Etc.

Inspired messages
The Pope will send inspirational text messages to mobile phones during Catholic World Youth day this summer in Australia, according to a report from Agence France-Presse. “We wanted to make WYD08 a unique experience by using new ways to connect with today’s tech-savvy youth,” World Youth Day coordinator bishop Anthony Fisher told AFP. ThePope is expected to send daily inspirational messages to pilgrims in Australia and catechesis will be broadcast on the Web.
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Circle celebration
Alltel Corp. is celebrating the two-year anniversary of the launch of its “My Circle” calling plan by giving away a four-day luxury vacation for one winner and their circle of friends and family. The grand prize is an allexpenses paid “Circle of Friends” reunion to either Key West, Fla., Las Vegas, or Palm Springs, Calif. The prize includes the winner’s choice of entertainment activities and a special meal prepared by celebrity chef Ted Allen. The winner and his circle of friends will each receive a new wireless phone and a $200 Alltel gift card. Customers can enter the contest through May by sending a text message to the company or visiting its Web site. In addition, all customers who have subscribed to a My Circle plan for two years will receive a free number added to their plan, said the company.
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Mobile film awards
Nokia announced the five finalists for its 2008 Nokia Mobile Filmmaking Awards, which were scheduled to be screened May 10 during the Pangea Day broadcast. The winners were scheduled to be flown to Los Angeles to attend one of Pangea Day’s six live broadcast locations. The finalists included Pier Bardoni for Could Running; Eduardo Cachucho for Game; Rupert How for Amazing Rainbows; Bob Calabritto for Smile and Kayoom Mistry for Rounds All Around. The finalists were chosen by online voting and their submissions will be reviewed by professional judges. The winner will receive a mobile filmmaking trip to the Rwandan Gorilla Reserve and a production budget to document their trip.