My first camera was a Panasonic. I called her Panny. I'd bring her to parties and make $200 videotaping the event. I'd also throw it on my shoulder whenever I got stuck in an awkward conversation- it works even better than the "I need to fill my drink" line.

Anyway, here's a Panasonic contest.  You have until mid July to enter… and we all know that entries will roll in about an hour before the deadline. For example, the Kiss Kiss Bang Bang contest had about 10 entries yesterday, and 40 today (deadline was at midnight).

Panasonic challenges filmmakers to show what "Share the Air" means to them in the form of a 24-second action sports film. Submitted videos will be reviewed and evaluated by Panasonic and renowned action sports filmmakers Ty Evans and Aaron Meza. Two Grand Prize Winners will each win a Panasonic HD video package worth over $16,000, including the new state-of-the-art AG-HVX200 High Definition camcorder, and $5,000 cash. Winning submissions will also be considered for national broadcast as Panasonic television commercials. In addition, four First Prize Winners will each win a video prize package worth over $1,000.

Select films will be showcased on Panasonic's Share the Air gallery at http://www.sharetheair.net/videos. Submissions will be accepted and prizes awarded for two distinct entry periods: May 17th – July 14th 2006 and July 15th – January 15th, 2007. One Grand Prize Winner and two First Prize Winners will be chosen from each entry period to win the following prizes:

Grand Prize Winners will receive:
     * Panasonic AG-HVX200 HD video camera
     * Two P2 8 GB memory cards
     * P2 storage drive
     * Panasonic DMC-LX1 digital still camera
     * $5,000 hard cash
     * Ty Evans signature series Ogio backpack
     * Atiba Jefferson signature series Ogio backpack

Two First Prize Winners will receive:
     * Panasonic PV-GS500 3CCD digital video camera
     * Ty Evans signature series Ogio backpack.