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MINNETONKA, Minn., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Never again will anglers have to peruse their local sporting goods store in search of the perfect rod, reel and lure combination. Introducing the Ultimate Angling System(TM) from SHIMANO(R) and Rapala(R), the perfectly matched combination of rod, reel and lure for fishing redfish, seatrout and snook.”We’ve created the ultimate rod, reel and lure combination by pairing the revolutionary X-Rap(R) SubWalk(R) 9 with SHIMANO’S Scimitar(R) graphite rod and Symetre(R) FI reel,” said Bernie Schultz of the Rapala pro staff. “Anglers can work the X-Rap Subwalk 9’s walk-the-dog style action to tantalize and capture redfish, seatrout and snook with unmatched control, comfort and precision.”The pairing of these two-world class brands provides angling enthusiasts with the Ultimate Angling System to ensure they’re out on the water longer. And, for those targeting the intense fighting action of redfish, seatrout or snook, it’s the only way to go if they want the fish-catching experience of a lifetime.Two retrieves not only target shallow water fish but also trigger suspending fish over deep water. For targeting shallow water fish, perform the “tight walk” retrieve by positioning your rod tip down, twitch the tip back quickly with constant winding of the reel, for a quick, choppy track to target subsurface fish.For targeting suspended fish over deep water, perform the “slow cadence” retrieve. With the rod tip up, use a long sweep, sweep, pause retrieve for a wider track that triggers suspended fish in deep or shallow water.”By combining the perfect combination of rod, reel and lure the Ultimate Angling System creates a smooth, in tune flowing action to trigger bigger fish,” said Schultz. “The longer rod, combined with the reel creates the almost perfect cadence for redfish, snook and sea trout.”This triple threat combination is perfect for both fresh and saltwater fishing: the X-Rap SubWalk 9 runs on top to 24 inches below the water and features a slow-sinking pause for a never seen before walk the dog action. With 12 color patterns and a VMC(R) SureSet feather tail hook, you’ll have fish darting out of the woodwork to get a piece of the action.Visit to watch the Ultimate Angling System video and download exclusive information on how to use the Ultimate Angling System.The Ultimate Angling System is available at special displays at The Sports Authority stores in Florida.About RapalaDedicated to delivering memorable fishing experiences every time, the Rapala Group, based in Vaaksy, Finland (Helsinki Stock Exchange: RAP1V), manufactures and markets fishing lures, fishing line, fishing rods, hooks, terminal tackle, knives and accessories under the Rapala, VMC, Blue Fox, Storm, Luhr-Jensen, Terminator and Williamson brand names. The company was unofficially founded in 1936 when Lauri Rapala invented the Rapala fishing lure. Rapala maintains its strict standards of quality and craftsmanship while delivering its fishing products to anglers in more than 130 countries. For more information, visit rapala.com. For more information: Brian Anderson Carmichael Lynch Spong (612) 375-8514Rapala

NEW YORK, March 28 /PRNewswire/ — MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, will present fans with its largest product initiative ever in preparation for Opening Day of the 2008 season. The highlight of the launch is the introduction of real-time video alerts across two of the site’s most popular platforms, Gameday at MLB.com and mobile devices.ENHANCED GAMEDAY/VIDEO ALERTSMLB.com has enhanced the real-time application with real-time video alerts, in-depth Game Previews, the MLB.com Daily Rewind recap and other game-specific video. The real-time video alerts, up to 10 per game, will be available via an exclusive free trial for the month of April. In addition, cutting edge technology and collaboration with baseball operations personnel across the Major League will provide precise pitch speed, trajectory and location data from all 30 Major League parks, including unprecedented real-time pitch identification for every pitch thrown this season.VIDEO ALERTS - MOBILEBeginning on Opening Day, MLB.com will be delivering real-time video alerts to mobile devices. The alerts will appear within 2-4 minutes from the conclusion of the play on the field and will be offered to Team Alert subscribers at no additional charge from the current rate of $3.99 per month. Fans can sign up by texting “GET (Club nickname)” to 65246. For example, a Mets fan would send the text “GET METS” to 65246.MLB.TV IN “NexDef”In 2008, premium subscribers of MLB.TV can watch live games from their computers in “NexDef” at 1.2 megabits per second stream with a 16×9 widescreen format. All 2,430 out-of-market games in the regular season will be available live on both MLB.TV and MLB.TV Premium. MLB.com

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 27 /PRNewswire/ — Kansas City metropolitan high school basketball programs can receive rejuvenation, recognition and program support through the Athletix Makeover contest offered through April 15.Local high schools can now apply for the opportunity to win a complete athletic makeover for their basketball teams by visiting . AthletixNation.com’s community partners include Metro Sports, Sports Radio 810 WHB, 68’s Inside Sports, Francis Sporting Goods, NAIA’s Champion of Character and the Kansas City Brigade Girls. After completing application, community votes for each high school will help to determine the contest winner.The athletic department of three winning schools receives new basketballs and t-shirts. The grand prize winning school receives new uniforms, shoes, attire and equipment. They will be awarded an instructional workshop at 68’s Inside Sports with NBA guard Billy Thomas and former Kansas City Chiefs Strength and Conditioning Coach Billy Long. The spirit squads of the grand prize winning school will receive a private clinic by the Kansas City Brigade Girls and Stunt Crew. A Metro Sports televised reality show, Athletix Makeover (AMO), will feature the contest. This television program will be similar to the MTV Emmy Award-winning program, MADE.”AthletixNation.com and our corporate partners are excited to offer Kansas City youth the opportunity to dramatically improve their athletic program,” said Davyeon Ross, AthletixNation.com CEO and former collegiate basketball player. “Our ultimate goal is to applaud young athletes and to promote positive school spirit as the community rallies behind its school through online voting.”Teams should visit to submit a written statement, videos and photos demonstrating why their team should win the AMO. Friends, family and fans may vote online once a day on through April 15. Finalists will be announced on April 22.To complete the AMO application, vote for a high school, or learn more, visit or contact Vice President of Operations Claude Aldridge at 913.484.3618 or .ABOUT ATHLETIXNATION.COMAthletixNation is the premier community for all athletes, fans, coaches, and sports professionals. The mission of AthletixNation.com is to provide athletic Connections, Entertainment and Education in a positive sports environment. AthletixNation also takes that experience offline through community programs like the AMO: Athletix Makeover. At AthletixNation.com, Your Sport Lives Here! AthletixNation.com