Profile America -- Monday, March 2nd. Thousands of movies have been made since the introduction of talking pictures -- but one remains a source of fascination, "King Kong." The movie was released on this day in 1933 and became an immediate hit. King Kong was a 50-foot tall gorilla, actually an 18-inch model filmed in stop-motion. Kong clutching actress Fay Wray and climbing the Empire State building as biplanes shoot at him became one of the most famous scenes in movie history. When "King Kong" opened 76 years ago, there were well over 10,000 movie theaters in the U.S., generating revenues of $415 million. Now, there are just under half that number of theaters and they make $11 billion annually. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at www.census.gov .
Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events, p. 155
Historical Statistics, p. 855
NAICS 512131
Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at www.census.gov (look under the "Newsroom" button).
LOS ANGELES, March 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rentrak Theatrical, a
business unit of Rentrak Corporation (Nasdaq: RENT), today announced the
weekend theatrical box office estimates for the weekend period of February 27
through March 1, 2009 according to the company's Box Office Essentials(TM)
theatrical box office data collection and analytical service.
The twelve estimated top producing motion pictures for the weekend, per
data collected as of 9:30AM Pacific on Sunday, March 1, 2009 by Rentrak
Theatrical include:
Rank Title Weekend Gross Locations
1 Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail $16,500,000 2052
2 Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience $12,700,000 1271
3 Slumdog Millionaire $12,150,000 2943
4 Taken $9,950,000 3089
5 He's Just Not That Into You $5,875,000 2858
6 Street Fighter $5,650,000 1136
7 Paul Blart Mall Cop $5,600,000 2698
8 Coraline $5,252,363 2063
9 Confessions of a Shopaholic $4,490,000 2534
10 Fired Up $3,800,000 1811
11 Friday The 13th $3,705,000 2760
12 Gran Torino $2,975,000 1750
Weekend of 02/27/09 to 03/01/09
(C) 2009 by Rentrak Corporation
About Box Office Essentials
Box Office Essentials provides each studio with password-protected, real-
time, web browser-based and 24/7 access to data pertaining specifically to
their movie release titles. A sophisticated toolset allows studio
distribution executives to view and analyze the information at different
levels of detail and across a multitude of attributes (by theatre circuit,
DMA, time zone, etc.), enhancing their ability to make faster, and better
informed decisions. Additional features include online school calendars (K-12
and college), interactive release schedule and 24-hour subscriber support.
About Rentrak Corporation
Rentrak Corporation, based in Portland, Oregon, is an information
management company serving clients in the media, entertainment, retail and
advertising industries. The company's Entertainment Essentials(R) suite of
services is redefining media measurement in the digital broadband era.
Entertainment Essentials provides customers with near-real-time, actionable
insight into performance of content distributed over a wide variety of modern
media technologies. Available by license or subscription, each Entertainment
Essentials application allows executives to analyze detailed industry-wide and
title-specific data to make decisions that enhance the bottom line and provide
competitive advantage. For further information, please visit Rentrak's
corporate website at Rentrak.com.
Fareed Zakaria Writes, "It is crucial that we adopt a more sophisticated strategy toward radical Islam"
Not All Islamic Fundamentalists Support Jihad or are Potential Terrorists
NEW YORK, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- In the March 9 Newsweek cover, "Radical Islam Is a Fact of Life. How to Live With It" (on newsstands Monday, March 2), Newsweek International Editor Fareed Zakaria argues that radical Islam is a fact of life, which we must learn to deal with. He emphatically does not say that we should accept the medieval values of the Islamists, or that we should not continue trying to destroy Al Qaeda. But to prevail in a generational cultural struggle, the West must learn to distinguish between those who have nihilistic philosophies and expansionist aims and those looking to apply their values at home.
Reports from Nigeria to Bosnia to Indonesia show that Islamic fundamentalists are finding support within their communities for their agenda, which usually involves the introduction of some form of Sharia-Islamic law--reflecting a puritanical interpretation of Islam. No music, no liquor, no smoking, no female emancipation. "The groups that advocate these policies are ugly, reactionary forces that will stunt their countries and bring dishonor to their religion. But not all these Islamists advocate global jihad, host terrorists or launch operations against the outside world--in fact, most do not," Zakaria writes. "Consider, for example, the most difficult example, the Taliban. The Taliban have done all kinds of terrible things in Afghanistan. But so far, no Afghan Taliban has participated at any significant level in a global terrorist attack over the past 10 years--including 9/11." Zakaria also points out that while some elements of the Taliban are closely associated with Al Qaeda, "the Taliban is large, and many factions have little connection to Osama bin Laden. Most Taliban want Islamic rule locally, not violent jihad globally," he writes.
This is why "it is crucial that we adopt a more sophisticated strategy toward radical Islam," Zakaria writes. "This should come naturally to President Obama, who spoke often on the campaign trail of the need for just such a differentiated approach toward Muslim countries." The Washington Institute, a think tank often associated with conservatives, also agrees with this view. Its report due to be released this week recommends that the United States use more "nuanced, noncombative rhetoric" that avoids sweeping declarations like "war on terror," "global insurgency," even "the Muslim world."
"Anything that emphasizes the variety of groups, movements and motives within that world strengthens the case that this is not a battle between Islam and the West," Zakaria writes. "Bin Laden constantly argues that all these different groups are part of the same global movement. We should not play into his hands, and emphasize instead that many of these forces are local, have specific grievances and don't have much in common. That does not mean we should accept the burning of girls' schools, or the stoning of criminals. Recognizing the reality of radical Islam is entirely different from accepting its ideas. We should mount a spirited defense of our views and values. We should pursue aggressively policies that will make these values succeed. Such efforts are often difficult and take time--rebuilding state structures, providing secular education, reducing corruption--but we should help societies making these efforts. The mere fact that we are working in these countries on these issues--and not simply bombing, killing and capturing--might change the atmosphere surrounding the U.S. involvement in this struggle."
DALLAS, Feb. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from Jim Robinson, President of ABC Radio Networks, on the passing of Paul Harvey:
Paul Harvey was one of the most gifted and beloved broadcasters in our nation's history. As he delivered the news each day with his own unique style and commentary, his voice became a trusted friend in American households. His career in radio spanned more than seven decades, during which time countless millions of listeners were both informed and entertained by his "News & Comment" and "Rest of the Story" features. Even after the passing of his loving wife Angel in May 2008, Paul would not slip quietly into retirement as he continued to take the microphone and reach out to his audience. We will miss our dear friend tremendously and are grateful for the many years we were so fortunate to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are now with his son Paul Jr. and the rest of the Harvey family.
Jason Mesnick to Propose with Three-Carat Neil Lane Diamond Ring
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrity jeweler extraordinaire Neil Lane (www.neillanejewelry.com ) adds sparkle to ABC's "The Bachelor," from Warner Horizon Television, when Jason Mesnick proposes to one lucky bachelorette on Monday, March 2nd. The top-rated reality series will come to a close as Mesnick will get down on one knee and propose with a hand-crafted Neil Lane marquise-cut diamond and platinum ring which is encrusted and set with 170 smaller diamonds for a total weight of 3.18 carats. The center diamond is a 1.94-carat marquise-cut diamond, which is D in color, a top grade, and VS1 clarity with a GIA certificate. The ring, designed by Lane, bears the signature Neil Lane script in the shank.
Mesnick who had been courting women for seven weeks on the ABC series, selected this ring from three Neil Lane designs with different cuts of diamonds, including oval and pear. Neil Lane, with a fabulous eye for elegance and style, is the favorite for Hollywood brides to be. Neil Lane has supplied engagement rings for everyone from Reese Witherspoon and Kate Hudson to Sandra Bullock, Brooke Shields and Jennifer Hudson.
As an avid collector of fine jewelry with an eye for designing pieces exuding both style and elegance, Neil Lane has earned the respect and admiration of an all-star crowd. Whether worn for the Oscars, or other red-carpet events or engagements, his iconic jewelry designs have been adorned by some of the most beautiful and powerful women in Hollywood, including Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Elizabeth Taylor, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, and many others.
Neil Lane jewelry has graced the covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, W and many other high-end fashion publications. As a leading Hollywood jewelry designer, hailed in the media as The King of Bling, the Ace of Diamonds, Neil Lane has influence and impact both domestically and internationally.
Neil Lane
708 N. La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90069
For more information on Neil Lane Jewelry, please contact info@neillanejewelry.com
Foundation targets services for at-risk and disadvantaged Colorado youth
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Liberty Media Corporation today announced its 2009 giving theme for the LibertyGives Foundation. Liberty employees have elected to direct LibertyGives funds to causes aiding underprivileged and at-risk youth in Colorado focused on proactive and preventative services.
LibertyGives is accepting grant proposals for funding from $1,000 to $150,000 from public charitable organizations focused on helping Colorado's at-risk youth overcome impediments that restrict their opportunities to grow, learn and thrive.
"During these economically challenging times, Liberty Media's responsibility to give back to our community becomes even more important," stated Greg Maffei, President and CEO of Liberty Media. "We look forward to another year of helping in 2009. This year our employees have chosen to continue their focus on causes targeting Colorado's underprivileged and at-risk youth."
Organizations seeking funding may obtain a grant request form at http://libertymedia.com/liberty-gives.aspx. Proposals should be forwarded to the Foundation via email at LibertyGives@libertymedia.com or by mail at:
LibertyGives Foundation
12300 Liberty Boulevard
Englewood, CO 80112
Grant proposals for 2009 will have an initial deadline of April 30, 2009 and one additional opportunity to submit requests by September 30, 2009.
About Liberty Media Corporation
Liberty Media Corporation owns interests in a broad range of electronic retailing, media, communications and entertainment businesses. Those interests are attributed to three tracking stock groups: (1) the Liberty Interactive group (Nasdaq: LINTA), which includes Liberty's interests in QVC, Provide Commerce, Backcountry.com, BUYSEASONS, Bodybuilding.com, IAC/InterActiveCorp, and Expedia, (2) the Liberty Entertainment group (Nasdaq: LMDIA), which includes Liberty's interests in The DIRECTV Group, Inc., Starz Entertainment, FUN Technologies, Inc., GSN, LLC, WildBlue Communications, Inc., and Liberty Sports Holdings LLC, and (3) the Liberty Capital group (Nasdaq: LCAPA), which includes all businesses, assets and liabilities not attributed to the Interactive group or the Entertainment group including our subsidiaries Starz Media, LLC, Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc., and TruePosition, Inc., and minority equity investments in Time Warner Inc. and Sprint Nextel Corporation. For more information, please see http://www.libertymedia.com.
AURORA, ON, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Magna Entertainment Corp. ("MEC" or "the Company") (NASDAQ: MECA; TSX: MEC.A) today announced that it has received written notice from its lenders that Pimlico Racing Association, Inc., Laurel Racing Association Limited Partnership, Laurel Racing Assoc., Inc. and The Maryland Jockey Club of Baltimore City, Inc. (collectively "MJC"), each a subsidiary of MEC, are in default under the PNC Bank, National Association ("PNC Bank") loan agreement for failure to comply with certain financial covenants relating to the financial position and results of operation of MJC and related entities. PNC Bank has informed MEC that it has chosen not to exercise its rights and remedies under such loan agreement at this time as a consequence of this event of default, but may choose to do so at any time in the future without any further written notice. In addition, MEC has previously notified Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and a Canadian chartered bank with which MEC has a US$40 million credit facility that MEC or certain of its subsidiaries have not met certain financial covenants of the loan agreements with such lenders. To date, such lenders have not exercised their default-related rights under their respective loan agreements.
ABOUT MEC
MEC, North America's largest owner and operator of horse racetracks, based on revenue, develops, owns and operates horse racetracks and related pari-mutuel wagering operations, including off-track betting facilities. MEC also develops, owns and operates casinos in conjunction with its racetracks where permitted by law. MEC owns and operates AmTote International, Inc., a provider of totalisator services to the pari-mutuel industry, XpressBet(R), a national Internet and telephone account wagering system, as well as MagnaBet(TM) internationally. Pursuant to joint ventures, MEC has a fifty percent interest in HorseRacing TV(R), a 24-hour horse racing television network, and TrackNet Media Group LLC, a content management company formed for distribution of the full breadth of MEC's horse racing content.
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and forward-looking information as defined in the Securities Act (Ontario) (collectively referred to as forward-looking statements). These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Securities Act (Ontario) and include, among others, the eligibility of MEC and its subsidiaries to comply with the terms and conditions and meet the obligations of its various loan arrangements and other matters that are not historical facts.
Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time and/or management's good faith assumptions and analyses made in light of the Company's perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's forward-looking statements include, but may not be limited to, the risk that the Company and MID fail to successfully agree upon any alternative transaction to the reorganization proposal previously announced on November 26, 2008 and material adverse changes in: general economic conditions; the popularity of racing and other gaming activities as recreational activities; the regulatory environment affecting the horse racing and gaming industries; the Company's ability to obtain or maintain government and other regulatory approvals necessary or desirable to proceed with proposed real estate developments; increased regulation affecting certain of the Company's non-racetrack operations, such as broadcasting ventures; and the Company's ability to develop, execute or finance the Company's strategies and plans within expected timelines or budgets. In drawing conclusions set out in our forward-looking statements above, we have assumed, among other things, that we will continue with our efforts to implement our September 2007 adopted plan to eliminate the Company's debt, although not on the originally contemplated time schedule, negotiate and close, on acceptable terms, one or more core asset sale transactions, comply with the terms of and/or obtain waivers or other concessions from our lenders and refinance or repay on maturity our existing financing arrangements (including a senior secured revolving credit facility with a Canadian chartered bank, the new loan that a subsidiary of MID ("MID Lender") made available to MEC on December 1, 2008 and the bridge loan from MID Lender, possibly obtain additional financing on acceptable terms to fund our ongoing operations and there will not be any material further deterioration in general economic conditions or any further significant decline in the popularity of horse racing and other gaming activities beyond that which has already occurred in the current economic downturn; nor any material adverse changes in weather and other environmental conditions at our facilities, the regulatory environment or our ability to develop, execute or finance our strategies and plans as anticipated.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements were made. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements.
