest growing high school sport and more than 45 states now recognize bowling on the high school varsity or club level — up from 20 states, six years ago. Additionally, collegiate bowling is reaching unprecedented levels of popularity, showing a consistent participation increase of one to two percent nearly every year for the past decade.Strike Ten Entertainment did report a decrease in the number of league bowlers, which was countered by strong growth from recreational players. Recreational players, who now make up half of all bowlers, spend four to five times more per visit contributing to the increased profitability of the sport.Data derived from: Simmons Market Research Bureau, United States Bowling Congress, Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, Strike Ten EntertainmentAbout BPAA/Strike Ten EntertainmentHeadquartered in Arlington, Texas, the 75-year-old Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America is a trade association representing the business interests of bowling center owners worldwide. BPAA’s mission is to enhance the profitability of its member bowling centers. As a division of BPAA, Strike Ten Entertainment is the marketing arm of the bowling industry. Strike Ten Entertainment’s mission is to increase the number of paid bowling games in bowling centers each year through promotions, publicity and industry-wide marketing initiatives. Contact: Joe Cohen MWW Group (201) 964-2443Strike Ten Entertainment

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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 30 /PRNewswire/ — In celebration of the official 100-day mark from the 2008 Olympic Games, The Hilton Family of Hotels today announced the release of a new children’s book inspired by the Olympic ideals and a month-long kids initiative in which U.S. Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls will lead book readings for local kids at Hilton Family hotels across the country. U.S. Olympic hopeful Morgan Hamm (Gymnastics) and author/illustrator Todd Parr will lead the first reading today during an event at the Hilton New York in New York City, a sister city to Beijing.To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: Developed in collaboration with Parr and approved by the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Hilton Family’s be hospitable: A World United Edition includes messages of teamwork, graciousness and multiculturalism and teaches kids to accept others’ differences. A portion of the book’s proceeds benefit the U.S. Paralympic Team.”Our be hospitable philosophy is inspired by the belief that kindness and generosity can empower anyone — from the greatest athlete in the world to a kid growing up in the heart of America — to make a positive impact on others,” said Jeff Diskin, Senior Vice President, Hilton Brand Management. “The Hilton Family is proud to share this book with kids and families as people and cultures come together for the 2008 Olympic Games.”Students from Richard Rodgers School of Arts and Technology will participate in the New York reading, which is the first in an eight-city tour featuring U.S. athletes aiming to compete in Beijing. hotel team members will welcome area kids and provide free copies of be hospitable: A World United Edition.”I am proud to partner with the Hilton Family on this unique book that presents positive messages of respect, kindness and diversity to kids through simple and familiar examples — the way young minds process concepts best,” said Parr. “be hospitable: A World United Edition is a creative tool parents and teachers can use to talk with kids about creating communities where everyone is valued.”After reading the book aloud, the athletes will lead a discussion and share their own personal stories. hotel team members will also help kids complete their own hospitable gestures — good luck cards that will be presented to U.S. Olympians and Paralympians upon their departure for Beijing.A recent study by Kelton Research for The Hilton Family of Hotels found that 91 percent of Americans feel there is a need to show more respect to one another in daily interactions. A proud Sponsor of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams, the Hilton Family is advocating a return to graciousness, sportsmanship and kindness by sharing its be hospitable(R) philosophy to U.S. Olympic hopefuls, fans, general travelers and kids across the country.The second children’s book inspired by Hilton founder Conrad Hilton’s philosophy, be hospitable: A World United Edition, can be purchased online through the Hilton Family U.S. Olympic Team shopping portal () and through USOC retail channels. Copies of the book will also be available for purchase at the USA House in Beijing during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A complete schedule of the reading tour follows: May 6 — Mark Lopez (taekwondo), Houston, Texas May 6 - Wallace Spearmon (track and field) Northwest Arkansas May 8 - Paul Hamm (gymnastics), Dallas, Texas May 20 - Carlos Leon (track and field), Miami, Fla. May 22 - Diana Lopez (taekwondo), Orlando, Fla. May 27 - Tatyana McFadden (track and field), Baltimore, Md. May 29 - TBD, Atlanta, Ga. About Hilton Family of HotelsHilton Hotels Corporation is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 3,000 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world’s best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton(R), Conrad(R) Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations(R), Homewood Suites by Hilton(R) and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection(R). Contact: Kendra Walker Hilton Family of Hotels 310.205.4017 John Forrest Ales Cohn & Wolfe, 479.283.7919 Nicole Saunches USOC 719.866.2236Hilton Hotels Corporation

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