World Wide Trends

ANDHRA BANK RECRUITMENT OF CLERKS EXAM RESULTS

2009-11-10T09:58:00.000-08:00

ANDHRA BANK

RECRUITMENT SECTION

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

HEAD OFFICE : HYDERABAD

RECRUITMENT OF CLERKS

Further to the written test held on 14.06.2009 for the post of clerks, we furnsih below the short listed candidates qualified for interview.

Watch this site for interview Schedule i.e., Date, Time and Place of Interview. Call Letters will be sent in due course.

Click here for the List of candidates for interview

S R K PRASAD

General Manager(HR)

TAGS : ANDHRA BANK CLERK,ANDHRA BANK RECRUITMENT,ANDHRA BANK RESULTS

NARENDRA MODI DOWN WITH SWINE FLU

2009-10-30T00:39:00.000-07:00

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is down with swine flu two days after returning from Russia, doctors at a hospital said Friday.

This was confirmed by Atul Patel, the doctor at a government civil hospital on Friday morning.

The chief minister who returned from his three day-visit to Russia on Wednesday worked through Thursday attending his official engagements, despite feeling tired and coughing frequently.

As doctors in attendance checked him, samples were taken to check for the H1N1 virus. By evening, his fever shot up and speculation mounted that he had swine flu.

Following confirmation, Modi has been put under swine flu medication and quarantined at his own official residence here. All his appointments have been cancelled and he will be in isolation for a week.

Reports that the sample of a 60-year-old swine flu suspect - referred to as 'VIP' and carrying the name Ramesh - had been sent for tests from Gandhinagar added to the rumours.

source : sify news

JAIPUR FIRE : FIRE AT INDIAN OIL DEPOT

2009-10-30T00:23:00.000-07:00

Five persons have killed and more than 160 people injured in a massive fire broke out at Indian Oil Corporation’s fuel depot in Sanganer area in Jaipur on Thursday night. Many of the injured persons are critical condition.

Around 35 persons have been trapped inside the oil depot. People staying in the nearby areas have been asked to shift and move to other places. Two villages warned ....

source : www.monkeydollars.net

Read Full Story from : www.monkeydollars.net

New York: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee must serve two masters

2009-04-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite always being a unibody vehicle, like many body-on-frame SUVs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been largely shown the door by a raft of new crossovers that have played to consumers looking for improved on-road performance. Oh, back when the current WK model was new for 2005, then-DaimlerChrysler made a splash with a new double-wishbone suspension that was better able to soak up tarmac imperfections, but some hardcore brand loyalists felt betrayed because the improved ride came at the expense of axle articulation. Not wanting to risk offending brand acolytes with their new 2011 model, Jeep faced a pair of seemingly divergent goals: Improve off-road ability while making the vehicle more attractive to a wider, street-oriented mainstream audience. In other words, as Chrysler's vice-president of design Ralph Gilles put it to us, Jeep's mission was to "put the 'Grand' back in Grand Cherokee."

Let's get this out of the way right now: Both domestic and global auto markets have evolved greatly from the late-Nineties salad days when Jeep once managed to shift 300,000 Grand Cherokees. And while last year the GC sold under a third of that total, it remains a linchpin in the company's operation, particularly as the larger three-row Commander model is not scheduled to receive a replacement. The company's fortunes are incredibly shaky right now, but if it is to survive in any form, products like the GC will still need to be able to shoulder a heavy burden. Does the GC have the muscles for the job? Follow the jump to find out.

Jeep's solution to its two-audience conundrum is the model you see before you, and while it shares lots of familiar cues, in the metal it looks at once far more aggressive than the exiting lantern-eyed WK, and ultimately more crossover-like. While it retains iconography like the seven-slot grille, the new headlamps have a meaner look thanks to a furrowed-brow appearance granted by the new hood. Perhaps the most dramatic departure is the profile view, where a new CUV-like tapering greenhouse takes up residence above a dramatically scalloped bodyside graphic. According to Gilles, the door panel indent is so pronounced that the company says they were "one step away from needing a compound hinge" to pull it off. If that profile looks longer to you, that's because it is – the wheelbase has swelled by four-inches, with that extra space dedicated completely to rear-seat passengers (+ three inches) and cargo room (+ one inch). The rear end is all-new as well, with a cleaner license plate surround and more horizontally oriented tail-lamps that emphasize the Grand Cherokee's wider width. Loyalists take note: Your pass-through rear glass has been retained.

So, this new model has a longer wheelbase and a more refined, crossover-like aesthetic. How exactly is that going to appeal to the mudpluggers in the audience? Well, Jeep has added a bounty of new off-road minded technology, in addition to new powertrains and a stiffened structure.

Starting with the engine choices, the volume model is expected to be the company's new flex-fuel "Phoenix" V6. The variable-valve timing equipped 3.6-liter engine nets 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm – a substantial 33% bump in horsepower and an 11% boost in torque over the departing V6. Backed by a carryover five-speed automatic, it is also a more efficient powertrain, with a claimed 11% increase in fuel economy. This new six-cylinder is scheduled to appear in many more products, potentially showing up in seven or eight different applications. Jeep officials expect the V6 to account for more than 50 percent of Grand Cherokee sales, a big switch over the WK GC, which skews more than 75 percent in favor of the V8.

Speaking of which, the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 has also been worked on, and it now generates 360 hp and 390 lb/ft of torque. Sizable efficiency gains are also expected, as the variable-valve timed engine will also use the company's cylinder deactivation technology (Multi-Displacement System) more often than in previous incarnations, and the gearbox picks up a sixth cog, as well. Regardless of which engine is selected, total range ought to improve, with Jeep quoting over 500 miles for the V6 thanks to the 24.6-gallon fuel tank (four gallons larger than before).

All of that power is nothing without added control, and to that end, Jeep has taken pains to greatly improve torsional stiffness in the chassis, something that both everyday commuters and off-roaders will appreciate. The new structure (based heavily on the Mercedes-Benz ML) has upwards of 5,400 welds, including 53% more spot welds and 42% more arc welds. There's also a further 38% increase in structural adhesive use. The net-net is a chassis that's 146% stiffer – one that Jeep says bests the Toyota Highlander and BMW X5 for rigidity and allows for a maximum tow rating of 7,400 pounds.

So... what about that off-road hardware we talked about? During our private walkaround at Chrysler's Auburn Hills headquarters, Scott Kunselman, vice president of Chrysler's Jeep and truck product team was clearly excited to tell us about all of the new off-road gubbins that the company has managed to pack into this new model.

While lower-end models make do with a standard steel springs, there is an all-new Quadra Lift air suspension option that allows the driver to dial up ground clearance of up to 11.1 inches to crawl over boulders and downed tree branches. It's exactly the sort of equipment that helps increase the GC's breakover angle despite having a longer wheelbase (a full complement of skid plates is optional). That air suspension can also be lowered to parking height for easier ingress and egress, and if it's anything like Land Rover's air suspension setup, it figures to offer a more accommodating ride in the bargain.

Another bit of tech that reminds us of those boys from Solihull is Jeep's new Selec-Terrain system, a rotary controller that comes with models spec'd out with the top-shelf Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system. Selec-Terrain enables users to gird the vehicle's various systems (electronic limited-slip differential, traction control, stability control, two-speed hill-descent control, anti-lock, and so on) for various ground conditions, including Sand/Mud, Snow and Rocks. There is also a default automatic setting, and unlike the blokes at Land Rover, there is also a Sport mode that lowers ride height and allows for a bit more hooliganism before the electronic nannies kick in.

Predictably, there are more available creature comforts than ever before, including a much-improved interior with additional space, richer materials, tighter panel gaps, and more available toys. Some of the optional niceties include a mammoth twin-panel panoramic roof, an intelligent remote start (which automatically heats or cools the interior based on outside air temp), a collision warning system, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot/rear cross path detection system.

On the surface, at least, it looks like Jeep has managed an unlikely feat at the most crucial of junctures – it has seemingly imbued the Grand Cherokee with the credentials necessary to simultaneously court a wider roadgoing audience while giving it the goods to finish the job off road. That Chrysler has given this vehicle a 2011 model year designation while others are still introducing their 2010 lineup is not an error – the embattled automaker needs all the hits it can get right now as it seeks further government relief and help from Fiat. Wheeling out the GC well in advance of its debut in showrooms should only help the company build its case for eventual viability... and that thankless task will clearly be the 2011 Grand Cherokee's biggest obstacle to overcome.

PRESS RELEASE:

Jeep® Introduces All-new 2011 Grand Cherokee

Inventor of the SUV Hits the Sweet Spot of Real-world Capability and On-road Refinement

Legendary Jeep Capability

• New Quadra Lift™ air suspension system provides height control and lifts vehicle up to 4.5 inches from park mode to a maximum ride height of 11.1 inches to deliver legendary Jeep off-road capability

• Choice of three 4x4 systems – Quadra-Trac I®, Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive® II with Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD)

• New Selec-Terrain™ system with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II offers five terrain settings: Auto, Sand/Mud, Sport, Snow and Rock to match driving conditions

• First application of company's all-new, flexible fuel 3.6-liter V-6 engine which features Variable-Valve Timing (VVT), 280 hp (209 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 N•m) @ 4,800 rpm – an increase of 33 percent in horsepower, 11 percent in torque over its predecessor and up to an 11 percent improvement in fuel economy

• Available 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 generates 360 hp (268 kW) and 390 lb.-ft. of torque (520 N•m) @ 4,250 rpm – features VVT and fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) technology with dual exhaust to maximize efficiency

• For international markets, left- and right-hand drive and a choice of diesel and petrol powertrains will be available

• Unsurpassed trailer tow capability of up to 7,400 lbs. on 4x2 models

• Larger fuel tank with 24.6 gallon capacity, compared to 21.6 on current model, combined with improved V-6 fuel economy, delivers range close to 500 miles on one tank of gas

Refinements

World-class Interior

• Premium soft-touch interior materials for all price classes, including leather instrument panel and door uppers on Overland model

• World-class interior features include real wood and leather, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, four-way power lumbar controls, rain-sensitive wipers, Passive Entry/Keyless Go, ParkView rear back-up camera and power tilt/telescoping steering column with memory

• Increased storage areas in instrument panel with larger glove box and covered center-stack storage bin

• Premium packaging delivers enhanced comfort and easy accessibility for up to five passengers and cargo

• Larger front- and rear-door openings (78 degrees) for improved ingress/egress compared to current model (67 degrees)

• More than 4 inches of increased rear-seat knee and leg room (38.6 inches) compared to previous model with reclining second-row seats

• Larger cargo volume (36.3 cubic feet) provides 17 percent more room for gear compared to current model (31 cubic feet)

• A fold-flat front passenger seat provides improved cargo carrying capability (Laredo models)

• Well-appointed cargo compartment with removable dual storage bins inside the spare tire compartment

Exterior

• All-new sculpted body and athletic profile define a sleek exterior with aerodynamic finesse

• All-new dual-pane panoramic sun roof (CommandView®) extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. Comprised of two glass panels with power open/close sun shade

• Effortless power rear liftgate for remote up/down convenience (Grand Cherokee first)

• New 20-inch wheels available on Limited and Overland models

• Bi-Xenon High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps standard on Limited and Overland models

• Segment-exclusive SmartBeam® headlamps adjust to ambient light and oncoming traffic to deliver maximum lighting

Ride and Handling

• All-new independent front and rear suspension systems deliver premium on-road manners with isolated front and rear suspension cradles and variable-rate rear springs that combine to enhance on-road character and ride comfort

• All-new body structure's torsional stiffness is 146 percent stiffer than current model and stiffer than the BMW X5 and Toyota Highlander for improved durability and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)

• Stiffness achieved with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. This marks

a 53 percent increase in spot welds, a 42 percent increase in arc welds and a

38 percent increase in structural adhesive

More than 45 Safety and Security Features

• Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) includes Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill-Start Assist, Trailer-Sway Control and available Hill-Descent Control

• Standard full-length side-curtain air bags extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers

• Standard seat-mounted side thorax air bags enhance protection of the driver

and front passenger

• Standard Jeep-first active head restraints deploy in the event of a rear collision

to minimize the gap between the head restraint and occupant's head

• ParkSense® Park Assist System assists at low speeds to detect stationary objects. Warnings include audible chimes and display in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)

• Blind-spot/Rear cross-path detection system notifies driver of vehicle(s) in blind spots with illuminated icons on side-view mirrors and/or an audible chime

• Adaptive cruise control decreases vehicle's pre-set cruise-control speed when closing in on another vehicle or when another vehicle pulls into same lane

(late availability)

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system detects when the vehicle may be approaching another vehicle too rapidly and alerts driver (late availability)

• Remote Start (standard on Overland (available on Limited) starts engine and activates comfort settings based on ambient conditions by using the key fob while maintaining vehicle security

Connectivity and Infotainment

• uconnect guardian standard on all models and includes: Automatic Crash Notification, Emergency Call, Roadside Assistance Call, Remote Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance

• uconnect tunes wireless Bluetooth® connection for cell phones (and future

MP3 players), enabling streaming music, and new USB connection with digital technology, enabling voice search by song title and artist for iPod devices

• uconnect nav featuring all-new Garmin navigation and uconnect studios featuring SIRIUS Backseat TV

• Premium Alpine audio system with nine speakers, surround sound and a

506-watt sub woofer

Nearly 18 years ago, Jeep invented the premium SUV segment with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. More than 4 million sales later, Jeep improves the formula and hits the sweet spot of real-world capability and on-road refinement with the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers premium on-road performance while maintaining the Jeep brand's legendary four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand two-speed transfer case and towing capability. It also offers improved fuel economy (up to

11 percent) and a world-class interior cabin.

"We listened carefully to our customers and the market," said Scott Kunselman,

Vice President – Jeep/Truck Product Team, Chrysler LLC. "Our all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee hits the sweet spot of premium on-road performance and legendary

class-leading Jeep capability."

The all-new Quadra-Lift air suspension system delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability along with the new Selec-Terrain system that allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on- or off-road driving conditions. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver premium on-road handling and comfort.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is built on a proven rear-wheel-drive unibody platform sharing the same underpinnings as the Mercedes-Benz ML.

"Jeep invented the SUV segment and our all-new Grand Cherokee is the next step in the evolution of the SUV," said Mike Accavitti, Director – Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge Brands. "Jeep innovations including Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain traction control separate us from the crowd."

Legendary Capability

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the new Quadra-Lift air suspension system. The Quadra-Lift system features five height settings for optimum ride performance:

• Normal Ride Height (NRH): 8.1 inches of clearance offers improved fuel economy and improved aerodynamics during on-road driving

• Off-road 1: Lifts the vehicle an additional 1.5 inches for added height in clearing obstacles (9.6 inches)

• Off-road 2: Delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability and provides an additional 3 inches of height for 11.1 inches of ground clearance

• Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 1.5 inches from NRH for easy ingress/egress. NRH and Park mode are driver-selectable giving the driver control over vehicle ride height

• Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle .6 inches from NRH. Aero Mode is controlled by vehicle speed and adjusts for optimal performance and fuel economy

Quadra-Lift adds up to 4.5 inches of lift span that is supported by four-corner air springs that provide a cushioned, premium ride. Quadra-Lift operates automatically, or may be controlled manually via console controls.

In addition to the Quadra-Lift air suspension, the all-new Selec-Terrain™ traction control system lets customers choose the off-road setting for the optimum experience on all terrains. This feature electronically coordinates up to 12 different powertrain, braking and suspension systems, including throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

The Selec-Terrain's control dial allows the driver to choose from five driving conditions

in order to achieve the best driving experience on all terrains:

• Sand/Mud: Traction control and Quadra-Lift operate with sensitive response to wheel spin, and torque is tuned for optimal performance

• Sport: Provides enhanced on-road "fun-to-drive" capability

• Auto: Automatically adapts to any on- or off-road situation

• Snow: Vehicle traction and Quadra-Lift adjust for ultimate performance over snow-covered roads

• Rock: Quadra-Lift suspension raises to maximum height (11.1 inches) and the transfer case, differentials, and throttle coordinate to provide low-speed control

Selec-Terrain, coupled with the all-new Quadra-Lift air suspension, offers drivers an adjustable suspension span that delivers legendary Trail Rated® performance.

With the front air dam removed, and the available Quadra-Lift air suspension, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 35.9-degree approach angle, (compared to 32.3 on current model), a 29.2-degree departure angle (compared to 27.5 on current model) and 25.1-degree breakover angle (compared to 20.4 on current model).

The all-new independent front and rear suspension features isolated front and rear suspension cradles. Variable-rate rear springs deliver improved on-road handling and comfort that complements the vehicle's off-road capability. The new rear suspension allows the spare tire to be stored inside the vehicle as opposed to underneath.

Go-Anywhere 4x4 Systems

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers three 4x4 systems (Quadra-Trac I®,

Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive® II).

Quadra Trac I delivers full-time four-wheel drive without any switches or levers to pull. The system provides smooth operation over a variety of road conditions. This light-weight single-speed case is both proven and highly efficient for enhanced fuel economy.

Quadra Trac II's two-speed transfer case uses input from a variety of sensors in order

to determine tire slip at the earliest possible moment and take corrective action. The system uses Throttle Anticipate to sense quick movement in the throttle from a stop and maximizes traction before slippage occurs. When tire slippage is detected, as much as 100 percent of available torque is instantly routed to the axle with the most traction.

Quadra Drive II, with a rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD), delivers industry-leading tractive capability. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tires with traction. In some cases, the vehicle will anticipate low traction and adjust in order to proactively limit or eliminate slip.

Selec-Terrain is standard with Quadra Trac II and Quadra Drive II.

Jeep Trail Rated®

All 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees equipped with either the off-road or the Quadra-Lift group are Trail Rated®. The Jeep Trail Rated badge on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee indicates that the vehicle has been designed to perform in a variety of challenging

off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.

Jeep Trail Rated is a unique methodology used by Jeep Engineering to measure and predict off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, Jeep Trail Rated provides a consistent measurement of off-road performance for all Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.

Powertrains

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with two leading engine options

for North American markets.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's standard engine is an all-new flexible fuel 3.6-liter V-6 engine. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is an all-new design featuring double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration. It features Variable-Valve Timing (VVT) and delivers 280 horsepower (209 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 N•m) @ 4,800 rpm. This all-new V-6 engine improves fuel economy up to 11 percent compared to the previous Grand Cherokee equipped with a V-6. It is coupled with the proven W5A580, a five-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth shifts and optimum fuel economy. The five-speed W5A580 transmission includes adaptive electronic control or Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver-interactive manual control and an electronically modulated torque converter clutch.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's larger fuel tank, with a 24.6 gallon capacity, combined with the V-6 engine's improved fuel economy, delivers a range of approximately 500 miles on one tank of gas.

The available legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine delivers 360 horsepower (268 kW) and 390 lb.-ft. of torque (520 N•m) @ 4,250 rpm. The HEMI also features VVT, which delivers performance and towing capability, as well as fuel efficiency with the fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS). The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine is mated to the 545RFE multi-speed automatic transmission.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers unsurpassed trailer tow capability of up

to 7,400 lbs. on 4x2 models when equipped with the HEMI V-8 engine.

For international markets, the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available

in left- and right-hand drive with either diesel or petrol powertrains.

World-class Interior Refinement

The all-new interior is elevated to that of its European competition and features rich materials and elegant appointments, as well as more room for both passengers and cargo.

"Following in the footsteps of our all-new 2009 Dodge Ram, our all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is another proud graduate of our Advanced Interior Design Studio," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President – Design. "We achieved a world-class interior by using fine materials and maintaining a laser-attention to details."

An available all-new CommandView® dual-pane sun roof provides twice as much glass surface than a standard sun roof and extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. The front panel can be opened rearward, providing additional light and fresh air to first-row passengers. The rear panel, which is fixed, allows light and open viewing for second-row passengers and comes standard with a power sun shade.

Right-sized Packaging

The vehicle's 114.8-inch wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than the model it replaces and contributes to an overall vehicle length that is 1.8 inches longer than the prior model. The longer wheelbase creates more interior room and gives passengers an additional 4 inches of rear-seat knee and leg room. The vehicle also is 3 inches wider for improved handling and packaging.

Larger front door openings (1.9 inches wider; 2 inches higher) and rear doors open 78 degrees compared to current models (67 degrees) for better access to the interior.

Inside, premium seating includes room for five passengers. An available fold-flat

front-passenger seat provides improved cargo storage room (Laredo models).

For added passenger comfort, rear seats recline 12 degrees. There also is a 12-degree forward angle to allow 24 degrees of variation.

Cargo volume behind the second-row provides an additional 6.8 cubic feet of room (36.3 cubic feet total) compared to the previous model. The well-appointed rear cargo area includes a storage unit with a rechargeable flashlight and new and improved grocery hooks on both sides. The spare tire compartment includes removable dual storage bins for secure storage of muddy gear or other items.

An all-new power rear liftgate is available for effortless remote up/down convenience.

Classic Exterior Design

Every surface of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is new and treated for aerodynamics. This improves fuel efficiency and puts more fluidity into the design while delivering a 7- percent improvement in drag compared with the current model. The all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee Cd is approximately 0.37 compared with the 2009 Cd of 0.404.

"Our all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is much more refined, focused and sportier than the model it replaces," said Gilles. "It has classic Jeep Grand Cherokee styling

with sculpted athletic exterior refinements for 2011."

The front includes Jeep's classic seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel arches. The removable lower front fascia delivers improved fuel economy, on-road performance and off-road capability. The lower front fascia features a large chromed appliqué (Limited and Overland models) that showcases available tow hooks.

From the side, Jeep Grand Cherokee features an athletic, muscular profile. Black appliqués on B-pillars give the day-light opening (DLO) an aerodynamic, modern appearance and a sleek profile. Available chromed mirrors and door handles add to the profile and complement the full-chromed DLO surround on all models.

Seventeen-inch wheels are standard and deliver off-road capability, with optional 18-inch and all-new to Jeep, 20-inch wheels for 2011.

Taillamps wrap from the rear quarter panel to the back of the vehicle and create a solid form which achieves more of an upscale appearance. The treatment complements the front-end design and resonates with the rest of the exterior.

Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with a HEMI V-8 engine have 3.5-inch dual chromed exhaust tips, and those with the V-6 engine have a 3-inch single exhaust.

Premium Performance

Continuing to build on the Jeep brand's legendary off-road capability, the all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee adds premium on-road performance to complete the package.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee's premium SUV on-road manners and legendary Jeep ruggedness is achieved with more than 5,400 welds in the body alone. Torsional stiffness is 146 percent more than the current Grand Cherokee and stiffer than the BMW X5 and Toyota Highlander for improved durability and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

With more than 3,700 mm of arc welding and 100 m of structural adhesive to augment welding, this marks a 53-percent increase in spot welds, a 42-percent increase in arc welds and a 38-percent increase in structural adhesive.

More than 45 Safety and Security Features

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes more than 45 safety and

security features.

Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with rough-road detection, four-wheel Brake Traction Control System (BTCS), Passive Entry/Keyless Go, Remote keyless entry, express up/down windows for driver and front-seat passenger, seat-belt pretensioners, Trailer-Sway Control and Remote-Start which is standard on Overland and available on Limited.

Other standard safety features include full-length side-curtain air bags which extend protection to front and rear outboard passengers, seat-mounted side thorax air bags that enhance protection for the driver and front passenger and active head restraints which deploy in the event of a rear collision.

The body structure is all new and designed to achieve expected safety performance

in global markets (new roof-crush standards, side-impact standards and Euro

pedestrian impact).

Connectivity and Infotainment Features

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will feature uconnect guardian as a standard feature on all models (services provided by Hughes Telematics).

uconnect guardian provides customers with the top five requested security features. uconnect guardian customers can access the following:

• Automatic Crash Notification – In the event of an accident, a call is placed and a request for assistance is dispatched to the vehicle's location

• Emergency Call – With a push of the emergency button, customers are placed in contact with a trained emergency response specialist during an emergency situation

• Roadside Assistance Call – Connects customers to a uconnect customer care specialist who can connect them to Chrysler's road-side assistance for towing or jump starts

• Remote Door Unlock – Remotely unlocks doors with a simple phone call

• Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance – Works with local authorities via on-demand tracking to provide the current location of the vehicle if it is stolen

Manufacturing

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be built at the 2.7-million-square-foot Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit, which has been the site of Grand Cherokee production since its introduction in 1992.

In preparation for production of the all-new Grand Cherokee, Jefferson North Assembly is undergoing a 285,000-square-foot expansion to replace the existing body shop, which is part of Chrysler's investment of approximately $1.8 billion in new vehicle programs. In addition, changes throughout paint and assembly operations will give the facility an all-new level of manufacturing flexibility for multiple product capability.

JNAP was built in 1991 and was expanded in 1999.

Jeep Brand

Staying true to its values and character, the Jeep® brand is purpose-built for adventurous lifestyles. With 68 years of legendary 4x4 capability, the Jeep brand continues to fulfill promises of adventure, liberation and independence for those who embrace life, whether traveling on- or off-road. The ruggedness and responsiveness of Jeep vehicles provide owners with a sense of security to handle any situation with confidence.

For 2009, the brand's legendary Go Anywhere, Do Anything™ heritage is maintained with the addition of more interior refinement, comfort and technology in the widest range of sport-utility vehicles under one brand. The Jeep product line includes the brand icon, the Jeep Wrangler; the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited; the popular mid-size Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North America); the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee; the seven-passenger Jeep Commander; and the Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass with

all-new redesigned interiors and fuel economy of 28 mpg.

Preparing for Passover 2009 and the Blessing of the Sun in New York

2009-04-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Blessing of the Sun, Birchat haChama, is celebrated only once every 28 years, which means that it is an event that is experienced only a few times in anyone’s lifetime! This year it will be marked on the morning of April 8, 2009. The sun will rise at 6:28 DST in New York City.

It is an opportunity for expressing appreciation at the beauty and wonder of the world. It is also an opportunity to think back 28 years (if you can) and forward 28 years (may you have many more), and try for some special perspective.

Also, if you give this a little thought and planning, you may be able to have a quick breakfast with friends before the start of Passover that evening. The service can start anytime within 3 hours after sunrise but many are planning to meet at sunrise, which is much more dramatic than starting at say, 9 am.

In New York City, people have arranged to meet and have the Birchat HaChama service in many places including: at the observation deck of the Empire State Building, the roof of the Manhattan JCC, and on the rooftop of many congregations of all and every type, other buildings and in the Central Park Band Shell.

This desire to get hundreds of feet closer to the sun expresses the New Yorkers love of tall buildings, unique events, as well as loving an opportunity to step outside of their daily routine. The weather prediction is for a chilly and mostly sunny morning. Ok, the weather forecast said partly cloudy, but I am an optimist. Bring your hot coffee or tea. If you need any more details, write to me.

Some notes about Passover: I have heard 2 complaints about preparing for Passover on the Upper West Side: the high price of foods that are always Kosher for Passover being jacked up higher for the holiday shopping for no understandable reason other than to perhaps feed the ugly monster of greed. The other complaint is how crowded their favorite stores become at this time, especially Fairway -which is always very crowded before any holiday of any type- even before Groundhogs Day. These are the same complaints we all hear each year.

Remember to give donations to the local food pantries, and fulfil the mitzvah of feeding the hungry. The pantries are very low on supplies this year- there are more people in need. They welcome cash, but food is appreciated too.

Instead of burning your Chametz, why not scatter the crumbs for the birds returning on their Spring migration. They may eat chametz any time.

Chag Pesach Sameach= Have a Happy Passover

source

Adam Lambert's Mad World: Here's the YouTube video

2009-04-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

Adam Lambert's Mad World: Here's the YouTube video

Adam Lambert gave a stunning performance of "Mad World" tonight on American Idol that resulted in Simon giving him a standing ovation. Unfortunately, the live show ran more than 5 minutes over on the East Coast.

Which means a lot of people who recorded it missed seeing it and wound up screaming at their TV.

-Click here for photos of all of Adam Lambert's different looks on American Idol this season

No worries, Fox will have to rerun the performance Wednesday night during the results show, I think. And Ryan's going to be getting ripped for not policing the show better and keeping things moving. That is, after all, his primary job!

Fox -- get a clue and post the videos on your Web site after the West Coast show airs! Until then:

1) Click here for photos of all of the finalists singing on stage

2) Vote in our poll for your favorite finalist

3) See photos from inside the after-party for the 13 "American Idol" finalists

4) Check out the other entries, conversations and latest news on our "American Idol" blog

Maryland DWI Laws for Juveniles

2009-04-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

If you are under the age of 21 and are convicted of a DWI in the state of Maryland, you stand to face rather harsh penalties. Recently, Maryland revised its DWI laws to increase the severity of consequences for juvenile drivers (under age 21).

This change to the DWI laws is part of a larger crack down on underage drinking that has been going on throughout the state. Due to lack of maturity and inexperience on the road, juvenile drivers are responsible for a large number of auto accidents. When alcohol is added to the equation, this risk is substantially higher.

Impact of a DWI on a Juvenile

The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) treats juveniles differently than adults, since there are restrictions placed on your driver’s license until you turn 21. Therefore, juveniles face the following consequences for a DWI:

• Automatic suspension of license for refusing or failing a breath test
• Possible jail time
• Up to 6 month license suspension if convicted
• Hefty fines

Probation Before Judgment

In the state of Maryland, the judge has the right to grant a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in DWI cases. With a PBJ, your case is resolved without a trial or conviction. If the judge accepts a PBJ plea, you will be placed on probation for a specified amount of time, and if you complete the probationary period without any further marks on your record, your charge is completely dismissed.

The primary benefit of a PBJ plea is that your DWI will not be on your permanent record. You will not receive any points on your license, you will not lose your license, and your insurance will not find out about the infraction, which will save you a great deal of money on your insurance premiums. More importantly, you will not have to disclose your DWI to potential employers.

However, if you are under 21, judges will not grant you a Probation Before Judgment. Therefore, you will be unable to avoid the many penalties associated with a DWI conviction. At best, you can only hope for a reduction in penalties. However, your DWI will remain on your permanent record. Clearly, this is less than ideal.

DWI Defense

Due to the seriousness of the charges and the major impact a DWI will have on all areas of your life, it is important to hire an experienced DWI lawyer to represent you. The stakes are simply too high to defend yourself. You are much more likely to receive a lenient sentence if you are represented by a skilled DWI lawyer. If you are a juvenile, it is even more important to secure proper representation since the consequences are more severe when you are under 21.

If you have been charged with a DWI in the Baltimore, Maryland area, please contact the Law Offices of Jimeno & Gray, P.A. today to schedule a consultation.

Pulte Homes and Centex To Merge in Billion Dollar Deal

2009-04-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

Centex and Pulte Homes are the first home builder mega merger to come through, but odds are it will not be the last.

The 1.3 billion dollar stock swap is being done while both companies are hemorrhaging money in the housing downturn. The merging of assets, valued at a combined 7.2 billion dollar enterprise value should provide enough protection to make it through till the markets turn around.

The Pulte Homes name will be the new name of the company and the headquarters will remain in Bloomington Hills, Michigan. So, it looks like Pulte management will be the dominant force in the merger.
Directors of both companies have unanimously approved the deal. The combined company will use the Pulte name and will be based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., where Pulte is based. The company plans to maintain a significant presence in Dallas, where Centex has its headquarters.

Under the agreement, Centex shareholders will receive 0.975 shares of Pulte stock for each share of Centex they own. Based on the $10.77 closing price of Pulte stock on Tuesday, the transaction has a value of $10.50 a Centex share, a 37 percent premium over Centex closing price of $7.62 on Tuesday.

Upon closing, Pulte shareholders will own about 68 percent of the combined company, and Centex shareholders will own about 32 percent. NYTimes.com.

Kona Kampachi-Sushi-grade sustainable fish

2009-03-08T23:01:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, the kona kampachi. Sushi-grade sustainable fish farmed right off the coast of the Big Island. Also called “amberjack,” which is a great name for a science-fiction or fantasy character. Some swashbuckler tomboy girl — “Amberjack, set the plasma sails! It’s time to go comet-diving with the star dolphins!”

Anyway, this little meal here is a little raw serving of kona kampachi at Sansei in Waikoloa. Their food is good, not great, but their presentation is knock-your-booties-off good.

The fish itself is sweet, not at all fishy, and very fatty. With all those good fats that in 10 years they’ll be telling us are secretly bad fats or something, fats that will give us some kind of heart-exploding disorder.

Here’s a funny little fish-health fact, though — ever see “butterfish” on a menu? Sometimes called “escolar” in hoitier-toitier foodie circles?

Yeah, do a Google search on it.

Then, do a Google search on “butterfish” and “anal leakage.”

Seriously. Fascinating stuff. Point being, if you want to eat butterfish, do so with an extra pair of khakis laying around.

Who Killed Jenny Schecter?

2009-03-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

Did you watch the season finale? Theories?? Judging by the audience reception at the viewing party I attended tonight at "The Aut Bar" here in Ann Arbor, it was not a popular conclusion!

Puma Punku(Defined,Photo)

2009-03-08T22:51:00.000-07:00

What is Puma Punku? Is this a new shoe model from Puma shoes that is one of the hot searches in google trends? Here is what Puma Punku is all about from sharingbolivia.com.

"Puma Punku, is part of the Tiahuanacu complex, found near the city of La Paz. It seems to be the remains of a wharf, since Lake Titicaca seems to have extended beyond it's current limits. There is little to see but large stones on ground but a massive, four-part, now collapsed building. One of the construction blocks from which the pier seems to have been made weighs an estimated 440 tons and several other blocks laying about are between 100 and 150 tons" See Some Pictures below.

Looking For a Good family watch dog?

2009-03-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a good family dog, consider one of the hunting breeds. If you already own one you don’t need to read this! My husband and son hunt using our Vizsla pointers, Abby and Peaches. The intelligence and loyalty astounds me.. They even achieved couch status in the living room, much to my chagrin.

As an all-round good family dog, the hunting breeds are hard to beat.

The Sporting dog breeds have tremendous popularity as family pets; just think Golden Retriever or Labrador. For the most part, all hunting dogs have similar qualities that fit well with family life:

wonderful loving nature,
great for active families
love outdoor activities
okay with children
energy and endurance
devoted and loyal
good family watch dog

Choose a dog that fits your lifestyle.

The breed is often chosen on impulse, because of its appearance, reputation, or as the current fad, and not for the particular characteristics that will make it a good pet that fits the family’s lifestyle and activity level.

Families or individuals who are outdoorsy and active should consider choosing a dog from the sporting group.

Also known as gun dogs, or bird dogs, they have natural hunting abilities, pointing retrieving or both.

As a hunter you have a dog that fits with your sport. My husband hunts upland game , quail, pheasant, so our pointer vizslas fit the bill.

These dogs also fit well with our home life.

Sporting dogs are energetic. They love to run and are better off not being confined.

They are not suited for apartment life! The best scenario is a large fenced-in yard

For physical activity, walking your dog 2 or 3 times a day is just not enough… these dogs love to flat out run!

Sporting dogs can enjoy swimming if they are easily introduced to water as puppies.
Gentle rivers or lakes are good, even the backyard pool works!
Never throw the puppy in.
This could teach him to fear water.
Find a shallow spot for him to get in with your encouragement.
Bring him in and allow to feel his stride swimming.
Don’t hold or force him to stay in the waster, as panic will turn to fear of the water.

Labrador Retrievers and Golden retrievers have become one of the most popular family dogs in the sporting group. They are happiest when they are with their people, and are too friendly to be good guard dogs! Labs are gentle with children…

Golden Retrievers are also extremely popular. A well-mannered, charming breed that loves people and other animals, Golden Retrievers are wonderful family dogs that are gentle and patient with children……

English Springer Spaniels are intelligent, cheerful, and playful dogs who love everyone. They have high energy levels which make them a great pet for families with active children. English Springers can cover rough terrain with speed, agility and endurance…….

Weimaraners are proud and aristocratic dogs. Fearless but not overly aggressive, they are protective of their families. Intelligent and eager to please, Weimaraners need lots of attention and respond well to obedience training…..

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are the ideal pets for families who love winter sports. Bred to hunt fowl on the icy New England coast, their thick waterproof coats allow them to tolerate adverse weather conditions. Brave, powerful and assertive, they are excellent watchdogs….

Irish Setters are outgoing dogs with even temperaments. They are great with children and like to play with other dogs. Sweet-natured and playful, Irish Setters love plenty of attention and affection. They are not “stupider” than other breeds as some people believe….

German Shorthair Pointers are intelligent and eager to please but can be stubborn and willful. They are loyal and affectionate with their families but often standoffish to strangers…..

Cocker Spaniels have been popular family pets for decades. Their small size and sweet, cheerful dispositions make them wonderful companions for children….

Many other sporting breeds are quickly gaining popularity as family pets. When choosing a sporting breed be sure you can fulfill the dog’s need for the great deal of physical exercise and attention that they need to be happy……..

Buy a puppy from a reputable breeder who knows good specimens of the breed they produce. Puppies from pet store “puppy mills” or backyard breeders may not have the gentle, friendly nature that is so characteristic of a well-bred sporting dog.

Sporting dogs are not for everybody, but you don’t need to be a hunter to own one!

Who Won AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW?

2009-03-06T04:35:00.000-08:00

Will it be The Beat Freaks or Quest Crew? No matter who walks away with the title of America’s Best Dance Crew it will be well deserved. Both crews are extremely talented and have proven they deserve to be in the finale.

The boy of Quest have been my favorite from day one. The ladies of The Beat Freaks surpassed everyone’s expectations and have made ABDC history by being the first all girl dance crew in the finals. Well done to both teams.

Before the winner was announced we were treated to some amazing multi-crew performances. The judges chose three crews whose talent and style complimented each other. All three performances were incredible. Well done!

Group 1: Strikers All Stars, Dynamic Edition and Quest Crew
Group 2: Beat Freaks, Team Millenia, Boxcuttuhz
Group 3: Fly Khicks, Ringmasters, GOP Dance

I did really love all three performances, but I thought Group 1 was the tightest.

But the real show was the kickass performance by Quest and Beat Freaks. So well done. I wish we had seen them collaborate more this season.

But there can on be one winner. And the crew you voted as AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW is….

QUEST CREW!!! Congrats boys!! WOO HOO!!
This was my first season watching AMERICA’S BEST DANCE CREW. It took me a few seasons to get on board, but you’ve got me! Persistence pays off W.S. - you told me I’d love it and I do. Thanks! Can’t wait for next season. QUEST CREW FTW!!

tags : quest crew, who won america s best dance crew, america s best dance crew season 3 winner, america s best dance crew season 3 finale, america s best dance crew season 3

Facebook virus and phishing warning

2009-03-06T04:33:00.000-08:00

Last week I got a Facebook message from a good friend of mine. It had some video to click on that was supposed to be funny.

Since it was my old pal from college, I didn't think twice. Beee baaaaa, beee baaaaaa (that is the sound of warning alarm bells going off that I should have heard), you see, the weasels fooled me! Me of all people, who makes a living warning people of scams!

It wasn't my old friend who sent me that. It came from some malicious computer crooks, who somehow hacked into his account and sent out messages with not so pleasant viruses attached. Luckily, the video wouldn't open on my home computer and an hour later I got an email from him saying watch out !

Facebook later sent him the email below. I would love to know what the phishing website designed to "look like Facebook" really looks like:

Hi, We have detected suspicious activity on your Facebook account and have reset your password as a security precaution. It is possible that malicious software was downloaded to your computer or that your password was stolen by a phishing website designed to look like Facebook. Please carefully follow the steps provided:

1. Run Anti-Virus Software: If your computer has been infected with a virus or with malware, you will need to run anti-virus software to remove these harmful programs and keep your information secure. For Microsoft. For Apple.

2. Reset Password: From the Account Settings page, you will need to create a new password. Be sure that you use a complex string of numbers, letters, and punctuation marks that is at least six characters in length. It should also be different from other passwords you use elsewhere on the internet.

3. Secure Email: Make sure that any email addresses associated with your account are secure, since anyone who can read your email can probably also access your Facebook account. If you believe someone has accessed one of your email accounts, you should change its password.

4. Never Click Suspicious Links: It is possible that your friends could unknowingly send spam, viruses, or malware through Facebook if their accounts are infected. Do not click this material and do not run any .exe files on your computer without knowing what they are. Also, be sure to use the most current version of your browser as they contain important security warnings and protection features.

5. Log in at Facebook.com: Make sure that when you access the site, you always log in from a legitimate Facebook page with the facebook.com domain. If something looks or feels suspicious, go directly to www.facebook.com to log in.

6. Learn More: Please visit the following page for further information about Facebook security and information on reporting material.

Thanks, The Facebook Team

Was that an earthquake? Google it and find out

2009-03-06T04:31:00.000-08:00

Google may be showing some of its Silicon Valley influence with a new feature that makes it easier to answer a classic California question: “Did you feel that? Was it an earthquake?”

Now you can just type in the words “earthquakes San Francisco” (for example) if you want to see a list of recent earthquakes near (you guessed it) San Francisco. You can also do a general search for “earthquakes” if you just want to know which parts of the world are shaking. The feature also lets you click to see the earthquake epicenter on Google Maps.

On one level, this is a bit underwhelming, since Google isn’t providing any new information or even aggregating a particularly rich set of data — all of the earthquake information comes from the US Geological Survey’s Earthquake Center website. But this makes the information searchable so users don’t have to navigate the USGS’ lists and maps. It also lets you use Google’s tools to find out more — for example, you can Google the local time when the earthquake occurred. Perhaps most importantly, it’s yet another question you can answer without ever leaving Google.

My only real complaint is the fact that the earthquake listings just kind of sit there. Sure, you can map them, but how about a link to the full earthquake profile on the USGS site? Or to relevant stories in Google News?

In his blog post, Google Software Engineer Mike Danylchuk writes, “Traditionally, we’ve had to wait for answers as reporters scrambled to investigate and spread the news.” As someone who’s covered some small earthquakes for the local paper, I like this tool, but it only helps with what was already the easiest part of the job — namely, contacting the USGS (or visiting its website) and confirming that there was an earthquake. A cub reporter still has to tackle the tough task of tracking down some locals and asking, “Did you feel it? Did you feel it?”

American Idol Wild Card Winners (2009) | American Idol Season 8

2009-03-06T04:29:00.000-08:00

American Idol wild card winners (2009) has completed Season 8’s finalists. To people’s surprise, the judges could not seem to give up one more contestant whom they believe to deserve another chance. Earlier tonight, instead of picking 3, the judges and the show announced 4 American Idol wild card winners who made it to the finals. These 4 American Idol wild card winners did not only complete the set of top 12 but made up a total of American Idol Top 13 of Season 8.

The 2009 American Idol wild card winners were not only back on the show but are now given the chance to win the crown of American Idol Season 8 or American Idol 2009.

This is the list of 2009 American Idol wild card winners Season 8. America, here is our 4 American wild card winners (2009) with the title of the songs they performed tonight::

* Jasmine Murray - Reflection
* Megan Joy Corkrey - Black Horse and the Cherry Tree
* Matt Giraud - Who’s Lovin’ You
* Anoop Desai - My Prerogative

Related search phrases are 2009 American Idol wild card winners, American Idol wildcard results, American Idol wild card results 2009, American Idol Final 12, American Idol Top 12 Season 8, and American Idol Top 13.

Chapel Hill News UNC News Today

2009-03-06T04:25:00.000-08:00

Chapel Hill is a town in Orange County within North Carolina, United States and the home of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), the oldest state-supported university in the U.S. chapel hill eve, chapel hill news, chapel hill today, chapel hill nc, unc

Latest news on is CHAPEL HILL –
The UNC Chapel Hill community came together Thursday to honor the life of former Student Body President Eve Carson, who was murdered one year ago.

Town of Chapel Hill Official Website
Official web site for the town and local government with information about the elected officials, scheduled meetings, and public services.

www.ci.chapel-hill.nc.us

What happened to the DoCoMo Panasonic P905i?

2009-02-27T04:56:00.000-08:00

Panasonic released the P905i, which the electronics giant made for DoCoMo. The cell phone features the 1seg TV tuner and uses Viera image processing; this is the same technology that Panasonic use in their PDP TV’s.

The image quality is truly amazing when watched on the 3.5-inch screen, which has a resolution of 854×480 pixels. The Panasonic P905i handset features 3G, GSM and GPS, as well as 1GB of built-in memory just so that you can record television programs.

The handset was aimed at technology freaks, who would find it hard to refuse a TV that can fit into your pocket, as well as make and receive calls. The 2-megapixel camera will not take the best pictures in the world, but is just enough to keep users happy.

When the DoCoMo Panasonic P905i was first launched, it was meant to be a breakthrough for Panasonic, but what has happened to that handset now?

Gibson Guitar Giveaway! Win the Kristofferson SJ that Kris Played at NAMM

2009-02-27T04:51:00.000-08:00

The Deal: Gibson has announced a very cool guitar giveaway, where you could win the
Gibson Kristofferson SJ Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar that Kris played Gibson’s booth at Winter NAMM 2009.

Some info about the Kristofferson SJ from Gibson’s website:
Limited to just 300 guitars, The Kristofferson captures the vintage feel and classic details of his original Southern Jumbo, including the model’s very simple appointments and beautiful, yet understated look. The Kristofferson then blends these traditional qualities with several modern features, including the new Fishman Matrix Infinity undersaddle pickup system with endpin mounted preamp and soundhole mounted controls.
As an extra bonus to this $4,000 acoustic guitar, if you win this contest you’ll also get a free copy of Kris’s This Old Road album.
Finally…if you’re a fan of his music and not just looking for a free axe, here’s a taste:

Entry Deadline: April 30, 2009
Get It: Click Here to Enter

Me And Bobby McGee Lyrics

2009-02-27T04:49:00.000-08:00

Me & Bobby McGee Lyrics

Busted flat in Baton Rouge, waiting for a train
And I's feeling nearly as faded as my jeans.
Bobby thumbed a diesel down just before it rained,
It rode us all the way to New Orleans.

I pulled my harpoon out of my dirty red bandanna,
I was playing soft while Bobby sang the blues.
Windshield wipers slapping time, I was holding Bobby's hand in mine,
We sang every song that driver knew.

Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose,
Nothing don't mean nothing honey if it ain't free, now now.
And feeling good was easy, Lord, when he sang the blues,
You know feeling good was good enough for me,
Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee.

From the Kentucky coal mines to the California sun,
Hey, Bobby shared the secrets of my soul.
Through all kinds of weather, through everything we done,
Hey Bobby baby? kept me from the cold.

One day up near Salinas,I let him slip away,
He's looking for that home and I hope he finds it,
But I'd trade all of my tomorrows for one single yesterday
To be holding Bobby's body next to mine.

Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose,
Nothing, that's all that Bobby left me, yeah,
But feeling good was easy, Lord, when he sang the blues,
Hey, feeling good was good enough for me, hmm hmm,
Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee.

La la la, la la la la, la la la, la la la la
La la la la la Bobby McGee.
La la la la la, la la la la la
La la la la la, Bobby McGee, la.

La La la, la la la la la la,
La La la la la la la la la, ain`t no bumb on my bobby McGee yeah.
Na na na na na na na na, na na na na na na na na na na na
Hey now Bobby now, Bobby McGee, yeah.

Lord, I'm calling my lover, calling my man,
I said I'm calling my lover just the best I can,
C'mon, hey now Bobby yeah, hey now Bobby McGee, yeah,
Lordy Lordy Lordy Lordy Lordy Lordy Lordy Lord
Hey, hey, hey, Bobby McGee, Lord!

Yeah! Whew!

Lordy Lordy Lordy Lordy Lordy Lordy Lordy Lord
Hey, hey, hey, Bobby McGee.

Bridget Moynahan spotted with new ‘Sex’y hunk

2009-02-27T04:46:00.001-08:00

Say this for Bridget Moynahan - the girl’s got a type: tall, famous and incredibly handsome.

Word from La-La is that Tom Brady [stats]’s baby mama, stunning in a red satin sheath, spent Oscar night canoodling with “Sex and the City” Absolut hunk Jason Lewis at the rockin’ Mercedes-Benz post-awards bash at MyHouse .

“They were engaged in very intimate conversation for hours,” a party snitch told Fox News . “They even stayed after the show was over. She (Bridget) would often giggle and touch his arm, and every time she leaned forward he would touch her back. Very flirty.”

Whoa.

Now, we can’t help but notice that Jason - a former model who was on “SATC” as Samantha’s boytoy Smith Jerrod well after B’s small gig as Big’s wife Natasha - looks a little something like the Patriots [team stats] QB/QT who broke her heart. And the boys, who both hail from Cali, have the same taste in headgear.

But Bridget’s PR guy Gary Mantoosh insists that his client, the mother of Brady’s son, Jack, 1 , and the hunky Lewis “are not an item at all and only friends.”

For now anyway . . .

Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady Tie the Knot

2009-02-27T04:42:00.000-08:00

Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady wed Thursday at the St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica, Calif., Us Weekly magazine reported.

The bride was outfitted by Dolce & Gabbana as were her three dogs at the ‘very small and intimate’ ceremony.

Brady's son with Bridget Moynahan, John Edward Thomas Moynahan, was also present at the ceremony.

The model and the New England Patriots quarterback have been dating since 2006.

Click here to read more from UsMagazine.com.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008) MP3 Song Download Free

2009-02-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

1.	Aaj Ki Raat
2.	Dreams On Fire
3.	Gangsta Blues
4.	Jai Ho
5.	Latikas Theme
6.	Liquid Dance
7.	Mausam & Escape - Instrumental
8.	Millionaire
9.	O... Saya
10.	Paper Planes
11.	Paper Planes - Remixed
12.	Ringa Ringa
13.	Riots - Instrumental

related searches :JAI HO SONG DOWNLOAD, JAI HO, JAI HO RAHMAN, JAI HO SONG FREE DOWNLOAD, JAI HO MEANING, SLUMDOG SONGS FREE DOWNLOAD, DOWNLOAD SLUMDOG SONGS, SLUMDOG SONGS DOWNLOAD, SLUMDOG SONG, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE SONGS

Slumdog Millionaire Jai Ho Lyrics & English Translation

2009-02-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: HOORAY HOORAY HOORAY! JAI HO GULZAR AND RAHMAN!

(Music that makes you scratch your head and think of Baazi Lagaa from Guru, 00:28 seconds to be precise)

Jai Ho! ^n

Aaja aaja jind shamiyaane ke taley

Aaja zari waale neele aasmaane ke taley

Jai Ho! ^ n

Ratti ratti sachchi maine jaan gawayi hai

Nach Nach koylon pe raat bitaayi hai

Ankhiyon ki neend maine phoonkon se udaa di

Gin gin taarey maine ungli jalayi hai

Eh Aaja aaja jind shamiyaane ke taley

Aaja zari waale neele aasmaane ke taley

Baila! Baila!
(Dance! Dance!)

Ahora conmigo, tu baila para hoy
(Now with me, you dance for today)

Por nuestro dia de movidas,
(For our day of moves,)

los problemas los que sean
(whatever problems may be)

Salud!
(Cheers!)

Baila! Baila!
(Dance! Dance!)

Jai Ho! ^n

Chakh le, haan chakh le, yeh raat shehed hai

Chakh le, haan rakh le,

Dil hai, dil aakhri hadd hai

Kaala kaala kaajal tera

Koi kaala jaadu hai na?

Aaja aaja jind shamiyaane ke taley

Aaja zari waale neele aasmaane ke taley

Jai Ho! ^ n

Kab se haan kab se jo lab pe ruki hai

Keh de, keh de, haan keh de

Ab aankh jhuki hai

Aisi aisi roshan aankhein

Roshan dono heerey (?) hain kya?

Aaja aaja jind shamiyaane ke taley

Aaja zari waale neele aasmaane ke taley

Jai Ho! ^ n

So this is my good deed of the day. The Rahman/Gulzar/Sukhwinder combination delivers again. Was frankly disappointed with Yuvvraaj lyrics; Tu hi to meri dost hai sounds like Gulzar sahib on an exceptionally bad day. Have bugged all the music shops in Bangalore asking them when the SM soundtrack is coming. Apparently it's being imported via a Mr Godot.

Update: Thanks JpnDude for the Spanish section! Below is a loose English translation that murders the original Hindi. Apologies to Gulzar Sahib. Hope to post a link here when I find a good translation online.

Jai Ho =Something between “Hail” and “Hallelujah”

Come, come my Life, under the canopy

Come under the blue brocade sky!

Iota by iota, I have lost my life, in faith

I’ve passed this night dancing on coals

I blew away the sleep that was in my eyes

I counted the stars till my finger burned

Come, come my Life, under the canopy

Come under the blue brocade sky!

Taste it, taste it, this night is honey

Taste it, and keep it,

It’s a heart; the heart is the final limit

You dark black kohl

It’s some black magic, isn’t it?

Come, come my Life, under the canopy

Come under the blue brocade sky!

For how long, how very long

It’s been on your lips

Say it, now say it

The eye is downcast

Such lit up eyes

Are they two lit-up dimaonds(?) ?

Come, come my Life, under the canopy

Come under the blue brocade sky!

Abhishek Bachchan enters Guinness Book

2009-02-23T03:03:00.000-08:00

Actor Abhishek Bachchan had a tiring day on Sunday, but one that has seen him make a world record. He has made a new record of maximum public appearances in different cities.

Abhishek Bachchan's marathon seven-city promotional tour for the movie Delhi-6 kept the security
staff busy in managing his fans and led to some moviegoers missing their films but the actor exuded confidence in getting his name listed in the record books.

As the actor rushed from one city to another in his attempt to get the feedback of audiences in different cinema halls, his fans were there all the time.

"It is really exciting to get first hand response about your movie. The cinema halls were running packed wherever I went," the junior Bachchan told reporters.

His target cities are Ghaziabad, Noida, Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Chandigarh and Mumbai.

The actor reached a Noida cinema 10 minutes before schedule only to see a over 500-strong crowd gathering around the hall, literally threatening to disrupt the event. Though Bachchan had initially planned to interact with the audience, he had to rush out within 10 minutes.

Many of the moviegoers were also caught in the crowd and missed their show as the tight security made their entry difficult.

source : ndtv.com

Rahman wins 2 Oscars; Slumdog bags 8 in all

2009-02-23T03:01:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles: It was a dream run at the Oscars for India.

Filmmaker Danny Boyle's rags-to-riches romance set in India, Slumdog Millionaire, won eight Oscar awards for best feature film, direction, original song, original score, sound mixing, editing, adapted screenplay and cinematography.

An elated Rahman who won the Academy Awards for best original score and song from the film Slumdog Millionaire said, “I want to thank everyone. The essence of the film is optimism and hope. All through my life I had the choice of love and hate…I chose love and I am here.” Read story

Boyle, 52, who had never before been nominated for an Oscar, beat David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Ron Howard (Frost/Nixon), Gus Van Sant (Milk), and Stephen Daldry (The Reader).

Boyle also becomes the first British winner of best director since Sam Mendes was honored in 2000 for American Beauty.
Resul Pookutty, who won the Oscar for best sound mixing, along with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke said, “I dedicate this award to my country. This is not just an award, it is history.”

Smile Pinki, a 39-minute short film in Hindi and Bhojpuri, directed by Emmy-nominated producer Megan Mylan won the best documentary short subject Oscar. Read story

Rahman nervous before Oscars, finally left it to God

2009-02-23T02:58:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles: As AR Rahman held the Oscars for best original score and for best original song Jai Ho for his work on Slumdog Millionaire during the 81st Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre, there were many who were not present there but felt cheer for someone who they had worked with before.

One such person was celebrated adman cum lyricist Prasoon Joshi.

"I am completely freaked and so thrilled that I feel like I have won it myself. I am in the US and I spoke to him last night and we spoke for a long time. I tried to know how he was feeling and whether he was nervous. I did sense that he was nervous and all of us prayed for him I told him that he had always believed in doing his work and forgetting about the rest to which he replied in the affirmative," said Joshi.

Prasoon Joshi has penned the lyrics to Rahman's composition in Delhi 6 was elated at Rahma's Oscars haul.

"As for my belief, I think this is not his best work, he has done much better work in the past. You know, right now I am in a gathering where people are asking me about the film Slumdog Millionaire and the body of work Rahman has done apart from this film and details on how they can obtain his earlier work. So I think that this win at the Oscars will inspire people to look at other pieces of work that Rahman has done," Joshi said.

Loveleen Tandon, the Assistant Director of the film Slumdog Millionaire is elated over the Best film award and the Best Director award that the film won at the Oscars.

Loveleen had accompanied the kids, some of whom came from slums of Mumbai's Dharavi, to the celebrated Oscars gala in Los Angeles.

Speaking to CNN-IBN, Loveleen Tandon said, "The most special thing is that the kids could come and they are all here. It is really like the fairy tale that the film is. That is really the journey that the film has had and the journey that the kids have had. It is fantastic. It has really made my day to be with them and to see the sparkle in their eyes."

It was not just the joy in the kids' eyes that satiated Loveleen's heart she said.

"People have been just walking up to us, especially to the child actors and congratulating them. People are so moved by all that we do not need any introduction anymore. You know Brad Pitt stood up and the moment he saw the kids walk out, he started clapping and he made the way for us as I was taking the kids on the stage and kept clapping while looking at the young ones. That is incredible," said a very touched Loveleen.

She had been responsible for the casting of the kids in appropriate manner for the film.

IIT Kanpur develops anti-hacking system

2009-02-23T02:57:00.000-08:00

IIT Kanpur has developed a technology to secure wi-fi networks and prevent hacking incidents like terrorists intruding into the wireless internet system of an American based in Mumbai to send terror mails.

The technology, Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS), completely secures your wi-fi systems and data from hackers, IIT-Kanpur director Sanjay Govind Dhande told PTI.

A team of teachers and former students of the institute developed WIPS, he added.

Pravin Bhagwat, a member of the team which developed the technology, said that after the Ahmedabad bomb blasts where terrorists hacked the wi-fi system of an American in Mumbai, security agencies did not think of securing government and business organisations where a large number of wi-fi systems were installed.

A terror email claiming responsibility for the Ahmedabad bomb blasts was sent to some private new channels on July 27 from US national Haywood’s computer.

Haywood denied his involvement and police suspect that his Internet Protocol was misused by someone to send the mail.

Indore-based institute offers scholarship to Pinki

2009-02-23T02:56:00.000-08:00

Eight-year-old Pinki, on whose life the Oscar winning documentary Smile Pinki is based, has more reasons to cheer as an Indore-based medical and management institute has offered her a full scholarship for studying at the institute.

The Chairman of the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences and the Aurobindo Institute of Management Science and Technology Dr Vinod Bhandari and Kingshuk Trivedi offered Pinki scholarship till she completes her education in any stream including medical, dental, nursing, physiotherapy, engineering, pharmacy or Management.

“The institute will offer her a comprehensive scholarship covering entire expenses to be incurred on tuition, hostel, mess, books and all other necessities,” Bhandari told PTI.

Smile Pinki, the tale of a Uttar Pradesh girl and her fight against the social stigma of a cleft-lip, won the Oscar award for Best Documentary (Short).

Directed by Emmy-award winning Megan Mylan, the film was shot in Mirzapur and Varanasi of Uttar Pradesh.

Slumdog Millionaire made tax free in Delhi

2009-02-23T02:54:00.000-08:00

Slumdog Millionaire, which has won as many as eight awards at the Oscars, was on Monday granted entertainment tax exemption in Delhi, with Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit saying it had "created history in the field of Indian cinema".

Dikshit expressed her pleasure over Slumdog Millionaire - a film by British director Danny Boyle with India as its backdrop and at its heart - sweeping the 81st Academy Awards.

"This film has earned a special distinction by claiming eight Oscar awards in different categories and hence created history in the field of Indian cinema," Diskhit said in an official statement.

Yasin Malik weds

2009-02-23T02:53:00.000-08:00

Islamabad: Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik tied the nuptial knot on Sunday with artist Mushaal Hussein Mullick in Rawalpindi, with the couple expressing the hope that the Kashmir issue would be amicably resolved as early as possible.

Speaking to reporters soon after the ‘nikaah,’ the 42-year-old Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman said he had prayed for an early and amicable resolution of the Kashmir issue as prayers offered on an auspicious occasion like a wedding were always accepted by God.

Britain-born Pakistani Mushaal, a painter pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the London School of Economics, said the Kashmir issue was a “serious and noble cause” supported by every Pakistani. “I hope that the Kashmir issue is solved through non-violence. I’ll be very happy,” she said.

Top leaders from PoK, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Lt. Gen. (retd.) Hamid Gul and presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar attended the function.– PTI
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Complete list of 2009 Oscar winners

2009-02-23T01:41:00.000-08:00

Best Picture of the Year: "Slumdog Millionaire". Read more about the film.

Best Actor: Sean Penn (left) for "Milk". Read more about the performance.

Best Actress: Kate Winslet (right) for "The Reader". Read more about the performance.

Best Director: Danny Boyle for "Slumdog Millionaire". Read more about the director.

Best Foreign Language Film: "Departures" (Japan)

Best Original Song: "Jai Ho" ( from "Slumdog Millionaire"). Read more about the film.

Best Original Score: "Slumdog Millionaire".

Best Film Editing: "Slumdog Millionaire".

Best Sound Mixing: "Slumdog Millionaire". Read more about the film.

Best Sound Editing: "The Dark Knight". Read more about the film.

Best Visual Effects: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". Read more about the film.

Best Documentary Short: "Smile Pinki".

Best Documentary Feature: "Man on Wire".

Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger for "The Dark Knight" (left). Read more about the performance.

Best Live Action Short: "Spielzeugland (Toyland)".

Best Cinematography: "Slumdog Millionaire". Read more about the film.

Best Make Up: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". Read more about the film.

Best Costume Design: "The Duchess".

Best Art Direction: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". (right) Read more about the film .

Best Animated Short: "La Maison en Petits Cubes".

Best Animated Feature: "Wall-E". Read more about the film.

Best Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy for "Slumdog Millionaire". Read more about the film.

Best Original Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black for "Milk". Read more about the film .

Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz (left) for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". Read more about her performance.

Take a look behind the scenes at the Oscars with Variety's Stuart Oldham.

See the complete list of nominees.

Complete coverage at Award Central.

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Christopher Walken Cowbell - Saturday Night Live

2009-02-23T01:40:00.000-08:00

Soundboard Archive - Prank Call Soundboards

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La Maison en Petit Cubes VIDEO

2009-02-23T01:39:00.000-08:00

VIDEO! Watch again video of the Oscar win by Kunio Kato shouting “Domo Arigato Mr Roboto” ! La Maison en Petits Cubeswon Best Animated Short at the Academy Awards tonight.

CLICK HERE FOR THE OSCARS VIDEO

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL MR ROBOTO VIDEO

Domo Arigato Mr Roboto speech clearly won Best Short Speech for the Oscars. The reference is to the 1983 album by Styx “Kilroy Was Here” that hit number 3 that year. And now two decades later it’s the most talked about clip from the show!

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Heath Ledger's Family Accepting His Posthumous Oscar: 'Validated Heath's Quiet Determination'

2009-02-23T01:38:00.000-08:00

Heath Ledger won best supporting actor for his final role as Joker in "The Dark Night" at Sunday night’s Academy Awards.

His father, Kim, mother, Sally, and sister, Kate, accepted the award on the late actor’s behalf. "This award tonight …. validated Heath’s quiet determination to be truly accepted by you all here, his peers, in an industry that he so loved," his father said. He would have been very proud.

The Australian actor died on January 22 at the age of 28. The cause of death was from an accidental overdose of prescription medications. Ledger’s 3-year-old daughter, Matilda Rose, will eventually keep dad’s Oscar statuette. Matilda Rose is Ledger’s only child with actress Michelle Williams.

In recent weeks, Leger has won a series of awards, including a Golden Globe, British BAFTA and a Screen Actors Guild. On Sunday, Ledger became the second actor to win a post humorous Oscar. The first posthumous Oscar was awarded to Sidney Howard for his screenplay "Gone With the Wind."

Ledger doesn’t just leave behind friends and family, but millions of adoring fans, who are saddened to have lost such great talent.

Big Bang Mini Review: Boom Goes The Dynamite

2009-02-23T01:37:00.002-08:00

Who would have thought that fireworks, of all things, would provide so much inspiration for video games? Aside from their obvious celebratory implementation in sports games, the firework has recently become a key gameplay element in more than one game, the latest of which is SouthPeak’s DS title, “Big Bang Mini.” This time around, the firework’s role has been expertly crafted for Nintendo’s touchy portable, providing the most fun I’ve had playing with fireworks since that time when I was a kid, and I almost had to go to the hospital.

At its heart, “Big Bang Mini” is a shooter, and, in a genre that’s known for its difficulty, “Big Bang” can hang with the big boys. Each level in the game has ten stages, a boss, and an overall theme based on the location of the level. The point of each stage is to collect enough stars by shooting your enemies down to fill up your meter, once the meter is full the stage is over, and you get to take a shot at a bonus level. While that may sound cut and dry, there is one added element to contend with; a small orb that you have to, at all times, keep out of harms way, or else you game comes to an immediate end. Additionally, moving the orb around is vital, as it is the only way to collect the falling stars you need in order to advance. Of course, your shots aren’t coming out of the orb – that would be too easy - they can originate from anywhere on the touch screen, just as long as you can keep the orb safe, which is a daunting task, especially in the later levels.

With each of the different levels having a theme based on its location, the levels take you around the world, from Paris to New York to Luxor (note: I know Luxor is not a real place, but one of Arkedo’s earlier titles). The themes create a unique environment for each level in the arcade mode, introducing new scenery, enemies, and even gameplay elements. As you progress through the game, your shooting ability is upgraded with a couple of different shots that remain persistent throughout the game, but most of the levels also grant you a world specific upgrade. Most of these upgrades are focused on defense, allowing you to avoid the shots coming at you in different ways, but there are some unique ones, like the ability to stop time, and the ability to lasso oncoming fire. Arkedo did a great job of mixing up the elements to make each world feel unique, and always keep the player on their toes.

Unfortunately, as much as I enjoyed the themes, they also spawned my first noticeable complaint about the game. The environments in the game change with each theme change, and along with them, so does the music, which is really a blessing. Some of the individual levels are exceptionally challenging and force you to replay them over and over again, but the music never changes. It’s always the same song for all ten of the stages, and the boss, and it becomes really repetitive really quickly. Don’t get me wrong, the audio in the game is great, I just got tired of hearing it so much.

But, if redundant music is the only complaint I have about the game, then we’d be in really good shape… right? Well, there’s good news, and bad news. The bad news is, that wasn’t my only problem with “Big Bang Mini.” The good news is there was only one other really big issue that I had with the game that really affected the gameplay – the precision of the targeting of the shots. Throughout the game the ability to hit a moving target is vital, making it imperative that your shots are on target, and sometimes your fireworks don’t go where you want/need them to go. With each flick of the stylus you really need to hope that your shots are headed in the direction that you need them to, or else the debris from your missed shot is going to be coming back at you. It’s not even that this is something you can get good at, sometimes it’s just luck.

Fortunately, to make up for the couple of drawbacks of the game, “Big Bang Mini” offers a huge assortment of game modes, most of which are unlocked as you play through the game. The Arcade (standard beat this level) and Versus (multiplayer) modes are unlocked after completing the Tutorial, and even if you didn’t unlock anything else, both of these modes can suck up a ton of your time. Should you continue, Challenge (highest score) and Mission (complete the objective) modes are next, based on your success in the Arcade mode, while they don’t offer anything really new in terms of gameplay, they do offer a different way to experience the game. Beyond that, there’s a few surprises, but only the truly dedicated “Big Bang” fan is going to be able to experience those.

Overall, “Big Bang Mini” is unlike a lot of games that are on the market today. This uniqueness becomes very quickly apparent when the game suddenly throws you into its 8-bit randomizer levels (which I still can’t completely explain), or when you’re being attacked by a cat that is pooping stars at you. Sometimes good things come in little packages, such is the case for SouthPeak’s, “Big Bang Mini;” it’s a tiny game, at a tiny price, for the smallest system, with the word “mini” in the title. You really don’t get any smaller than that. Fortunately, this everyman’s shooter is a package that everyone can really enjoy.

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The Witness From the Balcony of Room 306 - Oscar Nom on HBO February 18

2009-02-23T01:37:00.001-08:00

The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306, filmmaker Adam Pertofsky's stirring documentary about the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., premieres on February 18 on HBO2, as part of the cable network's Black History Month programming. The 32-minute Oscar-nominated nonfiction short features eyewitness testimony by Reverend Samuel "Billy" Kyles, a close friend and colleague of Dr. King's, who was standing beside Dr. King on the balcony outside room 308 at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN, when the beloved civil rights leader was slain on April 4, 1968.
Reverend Kyles, a powerful preacher and compelling orator in his own right, tells of events preceding Dr. King's death, including his arrival in Memphis to support local garbage men in their strike for higher wages and the hour of light-hearted conversation with Dr. King that preceded their fateful appearance on the balcony.
Pertovsky actually interviewed Kyles on that very balcony and includes archival footage and photographs from the day of the fatal shooting, which gives the film an almost eerie sense of immediacy and place.

Also interviewed for the film, Maxine Smith and Benjamin Hooks speak soulfully of the ironies of circumstance and timing, and remind us of the emotionally devastating effects of Dr. King's death. But the most effective reminders of all are the archival clips we see of Dr. King's last speech, the famous "dream" address in which he actually predicts his own assassination--"I may not live to see it," he comments--but passionately proclaims that the movement for equal rights will be triumphant. Reverend Kyles' emotionally-charged comment that "you can kill the dreamer, but the dream lives on" stands as the strong message of this moving documentary--and it's a message that has tremendous resonance as we celebrate Black History Month and the election of the first African-American president of the United States.

You can see The Witness From the Balcony of Room 306 on HBO2 on Wednesday, February 18 at 8pm (ET/PT). And watch the 81st Academy Awards on February 22 on ABC to see whether The Witness From the Balcony of Room 306 takes home an Oscar for Best Documentary Short. Meanwhile, you can view the trailer.

(PHOTO: Reverend Samuel Kyles on the balcony of room 306, courtesy of Margaret Hyde Photography).

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The Bagger at the Oscars: ‘Man on Wire’ Nabs Best Documentary Feature

2009-02-23T01:36:00.001-08:00

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

“The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)” (Cinema Guild), A Pandinlao Films Production, Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
“Encounters at the End of the World” (THINKFilm and Image Entertainment), A Creative Differences Production, Werner Herzog and Henry Kaiser
“The Garden” A Black Valley Films Production, Scott Hamilton Kennedy
“Man on Wire” (Magnolia Pictures), A Wall to Wall in association with Red Box Films Production, James Marsh and Simon Chinn
“Trouble the Water” (Zeitgeist Films), An Elsewhere Films Production, Tia Lessin and Carl Deal

The Bagger hits the double-digit mark with this correct pick, moving to 10 out of 12. But those two wrong choices early hurt.

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Transformers Mosaic: "The First Betrayal."

2009-02-23T01:34:00.002-08:00

The Universe of the Transformers is vast, and populated by many characters. Their universe is a large tapestry, made up of the stories and points of view of countless experiences that serve the larger whole.

These are some of those stories. This is:

It should be noted that while this project has been recognized by IDW Publishing and Hasbro, none of the works presented have been commissioned or solicited by either company. The stories are not official canon, except where noted. These stories are the result of Transformers enthusiasts taking the time out of their busy days to contribute to a universe they love. No one has been paid for the production of these stories.

Transformers Mosaic FAQ, click here.

The First Betrayal

Story, Art, Colors & Letters by;
Damien P. Ghela

Dustin Lance Black’s Moving Acceptance Speech

2009-02-23T01:34:00.001-08:00

Milk’s screenwriter, Dustin Lance Black, just gave the most incredible acceptance speech after being awarded Best Original Screenplay tonight at the Academy Awards. glaadBLOG is proud to present it here in its entirety.
Oh my God. This was, um. This was not an easy film to make. First off, I have to thank Cleve Jones and Anne Kronenberg and all the real-life people who shared their stories with me. And, um, Gus Van Sant, Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, James Franco, and our entire cast, my producers, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, everyone at Groundswell and Focus, for taking on the challenge of telling this life-saving story. When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas to California and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life, it gave me the hope to one day live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married.
(He chokes up, audience begins to applaud.)
I want to thank my mom who has always loved me for who I am, even when there was pressure not to. But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches or by the government or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours. (Wild applause from the audience.) Thank you, thank you, and thank you God for giving us Harvey Milk.

Gemase Simmons

2009-02-23T01:33:00.000-08:00

I love Gemase Simmons! What you never heard of him? Thats because he is a real life fake hollywood dude. I know that that sentence is jsut full of irony but it’s true. Let me explain. Gemase Simmons fooled other idiots into participating in his fake reality tv show. Incredible. He actually has a fake business and everything. I don’t konw how this story broke but it did and he has now been exposed. Gemase Simmons suckered people into thinking that he actually has a reality tv show and the prize was fifty grand. He hired a camera man from texas and never paid him. The camera man kept all the tapes and exposed him. Gemase Simmons is only 28 years old but he duped a lot of assholes. I think all these hollywood people truly, truly are assholes and anyone pathetic enough to crave being on a reality show deserves to be duped. These shows make me sick. What’s wrong with America these days?

Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto

2009-02-23T01:31:00.000-08:00

I am currently watching the Oscars, and the most unexpectedly funny moment so far was when the winner for Best Animated Short, Kunio Kato with “La Maison en Petits Cubes”, ended his speech with Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto. In case you are too young to know the reference, it comes from the Styx song Mr. Roboto:

And those Wikipedia folks are ajavascript:void(0)lready at it:

“Mr. Roboto” is a song written by Dennis DeYoung and performed by the band Styx on their 1983 concept album Kilroy Was Here. It reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving the band their first notable hit since “Too Much Time on My Hands” in 1981. Mr. Roboto is one of Styx’s most popular songs. It was also released as a 45 RPM single, with the song Snowblind as the B-Side. Was quoted in the 2009 Academy Awards.

Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto translates to Thank you very much Mr. Roboto. So since Kunio Kato was thanking several people in his speech, he used the phrase in perfect context.
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The Bagger at the Oscars: ‘Smile Pinki’ Wins for Best Documentary Short Subject

2009-02-23T01:30:00.000-08:00

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT

“The Conscience of Nhem En” A Farallon Films Production, Steven Okazaki
“The Final Inch” Vermilion Films in association with Google.org, Irene Taylor Brodsky and Tom Grant
“Smile Pinki” A Principe Production, Megan Mylan
“The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306” A Rock Paper Scissors Production, Adam Pertofsky and Margaret Hyde

The Bagger was doing really well with his late changes, but he blew it on this one, switching from “Smile Pinki” to the “The Witness.” He falls to 10 for 13.

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Inspiration Cafe Founder Honored On Oscar Night

2009-02-23T01:29:00.000-08:00

Lisa Nigro, who founded the Inspiration Cafe in 1989, is the subject of an "inspirational" 60-second commercial that will air during the Oscars ceremony on February 22. "After reading thousands of inspiring stories, our team felt that Lisa Nigro's story exemplifies the purpose of TrueNorth - giving life extraordinary meaning." Read the press release about it here. Congratulations, Lisa!

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OSCAR 2009 BUZZ: KATE WINSLET, OSCAR CEREMONY SECRETS

2009-02-23T01:27:00.000-08:00

John Harlow in The [London] Sunday Times:

"The favourite for best actress was Kate Winslet, for her role in the controversial film The Reader. Though Winslet has been attacked for appearing in a film that arguably commits the unthinkable and humanises a Nazi, it has brought her a sixth Oscar nomination.

"She may be defeated only by the fear of her making a winner’s speech as incoherent as her emotional ramble at the Baftas."

***

Kenneth Turan in the Los Angeles Times:

"Aside from my house, where the Oscars remain must-see programming, the one place where the Academy Awards continue to mean a great deal is within the movie business. In fact, the prizes, especially the one for best picture, seem to mean more this year than ever.

"I say that because it’s been another bitter awards, with partisans of the five contenders eager to bad-mouth whomever they saw as competition. When Entertainment Weekly wrote about the race in the Feb. 13 issue, the cover line got right to the point: ‘Battle For Oscar: Now It’s Getting Ugly.’"

***

The Associated Press‘ Josh L. Dickey on the tidbits leaked out about the secretive 2009 Oscar ceremomy:

"SONG-AND-DANCE (JACK)MAN: "Hugh (Jackman, the host) is going to come out and say a few things, but he’s not going to do a 10-minute monologue … He’s going to be doing a lot of musical stuff, so that will have a different feel to it." — [Oscar writer Bruce] Vilanch, in an interview with The Associated Press.

"NEED A MONTAGE: The original song nominees will be presented together in a medley-style performance, rather than sprinkled throughout the show and played in their entirety. — Nominee Peter Gabriel, who announced in a video blog on his Web site that he was declining to perform "Down To Earth" fromWALL-E to protest the one-minute limit for his part."

Etoiles d’Or 2009

Berlin Film Festival 2009 Winners

Jutra Awards 2009

Hong Kong Film Awards 2009

Did Bette Davis Name the Oscars?

Awkward Jerry Lewis Moments #4

2009-02-23T01:23:00.000-08:00

This isn't really awkward per se, but I have adopted this title and I'm not going to change it now. We've all heard this ten thousand times I am sure and you can find it elsewhere around WFMU, but it's always enjoyable. And plus it is the Lord's day. So this one's for you, Lord. Previous Jerry Lewis moments here, here and here..

No new taxes in Kerala budget

2009-02-20T03:30:00.000-08:00

Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): With an eye on the Lok Sabha polls, Kerala's Left Front government today unveiled a deficit budget with no new taxes, and a slew of welfare measures including a Rs 10,000 crore special package to tide over the slowdown in the economy due to the global recession.

Finance Minister T M Thomas Issac did not impose new taxes and came out with sops like waiver of loans up to Rs 25,000 taken from government institutions by Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and converted Christians.

The budget aims to mobilise an additional Rs 574.29 crore by tapping non-tax revenue. It shows deficit of Rs 934 crore and estimates total revenue at Rs 28,153.90 crore, expenditure at Rs 31,161.85 crore and a revenue deficit of Rs 3,007.95 crore.

A Rs 10,000 crore anti-slowdown package in the budget is a step towards increasing capital investment. The most important component of this would be schemes worth Rs 5,000 crore for implementing drinking water and irrigation projects.

An amount of Rs 250 crore has been earmarked as food subsidy with the objective of ensuring supply of essential commodities at reasonable prices for all. Rice would be supplied at Rs two a kg to families below the poverty line.

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NII launches BlackBerry Curve 8350i

2009-02-20T03:27:00.000-08:00

NII Holdings, Inc. today announced that Nextel Argentina, Nextel Brazil, Nextel Mexico and Nextel Peru will offer the BlackBerry(R) Curve(TM) 8350i smart phone. The BlackBerry Curve 8350i is the first BlackBerry smart phone in Latin America to offer this unparalleled combination of services and features with Nextel's industry-leading Push-to-Talk (PTT) service along with premium phone features, the industry's leading email and messaging capabilities, web access, productivity applications and rich multimedia capabilities. Also, it includes Wi-Fi(R) and 128MB of internal memory. This powerful and flexible smart phone for mobile business users is available exclusively to Nextel customers in Latin America.

The BlackBerry Curve 8350i smart phone and the industry-leading Push-to-Talk service will provide one-touch, instant and effective communication between NII subscribers and over 10 million iDEN subscribers in North and South America. In addition to enabling easy access to personal and corporate email, the BlackBerry Curve 8350i comes with built-in Wi-Fi, a 2-megapixel camera, 128MB of memory and an expandable memory slot for additional storage to help subscribers in Latin America push their business to new heights.
RIM BlackBerry Curve (8350i) Features

* Built-in capabilities for assisted autonomous GPS capabilities
* 2.0-megapixel digital camera with 5x digital zoom, flash and video recording
* DataViz Documents to Go is preloaded to make it easy to edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents directly on the smart phone
* Speakerphone is optimized for sound quality with Direct Connect
* Advanced Media Player to listen to music, watch videos and show pictures
* Expandable micro SD memory card slot allows plenty of storage for pictures, videos, music and documents
* Bluetooth version 2.0 with support for (A2DP) stereo Bluetooth and more
* Group Connect feature enables group conversation up to 20 Persons.

RNC Chairman Planning Hip Hop Make Over to Recruit Minorities

2009-02-19T21:12:00.000-08:00

This is about the dumbest thing I've ever heard.

Newly elected Republican National Committee Chairman Michael S. Steele plans an “off the hook” public relations offensive to attract younger voters, especially blacks and Hispanics, by applying the party's principles to “urban-suburban hip-hop settings.”

The RNC's first black chairman will “surprise everyone” when updating the party's image using the Internet and advertisements on radio, on television and in print, he told The Washington Times.

Five million Americans are currently collecting unemployment checks from the government, and a disproportionate number of them are from minority groups. The GOP doesn't need an image make-over, they need a policy-makeover.

If they want to make headway in 'urban areas', then they must first acknowledge the problems facing Black, Hispanic, and immigrant communities and resolve to do something about it.

Playing a little Jay-Z and planning "off the hook" events won't do a thing except drain Republican coffers even more.

Chalk this up to one more example of how out of touch Republicans are.

Source..

Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace and Michael Sarver - Press Conference

2009-02-19T21:10:00.000-08:00

I got some quotes from today’s press conference with Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace and Michael Sarver, the three Idol contestants who advanced to the Top 12 during Wednesday night’s American Idol results show.

Danny speaks to his status as a front runner and the fact that his backstory may be annoying some Idol fans. Alexis still can’t believe her good fortune, and Michael realizes Simon’s personal plea on his behalf may have helped him advance.

Quotes from Danny Gokey:

Does he feel like he’s been pushed to the forefront by producers? I do feel like that, that I was highlighted. There’s no gettin’ around that. And I can say this: I’m grateful. And I know (sighs) Y’know, unfortunately, it’s a bummer when people are just real mad about it and, y’know, I had nothing to do with it and hope people can see past that.

On whether or not his backstory is getting overwhelming and annoying, It’s only been seven months since she’s passed. And, y’know, it’s not that I throw it in people’s faces, but I get asked about it all the time. It weighs on my mind a lot, though. Because I’d–y’know, honestly, this is a sob story I don’t want. But it is shaping my life. And it’s causing hope for a lot of people and not only that, it’s causing hope for my life.
Wants to lighten up, aware that people are getting tired of his story, Well, I feel like I’ve just gotten my message across. But now I wanna, I wanna lighten up and just have a little fun with it and enjoy the ride. I don’t know, I guess maybe sometimes the, the consensus is that people are getting tired of my story or, y’know, or whatever, and y’know, that’s totally fine. Uh, but I wanna be able to, y’know appeal to people on a fun level too, as opposed–y’know–and also in the deeper level that I showed ‘em.
Quotes from Alexis Grace and Michael Sarver after the JUMP…

From Alexis Grace:

How she felt when she was compared to Kelly, I mean, it really just shook my world when they said that, in a good way. And um, what it does though, it just pushes me to do better each time now. Y’know, now I’ve really gotta step up my game and prove to them that they’re right.
What went through her mind when Ryan said she’d made it,’This is my dream–and it’s happening.’ That’s what went through my head when I heard I made it through and to tell you the truth, I wasn’t convinced. Because, just because, judges give good, good critiques doesn’t mean America agrees with them, so I just went in there not expecting anything, just getting the results pretty much.
From Michael Sarver:

Does Sarver think Cowell’s personal plea on his behalf led to him advancing? I can’t deny that I think that, that could have had something to do with it. Simon making a plea for me on my behalf, I, I feel–I don’t take it that lightly at all. I, I really take delight from that as a compliment because y’know, I appreciate compliments on my voice and my singing and things, but to be complimented on the person that I really am really means a lot to me.
Sarver says the fact that his image as a hard working guy who wants to provide for his family led to his success, I can acknowledge that the hardworking American is, is part of the appeal, y’know? I believe that real life people can relate to me, especially in the economy and the day that we live. It’s very difficult for a lot of people, and um, I see it as a chance to see someone rise from the ashes. It’s not that my life is bad, but things are tough. And to see someone excel and succeed, I think people relate to that and, it’s special to their hearts.

Source..

California Legislature Approves State Budget With Tax Increases - GOP Senator Abel Maldonado Provides Swing Vote

2009-02-19T21:09:00.000-08:00

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steingberg, D-Sacramento, holds up a sign indicating only one more Republican vote is needed to pass the budget during a media gathering deal outside the Senate chambers yesterday evening

Democrat California State Senate leader Darrell Steinberg got his one Republican vote in the name of Republican Senator Abel Maldonado and with it the California Legislature went on to approve the state budget with tax increases.
Voting at dawn to end a three-month impasse, the California Legislature passed a budget package that addresses the state’s massive deficit with billions of dollars in new taxes and program cuts after Democrats and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger reached a deal with a GOP holdout.

Sen. Abel Maldonado of Santa Maria provided the final Republican vote needed to pass a spending plan, which includes more than $12 billion in tax hikes. In exchange, Democrats agreed to rewrite election rules that Maldonado said had allowed the Capitol to become paralyzed by partisanship, leading the state to the brink of financial ruin.

And, the funny thing is that this budget does not solve California’s long term structural budget deficit problems and relies on a special election on May 19, 2009 to ratify some of the funding changes.

GOP Senator Maldonado in speaking in favor of the state budget acknowledged that his political careeer may be over in voting for these tax increases.

Maldonado is at least RIGHT on this.

More later…..

Source..

The end of Swiss banking as we know it?

2009-02-19T21:08:00.000-08:00

For long, Swiss banking has thrived because the banks have traditionally drawn a very thin line between tax fraud and tax avoidance. Tax avoidance is not a crime in Switzerland, unlike say in America, and that distinction allowed Swiss banking to flourish. Unfortunately, the distinction that made Switzerland awesomely rich also covered up some fairly dirty stuff. Every tin-pot dictator in the third world, for instance, found a way to squirrel money looted from tax-payers in Swiss banks. In fact, there are some reports that Indians alone have over $1.4 trillion stashed away in Swiss banks.

The IRS of the United States is not to be trifled with. In fact, one must never forget that Al Capone was not put away for murder, but for tax fraud. Swiss bankers, in particular those from UBS, found this out much to their chagrin earlier this week. UBS will have to reveal the names of Americans who have used Swiss banks to stash away their black money as part of a $780 million settlement. It is rumoured that the IRS is after 19,000 Americans who may have secret Swiss banking accounts. Of course, this move by UBS also probably means the end of banking secrecy in Switzerland or at least the end of the trust in the security of the Swiss banking system.

Thursday LOST Blogging: 316

2009-02-19T21:07:00.000-08:00

So, last night’s episode 316, was in my humble opinion quite the killer.

The episode opened up just like the very first episode of the show — with Jack’s eye opening, and a zoom out revealing that he is startled to find himself lying in the jungle in a pretty nice suit. What’s happening? Are we back in Season 1 for some reason? Has Jack also become unstuck in time? And then: wait! I know this scene like the back of my hand, and Jack was wearing a white shirt. That shirt looks blue! This is new! Hey, that’s not his mini vodka bottle . . . is that Hurley? Oh shit.

And it was awesome.

What else happened in this episode? Well, everything. We find out that Jack is back on the island, and Hurley and Kate at least are with him. We then flash back to 36 hours earlier, to find Jack, Sun, Ben and Desmond meeting with Eloise Hawking, or Daniel Faraday’s mother. Eloise takes them to the Lamp Post, a Dharma station that has the purpose of finding the island. She confirms the long-held suspicion that the island is always moving. Which is a pretty damn big reveal.

Desmond freaks out at Eloise and leaves. Eloise tells them all that they need to be on a flight 316, to Guam, in order to get back to the island, and they need to as carefully recreate the circumstances of the original flight as possible. She also takes Jack aside and explains that for that reason, Jack has to give Locke (or his dead body) something that belongs to his father, and also that Locke committed suicide. Another big reveal.

Jack goes home, and Kate shows up clearly distraught. Aaron is not with her, and she won’t tell Jack what happened — indeed, she makes him promise to never ask her again. Jack seems strangely unconcerned, probably because he’s so interested in doing it with her. Everyone else seems unconcerned about Aaron’s whereabouts for the rest of the episode. Jack gives Locke Christian’s shoes and reveals why Christian’s wearing those running shoes on the island. Ha! Also, Ben totally got his ass kicked by someone, but everyone seems rather unconcerned about that as well.

Sun, Jack and Kate all show up at the airport. Then, we’re rather surprised to see a really greasy looking Sayid there, too, in the custody of some kind of law enforcement official. I guess we’ve got the fugitive part of the flight recreated right there. Sayid seems rather surprised and displeased to see everyone, and yet also looks rather strangely surprised when the plane starts crashing. Slow, Sayid, slow. Hurley also shows up, but won’t say how he knows that he was supposed to be there. I think we’re supposed to assume his best-dead-friend Charlie. Oh, and Frank Lapidus is flying the plane.

Then, Jack, Hurley and Kate are on the island again. They’re about to split up and look for Sun, Sayid, Ben, Frank and other possible survivors . . . until a new Dharma van comes rolling out of the jungle! A man in a Dharma jumpsuit steps out and points a gun at them, only to have it revealed that the man is . . . Jin!

Wow, that is a lot of stuff, isn’t it?

So, on those reveals. I was pretty sure that the island was regularly in motion, though it’s great to know it for sure. It’s also good to know how Locke died, and it seems that we’re going to learn a lot more about this next episode. I was clearly proven right in my prediction last week that the island was going to move back in time, to a point where Dharma was still on the island — thus explaining why Faraday was hanging out with Dr. Candle in the first episode, and how he told Charlotte not to come back to the island. I so knew that Frank was going to come back at some point, though I was silly enough to not predict that it would happen in this way, because no one gets to just leave the show without dying.

Questions/Concerns: Where the fuck is Aaron? Did Kate know she had to go back to the island, take the message from Claire to not bring him back seriously, and give him away? Did someone take him? Why? And I know you want to do it with her Jack, but seriously, that unconcerned? Speaking of unconcerned, I know that they all hate Ben, but not a single comment on the bloody head and broken arm? And also speaking of unconcerned, why does no one seem to care what the hell Sayid is doing there? Why is Sun still so unconcerned about leaving her daughter, Ji Yeon, behind seemingly forever? Why are they unconcerned about how Hurley got there? And other than Hurley who buys 75 plane tickets to prevent more people from crashing, and Jack inquiring in passing, why does everyone seem so unconcerned about the other folks on the plane who are going to crash with them? In short, why is everyone on that show so damn unconcerned about everything? Is Desmond the only one who asks questions around here?

And speaking of Desmond, what’s going to happen with him off the island? Wait, sudden thought — is that what happened with Ben? Did he go to try to kill Penny, AKA Widmore’s daughter, like he said he would?

Source..

Griffey spurns Atlanta, signs with Seattle instead

2009-02-19T21:06:00.000-08:00

In one of the stranger baseball stories this offseason, Ken Griffey Jr. has decided not to sign with the Braves, instead he’ll head back to Seattle, where he started his career 19 years ago.

Here’s how the story unfolded:

The Journal-Constitution first reported Tuesday that Griffey had told a close friend he would sign with the Braves. Wren said Wednesday that communication with Griffey’s agent, Brian Goldberg, had gone smoothly until after that AJC report, which Goldberg and Griffey said was inaccurate.

Griffey told MLB.com later Tuesday that he was still torn between the pull of Seattle, where he had spent the first half of his career, and the Braves, where he would be just a one-hour flight from his wife and children in Orlando, and where he would spend spring training just a 20-minute drive from his home.

By noon Wednesday, Braves officials seemed concerned by the silence from Griffey’s camp and said they expected a decision from him by Thursday.

It’s been a week of misdirection plays for Griffey. Even as it was being widely reported last week that he would sign with Seattle, Griffey called Jones and a Braves official to express interest in playing for the Braves.

He hadn’t been one of the Braves’ preferred options for their outfield job entering the offseason, but the free-agent pool had thinned, plus the Braves didn’t have much room left in their payroll and didn’t want to trade top prospects to acquire an outfielder via trade.

Suddenly the Griffey option looked pretty good, and the Braves figured they would pair the left-handed slugger, one of only six players with 600 career homers, in left field with right-handed hitting Matt Diaz.

As the story goes, Griffey was apparently ticked off that the AJC reported that he chose the Braves over Mariners. Whether or not that was Griffey’s official reason for turning around and signing with the Mariners is uncertain, but nevertheless this situation developed oddly.

Several AJC writers are taking a beating because of their original report. Braves fans are claiming the paper ruined the team’s shot of landing Griffey, but in defense of the AJC, stories are printed like this all the time. If Griffey honestly based a decision of this magnitude (i.e. one that involves his family, where he’ll work and where he’ll live for the next year) off of what a newspaper printed, then that’s ridiculous. Did the paper jump the gun? Probably, but it’s their job to report that the news and they reported what they had.

Either way, Griffey is on his way back to Seattle after signing a one-year contract, and the Braves are still in need of a fourth outfielder.

Soruce..

Texas Tech, Mike Leach finally agree to contract extension

2009-02-19T21:05:00.000-08:00

Texas Tech and football coach Mike Leach have finally agreed to a contract extension after more than 10 months of negotiations that will keep him at the school through 2013, a source with knowledge of the talks told The Dallas Morning News on Thursday.

Leach met with Tech chancellor Kent Hance for almost three hours early Thursday afternoon and the two sides have agreed to Tech's $12.7 million offer that will extend Leach's current two-year deal three more seasons. The contract hasn't been signed but that could take place as early as Friday, the source said.

Tech athletic director Gerald Myers and Leach's IMG agents, Gary O'Hagan and Matt Baldwin, didn't attend the meeting between only Leach and Hance, the source said. Leach and Hance could not immediately be reached for comment.

Leach and Hance hashed out the sticking points earlier today involving four clauses that Tech inserted into its latest offer Jan. 9 that wrecked previous progress. The four clauses involved the guaranteed termination compensation Leach would receive if fired, the buyout amount he would pay if he left early, a penalty for interviewing for another job without permission and who controlled Leach's personal property rights.

A news conference has been called for 6 p.m. today.

The two sides agreed to take out the buyout in the contract altogether, the source said. Tech had wanted a $1.5 million buyout, but now Leach will become the fifth Big 12 football head coach without a buyout in his contract.

The two sides agreed to raise Leach's guaranteed money to $2 million, the source said. Tech had offered $1.5 million in its latest offer. Both parties agreed that Leach is to give notification if he is to interview for another job, the source said, but doesn't need Myers' permission, as Tech had originally asked. Both sides agreed to meet in the middle on Leach's personal property rights, the source said.

The convoluted and sometimes heated contract negotiations first became public after The Dallas Morning News filed an open records request in mid-January asking for documents involving talks between the two parties. On Wednesday, the drama played out nationally as Leach talked to everyone from ESPN to a local radio station.

Tech had set a Tuesday deadline for Leach to agree to its terms, but no deal was signed. A few hours before Tuesday's 5 p.m. deadline, Tech's Board of Regents called a "special teleconference meeting" for Friday in which regents were to discuss Leach's contract status and future with the school. Earlier Tuesday, about 40 people showed up outside the football offices for a rally on Leach's behalf.

On Wednesday, Leach formally requested that the regents meeting be open and for him to have the chance to speak. But that won't be necessary after an almost yearlong standoff has ended with Leach able to keep his job following a 2008 season in which he led the Red Raiders to one of the best seasons in school history.

Leach, who just completed his ninth season, is seven wins shy of becoming the school's all-time winningest football coach.

Source..

Assessing the president’s mortgage plan

2009-02-19T21:04:00.000-08:00

“The president’s new mortgage-relief plan contains clever elements that might indeed help homeowners. However, the superfluous threat of inviting judges to rewrite contracts must dilute the collateral behind troubled mortgage-backed securities. That, in turn, would jeopardize the endangered capital of banks, pension funds and other holders of such securities, including the Federal Reserve, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.” (02/19/09)

Link: http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=9988

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'Survivor: Tocantins': If we had voted

2009-02-19T20:54:00.000-08:00

"Survivor: Tocantins" got down to the nitty-gritty Thursday night, including one tribe dining on fresh termites and a free-for-all water basketball game that led one team to immunity.

The two tribes - Jalapao and Timbira - got to know each other a little better after last week's fast-moving first episode, with Sierra letting fellow Timbira tribe member Brendan in on her secret quest to find the immunity idol.

"Survivor's" very own basketbrawl ended with the Jalapao tribe winning immunity and sending Brendan off to Exile Island. He was able to take an opposing team member with him, choosing Taj George, whose big secret - that she's married to former NFL player Eddie George - is out and has left her feeling uneasy.

At the tribal council, Candace was taken by surprise and voted off the island. Sierra lives to see another week.

Sweet Home Alabama: James "JT" Thomas Jr., a cattle rancher from Samson and Mobile, is quickly establishing himself as a leader of the Jalapao tribe with his outdoor skills. "He's the Alabama country boy," says fellow teammate Stephen. "He's Tom Sawyer." Stephen really likes JT, who seems bemused by his New York buddy. Do we smell a bromance brewing? On the other team, Auburn middle school principal Deborah "Debbie" Beebe seems safe for now - no one has it in for her, and they like being around her.

Who got the boot? Candace Smith, a 31-year-old attorney from Dayton, Ohio.

If we had voted: We'd have taken the opportunity to get rid of Ben Wade, the amazingly egotistical coach and Fabio wannabe in the Timbira tribe. He led the charge against Candace, though, so his team must be listening to him. A side note - Wade lost his job this week as women's soccer coach at Southwest Baptist University. They say he failed to tell them he took time off to be on a TV show. He says he'll go into acting.

Indian Cricket team gets a new colour and New Zealand Fixture

2009-02-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

Indian team after better performance in the recent series leaves for New Zealand for their tough assignment in the recent times. Their past record in New Zealand is very dismal and Dhoni and his men would be keen to improve their past performance this time.

Indian team will arrive in New Zealnd on 20th of February and would open their tour with two twenty20 International to be played on 25th February and 27th February. Indian cricket team also got brand new kit in striking deep blue dress codes for the two tenty20 interntional and one day international. All the players were gatherd in function at Mumbai before departure with new dress code.

Indian team last tour to New Zealand were more than worse as they have lost both test series as well as ODI series by 2-0 and 5-2 respectively. Last test series win for India came way back in 1967-68 under the captaincy of M.Pataudi, so it has been long 41 years for men in blue to win the test series on New Zealand soil.

So far India has travel seven times to New Zealand and manages just one test series win while loosing four test series and drawing two. In the current Indian squad only five players played at New Zealnd soil- Sachin Tendulkar, Virendra Sehwag, V.V.S Laxman, Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh.

Past record may be against the Indians at New Zeland soil but the current form of men in blue will be very helpful and will help Dhoni and his men to perform better this time. Last two ODI series against England and Sri Lanka, Indian team looked completely dominant over the opponents by winning the series by 5-0 and 4-1.

India Twenty20 Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain & WK), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik, Irfan Pathan, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha.

India ODI Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain & WK), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Kaarthick, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Rohit Sharma, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Munaf Patel, Praveen Kumar, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha.

India Test Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain & WK), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Kaarthick, Murali Vijay, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Munaf Patel, L Balaji, Dhawal Kulkarni, Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra.

India tour of New Zealand Fixture

25th February: 1st Twenty20 International, AMI Stadium, Christchurch

27th February: 2nd Twenty20 International, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

3rd March: 1st One Day International, McLean Park, Napier

6th March: 2nd One Day International, Westpac Stadium, Wellington

8th March: 3rd One Day International, AMI Stadium, Christchurch

11th March: 4th One Day International, Seddon Park, Hamilton

14th March: 5th One Day International, Eden Park, Auckland

18th – 22nd March: 1st Test Match, Seddon Park, Hamilton

26th – 30th March: 2nd Test Match, McLean Park, Napier

3rd – 7th April: 3rd Test Match, Basin Reserve, Wellington

All ODI and twenty20 Matches are day night encounters, for timing of each matches you can view detail here India tour of New Zealand Cricket schedule 2009.

Tags: India tour of New Zealand Schedule, India Vs New Zealand 2009 Fixtures, India tour of New Zealand, India Vs New Zealand 2009 Cricket Series Fixtures and Schedule, India Vs New Zealand Schedule 2009 ODI Series, twenty20 Cricket India Vs New Zealand

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Steve Harvey: Act Like A Lady

2009-02-19T07:07:00.000-08:00

Millions of listeners nationwide tune in to the Steve Harvey Morning Show and hear the comedian’s opinions during his relationship commentary as he responds to listeners’ issues in what the show calls "Strawberry Letters." And now the King of Comedy has put his advice in print with his raw-talk book "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think About Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment." Harvey talked with the Defender about topics in his book.

What makes your book different than other relationship books?

This book is written by a man about how men view relationships, commitment, intimacy, family, marriage, all of that and it's done from a nonclinical standpoint. This is just straight talk. I have friends who are politicians, who are entertainers, who are pro-athletes, who are truck drivers, CEOs, guys that work at factories…I know exactly how men think on these subjects.

You say, “a man’s love isn’t like a woman’s love.” Do you think this is why so many relationships don’t work?

Exactly. If you have two different people with two different definitions of love and each one wants love the same way, somebody’s going to be disappointed, and it’s usually women.

Women are sometimes called gold diggers for trying to find men who are successful, but your book says that men will be too busy to focus on a woman until he makes it financially. So how does a woman avoid the title if she knows this?

Seeing as how there are so few men who are already successful and so many women would be looking for them, why would you want to get in line like that? In the book, I teach you how to find the potential in a man. You just got to know how to recognize it and be aware of his plan and buy into it…then both of you get there together. Then you have rights to it, and if you get a divorce, hello!

You agree with the 90-day rule on sex and compare it to a job. What makes you think 90 days is enough?

To read the rest of this article, subscribe to our digital or paper edition. For previous editions, contact us for details.

Copyright 2008 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Breville Cafe Roma Espresso Maker

2009-02-19T07:03:00.000-08:00

The Only Thing Worse Than Being Talked About Is Not Being Talked About

The last time we wrote about the Breville XXESP8XL Cafe Roma Espresso Maker we noticed a very special visitor. And so, we just wanted to take this moment to say thank you, Mr. Meltzer, for stopping in for a visit.

If you were nearby, we’d make you a cup of espresso from the Breville XXESP8XL Cafe Roma Espresso Maker. And we think you’d enjoy how the Thermoblock heating system made a decent cup of coffee that a comic book professional could enjoy. Of course, you’d probably storm out in anger after we spent the next three hours trying really hard to prove to you how Jean Loring was actually the one who left The Atom, but we’d understand that. We get hate mail from nerds as well. It’s just part of the territory. And when they reboot it away in five years we’ll all look back and laugh.

Anyway, it was nice to see you clearly enjoyed the mention, and we hope you’ll enjoy it this time as well. And we know that you probably spend all day counting the millions of dollars you got from the I Hate The Elongated Man Foundation and would never dream of buying a thing from a fly-by-night site like us. But if you’re thinking about espresso, Mr. Meltzer, please, consider the Breville XXESP8XL Cafe Roma Espresso Maker. We’re sure you’d like to stay awake as much as possible. After what you did, the dreams must be horrible.

Warranty: 90 Day Breville
Authorized for SquareTrade Extended Warranty

Features:

* The Café Roma features a 15 bar pump for optimal pressure and perfect crema on every shot of espresso
* Thermoblock heating system ensures the water is at the proper temperature for brewing espresso
* The stainless steel steam wand with froth enhancer allows you to create a variety of milk-based café drinks at home
* Stainless steel body with die-cast warming tray capable of heating up 6 espresso cups at the same time
* 40 ounce water tank capable of dispensing about 26 espresso shots before needing to be refilled
* Dual-wall créma technology, beneath the first wall is a second wall with a single exit hole. This produces back pressure inside the head which helps to extract flavor from the coffee
* Dual-action selector dial provides control over the pump and heating system
* Dimensions: 8.5” x 9.5” x 11.82”
* Weight: 13.2 lbs.
* Pump: 15 bar – made in Italy

In the box:

* Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Espresso Maker
* Stainless Steel Frothing Pitcher
* Portafilter
* 1 Cup Stainless Steel Filter
* 2 Cup Stainless Steel Filter
* Cleaning Tool
* Scoop with Tamper

Magellan Maestro 3200 Ultra thin 3.5″ touch screen Automobile Navigator $59.99 Shipped FREE!

2009-02-19T06:51:00.000-08:00

Affordable, ultra-thin and amazingly easy to use, the Magellan Maestro 3200 enables you to find virtually anywhere in seconds without reading the instructions! The simple touch-screen menu presents easy options in brilliant color! The large 3.5″ touch screen shows your position on the interactive map, plus distance to the next turn, distance to destination, ETA, street names and more, all at a glance. Voice guidance offers worry-free driving with turn-by-turn directions so you can keep your eyes on the road.

Easily find your way around town or from Florida to Washington with built-in maps of the 48 contiguous United States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. 1.3 million pre-programmed Points of Interest (POI) enable you to search and select nearby services, and recreation and business locations. Find gas stations, restaurants, ATMs and more. Phone numbers are included (when available) so you can call ahead for information and reservations.

Magellan Maestro 3200 Ultra thin 3.5″ touch screen Automobile Navigator

Balayya Squeezed Priyamani 'There'

2009-02-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

It is known news that natasimham Balakrishna is currently busy with the new movie that is being made under the Sravanthi movies banner and this marks the debut of Mahadev as the director while the buxom beauty Priyamani is the leading lady for the Yuvaratna.

Do you know where Balayya squeezed Priyamani? That's at Ramoji Film City. Yes, the squeeze that we are talking about happened at Ramoji film City during a song and it is heard that it was a rather sensuous song. Given the oomph that Priyamani has been generating, it is not a surprise that anyone would find it hard not to see her or get into a steamy act. It is about to lure all mass audiences, says inside sources.

Slated to be a family entertainer with full commercial values, the expectations are high on this one since Balayya has not been able to deliver a clear cut hit in the recent past. It will take nothing less than a blockbuster from him to actually keep up his tag of 'Box office bonanza' now. Let us see if Priyamani helps him in this mission.

Will Priyamani's bikini do any good for Nithin?

2009-02-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

Priyamani’s bikini act in the forthcoming Nithin’s ‘Drona’ is the hottest topic in tinsel town. The heroine debuted to Tollywood with ‘Evare Athadu’ sharing screen space with Vallabhaneni, son of KS Rama Rao, directed by Bhanu Shankar.

The Tamil girl had a bad opening with the dud and again made a comeback with Madan’s ‘Pellaina Kothalo’ starring Jagapathi Babu. The movie gave her a big break in Telugu cinema followed by the super hit ‘Yamadonga’ (NTR) directed by SS Rajamouli.

‘Drona’ is the latest which will hit screens tomorrow on 20th February. Nithin is near starvation for a hit and is troubled by his previous duds. Even though, the movie has a good script, screenplay and action stunts, the film makers seem to be betting high on the glamour part. Riveting stills of Priyamani’s rain dance was a trail for her main bikini act in the movie.

Will Priyamani’s bikini drive Nithin towards the road to ‘El Dorado’? Just wait for a day and watch out for the review on ‘Drona’ to see if Priyamani saved Nithin!

Movie Review: ‘Delhi - 6’

2009-02-19T06:13:00.000-08:00

Review of ‘Delhi 6’, 20th Feb 09
Posted by Neha Aggarwal
February 19, 2009

delhi-61

Rokeysh Omprakash Mehra made two movies earlier – Aks and Rang De Pasanti – the latter sweeping the mass appeal and a box office hit. Now the same director brings out his third movie “Delhi 6” and already the film has started sending ripples among critics and expectations of “Bollywood” movie lovers. It is said that Omprakash Mehra has made this film, based upon his own growing up as a lad of Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi.

The story moves around a young man from the foreign soil to his family roots in Old Delhi. Incidentally the Postal Code Number of Old Delhi is 110006 and the title “Delhi 6” denotes old Delhi conversely. Abishek Bachan (son of the greatly popular Amitabh Bachchan of Indian Cinema) is the hero Roshan – an Indian-American guy. His grand mother (Waheeda Rahman) is ailing and wants to be at her native place, Chandni Chowk of Old Delhi, at the time she breathes her last. Just to fulfill the last wish of his beloved grandmother, the hero takes a trip from America to India, least knowing that what was planned as a quick-trip (for the very first time to India) would meet with many developments and thrills to end well.

Once reaching Delhi with his grandmother, the hero meets Bittu (Sonam Kapoor) a beautiful girl and daughter of a neighbor. This being the first visit of his to India, everything that takes place in India, that is Delhi with its rituals, the religious beliefs, the food, the culture and friendly attitude of people fascinates him. But as he sees the hypocritical tendency of his neighbors, in concealing their evil side behind a friendly mask, Hindu Muslim religious riots, attributed to a phantom figure “Black Monkey” and every other thing an American can see in India, he gets upset. How he resolves all his problems is rest of the story you can watch on the silver screen.

The supporting roles of Rishi Kapoor, Atul Kulkarni, Om Puri, Divya Dutta, Tanvi Azmi, Supriya Pathak and Pavan Malhotra are accomplished by the artists finely. The fans of Hindi Hero Abhishek Bachchan and Bollywood buffs await the release of the film in India on 20th February.

Now some of the inside stories doing rounds about the much awaited film are – Director Omprakash Mehra, during the early stages of development of the film wanted to introduce new faces for the lead roles and changed his mind due to commercial compromises. Headlines about frequent changes of choices for the hero appeared in News reports – first with Hrithik Roshan set to play the hero, but was dropped out due to scheduling problems. Then Akshay Kumar was considered and the idea was dropped as he refused. The ultimate cast, Abhishek Bachchan got the nod and later Mehra stated that he was his first choice.

On December 20, 2007 the film started production and grew, but Mehra said he was not involved in the editing of the film. At the Dubai International Film Festival, the movie unveiled first and following the screening, the director and the cast of the film answered questions from the audience.

Februay13 was the date originally the movie was scheduled to be released, but consequent to the release of another much talked about film “Billu Barber” on that date, to avoid conflict the release date was rescheduled to February 20. But the premier screen went off at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art, on 15th February.

A.R. Rehman, the first Indian Music Composer to win the prestigious Golden Globes for his numbers in “Slumdog Millionaire” and has been recommended for 3 Oscar Awards , has done music to the film “Delhi 6”. The music tracks and sound tracks were released on 14th January at the Indian Idol 4 competition. Since then positive reviews are pouring about the songs of “Delhi 6” (Prasoon Joshi is the lyricist).

The first video of the song “Masakalli” featuring Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam with a pigeon was released. This song is not there in the original film. The Director reasoned out later about the cut-off, as a song about a dove will not fit in a film like “Delhi 6” and only after nearing the climax scene shooting he realized it.

A load of positive reviews about Rehman’s album release have come up and here are few excerpts –

“Delhi 6 – is as rich, just as powerful, and just as awe-inspiring, as his work in Slumdog Millionaire. As we take the timeless stroll down the streets of Delhi-6, let us rejoice the phenomenon that is Rehmania”

“Delhi 6 is near perfect. If one thought that Slumdog Millionaire, Ghajini and Jane Tu Ya Jaane Na were superb, then listen to Delhi 6 once.”

“Rehman beats his own score with Delhi 6, which would easily go down as one of his best scores till date.”

With such encouraging reviews, fans are anxious to see for themselves what is in store for them in “Delhi 6”.

MMS sex scandal in Noida

2009-02-19T06:08:00.000-08:00

Five years after a sex clip made and circulated by a Delhi school student made news, a similar incident has been reported from a business school in Noida.

A student has sent out a video of his 23-year old girlfriend doing a striptease for him, to some fellow students at the management school. This reportedly happened after the woman refused to marry him. The woman studies at the same institution.

The story was first reported by Mid Day. It said the two students were probably classmates. The man, who apparently knew the password of the woman’s email ID, logged in to her mail and sent the video to some people on her contact list.

MBA student circulates clip of 23-year-old girlfriend after she refuses to marry him.

The Noida Police are yet to take any action in the matter because they have not received any complaint. “We’ve not received any complaint from the girl or her family or from the college,” says A.K. Tripathi, Noida’s superintendent of police (city). “But we, on our part, are investigating the matter. I’ve instructed the officer concerned to give me all the details about any developments in the case.”

The video shows the woman stripping to music; the man apparently captured it on a cellphone camera.

Women organisations have repeatedly expressed concern over the rising cases of sexually explicit MMS clips of students being put on websites or circulated among students.

“It is a matter of deep concern that school and college students are indulging in such deplorable activities and defaming their classmates by putting their obscene clips on websites or circulating it among other students,” said Raksha Shukla, a representative of the All India Women Conference. “The police should not wait for an official complaint from the victim. They should act at own level and punish the erring students so that others do not dare to do such acts.”

In 2004, a student of a south Delhi school had found herself at the centre of a similar scandal.

Nintendo's DSi planning a European tour ahead of US release

2009-02-19T06:07:00.000-08:00

If you're still feeling all giddy about getting your mitts on a DSi here in the States on April 5th, prepare for a bit of a downer. Nintendo Europe has just announced gamers within its territories be getting the multi-screen multi-cam wonder a full two days earlier, on April 3rd, but hasn't said how much they'll be paying for the privilege. Also, while we're stuck with black and a rather cheeky baby blue, Euro gamers will be getting the more stolid/boring color selection of black or white, which may be good or bad depending on your monochromatic tendencies. Regardless, whether you're domestic or abroad, you'd best get your pre-orders in now.

Update: LostProphet commented to say that it's showing up for pre-order abroad at £149.99, or about $214. That's quite a premium for a few days worth of exclusivity.

[Via Nowhere Else]

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Lisa Hannigan on Leno, Touring (Highline), Album Out Now

2009-02-19T06:06:00.002-08:00

Lisa Hannigan on Leno, Touring (Highline), Album Out Now

Comedy, Music, Tour DatesFebruary 18th, 2009

Lisa Hannigan - “Lille”

Lisa Hannigan, Damien Rice’s former muse (as she will be forever known), just released a great new record on ATO called Sea Sew. She’s on tour now through mid-March and tonight (Feb 18) she’ll be on performing a song on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. On March 7 she’ll be in NYC at our very own Highline Ballroom (I really wish I wasn’t going to be out of town that weekend).

DOWNLOAD: Lisa Hannigan - “Lille” (mp3)

All Lisa Hannigan tour dates after the jump.

Lisa Hannigan 2009 Tour Dates
Feb 21 2009 Troubadour w/ Gavin Glass West Hollywood, California
Feb 22 2009 The Rhythm Room w/ Gavin Glass Phoenix, Arizona
Feb 24 2009 Bluebird Theater w/ Gavin Glass Denver, Colorado
Feb 26 2009 The Varsity Theater Minneapolis, MN, Minnesota
Feb 28 2009 Martyrs’ w/ Low Anthem Chicago, Illinois
Mar 01 2009 Mod Club Theatre Toronto, ON, Ontario
Mar 03 2009 Paradise Rock Club w/ Low Anthem Boston, Massachusetts
Mar 05 2009 World Café Live w/ Low Anthem Philadelphia, PA, Pennsylvania
Mar 07 2009 Highline Ballroom w/ Low Anthem New York, NY, New York
Mar 08 2009 9:30 Club w/ Low Anthem Washington DC, Washington DC
Mar 10 2009 Vinyl w/ Low Anthem Atlanta, GA, Georgia
Mar 11 2009 Belcourt w/ Low Anthem Nashville, TN, Tennessee
Mar 12 2009 930 Listing Room w/ Low Anthem Louisville, KY, Kentucky
Mar 15 2009 Bronze Peacock w/ Low Anthem Houston, TX, Texas
Mar 16 2009 HOB - Pontiac Room w/ Low Anthem Dallas, TX, Texas

• Lisa Hannigan’s Solo Effort Gets US Release Date
• Costello/Toussaint and Others to play Canal Room NYC
• Jason Mraz w/ Lisa Hannigan at RCMH Presale Info
• Late Night Talk Shows to Return in January With or Without The Writers
• Bill Callahan (Smog) Tour Dates | Highline and Southpaw Shows

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Charlie Sheen's Wife Brooke Mueller Fine After Premature Contractions

2009-02-19T06:06:00.001-08:00

Experiencing premature contractions, Brooke Mueller is said to be fine following hospitalization on Tuesday, February 17. In a statement issued to US Weekly, Stan Rosenfield, a representative for Brooke's husband Charlie Sheen confirmed Brooke "is expected to be released from the hospital" later that day.

Giving more details of Brooke's hospitalization, Stan explained, "Brooke Mueller Sheen was taken to a Los Angeles area hospital Tuesday morning after experiencing premature contractions." Furthermore, Stan added, the condition "is not uncommon at this stage of a pregnancy carrying twins."

Prenatal scare, in fact, isn't something new for Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller. Back in September 2008, Brooke underwent emergency gall-bladder surgery, described as a routine procedure but one that carries extra risk for both mom and baby during the first trimester of pregnancy. She was treated at the hospital for five days before then being discharged.

Broke is expected to give birth to the twins she is carrying in April. The twins will be her first children and the fourth ones for Charlie who has two daughters, Sam and Lola, from his failed marriage to Denise Richards, and another daughter, named Cassandra, with former girlfriend Paula Profit.

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Watch Lost Season 5 Episode 6 (Lost 316) Free Online Video

2009-02-19T06:05:00.001-08:00

The latest season of LOST is here. Let’s watch lost season 5 episode 6 video available in this website for free. To the avid viewers of Lost, the all new Lost or Lost Season 5 Episode 6 showcases the only way back to the island. In Lost season 5 episode 6 or Lost 316, their destiny will be their final destination. So, watch lost season 5 episode 6 a.k.a. Lost 316 and continue to be amazed by this thriller. Enjoy the coaster ride as the people of lost season 5 episode 6 decides to go back to the island voluntarily.
Watch Lost Season 5 Episode 6 or Lost 316 free online video clips.

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Orochon Ramen - Spicy!

2009-02-19T06:04:00.000-08:00

On the way to the LA Auto Show last week, me and a few buddies stopped by Orochon Ramen in Little Tokyo. It’s become somewhat of a tradition to get a bowl of ramen somewhere in the area before the car show for the last couple of years. Apparently this place is known for its spicy ramen (i love spicy) and if you can eat a whole bowl of their spiciest ramen (including drinking all of the broth) they’ll take your photo and put it on their wall.

Aside from not wanting a blood pressure spike from all the sodium that I’d take in from drinking a bowl full of broth, I was too afraid to try their spiciest. Even our server said he’s only had the second spiciest and that it was too spicy. I was hungry and wanted a meal more than I wanted to impress my friends so i went for the 5th spiciest (called #3 Impact on the menu). It actually wasn’t too spicy, but pretty much at the upper limit of enjoyable. My friends had the 7th and 8th spiciest and they weren’t very spicy at all.
The noodles were pretty good, although since the broth was so spicy, most of my taste buds were pretty numb and to be honest it could have been instant ramen and I really wouldn’t have noticed much difference. The service was pretty good, although our 4 bowls of ramen came out over a 10 minute period of time which was kind of awkward. I will be going back though and next time I plan to go for the spiciest bowl and all the glory, but it will be on a day when I don’t have to walk
around the convention center for a few hours, just in case it doesn’t agree with me.

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River Rats team bus crashes; three injured

2009-02-19T06:02:00.000-08:00

The bus transporting the Albany River Rats back from Lowell, Mass., after Wednesday night’s game rolled on its side along the Massachusetts Turnpike, according to state police.

The bus was carrying 19 players, two coaches and five support staff. Three members were injured and taken to Berkshire Medical Center, but names have not been released.

We are working on the story, and the latest information will be posted here.

American Idol Results Show

2009-02-19T06:01:00.000-08:00

The first 3 contestants into the Top 12 are…..
Michael Sarver, a 27-year-old oil rigger from Texas,Alexis Grace, a 21-year-old single mother from Tennessee, and Danny Gokey, a 28-year-old church music director from Milwaukee were advanced through the next round of American Idol!

Former Idol contestants made appearances on the show, including Carly Smithson and Michael Johns!

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Beheading in Buffalo - at Muslim TV Station

2009-02-19T05:59:00.000-08:00

Muzzammil “Mo” HASSAN, the founder and chief executive officer of Bridges TV, a Buffalo, NY based Islamic television Network he helped pioneer in 2004 amid hopes that it would help portray Muslims in a more positive light, reportedly admitted to police that he beheaded his wife at the television station yesterday afternoon.The victim was identified as Aasiya Z. Hassan, 37, who just last month, filed for and received an order of protection against her husband.

According to police, HASSAN walked into the Orchard Park police station shortly after 6:00 PM yesterday and admitted that he murdered his wife earlier in the afternoon. While Erie County, NY District Frank A. Sedita III stated about the murder that “”…this is the worst form of domestic violence possible,” it is more pertinent to understand that the act of beheading in Islam is frequently and closely associated with “honor killings.”

The intentional mainstream media obfuscation of honor killings and the act of beheading as both relate to Islamic fundamentalist practices & beliefs is anticipated, especially in this case. (For a good primer about Islam and honor killings, please read this 2008 article written by Robert Spencer).

HASSAN and Bridges TV of Buffalo has been a focus of investigation by the Northeast Intelligence Network in the past. The Northeast Intelligence Network made several inquiries to HASSAN and Bridges TV about their relationship with al Manar television - inquiries that HASSAN and his station refused to answer.

Meanwhile, HASSAN was charged with second-degree murder and has been arraigned by Orchard Park, NY Village Justice Deborah Chimes. He is currently in custody at the Erie County Holding Center.

TV Channel won’t air Dubai tourney after Israeli barred

2009-02-19T05:58:00.002-08:00

(CNN) — The Tennis Channel has canceled plans to broadcast a tournament in Dubai because an Israeli player was banned.

Shahar Peer, the 45th-ranked women’s player according to the World Tennis Association, qualified to compete in this week’s Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships but was denied a visa by the United Arab Emirates.

The cable network had planned to air parts of the tournament this weekend.

“Preventing an otherwise qualified athlete from competing on the basis of anything other than merit has no place in tennis or any other sport, and has the unfortunate result of undermining the credibility of the very nature of competition itself,” the network said.

The announcement comes the same day the Wall Street Journal Europe announced it is dropping its sponsorship of the tournament.
Source : CNN

The Terms of Service Revolt, Facebook and the Higher Ed Community

2009-02-19T05:58:00.001-08:00

A few short days ago, Facebook changed it’s Terms of Service to include some controversial language.
For those of you who don’t like legalese:
In sum, Facbook made its ToS so that your historical data and content survives you canceling your Facebook account. Then, in the face of usual user unrest, Facebook repealed.
For those of you who like to sort through legalese the exact legalese was at the bottom.
The privacy consicous Higher Ed blogosphere and the twittercliques were, needless to say, with the users that were up in arms.
I’m going to take a moment to say that 1) we would never take that kind of position at Inigral because we make relationships with institutions, as in enter into formal agreements; and 2) I can certainly understand how this happened and my faith in Facebook remains calm and steady.

This shift in ToS is understandable because, as a company, your legalese CYA can often be at odds with company policy. I’ve with spoken with hundreds of Facebook employees of different stripes, including Zuckerberg, and they are all fully committed to giving users the best possible user experience. A company’s legal protection does not have to be company practice, and their lawyer’s language does not reflect company intent. Facebook does not intend to post your embarrassing photos to your friends after you delete your Facebook account. It most likely just wants to solve three problems with this new language: 1) analyze what types of users choose to leave Facebook and strategize how can they provide them with a better experience so that less people do it, 2) minimize the risk of trace elements of your account being present in the system so that they are not liable for a childish message you sent someone when you were angry and now you’re embarrassed, and 3) making sure when you decide that without Facebook you simply can’t live a normal life and you rejoin Facebook there’s a low barrier for you jump back in. (FYI, I know people that have deleted and recreated their account more than 3 times.)
You can have the best customer service in the industry and still have a legal statement somewhere that says “We are in no way obligated to provide customer service.” The reason is that the lawyers who craft this language have seen too many lawsuits where someone sues literally because the company has a hole in their policies. And Facebook doesn’t want lawyers somewhere putting together a class action suit representing 150 million people just because their ToS wasn’t strong enough.
So, really now, while I understand making the statement to Facebook you want to be able to remove any of your content anytime you choose is understandable, but thinking Facebook is an evil empire is just not a conclusion that will hold water. Plus, it’s bound to cause you cognitive dissonance as you check your Facebook account for the tenth time today.
“You hereby grant Facebook an irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, fully paid, worldwide license (with the right to sublicense) to (a) use, copy, publish, stream, store, retain, publicly perform or display, transmit, scan, reformat, modify, edit, frame, translate, excerpt, adapt, create derivative works and distribute (through multiple tiers), any User Content you (i) Post on or in connection with the Facebook Service or the promotion thereof subject only to your privacy settings or (ii) enable a user to Post, including by offering a Share Link on your website and (b) to use your name, likeness and image for any purpose, including commercial or advertising, each of (a) and (b) on or in connection with the Facebook Service or the promotion thereof.
The following sections will survive any termination of your use of the Facebook Service: Prohibited Conduct, User Content, Your Privacy Practices, Gift Credits, Ownership; Proprietary Rights, Licenses, Submissions, User Disputes; Complaints, Indemnity, General Disclaimers, Limitation on Liability, Termination and Changes to the Facebook Service, Arbitration, Governing Law; Venue and Jurisdiction and Other.”

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Hulu cuts off Boxee, Old Media takes one step forward, two steps back

2009-02-19T05:56:00.000-08:00

Users of the growingly popular Boxee media platform will no longer have access to Hulu, after the Fox/ NBC JV decided that letting people watch programs for free where they want wasn’t part of the game plan.

Hulu didn’t elaborate on the reasons behind the move, saying only in a post that

Our content providers requested that we turn off access to our content via the Boxee product, and we are respecting their wishes. While we stubbornly believe in this brave new world of media convergence — bumps and all — we are also steadfast in our belief that the best way to achieve our ambitious, never-ending mission of making media easier for users is to work hand in hand with content owners. Without their content, none of what Hulu does would be possible, including providing you content via Hulu.com and our many distribution partner websites.

The real reason though comes back to the threat Boxee represents. In a tight market where cable subscriptions are heading down and TV networks are bleeding advertisers, services such as Boxee offer TV or cable like convenience without the same costs, and likewise the revenue streams expected by old media. Boxee was too much of a substitute for Fox and NBC to handle, and in taking one step forward with Hulu itself, and now taking two steps back by locking up that content by restricting where it can be played.

The net result is easy to predict. More piracy of content, and NBC and Fox lose even more. A short sighted decision from myopic media companies.
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Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Attorney General Eric Holder at the Department of Justice African American History Month Program

2009-02-19T05:55:00.002-08:00

The following remarks were delivered by Attorney General Eric Holder at the Department of Justice African American History Month Program: Every year, in February, we attempt to recognize and to appreciate black history. It is a worthwhile endeavor for the contributions of African Americans to this great nation are numerous and significant. Even as we fight a war against terrorism, deal with the reality of electing an African American as our President for the first time and deal with the other significant issues of the day, the need to confront our racial past, and our racial present, and to understand the history of African people in this country endures. One cannot truly understand America without understanding the historical experience of black people in this nation. Simply put, to get to the heart of this country, one must examine its racial soul. Full release

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Say, have you seen SEC-cited billionaire sleazebag "Sir Allen" Stanford? 'Cause it seems the feds don't know where he is -- or care a whole lot

2009-02-19T05:55:00.001-08:00

In case you didn't catch it, Howie added an update to yesterday's account of the charges by the SEC that billionaire sleazebag "Sir Allen" Stanford -- he claims to have picked up some sort of knighthood in Antigua -- had swindled investors out of who-knows-how-much out of some $8 billion worth of highly questionable CDs he sold. In that update, which I've reprinted below, sets out the details of our Sir's apparent escape-to-Antigua attempt via a rented private plane.

And sure enough, earlier today Bloomberg reported:
U.S. regulators don’t know the whereabouts of R. Allen Stanford, the billionaire accused of running a “massive, ongoing fraud” through his Houston-based Stanford Group Co., a Securities and Exchange Commission official said.

“We don’t know where he is, quite frankly,” said Rose Romero, director of the SEC’s office in Fort Worth, Texas.

Bloomberg also reported that Sir Allen "has six planes registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, according to the agency’s Web site," and that "Alfredo Perez, a spokesman for the U.S. Marshall’s office in Houston, which yesterday raided the company’s offices there, said he isn’t aware of any arrest warrant for Stanford." (The SEC's action was limited to filing a civil suit, though Bloomberg reported, "A federal judge in Dallas agreed to freeze assets and appoint a receiver to account for the roughly $8 billion investors spent on the CDs, according to the SEC.")

In his update, Howie also had some pointed questions regarding some of Sir Allen's famous connections. Here it is again:
WHAT, STILL NO ANKLE BRACELET?

CNBC reported this morning that "Sir" Allen tried to flee the U.S. on a private plane. Apparently he's desperate to reach the banana republic he owns a healthy chunk of but was foiled, neglecting to have sent a wire transfer to rent the getaway plane. He called them at 3pm and said he had to leave by 6pm for Antigua.

Does anyone know if Chuck Schumer and the other politicians who have aided and abetted Stanford in his offshore banking shenanigans have been asked about returning any of the million plus dollars he gave them as legalized bribes over the years? And since the SEC now says they don't know Stanford's whereabouts, I'm wondering if the FBI is on this. Or have his political connections given the word that he's allowed to escape?

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Obama Plans $75 Billion Outlay to Fight Foreclosures

2009-02-19T05:54:00.001-08:00

MESA, Ariz. — President Obama announced a plan on Wednesday to help as many as nine million American homeowners refinance their mortgages or avert foreclosure, saying that it would shore up housing prices, stabilize neighborhoods and slow a downward spiral that was “unraveling homeownership, the middle class and the American Dream itself.”

The plan, which was more ambitious and expensive than many housing analysts had expected, drew praise from consumer advocates as well as the financial industry.

It could ultimately cost taxpayers as much as $275 billion — $75 billion in direct spending to keep people in their homes and the rest in additional financial backing for the government-controlled mortgage giants, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

But analysts and administration officials alike cautioned that it would not come close to halting the tidal wave of foreclosures. Nor would it provide much help to millions of homeowners who are “under water,” or holding mortgages that are bigger that the market value of their houses.

“This plan will not save every home, but it will give millions of families resigned to financial ruin a chance to rebuild,” Mr. Obama told a crowd here, in one of the communities hardest hit by the housing crisis. “It will prevent the worst consequences of this crisis from wreaking even greater havoc on the economy. And by bringing down the foreclosure rate, it will help to shore up housing prices for everyone.”

Almost one in 10 home mortgages is either delinquent or in foreclosure, and analysts estimate that at as many as six million families could lose their homes over the next three years in the absence of government action.

The plan has three components. The first would help homeowners who are still current on their payments, but who are paying high interest rates and cannot refinance because they do not have enough equity in their homes, a problem afflicting growing numbers of people as housing values tumble.

A second component would assist about four million people who are at risk of losing their homes. It would provide incentives to lenders who alter the terms of loans to make them affordable for the troubled borrowers. A third component would try to increase the credit available for mortgages in general by giving $200 billion of additional financial backing to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Beyond luring lenders with government money, the plan also calls on Congress to give bankruptcy judges the power to change the terms of mortgages and reduce the monthly payments.

The banking industry has vehemently fought that proposal for more than a year, saying it would make investors unwilling to finance future mortgage lending. But Democratic leaders in Congress strongly support the idea and banking executives are putting up less resistance than before.

Republican lawmakers reacted cautiously to Mr. Obama’s plan. Representative John Boehner of Ohio, the House Republican leader, called it “an important step,” but raised questions.

“Does your plan compensate banks for the bad mortgages they should never have made in the first place?” Mr. Boehner asked. “Will individuals who misrepresented their income or assets on their original mortgage application be eligible to get taxpayer-funded assistance?”

Mr. Obama’s announcement came a day after he signed his $787 billion economic stimulus package, and administration officials said that the initiatives would work in tandem to stabilize the economy.

The plan will take effect March 4, when the administration publishes detailed rules explaining it.

Except for the provision that empowers bankruptcy judges, almost all the other elements can be enacted by Mr. Obama without further action by Congress.

To help the estimated four million homeowners in danger of foreclosure, Mr. Obama will create a $75 billion program to subsidize loan modifications that would reduce a family’s monthly payment to as little as 31 percent of its gross monthly income.

As envisioned, a mortgage lender would have to first make enough concessions to reduce a borrower’s payments to 38 percent of monthly income. To encourage lenders, the government would offer incentives, like a $1,000 upfront payment for every loan modified and more payments if the borrower stays current.

If the lender gets the monthly payments down to 38 percent of the borrower’s monthly income, the government would then match, dollar for dollar, additional reductions to bring the payment as low as 31 percent of monthly income.

The changes could be accomplished in several ways, from stretching out the repayment period of a loan to reducing the interest rate or reducing the outstanding principal.

But analysts noted that lenders, or the mortgage-servicing companies that administered the loan, would still have the last word on whether to make concessions. If a lender decides that the cost of the concessions is higher than the cost of foreclosing, even with the government subsidies, then a borrower would probably still lose the property.

A potentially big limitation on the rescue portion of Mr. Obama’s plan involves second mortgages. To avoid the need for a down payment, or to minimize the down payment, millions of people bought homes with piggy-back mortgages that went alongside the primary mortgages.

Administration officials said on Wednesday that their plan to help homeowners facing foreclosure did not deal with second mortgages. Because those second mortgages were often made by a different lender than the first mortgages, that could greatly complicate negotiations over a loan modification.

To help homeowners who can still keep up with their payments, but who may resent the idea of rescuing others, Mr. Obama’s plan would make it easier to refinance at today’s very low interest rates.

The plan would apply to people with fairly traditional loans that are owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — about 30 million homeowners. The new loans would not be subsidized, but borrowers would not need to have a 20 percent equity stake in the house.

Normally, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require that such borrowers pay private mortgage insurance, which can add hundreds of dollars to a monthly payment. Administration officials estimated that this portion of the plan could help 4 million to 5 million borrowers.

The big limitation of the refinancing portion of the plan is that it would not help borrowers who are current, but under water. It would only be available for mortgages that are not more than 5 percent above the current market value of the house. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Economy.com, estimated that the plan would help only a million of the 14 million homeowners who are under water.

A third, more vague component of the plan is aimed at propping up the mortgage market as a whole by having Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac step up their purchases of mortgages and mortgage-backed securities.
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Under fire, Burris refuses to resign Senate seat

2009-02-19T05:53:00.000-08:00

“Despite calls for his resignation, Sen. Roland W. Burris (D-Ill.) made clear Wednesday that he intends to fight. Burris, appointed to fill President Obama’s Senate seat, is under investigation for repeatedly changing his story about contacts with associates of then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D). But he insisted that his hands are clean. … Burris has offered five varying explanations — three of them under oath — of his contacts with associates of Blagojevich, who was charged Dec. 9 with taking part in a bribery conspiracy that included trying to sell Obama’s former seat.” (02/18/09)

Link: http://adjix.com/628t

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New York Post publishes extremely racist political cartoon

2009-02-19T05:52:00.000-08:00

Cartoonist Sean Delonas and the New York Post don't think this is offensive at all.

The New York Post is standing behind a cartoon that some have interpreted as comparing President Barack Obama to a violent chimpanzee gunned down by police.
The cartoon in Wednesday's Post by Sean Delonas shows two police officers standing over the body of a bullet-riddled chimp. One of the officers says to the other, "They'll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill."

You can find contact information for Sean Delonas and New York Post's Managing Editor Jesse Angelo here.

Linkin: Julia Roberts Children, New York Post Chimp Cartoon, Painted Babies, More

2009-02-19T05:51:00.000-08:00

Julia Roberts is out on the stump promoting her new movie and talking about her kids, motherhood and marriage to husband, Danny Moder. The full-time mom (except for when she's working) has said that it should be illegal to take pictures of celebrity children, but I guess it's OK to sell your own pictures as she did in 2005 or to trot them out to promote your current film entitled, um, Duplicity. In other shocking news...the NY Post publishes a cartoon that critics claim represents Obama as a chimp, Little Miss Perfect is a new show about child beauty pageant contestants, girls and boys really do marry their parents (or people who resemble them), the preschooler essentials before you leave the house, and a fashion-garden mash up that benefits everyone. Find out now!
Julia Roberts is out on the stump promoting her new movie Duplicity and talking about her kids, motherhood and marriage to husband Danny Moder. (Celebrity Baby Blog)
Did the NY Post call Obama a chimpanzee? (Huffington Post)
Little Miss Perfect is the new WE show about "painted babies," child beauty show contestants and their completely not living through their children parents. Check out clips from the first episode. (Extra)
So as it turns out, little girls really do marry their daddies. Let’s hope that’s good news. (Stollerderby)
When you have a preschooler it’s easier to over pack when leaving the house than to under pack. Trying to get it just right? See if you would choose the same three items as the readers of simple mom. (Simple Mom)
What happens when Brooklyn Industries teams up with the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens? This!
Jodi Nelson Call also writes for Pistols and Popcorn. Check out her latest article here.

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Hands off Tristan und Isolde!

2009-02-19T05:50:00.002-08:00

We just saw Tristan at the Chicago Lyric Opera, with David Hockney's magnificent 1987 set designs (click to enlarge).

What a work it is. Somehow, though it is one of my favorite works of art in any medium, I had never seen it performed live before. I've been wandering around in a daze ever since. Even after his break with Wagner, Nietzsche affirmed the greatness of Tristan: “Even now," he said, "I am still in search of a work which exercises such a dangerous fascination, such a spine-tingling and blissful infinity as Tristan — I have sought in vain, in every art.” He was right, as he usually was about works of art.

I guess one reason I was not over-eager to see it in the flesh is that you never seem to see Wagner performed nowadays unless the production deliberately distorts the work in some way or other. Shakespeare also gets this sort of special treatment: The Tempest presented as a criticism of British imperialism, etc. Chicago's Wagner performances have been especially egregious in this regard. Several years ago they had the amazing chutzpah to present The Flying Dutchman with a conventional happy ending. Instead of the Dutchman's ship sinking beneath the waves and Senta hurling herself off a cliff, they had the happy couple walking arm in arm down the beach, presumably to get married and raise 2.5 children. Then there was that unforgettably awful staging of the Ring, in which the Ride of the Valkyries was indicated by girls jumping on trampolines.

One reason I thought I could afford to see Tristan at last is that I saw Hockney's designs: they do bear some resemblance or relation to what Wagner intended us to see on the stage.

Of course, since this is Chicago, the producers could not resist messing with the work. At the end, as Isolde sings the Liebostod, they had her standing with arms raised exultantly, a gesture that philosopher Roger Scruton has compared to that of a football player doing an end-zone victory dance. Then, instead of her collapsing and dying in ecstasy, they had her, through a trick of lighting, disappear.

Scruton thinks this messing-with-the-text is not a matter of childish vandalism, but an inevitable result of the fact that there are ideas in Wagner, such as religious self-sacrifice, that are no longer available to modern audiences, except "between quotation-marks."

He's partly right of course, but I don't think this explanation is sufficiently general. It doesn't seem to explain why the same sorts of people mess with Shakespeare.

Personally, I lean toward the childish vandalism theory, though I admit that it is not much of an explanation. It leaves questions unanswered. Regardless of what you think of Wagner, isn't it obvious that you should be more interested in hearing what he thinks of love, death, and redemption, than in hearing what some Chicago opera producer thinks? And how on Earth could that producer possibly ignore that obvious fact? How can such people possibly have the temerity to substitute their ideas for his?
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Framed Documents #029: Breaker Morant

2009-02-19T05:50:00.001-08:00

Lieutenant Handcock (Bryan Brown) composes a last letter to his wife from the condemned cell in Breaker Morant:

Dear Polly

I have but an hour [...] cast and altho my brain [...] for four long weary months I [...] from wanting you a few last [...] going to find out the grand secret [...] will face my God with the firm belief [...] innocent of murder and I obeyed my orders [...] and served my King as I thought best.

If I over steped [sic] my duty I can only ask my People & country for forgiveness.

Take care of little Allison for me at all costs. They You were my greatest comforts [sic] at home & my greatest trouble now. I hope my country will see my children cared for. I will die brave for the sake of all. God forgive any enemys [sic]. I give you peace for ever. I have not heard if my brother Eugene was killed in the wretched war or not. But if not tell him [...] will I have gone to rest. Tell Willie & Peter to be good to their sister. God be with you in your trouble.

Your loving husband

Peter Handcock

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Carmen Sucart said Yuri Sucart is Alex Rodriguez’s cousin

2009-02-19T05:49:00.001-08:00

uri Sucart is Alex Rodriguez’s cousin, who A-Rod claimed provided and injected him with steroids from 2001 – 2003. Yuri Sucart is a resident of Miami. Carmen Sucart, the wife of Yuri, confirmed that her husband was the man Rodriguez had referred to who had injected him with boli (steroid Primobolan).

Yuri Sucart is Rodriguez’s close friend and part of his entourage when he travels. Carmen Sucart has refused to elaborate further on her husband and said whatever Rodriguez revealed in his press conference was all there was to tell.

Carmen Sucart said Yuri Sucart is Alex Rodriguez’s cousin - news link. There are more puzzling implications which are discussed in the link.

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jimmy brooks + lykke li =

2009-02-19T05:48:00.000-08:00

source: youtube.com + my own collage i made with pics found awhile back

Julia: Dan Keeps Me Hot

2009-02-19T05:43:00.000-08:00

We haven't heard much from Julia Roberts in a while.

And we must say, we've missed her.

So when we heard that she'd been chatting about all things love to Allure magazine, our ears started ringing.

41-year-old Jules says she owes her youthful good looks to her cameraman hubby of six years, Danny Moder.

She says that it's Dan's love for her that keeps her looking young and luminous.

"The key to beauty is always to be looking at someone who loves you, really," she told Allure magazine.

"One of my favourite
Danny Moder and Julia Roberts
things about my children right now, even Henry, who can't say all the words... sometimes he'll see me and go, 'Mama' and throw himself on me. Or Finn says he likes my earrings. Or Hazel will say, 'You look pretty, Mama,' first thing in the morning.

"And I realise, that's all my husband. They're seeing the things that he does and the way that he shares his feelings with me, and the way that I share my feelings with him.

"The coolest thing you can do for your children is to love each other in their presence."

Jules has recently headed back to work after a four year hiatus in which she concentrated on raising her four-year-old twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, and Henry, 20 months.

And she said it wasn't all smooth-sailing, especially when a crew member put his foot in it on the set of her new film, Duplicity.

"Just when you think you're getting your s**t together, someone says, 'When is your baby due?' I had Henry on my hip, and it was like, 'This is my baby.'

"It hurt my feelings so bad. I think the second-meanest thing you can say to somebody is, 'You look tired.' Why do people say that? Just tell me I look like a mom. Don't tell me I look tired."

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Nirmalamma Passed Away

2009-02-19T05:23:00.000-08:00

Famous Telugu actress Nirmalamma passed away on Thursday morning in Hyderabad. She was 89. This gifted actress got recognition as a natural artiste who immortalised hundreds of mother and grandmother characters. Nirmalamma has been an innevitable part of Telugu film for decades.

She began her acting career in 1950 with a Telugu film ‘Garudagarvabhangam’ at the age of 16. She has acted in almost a 1000 films. She got FiImfare award for the best character artiste.

Her important films include Shankarabharam, Yamagola, Padiharella Vayassu, Shubhasankalpam, Apadbandhavudu, Swathimythyam and many more. After acting in Chiranjeevi starrer Sneham Kosam, Nirmalamma almost stopped acting in movies.

She had been suffering from ailments related to old age. On Thursday morning she was rushed to hospital after her health deteriorated where she breathed her last.

The film industry has expressed grief over the demise of the blessed actress.

Chiru About Nirmalamma Videos

Elizabeth Wong's Nude Photos And Videos Victim Of Scandal In Malaysia Politics

2009-02-18T06:26:00.001-08:00

Outspoken Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong lodged a police report at the Damansara police station here Sunday night over nude pictures and videos of her that have been circulating via MMS.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, Wong said that the distribution and publication of these photos/ video was a malicious attack.
“This constitutes a gross outrage on my modesty, a gross invasion of my privacy, and in particular the sanctity of my personal life,” she said (see statement in full below).
“I have received a lot of support from my supporters, friends, colleagues and members of my constituency. I wish to thank them for their concern, support and encouragement.
“My family members are standing behind me. I would like to appeal to the media to give me and my family members some breathing space in this trying time so that I can weather this huge challenge,” she added.
OCPD Asst Comm Arjunaidi Mohamed confirmed a report was lodged and that police were investigating.

He appealed anyone who has received or seen the nude pictures of Wong to come forward and cooperate with the police.
"We don't have the pictures and we have not seen them, either," he said.
The pictures are believed to have been taken using a handphone, possibly before the general election last March.
Police sources said that the Commercial Crimes Division has been put in charge of the investigation.
Wong won the Bukit Lanjan seat with a majority of over 5,000, the second largest majority won by a PKR state assembly candidate in Selangor.
She was later appointed a member of the Selangor state executive council, in charge of Tourism, Consumer Affairs and the Environment. She is also the information chief of the Women’s wing of PKR and of her division Petaling Jaya Utara.
As at press time, she had not commented on the issue on her blog.
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim urged the police to conduct a proper investigation into the matter.
He told reporters at the Parliament lobby in Kuala Lumpur that the Selangor state executive council would discuss the matter during its meeting on Wednesday.
“Someone is trying to frame her," said Khalid, adding that he was waiting for the police report before commenting further.
“The party will discuss the matter with regard to her status. It is unfair to make any decision at this moment without any information," he said.
PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said she would look into the matter and said she felt sad that it happened.
“There is a pattern of PKR assemblymen being attacked,” she said, alleging that the ruling coalition Barisan nasional has had its share of scandals too.
Selangor exco member and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok said she had nightmares after learning about the incident.
“This is like invading a person’s privacy and the incident took place at her home.
“The whole incident could be politically motivated,” said Kok, adding that there must be someone purposely circulating the photos.
“She did not do anything that is against the people’s wishes. She is a victim and I support her," said Kok.
Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) said the party would wait for Wong to explain the situation to the Selangor mentri besar.
“We don’t want to know if these are old or new nude pictures. She must explain to us and if she is really guilty of having posed or was involved in the taking of these pictures, we will not hesitate to take action.
“But we don’t want to make any speculation as yet,” he said, adding that he had earlier discussed the matter with both Khalid and Pakatan Rakyat de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“And they both agreed that we should not compromise on any disciplinary action. We will leave it to the mentri besar to decide if she is guilty or not as he is the head of the state,” he said.

OHIO LOTTERY

2009-02-18T06:25:00.001-08:00

OHIO LOTTERY

• Wednesday's Classic Lotto:
11, 13, 15, 17, 39, 49; no $11.3 million jackpot winner. Saturday's jackpot: $11.5 million.

• Wednesday's Rolling Cash 5 : 5, 10, 17, 23, 30; at least one $130,000 jackpot winner. Tonight's jackpot: $100,000.

• Wednesday's Pick 3 number (midday drawing): 120.

• Pick 3 number (evening drawing): 889.

• Wednesday's Pick 4 number (midday drawing): 5573.

• Pick 4 numbers (evening drawing): 5274.

• Wednesday's Ten-OH! numbers (midday drawing): 7, 12, 16, 19, 23, 28, 31, 32, 34, 35, 38, 47, 48, 53, 57, 60, 64, 66, 73, 79.

• Wednesday's Ten-OH! numbers (evening drawing): 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 16, 18, 29, 31, 34, 37, 38, 39, 52, 59, 61, 69, 74, 77.

• Tuesday's Rolling Cash 5: 7, 24, 25, 30, 35.

• Tuesday's Kicker: 892363.

• No Tuesday Mega Millions winners. Friday's estimated jackpot: $21 million.

• Tuesday's Mega Millions: 1, 9, 10, 35, 46. Mega ball: 9.

2 tickets with 5 numbers, $250,000 each; 13 with 4 numbers plus Mega ball, $10,000 each; 913 with 4 numbers, $150 each; 1,244 with 3 numbers plus Mega ball, $150 each; 20,316 with 2 numbers plus the Mega ball, $10 each; 53,157 with 3 numbers, $7 each; 113,221 with 1 number plus the Mega ball, $3 each; 199,179 with Mega ball, $2 each.

For Ohio Lottery payout figures, visit http://www.ohiolottery.com.

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OHIO LOTTERY

2009-02-18T06:25:00.000-08:00

Next-gen cell phone stars shine

2009-02-18T06:23:00.000-08:00

Samsung really pulled out the stops this year in terms of innovation, and one of the most unusual handsets in its lineup is the Blue Earth, which the company bills as "the first solar-powered full-touch phone." It has a solar panel on the back and comes with a couple of eco-conscious applications, including an eco-walk calculator that uses a built-in pedometer to figure out how many steps you've taken -- and then calculates how much CO₂ emission you've saved by walking instead of driving.

Even the packaging for the phone is eco-friendly (made from recycled paper), and its charger (for when there's not enough sun to power the device) is rated five-star energy efficient and uses less than 0.03 watts of standby power.

The Blue Earth is made from recycled PCM plastic, extracted from water bottles, and (according to Samsung) is "free from harmful substances such as Brominated Flame Retardant, Beryllium and Phthalate." Kind of makes you wonder whether the rest of the phones we use typically have this evil-sounding stuff in them.

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Street Fighter IV (PS3)

2009-02-18T06:22:00.002-08:00

Street Fighter III was a hard sell for both fans of the series and new challengers alike. While the legendary Street Fighter II was a global phenomenon that launched action figures, aniamted shows, and a wonderfully cheesy live-action movie, the series' third installment was much less popular than Capcom had hoped. Thankfully, Street Fighter IV evens the playing field for a wide range of potential players with a spectacular fighting engine that creates an incredibly accessible experience. Don't know how to parry attacks, juggle combo, or fire off an EX attack? To have a blast in SFIV, you don't have to -- just pick up a controller, throw a punch, and let the good times roll in this easily accessible, yet equally deep brawling experience!

Skype VoIP Software Will Be Integrated into Nokia Devices

2009-02-18T06:22:00.001-08:00

Furthering Nokia's aim to integrate its devices with more online services, Nokia and Skype have announced a partnership in which Skype functionality will be integrated into future Nokia devices.

The upcoming Nokia N97 will be the first device to include Skype's presence, VoIP, and IM functionality. This will not be made as a separate application, but be integrated into the built-in address book.

"Collaborating closely with Nokia to pre-load and integrate our software onto their devices will benefit the many Nokia customers who already use Skype, as it makes Skype easily accessible and simple to use on the go. It will also bring Skype new users who love Nokia's Symbian S60 experience," said Scott Durchslag, Skype's CEO.

Today's announcement is big news for Nokia users, as there is no Skype client for Symbian S60.

More about Skype
Skype is a VoIP service which lets users talk to other Skype users for free over Wi-Fi or 3G connections, and also enables low-cost voice calls to landlines. In addition, it offers instant messaging with Skype and other IM services.

Users need to purchase minutes via major credit cards or PayPal in order to make calls to regular phones.

There are also versions of Skype for Windows Mobile and Nokia Internet Tablets, as well as Windows and Mac OS X.

Source: Nokia

Greens Give Thumbs Up To GSMA's Universal Phone Charger

2009-02-18T06:21:00.000-08:00

The GSMA's plan to implement an industry-wide standard for a universal mobile phone charger by 2012 is "great news," but standardizing power supplies across the full spectrum of consumer electronic products still requires aggressive action, according to one very interested vendor of such products.

"We've been at this for three years, evangelizing the need for interoperable power supplies," said Paul Panepinto, sales and marketing chief at San Ramon, Calif.-based Green Plug. "Without a doubt, things need to happen more quickly. It personally offends me that the average user [of CE products] throws away 300 power adapters in their lifetime."

At the GSMA's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, on Tuesday, the industry group said that 17 of its members have agreed to a universal charging solution (UCS) for mobile phones based around Micro-USB as the charging interface. Green Plug, manufacturer of a "universal connector" that pairs any electronic device with any power supply, hopes the GMSA and bodies like the Open Handset Alliance will call for similar standards for other devices -- from printers to cordless power tools, Panepinto said.

Why all the concern? The company cites recent studies that found 3.2 billion new power supplies being manufactured worldwide in 2008 even as some two billion older ones were going into landfill.

"Nobody benefits from this, not consumers, not manufacturers, not the environment," Panepinto said.

To achieve more standardization like Tuesday's GSMA initiative, he's hoping Green Plug can secure a big-name vendor win for its GreenTalk protocol.

"We need a major adopter to drive this market forward. We have to get to a tipping point and others will follow. We hope that HP and Sony are listening. We hope Wal-Mart puts up a quote [supporting Green Plug's efforts] on our Web site," Panepinto said.

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