Licensing International 2008 kicks off on June 10th at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. Be sure to stop by United Media's booth (# 3239) to check out what's happening with our entire portfolio of brands, including new partners such as Hallmark's hilariously exuberant hoops&yoyo. Each property has a great story to tell and opportunities for growth.

Dilbert 2.0 Celebrating the anniversary of this remarkable observer of workday life, Dilbert 2.0: 20 Years of Dilbert from Andrews McMeel Publishing arrives this fall and includes 576 pages of Dilbert cartoons, annotated with commentary and reflections by the genius behind his creation, Scott Adams. The new Dilbert.com website kicked off to enormous media buzz this spring with the announcement of exciting interactive offerings, most notably cartoon mashups which allow fans to re-write the punch line to the strip. Animated Dilbert strips are also available every weekday on Dilbert.com and MSN, and soon on iTunes, Podcast, YouTube, Comcast and more -- making Dilbert the first globally recognized comic strip to feature a daily animated version.

Fantastically fabulous Fancy Nancy retail launches Fancy Nancy, the HarperCollins national bestselling series that has taken the world by storm, is gearing up for some stupendous (that's a fancy word for great) retail launches starting with Jakks Pacific who recently announced the May launch of its role play and dress up line at Target. A Barnes & Noble front of store Fancy Nancy promotion with books and products from Madame Alexander, Briarpatch and University Games will hit shelves this summer, and American Greeting's Fancy Nancy party line is launching at mass market retailers this fall.

You´re not elected, Charlie Brown! This fall, Peanuts will join the election year excitement when new DVD partner Warner Home Video (WHV) releases a newly remastered edition of "You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown." Election themed tees by licensees such as Mighty Fine and JunkFood offer fans the chance to make a political AND fashion statement. No matter their political party, geography or gender, all citizens can relate to the sentiment, "Don't Blame Me-I Voted for Snoopy"! These retro-fashion tees for men and women also urge everyone to "Back the Beagle," "Fight Pollution" and vote "Snoopy for President." "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown", "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas" will also be released as newly remastered and enhanced with new EC, packaging, and digital song downloads from the movies' soundtracks. "Peanuts Holiday Collection" will round out WHV's winter releases and will include an exclusive CD with 6 classic Peanuts songs. In support of the seasonal offerings, Skippy will host a sweepstakes offer on 6 million jars of peanut butter giving consumers a chance to win a Peanuts DVD or a four day trip to Cedar Point, featuring world class coasters and the all new Planet Snoopy, in Sandusky, Ohio. A QSR partner is also on board for a major kid's meal promotion.

Be part of the precious Girls Club In support of the launch of Precious Girls Club, a unique brand extension of the Precious Moments brand targeting Girls 4-8 and Moms of Girls 4-8, informational presentations for potential new partners will be held at this year's Licensing International Expo in room #2D08. Precious Girls Club is an inspirational brand from Precious Moments that celebrates a wondrous and all too brief moment in a girl's journey: being a precious little girl. It is a fun, engaging world that captivates a little girl's imagination while providing moms with a safe playground from a trusted brand. A unique feature of the brand is the ability to provide for special mother-daughter experiences through online interaction and real-life Precious Girls Clubs. Launching in August, 2008, the Precious Girls Club will be anchored by a virtual world, publishing program, and product in the gift and specialty channel.

Don´t miss the boat United Media has signed on with Original Productions, the production company behind such successful series as Ice Road Truckers and Monster Garage, to serve as the exclusive merchandise licensing agent for the primetime Emmy-nominated television series Deadliest Catch. United Media will build a licensing program in North America and Canada for Deadliest Catch targeting men 25-49 and gift givers of all ages. Initial categories include gaming, packaged goods, promotions, housewares, food, publishing, sporting goods and apparel and accessories.

Summer fun for Raggedy Ann & Andy The Illinois Board of Tourism is including Raggedy Ann & Andy in part of its promotion for the state this summer by directing interested tourists to the Raggedy Ann & Andy museum in Arcola, Illinois. Fans across the nation will also see Raggedy Ann & Andy plush from Toy Factory at amusement parks.

Iron Chef America´s QVC video game debut Iron Chef America knives from Master Cutlery were featured on QVC with host Anne Burrell this spring. For more information about this product, click here. Destineer's much anticipated video game Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine exclusively for the Wii™ system and Nintendo DS™ is due to hit shelves this fall.

Dirty Dancing teams with chronicle books and heads to Boston Dirty Dancing has teamed up with Chronicle Books for journals featuring Dirty Dancing sayings and postcard books with images from the movie.The Opera House in Boston will be home to the east coast premiere of the international stage sensation DIRTY DANCING - The Classic Story On Stage as part of its season opening in February, 2009.

International

Snoopy: always in fashion Seizing on the recent success of the MetLife Snoopy in Fashion show in New York, Marks & Spencer will debut a coordinated House of Snoopy collection for autumn/winter 2008. In Italy, high end retailer Liu Jo is expanding its women's tees and top line into girls sizes. Beachwear is also on the way. And for the little ones in France, apparel partner Duguy is launching a Snoopy Baby's Best Friend line set to hit stores in 09.

Other news from across the Atlantic The Continuity Company has launched a soccer themed Peanuts premium promotion program in both Italy and the Czech Republic. Also in Italy, look for Seven's Peanuts stationery and back-to-school line. And last, but not least, German licensee, Trendwerk is expanding its successful wireless accessories program for Peanuts to multiple territories worldwide.

Dining wiht Snoopy in Japan ... This March, the first Peanuts themed "Snoopy Café" opened in Japan. Featuring original Peanuts products and doughnuts inspired by different characters, this new café, which offers an American menu, is sure to be a big hit with Peanuts fans who love to eat!

and in Mexico ... Popular restaurant chain El Porton will feature the Peanuts characters in all 83 restaurants throughout Mexico this summer. Artwork inspired by the upcoming Olympic games will appear in advertising materials, in-store signage, children's menus, napkin, crayons, placemats, a gift with purchase, and much, much more.

Drink Pepsi the Peanuts way This spring, Pepsi offered fans in Hong Kong the chance to receive a Snoopy bottle cap topper or plastic folder by purchasing a Pepsico beverage (Pepsi, 7Up and Miranda) at any Wellcome supermarket. On pack premiums included PVC card holders, magnet clips and badges.