Jul 28
2011

HOLLYWOOD film director Michael Bay yesterday addressed a controversy over
product placements in his newest hit film, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, by
calling them an amusing element to entertain audiences.

Bay, on his first trip to Shanghai, showed up before local movie buffs with
actor Shia LaBeouf and British model-turned-actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to
promote the sci-fi work yesterday. The film will be released in the Chinese
mainland on July 21, three weeks later than its debut in North America.

A lot of brands are featured in the movie, including several from China,
bringing some controversy after its media screening yesterday morning. The
46-year-old director noted that everything could be a product, and the Chinese
milk added some comic elements to the movie.

Of course Im not doing an ad for milk; Im doing a movie, Bay said. This
movie is not favored among the critics, but millions of people love it. I love
entertaining the audience. I hope theyll all have a great time at the
cinema.

Media reports have noted that 68 brands, including four Chinese brands of
computers, clothes, milk and televisions, were placed in the film, which has
brought revenue totaling US$400 million so far.

Lenovos computers serve as a backdrop in an office scene while the TV sets
made by Guangzhou-based manufacturer TCL Corp are actually a transformed alien
robot in the film.

The films protagonist wears Shanghai-based casual wear Metersbonwes clothes
during several scenes.

But the placement of diary giant Yili Groups Shuhua milk turned out to be
the most eye-catching and controversial among the soft ads. When the
Asian-American actor Ken Jeong is seen holding a carton of milk in an elevator,
he delivers the line, Im not talking to you until I finish my Shuhua milk.
There is also a close-up shot of the milk box showing the logo of the Yili
brand.

Some say that this line and scene is amusing and has shortened the
psychological distance with Chinese audience, while others consider it slightly
ridiculous.

Its really annoying, said Zhang Yiliang, one of the movie buffs who had
viewed the trailer. I love the Transformers so much, but the ads, especially
Chinese brands mixed in the Hollywood blockbuster, spoiled the movie and make it
like a joke.

Talking about his first Shanghai trip, Bay said he really loved the
architecture in the city and that he admires the culture.

One of my best memories is when I was a kid, I spent four months studying
Chinese history, he said. China has such a rich and amazing culture, as well
as a great history, he added.

Bay compared himself to the Iron Hide of the movie, who keeps moving forward
and never gives up. With more than 2,000 people involved in its shooting and
production, its a very complicated movie in his eyes.

Both Bay and LaBeouf said the movie would end their participation in the
Transformers series.

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Jul 27
2011

By Michael Crittenden

The Federal Reserve shouldnt use monetary policy to address potential asset bubbles, Kansas City Fed President Thomas Hoenig said Tuesday.

Hoenig, appearing before a House of Representatives subcommittee, said the central bank cant solve every economic problem through monetary policy. Asked about the ability to pump up or deflate asset bubbles, Hoenig said the Fed should not be in a position of creating froth in the market any more than it should try and pinpoint some sector and eliminate that froth.

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Jul 27
2011

–IMF members will likely need to soon discuss boosting fund resources

–Expanding IMF cash base likely to face opposition in the U.S.

–It’s questionable whether the IMF’s resources can handle escalation of the sovereign debt crisis

(Adds background and context in the fifth and sixth paragraphs)

WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)–The International Monetary Fund may need more financial resources in order to tackle ongoing economic crises and will likely have to discuss the issue soon, IMF chief Christine Lagarde said Tuesday.

During the global financial crises, the fund doubled its resources to help it provide sufficient financial support to a raft of …

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Jul 27
2011

Credit card fraud is a hightech crime that can be prevented with some low-tech methods.

As investigators displayed on Wednesday an array of sophisticated machinery capable of manufacturing thousands of phoney credit cards, police said simple steps to protect your personal information such as shredding or destroying documents can help stop scammers.

All of us must take responsibility to ensure our data isnt compromised, said Det. Gerard Brand of the Calgary police economic crimes unit.

Police found stolen personal information that could be used to make fake credit cards that were allegedly being manufactured by an organized crime operation that was the target of a five-month investigation.

The probe wrapped up June 16 with raids at four Calgary homes, two commercial properties, a storage locker and four vehicles.

Police seized machines used to emboss and print phoney credit cards, as well as copies of holographic images used as security features on cards and government ID such as drivers licences.

Approximately 4,000 blank credit card templates displayed by police Wednesday represented the tip of the iceberg of what police seized, said Staff Sgt. Joel Matthews of the targeted enforcement unit.

This is equipment I would suggest the average person wouldnt know where to start with, Matthews said.

Its a sophisticated operation. Police also found 500 completed fake credit cards, 50 fake Alberta drivers licences, and personal information belonging to 50 people.

However, police also have yet to fully analyze seized computer equipment that may yield much more stolen personal information.

It has taken weeks, Matthews said, adding police expect to lay more charges against additional suspects.

While its impossible for local police to quantify how much of an impact the local investigation will have, statistics show credit card fraud is big business in Canada.

In 2010, the Canadian Bankers Association recorded more than $365 million in losses due to credit card fraud.

The retail and banking industries are constantly introducing security measures designed to stay ahead of criminals -such as microchip-embedded cards being phased in now.

The technology has evolved and the criminal element has evolved, Brand said.

Measures like shielding your personal ID number during banking and shopping transactions may defeat electronic devices used to illegally capture data, but criminals can also steal vital information by rooting through trash.

Thieves havent found a way to copy chip-embedded credit cards -but they can apply for them using information retrieved from documents thrown in the garbage without the proper precautions, said Brand.

It would be inconsistent to believe that just because we have chips coming in that this will all go away, he said.

jvanrassel@calgaryherald.com Twitter: @JasonvanRassel

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Jul 27
2011

ROCKFORD (WREX) -

Another group whos really vulnerable in this heat is family pets.

Winnebago County Animal Services advises that you keep your dogs, cats and any other pets inside in the heat. If they have to be outside, make sure they have shelter, water and food. Animal Services Representative Jennifer Stacy says neglecting your animals could get you in trouble. Pets can be impounded based on the extreme weather conditions.

Stacy says you also want to make sure you dont leave your pet inside you car, just leave them at home if you need to run an errand.

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Jul 27
2011

TASMANIAS green bag hero Ben Kearney has embarked on a new fight to protect consumers and small businesses.

Mr Kearney, who led the push for environmentally friendly green bags at shops around the state, is now taking on the consortium that owns EFTPOS after it announced a new fee for all of its shopping transactions.

Mr Kearney, who is national policy manager of the Australian Newsagents Federation, said the fee would make it more difficult for newsagencies to compete against big retailers.

We are very concerned it is inevitable the banks will pass on the fee and it is coming at the worst possible time, he said.

Mr Kearney said newsagents would be among the hardest hit because most of their customer transactions were done by EFTPOS.

The federation, which represents about 3800 agencies, is waiting to see what the banks do before seeking a meeting with Small Business Minister Nick Sherry.

Newsagents operate on such tight margins it will be hard for them to pass on the fee, Mr Kearney said.

EPAL, the consortium that owns EFTPOS, is planning to introduce a revised fee structure in October to raise funds for a much-needed upgrade.

At the moment, the cardholders bank covers the cost of each EFTPOS transaction, but the restructure would see this cost passed on to the retailers bank instead.

Under the new model, the merchants bank will incur a 5c cent fee for every EFTPOS transaction over $15. Transactions under $15 will be free.

The major banks have until next month to inform EPAL whether they will opt into the new interchange fee system, and also whether they plan to pass the new charge on to the merchant who in turn could charge customers.

EPAL argues the move is necessary to raise capital to make EFTPOS more competitive against VISA and Mastercard debit cards.

Mr Kearney said the ANF was also concerned EPAL shareholders Coles and Woolworths would not be affected by the new fee arrangement as they could choose to stay on the existing scheme.

Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman said banks should absorb the new fees, adding that retailers should not be forced to pass on the costs to consumers in a tough market.

EPAL chief executive Bruce Mansfield said the fee swap was necessary to bring about investment in the system.

It is important that EFTPOS remains a competitive domestic payment scheme so we need to invest in it to make it safer and to improve the technology to meet the consumer demands of wanting to pay their bills on their mobiles, over the phone etcetera, Mr Mansfield said.

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Jul 27
2011

MISSION VIEJO, Calif., Jul 19, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
FITT Highway Products, Inc.

/quotes/zigman/605141 FHWY
-10.00%



(the “Company”) announced today
F.I.T.T. Energy Products Inc. (“F.I.T.T.”), a non-affiliated operating
partner, has begun discussions with its medical experts, key investors,
attorneys and media partners to identify a large pharmaceutical or
beverage partner to rollout “F.I.T.T. Energy With Resveratrol” energy
shot to the retail market. The decision to accelerate the rollout was
based on positive preliminary results of its recently completed double
blind crossover study testing the impact on resting blood pressure of
ingesting F.I.T.T. Energy versus two leading competitors’ products.

The study concentrated on changes in systolic and diastolic blood
pressure as well as the “jittery feeling” for each patient who
ingested the 2 ounce energy shot products and a placebo. Each patient’s
resting blood pressure was tested every thirty minutes for one hour
before and for two hours after each of the products and the placebo were
ingested. Preliminary results indicate that F.I.T.T. Energy substantially
beat the leading competitors in all categories tested. The preliminary
results showed that the competitors’ energy shots caused average
increases in patients’ systolic blood pressure in amounts 240% to 280% greater
than when taking F.I.T.T. Energy. Warren Moon, Hall of Fame
Quarterback stated, “F.I.T.T. Energy is the next generation in
energy shot drinks. Athletes know the value of good nutritional
supplements and I like the fact that F.I.T.T. Energy is designed by a
doctor with real science behind it. This power packed energy shot is
ideal for work and play.”

For additional information on “F.I.T.T. Energy With Resveratrol”, please
visit the website
www.throwafitt.com .
For further information about the benefits of F.I.T.T. Energy’s key
ingredients (Resveratrol, L-Arginine and Arginine AKG), please look up
the product studies on the National Institutes of Health website at
http://www.nih.gov/ .

About FITT Highway Products, Inc.

FITT Highway Products, Inc. is a brand management Company which is in
the process of mitigating its debt in order to effectively pursue its
business plan. The Company has entered into an Operating Agreement with
F.I.T.T. Energy Products Inc. to perform a majority of its operating
services, including among other things, selling, marketing, producing
and distributing the F.I.T.T. Energy Shot.

This document contains “forward-looking statements” related to future
events. Forward-looking statements often address our expected
future business and financial performance, and often contain words such
as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” or
“will.” Forward-looking statements by their nature address
matters that are uncertain. Particular uncertainties which could
adversely or positively affect our future results include: consumer
tastes, availability of production, liquidity, general economic
conditions, and the activities of competitors. These
uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially
different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We
do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: FITT Highway Products, Inc.

Investor Relations Contact:
Equiti-trend Advisors, LLC
Brian Barnes, 800-953-3350
bbarnes@equititrend.com

Copyright Business Wire 2011

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Jul 26
2011

It was the kind of sudden, unexpected twist that drives detail-oriented readers over the edge.

In the July 10 episode of True Blood, Academy Award-winning screenwriter Alan Balls trippy TV adaptation of the Sookie Stackhouse series of novels by Charlaine Harris, fans of the books were shocked when Claudine, Sookies fairy godmother, had her blood sucked dry by the dashing vampire and unrepentant ladies man Eric Northman, played in the series by Alexander Skarsgard.

Claudines sudden demise was a radical departure from the books, which kept her around much longer.

Then again, its not the first time True Blood has played with readers expectations.

Lafayette Reynolds, the short-order cook played by Nelsan Ellis in the TV version, was killed at the end of the first novel, but he remains very much alive — and one of True Bloods most beloved characters — in the HBO series fourth season.

Most novelists would willingly drive a stake through the heart of any TV scribe or screenwriter who changes the story in such a dramatic way in the screen version, but not Harris.

In a candid, free-flowing conversation with Postmedia News, the native of Tunica, Mississippi, and author of 11 Sookie Stackhouse novels — beginning with 2001s Dead Until Dark — said she trusts Ball implicitly to do what he thinks is right for the TV series.

Harris herself doesnt know whats going to happen in the TV version until she sees it with her own eyes, usually in the form of an advance screener. Ironically, she says, I did not see this weeks episode, because she was attending the Polaris science-fiction convention in Toronto, and, Hotels in Canada do not have HBO.

Horrors.

Dont tell me what happened, Harris says, dryly. Usually, I like not to be quite so ignorant, so I can answer intelligently when people say, Did you anticipate that? I can say, Yes, I absolutely did.

Harris likes to be surprised as much as anyone. And, so far, the surprises havent alarmed her — not in any life-threatening way, anyway — even though some fans of the novels have been inclined to be incandescent with rage.

Harriss advice: Relax. True Blood, the TV show, is better than anyone, even the author of the original novels, had a right to expect.

As an author, if you pick someone you trust to handle the material, the outcome is much more likely to be something you can live with, than if you take a deal because it was the only one you were offered, or because its so much money, you cant resist, Harris explains. I dont disdain taking an offer because its a lot of money — let me make that clear. In my case, though, I trusted Alan, and I dont think that trust was misplaced at all. Ive been very happy with the adaptation.

Harris says its clear that Ball is, well, having a ball making True Blood. The same is true of Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer and everyone else involved in bringing the TV adaptation to life. Theyre having fun, Harris said, and it shows. If they looked as if they were in pain, or just going through the motions, True Blood wouldnt be nearly as much fun to watch.

I dont think theres competition between the show and the books. They complement each other.

Reading books will always be a different experience than watching a screen adaptation, Harris says, but each has its purpose.

The writer has the ability and privilege to get inside the characters thoughts. On the screen, they have to verbalize their thoughts or telegraph them some other way. We can go inside the characters heads, tell people whats there, tell people what they intend to do, and it doesnt have to be conscious; it doesnt have to show. Its internal. And I think thats a huge advantage.

Filmmakers, of course, can show everything thats happening, and sometimes in much more explicit detail than (what) lies on the page, if that suits the story. The books are all told from Sookies point of view, which is a limitation that does not bind Alan.

Harris created the character of Sookie Stackhouse; she had a strong idea of what Sookie would look like and sound like. Whoever that person was, it was not Paquin. And yet, Paquin has been a revelation in the role, Harris said. A divine revelation, if you will.

I had seen lots of pictures of young women who were trying out for the role, and I was completely astonished when Anna Paquin tried out, Harris recalled. I was delighted she wanted the role, but surprised. In hindsight, I think its been a very good thing for her, for Alan and for me. I think shes doing a marvellous job.

While the TV adaptation of True Blood is just getting started four seasons in, the writing is on the wall, so to speak, for the novels. Harris estimates she has two books left in her before she calls it quits on the Sookie Stackhouse series.

As for the old chicken-and-egg question — should one read the Sookie Stackhouse books first, and then watch True Blood, or vice versa — Harris laughs out loud and says, Of course, I want them to read the Sookie books first. Im certainly self-serving enough for that. Seriously, though, I would say its a completely different experience.

True Blood airs Sundays on HBO at 9 pm ET/8 pm PT.

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Jul 25
2011

After two hands-on demos with Captain America: Super Soldier, we were cautiously optimistic that the game would defeat the infamous movie game curse. Having played the full final game, it has better gameplay, production value, and overall fun and excitement than youd expect from a movie game, but one thing made it fall short of greatness: its short length.

We spend a lot of time talking about the curse of movie games; they either adhere too much to the films story, not exploring the overall universe of the character, or they use tacked-on controls and lower production values to push a game out as fast as possible. This game does neither of those things. In a side-story to the movies, you play as Captain America, who alongside his allies Bucky Barnes, Dum Dum Dugan (called the Invaders, not the Howling Commandos in this game, a switcheroo the Producer told us was originally planned for the film and changed too late to change the game), and more, is attempting to infiltrate and take down a Hydra stronghold that plays host to a secret weapon. The game looks and sounds great, with the voice of Chris Evans delivering a solid performance of comic book writer Christos Gages snappy script. The graphics are what youd expect from a mid-to-late point in console lifespan, with some neat effects layered into the gameplay itself.

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Jul 25
2011

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, Jun 29, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) –
Break for the best of the Southwest with a road trip to Albuquerque
where the weekends begin under clear blue skies and amidst exquisite
deserts vistas that capture mountain peaks, sleeping volcanoes and
the magnificent Rio Grande. With unique travel packages at premier
Albuquerque, New Mexico hotels travelers can find themselves in the
center of popular attractions and entertainment venues making it easy
and affordable to experience the rich heritage of New Mexico’s “Land
of Enchantment.”

Two packages that include impeccable guest rooms and hotel suites at
the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North hotel are specifically
designed for creating memorable Southwestern vacation and exciting
weekend fun to the city that has dubbed itself as both authentic and
affordable among vacation travel destinations and easily claims the
title of “Ballooning Capital of the World”. Summer in Albuquerque
includes events such as the Route 66 Summerfest, obviously perfect
for a Route 66 Road Trip; the 2011 Ballet Pro Musica Festival which
promises “a new kind of entertainment”; city wide concerts,
festivals, markets and the all-new “Old Town – New Fun” cultural
extravaganza, which features music, dance, entertainment and other
artistic presentations Wednesday through Sunday in Albuquerque’s
impressive Old Town.

As a distinctive choice among Balloon Fiesta Park hotels, travelers
can pick from a variety of special packages at the Albuquerque
Marriott Pyramid North, with two aimed directly at creating summer
family fun.

Road Warriors to Albuquerque, NM Package*
Travelers taking advantage
of this package must stay four or more nights, but will receive a
room upgrade to one of the hotel’s spacious one-bedroom Albuquerque
hotel suites, perfect for family fun or a relaxing extended stay.
Wireless high-speed Internet access is also included in this package
with rates starting as low as $129 per night and valid seven days a
week through November 30, 2011. Use promotional code PK9 when booking
accommodations.

Where Weekends Begin Package*
This summer getaway is good for a
two-night Thursday-Sunday stay through September 5, 2011. Guests will
receive a free breakfast for two adults, complimentary Internet
access and late check-out based on availability. A seven-day advance
reservation is required and those looking for even bigger savings,
may book before August 22, 2011 to net 20 percent off spa services
and golf fees plus a $50 resort credit and free daily breakfast!
Please use promotional code F2V when booking accommodations to
receive added amenities.

Either of these packages may be booked online

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/abqmc-albuquerque-marriott-pyramid-north/ .
Telephone reservations may be made by calling 1-800-262-2043 for the
Road Warrior package or 1-800-228-9290 for the weekend package.

*Rates are per room per night based on availability at the time of
reservation. Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more and may not
be combined with any other discount or promotion. Please see hotel
website for additional terms and conditions.

About the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North

The Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North is a sophisticated hotel in
Albuquerque conveniently located in the Journal Center Business
Complex just 10 miles from Albuquerque Airport on 1-25. Exceptional
accommodations, lavish amenities and state-of-the-art event space
combine with certified event managers and professional catering to
make the Marriott Pyramid North a prime venue for business and social
gatherings.

Visit Marriott International, Inc.

/quotes/zigman/213258/quotes/nls/mar MAR
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for company
information.

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CONTACT:
Mike Givens
Marriott Hotels & Resorts
301-547-4761
Email Contact

SOURCE: Marriott International

http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct?id=4F7C540C2F245FF9

Copyright 2011 Marketwire, Inc., All rights reserved.

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