Content Generator

'Borderlands' a blast for shooter fans - Press of Atlantic City

In ‘Borderlands,’ the goal is simple — kill everything, steal weapons and loot, upgrade your weapons and kill bigger things.

Like most video gamers, I've wielded enough virtual weapons toequip a small army. We all have favorites, from the classicBFG-9000 in "Doom" to the chainsaw-equipped assault rifle in "Gearsof War" to the awesome RYNO ("Rip You a New One") in "Ratchet &Clank." "Borderlands" is dedicated to aficionados of fantastic weaponry.Developer Gearbox Software says the game has "bazillions" of guns,thanks to a random content generator that mixes and matches parts,ammunition and enhancements, such as bullets that also set theirtargets on fire.

Whether you find all bazillion (actually, more than 17 millionat last estimate), guns are everywhere in "Borderlands." You havepistols, revolvers, shotguns, machine guns, sniper rifles, rocketlaunchers and even some exotic alien ordnance. And you will needall of it on the desolate planet of Pandora, home of the galaxy'sdeadliest beasts, bandits and mutants.

"Borderlands" feels like a sci-fi version of the classic fantasyrole-playing game "Diablo." Their goals are the same: Killeverything, steal their weapons and loot, upgrade your weapons andkill bigger things. The major difference is this is a first-personshooter, so you get a little "Halo" mixed into your "Diablo." It'san addictive formula, one that keeps nudging you to explore newareas and discover new powers.

Full Story: 'Borderlands' a blast for shooter fans - Press of Atlantic City

Playboy Enterprises, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2009 Results - Reuters

Media Businesses Record Year-Over-Year ImprovementCHICAGO, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (PEI)(NYSE: PLA, PLAA) today reported a net loss for the third quarter endedSeptember 30, 2009 of $1.1 million, or $0.03 per basic and diluted share,which included a restructuring charge of $0.5 million, or $0.01 per basic anddiluted share. This compares to a net loss of $6.2 million, or $0.19 perbasic and diluted share, in the 2008 third quarter, which included $6.3million in restructuring charges and provisions for reserves. Third quarter2009 revenues declined to $56.0 million from $70.4 million in the prior yearquarter. Segment income for the 2009 third quarter totaled $2.7 million, down by $0.9million from the previous year. Improved results in the company's mediaoperations were offset by lower Licensing profits and increased Corporateexpense.PEI Chief Executive Officer Scott Flanders said: "The Playboy brand is anamazing asset that is unique in its global range, flexibility and demographicappeal. My goal is to better manage the power of this brand to accelerate thegrowth of our licensing business, create new momentum in our media businessesand develop a more efficient business model. "In Licensing, we expect to see year-over-year profit growth in the fourthquarter, despite the continued weak economy. Increased fragrance salesthrough our Coty partnership, the launch of consumer products in selected newterritories globally and the planned year-end opening of a new entertainmentvenue in Cancun, Mexico, should help benefit fourth quarter results," Flanderssaid."On the media side, we believe that industry trends will contribute to lowerfourth quarter results. Although the improved third quarter resultsdemonstrate the significant strides we have made in reducing the coststructure of our mature media businesses, more is needed. Playboy magazinewill remain the flagship of this company, and a powerful content generator,but it needs to operate more efficiently. We already announced that we willlower the magazine's rate base effective with the January/February 2010 issue,and we are looking at other opportunities to improve profitability. Entertaining our readers and supporting our advertisers will remain a criticalfocus, and we expect to expand the reach of our integrated print and digitalofferings, using social networks, new mobile partnerships and interactivegames to create new revenue streams. We also are looking at ways toreposition the Playboy TV network for future growth," Flanders said. "Like other companies, we confront a changing media landscape and a weakglobal economy," Flanders said. "But we also face challenges that are uniqueto our small size and lack of scale. I believe that we need to focus on thethings that we do well, like creating content, while handling other functionsthrough partnerships or outsourcing agreements that will provide the economiesof scale and expertise we need to operate more efficiently. The outsourcing ofmagazine circulation and e-commerce were the first in a series of steps neededto accomplish that goal. More work lies ahead." Entertainment The Entertainment Group reported third quarter 2009 segment income of $2.3million, a 37% increase from the $1.7 million reported in the same period lastyear, primarily reflecting cost-savings initiatives. Lower domestic andinternational TV revenues were primarily responsible for the decline in thirdquarter 2009 revenues to $24.4 million from $27.3 million in the prior year.Domestic TV revenues were $12.5 million in the 2009 third quarter, off $2.1million from last year. Lower linear network sales, reflecting continuedconsumer migration to the more competitive video-on-demand platform, werelargely responsible for the decline. Expired contracts, increased competitionand the effects of the economy on consumer spending contributed to the $1.1million decline in third quarter 2009 international TV revenues to $10.7million from last year's third quarter. The Group's other revenues increasedsignificantly in the same time periods due to contributions from the Group'sAlta Loma production company, which launched a new TV reality show during thequarter and generated international revenues from a continuing show. Thesegains were partially offset by lower DVD revenues, reflecting the company'sdecision to exit that business.Staff cuts, reduced spending on programming and lower DVD and other expensewere responsible for a reduction in costs and the resulting improvement insegment income. Print/DigitalThird quarter 2009 segment income for the Print/Digital Group was $0.4million, compared to a segment loss of $0.2 million in last year's thirdquarter. Revenues declined to $22.9 million in the 2009 third quarter, downfrom $32.7 million last year, in part reflecting the combination of the Julyand August issues of the U.S. edition of Playboy magazine into one editorialpackage. With only two issues published in the 2009 third quarter, lower circulationand advertising were responsible for a $7.5 million decline in the domesticmagazine's revenues to $9.4 million compared to the same period last year. The revenue declines were more than offset by significant reductions inprinting, paper and other operating expenses. The company said that itexpects to report 38% fewer ad pages in the 2009 fourth quarter compared tolast year's fourth quarter. Third quarter 2009 international magazine revenues declined 21% to $1.5million, in large measure reflecting the global recession's effect on consumerand advertiser spending, resulting in lower royalty payments. Lower paysite sales drove the decrease in third quarter 2009 digital revenuesto $9.6 million, down $1.3 million from the same period last year. Improved e-commerce results combined with lower magazine expense and othercost-reduction efforts initiated over the past year contributed to the Group'simproved year-over-year profitability in the quarter.LicensingThe Licensing Group reported a 16% decline in third quarter 2009 segmentincome to $5.5 million from $6.7 million in the previous year. Third quarter2009 revenues were $8.7 million, down from $10.4 million in the prior year. The effect of the global economic slowdown, particularly related to the saleof consumer products in Western Europe, and resulting decline in royaltypayments was largely responsible for the decrease in revenues and income. Corporate and OtherCorporate expense rose to $5.5 million in the 2009 third quarter compared to$4.6 million in the prior year period. Despite the effects of cost-reductioninitiatives on the 2009 third quarter, the prior year's third quarter resultsbenefited from a favorable adjustment related to the company's now-terminateddeferred compensation plan as well as higher cost-recovery initiatives at thePlayboy Mansion.PEI also recorded $0.5 million in restructuring charges in the 2009 thirdquarter, which was primarily related to the closing of its New York officeearlier this year. This compares to a $2.2 million restructuring charge lastyear. The company also recorded in last year's third quarter $4.1 million inprovisions for reserves related to receivables and archival materials.Additional information regarding third quarter 2009 earnings will be availableon the earnings release conference call, which is being held today, November5, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern /10:00 a.m. Central. The call may be accessedby dialing: 800-894-5910 (for domestic callers) or 785-424-1052 (forinternational callers) and using the password: Playboy. In addition, the callwill be webcast. To listen to the call, please visithttp://www.peiinvestor.com and select the Investor Relations section.Playboy is one of the most recognized and popular consumer brands in theworld. Playboy Enterprises, Inc. is a media and lifestyle company that marketsthe brand through a wide range of media properties and licensing initiatives.The company publishes Playboy magazine in the United States and abroad andcreates content for distribution via television networks, websites, mobileplatforms and radio. Through licensing agreements, the Playboy brand appearson a wide range of consumer products in more than 150 countries as well asretail stores and entertainment venues.FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSThis release contains "forward-looking statements," as to expectations,beliefs, plans, objectives and future financial performance, and assumptionsunderlying or concerning the foregoing. We use words such as "may," "will,""would," "could," "should," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "potential,""expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends," "continues" and other similarterminology. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,uncertainties and other factors, which could cause our actual results,performance or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or impliedin the forward-looking statements. We want to caution you not to place unduereliance on any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation topublicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of newinformation, future events or otherwise.The following are some of the important factors that could cause our actualresults, performance or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed inthe forward-looking statements: (1) Foreign, national, state and local government regulations, actions or initiatives, including: (a) attempts to limit or otherwise regulate the sale, distribution or transmission of adult-oriented materials, including print, television, video, Internet and mobile materials; or (b) limitations on the advertisement of tobacco, alcohol and other products which are important sources of advertising revenue for us; (2) Risks associated with our foreign operations, including market acceptance and demand for our products and the products of our licensees and other business partners; (3) Our ability to effectively manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; (4) Further changes in general economic conditions, consumer spending habits, viewing patterns, fashion trends or the retail sales environment, which, in each case, could reduce demand for our programming and products and impact our advertising and licensing revenues; (5) Our ability to protect our trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property; (6) Risks as a distributor of media content, including our becoming subject to claims for defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, copyright, patent or trademark infringement and other claims based on the nature and content of the materials we distribute; (7) The risk our outstanding litigation could result in settlements or judgments which are material to us; (8) Dilution from any potential issuance of common stock or convertible debt in connection with financings or acquisition activities; (9) Further competition for advertisers from other publications, media or online providers or decreases in spending by advertisers, either generally or with respect to the men's market; (10) Competition in the television, men's magazine, Internet, mobile and product licensing markets; (11) Attempts by consumers, distributors, merchants or private advocacy groups to exclude our programming or other products from distribution; (12) Our television, Internet and mobile businesses' reliance on third parties for technology and distribution, and any changes in that technology, distribution and/or delays in implementation which might affect our plans, assumptions and financial results; (13) Risks associated with losing access to transponders or technical failure of transponders or other transmitting or playback equipment that is beyond our control; (14) Competition for channel space on linear or video-on-demand television platforms; (15) Failure to maintain our agreements with multiple system operators and direct-to-home, or DTH, operators on favorable terms, as well as any decline in our access to households or acceptance by DTH, cable and/or telephone company systems and the possible resulting cancellation of fee arrangements, pressure on splits or other deterioration of contract terms with operators of these systems; (16) Risks that we may not realize the expected sales and profits and other benefits from acquisitions; (17) Any charges or costs we incur in connection with restructuring measures we have taken or may take in the future; (18) Increases in paper, printing, postage or other manufacturing costs; (19) Effects of the consolidation of the single-copy magazine distribution system in the U.S. and risks associated with the financial stability of major magazine wholesalers; (20) Effects of the consolidation and/or bankruptcies of television distribution companies; (21) Risks associated with the viability of our subscription, ad-supported and e-commerce Internet models; (22) Our ability to sublet our excess space may be negatively impacted by the market for commercial rental real estate as well as by the global economy generally; (23) The risk that our common stock could be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, if we fail to meet the NYSE's continued listing requirements; (24) Risks that adverse market conditions in the securities and credit markets may significantly affect our ability to access the capital markets; (25) The risk that we will be unable to refinance our 3.00% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2025, or convertible notes, or the risk that we will refinance our convertible notes at significantly higher interest rates if credit markets do not improve prior to the first put date of March 15, 2012; (26) The risk that we are unable to either extend the maturity date of our existing credit facility beyond the current expiration date of January 31, 2011 or establish a new facility with a later maturity date and acceptable terms; and (27) Further downward pressure on our operating results and/or further deterioration of economic conditions could result in further impairments of our long-lived assets including remaining goodwill.More detailed information about factors that may affect our performance may befound in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which areavailable at http://www.sec.gov or at http://www.peiinvestor.com in theInvestor Relations section of our website. Playboy Enterprises, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts) Quarters Ended September 30, ------------- 2009 2008 ---- ---- Net revenues ------------ Entertainment: Domestic TV $12.5 $14.6 International TV 10.7 11.8 Other 1.2 0.9 --- --- Total Entertainment 24.4 27.3 Print/Digital: Domestic magazine 9.4 16.9 International magazine 1.5 2.0 Special editions and other 2.4 2.9 Digital 9.6 10.9 --- ---- Total Print/Digital 22.9 32.7 Licensing: Consumer products 7.2 9.4 Location-based entertainment 1.2 0.7 Marketing events 0.2 0.2 Other 0.1 0.1 --- --- Total Licensing 8.7 10.4 --- ---- Total net revenues $56.0 $70.4 ===== ===== Net loss -------- Entertainment $2.3 $1.7 Print/Digital 0.4 (0.2) Licensing 5.5 6.7 Corporate (5.5) (4.6) ---- ---- Segment income 2.7 3.6 Restructuring expense (0.5) (2.2) Provisions for reserves - (4.1) --- ---- Operating income (loss) 2.2 (2.7) Investment income - 0.2 Interest expense (2.2) (2.1) Amortization of deferred financing fees (0.1) (0.1) Other, net 0.2 (0.1) --- ---- Income (loss) before income taxes 0.1 (4.8) Income tax expense (1.2) (1.4) ---- ---- Net loss $(1.1) $(6.2) ===== ===== Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Basic and diluted 33,468 33,317 ====== ====== Basic and diluted loss per common share $(0.03) $(0.19) ====== ====== Note: Certain reclassifications have been made to conform to the current presentation. Playboy Enterprises, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts) Nine Months Ended September 30, ------------- 2009 2008 ---- ---- Net revenues ------------ Entertainment: Domestic TV $38.5 $45.9 International TV 32.4 39.9 Other 3.5 3.8 --- --- Total Entertainment 74.4 89.6 Print/Digital: Domestic magazine 39.3 49.8 International magazine 4.8 6.0 Special editions and other 5.4 6.7 Digital 27.8 37.7 ---- ---- Total Print/Digital 77.3 100.2 Licensing: Consumer products 21.9 26.6 Location-based entertainment 3.5 2.9 Marketing events 2.3 2.7 Other 0.4 0.3 --- --- Total Licensing 28.1 32.5 ---- ---- Total net revenues $179.8 $222.3 ====== ====== Net loss -------- Entertainment $7.3 $3.9 Print/Digital (0.9) (3.0) Licensing 15.9 19.4 Corporate (17.3) (16.9) ----- ----- Segment income 5.0 3.4 Restructuring expense (12.8) (2.8) Impairment charges (5.5) (0.1) Provisions for reserves - (4.1) --- ---- Operating loss (13.3) (3.6) Investment income 0.7 0.9 Interest expense (6.5) (6.4) Amortization of deferred financing fees (0.5) (0.5) Other, net (0.3) (0.4) ---- ---- Loss before income taxes (19.9) (10.0) Income tax expense (3.6) (3.6) ---- ---- Net loss $(23.5) $(13.6) ====== ====== Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Basic and diluted 33,433 33,297 ====== ====== Basic and diluted loss per common share $(0.70) $(0.41) ====== ====== Note: Certain reclassifications have been made to conform to the current presentation. PLAYBOY ENTERPRISES, INC. ------------------------- Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) Third Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, -------------------- ------------------ % % EBITDA and Adjusted Inc/ Inc/ EBITDA 2009 2008 (Dec) 2009 2008 (Dec) ------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Net Loss $(1.1) $(6.2) (82.3) $(23.5) $(13.6) 72.8 Adjusted for: Income Tax Expense 1.2 1.4 (14.3) 3.6 3.6 - Interest Expense 2.2 2.1 4.8 6.5 6.4 1.6 Amortization of Deferred Financing Fees 0.1 0.1 - 0.5 0.5 - Equity in Operations of Investments (0.2) (0.1) 100.0 - (0.1) (100.0) Depreciation and Amortization 9.2 10.3 (10.7) 28.1 30.3 (7.3) Impairment Charges - - - 5.5 0.1 5,400.0 -------------------- --- --- --- --- EBITDA (1) 11.4 7.6 50.0 20.7 27.2 (23.9) Adjusted for: Cash Investments in Entertainment Programming (5.1) (7.8) (34.6) (18.4) (23.7) (22.4) Restructuring Expense 0.5 2.2 (77.3) 12.8 2.8 357.1 Provisions for Reserves - 4.1 (100.0) - 4.1 (100.0) - -------------- --- --- --- --- Adjusted EBITDA (2) $6.8 $6.1 11.5 $15.1 $10.4 45.2 ----------------- ---- ---- ----- ----- Net Income (Loss) Before Restructuring, Third Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended Impairment September 30, September 30, -------------------- ------------------ Charges and % % Provisions for Better/ Better/ Reserves (3) 2009 2008 (Worse) 2009 2008 (Worse) --------------- ---- ---- ------- ---- ---- ------- Net Loss $(1.1) $(6.2) 82.3 $(23.5) $(13.6) (72.8) Adjusted for: Restructuring Expense 0.5 2.2 77.3 12.8 2.8 (357.1) Impairment Charges - - - 5.5 0.1 (5,400.0) Provisions for Reserves - 4.1 100.0 - 4.1 100.0 - -------------- --- --- --- --- Net Income (Loss) Before Restructuring, Impairment Charges and Provisions for Reserves $(0.6) $0.1 - $(5.2) $(6.6) 21.2 - ------------------ ----- ---- ----- ----- Basic and Diluted Loss Before Restructuring, Impairment Charges and Provisions for Reserves Per Common Share $(0.02) $- - $(0.16) $(0.20) 20.0 -------------------- ------ --- ------ ------ Third Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, -------------------- ------------------ % % Financial and Operating Inc/ Inc/ Data 2009 2008 (Dec) 2009 2008 (Dec) ----------------------- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Entertainment Cash Investments in Entertainment Programming $5.1 $7.8 (34.6) $18.4 $23.7 (22.4) Programming Amortization Expense $7.2 $8.0 (10.0) $22.4 $24.3 (7.8) Print/Digital Advertising Sales (Playboy-Branded) $4.2 $6.8 (38.2) $11.7 $17.9 (34.6) Digital Content Expense $1.5 $1.8 (16.7) $4.9 $5.2 (5.8) Domestic Magazine Advertising Pages 65.2 98.3 (33.7) 191.1 289.8 (34.1) At September 30 Cash, Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Short-Term Investments $26.9 $27.9 (3.6) $26.9 $27.9 (3.6) Long-Term Financing Obligations $103.0 $98.7 4.4 $103.0 $98.7 4.4 -------------------- ------ ----- ------ ----- See notes on accompanying page. PLAYBOY ENTERPRISES, INC. ------------------------- Notes to Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information and Financial and Operating Data 1) In order to fully assess our financial results, management believes that EBITDA is an appropriate measure for evaluating our operating performance and liquidity, because it reflects the resources available for, among other things, investments in television programming. The resources reflected in EBITDA are not necessarily available for our discretionary use because of legal or functional requirements to conserve funds for capital replacement and expansion, debt service and other commitments and uncertainties. Investors should recognize that EBITDA might not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. EBITDA should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, any measure of performance, cash flows or liquidity prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP. 2) In order to fully assess our financial results, management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure for evaluating our operating performance and liquidity, because it reflects the resources available for strategic opportunities including, among other things, to invest in the business, make strategic acquisitions and strengthen the balance sheet. In addition, a comparable measure of Adjusted EBITDA is used in our credit facility to, among other things, determine the interest rate that we are charged on borrowings under the credit facility. Investors should recognize that Adjusted EBITDA might not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, any measure of performance, cash flows or liquidity prepared in accordance with GAAP. 3) In order to fully assess our financial results, management believes that Net Income (Loss) Before Restructuring, Impairment Charges and Provisions for Reserves is an appropriate measure for evaluating our operating performance and liquidity. Investors should recognize that Net Income (Loss) Before Restructuring, Impairment Charges and Provisions for Reserves might not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Net Income (Loss) Before Restructuring, Impairment Charges and Provisions for Reserves should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, any measure of performance, cash flows or liquidity prepared in accordance with GAAP.SOURCE Playboy Enterprises, Inc.Investors, Martha Lindeman, +1-312-373-2430, or Media, Matthew Pakula,+1-312-373-2435, both of Playboy Enterprises, Inc.

Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.

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Full Story: Playboy Enterprises, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2009 Results - Reuters

Rogers buys into Eisner studio - Media In Canada

Make Money on the Web - What are My Options? - Best Syndication

Make money on the web needs some thought process as there are such a lot of numerous information and data on the web. Do you want to sell a product or a service or do you want to earn money from advertisers on your tiny piece on the information superhighway? The choice is yours and the paths are subtly different from each other.

In numerous cases, if you can focus on areas that are near your location, this may give you a competitive advantage. Your price could be a little more pricey than that of your competition but if you're able to personally service your client when needed, this may eventually close the deal for you.

Like all things, certain basic business principles apply when managing a company. To make money on the web, you should be ready to give the best deal and best service to your customer. That is Business 101 if i am not mistaken.

With the 2nd choice, you may have to have some creativity up your sleeve. This talent would possibly not be natural to everybody but it can be learned. Some people have made money on the web because their websites are visited by tens and thousands of people.

Full Story: Make Money on the Web - What are My Options? - Best Syndication

The answer is with you, stupid - Information World Review

It asked the opinion of five observers from very different segments of the information sector- a publisher of web 2.0 solutions, a consultant specialising in social networks, an HR executive, a sociologist and a teacher - to study the impact of social networking on a company's strategic vision, structure and leadership.

The academic described the new forms of work organisation; another expert spoke about the impact of 2.0 applications in development practices and skills management; a third expert explained the link between tools and bu¬siness; the consultant spoke of his understanding of the impact of so¬cial networks on business; and finally the HR professional described the implementation of a tool created within a mobile phone company.

It found that the culture of exchange and openness encouraged by social networking sites enables companies to accelerate their decision-making processes, and increase their capacity for innovation and commercial productivity; social networks boost a company's competitiveness by providing it with improved responsiveness. Far more than just a technological revolution, the predicted arrival of the company as community translates above all into a cultural change.

By creating a networked organisation, social media encourage the lasting participation of employees, clients and partners, which in turn prompts reflection on both management's role in the corporate structure and the form that training takes.

Full Story: The answer is with you, stupid - Information World Review