SEABROOK, N.H. -- The family of a man who disappeared eight years ago have established a toll-free hot line and Web site in hopes of finding his body.
Curt Pishon disappeared from his overnight security job on July 5, 2000, and his family has since legally declared him dead, WMUR News 9's Aaron Kellogg reported.
Relatives continue to post hundreds of posters on Seacoast streets in an effort to gather tips to determine where he went or how he died.
"You know, it's not as if he had outright died. It's another feeling that eats away at you," said Pishon's sister, Crystle.
"We think there are people out there who have information and it's an ethical and moral obligation for them to come forward," Seabrook police detective Sgt. Mike Gallagher said.
Curt Pishon worked at the former Venture Corp. building, which has since been torn down to make way for a new mall.
Police said someone torched Pishon's car, which was parked at his former workplace, in the early hours of the day Pishon disappeared.
"We thought fairly early on that Curtis had been done in by somebody, that in the normal course of events that his body would turn up some place," said Nick Pishon, Curt Pishon's father.
After time passed, Curt Pishon's father, Nick, has no doubt about the death of his son. He wants his son's body, information about his disappearance and closure.
"Let us know where we can locate his remains so we can give him a proper burial," Nick Pishon said.
Investigators said they hope people open up with information.
"In Seabrook, there's some sort of code of silence that's really prevalent," Gallagher said.
Authorities hope the family's posters will attract pieces of information to help complete the investigation. Police said just a few tips could solve this case.
Source: http://www.wmur.com/news/16737284/detail.html
Monday, June 30, 2008
Donor 401 on Great Demand
The Post has been diligently tracking the progeny of Donor 401, a man of German extraction who tans well and whose sperm is in great demand. The number of 401's children is at least 14, which would have been an impressive number to me had I not just completed Nicholas Wade's book "Before the Dawn" and learned that the late Genghis Khan had about 500 wives and concubines, producing enough children so that now, if you do the math, they have generated 16 million males alone -- or "about 0.5 percent of the world's total." Donor 401, you have a ways to go.
But on account of Wade's book, I strongly suspect that Donor 401 and Genghis Khan operated out of the same imperative -- to pass on their genes to the next generation. This, after all, is our genetic obligation, and in Wade's view -- or at least in his observation -- it is why some men go into politics. He quotes former French president Francois Mitterrand, who said, "I don't know of a single head of state who hasn't yielded to some kind of carnal temptation, small or large. That in itself is a reason to govern." Better than narrowing the deficit, I would volunteer.
In fact, from what Wade suggests, Donor 401 is a sly fellow, pulling off what in evolution is the ultimate triumph: getting others, particularly men, to raise his progeny. Those who have no biological children of their own are evolution's total losers. Their genes end with them and that, as we all know, is just a pity -- a fate truly worse than death: extinction.
For some time now, I have been excitedly inflicting this book on my friends. It is rich in scientific cynicism, the unsparing pragmatism of our cold and calculating genes. For instance, they have ensured that newborns in general are not only cute but look alike -- so the charmed but possibly cuckolded male will accept them as his own. It traces the history of mankind from the time, around 50,000 years ago, when human beings left Africa and started to spread throughout the world.
This is our prehistory. It lacks archeological or written records, but much of what happened can be discerned from our DNA. This is all relatively new to us, but by peering into our most basic living material, snoopy scientists are beginning to see how we evolved -- and why. For instance, the gene that permits us to digest lactose as adults is a relatively new development -- linked, no doubt, to the advent of agriculture. Genetically speaking, we are still on the move.
Wade, a science writer for the New York Times, is a robust and refreshing critic of scientific political correctness. There is nothing in the scientific record, he points out, to validate the romantic notion that primitive man was essentially peaceful. On the contrary, our ancestors made war incessantly -- just as primitive societies did in the modern era until the authorities told them to cut it out. Similarly, he chides PC-addled scientists who insist there is no such thing as race when, just for starters, certain medicines work differently on whites than blacks. As with the noble savage, the raceless world is a myth.
Another myth concerns those cute chimps, one of whom, J. Fred Muggs, once co-hosted the "Today" show. They have 99 percent of a human being's DNA sequence, which may explain why humans and chimps are the only creatures to make war. (Their cousins, the bonobos, make love -- incessantly.) Still, there is hope. Evolution is making us less aggressive and smarter, since, clearly, brains are better than brawn in the modern world. (Jews from Europe, their ancestors compelled by discrimination into certain cerebral professions, have the highest average IQ of any ethnic group, Howard Stern notwithstanding.) Maybe the best news in the book is the finding that dogs were essential to the creation of modern civilization. If human beings were to cease being nomads, they had to be secure when they settled down. (After all, enemies would always know where to find them.) Dogs became trusty sentinels, which is why they, and not the wolves from which they descended, bark. It was a trait early man valued and probably selected for. The question remains, though: Did man domesticate the dog or did dogs figure out what man wanted and do the job themselves? Anyone who has ever owned a dog instinctively knows the answer.
Wade begins each chapter with a quote from Charles Darwin. It is an odd paradox of our times that as science relentlessly validates Darwin's genius, American social conservatives push back with such idiocies as "intelligent design." They should read this book -- it even explains the evolutionary basis of religion -- to appreciate what will happen to them. God willing, they'll evolve.
Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/01/AR2006050101275.html
But on account of Wade's book, I strongly suspect that Donor 401 and Genghis Khan operated out of the same imperative -- to pass on their genes to the next generation. This, after all, is our genetic obligation, and in Wade's view -- or at least in his observation -- it is why some men go into politics. He quotes former French president Francois Mitterrand, who said, "I don't know of a single head of state who hasn't yielded to some kind of carnal temptation, small or large. That in itself is a reason to govern." Better than narrowing the deficit, I would volunteer.
In fact, from what Wade suggests, Donor 401 is a sly fellow, pulling off what in evolution is the ultimate triumph: getting others, particularly men, to raise his progeny. Those who have no biological children of their own are evolution's total losers. Their genes end with them and that, as we all know, is just a pity -- a fate truly worse than death: extinction.
For some time now, I have been excitedly inflicting this book on my friends. It is rich in scientific cynicism, the unsparing pragmatism of our cold and calculating genes. For instance, they have ensured that newborns in general are not only cute but look alike -- so the charmed but possibly cuckolded male will accept them as his own. It traces the history of mankind from the time, around 50,000 years ago, when human beings left Africa and started to spread throughout the world.
This is our prehistory. It lacks archeological or written records, but much of what happened can be discerned from our DNA. This is all relatively new to us, but by peering into our most basic living material, snoopy scientists are beginning to see how we evolved -- and why. For instance, the gene that permits us to digest lactose as adults is a relatively new development -- linked, no doubt, to the advent of agriculture. Genetically speaking, we are still on the move.
Wade, a science writer for the New York Times, is a robust and refreshing critic of scientific political correctness. There is nothing in the scientific record, he points out, to validate the romantic notion that primitive man was essentially peaceful. On the contrary, our ancestors made war incessantly -- just as primitive societies did in the modern era until the authorities told them to cut it out. Similarly, he chides PC-addled scientists who insist there is no such thing as race when, just for starters, certain medicines work differently on whites than blacks. As with the noble savage, the raceless world is a myth.
Another myth concerns those cute chimps, one of whom, J. Fred Muggs, once co-hosted the "Today" show. They have 99 percent of a human being's DNA sequence, which may explain why humans and chimps are the only creatures to make war. (Their cousins, the bonobos, make love -- incessantly.) Still, there is hope. Evolution is making us less aggressive and smarter, since, clearly, brains are better than brawn in the modern world. (Jews from Europe, their ancestors compelled by discrimination into certain cerebral professions, have the highest average IQ of any ethnic group, Howard Stern notwithstanding.) Maybe the best news in the book is the finding that dogs were essential to the creation of modern civilization. If human beings were to cease being nomads, they had to be secure when they settled down. (After all, enemies would always know where to find them.) Dogs became trusty sentinels, which is why they, and not the wolves from which they descended, bark. It was a trait early man valued and probably selected for. The question remains, though: Did man domesticate the dog or did dogs figure out what man wanted and do the job themselves? Anyone who has ever owned a dog instinctively knows the answer.
Wade begins each chapter with a quote from Charles Darwin. It is an odd paradox of our times that as science relentlessly validates Darwin's genius, American social conservatives push back with such idiocies as "intelligent design." They should read this book -- it even explains the evolutionary basis of religion -- to appreciate what will happen to them. God willing, they'll evolve.
Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/01/AR2006050101275.html
quantum of solace trailer | don't miss 007 Trailer
Even the most dedicated James Bond fan might think Sony Pictures is overdoing the occasion with the unveiling of the trailer for Quantum of Solace today.
The 22nd Bond film picks up where Casino Royale (one of the top 20 films of the last 25 years according to Entertainment Weekly). Bond is out to avenge the death of his lost love while discovering the men behind a vast global conspiracy.
According to a press release from Sony and Eon Productions, the Quantum of Solace trailer will debut on online today on AOL.com in the U.S. and MSN.com worldwide during a two-hour window from 9- 11:00 a.m., PDT. While it's unlikely most fans will rearrange their day around that two-hour glimpse, it's more than long enough for some Q impersonator to snag it and put it up on YouTube.
The trailer will then be attached to Hancock this coming weekend before going wide on TV and online next week.
Image Courtesy Sony Pictures
Source: http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/06/review-journey.html
Quantum Of Solace
Director Marc Forster talks `Quantum of Solace` ahead of trailer release
Acclaimed Swiss filmmaker Marc Forster ('Finding Neverland,' 'Stranger Than Fiction') jumps into blockbuster action with 'Quantum Of Solace' -- and shooting it was quite an adventure. Forster had to deal with a totaled Aston Martin, a seriously injured stuntman and most recently, Daniel Craig's grossly exaggerated finger cut. AOL caught up with the director just days after he wrapped production for an update on 007's 22nd installment.
What's been the biggest challenge for you, personally, taking on 'Bond'?
You take on 'Bond,' and you work within that framework of 'Bond.' You know, you have the girls, the cars, the history, the millions of fans. 'Casino Royale' has been such a huge success, and audiences always have higher expectations. So there is incredible pressure you are under because you have to create something as a follow-up to 'Casino Royale.' And that sort of pressure excited me. At the same time, I always love[d] the early 'Bond' films, like the 1960s Sean Connery, Ken Adam-designed 'Bond' films, which I felt were so much ahead of their time in feel and look and design. And I felt like when you got to 'Quantum Of Solace' there would be this incredible opportunity I had been given to really create something stylish and interesting and push further than where 'Casino' went.
Did you study 'Casino Royale' in order to make the tone consistent?
No. I mean I watched the movie, but I needed to create my own movie. I had to set my own tone and own visual tone for 'Quantum Of Solace.' So I didn't want to get too married to it because I felt like I still have to put my stamp on it and visualize it the way I feel it should be right to the character. And also, the movie starts where the last one ended. And I feel Bond is in a very different place now because it's the first time he experienced love and he lost someone. And now we take off from this point where he experienced that loss. And what really does it mean for Bond also to lose someone as he himself takes other people's lives? And it makes him psychologically more vulnerable, and out of that vulnerability the main theme, the center of the film, for me was trust. What can you trust? And what does trust really mean if you love someone?
There were conflicting reports about Daniel Craig's finger injury, we heard everything from a paper cut to a tip cut off. Can you tell us what happened?
It's basically ... on top of the finger there's like a cut, and it will heal and it will be fine. But it was just a very deep cut. But the finger isn't missing or anything. He still has all 10 fingers [laughs].
Do you buy into all that lore when people say "Oh, this production is cursed"?
No, I don't. On every action film, small accidents happen. And really the greatest news is obviously that Harris, the stunt guy, is out of the hospital. He's walking, talking. He really will get back to normal. That's just incredible news. And then the little things like with the finger and stuff, that's just gonna happen, you know. So I'm not really buying into it because I feel the movie we did is really special and the main things are I'm feeling very positive about it.
How would you describe the general mood on the set: Was it all business, being such a big production, or was there some horsing around?
No, I think it's always important to keep it humorous. Especially if you're doing a film like 'Bond,' you can't keep it too serious. The jokes are part of the movie, and it's part of the set as well. It's just very hard and intense work. And, you know for me, it's the first time making such a big commercial movie. So it's like you're running a marathon and you just have to pace yourself, because it's just a very long shoot.
Source: http://www.mi6.co.uk/news/index.php?itemid=6435
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Daily double: Phelps, Hoff set records in 400 IM
45 minutes ago
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Holding off one of his best friends, Michael Phelps started his second attempt to break Mark Spitz's Olympic record with another epic swim.
Less than an hour later, the teenager he compares to a little sister joined Phelps in the record book.
Phelps set a world record in his first event of the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, touching just ahead of Ryan Lochte to win the 400-meter individual medley in 4 minutes, 5.25 seconds Sunday night.
Katie Hoff matched her former North Baltimore teammate in the 400 IM, taking down the women's mark in 4:31.12.
What a start to the eight-day meet!
Wearing the high-tech Speedo LZR Racer, Phelps beat his own mark of 4:06.22, set at last year's world championships in Australia when he turned in one of the greatest performances in swimming history with seven gold medals.
After saying he had no fear of Phelps, Lochte proved it by also going under the previous record. But his time of 4:06.08 was only good enough for second with Phelps in the next lane over.
"That was probably one of the most painful races of my life," the winner said. "Everything was left in the pool. I definitely would not have been able to do it without Lochte beside me. He's a great friend and a great competitor. I love racing him."
The 19-year-old Hoff — playfully described by Phelps as the little sister he never had — showed no signs of the nervousness that ruined her first trip to the Olympics four years ago. The youngest member of the U.S. team, she was overcome by the moment and threw up on deck after failing to advance from her first event.
All grown up, Hoff dipped under record pace on the breaststroke leg and held on with her freestyle to beat Stephanie Rice's mark of 4:31.46, set in March at the Australian Olympic trials.
"Stephanie really raised the bar when she broke my old record," Hoff said. "I'm just excited for Beijing, and I think it's going to be a really tough challenging race with her."
Like Phelps, Hoff also was wearing the revolutionary Speedo suit, which has been worn for 40 of the 44 world marks set since it was unveiled in mid-February.
"It definitely gave me a few tenths," Phelps said. "At the end, when I was getting a little tired, the suit gave me a little extra edge."
Phelps was slightly off world-record pace after the opening butterfly, but he had a body-length lead on Lochte as they switched to the backstroke.
The minus sign — indicative of a swimmer under record pace — flashed on the board when Phelps made his flip turn on the back, sending the crowd at the Qwest Center into a frenzy. But Lochte was starting to close the gap, and he nearly pulled even as they headed toward the far wall in the breaststroke.
Lochte, a world recordholder himself, was less than a second behind at the 300 mark and looked poised to pull off a monumental upset. He and Phelps went at it stroke for stroke over the final two laps, but Phelps never relinquished his lead.
After his arm touched the wall ahead of Lochte's, Phelps looked at the scoreboard, saw the record and thrust his right fist in the air. Then he slapped the water.
Lochte, breathing heavily, grinned as Phelps celebrated. They hugged in the water, and then again on deck while the fans saluted them both with a standing ovation.
"He looked great, and what an epic swim," said Phelps' coach, Bob Bowman. "One of the best swims I've ever seen."
Robert Margalis finished third, more than 7 seconds behind the top two.
"That's absolutely incredible," Margalis said. "I'm a swimming fan as much as I am a swimmer. I'm happy for those guys. It was a fun thing to be a part of."
Phelps won six gold medals and two bronzes at the Athens Olympics, just missing Spitz's record of seven wins at the 1972 Munich Games. Phelps — who turns 23 on Monday — is determined to knock off the mark in Beijing.
Lochte was the top qualifier in the morning prelims.
"After this morning, he told me he was tired," Phelps. "I knew he wasn't that tired."
Ryan Lochte topped Michael Phelps in preliminaries of the 400-meter individual medley on opening day of the U.S. Olympic swimming trials Sunday.
Lochte was the fastest qualifier in 4 minutes, 13.38 seconds. Swimming in the last heat, Phelps touched in 4:13.43 to be second-quickest, well off his world record of 4:06.22.
Also advancing to the eight-man evening final in the temporary pool at the Qwest Center was Robert Margalis, a silver medalist in the 400 IM at last year's Pan American Games. Alex Vanderkaay, one of four swimming brothers competing at the trials, was fourth-fastest.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Holding off one of his best friends, Michael Phelps started his second attempt to break Mark Spitz's Olympic record with another epic swim.
Less than an hour later, the teenager he compares to a little sister joined Phelps in the record book.
Phelps set a world record in his first event of the U.S. Olympic swimming trials, touching just ahead of Ryan Lochte to win the 400-meter individual medley in 4 minutes, 5.25 seconds Sunday night.
Katie Hoff matched her former North Baltimore teammate in the 400 IM, taking down the women's mark in 4:31.12.
What a start to the eight-day meet!
Wearing the high-tech Speedo LZR Racer, Phelps beat his own mark of 4:06.22, set at last year's world championships in Australia when he turned in one of the greatest performances in swimming history with seven gold medals.
After saying he had no fear of Phelps, Lochte proved it by also going under the previous record. But his time of 4:06.08 was only good enough for second with Phelps in the next lane over.
"That was probably one of the most painful races of my life," the winner said. "Everything was left in the pool. I definitely would not have been able to do it without Lochte beside me. He's a great friend and a great competitor. I love racing him."
The 19-year-old Hoff — playfully described by Phelps as the little sister he never had — showed no signs of the nervousness that ruined her first trip to the Olympics four years ago. The youngest member of the U.S. team, she was overcome by the moment and threw up on deck after failing to advance from her first event.
All grown up, Hoff dipped under record pace on the breaststroke leg and held on with her freestyle to beat Stephanie Rice's mark of 4:31.46, set in March at the Australian Olympic trials.
"Stephanie really raised the bar when she broke my old record," Hoff said. "I'm just excited for Beijing, and I think it's going to be a really tough challenging race with her."
Like Phelps, Hoff also was wearing the revolutionary Speedo suit, which has been worn for 40 of the 44 world marks set since it was unveiled in mid-February.
"It definitely gave me a few tenths," Phelps said. "At the end, when I was getting a little tired, the suit gave me a little extra edge."
Phelps was slightly off world-record pace after the opening butterfly, but he had a body-length lead on Lochte as they switched to the backstroke.
The minus sign — indicative of a swimmer under record pace — flashed on the board when Phelps made his flip turn on the back, sending the crowd at the Qwest Center into a frenzy. But Lochte was starting to close the gap, and he nearly pulled even as they headed toward the far wall in the breaststroke.
Lochte, a world recordholder himself, was less than a second behind at the 300 mark and looked poised to pull off a monumental upset. He and Phelps went at it stroke for stroke over the final two laps, but Phelps never relinquished his lead.
After his arm touched the wall ahead of Lochte's, Phelps looked at the scoreboard, saw the record and thrust his right fist in the air. Then he slapped the water.
Lochte, breathing heavily, grinned as Phelps celebrated. They hugged in the water, and then again on deck while the fans saluted them both with a standing ovation.
"He looked great, and what an epic swim," said Phelps' coach, Bob Bowman. "One of the best swims I've ever seen."
Robert Margalis finished third, more than 7 seconds behind the top two.
"That's absolutely incredible," Margalis said. "I'm a swimming fan as much as I am a swimmer. I'm happy for those guys. It was a fun thing to be a part of."
Phelps won six gold medals and two bronzes at the Athens Olympics, just missing Spitz's record of seven wins at the 1972 Munich Games. Phelps — who turns 23 on Monday — is determined to knock off the mark in Beijing.
Lochte was the top qualifier in the morning prelims.
"After this morning, he told me he was tired," Phelps. "I knew he wasn't that tired."
Ryan Lochte topped Michael Phelps in preliminaries of the 400-meter individual medley on opening day of the U.S. Olympic swimming trials Sunday.
Lochte was the fastest qualifier in 4 minutes, 13.38 seconds. Swimming in the last heat, Phelps touched in 4:13.43 to be second-quickest, well off his world record of 4:06.22.
Also advancing to the eight-man evening final in the temporary pool at the Qwest Center was Robert Margalis, a silver medalist in the 400 IM at last year's Pan American Games. Alex Vanderkaay, one of four swimming brothers competing at the trials, was fourth-fastest.
Olympic trials swimming begin for U.S. athletes
If you haven't been paying attention to the run-up to Beijing, now's the time to start.
For eight days, starting today, Olympic trials in swimming and track and field will be going on simultaneously.
Trials like these are a dying breed. Most these days aren't based on pure results.
These trials have no mercy. They're do-or-die. They are sometimes cruel, unfair, capricious. They are black and white, yes or no, win or lose.
Simply put: Finish in the top three at track and field, and the top two in swimming, and you go to Beijing. Don't, and you won't.
Paul Hamm had surgery to repair a broken hand weeks before the gymnastics trials, and didn't compete. Yet, as other national squad members agonized over their scores at trials, Hamm was named to the Olympic team.
If he was a long jumper, it'd be "So long, Paul. See you in 2012."
You think finishing fourth in the Olympics is harsh? Try getting third at swim trials by a fingertip length, like Megan (Quann) Jendrick did in 2004. Hopes from four years of training evaporated in 11-hundredths of a second, the difference between second-place Tara Kirk of Bremerton and Jendrick in third. Jendrick, two-time gold medalist in 2000, stayed home from Athens.
The great thing about Jendrick is, four years later, she is back for the trials this week.
In essence, these type of trials don't care if an athlete wakes up injured, sick, or off his or her game. It's all about who reaches the finish fastest on that day. Is it the best way to pick a nation's top athletes for the Olympics?
Mountlake Terrace's Brad Walker, who competes in the Olympic trials' pole vault final today in Eugene, Ore., doesn't think so. Vaulting is such a high-wire act that he would support a coaches' selection to the team, or, to prevent politics from playing a role, some kind of seasonlong qualification process through a series of meets.
"You want your best team there, and every other country besides us, basically, sends their best team and they know who they are and they can [put] their money and effort into getting these guys ready for the Games," said Walker, a former All-American at the University of Washington.
World-champion distance runner Bernard Lagat said Eugene offers its own challenges. Namely, infamously intense grass pollen in June.
"People could go down with sinus problems," Lagat said.
Still, Lagat favors keeping the trials as is, he said.
"It is fair that way, even though [there are] athletes that are really good and have a bad day," said Lagat, who ran for Washington State. "Overall, it is a fair standard."
Fair or not, here are some of the more famous track and field trials and tribulations:
• Dan O'Brien, 1992. Half of the Reebok-promoted "Dan and Dave" decathlon pair, O'Brien entered the trials as the defending world champion and world-record holder in points. After passing on earlier pole-vault heights, he failed on three jumps and did not make the team. (He came back to win gold in 1996.)
• Michael Johnson and Maurice Greene, 2000. Prizefighter-like hype preceded the race for a week. The showdown was a blowout, with first Johnson, then Greene pulling up lame in the 200 final.
• Mike Conley, 1984. The Olympic triple-jump silver medalist appeared to jump 57 feet, 11 ¼ inches to top Robert Cannon's jump by an inch, but judges claim Conley's split-hemmed runner's shorts left a mark at 57-7. He finished fourth. (He won Olympic gold four years later.)
• Steve Williams, 1976. A medal favorite for Montreal, Williams pulled a muscle at the AAU championships before the trials. Experts consider him the best U.S. sprinter never to make an Olympic team.
• Jeff Hartwig, 2004. The American record-holder in the pole vault, Hartwig no-heighted in qualifying. The U.S. still went 1-2 (Tim Mack, Toby Stevenson) in Athens.
The cutthroat aspect of trials is what makes them agonizing, and great — often more intense than the Games themselves. So let the trials begin.
Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/olympics/2008023504_olynotes29.html
For eight days, starting today, Olympic trials in swimming and track and field will be going on simultaneously.
Trials like these are a dying breed. Most these days aren't based on pure results.
These trials have no mercy. They're do-or-die. They are sometimes cruel, unfair, capricious. They are black and white, yes or no, win or lose.
Simply put: Finish in the top three at track and field, and the top two in swimming, and you go to Beijing. Don't, and you won't.
Paul Hamm had surgery to repair a broken hand weeks before the gymnastics trials, and didn't compete. Yet, as other national squad members agonized over their scores at trials, Hamm was named to the Olympic team.
If he was a long jumper, it'd be "So long, Paul. See you in 2012."
You think finishing fourth in the Olympics is harsh? Try getting third at swim trials by a fingertip length, like Megan (Quann) Jendrick did in 2004. Hopes from four years of training evaporated in 11-hundredths of a second, the difference between second-place Tara Kirk of Bremerton and Jendrick in third. Jendrick, two-time gold medalist in 2000, stayed home from Athens.
The great thing about Jendrick is, four years later, she is back for the trials this week.
In essence, these type of trials don't care if an athlete wakes up injured, sick, or off his or her game. It's all about who reaches the finish fastest on that day. Is it the best way to pick a nation's top athletes for the Olympics?
Mountlake Terrace's Brad Walker, who competes in the Olympic trials' pole vault final today in Eugene, Ore., doesn't think so. Vaulting is such a high-wire act that he would support a coaches' selection to the team, or, to prevent politics from playing a role, some kind of seasonlong qualification process through a series of meets.
"You want your best team there, and every other country besides us, basically, sends their best team and they know who they are and they can [put] their money and effort into getting these guys ready for the Games," said Walker, a former All-American at the University of Washington.
World-champion distance runner Bernard Lagat said Eugene offers its own challenges. Namely, infamously intense grass pollen in June.
"People could go down with sinus problems," Lagat said.
Still, Lagat favors keeping the trials as is, he said.
"It is fair that way, even though [there are] athletes that are really good and have a bad day," said Lagat, who ran for Washington State. "Overall, it is a fair standard."
Fair or not, here are some of the more famous track and field trials and tribulations:
• Dan O'Brien, 1992. Half of the Reebok-promoted "Dan and Dave" decathlon pair, O'Brien entered the trials as the defending world champion and world-record holder in points. After passing on earlier pole-vault heights, he failed on three jumps and did not make the team. (He came back to win gold in 1996.)
• Michael Johnson and Maurice Greene, 2000. Prizefighter-like hype preceded the race for a week. The showdown was a blowout, with first Johnson, then Greene pulling up lame in the 200 final.
• Mike Conley, 1984. The Olympic triple-jump silver medalist appeared to jump 57 feet, 11 ¼ inches to top Robert Cannon's jump by an inch, but judges claim Conley's split-hemmed runner's shorts left a mark at 57-7. He finished fourth. (He won Olympic gold four years later.)
• Steve Williams, 1976. A medal favorite for Montreal, Williams pulled a muscle at the AAU championships before the trials. Experts consider him the best U.S. sprinter never to make an Olympic team.
• Jeff Hartwig, 2004. The American record-holder in the pole vault, Hartwig no-heighted in qualifying. The U.S. still went 1-2 (Tim Mack, Toby Stevenson) in Athens.
The cutthroat aspect of trials is what makes them agonizing, and great — often more intense than the Games themselves. So let the trials begin.
Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/olympics/2008023504_olynotes29.html
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Blizzard Announces Diablo 3
During the announcement of Diablo 3, Blizzard gave a brief demo. Unfortunately, it's not available for play.
The Lead Designer of Diablo 3 is giving the first public demo of the game. He begins by introducing the barbarian class and showcasing where Diablo 3 retains the stylistic feel of the first two in the series but expands upon them. There is now a hotbar where the potions used to be and you can switch skills with both tab and the mouse wheel.
The world is destructible and you can use it to your advantage. In the demo, he used a wall to destroy a zombie horde.
A new class, the witch doctor, is introduced. He primarily relies on pets to do his dirty work, the first of which is the Mongrel.
Some of our old friends make appearances as well. Deckard Cain is alive and well and even helps you with part of a dungeon.
Full armor sets have been customized for each class.
Diablo 3 is aimed to be a highly cooperative game.
For an early demo, this looks like something to keep an eye on.
Source: http://www.warcry.com/news/view/84729-Blizzard-Announces-Diablo-3
Diablo(R) III Unveiled
PARIS - (Business Wire) Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today revealed Diablo® III, the newest entry in its critically acclaimed action role-playing-game franchise. The announcement was made during the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment® Worldwide Invitational at the Porte de Versailles Convention Centre in Paris, France. A cinematic trailer and an extended gameplay demonstration with commentary from the development team introduced the game to the thousands of players in attendance.
“We’ve wanted to expand on the epic story and gameplay elements of the Diablo universe for some time now,” stated Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We know that players have also been long awaiting a return to the series, so we’re very excited to be sharing this announcement with Blizzard gamers here in Paris and around the world today.”
Diablo III will pick up the story twenty years after the events of Diablo II. Mephisto, Diablo, and Baal have been defeated, but the Worldstone, which once shielded the inhabitants of the world of Sanctuary from the forces of both the High Heavens and the Burning Hells, has been destroyed, and evil once again stirs in Tristram. Playing as a hero from one of five distinct character classes, players will acquire powerful items, spells, and abilities as they explore new and familiar areas of Sanctuary and battle hordes of demons to safeguard the world from the horrors that have arisen. The first two characters classes -- the barbarian and the witch doctor -- were shown as part of the announcement at the event today in Paris.
Diablo III will feature a custom 3D-graphics engine to render lush indoor and outdoor areas of Sanctuary with a high level of detail and vivid special effects. The game’s physics-enhanced environments will be interactive and destructible, offering traps and obstacles that create added danger for players and monsters alike. These elements, along with a new quest system and random scripted events, will be integrated into the game’s random-level generator, giving Diablo III the ultimate combination of dynamic gameplay and replayability. Cooperative and competitive play will be available online through an upgraded version of Blizzard Entertainment’s renowned online gaming service, Battle.net®.
Blizzard Entertainment is developing Diablo III for simultaneous release on the Windows® and Macintosh® PC platforms. Further information about the game, including details on the other character classes, major new features for the single-player and multiplayer components, system requirements, pricing, and availability, will be announced as development progresses. To learn more about Diablo III, please visit the official website at www.diablo3.com. With multiple games in development, Blizzard Entertainment has numerous positions currently available. Visit http://www.blizzard.com/jobs for more information and to learn how to apply.
The Lead Designer of Diablo 3 is giving the first public demo of the game. He begins by introducing the barbarian class and showcasing where Diablo 3 retains the stylistic feel of the first two in the series but expands upon them. There is now a hotbar where the potions used to be and you can switch skills with both tab and the mouse wheel.
The world is destructible and you can use it to your advantage. In the demo, he used a wall to destroy a zombie horde.
A new class, the witch doctor, is introduced. He primarily relies on pets to do his dirty work, the first of which is the Mongrel.
Some of our old friends make appearances as well. Deckard Cain is alive and well and even helps you with part of a dungeon.
Full armor sets have been customized for each class.
Diablo 3 is aimed to be a highly cooperative game.
For an early demo, this looks like something to keep an eye on.
Source: http://www.warcry.com/news/view/84729-Blizzard-Announces-Diablo-3
Diablo(R) III Unveiled
PARIS - (Business Wire) Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today revealed Diablo® III, the newest entry in its critically acclaimed action role-playing-game franchise. The announcement was made during the 2008 Blizzard Entertainment® Worldwide Invitational at the Porte de Versailles Convention Centre in Paris, France. A cinematic trailer and an extended gameplay demonstration with commentary from the development team introduced the game to the thousands of players in attendance.
“We’ve wanted to expand on the epic story and gameplay elements of the Diablo universe for some time now,” stated Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We know that players have also been long awaiting a return to the series, so we’re very excited to be sharing this announcement with Blizzard gamers here in Paris and around the world today.”
Diablo III will pick up the story twenty years after the events of Diablo II. Mephisto, Diablo, and Baal have been defeated, but the Worldstone, which once shielded the inhabitants of the world of Sanctuary from the forces of both the High Heavens and the Burning Hells, has been destroyed, and evil once again stirs in Tristram. Playing as a hero from one of five distinct character classes, players will acquire powerful items, spells, and abilities as they explore new and familiar areas of Sanctuary and battle hordes of demons to safeguard the world from the horrors that have arisen. The first two characters classes -- the barbarian and the witch doctor -- were shown as part of the announcement at the event today in Paris.
Diablo III will feature a custom 3D-graphics engine to render lush indoor and outdoor areas of Sanctuary with a high level of detail and vivid special effects. The game’s physics-enhanced environments will be interactive and destructible, offering traps and obstacles that create added danger for players and monsters alike. These elements, along with a new quest system and random scripted events, will be integrated into the game’s random-level generator, giving Diablo III the ultimate combination of dynamic gameplay and replayability. Cooperative and competitive play will be available online through an upgraded version of Blizzard Entertainment’s renowned online gaming service, Battle.net®.
Blizzard Entertainment is developing Diablo III for simultaneous release on the Windows® and Macintosh® PC platforms. Further information about the game, including details on the other character classes, major new features for the single-player and multiplayer components, system requirements, pricing, and availability, will be announced as development progresses. To learn more about Diablo III, please visit the official website at www.diablo3.com. With multiple games in development, Blizzard Entertainment has numerous positions currently available. Visit http://www.blizzard.com/jobs for more information and to learn how to apply.
Wanted | Angelina Jolie Naked
Wanted
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov
Starring James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann
Rated: 18 (UK) / R (US)
Release Date: June 27, 2008
There are a few words I flat out cannot use to describe this movie: subtle, conservative, reserved, delicate… this is the kind of terminology you use to describe the bouquet of a fine wine. However, words I can use include funny, thrilling, insane, awesome, loud, brash… I could go on… but then I’d have to start checking out thesaurus definitions of “bonkers.”
Wanted is the U.S. debut movie by Night Watch and Day Watch director Timur Bekmambetov, based on the graphic novel by Mark Millar and JG Jones. Just to clarify, I know nothing of the reference material (yet… I’m going to buy the book now though), but in case you’re worried about how faithful the movie is to its origins, have a read of this recent interview with Millar, and set your mind at ease.
The movie introduces us to Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy), a mild-mannered office worker that’s scared of his boss, and doesn’t even do anything about the fact that his “best friend” is screwing around with his girlfriend.
This all changes in spectacular fashion when he’s caught up in a gunfight with the mysterious “Fox” played by Angelina Jolie. As it turns out, Wesley is the son of “one of the greatest assassins who ever lived” and finds out that he is one of the few people in the world that can make his heart beat at 400bpm, allowing him to be faster, stronger, and generally badass. This is just the main premise however, as the “Fraternity” recruit Wes to hunt down a rogue agent intent on bringing down the organisation, headed by the benevolent Sloan played by Morgan Freeman.
When it comes to style, Wanted has it by the bucketload — the main original facet being the ability to curve bullets… sometimes to ridiculous lengths (at one point, the bullet is curved in a complete circle). Bullet Time is used quite a lot, however, it doesn’t feel like its overused at any point.
This leads me to the action in the movie — and my god… it’s like a guy’s celluloid wet dream. There are multiple times throughout the movie where I was laughing out loud at the action, not because it was funny, but that somehow I thought it was so awesome I felt like a school kid as I sat there grinning to myself. Plus when you couple all this with the inclusion of Jolie… you know the film is definitely a “boy’s movie.”
The one thing that impressed me the most with Wanted was the pace of the film. With most action movies you’ll have the build up that sets the scene, builds up the plot and develops the characters… and you have the high points with large action set-pieces, followed by lulls. Something that Bekmambetov has managed to do is set the pace perfectly so you’re never bored, and if there are low points with not a lot going on, you simply don’t notice them.
There’s also plenty of humour injected into the movie, the pinnacle of which (in my opinion) was when Wesley quits his job — he gives the kind of speech we all wish we had the stones to give our bosses, and then takes his keyboard and gives his best make a slo-mo beatdown with it with the keys flying asunder (make sure you check what the keys say as they fly towards the screen). I think the humorous parts of the movie are spaced perfectly, and are very probably the main reason I was never bored, or didn’t notice the “boring parts.”
As far as acting goes, I’d say its not bad — everything is pretty much as I’d expect. Morgan Freeman plays his usual enigmatic mentor, Jolie as the sultry and stoic love/lust interest. However, this is James McAvoy’s first outing as an action headliner, and he does well — he even has an acceptable American accent (unlike actors like Jason Statham where you can blatantly tell he’s a cockney Londoner whenever he shouts).
The soundtrack to the movie is also very good, especially the use of Nine Inch Nails’ “Every Day Is Exactly The Same” to bookend the boring day in the life of Wesley prior to meeting Fox. Unfortunately only the soundtrack score is available to purchase at present, but Danny Elfman’s work is stellar as usual.
Wanted does have its shortcomings, but in all honesty I’m mostly nitpicking. The main thing I had a problem with is how the Fraternity of assassins assign their targets; they have a “Loom of Fate” that weaves a secret binary code into fabric that tells them the name of their target. Yes, you heard correctly. A weaver’s loom tells them who to kill. Now, being a geek I also know enough about binary and how to convert binary to letters using ASCII code to think this is just a little on the silly side. Especially since the Fraternity has been using this method for a thousand years apparently.
Source: http://geeksofdoom.com/2008/06/26/movie-review-wanted/
Death Race 2000 | Race for Your Life
Death Race 2000
Back in the 1970s, Roger Corman produced a low budget sci-fi action flick called Death Race 2000. In 2008, Paul WS Anderson (Resident Evil, Event Horizon) is giving us his take on the story. Instead of doing a straight remake, he has seen fit to change some of the details. Now, this would have been better had they chosen a different name. Yes, the race is presented as a spectator sport, but there is no mention of a points system; instead, the winner gets to go free. You see, all of the participants are convicted criminals. Jason Statham stars in this version, joined by Tyrese Gibson, Ian McShane, Joan Allen, and Natalie Martinez.
It looks bad?
Source: http://www.horroryearbook.com/543694/death-race-3000-poster-looks-as-bad-as-the-movie
Director Paul W.S. Anderson has decided to screw up the 1975 Roger Corman classic, Death Race 2000, first by changing the name to Death Race 3000 then by changing the entire movie. Death Race is one of those rare films that could have benefitted from a remake, but it seems they removed the best part of the original, where contestants in the race scored points by killing people.
Instead of a brutal, political satire, Death Race is now some bad looking action film, so bad even the poster sucks. Anderson’s version is being released August 22nd, 2008.
Death Race 2000 - Special Edition
Synopsis:
Ex-con Jensen Ames (Statham) is forced by the warden of a notorious prison (Allen) to compete in our post-industrial world’s most popular sport: a car race in which inmates must brutalize and kill one another on the road to victory.
Back in the 1970s, Roger Corman produced a low budget sci-fi action flick called Death Race 2000. In 2008, Paul WS Anderson (Resident Evil, Event Horizon) is giving us his take on the story. Instead of doing a straight remake, he has seen fit to change some of the details. Now, this would have been better had they chosen a different name. Yes, the race is presented as a spectator sport, but there is no mention of a points system; instead, the winner gets to go free. You see, all of the participants are convicted criminals. Jason Statham stars in this version, joined by Tyrese Gibson, Ian McShane, Joan Allen, and Natalie Martinez.
It looks bad?
Source: http://www.horroryearbook.com/543694/death-race-3000-poster-looks-as-bad-as-the-movie
Director Paul W.S. Anderson has decided to screw up the 1975 Roger Corman classic, Death Race 2000, first by changing the name to Death Race 3000 then by changing the entire movie. Death Race is one of those rare films that could have benefitted from a remake, but it seems they removed the best part of the original, where contestants in the race scored points by killing people.
Instead of a brutal, political satire, Death Race is now some bad looking action film, so bad even the poster sucks. Anderson’s version is being released August 22nd, 2008.
Death Race 2000 - Special Edition
Synopsis:
Ex-con Jensen Ames (Statham) is forced by the warden of a notorious prison (Allen) to compete in our post-industrial world’s most popular sport: a car race in which inmates must brutalize and kill one another on the road to victory.
Just Price Solutions || An Effective Mortgage Credit Program
Banking pioneer, Brian Cosgrove's mortgage project called Just Price Solutions may be what the new home buyers need for fair and effective mortgage credit programs.
The question that today Cosgrove asked during Nightly Business Review was "How can we remake mortgages so that, so that we don't have to use sub-prime, if you will in that process? How can we redo this and come up with something that's sustainable and works and pays everybody that's involved in the process?"
In 2006, Neighborhood Housing Services of America expanded its services to the broader community development field through its nonprofit subsidiary Just Price Solutions (JPS).
Just Price Solutions has developed a technology platform of Web-based tools, including BestFIT and an automated underwriting engine with alternative credit analysis and centralized back office processing, writes Neighborhood Housing Services of America in its website.
JPS was created to leverage NHSA’s 30 plus years experience in community development financing with proven mortgage processes and technologies. Web based tools allow non-profit, private sector and public organizations to form collaborative partnerships that were challenging in the past. Sustainable, fair and equal access to mortgage financing is now available to those who need it most.
Innovative community financing solutions since 1975.
Proven technologies to promote and protect homeownership in our most vulnerable communities.
Created from within the Community Development field for the Community Development field.
New solutions to reduce costs.
Maximizes the investment, resources and capital in local communities.
"BestFIT® is the gateway to the Just Price Solutions platform and incorporates the specific elements of foreclosure prevention so that a case by case analysis can now be done in a scalable process. Additionally, first-time homebuyers and existing homeowners can be matched to a combination of available public subsidies and private purchase and refinance loan products. The JPS automated underwriting system then simultaneously underwrites these multiples financing layers for a customized ‘best fit’ financing solution."
The question that today Cosgrove asked during Nightly Business Review was "How can we remake mortgages so that, so that we don't have to use sub-prime, if you will in that process? How can we redo this and come up with something that's sustainable and works and pays everybody that's involved in the process?"
In 2006, Neighborhood Housing Services of America expanded its services to the broader community development field through its nonprofit subsidiary Just Price Solutions (JPS).
Just Price Solutions has developed a technology platform of Web-based tools, including BestFIT and an automated underwriting engine with alternative credit analysis and centralized back office processing, writes Neighborhood Housing Services of America in its website.
JPS was created to leverage NHSA’s 30 plus years experience in community development financing with proven mortgage processes and technologies. Web based tools allow non-profit, private sector and public organizations to form collaborative partnerships that were challenging in the past. Sustainable, fair and equal access to mortgage financing is now available to those who need it most.
Innovative community financing solutions since 1975.
Proven technologies to promote and protect homeownership in our most vulnerable communities.
Created from within the Community Development field for the Community Development field.
New solutions to reduce costs.
Maximizes the investment, resources and capital in local communities.
"BestFIT® is the gateway to the Just Price Solutions platform and incorporates the specific elements of foreclosure prevention so that a case by case analysis can now be done in a scalable process. Additionally, first-time homebuyers and existing homeowners can be matched to a combination of available public subsidies and private purchase and refinance loan products. The JPS automated underwriting system then simultaneously underwrites these multiples financing layers for a customized ‘best fit’ financing solution."
Andaman Island of India was hit by an Earthquake
NEW DELHI (AP) — A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck off India's Andaman Islands on Friday, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, officials and police said.
The quake, which was centered some 75 miles southwest of the Andaman capital, Port Blair, caused panic among residents but no damage or injuries, said Ranjit Narayan, the director general of police in the Andamans.
The Indian Meteorological Department said the quake, which they described as moderate, struck at 5:40 p.m. at a depth of 6 miles.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a bulletin saying there was "a very small possibility of a destructive local tsunami in the Indian Ocean."
However, Narayan said no local tsunami warning had been issued.
The remote islands off the east coast of India were among the many areas devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The official death toll across India was 10,749. Another 5,640 people — mostly in the Andaman and Nicobar islands — are listed as missing, presumed dead.
Source: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hVY99KndpIWQNQ7aXeSSHzF4iUMwD91IF7S00
Other source:
NEW DELHI -- An earthquake of 6.7 magnitude has struck the Andaman Islands of India's east coast at 1140 GMT on Friday, Indian Meteorological Department said.
The epicenter, at 11.031 degrees north latitude and 91.906 degrees east latitude, is 115 kilometers southwest of Port Blair in Indian's Andaman Islands and 975 kilometers southwest of Thailand's capital Bangkok, US Geological Survey said.
No tsunami alert has been issued and there is no immediate reports of casaulties.
A powerful quake in the region in December 2004 triggered tsunami in the Indian Ocean, killing more than 200,000 people.
The quake, which was centered some 75 miles southwest of the Andaman capital, Port Blair, caused panic among residents but no damage or injuries, said Ranjit Narayan, the director general of police in the Andamans.
The Indian Meteorological Department said the quake, which they described as moderate, struck at 5:40 p.m. at a depth of 6 miles.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a bulletin saying there was "a very small possibility of a destructive local tsunami in the Indian Ocean."
However, Narayan said no local tsunami warning had been issued.
The remote islands off the east coast of India were among the many areas devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The official death toll across India was 10,749. Another 5,640 people — mostly in the Andaman and Nicobar islands — are listed as missing, presumed dead.
Source: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hVY99KndpIWQNQ7aXeSSHzF4iUMwD91IF7S00
Other source:
NEW DELHI -- An earthquake of 6.7 magnitude has struck the Andaman Islands of India's east coast at 1140 GMT on Friday, Indian Meteorological Department said.
The epicenter, at 11.031 degrees north latitude and 91.906 degrees east latitude, is 115 kilometers southwest of Port Blair in Indian's Andaman Islands and 975 kilometers southwest of Thailand's capital Bangkok, US Geological Survey said.
No tsunami alert has been issued and there is no immediate reports of casaulties.
A powerful quake in the region in December 2004 triggered tsunami in the Indian Ocean, killing more than 200,000 people.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Proper Noun
The Proper Noun
Nouns name people, places, and things. Every noun can further be classified as common or proper. A proper noun has two distinctive features: 1) it will name a specific [usually a one-of-a-kind] item, and 2) it will begin with a capital letter no matter where it occurs in a sentence.
-* A proper noun is a noun that is the name of a specific individual, place, or object.
UNITED STATES WAS FOUNDED JULY 4, 1776.
It's "common knowledge" that the United States was founded on the day of independence, July 4, 1776. That knowledge is wrong, but one hears it regularly from many quarters each July Fourth, including on OpEdNews, where people should know better. The truth is the United States was founded on March 1, 1781, when the Articles of Confederation became operative. We should know this is so just by reading and understanding the English language.
When the First Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, the document referred to the "united States of America" indicating only that the states were united in seeking their independence. That "united" being lower case, shows that it was an adjective, not a noun which it would become in the Articles when it became the "United States of America." The capital "U" is important because it signifies a proper noun and that of a name or title. It is also worth knowing that many writers at the time capitalized most or all nouns, which demonstrated an added difference from an adjective. Many people think the capitalized nouns in the Constitution signify some importance; they only signify that Gouverneur Morris, whose penmanship is the original Constitution, capitalized all nouns.
But the nation under the Confederation was little more than a collection of semi-sovereign mini-nations under a single banner so those states had to be united into one nation with the Constitution that became effective in 1789.
A rule for using hyphens?
I’D like to ask when we need to place a hyphen to link words.
For example: We offer lower-than-average market rates with our product OR We offer lower than average market rates with our product.
Also: The prices they charge are really over-the-top OR The prices they charge are really over the top.
Is there a general rule as to when a hyphen should be used?
– Viv
The examples you gave are those of compound adjectives consisting of more than two words. There is a rule for such adjectives. Those used before nouns are hyphenated, and those used after link verbs are not.
So, “We offer lower-than-average market rates with our product.” is correct, because the adjective comes before the noun “rates”. But we can change the sentence a little if you want to use the compound adjective without hyphens: “We offer market rates that are lower than average.” Here, the compound adjective is used after “are”, which is a link verb. All forms of “be” verbs are link verbs, as well as many other verbs like “appear”, “feel” “seem”, “become”, etc.
In your second example, the correct sentence should be “The prices they charge are really over the top” since no hyphens are necessary after “are”. You could also write “They charge really over-the-top prices”, but this sentence does not sound as good as the first sentence.
Hyphens are also used in two-word compound adjectives like “warm-hearted”, “narrow-minded”, “well-dressed”, etc, in compound verbs like “cross-examine”, “double-check”, “stir-fry”, etc, and in some compound nouns like “dry-cleaning”, “passer-by”, “mother-in-law”, etc.
Other uses of hyphens are to form a compound word from a prefix and a noun, often a proper noun, e.g. “anti-American”, “pro-West”, “non-compliance”, etc, and to write numbers between 21 and 99 in words, e.g. thirty-three, fifty-four, ninety-one.
When in doubt, please consult a dictionary published fairly recently, because there is a tendency in the development of the English language to drop hyphens. For example, “cooperate” and coordinate” used to be spelt “co-operate” and “co-ordinate” only, but now both spellings are used in British English.
Nouns name people, places, and things. Every noun can further be classified as common or proper. A proper noun has two distinctive features: 1) it will name a specific [usually a one-of-a-kind] item, and 2) it will begin with a capital letter no matter where it occurs in a sentence.
-* A proper noun is a noun that is the name of a specific individual, place, or object.
UNITED STATES WAS FOUNDED JULY 4, 1776.
It's "common knowledge" that the United States was founded on the day of independence, July 4, 1776. That knowledge is wrong, but one hears it regularly from many quarters each July Fourth, including on OpEdNews, where people should know better. The truth is the United States was founded on March 1, 1781, when the Articles of Confederation became operative. We should know this is so just by reading and understanding the English language.
When the First Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, the document referred to the "united States of America" indicating only that the states were united in seeking their independence. That "united" being lower case, shows that it was an adjective, not a noun which it would become in the Articles when it became the "United States of America." The capital "U" is important because it signifies a proper noun and that of a name or title. It is also worth knowing that many writers at the time capitalized most or all nouns, which demonstrated an added difference from an adjective. Many people think the capitalized nouns in the Constitution signify some importance; they only signify that Gouverneur Morris, whose penmanship is the original Constitution, capitalized all nouns.
But the nation under the Confederation was little more than a collection of semi-sovereign mini-nations under a single banner so those states had to be united into one nation with the Constitution that became effective in 1789.
A rule for using hyphens?
I’D like to ask when we need to place a hyphen to link words.
For example: We offer lower-than-average market rates with our product OR We offer lower than average market rates with our product.
Also: The prices they charge are really over-the-top OR The prices they charge are really over the top.
Is there a general rule as to when a hyphen should be used?
– Viv
The examples you gave are those of compound adjectives consisting of more than two words. There is a rule for such adjectives. Those used before nouns are hyphenated, and those used after link verbs are not.
So, “We offer lower-than-average market rates with our product.” is correct, because the adjective comes before the noun “rates”. But we can change the sentence a little if you want to use the compound adjective without hyphens: “We offer market rates that are lower than average.” Here, the compound adjective is used after “are”, which is a link verb. All forms of “be” verbs are link verbs, as well as many other verbs like “appear”, “feel” “seem”, “become”, etc.
In your second example, the correct sentence should be “The prices they charge are really over the top” since no hyphens are necessary after “are”. You could also write “They charge really over-the-top prices”, but this sentence does not sound as good as the first sentence.
Hyphens are also used in two-word compound adjectives like “warm-hearted”, “narrow-minded”, “well-dressed”, etc, in compound verbs like “cross-examine”, “double-check”, “stir-fry”, etc, and in some compound nouns like “dry-cleaning”, “passer-by”, “mother-in-law”, etc.
Other uses of hyphens are to form a compound word from a prefix and a noun, often a proper noun, e.g. “anti-American”, “pro-West”, “non-compliance”, etc, and to write numbers between 21 and 99 in words, e.g. thirty-three, fifty-four, ninety-one.
When in doubt, please consult a dictionary published fairly recently, because there is a tendency in the development of the English language to drop hyphens. For example, “cooperate” and coordinate” used to be spelt “co-operate” and “co-ordinate” only, but now both spellings are used in British English.
Lara Logan Sex Scandal, "Laura" & Michael Ware Make the Tabs
Lara Logan looks great on television as a CBS reporter and delivers some good work from Iraq but a report from the National Enquirer sends "Laura" in the opposite direction and claims that the CBS news reporter is involved in a sex scandal. The report also tosses in CNN's Michael Ware and the Huffington Post has the screaming headline "Lara Logan, Michael Ware Involved In Steamy Baghdad Love Triangle". Lara Logan Sex Scandal,
Oh the Humanity! Logan did say she wanted to see the Baghdad coverage spiced up a bit and this should do it. The story has everything, unnamed sources, romance sex and violence.
***
The report details that there is all sorts of wild escapades going on in the war zone, including some sort of alpha male battle royal over Lara "Laura" Logan that the report claims emerges from jealousy and rage over some sort of cheating accusations.
The Enquirer story is here and there are more photos of Lara there as well. One more note, the report even tosses CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric and her reaction into the mix.
Source: http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/publish/article_272621260.shtml
Baghdad Sex Scandal, Laura Logan Photos: Joe Burkett, Michael Ware
Laura Logan sex scandal emerges, seduction in the heat of war - Sexy CBS News correspondent Laura Logan, aka Lara Logan, has been caught in a sex scandal.
Laura Logan was in Iraq covering the news, but that's not all she was covering, according to The New York Post. They scoop:
"Sexy CBS siren Laura Logan spent her days covering the heat of the Iraq war - but that was nothing compared to the heat of her nights. The "60 Minutes" reporter and former swimsuit model apparently courted two beaus while she was in Baghdad, and has been labeled a home wrecker for allegedly destroying the marriage of a civilian contractor there, sources said.
Passions got so hot in the combat zone that one of her lovers, Joe Burkett, brawled in a Baghdad "safe house" with her other paramour, CNN war reporter Michael Ware, a source said. The wife of Burkett, a US Embassy worker, claims the sultry 37-year-old correspondent seduced him while bullets flew overhead."
The foxy and newly promoted 'chief foreign-affairs correspondent' is insisting, however, that Joe Burkett had already split from his wife before the "affair" and that Michael Ware was just a one-night stand.
Oh, and Laura claims the whole "safe house brawl" never even happened.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Pistons trade first-round pick for UAB's Sharpe
AUBURN HILLS — The Detroit Pistons selected forward Walter Sharpe from Alabama-Birmingham with the first of their three second-round picks in the NBA draft Thursday night.
The Pistons selected Indiana's D.J. White with their first-round pick (29th overall) but traded his rights to Seattle for the 32nd and 46th picks. They also retained their own second-round pick (No. 59).
With the 46th pick, Detroit took Brigham Young's Trent Plaisted. The 6-11 center averaged 15.6 points and 7.7 rebounds as a junior last season and scored in double figures in each of his three full seasons with the Cougars.
Sharpe played in only 18 games in the last three seasons and missed the second half of his junior season after being declared academically ineligible. He averaged 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds in 12 games.
The 6-9 power forward started his college career at Mississippi State, but was suspended after missing a team flight and being late to practices and meetings.
He transferred to Alabama-Birmingham after his sophomore season, and was diagnosed with narcolepsy.
Source: http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2008/06/pistons_trade_firstround_pick.html
Speights Lands in Philly
It's probably too soon to tell whether or not Marreese Speights made the right decision after deciding to leave Florida after just two seasons. But the former Gator center did land in the first round of the NBA Draft when the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the 16th overall pick.
For the second straight season and for the third time in four years, the Florida Gators put someone into the NBA's first round.
Marreese Speights finished his sophomore season as the Gators' second leading scorer, averaging 14.5 points per game. He led the Gators with 8.1 rebounds per game and blocked a team high 49 shots. Speights also had the team's highest field goal percentage, making 62.4 percent of his shots.
Last season, Florida saw three players drafted in the first round - Al Horford, Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah. In 2005, David Lee was drafted in the first round by the New York Knicks. Speights is the tenth Gator to be selected in the first round - all but one have been under Billy Donovan.
Source: http://alabama.scout.com/a.z?s=14&p=2&c=765254
The Pistons selected Indiana's D.J. White with their first-round pick (29th overall) but traded his rights to Seattle for the 32nd and 46th picks. They also retained their own second-round pick (No. 59).
With the 46th pick, Detroit took Brigham Young's Trent Plaisted. The 6-11 center averaged 15.6 points and 7.7 rebounds as a junior last season and scored in double figures in each of his three full seasons with the Cougars.
Sharpe played in only 18 games in the last three seasons and missed the second half of his junior season after being declared academically ineligible. He averaged 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds in 12 games.
The 6-9 power forward started his college career at Mississippi State, but was suspended after missing a team flight and being late to practices and meetings.
He transferred to Alabama-Birmingham after his sophomore season, and was diagnosed with narcolepsy.
Source: http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2008/06/pistons_trade_firstround_pick.html
Speights Lands in Philly
It's probably too soon to tell whether or not Marreese Speights made the right decision after deciding to leave Florida after just two seasons. But the former Gator center did land in the first round of the NBA Draft when the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the 16th overall pick.
For the second straight season and for the third time in four years, the Florida Gators put someone into the NBA's first round.
Marreese Speights finished his sophomore season as the Gators' second leading scorer, averaging 14.5 points per game. He led the Gators with 8.1 rebounds per game and blocked a team high 49 shots. Speights also had the team's highest field goal percentage, making 62.4 percent of his shots.
Last season, Florida saw three players drafted in the first round - Al Horford, Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah. In 2005, David Lee was drafted in the first round by the New York Knicks. Speights is the tenth Gator to be selected in the first round - all but one have been under Billy Donovan.
Source: http://alabama.scout.com/a.z?s=14&p=2&c=765254
Darrell Arthur's long wait is over
And the Trail Blazers just became the Dallas ISD's favorite team.
South Oak Cliff's Darrell Arthur, who was the last guy left in the green room, will join Seagoville's LaMarcus Aldridge in Portland. LaMarcus is an All-Star in the making. Shady, assuming the kidney issue that supposedly caused him to slip isn't a big deal, will be one heck of a backup power forward.
Source: http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/06/darrell-arthurs-long-wait-is-over.html
OVERVIEW
The Jayhawks' highly regarded power forward has been favorably compared Detroit's Antonio McDyess, as both display the natural hands, quick turnaround jumper and the ability to score in the paint. A solid all-around defender with superb lateral agility, Arthur hopes to join his cousin, small forward Quinton Ross of the Los Angeles Clippers, in starring in the NBA next year, after declaring for the 2008 draft recently.
Arthur has an NBA scorer's mentality, excelling in running the floor and operating in the transition game. He has become a very proficient shot blocker, altering 109 of the opposition's attempts in just 78 games, a total that ranks 13th on the school's all-time record list.
A standout performer at South Oak Cliff High School, Arthur guided the team to back-to-back Texas Class 4A state titles in 2005 and 2006 and was the tournament's MVP both years. The McDonald's and Parade All-American was also named the Dallas Morning News Player of the Year in 2006. He added co-Mr. Basketball honors from the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) with Nic Wise of Kingwood during his senior season./p>
Arthur was chosen Class 4A Player of the Year by the TABC in 2005 and 2006. He was ranked the 16th-best player overall and third-best power forward in the country by Rivals.com. As a senior, he averaged 17.7 points and 10 rebounds per game, as the team finished 30-7 in 2006. In the 2006 state playoffs and tournament, he averaged 28 points and 13.7 rebounds, coming up with 33 points and 13 rebounds in the semifinals and 21 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots in the championship game.
At the EA Sports Roundball Classic, Arthur scored nine points for the East All-Stars in April 2006. As a sophomore, he participated in the 2005 USA Youth Development Festival in California. After his first season at Kansas, he made the Team USA U-19 squad, but did not participate in the world championships due to a stress fracture.
As a true freshman at Kansas in 2006-07, Arthur started 7-of-38 games. He earned All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention and first-team Big 12 All-Rookie team honors. He also excelled off the court, as he was named to the Kansas Athletic Director's and Big 12 Commissioner's honor rolls for the Spring 2007 semester.
With Brandon Rush clearly running the show, Arthur stepped into an uncustomary supporting role during his first season with the Jayhawks. Still, he led KU in blocked shots with 56, which ranks second on the school freshman list and 11th on the Kansas season-record chart. His average of 1.47 blocked shot per game ranked fourth in the league.
Arthur also ranked on the KU freshman list in points scored (tied for seventh with 374), rebounds (ninth with 177), field goals (fourth with 155) and games played (tied for third with 38). He led the team in scoring five times and in rebounding on six occasions as he posted 18 double-digit scoring games and pulled down seven or more rebounds in eight contests.
During Kansas' 2007-08 national championship run, Arthur started 39 of the 40 games he played in. He picked up All-Big 12 Conference first-team honors, in addition to being named to the NABC All-District XII first-team squad. The Associated Press and The NBA Draft Report accorded him All-American honorable mention and he was on the Naismith Watch List (nation's top player) at mid-season.
As a sophomore, Arthur again led the team with 53 blocked shots and ranked second on the squad in scoring, averaging 12.8 points per game. He scored in double digits 28 times and had four double-double performances, including 20 points and 10 rebounds in the victory over Memphis in the Final Four.
In NCAA Tournament action, Arthur poured in 96 points (9.6 ppg) while shooting .592 from the field, as he grabbed 55 rebounds and blocked 14 shots in 10 games during his two seasons at Kansas. In six Big 12 Conference Tournament games, he averaged 8.2 points and 4.7 rebounds.
Source: http://www.sportsline.com/nba/players/draft/1139190
South Oak Cliff's Darrell Arthur, who was the last guy left in the green room, will join Seagoville's LaMarcus Aldridge in Portland. LaMarcus is an All-Star in the making. Shady, assuming the kidney issue that supposedly caused him to slip isn't a big deal, will be one heck of a backup power forward.
Source: http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/06/darrell-arthurs-long-wait-is-over.html
OVERVIEW
The Jayhawks' highly regarded power forward has been favorably compared Detroit's Antonio McDyess, as both display the natural hands, quick turnaround jumper and the ability to score in the paint. A solid all-around defender with superb lateral agility, Arthur hopes to join his cousin, small forward Quinton Ross of the Los Angeles Clippers, in starring in the NBA next year, after declaring for the 2008 draft recently.
Arthur has an NBA scorer's mentality, excelling in running the floor and operating in the transition game. He has become a very proficient shot blocker, altering 109 of the opposition's attempts in just 78 games, a total that ranks 13th on the school's all-time record list.
A standout performer at South Oak Cliff High School, Arthur guided the team to back-to-back Texas Class 4A state titles in 2005 and 2006 and was the tournament's MVP both years. The McDonald's and Parade All-American was also named the Dallas Morning News Player of the Year in 2006. He added co-Mr. Basketball honors from the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) with Nic Wise of Kingwood during his senior season./p>
Arthur was chosen Class 4A Player of the Year by the TABC in 2005 and 2006. He was ranked the 16th-best player overall and third-best power forward in the country by Rivals.com. As a senior, he averaged 17.7 points and 10 rebounds per game, as the team finished 30-7 in 2006. In the 2006 state playoffs and tournament, he averaged 28 points and 13.7 rebounds, coming up with 33 points and 13 rebounds in the semifinals and 21 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots in the championship game.
At the EA Sports Roundball Classic, Arthur scored nine points for the East All-Stars in April 2006. As a sophomore, he participated in the 2005 USA Youth Development Festival in California. After his first season at Kansas, he made the Team USA U-19 squad, but did not participate in the world championships due to a stress fracture.
As a true freshman at Kansas in 2006-07, Arthur started 7-of-38 games. He earned All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention and first-team Big 12 All-Rookie team honors. He also excelled off the court, as he was named to the Kansas Athletic Director's and Big 12 Commissioner's honor rolls for the Spring 2007 semester.
With Brandon Rush clearly running the show, Arthur stepped into an uncustomary supporting role during his first season with the Jayhawks. Still, he led KU in blocked shots with 56, which ranks second on the school freshman list and 11th on the Kansas season-record chart. His average of 1.47 blocked shot per game ranked fourth in the league.
Arthur also ranked on the KU freshman list in points scored (tied for seventh with 374), rebounds (ninth with 177), field goals (fourth with 155) and games played (tied for third with 38). He led the team in scoring five times and in rebounding on six occasions as he posted 18 double-digit scoring games and pulled down seven or more rebounds in eight contests.
During Kansas' 2007-08 national championship run, Arthur started 39 of the 40 games he played in. He picked up All-Big 12 Conference first-team honors, in addition to being named to the NABC All-District XII first-team squad. The Associated Press and The NBA Draft Report accorded him All-American honorable mention and he was on the Naismith Watch List (nation's top player) at mid-season.
As a sophomore, Arthur again led the team with 53 blocked shots and ranked second on the squad in scoring, averaging 12.8 points per game. He scored in double digits 28 times and had four double-double performances, including 20 points and 10 rebounds in the victory over Memphis in the Final Four.
In NCAA Tournament action, Arthur poured in 96 points (9.6 ppg) while shooting .592 from the field, as he grabbed 55 rebounds and blocked 14 shots in 10 games during his two seasons at Kansas. In six Big 12 Conference Tournament games, he averaged 8.2 points and 4.7 rebounds.
Source: http://www.sportsline.com/nba/players/draft/1139190
apollo alliance | Reva Electric Car
Question - How do we get good jobs from Renewable energy and what does the Apollo alliance do?
A- (Richard Eidlin) The Apollo alliance (whose slogan is: Good Jobs, Clean energy, Freedom from Foreign Oil) is a coalition of business, labor and environmental groups focused on growing the economy in a substainable prosperous way by investing in clean energy that will result in MILLIONS of good jobs across the United States. This includes jobs in the automotive industry, building and infrastructure, construction, engineering... that would impact electrical engineers, contractors, construction workers, marketing people, installation techs, bringing new jobs to the market.
New Delhi: After 13 years of research and development, India's first electric car 'Reva' was launched in the national capital by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Wednesday morning.
Describing Reva as 'a little cute car', Sheila Dikshit said her government was committed to taking steps to improve the city's environment.
“It is a green day for Delhi. I have been using the car myself for short distances and I like it a lot," she said.
"I appeal to all those who have several cars to at least buy one Reva," Dikshit added.
To popularise the battery-operated car, the government announced a 15 percent subsidy on its base price, 12.5 percent exemption of value-added tax (VAT), and a refund of road tax and registration charges.
The subsidy and exemptions would bring down price of Reva's base model to Rs 299,000, and it would cost users 40 paise per kilometre.
Asked about their target in the first year, Reva Electric Car Co's president of India operations Girish M Rakhe said: "We will be very happy if we sell 3,000 cars in the national capital in our first year."
Following are some of the main features of India's first battery-powered car that was launched in the national capital by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Wednesday:
* Manufacturer: Bangalore-based Reva Electric Car Company
* Name of car: REVAi
* Time taken: 7 years of research and development (1994-2001)
* Sold in 13 countries
* About 2,500 vehicles sold till date
* Investment: $20 million dollars on research
* Price in Delhi: Starting from Rs 299,000, ex-showroom
* Incentives in Delhi: Exemption of 12.5 percent value added tax
* Other fiscal sops: 15 percent subsidy on base price
* Speed: Up to 80 km/hr as compared to 65 km/hr in earlier models
* Fuel efficiency: 80 km per charge with a/c and 129 km without a/c
* Economy: 40 paise (about 1 Cent) per km
* Servicing: Provision for servicing at customer's home
* Power Mode: Improved torque
* Acceleration: 0-40 km in 7 seconds
* Braking: Disc brakes and increased regenerative braking
* Other features: Trip odometer, climate control seats, battery regenerator
* Battery life: 120 km per charge
* Air conditioning: Remote AC plus electronic temperature control
* Hill Restraint: Automatic hill restraint feature
Source: http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=14702283
NEW DELHI: Bangalore-based electric carmaker Reva Electric Car Company is looking at licensing its vehicle technology to other carmakers. One of the largest manufacturers of electric cars in the world, Reva is currently exported to 13 overseas markets in small numbers.
Reva’s plans for licenced manufacturing comes at a time when other global manufacturers like Nissan, Suzuki, Hyundai, Renault and Toyota are utilising India as a hub for making low-priced vehicles.
The company is looking at optimising the potential of its indigenous electric vehicle technology to crank out affordable and environment-friendly mobility solutions. Besides the car, Reva has developed a 13-seater minibus, which is in the concept stages.
It currently makes three Reva variants and plans to launch a new car every year with greater focus on next-generation lithium ion batteries. It also plans to launch bigger cars in the future.
Reva’s deputy chairman CK Maini told ET, “We have a single-minded focus to develop and offer the finest technology in electric vehicles. We have developed the next generation Reva which travels 200 kilometres and attains a maximum speed of 120 km. Few carmakers have the expertise to develop electric vehicles and we are ready to licence the technology which will have high viability in developed markets like Europe and South-East Asia on the back of soaring fuel prices.”
There are more than 2,500 Revas on the road, of which around 1,000 cars are in the UK alone. The company is planning to raise its production to 30,000 cars by year-end. This will require an investment of up to $20 million as it plans to enter new markets.
“We see a major increase in demand on the back of soaring fuel prices and high financial subsidy being offered by various state governments. State government initiatives to decongest urban centres will drive demand and our entry into Delhi is expected to bring good incremental numbers. We are expanding beyond Europe and will introduce Reva in South America and South-East Asia in the next few months,” Mr Maini added.
Reva was launched in Delhi at Rs 2.99 lakh (on road with insurance premium) for the base variant. Higher variants loaded with air conditioning, climate control seats, scratchproof impregnated panels and anti-roll bar comes at a price of Rs 3.49 lakh and Rs 3.78 lakh. It boasts the lowest running cost—40 paise per km.
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Auto/Reva_Electric_ready_to_license_tech_to_other_carmakers/articleshow/3165686.cms
A- (Richard Eidlin) The Apollo alliance (whose slogan is: Good Jobs, Clean energy, Freedom from Foreign Oil) is a coalition of business, labor and environmental groups focused on growing the economy in a substainable prosperous way by investing in clean energy that will result in MILLIONS of good jobs across the United States. This includes jobs in the automotive industry, building and infrastructure, construction, engineering... that would impact electrical engineers, contractors, construction workers, marketing people, installation techs, bringing new jobs to the market.
New Delhi: After 13 years of research and development, India's first electric car 'Reva' was launched in the national capital by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Wednesday morning.
Describing Reva as 'a little cute car', Sheila Dikshit said her government was committed to taking steps to improve the city's environment.
“It is a green day for Delhi. I have been using the car myself for short distances and I like it a lot," she said.
"I appeal to all those who have several cars to at least buy one Reva," Dikshit added.
To popularise the battery-operated car, the government announced a 15 percent subsidy on its base price, 12.5 percent exemption of value-added tax (VAT), and a refund of road tax and registration charges.
The subsidy and exemptions would bring down price of Reva's base model to Rs 299,000, and it would cost users 40 paise per kilometre.
Asked about their target in the first year, Reva Electric Car Co's president of India operations Girish M Rakhe said: "We will be very happy if we sell 3,000 cars in the national capital in our first year."
Following are some of the main features of India's first battery-powered car that was launched in the national capital by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Wednesday:
* Manufacturer: Bangalore-based Reva Electric Car Company
* Name of car: REVAi
* Time taken: 7 years of research and development (1994-2001)
* Sold in 13 countries
* About 2,500 vehicles sold till date
* Investment: $20 million dollars on research
* Price in Delhi: Starting from Rs 299,000, ex-showroom
* Incentives in Delhi: Exemption of 12.5 percent value added tax
* Other fiscal sops: 15 percent subsidy on base price
* Speed: Up to 80 km/hr as compared to 65 km/hr in earlier models
* Fuel efficiency: 80 km per charge with a/c and 129 km without a/c
* Economy: 40 paise (about 1 Cent) per km
* Servicing: Provision for servicing at customer's home
* Power Mode: Improved torque
* Acceleration: 0-40 km in 7 seconds
* Braking: Disc brakes and increased regenerative braking
* Other features: Trip odometer, climate control seats, battery regenerator
* Battery life: 120 km per charge
* Air conditioning: Remote AC plus electronic temperature control
* Hill Restraint: Automatic hill restraint feature
Source: http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=14702283
NEW DELHI: Bangalore-based electric carmaker Reva Electric Car Company is looking at licensing its vehicle technology to other carmakers. One of the largest manufacturers of electric cars in the world, Reva is currently exported to 13 overseas markets in small numbers.
Reva’s plans for licenced manufacturing comes at a time when other global manufacturers like Nissan, Suzuki, Hyundai, Renault and Toyota are utilising India as a hub for making low-priced vehicles.
The company is looking at optimising the potential of its indigenous electric vehicle technology to crank out affordable and environment-friendly mobility solutions. Besides the car, Reva has developed a 13-seater minibus, which is in the concept stages.
It currently makes three Reva variants and plans to launch a new car every year with greater focus on next-generation lithium ion batteries. It also plans to launch bigger cars in the future.
Reva’s deputy chairman CK Maini told ET, “We have a single-minded focus to develop and offer the finest technology in electric vehicles. We have developed the next generation Reva which travels 200 kilometres and attains a maximum speed of 120 km. Few carmakers have the expertise to develop electric vehicles and we are ready to licence the technology which will have high viability in developed markets like Europe and South-East Asia on the back of soaring fuel prices.”
There are more than 2,500 Revas on the road, of which around 1,000 cars are in the UK alone. The company is planning to raise its production to 30,000 cars by year-end. This will require an investment of up to $20 million as it plans to enter new markets.
“We see a major increase in demand on the back of soaring fuel prices and high financial subsidy being offered by various state governments. State government initiatives to decongest urban centres will drive demand and our entry into Delhi is expected to bring good incremental numbers. We are expanding beyond Europe and will introduce Reva in South America and South-East Asia in the next few months,” Mr Maini added.
Reva was launched in Delhi at Rs 2.99 lakh (on road with insurance premium) for the base variant. Higher variants loaded with air conditioning, climate control seats, scratchproof impregnated panels and anti-roll bar comes at a price of Rs 3.49 lakh and Rs 3.78 lakh. It boasts the lowest running cost—40 paise per km.
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Auto/Reva_Electric_ready_to_license_tech_to_other_carmakers/articleshow/3165686.cms
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
What to watch || Today on TV
In The Baby Borrowers, premiering tonight, five young couples, ages 16 to 19, provide round-the-clock care to kids of various ages, a challenge that forces them to face dirty diapers, sleep-deprived nights and temper tantrums. Before you speed-dial Child Protective Services, keep in mind that the real mothers and fathers monitored the experiment from a neighboring house, and professional nannies served as silent security guards. Borrowers appears to be genuinely sincere about its mission: Showing teenage viewers that parenthood is a very grown-up grind (8 p.m.-9 p.m., WBAL, Channel 11).
Network
WIFE SWAP 8 p.m.-9 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2 / A woman dedicated to raising pigs swaps lives with a belly dancer who lives a life of glamour. ABC.
GREAT LODGES OF THE NATIONAL PARKS 8 p.m.-9 p.m., MPT, Channels 22/67 / A look at Death Valley's Furnace Creek Inn and Lake Quinault Lodge in the heart of the Olympic National Forest. PBS.
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE 8 p.m.-10 p.m., WBFF, Channel 45 / The top 16 contestants perform. Fox.
Today on TV Recent columns
SUPERNANNY 9 p.m.-10 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2 / Jo is called on to help when a father's busy travel schedule and a mother's passivity prompt a preteen girl to defy all attempts at discipline. ABC.
FARMER WANTS A WIFE 9 p.m.-10 p.m., WNUV, Channel 54 / The women are put to the final test before Matt picks a wife. CW.
CELEBRITY CIRCUS 10 p.m.-11 p.m., WBAL, Channel 11 / C-list celebrities perform death-defying stunts, and viewers vote for their favorite performers. NBC.
Cable
TYLER PERRY'S HOUSE OF PAYNE 10 p.m.-10:30 p.m., TBS / A friend of Calvin (Lance Gross) returns home from Iraq, but he is not in the mood for his surprise party.
Talk Shows
THE VIEW Jessica Simpson; Rita Rudner; Cirque du Soleil cast members. (11 a.m., WMAR-2)
THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO Comedian Dana Carvey; actor Spencer Breslin; Priscilla Ahn performs. (11:35 p.m., WBAL-11)
LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN Abigail Breslin; Barry Sonnenfeld; Tift Merritt. (11:35 p.m., WJZ-13)
Network
WIFE SWAP 8 p.m.-9 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2 / A woman dedicated to raising pigs swaps lives with a belly dancer who lives a life of glamour. ABC.
GREAT LODGES OF THE NATIONAL PARKS 8 p.m.-9 p.m., MPT, Channels 22/67 / A look at Death Valley's Furnace Creek Inn and Lake Quinault Lodge in the heart of the Olympic National Forest. PBS.
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE 8 p.m.-10 p.m., WBFF, Channel 45 / The top 16 contestants perform. Fox.
Today on TV Recent columns
SUPERNANNY 9 p.m.-10 p.m., WMAR, Channel 2 / Jo is called on to help when a father's busy travel schedule and a mother's passivity prompt a preteen girl to defy all attempts at discipline. ABC.
FARMER WANTS A WIFE 9 p.m.-10 p.m., WNUV, Channel 54 / The women are put to the final test before Matt picks a wife. CW.
CELEBRITY CIRCUS 10 p.m.-11 p.m., WBAL, Channel 11 / C-list celebrities perform death-defying stunts, and viewers vote for their favorite performers. NBC.
Cable
TYLER PERRY'S HOUSE OF PAYNE 10 p.m.-10:30 p.m., TBS / A friend of Calvin (Lance Gross) returns home from Iraq, but he is not in the mood for his surprise party.
Talk Shows
THE VIEW Jessica Simpson; Rita Rudner; Cirque du Soleil cast members. (11 a.m., WMAR-2)
THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO Comedian Dana Carvey; actor Spencer Breslin; Priscilla Ahn performs. (11:35 p.m., WBAL-11)
LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN Abigail Breslin; Barry Sonnenfeld; Tift Merritt. (11:35 p.m., WJZ-13)
Heisman Trophy Winners
Public event set for Heisman winners weekend
An opportunity for fans to see Heisman Trophy winners in action — on the golf course, not the football field — has been added to the upcoming Heisman Anniversary Weekend.
The public event, a five-hole celebrity shootout featuring Heisman winners, junior golfers and media celebrities, begins at 11 a.m. Saturday on the finishing holes of Barton Creek's Fazio Canyons course.
The Heisman winners, meeting here for the second year, begin arriving on Thursday. On Friday, they'll play in a fundraising golf tournament at Barton Creek's Fazio Foothills course and then gather for a dinner honoring trophy winners Ricky Williams, Mike Rozier and Pete Dawkins.
Source: http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/06/24/0624heismanbrief.html
Colorado Football: The One Hit Wonder, Remembering Rashaan Salaam
There will always be players who have fantastic college careers, deservedly win numerous accolades, and then flop once they get to the professional ranks.
This is especially true with Heisman trophy winners. Jason White, Eric Crouch, Chris Weinke, Troy Smith, Danny Wuerffel, and Ron Dayne are all examples of Heisman Trophy winners who have gone on to the NFL only to be complete busts.
In fact, Troy Smith and Ron Dayne are the only two on that list that are still in the league.
Then there was Rashaan Salaam. Salaam literally came out of nowhere as a junior at the University of Colorado in 1994 to have one of the most prolific seasons running the football in college football history.
He was non-existent in 1992 and 1993, not on anyone's radar, not even Colorado's. But he emerged in 1994 as the starting tailback for a Buffalo team that was looking to continue their momentum following a victory in the Aloha bowl the year before.
He had it all. He had terrific speed, good size for someone as fast as he was, and a great sense of when to cut, when to follow his blockers, and how to slash through the whole, and his statistics showed it that season.
In a season that saw Colorado go 11-1 with their only loss coming to eventual national champion Nebraska, Salaam teamed with Kordell Stewart to form one of the most dangerous and exciting backfields in the entire country.
What most people remember about that season is the Hail Mary from Kordell Stewart to Michael Westbrook to beat Michigan as time expired.
What they should remember is one of the greatest individual seasons, and one of the greatest individual performances in any game in the annals of college football history.
For the season, Salaam ran for 2,055 yards and 24 touchdowns, good for 186.8 per game, and almost two touchdowns per game. He also averaged 213 all-purpose yards per game, and established himself as one of the most feared and versatile running backs in the Big Eight.
At one point during the season, the junior from La Jolla, California turned in four consecutive 200-yard rushing games, which still stands as a Colorado, and NCAA record to this day. But that was far from his most impressive performance.
The day where he really shined was October 1 of 1994 when the Buffaloes traveled to Austin, Texas to face the Longhorns, who would go on to finish the season 8-4.
According to the Austin-American Statesmen, reporting the day after the game, Salaam was received two intravenous injections before the game started just to cope with the heat. He was also suffering from cramps, bruised hip, and a constantly bruised, battered, and bloody nose.
As Suzanne Halliburton of the Statesmen put it, "He constantly went to the sideline with some sort of ache or pain."
Apparently, that didn't matter at all to Salaam who had one of the greatest individual performances by a running back in recent memory.
He set a school record with 362 total yards in the 34-31 win over the Longhorns, and although he only scored one touchdown in the game, he was an absolute terror all over the field.
The Buffaloes finished that season in the Fiesta Bowl against a Lou Holtz coached Notre Dame team that wasn't favored but was a trendy upset pick considering Colorado's relative lack of respect after it's rise from anonymity.
Although Stewart won the game MVP and for good reason, the Fighting Irish routinely stacked eight and nine guys into the box to stop Salaam from running the football.
The move not only added the focus on Salaam but also forced Colorado to switch their offense up and use three wide receivers and one tight end, instead of two and two, which freed Stewart and consequently limited Salaam.
The "limited" Salaam only ran for 83 yards on 27 carries and three short touchdowns as the Buffaloes stomped the Fighting Irish 41-24.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/32165-colorado-football-the-one-hit-wonder-remembering-rashaan-salaam
An opportunity for fans to see Heisman Trophy winners in action — on the golf course, not the football field — has been added to the upcoming Heisman Anniversary Weekend.
The public event, a five-hole celebrity shootout featuring Heisman winners, junior golfers and media celebrities, begins at 11 a.m. Saturday on the finishing holes of Barton Creek's Fazio Canyons course.
The Heisman winners, meeting here for the second year, begin arriving on Thursday. On Friday, they'll play in a fundraising golf tournament at Barton Creek's Fazio Foothills course and then gather for a dinner honoring trophy winners Ricky Williams, Mike Rozier and Pete Dawkins.
Source: http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/06/24/0624heismanbrief.html
Colorado Football: The One Hit Wonder, Remembering Rashaan Salaam
There will always be players who have fantastic college careers, deservedly win numerous accolades, and then flop once they get to the professional ranks.
This is especially true with Heisman trophy winners. Jason White, Eric Crouch, Chris Weinke, Troy Smith, Danny Wuerffel, and Ron Dayne are all examples of Heisman Trophy winners who have gone on to the NFL only to be complete busts.
In fact, Troy Smith and Ron Dayne are the only two on that list that are still in the league.
Then there was Rashaan Salaam. Salaam literally came out of nowhere as a junior at the University of Colorado in 1994 to have one of the most prolific seasons running the football in college football history.
He was non-existent in 1992 and 1993, not on anyone's radar, not even Colorado's. But he emerged in 1994 as the starting tailback for a Buffalo team that was looking to continue their momentum following a victory in the Aloha bowl the year before.
He had it all. He had terrific speed, good size for someone as fast as he was, and a great sense of when to cut, when to follow his blockers, and how to slash through the whole, and his statistics showed it that season.
In a season that saw Colorado go 11-1 with their only loss coming to eventual national champion Nebraska, Salaam teamed with Kordell Stewart to form one of the most dangerous and exciting backfields in the entire country.
What most people remember about that season is the Hail Mary from Kordell Stewart to Michael Westbrook to beat Michigan as time expired.
What they should remember is one of the greatest individual seasons, and one of the greatest individual performances in any game in the annals of college football history.
For the season, Salaam ran for 2,055 yards and 24 touchdowns, good for 186.8 per game, and almost two touchdowns per game. He also averaged 213 all-purpose yards per game, and established himself as one of the most feared and versatile running backs in the Big Eight.
At one point during the season, the junior from La Jolla, California turned in four consecutive 200-yard rushing games, which still stands as a Colorado, and NCAA record to this day. But that was far from his most impressive performance.
The day where he really shined was October 1 of 1994 when the Buffaloes traveled to Austin, Texas to face the Longhorns, who would go on to finish the season 8-4.
According to the Austin-American Statesmen, reporting the day after the game, Salaam was received two intravenous injections before the game started just to cope with the heat. He was also suffering from cramps, bruised hip, and a constantly bruised, battered, and bloody nose.
As Suzanne Halliburton of the Statesmen put it, "He constantly went to the sideline with some sort of ache or pain."
Apparently, that didn't matter at all to Salaam who had one of the greatest individual performances by a running back in recent memory.
He set a school record with 362 total yards in the 34-31 win over the Longhorns, and although he only scored one touchdown in the game, he was an absolute terror all over the field.
The Buffaloes finished that season in the Fiesta Bowl against a Lou Holtz coached Notre Dame team that wasn't favored but was a trendy upset pick considering Colorado's relative lack of respect after it's rise from anonymity.
Although Stewart won the game MVP and for good reason, the Fighting Irish routinely stacked eight and nine guys into the box to stop Salaam from running the football.
The move not only added the focus on Salaam but also forced Colorado to switch their offense up and use three wide receivers and one tight end, instead of two and two, which freed Stewart and consequently limited Salaam.
The "limited" Salaam only ran for 83 yards on 27 carries and three short touchdowns as the Buffaloes stomped the Fighting Irish 41-24.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/32165-colorado-football-the-one-hit-wonder-remembering-rashaan-salaam
my coke rewards
My language, my birthright
“MY RHYMES are so fat like Proverb’s tummy. Don’t laugh dude coz your sister is so pretentious like a reptile,” raps Motla. “Ndize kule rap andina ntanga? Intle kune cherrie yalomtshana (Can I rap for you because I’m the best? Rap is beautiful, more than my friend’s girlfriend).”
“Yeah,” the crowd responds to the rapper, cheering him on for more punch lines. Jam Alley presenter Proverb smiles, showing appreciation for Motla’s creative flair.
This was the scene at the auditions of the Jam Alley/Versus Battle of the MCs held at the Port Elizabeth Opera House last weekend.
The SABC1 programme, Jam Alley, is starting a new hip-hop segment called Versus. About 50 rappers, some carrying their demo CDs, came from across the province for the Eastern Cape leg of the competition with their eyes on the prize – a recording contract with a big company. Only one rapper each will be chosen from six provinces for the finals in Johannesburg in September.
Despite the disappointing crowd turnout, there was entertainment galore. Punch lines came in droves and rhymes where phat (cool) with observations on social issues ranging from drugs to abortion.
No offence is taken, none was intended
A small crowd has gathered in a corner of the theatre on Saturday an hour before the event kicks off. In the middle of it is a white, dreadlocked rapper dressed in skateboard shorts, battling with a black dude.
“I’m not Eminem but I got skills. You look whack in those cheap boots. You make me ill,” shoots the dreadlocked dude as another young fellow does the beat box with his lips.
This is followed by a flurry of punch lines and cheers from the spectators. The black dude throws in the towel. They both shake hands. No offence is taken because none was intended. Everybody here knows it is just the nature of the hip-hop game.
isiXhosa lyrics fused with Afrikaans
The event dispelled the notion that hip-hop is all about baggy clothes, bling-bling, sex and derogatory lyrics about women. In Port Elizabeth, the rappers in baggy jeans showing off their behinds did not impress the judges. Curiously, more than half of the MCs rapped in indigenous South African languages – a new trend for wannabe hip-hop stars in this country. For a long time South Africans have been rapping in English with American accents à la the hip-hop greats such as Tupac and Notorious B.I.G.
The 24-year- old Motla (his real name is Mongezi Mazantsi), who won the competition when it moved to Kings Beach in Port Elizabeth last Sunday, wowed the crowed with isiXhosa lyrics fused with Afrikaans and a bit of tsotsi taal.
Proverb, who is a prominent rapper in his own right, says rapping in the vernacular is becoming a big trend in the local hip-hop scene. Performers like Hip-Hop Pantsula (HHP), Tuks and Morafe are reaping rewards from rapping in Setswana, while artists like Zulu boy and Prokid are flying the isiZulu flag high.
IsiXhosa rap is only now beginning to pick up, but the question is, Will it get a piece of the South African hip-hop pie?
“I've always thought isiXhosa would make it into hip-hop,” says Proverb. “One of my favourite MCs is Top Shayela – a Xhosa from Cape Town. I think your indigenous language is your birthright, man.
“If you are able to use that in a creative fashion, I have so much respect for you. Especially because it’s a weakness of mine ... I really have respect for a cat that can do it.”
MCs who use indigenous languages have always looked down on rappers who express themselves in English, and often label them as “wannabe Americans”.
In fact, in debates on this stand-off, Proverb’s name always comes up. Since gaining popularity several years back, he has had to fight for his identity as a South African MC who happens to rap in English. “Ideally we need to reach a place where it shouldn’t matter which language you rap in,” he says. “Language is just about semantics. It’s something intangible and it plays a partial role in rap. A skill is a skill and that is across the board. That’s why you can listen to a French MC and know whether he is dope (cool) ... even if you don’t understand what he is saying.”
‘It’s a better way to express myself’
Luzuko Kobese, 23, and Aphiwe Ponco, 19, who made the top nine in the competition, began rapping in the streets of Zwelitsha.
They both rap in isiXhosa and aren’t wearing baggy clothes – just simple jeans, sunglasses and T-shirts.
“It’s a better way to express myself and people can relate better with me,” says Kobese. “With English they can easily miss the punch lines because not everybody is educated. This is the only way I can communicate with isiXhosa speakers across the board, be they from rural or urban areas. Even my mother can listen to my songs and get the message.”
East London hip-hopper and radio tru fm DJ, Trusenz, says isiXhosa hip-hop has been on the rise for some time and that 90 percent of the demo CDs he gets for his show are in isiXhosa. He says local rappers have upped their game by rapping about relevant issues. “IsiXhosa rap is definitely the in-thing now although it hasn’t taken on nationally as it should. The local market has put rappers under pressure to bring a local flavour ... I think it’s brilliant.”
‘I read papers and see things politicians do’
Kobese, aka Virus, maintains that his music is all about addressing social ills.
“Rap to me is about expression. There are good and bad things that happen to my life. I’ve got eyes and I see things happen in the townships, like the bad things guys do and the way some women carry themselves. I read newspapers and see the bad things that politicians do.”
With the older generation frowning on hip-hop because of the images of violence and the “skanky” girls in music videos, local rappers have had to fight twice as hard as their American counterparts to make their voices heard.
“People are always negative about hip-hop,” explains Ponco. “They forget that hip- hop is just poetry. Rapping in isiXhosa is not as easy as it seems because our lyrics have to flow nicely with the instruments and isiXhosa words can be too long.
“Some cats use metaphors to get the message across but we say it like it is and people are loving it. It’s spreading like a disease ekasi (in the townships).”
Tough to judge, tough to keep up the pace
Back at the auditions, things are hotting up. The judges – Proverb and producer maestro KB from the Ghetto Ruff label – are looking for a socially conscious rapper, who can think on his feet.
Proverb lays down the rules. “No swearing or rapping material that you have already written. If we suspect that you are cheating, we will give you a word or subject to rap about,” he warns.
The first round is called “Pass on the mic”, which requires rappers to pick up from where the previous one has left off without losing the flow. It’s a tough one to judge and even tougher for the rappers to keep up with the pace.
This is followed by the second round called “Word”, for which Proverb provides MCs with a topic, subject or a word with which to rap and rhyme. The judges come up with complex subjects from abortion and racism to simple ideas – but awkward for the rappers – like a can of Coke, paper and shoes.
In the last round, “Can I Kick It?”, the MCs are asked to rap about why they think they should be the next big rapper in the country.
Fusion of languages makes a big impact
The rapper in the traditional Basotho hat catches everyone’s attention. He’s 21-year- old Mmuso Mbonjwa and he mixes SeSotho, isiXhosa and English.
When he started as an MC in 2001 he rapped in English and in 2004 changed to SeSotho before dabbling in isiXhosa in 2007.
The fact that not too many people in the Eastern Cape understand Sesotho has proved limiting, but at the auditions, Mbonjwa’s fusion of the three languages makes a big impact on the audience.
“Vernac (vernacular) needs more concentration and research on idioms and that is why I read a lot of isiXhosa poetry,” he says
As for Motla, he says appearing on Versus is only the beginning of big things for isiXhosa hip-hop.
“We are determined to take this to the mainstream of Mzantsi hip-hop, in the same way that HHP did with Setswana,” he says.
Maybe then Proverb will have more reasons to smile at Motla when he jokes about his big belly.
l The Port Elizabeth auditions for Versus will be screened next Friday at 6.30pm on SABC1.
“MY RHYMES are so fat like Proverb’s tummy. Don’t laugh dude coz your sister is so pretentious like a reptile,” raps Motla. “Ndize kule rap andina ntanga? Intle kune cherrie yalomtshana (Can I rap for you because I’m the best? Rap is beautiful, more than my friend’s girlfriend).”
“Yeah,” the crowd responds to the rapper, cheering him on for more punch lines. Jam Alley presenter Proverb smiles, showing appreciation for Motla’s creative flair.
This was the scene at the auditions of the Jam Alley/Versus Battle of the MCs held at the Port Elizabeth Opera House last weekend.
The SABC1 programme, Jam Alley, is starting a new hip-hop segment called Versus. About 50 rappers, some carrying their demo CDs, came from across the province for the Eastern Cape leg of the competition with their eyes on the prize – a recording contract with a big company. Only one rapper each will be chosen from six provinces for the finals in Johannesburg in September.
Despite the disappointing crowd turnout, there was entertainment galore. Punch lines came in droves and rhymes where phat (cool) with observations on social issues ranging from drugs to abortion.
No offence is taken, none was intended
A small crowd has gathered in a corner of the theatre on Saturday an hour before the event kicks off. In the middle of it is a white, dreadlocked rapper dressed in skateboard shorts, battling with a black dude.
“I’m not Eminem but I got skills. You look whack in those cheap boots. You make me ill,” shoots the dreadlocked dude as another young fellow does the beat box with his lips.
This is followed by a flurry of punch lines and cheers from the spectators. The black dude throws in the towel. They both shake hands. No offence is taken because none was intended. Everybody here knows it is just the nature of the hip-hop game.
isiXhosa lyrics fused with Afrikaans
The event dispelled the notion that hip-hop is all about baggy clothes, bling-bling, sex and derogatory lyrics about women. In Port Elizabeth, the rappers in baggy jeans showing off their behinds did not impress the judges. Curiously, more than half of the MCs rapped in indigenous South African languages – a new trend for wannabe hip-hop stars in this country. For a long time South Africans have been rapping in English with American accents à la the hip-hop greats such as Tupac and Notorious B.I.G.
The 24-year- old Motla (his real name is Mongezi Mazantsi), who won the competition when it moved to Kings Beach in Port Elizabeth last Sunday, wowed the crowed with isiXhosa lyrics fused with Afrikaans and a bit of tsotsi taal.
Proverb, who is a prominent rapper in his own right, says rapping in the vernacular is becoming a big trend in the local hip-hop scene. Performers like Hip-Hop Pantsula (HHP), Tuks and Morafe are reaping rewards from rapping in Setswana, while artists like Zulu boy and Prokid are flying the isiZulu flag high.
IsiXhosa rap is only now beginning to pick up, but the question is, Will it get a piece of the South African hip-hop pie?
“I've always thought isiXhosa would make it into hip-hop,” says Proverb. “One of my favourite MCs is Top Shayela – a Xhosa from Cape Town. I think your indigenous language is your birthright, man.
“If you are able to use that in a creative fashion, I have so much respect for you. Especially because it’s a weakness of mine ... I really have respect for a cat that can do it.”
MCs who use indigenous languages have always looked down on rappers who express themselves in English, and often label them as “wannabe Americans”.
In fact, in debates on this stand-off, Proverb’s name always comes up. Since gaining popularity several years back, he has had to fight for his identity as a South African MC who happens to rap in English. “Ideally we need to reach a place where it shouldn’t matter which language you rap in,” he says. “Language is just about semantics. It’s something intangible and it plays a partial role in rap. A skill is a skill and that is across the board. That’s why you can listen to a French MC and know whether he is dope (cool) ... even if you don’t understand what he is saying.”
‘It’s a better way to express myself’
Luzuko Kobese, 23, and Aphiwe Ponco, 19, who made the top nine in the competition, began rapping in the streets of Zwelitsha.
They both rap in isiXhosa and aren’t wearing baggy clothes – just simple jeans, sunglasses and T-shirts.
“It’s a better way to express myself and people can relate better with me,” says Kobese. “With English they can easily miss the punch lines because not everybody is educated. This is the only way I can communicate with isiXhosa speakers across the board, be they from rural or urban areas. Even my mother can listen to my songs and get the message.”
East London hip-hopper and radio tru fm DJ, Trusenz, says isiXhosa hip-hop has been on the rise for some time and that 90 percent of the demo CDs he gets for his show are in isiXhosa. He says local rappers have upped their game by rapping about relevant issues. “IsiXhosa rap is definitely the in-thing now although it hasn’t taken on nationally as it should. The local market has put rappers under pressure to bring a local flavour ... I think it’s brilliant.”
‘I read papers and see things politicians do’
Kobese, aka Virus, maintains that his music is all about addressing social ills.
“Rap to me is about expression. There are good and bad things that happen to my life. I’ve got eyes and I see things happen in the townships, like the bad things guys do and the way some women carry themselves. I read newspapers and see the bad things that politicians do.”
With the older generation frowning on hip-hop because of the images of violence and the “skanky” girls in music videos, local rappers have had to fight twice as hard as their American counterparts to make their voices heard.
“People are always negative about hip-hop,” explains Ponco. “They forget that hip- hop is just poetry. Rapping in isiXhosa is not as easy as it seems because our lyrics have to flow nicely with the instruments and isiXhosa words can be too long.
“Some cats use metaphors to get the message across but we say it like it is and people are loving it. It’s spreading like a disease ekasi (in the townships).”
Tough to judge, tough to keep up the pace
Back at the auditions, things are hotting up. The judges – Proverb and producer maestro KB from the Ghetto Ruff label – are looking for a socially conscious rapper, who can think on his feet.
Proverb lays down the rules. “No swearing or rapping material that you have already written. If we suspect that you are cheating, we will give you a word or subject to rap about,” he warns.
The first round is called “Pass on the mic”, which requires rappers to pick up from where the previous one has left off without losing the flow. It’s a tough one to judge and even tougher for the rappers to keep up with the pace.
This is followed by the second round called “Word”, for which Proverb provides MCs with a topic, subject or a word with which to rap and rhyme. The judges come up with complex subjects from abortion and racism to simple ideas – but awkward for the rappers – like a can of Coke, paper and shoes.
In the last round, “Can I Kick It?”, the MCs are asked to rap about why they think they should be the next big rapper in the country.
Fusion of languages makes a big impact
The rapper in the traditional Basotho hat catches everyone’s attention. He’s 21-year- old Mmuso Mbonjwa and he mixes SeSotho, isiXhosa and English.
When he started as an MC in 2001 he rapped in English and in 2004 changed to SeSotho before dabbling in isiXhosa in 2007.
The fact that not too many people in the Eastern Cape understand Sesotho has proved limiting, but at the auditions, Mbonjwa’s fusion of the three languages makes a big impact on the audience.
“Vernac (vernacular) needs more concentration and research on idioms and that is why I read a lot of isiXhosa poetry,” he says
As for Motla, he says appearing on Versus is only the beginning of big things for isiXhosa hip-hop.
“We are determined to take this to the mainstream of Mzantsi hip-hop, in the same way that HHP did with Setswana,” he says.
Maybe then Proverb will have more reasons to smile at Motla when he jokes about his big belly.
l The Port Elizabeth auditions for Versus will be screened next Friday at 6.30pm on SABC1.
Phil Harris at Cornelia Marie
'Deadliest Catch' captain at Poppy's
Piloting the crab boat "Cornelia Marie" through the troubled waters of the Bering Sea may be less hazardous than wading through the waves of fans that showed up Friday night to meet Capt. Phil Harris of the Discovery Channel's popular reality show "Deadliest Catch" at Poppy's Fish, Poultry & More.
More than 500 Morgan Hill residents and outsiders visited the downtown market to meet and have their picture taken with the crusty commercial fisherman, known for his easy-going manner.
Harris, 51, has spent more than half of his life at sea, with 16 years on the Cornelia Marie and more than 30 years as a commercial fisherman. His new position as spokesman for Alaskan Amber beer is what prompted his visit to Morgan Hill.
The visit was the only Northern California stop for the captain, who lives in Seattle when he is not at sea. He and Michael Castelan, owner of Poppy's, have several things in common. They are third or fourth generation fishermen and hail from the Puget Sound area.
Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate, former Mayor Dennis Kennedy, City Councilman Larry Carr and former San Francisco 49ers football player Randy Kirk joined the crowds filing in and out of Poppy's Friday night.
source: http://morganhilltimes.com/news/246027-deadliest-catch-captain-at-poppys
Piloting the crab boat "Cornelia Marie" through the troubled waters of the Bering Sea may be less hazardous than wading through the waves of fans that showed up Friday night to meet Capt. Phil Harris of the Discovery Channel's popular reality show "Deadliest Catch" at Poppy's Fish, Poultry & More.
More than 500 Morgan Hill residents and outsiders visited the downtown market to meet and have their picture taken with the crusty commercial fisherman, known for his easy-going manner.
Harris, 51, has spent more than half of his life at sea, with 16 years on the Cornelia Marie and more than 30 years as a commercial fisherman. His new position as spokesman for Alaskan Amber beer is what prompted his visit to Morgan Hill.
The visit was the only Northern California stop for the captain, who lives in Seattle when he is not at sea. He and Michael Castelan, owner of Poppy's, have several things in common. They are third or fourth generation fishermen and hail from the Puget Sound area.
Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate, former Mayor Dennis Kennedy, City Councilman Larry Carr and former San Francisco 49ers football player Randy Kirk joined the crowds filing in and out of Poppy's Friday night.
source: http://morganhilltimes.com/news/246027-deadliest-catch-captain-at-poppys
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
CIROC Vodka
Tagged as "the hottest ticket on television," BET AWARDS ’08 brings together the biggest stars in music, sports and entertainment for an electrifying evening. For the past seven years, the BET AWARDS has boasted unforgettable moments such as Michael Jackson’s surprise appearance during James Brown’s tribute; Rick James in his final duet with Teena Marie; Will Smith presenting Muhammad Ali with the first-ever Humanitarian Award; Prince onstage backing Chaka Khan; Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams and India Arie in a powerhouse tribute to Rufus’ first lady of funk; Destiny’s Child’s steamy lap dance; the reunion of one of hip hop’s most beloved trios, The Fugees; and last year’s touching opening performance with Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday.
BET has once again teamed up with Cossette Productions, the famed producers of the GRAMMY Awards(R) and the seven record-setting BET AWARDS shows, to handle production of the telecast. Stephen Hill, BET Executive Vice President, Music and Programming, along with Lynne Harris-Taylor, BET Vice President of Specials, will executive produce the telecast.
BET AWARDS ’08 will be sponsored by Dodge, Pepsi, Verizon Wireless, General Motors, P&G, Target, CIROC Vodka and Ford.
Source: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/200806230930PR_NEWS_USPR_____NEM054.htm
About BET Networks
BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 87 million households according to Nielsen Media Research, and can be seen in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, an extension of BET network programming for global distribution.
BET has once again teamed up with Cossette Productions, the famed producers of the GRAMMY Awards(R) and the seven record-setting BET AWARDS shows, to handle production of the telecast. Stephen Hill, BET Executive Vice President, Music and Programming, along with Lynne Harris-Taylor, BET Vice President of Specials, will executive produce the telecast.
BET AWARDS ’08 will be sponsored by Dodge, Pepsi, Verizon Wireless, General Motors, P&G, Target, CIROC Vodka and Ford.
Source: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/200806230930PR_NEWS_USPR_____NEM054.htm
About BET Networks
BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 87 million households according to Nielsen Media Research, and can be seen in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, an extension of BET network programming for global distribution.
Lisa Lisa ! The missing pet salon owner
Police today confirmed that a burnt body found in a NSW forest is that of missing pet salon owner Lisa Keem.
Detectives from Strike Force Pullman, established to investigate the discovery of the body, contacted Ms Keem’s family to advise them of the identification.
Ms Keem's charred body was found by a man walking along Railway Dam Road in the Maria River State Forest, South Kempsey, on June 15.
Police know how she died but are not releasing the information.
They are appealing for more information, particularly from anyone who was in the forest around June 14-15.
They also say a 39-year-old man, who left Sydney on an international flight on Tuesday last week, might be able to help the inquiry.
The development comes as frustration has been building among Ms Keem's friends and family.
Friends of the salon owner had expressed anxiety nothing conclusive, until now, had been announced in the case, and some have also traded barbs with a relative of Ms Keem's ex-husband, Richard Giardina.
Police had wished to speak to Mr Giardina about Ms Keem's whereabouts, however her family believe he has gone overseas.
Ms Keem, 33, of Hervey Bay, was last seen on June 14. The next day, a charred body matching her description was discovered in the Maria River State Forest.
On a website appeal for information on Ms Keem's whereabouts on social-networking site Facebook, Carly Simone Spencer wrote:
"How bloody long is this going to take before we know whats happend to poor Lisa, i dont know her myself and im having trouble sleeping, i cant imagine what her poor family and friends are going through, lets hope shes found safe and well soon and that the body found is some other poor person."
A friend, Lindah George, also wrote:
"It just feels like we are the only ones doing anything about all this ... and its quite frustrating. I could not image what you and the family are going through!"
The website also appealed for information about Ms Keem's ex-husband, Richard Giardina.
"The family requests that can everyone please share this group to any know persons in Italy etc. Her Ex-Husband has fled the country and last known destination is Italy."
But a cousin of Mr Giardina warned Ms Keem's friends and family that it was too early to "point fingers".
"I just want everyone to know that despite Lisa going missing, we don't know the full story and we should not assume that my cousin is guilty of murder.
"When there is a body found then you can point fingers but until then concentrate on finding her not blaming people."
A friend of Ms Keem, Amy Walsh, wrote:
"Back off Peta have the respect and decency to let her family and friends deal with this in peace."
The creator of the site, Ms Keem's friend Catalina Tapia, urged people not to use the site as a "boxing ring".
"I created this site for Lisa, because i loved her like my sister, and I wanted to create awareness about her disappearance, I don't think it's fair to her or her family that the site be used as a boxing ring."
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/body-in-bush-is-lisa/2008/06/24/1214073223447.html
Detectives from Strike Force Pullman, established to investigate the discovery of the body, contacted Ms Keem’s family to advise them of the identification.
Ms Keem's charred body was found by a man walking along Railway Dam Road in the Maria River State Forest, South Kempsey, on June 15.
Police know how she died but are not releasing the information.
They are appealing for more information, particularly from anyone who was in the forest around June 14-15.
They also say a 39-year-old man, who left Sydney on an international flight on Tuesday last week, might be able to help the inquiry.
The development comes as frustration has been building among Ms Keem's friends and family.
Friends of the salon owner had expressed anxiety nothing conclusive, until now, had been announced in the case, and some have also traded barbs with a relative of Ms Keem's ex-husband, Richard Giardina.
Police had wished to speak to Mr Giardina about Ms Keem's whereabouts, however her family believe he has gone overseas.
Ms Keem, 33, of Hervey Bay, was last seen on June 14. The next day, a charred body matching her description was discovered in the Maria River State Forest.
On a website appeal for information on Ms Keem's whereabouts on social-networking site Facebook, Carly Simone Spencer wrote:
"How bloody long is this going to take before we know whats happend to poor Lisa, i dont know her myself and im having trouble sleeping, i cant imagine what her poor family and friends are going through, lets hope shes found safe and well soon and that the body found is some other poor person."
A friend, Lindah George, also wrote:
"It just feels like we are the only ones doing anything about all this ... and its quite frustrating. I could not image what you and the family are going through!"
The website also appealed for information about Ms Keem's ex-husband, Richard Giardina.
"The family requests that can everyone please share this group to any know persons in Italy etc. Her Ex-Husband has fled the country and last known destination is Italy."
But a cousin of Mr Giardina warned Ms Keem's friends and family that it was too early to "point fingers".
"I just want everyone to know that despite Lisa going missing, we don't know the full story and we should not assume that my cousin is guilty of murder.
"When there is a body found then you can point fingers but until then concentrate on finding her not blaming people."
A friend of Ms Keem, Amy Walsh, wrote:
"Back off Peta have the respect and decency to let her family and friends deal with this in peace."
The creator of the site, Ms Keem's friend Catalina Tapia, urged people not to use the site as a "boxing ring".
"I created this site for Lisa, because i loved her like my sister, and I wanted to create awareness about her disappearance, I don't think it's fair to her or her family that the site be used as a boxing ring."
Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/body-in-bush-is-lisa/2008/06/24/1214073223447.html
Pimp C was honored by Bun B
LOS ANGELES (AP) — T-Pain transformed the BET Awards into a circus Tuesday with a multi-artist medley that showed the rapper and singer's wide-ranging influence on urban music.
Wearing a spangled top hat, T-Pain — nominated for a leading five BET Awards — shared the stage with fellow nominees Flo Rida, Rick Ross, Ludacris and Big Boi, along with a bevy of big-top freaks, including fire eaters and acrobats.
"This industry is my circus," said T-Pain. "Ride with the ringleader."
Then T-Pain — whose nominations came not for his own hits but for his collaborations with others, and whose vocoder-assisted voice is among the most ubiquitous in urban music — gave a sample of his musical assists over the past year.
Double nominee Flo Rida performed his hit with T-Pain, "Low"; a bare-chested Ross flaunted his gut while singing his song with T-Pain, "Boss"; and all joined in on the collaborative "I'm So Hood."
Not to be outdone, the ladies offered a showstopping performance of their own, led by double nominee Alicia Keys. Rocking a sleek bob and skintight jeans, Keys invited vintage girl groups SWV, En Vogue and TLC to join her onstage for a medley of their biggest hits. By the time they closed with TLC's "Waterfalls," the crowd at the Shrine Auditorium was on its feet. Even Kanye West was singing along.
"This performance was surreal," SWV's Leanne Lyons said backstage. "When we got the call that Alicia Keys was one of our biggest fans and that she wanted one of her favorite groups from the '90s to perform with her, it humbled us. She shared the stage. She's not ego tripping."
Kanye West won two awards: best male hip-hop artist and best collaboration for "Good Life," his song with T-Pain. And unlike past award shows, he didn't use his appearance to boost himself — at least that much. Instead, he praised T-Pain, calling him "a genius."
"We're blessed to be in this man's presence," West said. "I'll let y'all know because I'm one of the kings of this game. My opinion counts."
The rapper also paid homage to fellow nominee Lil Wayne when he won best male hip-hop artist: West called him "my fiercest competition." The New Orleans-based rapper last week sold 1 million copies of "Tha Carter III" for the year's best sales debut.
"You scared me man," West said. "Congratulations on selling over a million records. And they say hip hop is dead."
A somber moment came when UGK was named best group. Bun B honored his fallen bandmate, Pimp C, who died in December at age 33 from complications of sleep apnea.
"It's hard to do this with my brother not being here," Bun B said, while joined onstage with Pimp C's wife. "We want to thank y'all for supporting UGK all these years. It's still UGK for life... Long live Pimp C."
Usher opened the show with a bang — literally.
Pyrotechnics filled the auditorium as the singer performed "Love in this Club" from his latest album, "Here I Stand." The highly choreographed set, which featured Usher pop-locking, gyrating and grooving his way across the stage with a bevy of voluptuous dancers, gave the show a high-energy start.
Host D.L. Hughley's opening monologue was a little less explosive — his jokes about Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, the recently acquitted R. Kelly and President Bush fell flat — but he didn't slow the pace of the performance-heavy show.
Key collaborations kept the show buzzing along.
Singer (and BET reality star) Keyshia Cole gave a glamorous performance of her ballad "Heaven Sent," descending from the ceiling while wearing a long flowing gown, before a dancer ripped it off, revealing a white top and shorts as she sang her hit "Let It Go" with Lil Kim.
West rapped alongside Young Jeezy in performance that was marked by its omissions — censors muted much of their performance. Chris Brown, who was seated next to rumored girlfriend Rihanna, won the night's first award: best male R&B artist.
The 19-year-old crooner thanked "my mom, God, everybody. If I leave y'all out, I'm sorry."
Brown was joined onstage by Ciara for a sizzling performance that showed off each artist's dance skills.
Kobe Bryant and Missy Elliott were other early winners, but the best male athlete and female hip-hop artist weren't there to collect their awards, nor was the evening's best new artist winner, The-Dream.
Source: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jKWu3ve9QId2OZPwVsOR48LpoyBwD91GR54O0
Wearing a spangled top hat, T-Pain — nominated for a leading five BET Awards — shared the stage with fellow nominees Flo Rida, Rick Ross, Ludacris and Big Boi, along with a bevy of big-top freaks, including fire eaters and acrobats.
"This industry is my circus," said T-Pain. "Ride with the ringleader."
Then T-Pain — whose nominations came not for his own hits but for his collaborations with others, and whose vocoder-assisted voice is among the most ubiquitous in urban music — gave a sample of his musical assists over the past year.
Double nominee Flo Rida performed his hit with T-Pain, "Low"; a bare-chested Ross flaunted his gut while singing his song with T-Pain, "Boss"; and all joined in on the collaborative "I'm So Hood."
Not to be outdone, the ladies offered a showstopping performance of their own, led by double nominee Alicia Keys. Rocking a sleek bob and skintight jeans, Keys invited vintage girl groups SWV, En Vogue and TLC to join her onstage for a medley of their biggest hits. By the time they closed with TLC's "Waterfalls," the crowd at the Shrine Auditorium was on its feet. Even Kanye West was singing along.
"This performance was surreal," SWV's Leanne Lyons said backstage. "When we got the call that Alicia Keys was one of our biggest fans and that she wanted one of her favorite groups from the '90s to perform with her, it humbled us. She shared the stage. She's not ego tripping."
Kanye West won two awards: best male hip-hop artist and best collaboration for "Good Life," his song with T-Pain. And unlike past award shows, he didn't use his appearance to boost himself — at least that much. Instead, he praised T-Pain, calling him "a genius."
"We're blessed to be in this man's presence," West said. "I'll let y'all know because I'm one of the kings of this game. My opinion counts."
The rapper also paid homage to fellow nominee Lil Wayne when he won best male hip-hop artist: West called him "my fiercest competition." The New Orleans-based rapper last week sold 1 million copies of "Tha Carter III" for the year's best sales debut.
"You scared me man," West said. "Congratulations on selling over a million records. And they say hip hop is dead."
A somber moment came when UGK was named best group. Bun B honored his fallen bandmate, Pimp C, who died in December at age 33 from complications of sleep apnea.
"It's hard to do this with my brother not being here," Bun B said, while joined onstage with Pimp C's wife. "We want to thank y'all for supporting UGK all these years. It's still UGK for life... Long live Pimp C."
Usher opened the show with a bang — literally.
Pyrotechnics filled the auditorium as the singer performed "Love in this Club" from his latest album, "Here I Stand." The highly choreographed set, which featured Usher pop-locking, gyrating and grooving his way across the stage with a bevy of voluptuous dancers, gave the show a high-energy start.
Host D.L. Hughley's opening monologue was a little less explosive — his jokes about Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, the recently acquitted R. Kelly and President Bush fell flat — but he didn't slow the pace of the performance-heavy show.
Key collaborations kept the show buzzing along.
Singer (and BET reality star) Keyshia Cole gave a glamorous performance of her ballad "Heaven Sent," descending from the ceiling while wearing a long flowing gown, before a dancer ripped it off, revealing a white top and shorts as she sang her hit "Let It Go" with Lil Kim.
West rapped alongside Young Jeezy in performance that was marked by its omissions — censors muted much of their performance. Chris Brown, who was seated next to rumored girlfriend Rihanna, won the night's first award: best male R&B artist.
The 19-year-old crooner thanked "my mom, God, everybody. If I leave y'all out, I'm sorry."
Brown was joined onstage by Ciara for a sizzling performance that showed off each artist's dance skills.
Kobe Bryant and Missy Elliott were other early winners, but the best male athlete and female hip-hop artist weren't there to collect their awards, nor was the evening's best new artist winner, The-Dream.
Source: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jKWu3ve9QId2OZPwVsOR48LpoyBwD91GR54O0
Kai Doh Maru
FROM THE CREATORS OF BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE FEUDAL JAPAN - The battle for the Capital city of Kyo rages as warring political factions vie for power against hereditary rulers. After the murder of her parents at the hands of her seditious uncle, a young girl named Kintoki flees to the mountains to lead a harsh life; she is renamed Kai Doh Maru by the local villagers. Rescued by Raiko, the Captain of 'The Four Knights' - honorable defenders who protect the peace of the city - she is raised within their group as a boy. Living among the Knights, she learns the martial arts and develops into a skillful samurai, becoming a permanent member of their team. Now, as a young woman of seventeen, she begins to discover new feelings of passion and love for Raiko... but she also discovers that these new emotions cause a storm of jealousy and rage in another woman linked to her past. Set in the political intrigue of Japan's Heian era (794 to 1192 AD), explosive action intertwined with a complex human drama are both brought to life in this atypical story of love, honor, jealousy and betrayal. Produced by the incomparable animation team at IG Plus/Production IG (Dead Leaves, Blood: The Last Vampire, Ghost in the Shell, Kill Bill) and featuring fully digital animation with elaborately drawn 3D backgrounds showcasing unique colorization, Kai Doh Maru takes you into a new and uncharted dimension of anime.
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Synopsis:
During Japan's Heian era, a young girl named Kintoki, who had been raised as a boy to carry on her family's name, is forced to flee to the mountains after the murder of her parents by her seditious uncle. The harsh life there changes her, giving her a wild fierceness which earns her the name Kai Doh Maru (the meaning of which the anime doesn't make clear) from fearful villagers. Eventually she is rescued by Lord Raiko, who raises and trains her as a soldier. Now 17, she is a core member of the Four Knights of the Ministry of Defense, the guardians of the city of Kyo. She deeply respects Lord Raiko, and has secretly grown to love him—as he has secretly grown to love her. However, the dangerous politics of the time and a threat to all of Kyo from an insanely jealous former suitor of Kintoki put up a formidable barrier to the realization of their budding relationship.
Kai Doh Maru opens on a distorted black-and-white sequence that evokes traditional Japanese wall scrolls as well as modern manga. As a winded young prince and his retainer flee through a forest, demon-masked men corner and confront the fleeing pair. Unmasking himself, one of the hunters orders his men to kill the boy, whom he calls "Kintoki." The boy gasps when he realizes the masked man is his uncle, but their reunion is cut short as another man intervenes, carrying Kintoki away and asking him, "Little one, are you the Kaidohmaru?"
Our Pick: C-
Five years later, in 894 A.D., two figures, a white-haired boy and a traditionally garbed princess, discuss plague as they watch corpses float by in a diseased river. The princess flashes back to a time when she offered to marry Kintoki. Elsewhere, Kintoki's rescuer, Raiko, speaks to his lord about the magic-using evildoers in the area, and about security for a festival. He finds and speaks to Kintoki, who is now a girl. Meanwhile, a man offers "the usual sacrifices"—two apparently sleeping children—to the white-haired boy and the princess. Shortly thereafter, two scarred monks discuss the heat and Kintoki's sadness, and how what she needs is her rescuer, Lord Raiko. Then they're all patrolling together, and they meet with the white-haired boy, who displays unusual powers as he lops the heads and feet off their horses. None of these events quite seem to cohere into a narrative; the characters are clearly connected, but Kai Doh Maru reads more as a disjointed series of vaguely related events than as a story.
Review:
Kaidohmaru has all the story elements of a wonderfully intricate historical drama, including an intriguing set-up, interesting central characters, complex political maneuvering, and sharp action scenes. It fails to capitalize on its potential because it tries to pack the whole story into a mere 40 minutes. The result is a truncated featurette which would have fared much better at half again (or more) its actual length. Its story is unlikely to be fully understood unless some research is done into the time period and the character profiles included in the extras are consulted. The ending could have been satisfying with a proper build-up, but as it is the viewer is left feeling that some scenes are missing, too many things are not put into context, and a few too many things are left unresolved. It also suffers from some odd editing choices, such as black-screened cut scenes which are used frequently at scene transitions.
The artistry for Kaidohmaru, which was produced by Production I.G., includes some of the most novel and distinctive stylistic elements you'll see in any anime. CG effects and visuals are used extensively, resulting in some scenes which are beautifully enhanced and others which are too grossly computer-generated to be properly appreciated. Most of the watercolor-based artistry has a faded color scheme and extremely washed out look which makes the whole piece seem like you're viewing it through a smoky filter. According to notes included with the DVD, the intent was to capture the look and feel of artwork from the time period in which the title is set. It's an interesting effect, but one that I could do without, since it makes it difficult to appreciate the quality of the drawings and character designs. In a very unusual move, the early scenes showing how Kintoki came to hook up with Lord Raiko are done almost completely in a crude black-and-white pencil-sketch style with only occasional computer-enhanced coloring. The effect, I'm guessing, is intended to imply that those scenes are all in the indistinct past, episodes which are best left forgotten. Many subtleties are supposedly worked into the artwork, especially effects meant to suggest changing seasons, but even after the supporting documentation told me what to look for I had a hard time spotting these effects. The supporting animation is very good, with many action scenes happening so quickly and smoothly that you may have to slow down the replay just to follow all the moves.
The soundtrack for Kaidohmaru, which is infused with medieval musical themes, offers 2.0 and Dolby 5.1 options for both the English and Japanese language tracks. Subtitling options are separate from language options, which is always a plus. The subtitles themselves have some distinct inconsistencies, however. This is most notable in the case of Ohni-Hime, whose name is sometimes translated in the subtitles as “princess” and at other times just left as the original “hime,” with no apparent rhyme or reason as to why it wasn't consistently done the same way the whole time. The English dub is much more consistent about this, with a decision apparently having been made not to translate “hime” when used as part of her name. In fact, the English dub script is as faithful to the subtitles as any title I've seen, with the only differences being the removal of contractions and the addition of a few “filler” words to get the vocals to better match the lip flaps. This results in a dub track which sounds quite strained and stilted at times (which offers up a perfect example of why dub scripts should concentrate more on being faithful to original meaning rather than the most literal possible translation, but that's an issue for another day) and does an inadequate job of matching up words to lip flaps. The original Japanese vocals are actually worse at that, though, so this criticism isn't exclusive to the English dub. Substantial discrepancies can also be heard between the type of voices used in the Japanese and English vocal tracks; Kintoki has a lower-pitched and more male-sounding voice in Japanese than in English, for instance, and the character of Ibaragi sounds distinctly male in English but more androgynous in Japanese.
The DVD release of Kaidohmaru shines brightest in its extensive and well-rounded set of extras. The profiles provided for all significant characters fill in some of the gaps in the story and include links to design boards and feature clips of that character in the animation. Character design boards and Manga Enterainment previews and information are also included. Another extra is a 9-minute long Round Table discussion involving the director, animation director, and character designer, which provides some insight into why certain creative decisions were undertaken. The most interesting and original extra is the CG Models feature, which does a visual review of key CG-animated settings and provides extensive details behind the creation of those elements. Fair warning: the text displayed during these reviews doesn't stay on the screen long, so unless you're a speed-reader you'll want to watch those parts with your finger on the “pause” button. The liner of the DVD case includes an attractive mini-poster of the main character and an explanation about some of the artistic elements.
Though it contains no nudity or sexual elements, Kaidohmaru is still quite graphic. Limbs are severed, throats are cut, and people get stabbed, and this is absolutely not something that a horse-lover should be watching. Although the violence isn't excessive or particularly gory, this is not a title for younger viewers.
Finally about the name: although the subtitle text and credits list Kaidohmaru as the main character's name, the extras, title screen, and packaging all list it as Kaidohmaru instead. Which is correct is uncertain.
Source: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/kai-doh-maru/dvd
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Synopsis:
During Japan's Heian era, a young girl named Kintoki, who had been raised as a boy to carry on her family's name, is forced to flee to the mountains after the murder of her parents by her seditious uncle. The harsh life there changes her, giving her a wild fierceness which earns her the name Kai Doh Maru (the meaning of which the anime doesn't make clear) from fearful villagers. Eventually she is rescued by Lord Raiko, who raises and trains her as a soldier. Now 17, she is a core member of the Four Knights of the Ministry of Defense, the guardians of the city of Kyo. She deeply respects Lord Raiko, and has secretly grown to love him—as he has secretly grown to love her. However, the dangerous politics of the time and a threat to all of Kyo from an insanely jealous former suitor of Kintoki put up a formidable barrier to the realization of their budding relationship.
Kai Doh Maru opens on a distorted black-and-white sequence that evokes traditional Japanese wall scrolls as well as modern manga. As a winded young prince and his retainer flee through a forest, demon-masked men corner and confront the fleeing pair. Unmasking himself, one of the hunters orders his men to kill the boy, whom he calls "Kintoki." The boy gasps when he realizes the masked man is his uncle, but their reunion is cut short as another man intervenes, carrying Kintoki away and asking him, "Little one, are you the Kaidohmaru?"
Our Pick: C-
Five years later, in 894 A.D., two figures, a white-haired boy and a traditionally garbed princess, discuss plague as they watch corpses float by in a diseased river. The princess flashes back to a time when she offered to marry Kintoki. Elsewhere, Kintoki's rescuer, Raiko, speaks to his lord about the magic-using evildoers in the area, and about security for a festival. He finds and speaks to Kintoki, who is now a girl. Meanwhile, a man offers "the usual sacrifices"—two apparently sleeping children—to the white-haired boy and the princess. Shortly thereafter, two scarred monks discuss the heat and Kintoki's sadness, and how what she needs is her rescuer, Lord Raiko. Then they're all patrolling together, and they meet with the white-haired boy, who displays unusual powers as he lops the heads and feet off their horses. None of these events quite seem to cohere into a narrative; the characters are clearly connected, but Kai Doh Maru reads more as a disjointed series of vaguely related events than as a story.
Review:
Kaidohmaru has all the story elements of a wonderfully intricate historical drama, including an intriguing set-up, interesting central characters, complex political maneuvering, and sharp action scenes. It fails to capitalize on its potential because it tries to pack the whole story into a mere 40 minutes. The result is a truncated featurette which would have fared much better at half again (or more) its actual length. Its story is unlikely to be fully understood unless some research is done into the time period and the character profiles included in the extras are consulted. The ending could have been satisfying with a proper build-up, but as it is the viewer is left feeling that some scenes are missing, too many things are not put into context, and a few too many things are left unresolved. It also suffers from some odd editing choices, such as black-screened cut scenes which are used frequently at scene transitions.
The artistry for Kaidohmaru, which was produced by Production I.G., includes some of the most novel and distinctive stylistic elements you'll see in any anime. CG effects and visuals are used extensively, resulting in some scenes which are beautifully enhanced and others which are too grossly computer-generated to be properly appreciated. Most of the watercolor-based artistry has a faded color scheme and extremely washed out look which makes the whole piece seem like you're viewing it through a smoky filter. According to notes included with the DVD, the intent was to capture the look and feel of artwork from the time period in which the title is set. It's an interesting effect, but one that I could do without, since it makes it difficult to appreciate the quality of the drawings and character designs. In a very unusual move, the early scenes showing how Kintoki came to hook up with Lord Raiko are done almost completely in a crude black-and-white pencil-sketch style with only occasional computer-enhanced coloring. The effect, I'm guessing, is intended to imply that those scenes are all in the indistinct past, episodes which are best left forgotten. Many subtleties are supposedly worked into the artwork, especially effects meant to suggest changing seasons, but even after the supporting documentation told me what to look for I had a hard time spotting these effects. The supporting animation is very good, with many action scenes happening so quickly and smoothly that you may have to slow down the replay just to follow all the moves.
The soundtrack for Kaidohmaru, which is infused with medieval musical themes, offers 2.0 and Dolby 5.1 options for both the English and Japanese language tracks. Subtitling options are separate from language options, which is always a plus. The subtitles themselves have some distinct inconsistencies, however. This is most notable in the case of Ohni-Hime, whose name is sometimes translated in the subtitles as “princess” and at other times just left as the original “hime,” with no apparent rhyme or reason as to why it wasn't consistently done the same way the whole time. The English dub is much more consistent about this, with a decision apparently having been made not to translate “hime” when used as part of her name. In fact, the English dub script is as faithful to the subtitles as any title I've seen, with the only differences being the removal of contractions and the addition of a few “filler” words to get the vocals to better match the lip flaps. This results in a dub track which sounds quite strained and stilted at times (which offers up a perfect example of why dub scripts should concentrate more on being faithful to original meaning rather than the most literal possible translation, but that's an issue for another day) and does an inadequate job of matching up words to lip flaps. The original Japanese vocals are actually worse at that, though, so this criticism isn't exclusive to the English dub. Substantial discrepancies can also be heard between the type of voices used in the Japanese and English vocal tracks; Kintoki has a lower-pitched and more male-sounding voice in Japanese than in English, for instance, and the character of Ibaragi sounds distinctly male in English but more androgynous in Japanese.
The DVD release of Kaidohmaru shines brightest in its extensive and well-rounded set of extras. The profiles provided for all significant characters fill in some of the gaps in the story and include links to design boards and feature clips of that character in the animation. Character design boards and Manga Enterainment previews and information are also included. Another extra is a 9-minute long Round Table discussion involving the director, animation director, and character designer, which provides some insight into why certain creative decisions were undertaken. The most interesting and original extra is the CG Models feature, which does a visual review of key CG-animated settings and provides extensive details behind the creation of those elements. Fair warning: the text displayed during these reviews doesn't stay on the screen long, so unless you're a speed-reader you'll want to watch those parts with your finger on the “pause” button. The liner of the DVD case includes an attractive mini-poster of the main character and an explanation about some of the artistic elements.
Though it contains no nudity or sexual elements, Kaidohmaru is still quite graphic. Limbs are severed, throats are cut, and people get stabbed, and this is absolutely not something that a horse-lover should be watching. Although the violence isn't excessive or particularly gory, this is not a title for younger viewers.
Finally about the name: although the subtitle text and credits list Kaidohmaru as the main character's name, the extras, title screen, and packaging all list it as Kaidohmaru instead. Which is correct is uncertain.
Source: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/kai-doh-maru/dvd
Monday, June 23, 2008
Vince McMahon Injured On RAW
Moments after giving away $500,000 in "McMahon's Million Dollar Mania," the WWE Chairman appeared to be severly injured in a bizarre accident when lighting equipment crashed onto the stage and a large electric sign toppled onto him at the AT&T Center.
The extent of any injuries were not known at press time, however, the WWE Chairman was immediately treated at the scene by paramedics who loaded him onto a stretcher and rushed him to a local medical facility.
WWE officials said that they are conducting a preliminary investigation into the equipment failure. Officials also said that any emerging facts, as well as Mr. McMahon�s medical condition, will be updated at the WrestleMania XXV press conference on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Houston. The press conference will be streaming live on WWE.com.
The WWE Draft, Vince McMahon giving away his millions
Rich: With the draft taking place tonight, it got me to thinking of the last time WWE had a draft. I remember that one being very disappointing. I have my eyes on MVP, Mr. Kennedy, and Jeff Hardy, who are ironically not involved yet in the upcoming PPV. Then we have guys like C.M. Punk, Elijah Burke, and Batista who could possibly use a change of scenery. What are your thoughts on the draft?
Chris: I would like to see a lottery like we had in June 2005. If you remember, both champions switched places and a lot of people moved over the course of the month. Now I don’t want a month long draft, but I would like to see major names move around.
I’d like to see Triple H/Edge, MVP/Jericho, HBK/Batista (in a real feud, not a one and done) and Kennedy/Jeff Hardy. I like Punk and Burke too, but they have been so diminished recently that they need a decent push after the draft before I would care. There are also guys like Paul Burchill and Vladimir Kozlov who I think could be fun to watch once given the chance.
Rich: I guess it depends on if they are looking to give some underutilized stars an opportunity, or if they just want to freshen up the main event scene. Hopefully it is a mixture of both. I like your idea of a Triple H vs. Edge feud, however, with both of them being champions; I do not see that happening right now. I would not mind MVP vs. Jericho, but I would love for it to be over a world championship, not a secondary title.
The extent of any injuries were not known at press time, however, the WWE Chairman was immediately treated at the scene by paramedics who loaded him onto a stretcher and rushed him to a local medical facility.
WWE officials said that they are conducting a preliminary investigation into the equipment failure. Officials also said that any emerging facts, as well as Mr. McMahon�s medical condition, will be updated at the WrestleMania XXV press conference on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Houston. The press conference will be streaming live on WWE.com.
The WWE Draft, Vince McMahon giving away his millions
Rich: With the draft taking place tonight, it got me to thinking of the last time WWE had a draft. I remember that one being very disappointing. I have my eyes on MVP, Mr. Kennedy, and Jeff Hardy, who are ironically not involved yet in the upcoming PPV. Then we have guys like C.M. Punk, Elijah Burke, and Batista who could possibly use a change of scenery. What are your thoughts on the draft?
Chris: I would like to see a lottery like we had in June 2005. If you remember, both champions switched places and a lot of people moved over the course of the month. Now I don’t want a month long draft, but I would like to see major names move around.
I’d like to see Triple H/Edge, MVP/Jericho, HBK/Batista (in a real feud, not a one and done) and Kennedy/Jeff Hardy. I like Punk and Burke too, but they have been so diminished recently that they need a decent push after the draft before I would care. There are also guys like Paul Burchill and Vladimir Kozlov who I think could be fun to watch once given the chance.
Rich: I guess it depends on if they are looking to give some underutilized stars an opportunity, or if they just want to freshen up the main event scene. Hopefully it is a mixture of both. I like your idea of a Triple H vs. Edge feud, however, with both of them being champions; I do not see that happening right now. I would not mind MVP vs. Jericho, but I would love for it to be over a world championship, not a secondary title.
GRAHAM BUNN
'Bachelorette' recap: DeAnna, Graham and the lost loner's love letter
DeAnna Interview about GRAHAM BUNN
Graham is unbelievably smokin’ hot. He’s my type 100 percent. I don’t really know how to explain it but I have this really passionate feeling toward Graham. He makes me feel like a giddy schoolgirl. Graham got the first kiss but I have to admit we’ve had a rocky relationship. I keep Graham around because there is an undeniable connection between the two of us. I just feel something in my gut that tells me Graham is meant to be here.
(Aka he’s fantasy suite material. Keep!)
RALEIGH, N.C. – GRAHAM
DeAnna: “Today it will be just the two of us. It’s his chance to open up and show his emotions.”
They are at his high school. Oh great, he’s one of those guys who relives his high school days.
DeAnna: “He was so cute. I could not take my hands off Graham. I was so happy to see him.”
Grrrrr. Hands off.
In gym. Graham: “This is where I grew up.”
He made her a basketball T-shirt with his own name on it. (His last name is Bunn.)
He isn’t making too many baskets. He looks good in that shirt, though.
DeAnna: “You’re so talkative today, Graham.”
Graham: “When it’s just us, it’s fun.”
I like that about him. He’s not in it to show off for the cameras.
Graham: “My parents are going to celebrate having a good Southern girl in the house. It’s been several several years since I’ve brought a girl home to meet my parents.”
I love the cute little dance Graham did when he said hello to his parents.
His mom asks what’s harder – being one of 25 girls or the one girl with 25 guys. She picks being where she is now.
His mom rubs me the wrong way. Dad seems OK. She’s a bit too chatty.
Dad: “Do you think you’d be friends? That’s the most important thing.”
Hmm. They don’t seem too friend-like. It’s hormone city.
Oh the trophy wall.
Do we get to see Graham’s house? Or is that up in New York City?
Dad: “She talks too fast to be from Georgia.”
Graham talks about how beautiful she is – but what do they have in common?
DeAnna: “I’m worried that he’s not ready for me.”
Mom: “He’s not really had a lot of serious girlfriends. Finding someone that lasts past four weeks is difficult for Graham. He also doesn’t bring people in totally so he’s sort of lonely. Even though he’s got such a broad breadth of friends, he’s a little bit of a loner.”
DeAnna: “I feel like I’m falling for him more than he is for me.”
Mom: “You’ll make the decision that works for you.”
Oh big help, Ma. You threw Graham under the bus! You turned him into a s’more!
DeAnna tells Graham she loves his mom and has a feel for how he got to be the way he is.
Which somehow puts him in Eeyore mode.
OK …
What is Graham up to with his quiet bench time?
DeAnna: “When something’s bothering you, instead of talking about it you run away.”
Graham: “No, I handle it internally.”
DeAnna: “I’m definitely not as closed off.”
Graham: “Why do you think I’m closed off?”
DeAnna: “Is this how it would be when it’s just me and you?”
Graham: “This is how I am, so I guess it is.”
Why did he shut down? Why did he go in safety mode?
DeAnna with serious face in limo: “I’m disappointed. … I don’t know that I can spend the rest of my life begging Graham to fall in love with me.”
Hell, I’ll take up that post. Pass the baton, chica.
DeAnna Interview about GRAHAM BUNN
Graham is unbelievably smokin’ hot. He’s my type 100 percent. I don’t really know how to explain it but I have this really passionate feeling toward Graham. He makes me feel like a giddy schoolgirl. Graham got the first kiss but I have to admit we’ve had a rocky relationship. I keep Graham around because there is an undeniable connection between the two of us. I just feel something in my gut that tells me Graham is meant to be here.
(Aka he’s fantasy suite material. Keep!)
RALEIGH, N.C. – GRAHAM
DeAnna: “Today it will be just the two of us. It’s his chance to open up and show his emotions.”
They are at his high school. Oh great, he’s one of those guys who relives his high school days.
DeAnna: “He was so cute. I could not take my hands off Graham. I was so happy to see him.”
Grrrrr. Hands off.
In gym. Graham: “This is where I grew up.”
He made her a basketball T-shirt with his own name on it. (His last name is Bunn.)
He isn’t making too many baskets. He looks good in that shirt, though.
DeAnna: “You’re so talkative today, Graham.”
Graham: “When it’s just us, it’s fun.”
I like that about him. He’s not in it to show off for the cameras.
Graham: “My parents are going to celebrate having a good Southern girl in the house. It’s been several several years since I’ve brought a girl home to meet my parents.”
I love the cute little dance Graham did when he said hello to his parents.
His mom asks what’s harder – being one of 25 girls or the one girl with 25 guys. She picks being where she is now.
His mom rubs me the wrong way. Dad seems OK. She’s a bit too chatty.
Dad: “Do you think you’d be friends? That’s the most important thing.”
Hmm. They don’t seem too friend-like. It’s hormone city.
Oh the trophy wall.
Do we get to see Graham’s house? Or is that up in New York City?
Dad: “She talks too fast to be from Georgia.”
Graham talks about how beautiful she is – but what do they have in common?
DeAnna: “I’m worried that he’s not ready for me.”
Mom: “He’s not really had a lot of serious girlfriends. Finding someone that lasts past four weeks is difficult for Graham. He also doesn’t bring people in totally so he’s sort of lonely. Even though he’s got such a broad breadth of friends, he’s a little bit of a loner.”
DeAnna: “I feel like I’m falling for him more than he is for me.”
Mom: “You’ll make the decision that works for you.”
Oh big help, Ma. You threw Graham under the bus! You turned him into a s’more!
DeAnna tells Graham she loves his mom and has a feel for how he got to be the way he is.
Which somehow puts him in Eeyore mode.
OK …
What is Graham up to with his quiet bench time?
DeAnna: “When something’s bothering you, instead of talking about it you run away.”
Graham: “No, I handle it internally.”
DeAnna: “I’m definitely not as closed off.”
Graham: “Why do you think I’m closed off?”
DeAnna: “Is this how it would be when it’s just me and you?”
Graham: “This is how I am, so I guess it is.”
Why did he shut down? Why did he go in safety mode?
DeAnna with serious face in limo: “I’m disappointed. … I don’t know that I can spend the rest of my life begging Graham to fall in love with me.”
Hell, I’ll take up that post. Pass the baton, chica.
disneychannel.com/camprock || FREE MOVIE
Disney to offer free movies online
Daniel will stream full-length movies on its website for the first time, as part of its Wonderful World of Disney series on ABC. The films are scheduled to stream through August. Finding Nemo is available at www.Disney.com/WWoD (http://www.Disney.com/WWoD) through Friday, after the film’s airing last Saturday on Disney-owned ABC. Monsters, Inc., Haunted Mansion, Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen, Princess Diaries 2, Freaky Friday and Peter Pan also will be available on the site this summer. A Disney spokesman said the decision to stream movies for free marks an “evolution” in the company’s online strategy. Fox, Universal, Lionsgate and MGM have all previously placed titles on Hulu, the NBC Universal/News Corp.-owned site, while Disney has gone the pay route and kept its films, for the most part, on iTunes.
Disney Channel does, though, stream episodes of its series online for free. The spokesman said that the “advertising strategy has not been finalised” for the films. The movies will be on Disney.com from Monday through Friday after their ABC broadcast the preceding Saturday night as Wonderful World Of Disney presentations. Peter Pan will be the last movie to stream, ending its run on August 8. Disney.com also will stream the Disney Channel original movie Camp Rock on June 23 at www.Disney.com/CampRock for a 24-hour window after its June 20 TV premiere and subsequent airings on June 21 on ABC and June 22 on ABC Family.
Source: http://www.screenindia.com/news/Transformers-comes-to-BlueRay/323931/
Daniel will stream full-length movies on its website for the first time, as part of its Wonderful World of Disney series on ABC. The films are scheduled to stream through August. Finding Nemo is available at www.Disney.com/WWoD (http://www.Disney.com/WWoD) through Friday, after the film’s airing last Saturday on Disney-owned ABC. Monsters, Inc., Haunted Mansion, Confessions Of A Teenage Drama Queen, Princess Diaries 2, Freaky Friday and Peter Pan also will be available on the site this summer. A Disney spokesman said the decision to stream movies for free marks an “evolution” in the company’s online strategy. Fox, Universal, Lionsgate and MGM have all previously placed titles on Hulu, the NBC Universal/News Corp.-owned site, while Disney has gone the pay route and kept its films, for the most part, on iTunes.
Disney Channel does, though, stream episodes of its series online for free. The spokesman said that the “advertising strategy has not been finalised” for the films. The movies will be on Disney.com from Monday through Friday after their ABC broadcast the preceding Saturday night as Wonderful World Of Disney presentations. Peter Pan will be the last movie to stream, ending its run on August 8. Disney.com also will stream the Disney Channel original movie Camp Rock on June 23 at www.Disney.com/CampRock for a 24-hour window after its June 20 TV premiere and subsequent airings on June 21 on ABC and June 22 on ABC Family.
Source: http://www.screenindia.com/news/Transformers-comes-to-BlueRay/323931/
Emphysema is diagnosed to Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse has been diagnosed with emphysema, thought to have been caused by smoking crack cocaine, her father has revealed.
The Grammy-award winning singer is being treated in a private London hospital, and could require a permanent oxygen mask, Mitch Winehouse told the Sunday Mirror.
The taxi driver said that his daughter started a drug replacement programme last Tuesday after being told she would need to wear the mask and may be confined to a wheelchair unless she abstained from smoking crack cocaine.
“With smoking the crack cocaine and the cigarettes, her lungs are all gunked up. There are nodules around the chest and dark marks. She's got 70 per cent lung capacity."
“The doctors have told her if she goes back to smoking drugs it won't just ruin her voice, it will kill her.”
The singer, 24, was admitted to The Clinic last week after collapsing at her north London home. She told doctors she had not slept for 48 hours and they found she was suffering from an irregular heartbeat.
Scans showed Winehouse, who is scheduled to play at Glastonbury this weekend, had a lump in her chest, but doctors ruled out cancer and diagnosed the progressive lung disease.
British Lung Foundation spokesperson Dr Keith Prowse said Chronic Obstrusive Pulmonary Disease, an umbrella term for lung conditions like emphysema, rarely affected people in their twenties.
“It normally affects people in their forties onwards, but heavy smoking and inhaling other substances like drugs can age the lungs prematurely and bring on early onset in someone much younger.”
“COPD causes irreversible damage to the lungs, leaving the sufferer struggling for breath. The disease is progressive but it can be managed with treatment and stopping smoking is vital to slow it down and stop the lungs getting any worse."
Dr Prowse indicated Winehouse’s celebrated voice could be affected by her illness.
“In the late stages of the disease people with COPD struggle to walk more than a few steps and often are confined to a wheelchair. They have difficulty taking part in everyday activities. Anyone who relies on their lungs for a living, such as a singer, dancer, or musician, would struggle to find the breath to perform effectively.”
Winehouse won world-wide acclaim after releasing her second album, Back to Black, in 2006, but has since become more famous for her drug problems and chaotic lifesyle.
Over the past year she has been arrested four times, checked in and out of rehab repeatedly, and cancelled a string of performances.
Her husband of one year, Blake Fielder-Civil, is in prison after pleading guilty to charges of assault and perverting the course of justice.
Source: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article4197311.ece
The Grammy-award winning singer is being treated in a private London hospital, and could require a permanent oxygen mask, Mitch Winehouse told the Sunday Mirror.
The taxi driver said that his daughter started a drug replacement programme last Tuesday after being told she would need to wear the mask and may be confined to a wheelchair unless she abstained from smoking crack cocaine.
“With smoking the crack cocaine and the cigarettes, her lungs are all gunked up. There are nodules around the chest and dark marks. She's got 70 per cent lung capacity."
“The doctors have told her if she goes back to smoking drugs it won't just ruin her voice, it will kill her.”
The singer, 24, was admitted to The Clinic last week after collapsing at her north London home. She told doctors she had not slept for 48 hours and they found she was suffering from an irregular heartbeat.
Scans showed Winehouse, who is scheduled to play at Glastonbury this weekend, had a lump in her chest, but doctors ruled out cancer and diagnosed the progressive lung disease.
British Lung Foundation spokesperson Dr Keith Prowse said Chronic Obstrusive Pulmonary Disease, an umbrella term for lung conditions like emphysema, rarely affected people in their twenties.
“It normally affects people in their forties onwards, but heavy smoking and inhaling other substances like drugs can age the lungs prematurely and bring on early onset in someone much younger.”
“COPD causes irreversible damage to the lungs, leaving the sufferer struggling for breath. The disease is progressive but it can be managed with treatment and stopping smoking is vital to slow it down and stop the lungs getting any worse."
Dr Prowse indicated Winehouse’s celebrated voice could be affected by her illness.
“In the late stages of the disease people with COPD struggle to walk more than a few steps and often are confined to a wheelchair. They have difficulty taking part in everyday activities. Anyone who relies on their lungs for a living, such as a singer, dancer, or musician, would struggle to find the breath to perform effectively.”
Winehouse won world-wide acclaim after releasing her second album, Back to Black, in 2006, but has since become more famous for her drug problems and chaotic lifesyle.
Over the past year she has been arrested four times, checked in and out of rehab repeatedly, and cancelled a string of performances.
Her husband of one year, Blake Fielder-Civil, is in prison after pleading guilty to charges of assault and perverting the course of justice.
Source: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article4197311.ece
Seven Words You Can Never Say On Tv
Seven Words You Can Never Say On Tv
George Carlin, an irreverent US comedian who was arrested for offensive language after performances of his cult routine "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television", has died in California of heart failure. He was 71.
Carlin was admitted to a Santa Monica hospital yesterday complaining of chest pain and died last evening, said his publicist, Jeff Abraham. He had a history of heart trouble and drug dependency.
He had performed as recently as last weekend at the Orleans Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas. The previous week it was announced that he was to be awarded the 11th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humour.
Carlin constantly pushed the envelope with his jokes, particularly with his most celebrated and controversial routine. When he uttered all seven words during a show in Milwaukee in 1972, he was arrested for disturbing the peace. When they were played on a New York radio station, they resulted in a Supreme Court ruling in 1978 upholding the government’s power to punish stations for broadcasting offensive language.
“So my name is a footnote in American legal history, which I’m perversely kind of proud of,” he said earlier this year.
Carlin hosted the first ever broadcast of the late night comedy show Saturday Night Live while high on drugs, noting on his website that he was “loaded on cocaine all week long”.
He was a cynic with a gloomy view of mankind. “The world is a big theatre-in-the-round as far as I’m concerned, and I’d love to watch it spin itself into oblivion,” he said. “Tune in and watch the human adventure.”
Carlin was born on May 12, 1937, and he and his brother were given a working-class Irish upbringing in the Morningside Heights section of Manhattan by their single mother. He kept the nuns at his school entertained with his jokes.
He dropped out of high school in the ninth grade, and joined the Air Force aged 17 in 1954. He claimed on his website that he received three court-martials and numerous disciplinary punishments.
After receiving a general discharge in 1957, he took an announcing job at a radio station in Boston. It didn't last. “Fired after three months for driving mobile news van to New York to buy pot,” his website claims.
Carlin took various temporary jobs, including as a carnival organist, a radio disc jockey and marketing peanut brittle, while he tried to get his comedy breakthrough, developing such characters as Al Sleet, a “hippie-dippie weatherman”.
His first chance came in 1960, after he and a friend, Jack Burns, moved to Hollywood to perform in nightclubs as a comedy double act, and were invited to appear on the Tonight Show with Jack Paar. But it was to be 1967 before he made his first solo television performance.
Not long after this, his act underwent a dramatic change. Carlin had once hoped to emulate the gentle humour of his childhood hero, Danny Kaye. When he found that this kindly vein of comedy didn't work for him, he developed a new style of edgy, provocative material, influenced by Lenny Bruce and Bob Newhart. At first his new, foul-mouthed act cost him bookings and popularity, but within a couple of years it paid off, as he was taken up by younger, more disaffected audiences.
His comedy revolved around a central theme: humanity is a cursed, doomed species. “I don’t have any beliefs or allegiances. I don’t believe in this country, I don’t believe in religion, or a god, and I don’t believe in all these man-made institutional ideas,” he said.
Balding and bearded, in the 1970s Carlin achieved the status of an anti-establishment icon with stand-up routines full of drug references. In the 1978 legal case that surrounded his "Seven Words..." routine, Federal Communications Commission vs Pacifica Foundation, the highest court in America ruled that the words cited in Carlin’s routine were indecent, and that the government’s broadcast regulator could ban them from being aired at times when children might be listening.
Drug addiction plagued him for much of his life, beginning with marijuana as a teenager, graduating to cocaine in the 1970s, and then to prescription painkillers and wine. During the cocaine years, Carlin ignored his finances and ended up owing about $3 million in back taxes. In 2004, he entered a Los Angeles rehab clinic for his alcohol and Vicodin abuse.
He produced 23 comedy albums, 14 HBO specials, three books, a couple of TV shows and appeared in several films, including Bill and Ted's Awesome Adventure. He recently voiced a hippie Volkswagen bus named Fillmore in the Pixar cartoon Cars.
Carlin is survived by his second wife Sally Wade, and his daughter Kelly Carlin McCall. His first wife, Brenda, died of cancer in 1997
Source: http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/stage/comedy/article4195666.ece
The following is a verbatim transcript of "Filthy Words" (the George Carlin monologue at issue in the Supreme Court case of FCC v. Pacifica Foundation) prepared by the Federal Communications Commission:
The original seven words were, shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits!
Aruba-du, ruba-tu, ruba-tu. I was thinking about the curse words and the swear words, the cuss words and the words that you can't say, that you're not supposed to say all the time, ['cause] words or people into words want to hear your words. Some guys like to record your words and sell them back to you if they can, (laughter) listen in on the telephone, write down what words you say. A guy who used to be in Washington knew that his phone was tapped, used to answer, Fuck Hoover, yes, go ahead. (laughter) Okay, I was thinking one night about the words you couldn't say on the public, ah, airwaves, um, the ones you definitely wouldn't say, ever, [']cause I heard a lady say bitch one night on television, and it was cool like she was talking about, you know, ah, well, the bitch is the first one to notice that in the litter Johnie right (murmur) Right. And, uh, bastard you can say, and hell and damn so I have to figure out which ones you couldn't and ever and it came down to seven but the list is open to amendment, and in fact, has been changed, uh, by now, ha, a lot of people pointed things out to me, and I noticed some myself. The original seven words were, shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits. Those are the ones that will curve your spine, grow hair on your hands and (laughter) maybe, even bring us, God help us, peace without honor (laughter) um, and a bourbon. (laughter) And now the first thing that we noticed was that word fuck was really repeated in there because the word motherfucker is a compound word and it's another form of the word fuck. (laughter) You want to be a purist it doesn't really -- it can't be on the list of basic words. Also, cocksucker is a compound word and neither half of that is really dirty. The word -- the half sucker that's merely suggestive (laughter) and the word cock is a half-way dirty word, 50% dirty -- dirty half the time, depending on what you mean by it. (laughter) Uh, remember when you first heard it, like in 6th grade, you used to giggle. And the cock crowed three times, heh (laughter) the cock -- three times. It's in the Bible, cock in the Bible. (laughter) And the first time you heard about a cock-fight, remember -- What? Huh? naw. It ain't that, are you stupid? man. (laughter, clapping) It's chickens, you know, (laughter) Then you have the four letter words from the old Anglo-Saxon fame. Uh, shit and fuck. The word shit, uh, is an interesting kind of word in that the middle class has never really accepted it and approved it. They use it like, crazy but it's not really okay. It's still a rude, dirty, old kind of gushy word. (laughter) They don't like that, but they say it, like, they say it like, a lady now in a middle-class home, you'll hear most of the time she says it as an expletive, you know, it's out of her mouth before she knows. She says, Oh shit oh shit, (laughter) oh shit. If she drops something, Oh, the shit hurt the broccoli. Shit. Thank you. (footsteps fading away) (papers ruffling)
Source: http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/filthywords.html
Sally Wade: George Carlin’s Wife
As a biography, there is scant information on Sally Wade. It is unclear if Sally and George are indeed husband and wife or if she simply was George’s long time girlfriend. Sally met George about a year after his first wife, Brenda Hosbrook, died of liver cancer in 1997. George has often referred to Sally as “the sweetheart of my life, present and future.”
Sally was by his side when George entered rehab in December 2004 for an addiction to alcohol and Vicodin, a problem that even Sally was unaware of.
As far as Sally Wade’s occupation, numerous websites have cited her as a writer.
Source: http://celebrity.rightpundits.com/?p=3919
On Sunday George Carlin who was the dean of counterculture comedians died of heart failure at the age of 71 leaving his wife Sally Wade and his daughter Kelly Carlin McCall. According to reports George had a history of heart trouble and went into St. John’s Health Centre in Santa Monica on Sunday afternoon complaining of chest pain and died later that evening. Jack Burns who was the other half of the comedy duo said that “He was a genius and I will miss him dearly”.
George produced 23 comedy albums, 14 HBO specials, three books, and a couple of TV shows and appeared in several movies, from his own comedy specials to “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” in 1989. George also won four Grammy Awards, each for best spoken comedy album, and was nominated for five Emmy awards.
On Tuesday, it was announced that George was being awarded on the 10th November the 11th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humour.
George was born on the 12th May 1937 and grew up in the Morningside Heights section of Manhattan, raised by a single mother. After dropping out of high school in the ninth grade, he joined the Air Force in 1954.
It’s said that even with his decidedly adult-comedy bent, George never lost his childlike sense of mischief, even voicing kid-friendly projects like episodes of the TV show “Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends” and the spacey Volkswagen bus Fillmore in the 2006 Pixar hit “Cars.”
George Carlin’s first wife, Brenda, died in 1997. He is survived by wife Sally Wade; daughter Kelly Carlin McCall; son-in-law Bob McCall; Brother Patrick Carlin; and sister-in-law Marlene Carlin.
All out thoughts are with his family and friends at this time
Source: http://www.inentertainment.co.uk/20080623/george-carlin-has-died-aged-71-leaving-wife-sally-wade/
Sally was by his side when George entered rehab in December 2004 for an addiction to alcohol and Vicodin, a problem that even Sally was unaware of.
As far as Sally Wade’s occupation, numerous websites have cited her as a writer.
Source: http://celebrity.rightpundits.com/?p=3919
On Sunday George Carlin who was the dean of counterculture comedians died of heart failure at the age of 71 leaving his wife Sally Wade and his daughter Kelly Carlin McCall. According to reports George had a history of heart trouble and went into St. John’s Health Centre in Santa Monica on Sunday afternoon complaining of chest pain and died later that evening. Jack Burns who was the other half of the comedy duo said that “He was a genius and I will miss him dearly”.
George produced 23 comedy albums, 14 HBO specials, three books, and a couple of TV shows and appeared in several movies, from his own comedy specials to “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” in 1989. George also won four Grammy Awards, each for best spoken comedy album, and was nominated for five Emmy awards.
On Tuesday, it was announced that George was being awarded on the 10th November the 11th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humour.
George was born on the 12th May 1937 and grew up in the Morningside Heights section of Manhattan, raised by a single mother. After dropping out of high school in the ninth grade, he joined the Air Force in 1954.
It’s said that even with his decidedly adult-comedy bent, George never lost his childlike sense of mischief, even voicing kid-friendly projects like episodes of the TV show “Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends” and the spacey Volkswagen bus Fillmore in the 2006 Pixar hit “Cars.”
George Carlin’s first wife, Brenda, died in 1997. He is survived by wife Sally Wade; daughter Kelly Carlin McCall; son-in-law Bob McCall; Brother Patrick Carlin; and sister-in-law Marlene Carlin.
All out thoughts are with his family and friends at this time
Source: http://www.inentertainment.co.uk/20080623/george-carlin-has-died-aged-71-leaving-wife-sally-wade/
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Comedian George Carlin dies at 71
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Comedian George Carlin, a counter-culture hero famed for his routines about drugs and dirty words, died of heart failure at a Los Angeles-area hospital on Sunday, a spokesman said. He was 71.
Carlin, who had a history of heart and drug-dependency problems, died at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica about 6 p.m. PDT (2 a.m. British time) after being admitted earlier in the afternoon for chest pains, spokesman Jeff Abraham told Reuters.
Known for his edgy, provocative material, Carlin achieved status as an anti-Establishment icon in the 1970s with stand-up bits full of drug references and a routine called "Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television." A regulatory battle over a radio broadcast of the routine ultimately reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
In the 1978 case, Federal Communications Commission vs. Pacifica Foundation, the top U.S. court ruled that the words cited in Carlin's routine were indecent, and that the government's broadcast regulator could ban them from being aired at times when children might be listening.
Carlin's comedic sensibility often came back to a central theme: humanity is doomed.
"I don't have any beliefs or allegiances. I don't believe in this country, I don't believe in religion, or a god, and I don't believe in all these man-made institutional ideas," he told Reuters in a 2001 interview.
Carlin, who wrote several books and performed in many television comedy specials, is survived by his wife Sally Wade, and daughter Kelly Carlin McCall.
Source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/peopleNews/idUKN2339172520080623
Carlin, who had a history of heart and drug-dependency problems, died at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica about 6 p.m. PDT (2 a.m. British time) after being admitted earlier in the afternoon for chest pains, spokesman Jeff Abraham told Reuters.
Known for his edgy, provocative material, Carlin achieved status as an anti-Establishment icon in the 1970s with stand-up bits full of drug references and a routine called "Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television." A regulatory battle over a radio broadcast of the routine ultimately reached the U.S. Supreme Court.
In the 1978 case, Federal Communications Commission vs. Pacifica Foundation, the top U.S. court ruled that the words cited in Carlin's routine were indecent, and that the government's broadcast regulator could ban them from being aired at times when children might be listening.
Carlin's comedic sensibility often came back to a central theme: humanity is doomed.
"I don't have any beliefs or allegiances. I don't believe in this country, I don't believe in religion, or a god, and I don't believe in all these man-made institutional ideas," he told Reuters in a 2001 interview.
Carlin, who wrote several books and performed in many television comedy specials, is survived by his wife Sally Wade, and daughter Kelly Carlin McCall.
Source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/peopleNews/idUKN2339172520080623
Elicia Hughes Case Gets National Attention
A high profile Mississippi murder case gets national attention. Dateline NBC aired a two hour special on Elicia Hughes Sunday night. She's the former Jackson school teacher who was cleared of murder charges in the death of her husband, after being convicted just months before. Where is she now? Why did her story catch the eyes of the national media?
"A doting mother, third grade teacher, and to prosecuters a stone cold killer," said Dennis Murphy with Dateline NBC. "Cause For Alarm" is the title Dateline NBC gave to the story of Elicia Hughes.
The two hour special aired Sunday night and described the details of the mysterious murder of hughes husband Brian. A tearful Hughes recounts the night of June 3, 2004 when she says she found her husband shot six times in the foyer.
"I didn't know what to do. As I was touching him I felt blood and he was there and he was hurt and my mind was racing," said Hughes in the interview.
But Hughes was later charged with her husband's murder. In court the prosecution gave their theory, that Hughes had killed her husband out of jealousy. Witnesses testified he had two girlfriends. There was a also a $260,000 life insurance policy Hughes was the beneficiary of. The jury made their decision, Hughes was guilty. In February 2007, the judge granted Hughes a new trial citing jury selection discrimination by the prosecution.
In November the new jury reached a different verdict...not guilty. Hughes was cleared of murder charges. The District Attorney at the time Faye Peterson was sure the jury got it wrong. "Unfortunately there's times that killers go free and this is one of these instances," said Peterson.
For Hughes she finally felt justified. "The true tragedy of this is not the time that I've been persecuted and prosecuted these past three years but the person that actually killed Brian is still out there and they are living their life," said Hughes on November 17, 2007.
Through her attorney, Dennis Sweet, Hughes declined our request for an interview. Sweet said Hughes believed the local media never told her story fairly. According to Sweet, Hughes was fired from the Jackson Public School District after her first trial. The attorney says she is now unemployed. Hughes has moved out of the Jackson home where Brian Hughes was killed. She now lives in Pearl with her two daughters.
Sweet gave this statement to WLBT: "Elicia is still struggling to pull her life back together. The case is getting a lot of attention because it demonstrates that innocent people can get convicted and go to jail. But by the grace of God and the judge's appropriate ruling in granting her a new trial she got a second chance. If not for that she would be serving the rest of her life in prison. I think the media was so interested because of the acquittal from the second trial."
Source: http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=8538815&nav=2CSf
"A doting mother, third grade teacher, and to prosecuters a stone cold killer," said Dennis Murphy with Dateline NBC. "Cause For Alarm" is the title Dateline NBC gave to the story of Elicia Hughes.
The two hour special aired Sunday night and described the details of the mysterious murder of hughes husband Brian. A tearful Hughes recounts the night of June 3, 2004 when she says she found her husband shot six times in the foyer.
"I didn't know what to do. As I was touching him I felt blood and he was there and he was hurt and my mind was racing," said Hughes in the interview.
But Hughes was later charged with her husband's murder. In court the prosecution gave their theory, that Hughes had killed her husband out of jealousy. Witnesses testified he had two girlfriends. There was a also a $260,000 life insurance policy Hughes was the beneficiary of. The jury made their decision, Hughes was guilty. In February 2007, the judge granted Hughes a new trial citing jury selection discrimination by the prosecution.
In November the new jury reached a different verdict...not guilty. Hughes was cleared of murder charges. The District Attorney at the time Faye Peterson was sure the jury got it wrong. "Unfortunately there's times that killers go free and this is one of these instances," said Peterson.
For Hughes she finally felt justified. "The true tragedy of this is not the time that I've been persecuted and prosecuted these past three years but the person that actually killed Brian is still out there and they are living their life," said Hughes on November 17, 2007.
Through her attorney, Dennis Sweet, Hughes declined our request for an interview. Sweet said Hughes believed the local media never told her story fairly. According to Sweet, Hughes was fired from the Jackson Public School District after her first trial. The attorney says she is now unemployed. Hughes has moved out of the Jackson home where Brian Hughes was killed. She now lives in Pearl with her two daughters.
Sweet gave this statement to WLBT: "Elicia is still struggling to pull her life back together. The case is getting a lot of attention because it demonstrates that innocent people can get convicted and go to jail. But by the grace of God and the judge's appropriate ruling in granting her a new trial she got a second chance. If not for that she would be serving the rest of her life in prison. I think the media was so interested because of the acquittal from the second trial."
Source: http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=8538815&nav=2CSf
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Megalosaurus
Megalosaurus is a gigantic carnivorous dinosaur, whose fossil remains have been found in England and elsewhere. Everybody who's a fan of dinosaur knows of Megalosaurus, the first dinosaur to be named by William Buckland. Megalosaurus is also historically significant as being one of the taxa that Richard Owen based his Dinosauria in 1842, the other taxon obviously being Iguanodon. Megalasaurus lived during the mid-Jurassic.The type species M. bucklandii was erected by Gideon Mantell in 1827.
Buckland's original description of Megalosaurus in 1824 is based on a series of syntypes, one of which is the famous dentary (fig). Over the years, many other large theropod specimens from the Middle Jurassic were "unjustifiably (Benson et al. 2008)" attributed to M. bucklandii. Over the years, many authors noted the possibility that the syntype series and all subsequent referred specimens may belong to different taxa all together. Thus M. bucklandii is suggested to only refer to the lectotype dentary.
According to Benson et al. (2008) the lectotype dentary allows for a diagnosis of M. bucklandii thus making it a valid taxon. Although the systematic position of M. bucklandii is unresolved, Benson et al. (2008) regard it as a possible member of the clade comprising of Ceratosauria and Tetanurae but not an abelisaurid or coelophysoid. Further, the characteristic dentary morphology present in all known spinosauroids is absent in the lectotype dentary. Thus, Benson et al. (2008) recommend the discontinuation of allying Megalosaurus with Spinosauroidea and also the practice of referring any other taxa as "megalosaurid".
Source: http://www.huliq.com/62444/taxonomic-status-megalosaurus-bucklandii
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