Hollywood-Bollywood-Movies

2010-04-17T00:37:00.000-07:00

RTEMS and Google Summer of Code 2009 - Google Open Source Blog

2010-02-19T22:22:00.000-08:00

http://hollywood-bollywood-movies.blogspot.com/

Funny video's

2010-01-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

Sources: Jackson to take Raiders

2010-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson, who was scheduled to interview Tuesday in Chicago for the Bears' offensive coordinator job, will accept an offer to serve in that capacity for the Oakland Raiders, sources close to the situation tell ESPN.
Jackson interviewed with Raiders owner Al Davis last week and has had a desire to become an NFL offensive coordinator. His biggest project is expected to be working with Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who has been a disappointment since Oakland selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2007.

Russell again struggled this season and was benched by coach Tom Cable for four of Oakland's final seven games.

Jackson's move now leaves the Ravens with an opening. Baltimore will have two primary options in hiring a quarterbacks coach; the first would be to promote offensive consultant Al Saunders, who has fared well in working with quarterbacks, and the other is to hire former Washington Redskins coach Jim Zorn.

At the very least, the Ravens will interview Zorn for the position before making their decision about which coach would be best to work closely with quarterback Joe Flacco.

Ask Gill: flight refunds, Madeira by boat, Broadway, India visas, Premier Inn prices

2010-01-06T09:40:00.001-08:00

raham Hough from London writes
We should have flown from Geneva to Stansted with easyJet on Monday, February 2 but the flight was cancelled (as were most flights into Britain that day) owing to heavy snow in southern England.

Easyjet said the earliest it could fly us back to London was on Wednesday, February 4. This was not an option as we all had important business commitments on the Tuesday afternoon.

We spent the night in a hotel in Geneva (which we paid for) and found our own way home by train. Easyjet has made us a modest offer of £259 each but that still leaves each of us £241 out of pocket.

My travel insurer says we have no valid claim and must pursue the airline.

But what's the legal position when bad weather is to blame?

Gill Charlton replies
When airlines in the European Union have to cancel flights for reasons beyond their control, such as bad weather, they are legally required to provide hotel accommodation and meals for customers and to rearrange a flight at the earliest opportunity. (Switzerland is a signatory to the relevant EU regulation.)

The law also says that passengers can choose between applying for a ticket refund or accepting the re-routing. Unfortunately "re-routing" is not defined in the EU regulation nor in IATA's approved conditions of carriage.

Airlines tend to interpret the wording as the offer of a seat on another of its own services.

Given this, it could be said that you took yourself outside the scope of the EU regulation – and the airline's own conditions of carriage – by arranging your own hotel room and journey back to Britain.

"If passengers make their own travel arrangements instead of taking up the airline's re-routing offer it can be an uphill struggle to get the money back", said a spokesman for the Air Transport Users Council.

"Ideally we would like airlines to reimburse passengers in full as this would be in keeping with the spirit of the EU regulation, but in Mr Hough's case we feel that meeting his extra expenses halfway seems a reasonable compromise."

To madeira – without flying

David Buckman, London, writes
My partner will not fly but we would dearly like to spend a week or so on Madeira. Is it possible to travel there by sea?

Gill Charlton replies
Cruise ships heading south from Britain spend only a day in Madeira (above), but there are two other options.

A German container ship with a Spanish crew departs from Felixstowe every fortnight for Madeira (a five-day voyage). The return trip is via Las Palmas in the Canaries, Cartagena and Cadiz (10 days with a day in each port). OPDR ships have two double cabins. The return fare is £2,235 per person including all meals. Book through Strand Voyages

Broadway tickets

Hazel and Don Illingworth, Norwich write
As part of our golden wedding anniversary we will be spending a few days in New York in December and we should like to see a Broadway show. Can you give us the name of a reliable ticket agency?

Gill Charlton replies
It's usually possible to book tickets direct with New York theatres using the online booking facility on their website. This will give you the greatest choice of seats and enable you to avoid booking fees. You collect the tickets from the box office on the day.

Can we see India without a visa?

Stephen Mayhew, St Neots, Cambs writes
We are due to go on an Ocean Village cruise in October that will be calling at Cochin for the day. The cruise line is insisting that we purchase tourist visas, though we would be quite happy to save £120 and "view Cochin through a porthole", to quote John Birch from Benmar's visa service. Who is correct?

Gill Charlton replies
Theoretically you should be able to stay on board without a visa, but immigration officers at Cochin do occasionally insist that all passengers have visas because the ship is docking in Indian waters.

The Indian High Commission's visa agent, VFS Global, says that you should be fine with a transit visa, which costs £15 a person. However, Ocean Village tells me that it has had difficulties with the immigration authorities over transit visas as these are primarily designed for ship-to-airport transfers. It says that it also insists on tourist visas in case passengers need to disembark for medical treatment or want to return home early to deal with an emergency.

Premier Inn breaking its price promise

Jeremy Reeve, Wallingford, writes
I read your piece with regard to Premier Inn's guaranteed pricing policy (Ask Gill, March 14) with interest. My experience has been very different.

Last July I booked three rooms at the Arundel Premier Inn for July 2-5 2009, after guessing that the Goodwood Festival of Speed would, as usual, be held over this weekend. The cost was £66 per room per night.

In December I was contacted by the hotel to say that it was invoking its "key events" policy and that the room rate would now be £102.50 per night for the Thursday night and £124 per night for Friday and Saturday including breakfast (usually an extra). I was told I would either have to pay up or cancel.

How can Premier Inn tell you that the booked rate is never increased and yet continue to pursue this "key event" policy on rates?

Gill Charlton replies
Quite a few readers emailed to say that they had suffered price rises at Premier Inns after hotels discovered that "key events" were taking place nearby. I went back to the company for clarification.

"Our brand policy is that we honour all rates given at the time of booking. If a hotel breaks this policy we will address this and act accordingly", Premier Inn's spokesman said. "We are contacting all of our hotels this week to remind them of our policy and ensure it is adhered to in future."

London hit by worst snow in 18 years

2010-01-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

Heavy snow disrupted air and rail travel in Europe today, halting flights at Heathrow airport entirely and bringing traffic in London almost to a standstill.

Tens of thousands of commuters were advised not to attempt the journey into work in London, experiencing some of its worst snow in 18 years.

Buses were cancelled altogether and hundreds of schools were closed across the country, leaving children to play and build snowmen in parks and gardens.

In northern France, snow blanketed Paris and surrounding countryside and brought major air, rail and road systems to a halt.

London Mayor Boris Johnson suspended the congestion charge for motorists in the centre of the capital today and appealed to higher powers to end the bad weather. "My message to the heavens is - you have put on a fantastic display of snow power, and I think that is probably quite enough," he told the BBC.

London business leaders said the estimated cost to the British capital alone could be as much as £48 million in lost productivity. All flights in and out of Heathrow were cancelled.

London's three other commercial airports reported severe delays and flight cancellations. Highway authorities warned of hazardous driving conditions in southern and central England.

Dublin, Cork and Belfast airports were also forced to cancel some flights and Gatwick, Stansted and Luton close to London, and London City Airport were badly hit. A Cyprus Airways jet at Heathrow slipped off a taxiway after arriving from Larnaca but came to a safe halt. There were no injuries.

Britain’s Met Office said some parts of the country, including London and other parts of south east England, were covered by up to 20 centimetres of snow this afternoon. It issued a "severe weather" warning for large parts of the country, with weather experts saying south east England was experiencing some of its worst snow since the early 1990s.

The international rail operator Eurostar also reported delays due to snow in Britain, France and Belgium.

Many workers attempted to walk to their offices, trudging through thick snow, but London's Chamber of Commerce said lost productivity could cost the capital dear at a time when the economy is already in recession.

"We know that a one-day closure of the Tube alone can cost the capital up to £48 million ...so with most of London's transport infrastructure down, the costs could be similarly high," spokeswoman Helen Hill said in a statement. "Hopefully things will not grind to a halt completely however, as local staff may be able to get into the office and many others can now work remotely and conduct business online."

So far, this winter has been Britain's coldest in more than a decade and forecasters expect the cold weather to continue for several more days with freezing winds blowing in from Russia.

Snow in Europe closes airports, schools, offices

2010-01-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

Snow in Europe closes airports, schools, offices

A man sits on a park bench with two snowmen in St. James's Park, in central London February 2, 2009. (Agencies)

The statue of Nelson Mandela is covered in snow in Parliament Square in London February 2, 2009.(Agencies)

Tourists pose beside a snowman in Parliament Square, in central London February 2, 2009.(Agencies)

Tables stand covered in snow in London's Canary Wharf February 2, 2009. Heavy snow brought much of London's transport to a halt on Monday with airport runways forced to close and all bus and many train services suspended.(Agencies)

People walk dogs through heavy snow in King George V park in Farnborough, southern England, February 2 2009. Heavy snow brought much of London's transport to a halt on Monday with airport runways forced to close and all bus and many train services suspended.(Agencies)

LONDON - Heavy snow disrupted air and rail travel in Europe on Monday, halting flights at London's main airport entirely and bringing traffic in the British capital almost to a standstill.

Tens of thousands of commuters were advised not to attempt the journey into work in London, experiencing some of its worst snow in almost 20 years. Buses were canceled altogether and hundreds of schools were closed across the country, leaving children to play and build snowmen in parks and gardens.

"I'd rather be sledging than at school," said 7-year-old Georgie Cunliffe, who was playing in a London park.

Conditions familiar to eastern Europe and other northerly countries notoriously pitch Britain into chaos, its infrastructure ill prepared for the cold.

In northern France as well, snow blanketed Paris and surrounding countryside and brought major air, rail and road systems to a halt.

London business leaders said the estimated cost to the British capital alone could be as much as 48 million pounds ($69 million) in lost productivity.

All flights in and out of Heathrow, a major international hub, were canceled.

London's three other commercial airports reported severe delays and flight cancellations. Highway authorities warned of hazardous driving conditions in southern and central England.

WEATHER WARNING

Britain's Met Office said some parts of the country, including London and other parts of south east England, could be covered by up to 15 centimeters of snow by midday on Monday.

It issued a "severe weather" warning for large parts of the country, with weather experts saying south east England was experiencing some of its worst snow since the early 1990s.

The international rail operator Eurostar also reported delays due to snow in Britain, France and Belgium.

Many workers attempted to walk to their offices, trudging through thick snow, but London's Chamber of Commerce business organization said lost productivity could cost the capital dear at a time when the British economy is already in recession.

"We know that a one-day closure of the Tube alone can cost the capital up to 48 million pounds ...so with most of London's transport infrastructure down, the costs could be similarly high," spokeswoman Helen Hill said in a statement.

"Hopefully things will not grind to a halt completely however, as local staff may be able to get into the office and many others can now work remotely and conduct business online."

In France, traffic jams were recorded on roads leading into the capital during the rush hour and the Paris transport authority said many buses had to be canceled.

So far, this winter has been Britain's coldest in more than a decade and forecasters expect the cold weather to continue for several more days with freezing winds blowing in from Russia.

London snowstorm could cost billions

2010-01-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

LONDON — Britain’s capital cleared the soggy remnants of a paralyzing snowstorm Tuesday as businesses counted the multibillion-pound cost.

An estimated six million people skipped work Monday when the largest snowstorm to hit London in 18 years stopped bus and subway services, grounded airliners and hobbled businesses.

The Federation of Small Businesses said the cost to Britain’s economy through lost productivity could be as high as three billion pounds.

Transportation officials, business leaders and local authorities accused one another of failing to prepare for the long-predicted storm that crippled Britain’s transport network by dropping more than 10 centimetres of snow in London overnight Sunday, and another 10 centimetres Monday.

“We can’t change nature and if nature does this to us we have a problem,” said John Ransford, chief executive of Britain’s Local Government Association, which represents the small district and town councils largely responsible for keeping roads and sidewalks clear.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said many of the city’s authorities simply didn’t have enough snow plows to deal with the downfall. In the borough of Fulham and Hammersmith, the local authority said it had no plows and only two machines to salt roads.

The Association of British Insurers said that car accidents on Britain’s icy highways surged Monday, with claims for damage 30 per cent than normal.

Most airports, bus routes and subway lines in London were working as normal Tuesday, but more than 1,000 British schools remained closed and thousands of workers were staying home for a second day.

David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said few people raised in the freezing British winters of 1960s and 1970s could understand the failure to prepare.

“I wonder whether we have become a bit too complacent, or we are being a bit too bowled over by the constant talk of global warming,” he told BBC radio. “We should be perhaps planning on the basis that there is more freak weather about and we shouldn’t just buckle to it.”

Many Londoners noted that bus services had continued through the Second World War and paused only for around an hour during the 2005 transit network suicide bombings.

Some suggested that British workers had set a poor example for the country’s children. Young Britons may become adults who think that “when things get difficult you should just stay at home and have fun,” said Margaret Morrissey, of the parenting lobby group Parents Outloud.

Exclusive: first Google Phone / Nexus One photos, Android 2.1 on-board

2010-01-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

Google Introduces Nexus One Mobile Phone, Designed With HTC

Jan. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Google Inc., aiming to take on Apple Inc.’s iPhone, introduced a mobile phone called Nexus One.

The phone was designed in close partnership with Taiwan’s HTC Corp., Mario Queiroz, Google’s vice president of product management, said today at an event at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California.

Exclusive: first Google Phone / Nexus One photos, Android 2.1 on-board

Well here you have it folks, honest-to-goodness pics of the Google Phone... AKA, the Nexus One. As you can see by the photos, the design of the device is largely similar to those we've seen, but the graphic on back is slightly different, and that piece of tape is covering a QR code (how very Google of them). Just like we've heard before, the updated OS features new 3D elements to the app tray, as well as an extended amount of homescreens, though it looks like the lock screen / mute is the same as in Android 2.0.1. Additionally, there's now a new grid icon at the bottom of the homescreen, which when pressed brings up a webOS card-style preview of all homescreen pages -- which raises some interesting possibilities. Apparently there's been a new software update for the device pushed tonight, and sure enough the phone is identified as the Nexus One on the system info page. Quite clearly this device is running on T-Mobile, and is also using WiFi, so there's two other questions you've got answers to. The phone also appears to come loaded up with Google Navigation (a bit of a no-brainer) and the brand-spanking-new Google Goggles. Hardware wise, the Nexus does look incredibly thin and sleek, and while there's not a slew of buttons (those four up front are clearly touch sensitive), there is a dedicated volume rocker along the side. Oh, and note this... no HTC logo anywhere to be found. We'll update the post as / if we get more info, but for now, feast your eyes on the gallery below!

Update: One item of interest. In the packaging there's a quick start guide which points users to a "questions" page at google.com/phone/support. The page is a dead end right now, but it certainly gets an eyebrow raise from us. If there is a real Google Phone in the offing, that seems a likely landing page for support.

Nexus One, The Google Phone, Captured In The Wild (Pictures)

Apparently, Googlers aren’t supposed to be tweeting the details of the Google Phone, but they have no problem tweeting about how awesome it is. And they also apparently have no problem showing it off. And not surprisingly, pictures of the device are starting to hit the web. Without further ado, this is it.

Cory O’Brien, a San Francisco-based blogger, got his hands on one tonight and tweeted out that picture. He also notes that, “Google Phone = iPhone + a little extra screen and a scroll wheel. Great touch screen, and Android.”

As you can see, the Google Phone, which is apparently being called the “Nexus One” (for more on that, see here), does look exactly like the HTC Passion, which everyone was including in their posts earlier. You’ll also notice that there’s a key difference: It’s not HTC-branded at all.

Update: And here are some others that Engadget and others dug up:

Tila Tequila, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton React To Casey Johnson's Death

2010-01-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

Casey Johnson's friends and family are reacting to the tragic news of the 30-year-old Johnson & Johnson heiress' death. The socialite, whose body was discovered in her Los Angeles home on Monday, apparently died of natural causes, leaving behind an adopted daughter, Ava-Monroe.

Johnson's fiancée, reality star Tila Tequila, expressed her loss on her Twitter page in a series of messages: "Everyone please pray 4 my wifey Casey Johnson. She has passed away. Thank u for all [your] love and support but I will be offline to be [with] family. This is a very heartbreaking time for me. I just want some [privacy] as I deal with the loss of my fiancé Casey Johnson... [my] heart is shredded. I'm still in shock! Once again thank U for the outpour of love and support. I just wish to have some privacy at this heartbreaking time. R.I.P my Angel.

"@caseyjonsonJnJ u will forever be in my heart!" her tweets continued. "I love u so so much and we will marry when I see u in Heaven my wifey. I can't stop these haunting visions of her and I. We made such a lovely couple, only beginning to spend the rest of our lives together..."

Celebrity DJ and friend Samantha Ronson, also took to Twitter, writing, "R.I.P. Casey Johnson. Am so sick of those 3 letters." Lindsay Lohan, who retweeted Ronson's thoughts, added, "r.I.p. To a friend to and of many- Casey Johnson- my regards to her family, friends and her beautiful daughter Ava* you are in our hearts CJ."

E! Online reports that Johnson's good friend and godmother to Eva, Nicky Hilton, along with her mom, Kathy, and boyfriend, David Katzenberg, stopped by Johnson's house after hearing the news of her death. Hilton's sister, Paris, not only took to Twitter to express her condolences, but also spoke to about the loss.

"I am devastated to hear this news. I've known Casey since I was a baby," she told the magazine. "She had a big heart and she was a good friend. I feel so sad, I don't want to believe it. My condolences go out to her family and loved ones."

Johnson's father is New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, and her great-grandfather was the co-founder of Johnson & Johnson, the famed maker of everything from baby powder to Q-Tips, Visine, Tylenol and Band-Aids. "The Johnson family is mourning its tragic loss, and asks for privacy during this very difficult time," a statement from the Jets read.

Casey Johnson Tila Tequila Lesbian Sex Tape

Casey Johnson Engaged to Tila Tequila and Arrested for Grand Theft

Google Phone 'Nexus One' Set For January 5 Unveiling

2010-01-05T10:26:00.000-08:00

SAN FRANCISCO — Google Inc. is again trying to shake up the mobile market.

In holding an event Tuesday in which it was expected to outline its vision for how a mobile phone should be made and sold, the Internet search leader will likely raise the stakes in its bid to gain more control over how people surf the Web while they're on the go.

The catalyst in Google's latest attempt to redefine the mobile market apparently will be the Nexus One, the first smart phone designed by the company's own engineers.

Google has said little about the phone except to confirm that its workers received the handsets three weeks ago for a final round of internal testing. Google is expected to provide the first concrete details about the phone, along with the company's vision for how such devices should be made and sold, during a news conference Tuesday at Google's headquarters in Mountain View.

In its invitation to the event, Google said the wireless market has only seen "the beginning of what's possible" with the free Android operating system that it introduced for mobile phones in late 2007.

Android was designed to make it easier to interact on a mobile phone with Web sites and services, including Google's, while providing an egalitarian platform to run applications developed by outside programmers.

The applications don't have to go through an extensive review before they can be distributed to Android-powered devices, a contrast from the control that Apple Inc. holds on its hot-selling iPhone.

Until now, Google has been content to let other companies design the devices relying on Android. And those devices thus far have largely been distributed like most other mobile phones, tethered to major wireless carriers that typically require buyers to lock into two-year contracts in return for discounts on the handsets.

Google moves to keep lead as web goes mobile

2010-01-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

The expectation that Google would unveil a rival to the iPhone on Tuesday was part of a careful plan to try to do what few other technology companies have done before: retain its leadership as computing shifts from one generation to the next.

The rapid emergence of the smartphone as a versatile computing device may be as much a challenge as an opportunity for Google, which built its multibillion-dollar empire largely on the sale of small text ads linked to search queries typed on PCs.

As people increasingly rely on powerful mobile phones instead of PCs to gain access to the web, their surfing habits are bound to change. What is more, online advertising could lose its role as the web’s primary economic engine, putting Google’s leadership into question.

“The new paradigm is mobile computing and mobility,” said David B Yoffie, a professor at the Harvard Business School. “That has the potential to change the economics of the internet business and to redistribute profits yet again.”

In recent decades, the power of industry giants such as IBM and Microsoft, which once seemed unassailable, waned as computing shifted from big mainframes to PCs, and from PCs to the internet. Many analysts say it is now Google that is faced with a less certain future in the face of another shift.

Still, they say Google saw this coming years ago and has been preparing for it. Google executives now say they are confident that the company will thrive as the mobile internet grows.

“We are incredibly excited about the opportunities that we see in mobile,” Vic Gundotra, vice president of engineering at Google who oversees mobile applications, said in an interview on Monday. “We have invested a considerable amount, and we can now really provide a compelling mobile experience.”

Top Google executives, including Eric E Schmidt, the chief executive, have long said the mobile internet was Google’s biggest opportunity for new growth. They orchestrated a string of acquisitions of companies with mobile-related technology, including Android, maker of a cellphone operating system; GrandCentral, a service for making calls that can bypass telephone lines; and AdMob, an advertising network for mobile applications. The AdMob deal is awaiting approval from regulators.

Google also invested far more aggressively than its competitors in mapping technologies and services tied to a user’s location, which are likely to become the vital underpinnings of new advertising systems on GPS-equipped mobile phones. Last month, Google came close to paying more than $500 million to acquire Yelp, a website for business listings and reviews. While the deal collapsed at the last minute, Google’s interest underscored its determination to become a force in mobile advertising.

And in recent years, Google has worked systematically to loosen the hold that other companies have on the mobile industry.

In 2008, for example, Google bid $4.7 billion in a government auction of US airwaves. While Google had no intention of winning, it bid to ensure that the airwaves would be subject to so-called openness requirements, meaning that Verizon Wireless, which won the bidding, would not be able to exclude Google services such as Web search, Gmail and maps from phones using those frequencies.

The unveiling that was expected on Tuesday of the Nexus One, a thin, touch-screen handset built to Google’s specifications and made by the Taiwan company HTC, is a challenge to an industry power — Apple, whose iPhone dominates the high end of the smartphone market. While the iPhone sends millions of people to Google’s search and other services, some of the company’s applications, such as Google Voice, have not been allowed to run on the phone.

Analysts say that with the Nexus One, which Google plans to sell to consumers directly, the company is trying to free itself from Apple’s growing influence. It also wants to broaden the appeal of Android’s technology. The phone is expected to be sold unlocked, allowing consumers to buy service plans separately.

Gundotra declined to discuss specifics of the Nexus One. But he said all of Google’s mobile moves had been driven by one objective: pushing the industry to open up in an attempt to replicate on mobile phones the environment that has allowed the PC-driven web to grow at explosive rates.

“Before the mobile web really started to take off, there were many barriers to consumers,” he said. “Sometimes it was limited choice about what you could do with your phone,” he said, adding that in some cases, it could take as many as 19 clicks for a user to get to Google’s site.

Some of Google’s moves, like its bid for spectrum, confounded many in the industry. But analysts say that Google’s actions proved shrewd and that the company has, to a large extent, helped open up the mobile web and ensure that its own services, and its ads, will be accessible to all.

“You could take a view that this is a very geeky company,” said Nicholas Carr, author of The Big Switch, a book about the shift to internet computing. “That underestimates the strategy that underlies all these moves.”

Some analysts say that with the early success of the Android operating system, which is built into phones from several manufacturers, Google is already beating Microsoft, its biggest rival, in the mobile business. And they note that mobile phone software is tethered to the web more than PC programmes, playing to Google’s strengths in internet computing.

Indeed, Google has moved so aggressively to establish itself as a force in the mobile web that it has already attracted government scrutiny. The Federal Trade Commission recently stepped up its review of Google’s proposed $750 million acquisition of AdMob, as some advocacy groups are raising alarms that the deal could extend Google’s dominance of online advertising into mobile phones.

Yet some questions remain unanswered: Will advertising remain central to the web economy as consumers shift to mobile phones from PCs? And will applications change people’s reliance on search engines?

Google’s text ads are sold through an auction system, and analysts say that some of its most lucrative ads show up during intensive online research tasks, like finding a vacation rental or securing a good rate on a mortgage. Those are more likely to be conducted on a PC than on a cellphone.

“It certainly remains to be seen how big mobile advertising will be,” said Charles Golvin, an analyst with Forrester Research.

Predictions about the growth potential of mobile advertising vary widely. A recent report on the mobile internet by Morgan Stanley, for instance, said while advertising accounts for 40 per cent of revenue on the desktop internet, it accounts for just 5 per cent of revenue on the mobile internet. That could change, as more personalised advertising technologies, including coupons and offers that are aimed at users in specific locations, could usher in a new wave of growth in digital marketing.

At the same time, some surveys show that users are wary of ads that could clutter the precious real estate on their small cellphone screens. And phone users seem more willing to pay a few dollars for applications or content than PC users, potentially reducing the importance of advertising.

Another risk for Google is that popular smartphone applications could erode the power of its search engine. In a recent note to investors, Ben Schachter, an analyst with Broadpoint AmTech, wrote that applications could eat into search revenue by giving users direct access to many commercial websites.

“When you go to Google and search for a product or for Amazon, that’s a way for Google to make money,” Schachter said. “But if you have the Amazon or the eBay app on your mobile phone home screen, you are more likely to click on that button and buy something without ever using Google.”

Gundotra dismissed those concerns. While he refused to provide specifics about Google’s mobile revenue, he said that its rate of growth mirrored the company’s results when it began selling ads on its website.

RIL sells Rs 2,675 cr treasury stocks to LIC

2010-01-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

Reliance Industries, which has made a bid to take over petrochemicals firm LyondellBasell, on Monday raised Rs 2,675 crore (around $ 577 million) through a share sale, its second big equity fund raising in less than four months. Life Insurance Corp of India which holds around 6 per cent in Reliance Industries acquired the shares. The fund raising is seen as part of Reliance's plan to create a corpus for the takeover of Luxembourg-based LyondellBasell in a deal that could be worth around $12 billion.

In September 2009, Reliance raised Rs 3,188 crore by selling treasury stock worth 1.5 crore shares at an average price of Rs 2,125 per share (before the bonus issue). With this, RIL has mobilised Rs 5,863 crore that could used to fund the Lyondell takeover. “Petroleum Trust sold approximately 258.50 lakh equity shares of RIL. Reliance Industrial Investments and Holdings Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RIL, is the beneficiary of the Trust,” RIL said in a statement on Monday. RIL shares lost 1.29 per cent to Rs 1,075.35 in a strong market on Monday.

RIL said the Trust will realise approximately Rs 2,675 crore, at an average price of about Rs 1035 per share. The financial impact will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the company, it said.

The treasury stock — created as a result of past mergers of subsidiaries with the parent company — was held by Petroleum Trust and nominally recorded as promoters’ stake, but the stock cannot be voted as per the rules. Petroleum Trust held a 6.65 per cent stake in the company — or 10.46 crore shares — prior to the two stock sales.

Brokers crib their way to office for 9 am start

2010-01-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

MUMBAI: The hectic parleys of the broking community with the National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange in a bid to get them to defer
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the decision to start trading early didn't bear fruits.

The new year kicked off with new timings for the stock markets -- a 9 am start.

While bigger brokerage firms managed to bring round recalcitrant staffers by deciding to work in shifts, it was a struggle at smaller ones, with most scrambling for officers to man the terminals. While some firms arranged for food packets to be distributed among their staff, one had pick-up vehicles.

Kapil Mokashi, assistant manager at broking firm Sharekhan, said, "Though Sebi's decision to start the markets an hour early didn't come as a surprise, it did require some serious adjustment to schedules on our part. Since most of us live in far off places like Kalyan, Dombivli and Thane, commuting early is a difficult task."

The first-day first-show trade wasn't such a big hit, with brokerage firms recording no substantial increase in volumes. Emotions, though, ran high. "This will only lead to more headaches and stress and more heart-attacks. Real volumes will not increase, only speculative volumes will go up, which is not desirable," Himesh Bhatt, a seasoned broker, said.

While some dealers complained about leaving their homes at 6.30 am in a bid to ensure that they were at office in time for the early trade, other managers went to the extent of arranging lunch packets for their staffers. "Some of our staffers live in Dombivli," explained Mahendra Shah, proprietor of a brokerage house near CST. "They had to be at their terminal by 8.30 am. For that, they had to leave their homes by 7 am.
It's no time to be thinking of food."

Brokers of mid-sized and large brokerages who spoke to TOI said they would be working in three shifts from 6 am onwards. A trader with ICICI Securities said the office had arranged for pick-up vehicles for its employees.

But everyone didn't think alike. Dharmesh Mehta, head of equities at Enam Securities, said, "I see no logic in it (early trading) as there is no incremental benefit. Broking houses cannot increase their staff strength for one hour's extra trading session. We tried our best to oppose the move, but the stock exchanges have gone ahead." Even though staffers were allowed to leave by 5.30 pm at Enam, Mehta was sceptical if it would be possible in future given the pace at which work proceeds at brokerages.

Vikas Khemani, head of institutional equities at Edelweiss, said the move was meant to align Indian markets with global ones, but added, "I am of a belief that the volume is not going to go up because of the early trading." On a lighter note, Khemani said the early start shouldn't be a problem for those who had resolved to wake up an hour early this year. Stating that his firm would have two shifts, he said, "There are reasons which are rewarding enough for people to get motivated to come in early and put in extra work."

According to Sharekhan's Kapil Mokashi, with the markets currently having a bullish undertone, the new timings (9 am to 3.30 pm) wouldn't be very tedious. "But the real test of patience will come when we are trapped in a narrow range market with little movement through the day. Whether this was needed is still a debatable issue, but for the moment it will take us some time to imbibe this new schedule into our routine," he said.

Interestingly, the BSE Brokers' Forum had conducted a survey on the extended trading hours. It showed that 80% of those polled were against the new timings, with only 20% saying that it would not be cumbersome.

"Trading members clearly do not welcome the change as they see no benefit to the Indian capital market in terms of volumes of the Asian market or even to get an early trend of the US markets," Uttam Bagri, secretary of the BSE Brokers' Forum, said. The majority of the brokers polled also replied in the negative when asked if the change would see an increase in revenue vis-a-vis the rise in the costs.

Giving the issue a new angle, Sushil Agarwal, CFO, Aditya Birla Nuvo, said, "It might improve the traffic situation in Mumbai as a good amount of traffic will start early rather than everyone starting at the same peak time hour."

Ten global launches to set an Expo record

2010-01-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

Though the 10th Auto Expo, which begins from Tuesday in the Capital, will not showcase a Nano-like innovation, which was the toast of the previous expo in 2008, the event will witness 10 global launches — the highest so far.

Topping the launches will be small and concept cars. However, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), along with super-bikes from Harley Davidson, some luxury sedans from the likes of Mercedes Benz, BMW India and Audi and a couple of hybrid cars, will be the other draws of the show.

On the eve of the Expo, General Motor’s Chevrolet took the lead by launching a compact car, the Chevrolet Beat, priced between Rs 3.34 lakh and Rs 4.23 lakh.

Tuesday will see the unveiling of concept cars from Honda Siel Cars India and a small car from Toyota Kirloskar Motors exclusively designed for the Indian market.

Though the Honda and Toyota vehicles will only be launched in 2011 and beyond, their unveiling will mark the foray of two Japanese icons into the mass market.

World's tallest building opens in Dubai

2010-01-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

World's tallest building opens in Dubai

The world's tallest building has been opened with a dramatic fireworks ceremony in the Gulf emirate of Dubai.

The Burj Khalifa was revealed to be 828m (2,716ft) high, far taller than the previous record holder, Taipei 101.

Known as the Burj Dubai during construction, the tower has been renamed after the leader of Dubai's oil-rich neighbour, Abu Dhabi.

Last month, Abu Dhabi gave Dubai a handout of $10bn (£6.13bn) to help it pay off its debts.

Construction of the Burj Dubai began in 2004, at the height of an economic boom.

Clad in 28,000 glass panels, the tower has 160 floors and more than 500,000 sq m of space for offices and flats.

This great project deserves to carry the name of a great man

Sheikh Mohammed

The tower also lays claim to the highest occupied floor, the tallest service lift, and the world's highest observation deck - on the 124th floor.

The world's highest mosque and swimming pool will meanwhile be located on the 158th and 76th floors.

Technical challenges

The opening ceremony, held 1,325 days after excavation work started, was attended by some 6,000 guests.

Though not complete on the inside, it was officially opened by Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The Burj Dubai dwarfs its neighbouring buildings

In a surprise move he renamed it Burj Khalifa - after the president of the United Arab Emirates and emir of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan.

Sheikh Mohammed described the tower as "the tallest building ever created by the hand of man".

"This great project deserves to carry the name of a great man. Today I inaugurate Burj Khalifa," he said.

Sheikh Mohammed also unveiled a plaque inside the tower bearing the new name.

A dramatic fireworks and lights show took place around the tower while a screen displayed its exact height, which had previously been kept secret.

At 828m, Burj Khalifa dwarfs the 508m Taipei 101 and the 629m KVLY-TV mast in the US, the tallest man-made structure. Its spire can been seen 95km (60 miles) away.

"We weren't sure how high we could go," said Bill Baker of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the building's structural engineer. "It was kind of an exploration... a learning experience."

Mohamed Ali Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, the developer behind Burj Khalifa, told the BBC that the building's design had posed unprecedented technical and logistical challenges, not just because of its height, but also because Dubai was susceptible to high winds and was close to a geological fault line.

"We have been hit with lightning twice, there was a big earthquake last year that came across from Iran, and we have had all types of wind which has hit us when we were building. The results have been good and I salute the designers and professionals who helped build it," he said.

BURJ KHALIFA IN NUMBERS

95: distance in km at which its spire can be seen

504: rise in metres of its main service lift

57: number of lifts

49: number of office floors

1,044: number of residential apartments

900: length in feet of the fountain at the foot of the tower, the world's tallest performing fountain

28,261: number of glass cladding panels on the exterior of the tower

In pictures: Building the Burj Khalifa
Tower: facts and figures

The design incorporates ideas from traditional Islamic architecture, while the open petals of a desert flower were the inspiration for the tower's base.

Burj Khalifa will be home to 1,044 luxury apartments, 49 floors of offices and eventually a 160-room Armani-branded hotel. Around 12,000 people are expected to live and work in the tower, which is part of a 500-acre development.

However, investors are facing losses even before the tower is completed because property prices in Dubai have slumped amid the global economic crisis.

Some apartments were selling for $2,700 per sq ft, but are now going for less than half that. Analysts say it will be particularly hard to lease office space because few companies can justify paying premiums for luxury.

The BBC's Malcolm Borthwick in Dubai says developers are holding back on new flagship projects, so Burj Khalifa could mark the end of an era for skyscrapers in the Gulf - at least in the short term.

Molester top cop Rathore stripped of police medal

2010-01-04T10:58:00.000-08:00

The home ministry Monday decided to strip former Haryana director general of police (DGP) SPS Rathore, convicted for molesting 15-year-old Ruchika Girhotra in 1990, of the police medal he was given for meritorious service in 1985.

The award committee, headed by Home Secretary GK Pillai, took the decision to withdraw the medal after a meeting Monday, an official said. The recommendation will now be sent to President Pratibha Patil.

The former police chief was awarded the medal August 15, 1985.

Ruchika committed suicide in 1993 after her family was allegedly harassed for three years by Rathore.

Rathore was December 21, 2009 sentenced to six months in jail and Rs 1,000 fine for the molestation 19 years ago, evoking widespread protests over what people called a light punishment.

He has now been booked by Panchkula police in two fresh cases, including the non-bailable charge of attempt to murder, after Ruchika's family filed fresh complaints.

New Years Resolution Worksheet Kids

2010-01-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

It won’t be a bad idea either, if you start your children’s New Year classes by designing a New Years Resolution Worksheet Kids. Your New Years Resolution Worksheet Kids may include their short term and long term goals based on their health and studies. New Years Resolution Worksheet for Kids should also include development of new ideas and also their participation in daily routine life and in the society. The New Years Resolution Worksheet for kids is a good tool to focus the kids to remain on track for their bright future.

New Years Resolution Worksheet for kids must not be parents oriented. It must include the child’s thinking and his goals that must be addressed in the New Years Resolution, by setting up the goals in shape a New Years Resolution worksheet, just monitor and get the feedback from your child and conclude the resolution at the end of years with designing and development of next years resolution worksheet.

Well, it can be embarrassing, if you kid is too smart to handle.
Like in America if our kid asks that mom or dad what is your New Year Resolution worksheet then if you haven’t done the homework, you will be embarrassed in front of your own children but imagine if your kids asks about the New Years Resolution of Government then you must have no answer to give because it is simply based on giving statements and doing

Video/DVD

2010-01-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

The Art of Crochet 4 Kids. DVD. 1:30 hrs. Prod. by Leisure Arts. Dist. by AV Café. 2009. $19.95.

K-Gr 4—This Wild West-themed program inspires young children to learn to crochet. The first two segments teach crochet basics, and feature two animated characters in one part and nine-year-old Ryan in the other. The animated section may be too fast paced for beginners, while the segment with Ryan is punctuated with programmed pauses that allow learners to work at their own speed. Slight differences between the two crochet methods allows children to find the style that works best for them. Next, three projects are presented: making crochet flowers that can be used as pencil toppers or decorative accents for clothing demonstrated by a diverse group of girls and boys; granny squares, the most complicated of the three, taught by an adult instructor; and a Wild West triangular scarf, presented by the animated characters with a sing-along feature that serves as an aid to remembering the crochet pattern. This fun-filled program does not assume any prior knowledge of needlecraft, requires only the most basic supplies, and presents lessons in an entertaining and engaging fashion.—Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

Drugs & Alcohol

Everything You Need to Know about Alcohol in 22 Minutes. DVD. 22 min. with tchr's. guide. Human Relations Media. 2009. ISBN 978-1-55548-808-6. $139.95.

Gr 7 Up—It is difficult to walk the line between social drinking as a rite of passage and the dangers of alcohol abuse when talking to teens. This program does an excellent job with a difficult subject. The initial graphics are choppy and quick moving, providing a feeling of immediacy by showing scenes of teens drinking, kids in the hospital, and teens being arrested. Case studies, accounts of DUI accidents, and interviews with an emergency room doctor, a mom whose child died from alcohol poisoning, a neuro-psychologist, and young people who have abused alcohol help explain the dangers of teenage drinking. The inclusion of a teen born with fetal alcohol syndrome is a particularly powerful illustration of the effects of alcohol abuse. Viewers will relate to the teen-on-the-street style interviews. The computer graphics of alcohol's affect on the human body are interesting, but the text that accompanies some sections doesn't remain on screen long enough. Among the other topics covered are health problems related to alcohol abuse, binge drinking, driving under the influence, legal ramifications of DUI, and a section to help students determine if they have a problem with alcohol. The exceptionally well-done teacher's resource book includes excellent student activities and fact sheets that reinforce the film's message. This powerful testament to the dangers of teen drinking would be an excellent addition to the health curriculum.—Barbara Skaryd Fecteau, Beverly High School, MA

Straight Talk: The Truth about Alcohol and Sex. DVD. 18 min. with tchr's. guide. Human Relations Media. 2009. ISBN 978-1-55548-803-1. $139.95.

Gr 7 Up—Viewers will immediately be drawn into the experiences of the teens portrayed in this film. The action begins on the basketball court as Marcus, a high school senior almost guaranteed a college scholarship, teases Nick and Steve who have been in relationships for a while about not having "closed the deal" with their girlfriends. The young men express their comfort with "waiting." The scene cuts to an unsupervised underage drinking party at a student's house. Nick's girlfriend. Meghan, dances topless while another boy records her performance on his phone. Steve and his girlfriend retreat to his car where they have sex. Alexis goes to an upstairs bedroom with Marcus, but when she changes her mind, he rapes her. As a result of the night's events, Nick breaks up with his girlfriend, Steve's girlfriend breaks up with him, and Marcus is arrested for rape and loses his scholarship. Meghan is taunted by classmates when the recording of her dance is passed around during gym class. The teacher confiscates the phone and informs the photographer that he could be convicted of engaging in child pornography. While the resolutions are a little too neat, they don't sugarcoat the consequences of drinking and sexual misconduct. Statistics related to the results of drinking and sex are included between scenes, but the realistic vignettes are the most powerful elements of the film. An important tool to initiate classroom discussions.—Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights/University Heights Public Library, OH

Tales from the Prom: The Good the Bad and the Ugly. DVD. 23 min. with tchr's. guide. Human Relations Media. 2009. ISBN 978-1-55548-814-7. $139.95.

Gr 7 Up—A wide range of teens and their prom experiences are covered in this honest look at what can go wrong during an event that should be fun and memorable. Along with beautiful prom dresses and sharp-looking tuxedos, viewers are treated to scenes of prom-goers vomiting and being wheeled into the hospital on a gurney while CPR is performed. Eight chapters cover the issues of peer pressure, alcohol poisoning, sexual assault, and more. One chapter depicts students taking a breath test upon arrival at the prom, while another shows an alcohol-free after-prom party. The multicultural young people present believable stories about instances of alcohol and drug use that ruined their prom experience. In addition to scenes of happy students talking about the night they expect to remember for the rest of their lives, the importance of parents setting limits and explaining the risks of drinking is emphasized. Medical emergency workers and law enforcement personnel discuss the dangers of underage drinking. Viewers will relate to the teens in the film and may be dissuaded from partying with alcohol on this important night.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

Early Childhood

Thomas and Friends: Team Up with Thomas. DVD. 46 min. Prod. by HIT Entertainment. Dist. by Lionsgate. 2009. $14.98.

PreS-K—The series' new live-action host, Mr. Arkwright (Robert Slade), brings warmth and personality to the engine driver's locker room on the Island of Sodor. With charm and humor, he guides viewers through a creative project between stories about Thomas and his friends. This presentation includes four tales that demonstrate important lessons about friendship and teamwork, all based on the characters from Rev. W. Awry's The Railway Series: "Heave Ho Thomas," "James Works It Out," "Tram Trouble," and "Push Me, Pull You." Hank the engine and Flora the steam tram join the cast of familiar characters. The stories all end on a positive note. The narrator's straightforward and enthusiastic delivery complements the variety of voice actors. The computer-generated enhancements and the quality sound effects enrich the production. A fine addition to collections for young children.—Heather Acerro, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN

Young Minds: Numbers and Counting. DVD. 35 min. MathTutorDVD.com. 2009. $19.99.

PreS—This production is designed to teach numbers and counting to young children up to age three. Set to classical music from composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, visuals feature objects that can be counted. There are 10 to 15 pictures or videos for each number segment from 1 to 10. As each visual appears, the child narrator counts the items and makes a short statement about them; the number is shown next to the items. For example, three granny apples are pictured for the number 3 as the narrator states: "Three apples. 1, 2, 3. These three apples are green." The audio is clear and the narration is well-paced. Most items will be easily recognized by viewers, such as animals, fruits, boats, crayons, and flowers. This production will work well for children learning one-to-one relationships and counting to 10. Since it is low-key and may challenge children with short attention spans, it would be best shown in small segments.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL

Guidance

Character: Communication Basics. DVD. 16 min. with tchr's. guide online. LearningZoneXpress. 2009. ISBN 1-57175-752-X. $49.95.

Gr 5–8—Effective verbal, non-verbal, and online communication is explained in this exceptionally well-produced program. Ben and Anne, two middle school students, visit a communications professor and two actors in order to get a better handle on how to communicate effectively. The college professor provides several simple, easy-to-remember rules for communicating well both verbally and via texting or online. The young people then visit two actors who show them the differences between effective and ineffective non-verbal communication by acting out several scenarios relevant to preteens. The hosts close the program with tips on the best ways to be active listeners. The video and sound quality is excellent, the graphics are simple yet fun, and the music suits the program's overall tone. This film can easily be incorporated into a class period and would be a superb choice for middle school classes.—Ivy Miller, Wyoming Seminary Upper School, Kingston, PA

Cliques: Where Do You Fit In? DVD. 15 min. with tchr's guide. Human Relations Media. 2009. ISBN 978-1-55548-800-0. $129.95.

Gr 5–9—Hosted by two middle grade students, this brief production features interviews with students and a guidance counselor. It demonstrates the exclusionary nature of cliques as opposed to friendship groups, which are more open and accepting of differences. It also touches on the fact that social bullying and gossip are often a large part of cliques and discusses ways to combat being a victim of bullying and get out of a clique. The film is well done and the interviews are enhanced by and mixed with animated cartoon scenes. The teacher's resource manual includes 11 activities, worksheets, fact sheets, and a bibliography of additional resources. Never preachy, this tool will help students understand the importance of real friendship, as opposed to belonging to a clique.—Kathy Miller, Baldwin Junior High School, KS

Health

Anatomy of a Puff. DVD. 15 min. with tchr's. guide. Human Relations Media. 2009. ISBN 978-1-55548-809-3. $139.95.

Gr 7 Up—Describing a cigarette as a "dirty delivery system" for nicotine, a 20-something host focuses on the harmful chemicals inhaled by smokers. Standing in a smoke cloud to start, he describes by-products such as pesticides, arsenic, benzene, ammonia, formaldehyde, and others, in terms of their carcinogen content, affects on the central nervous system, and why they are used in the making of a cigarette. For example, pesticides from growing tobacco remain in the leaves even after it is washed, and ammonia is added because it increases the affect of the nicotine. Teens will identify with the other common uses for some of these chemicals, such as arsenic in rat poison, benzene in gasoline, and formaldehyde in preserving biology specimens. Students might be surprised to learn that hydrogen cyanide was used in the gas chambers by the Nazis, and that the amount of polonium-210, a radioactive substance, absorbed by a pack-per-day smoker is equivalent of 300 chest x-rays every year. Clearly blaming tobacco companies for manipulating the ingredients used in cigarettes to hook users on nicotine, the program shows President Obama signing a health reform bill that includes a prohibition for labeling "light" or low-tar cigarettes, which are not less harmful than regular cigarettes. Succinct information is reinforced with word images, colorful graphics, medical illustrations, and an off-screen echoing voice—all just gimmicky enough to appeal to teens. The excellent teacher's resource manual includes activity sheets, fact sheets, and more. By narrowing the focus of a multifaceted topic, this program neatly fills a niche in the antismoking curriculum.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Fast Food Nutrition. DVD. 16 min. with tchr's. guide. LearningZoneXpress. 2009. ISBN 1-57175-833-X. $79.95.

Gr 6 Up—Two smiling, upbeat teens offer facts about good nutrition and tips for eating healthy in our fast food world. The typical tribulations of fast food meals, such as calories, saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and sugar, are explained. The pair suggest finding healthier meals at different restaurants or selecting healthier food at the same fast food restaurant, such as salads and fruit. The merits of grilled vs. fried, water vs. soda, and fruit vs. fries are discussed. Portion control (regular vs. super-sized) is emphasized. While nothing new is presented here, the teen presenters may make the information more palatable to viewers. Preteens and teens in health classes may be receptive to the information and think twice before eating fast foods.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

Language Arts

Barkus, Sly and the Gold Egg. DVD. 10 min. with tchr's. guide. Nutmeg Media. 2009. ISBN 1-933938-66-8. $49.95.

PreS-Gr 3—Barkus and Sly, two tricky foxes, think they're pretty clever. But when they sneak into the hen house and swipe three chickens, with a tasty meal in mind, these two shysters meet their match. The chickens use what's at hand to turn the two against each other, causing a falling out among thieves and saving themselves in the bargain. Sally Anne Lambert's humorous watercolor illustrations are scanned iconographically. Angela McAllister's delightful book (Bloomsbury, 2002) is read by Debra Leigh who creates unique voices for each character; background music adds a nice touch. A fun introduction to the book.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Bats at the Library. DVD. 11 min. with tchr's. guide. Nutmeg Media. 2009. ISBN 1-933938-62-5. $49.95.

K-Gr-3—"Word spread quickly from afar…a window had been left ajar. Can it be true? Can it be? Yes, bat night at the library." The bat families first introduced in Brian Lies's Bats at the Beach (2006; Nutmeg Media, 2008) are back for a literary adventure in this iconographic rendering of the book (2008, both Houghton Mifflin). Once again, the youngsters are ready to play; viewers will delight at the imaginative mischief to be had at the library—puppet shadows on the wall with the overhead projector, swimming in the water fountain, posing in a gingerbread house pop-up book, and duplicating themselves with the copy machine. Finally tired out, the little ones join their elders for a magical story time, sitting in chairs, or hanging upside down from the tabletops. Children will be tickled to see scenes from some of their favorite books such as Make Way for Ducklings, Little Red Riding Hood, Alice in Wonderland, Wind in the Willows, Pippi Longstocking, and others—all inhabited by bats. Background strings and high-pitched bat squeaks enhance the whimsical acrylics painted in warm, rich colors. In a conversation with the author, Lies shares his inspiration for the story. The setting is based on the library in the small town where his father grew up—a stone building with stained glass windows where, indeed, there was once a visiting bat. As Lies speaks, close-up stills allow viewers to notice the artwork's clever details that they may have missed the first time around. The author also confides that another bat family outing is in the works—Bats at the Ball Game. Use this charming, clever offering for library orientations and bat units.—Barbara Auerbach, P.S. 217, Brooklyn, NY

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves. DVD. 10 min. (closed captioned). with tchr's. guide. Weston Woods. 2009. ISBN 978-0-545-19658-1. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-19689-5: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-19701-4: $29.95.

PreS-Gr 2—Fletcher is a young fox experiencing his first autumn. To his horror, his favorite tree appears to be sick. Its leaves are changing color and falling off. Fletcher does what he can to stick the leaves on again, even enlisting the help of passing birds. Other animals are more sanguine, however, as they use the fallen leaves for nests and warmth. Finally Fletcher takes the last leaf home and makes a bed for it. Will his tree be all right? Finding it covered in beautiful icicles, Fletcher begins to accept the changes around him. Julia Rawlinson's gently humorous story (Greenwillow, 2006) about the change in seasons is nicely read by Katherine Kellgren who creates unique voices for all the characters. Evocative music plays in the background. As Tiphanie Beeke's soft watercolor illustrations, highlighting autumn colors, are scanned iconographically, minor animation is added. A six-minute author interview provides insights into her background and the writing process. English subtitles are optional. This sweet story will fit in nicely with a unit about autumn.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Little Miss Sunshine Presents: Fun in the Sun. DVD. approx. 69 min. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. 2009. ISBN 1-4359-8504-4. $16.97.

PreS-Gr 1—Fans of Roger Hargreaves's Mr. Men & Little Miss series will recognize familiar characters in this entertaining animated presentation. It features six episodes of Cartoon Network's The Mr. Men Show: "Fair," "Wildlife," "Amusement Park," "Beach," "Lake," and "Science" Each segment includes short vignettes of the characters displaying their particular idioms with flair. Occasional musical interludes add to the experience. Mr. Grumpy and Miss Chatterbox create a classic comic combination, made for laughs. But Mr. Messy and Mr. Persnickety working out their differences provide their fair share of entertainment. The show is just plain fun. Bonus features include "Meet the Character," "Learn to Draw the Character," a game, and more. Fun for the younger set.—Heather Acerro, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, IN

Los Gatos Black on Halloween. DVD. 8 min. (closed captioned). with tchr's. guide. Weston Woods. 2009. ISBN 978-0-545-19658-1. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-19689-5: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-19701-4: $29.95.

K-Gr 3—Just spooky enough for viewers who are ready for a bit of a chill at Halloween, Marisa Montes's Pura Belpré award-winning picture book (Holt, 2006) becomes livelier and even more suspenseful with eerie music and creepy creatures that fly. It's Halloween night and los gatos (cats), las brujas (witches), los esqueletos (skeletons), los muertos (dead ones), phantoms, ghosts, ghouls, and others are gathering at a haunted casa (house) for a Monsters' Ball. The party comes to a screeching halt, however, when the scariest creatures of all, trick-or-treaters, appear at the door. About two dozen Spanish words are introduced in the story, and their meanings are clear in context and supported by strong visual clues. Yuyi Morales's spooky paintings are animated just enough to amuse and yet be hauntingly creepy: flames flicker, witches ride their broomsticks like skateboards, tails twitch, and mummies lumber awkwardly. Maria Conchita Alonso expressively reads the descriptive poem, with howls and yowls and squeaks, while the music of Otmara Ruiz provides rattles and whiny violins which rise to match the excitement in the end. Best of all, a chorus provides an accompaniment of typically monstrous sounds. Read-along captions are optional. This spirited celebration of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos is a must-have.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Music

Field Trips with Recess Monkey. DVD. 1:30 hrs. Big Kids Video. 2009. $14.95.

PreS-Gr 3—Inspired by field trips taken with their classes at school, popular children's band Recess Monkey (Jack Forman, Daron Henry, and Drew Holloway) have produced this DVD as a companion to their recently released CD, Field Trip (Aug. 2009, p. 58). Each of the four episodes includes some or all of the following: a field trip, a radio call-in vignette ("Radio 8 Ball"), a music video, and a concert scene (from Seattle's Experience Music Project). Each segment, hosted by puppet Mayor Monkey, takes place in a different location in Seattle: Gasworks Park, the historic Fremont Bridge, Pike Place Public Market, and a ride on a ferry and in a seaplane. Among the 13 rock 'n roll songs featured are "Hot Chocolate," "Marshmallow Farm," "Haven't Got a Pet Yet," "Bubble Factory," "Birthday Bite," and "Green Monster." Most of the camera work looks very professional, and the sound quality is good throughout. A must-have for fans of the band.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Religion

The Perpetua Story (The Torchlighters: Heroes of the Faith Series). DVD. 37 min. with tchr's. guide, student workbook. Prod. by Christian History Inst. and the Voice of the Martyrs. Dist. by Vision Video. 2009. #501301D. $14.99.

Gr 3–8—A torchlighter is someone who commits to serving God and passing on the light of the Gospels even when the going gets tough. Set in the year AD 203 in Carthage, North Africa, Perpetua, an affluent young mother, is charged with converting to Christianity and sentenced to prison. She is required by the Roman rulers to renounce her belief in Christianity and make a burnt offering of incense to the Roman gods. If she refuses, she will face death by wild animals in the arena with fellow Christians. What will she choose? The DVD contains an animated version of this story from early church history in easy-to-understand language that is suitable for younger children. The beautiful artwork perfectly portrays the emotional and poignant story. Bonus features include an audio version of the story and a 61-minute documentary that blends the story told by two Bible scholars with on-location footage. This version would be suitable for older children because it blends historical facts with the story. A useful tool in Sunday schools or Christian educational settings.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Public Library System, Cartersville, GA

Science

Animal Rock with Lucas Miller!, Vol. 1: Monarchs, Metamorphosis and More! DVD. 43 min. Victory Multimedia. 2009. $18.95.

PreS-Gr 4—Austin, TX, treasure Lucas Miller (the Singing Zoologist) presents his first video featuring songs (from his CD albums) and stories about animals. Featuring live-action footage, audience participation, and animation, the video includes "Animals Rock," a story about monarch butterflies; "Goin' Down to Mexico" (monarch butterfly migration); "Metamorphosis" (frog's life cycle); Miller's retelling of his picture book, Fifi the Ferocious (Providence Pub., 2002), using puppets; "Laugh Ourselves Silly;" "Stinkle, Stinkle Little Skunky" (to the tune of "Twinkle Little Star"); and "The Cow on the Bus" (to the tune of "Wheels on the Bus"). As a special bonus, Miller reads his picture book, Dr. DNA and the Anaconda Invasion (BioRhythms Pub., 2007). Not only does he capture the attention of the children in the audience, he also encourages them to move along with the songs and keeps them laughing by using silly voices for the various animals. The animation is cute and engaging, and the camera work and audio quality are top notch. A great addition for animal-themed video collections.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Coal Country. DVD. 1:25 hrs. Prod. by Evening Star Prods. Dist. by Liaison Distribution. 2009. $24.98.

Gr 7 Up—Soft music, including songs by Grammy-winning singer Kathy Mattea, blended with scenes of bucolic West Virginia are a razor-sharp contrast to aerial shots of mountaintop mining taking place across the state. Coal supplies a large portion of the nation's electrical power and mining has employed generations of West Virginians. Divided into ten chapters, some of those families are interviewed in this documentary. They discuss the health hazards of living near surface mines and the mammoth impoundment ponds created by mountaintop removal mining. Many of them have become vital members of grassroots activism and their demonstrations and lawsuits have drawn attention to environmental concerns, including clean water. Massey Energy is the corporation singled out in this program. Industry spokespersons do speak on behalf of the company's reclamation efforts, but most of the camera time is devoted to mountaintop mining opponents. Environmental science, government, and journalism classes can utilize this film to spark debates about many of these topics.—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Exploring Forest Biomes. video or DVD. 14 min. with tchr's. guide. Visual Learning Co. 2009. video: ISBN 978-1-5923-4430-7, DVD, ISBN 978-1-5923-4429-1. $79.95.

Gr 3–5—Filmed on location around North America, this film presents three types of forest biomes—temperate deciduous forests, coniferous forests, and rain forests (both tropical and temperate). All are defined by location, climate, flora, and fauna. Trees native to these different types of forests are highlighted. The need to conserve forests is emphasized. Along the way, viewers are given opportunities to compare, predict, decide, and observe. The program can be paused for classroom discussion. There is a final review and a five-question test at the end. The female narrator moves things along at a steady pace presenting clear, well-organized information. Blackline masters offer extension activities. The inclusion of maps showing the global locations of these biomes would have been a nice addition. Bonus features on the DVD include labeled slides and an iMovie project. A valuable introduction to a unit on forest biomes.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Inquisitive Minds: Energy and Power. DVD. 26 min. Prod. by Power to Create. Dist. by Landmark Media. 2009. $195.

Gr 6–9—This fast-paced program investigates energy and power, focusing on electricity and the sources used to generate it. A female student narrator poses questions which are explained by an adult male narrator. A mad scientist character, Dr. Knowledge (aka Dr. K), demonstrates real-time lab experiments, adding humor while engaging students' thinking skills. Topics covered include energy; electricity as it relates to hydro-electric power, power lines, coal and nuclear power; electromagnets; work; and renewable sources of energy produced by solar power, wind power, biomass fuel, and geothermal power. Live-action footage, often on-site at various industrial locations, features company employees explaining the process by which energy is generated based on job responsibilities and working environments. Diagrams further explain these processes. This classroom-friendly and well-documented film provides easy-to-understand explanations and would be a useful introduction for science and ecology classes as well as an excellent springboard for student discussion and research.—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial (NOVA Series). DVD. 1:52 hrs. Prod. by Vulcan Prods. and WGBH. Dist by PBS Home Video. 2008, 2009 release. ISBN 978-1-59375-719-9. $19.95.

Gr 9 Up—The ongoing debate between the supporters and opponents of Darwin's Theory of Evolution lies at the core of this in-depth review of the latest skirmish between those forces. As is typically the case, the battleground is focused in the classroom, this time the widely-publicized Dover, Pennsylvania, case in which teachers resisted a local school board order in 2004 to acknowledge the religion-based theory of creation, thinly veiled as the concept of "intelligent design." One incident—a student-painted mural depicting human evolution—quickly ignited conflicts between members of the school board, administration, parents, students, teachers, and national organizations supportive of each perspective. The film's content and presentation is balanced and well-organized. Interviews with lawyers, scientists, and local citizens; reenactments of the trial; and crisp graphics provide a great deal of information. The focal point of the argument is the question about the chromosomal differences/similarities between humans and chimpanzees. The teaching materials in PDF-format on the DVD are rich in resources for classroom use. This timely, comprehensive program will be a valuable resource in the eternal dispute between science and Scripture.—Dwain Thomas, formerly of Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Ocean Animal Emergency: Troubled Waters for Marine Mammals? (NOVA Series). DVD. approx. 56 min. with tchr's. guide. PBS Home Video. 2008, 2009 release. ISBN 978-1-59375-872-1. $24.95.

Gr 9 Up—This informative film documents marine animal emergencies, many of which are a result of changes in the ecology of our oceans. The program highlights the Marine Mammal Center located in Sausalito, California, and its contributions as a life-saving center for the northern elephant seal, the California sea lion, and the Pacific harbor seal. Actual footage of seals and sea lions being rescued because of malnourishment, net and human garbage entanglements, and toxin poisoning emphasizes the devastating effects of these environmental problems and the need to maintain healthy ocean environments. Chapter selection is optional. The DVD-ROM includes teaching materials such as handouts, a list of Web sites, and a supplemental YouTube video. Science teachers needing materials to introduce ocean studies, environmental studies, and spark classroom discussion will find this presentation a useful addition to their resources.—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

PetroApocalypse Now? DVD. 48 min. Video Project (videoproject.com). 2009. #PET-980-P. $109.

Gr 9 Up—As we have witnessed frequently since the energy crisis of the late 1970s, the world's economy—and consequentially, our standard of living—often rests on the availability of energy, typically based on fossil fuels. This thought-provoking documentary examines the amount of oil we need now and will need in the future to satisfy our increasing demand for products based on this increasingly elusive commodity. Three key points are raised: the planet's escalating population (especially in Third World developing countries) requires more energy, even if individual demand remains constant; the rate of oil extraction continues to decline as current exploration focuses on increasingly difficult-to-tap locations; and, while research into alternative technology-based resources such as solar and wind power and gas continues to advance, the widespread application of those sources is still far into the future. The producers of this nicely-paced program have done extensive research. There are interviews with a wide range of experts in energy production and utilization, both from the business and academic sectors. Crisp, clear graphics and an assortment of vintage film and still imagery illustrate the message that, despite assurances from oil-producing countries that supplies are adequate, too much is at stake not to give priority to addressing this critical issue. This film will be a valuable addition to media collections and will be welcomed in a variety of classroom settings.—Dwain Thomas, formerly of Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Short Attention Span Science Videos, Vol. 1 & 2: Sustainability—The Coral Reef Notebook. 2 DVDs. range: 45:42–48:02 min. GG Films (stanford.edu/group/microdocs/DVD.html). 2009. ISBN 0-0822269-4-2. $39.95.

Gr 6 Up—Designed to be accessed by topic, this unique set provides more than 30 two- to four-minute, easy-to-understand micro-documentaries on ecological sustainability in an engaging manner. Dr. Stephen Palumbi, a marine biologist at Stanford University and a leading expert on the genetics and ecology of a variety of marine and terrestrial systems, narrates the topics based on current research in which he and his team are actively engaged. Visuals feature live-action footage taped at research locations around the world, including Fiji, Samoa, the Caribbean, and Micronesia. The first volume covers topics such as sustainability, productivity, diversity, resilience, and the impact that maintaining ecosystems has on our future. Volume 2 expands the basic principles of sustainability through an exploration of coral reefs and how they help to maintain the quality of life. Based on ecosystems and their resources, topics include life on a reef, four kinds of coral, growing a giant clam, natural global warming lab, and others. Individual segments can be easily accessed. Excellent video angles and photography allow viewers to see close-up, colorful images of coral reefs. Supplementary reference materials and a quiz are available at www.stanford.edu/group/microdocs/. This well-documented, clearly-presented program is aligned with the National Science Education Standards and will be extremely useful to introduce environmental issues as well as to spark classroom discussion and engage students in further research.—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

Social Studies

Billy Blue Hair: Why Are Fire Trucks Red? DVD. approx. 30 min. Prod. by Kayo Media. Dist. by billybluehair.com. 2009. $14.95.

PreS-Gr 1—Animated characters Billy Blue Hair and his dog Doogie are back for another adventure in this follow-up to their excellent debut film, Why Do Giraffes Have Long Necks? (Sept. 2005, p. 74). Billy chases Doogie into the live-action world of a fire department. The episode begins with Billy watching firefighters put out a fire. In a conversational tone, he offers some safety tips. As Billy tries to catch up with Doogie, he visits a firehouse where information is presented about firefighters' chores, their life at the fire station, and how they get dressed in 60 pounds of gear. Viewers also learn about a variety of fire trucks and their uses, why fire trucks are red, why fire hydrants come in different colors, and the procedures that firefighters use to fight a fire. Lots of interesting information is presented in an attention-grabbing manner that will have children clamoring to watch the film again and again.—Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL

George Washington Carver: His Life and His Work. DVD. 30 min. Prod. by Kaw Valley Films. Dist. by Marshall Pub. 2009. $19.95.

Gr 6 Up—Few individuals in our history personify the value of education and dedication more than George Washington Carver. Born the son of a slave in 1864, Carver was raised in the dark days of Reconstruction in the South. He became a symbol of overcoming the worst of circumstances as he single-handedly became responsible for renewing a large part of the South's economy with his innovative research in agriculture. Leaving home at an early age in search of as much formal schooling as the conditions of the time would allow, Carver eventually achieved international fame through his work at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The story of the "Peanut Man" is partially told from a first-person perspective with a background of striking music. A rich variety of visuals include black-and-white vintage photographs from the post-Civil War era and rare color film footage of Carver near the end of his life in 1943. Particularly moving is a brief black-and-white sound film clip of Carver accepting an award. A five-part chapter selection option—"Inspiring Words," "Early Life," "College Years," "Tuskegee Years," "Final Years"-enhances the film's usability in the classroom and for individual research. This motivating, well-crafted title will be popular in collections serving middle and high school students.—Dwain Thomas, formerly of Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Getting to Know the U.S. Presidents: Thomas Jefferson. DVD. approx. 22 min. (closed captioned). Getting to Know. 2009. $39.95.

Gr 1–6—Another one of Mike Venezia's biographies, with its humorous cartoon illustrations, hilarious asides, and fascinating kid-friendly information, has been made into an animated film. It doesn't get any better than this! This production, adapted from his book Thomas Jefferson: Third President (Children's Press, 2005) is a delight. Jefferson narrates the story of his life. He talks about his childhood, family life, hobbies, and rise in politics. Slavery is also addressed. Along the way, viewers are treated to a nice overview of the American Revolution and the subsequent formation of a new nation. Jefferson's role in it is highlighted, especially his part in the writing the Declaration of Independence, his time as Secretary of State and Vice President, and his two terms as President. Original patriotic-sounding music bounces in the background as the cartoon illustrations, and even some historical paintings, are animated; some touches are reminiscent of Monty Python. Humorous dialogue, great visuals, solid facts, and a kid-friendly presentation make this a winner.—Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Study Skills

Study Skills for People Who Hate to Study. DVD. 18 min. with tchr's. guide. Human Relations Media. 2009. ISBN 978-1-55548-796-6. $139.95.

Gr 7 Up—Six teenagers address the three main areas that can sabotage effective studying: organization, procrastination, and distraction. Using an improv style with silly humor and sparse props, the teens help one of their friends finish her homework assignments before a day at the beach. After each of the three segments, the program can be paused to facilitate classroom discussion. Each section also features short, amusing animated sequences to illustrate the concepts. The informative teacher's guide includes student activity sheets, fact sheets, tests, discussions questions, and more. While older students may find the story line silly, all viewers will recognize the obstacles undermining effective studying and relate them to their own issues. A fun, easy-to-implement program.—Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library, AZ

Audio

Many of these titles are available for download and/or in Playaway format. Check distributors' Web sites, playaway.com, and audio download retailers for availability and price.

Language Arts

Adam Canfield: The Last Reporter (unabr.). 7 CDs. 7:54 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-50737-108-7. $74.96

Gr 6–9—Adam Canfield is back and so is the staff of his school newspaper, The Slash, previously eliminated by the school board for causing trouble (especially for the town's most powerful family). Now Adam and his co-editor must find a way to raise money to keep the paper going. The Ameche brothers, twins with some pretty unorthodox ways of generating income, are Adam's first choice. Nothing is quite what it seems, including Adam's relationship with Jennifer, which leaves him confused. Also, the "safe" story he was planning to write about the improved test scores of the student population ends up being another exposé. There are some interesting discussions about journalistic ethics and the responsibility of reporters and political candidates (the school election is another sub plot). Narrator Patrick Lawlor gives each character in Michael Winerip's novel (Candlewick, 2009) a slightly different voice, accentuating their personalities. He is masterful at capturing the tone in Phoebe's voice that makes her so annoying and Adam's inner thoughts as he struggles to find out how he feels about Jennifer. He matches the fast pace of the action, and provides an understated delivery of some of the most hilarious lines. A brief interview of the author by his daughter is informative.—Edith Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC

After (unabr.). 9 CDs. 10 hrs. Penguin Audio. ISBN 978-0-14-314505-9. $34.95.

Gr 8 Up—Through flashbacks, listeners learn that 15-year-old Devon has been a good student and an outstanding soccer player, and her life is all about control and not messing up. But as the story (Viking, 2009) by Amy Efaw opens, Devon is found by the police lying on her family sofa, bloody after giving birth to a baby which was found in the dumpster by a passerby. The story moves through Devon's arrest, her confusion about what is happening to her, and the preliminary court proceedings to determine whether she will be tried as an adult for attempted murder or in juvenile court. Rebecca Soler does a fine job of varying her voice to reflect Devon's various states of consciousness and conscience. Most prominent is the flatness of Devon's voice as she responds to the demands and interactions of those around her, such as her lawyer, who loses patience at Devon's resistance to assist in her defense. Soler also captures the teen's softness as Devon recollects the romantic encounter that led to her pregnancy and then quickly switches to a harsher tone as Devon reflects that she doesn't want to be like her own irresponsible mother. This is an emotional, compelling listen, as the details of the birth are told in great detail and Devon often seems like an observer rather than a participant.—Edith Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC

Al Capone Shines My Shoes (unabr.). 7 CDs. 7:52 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7393-8006-2. $55.

Gr 5–8—In Gennifer Choldenko's sequel (Dial, 2009) to Al Capone Does My Shirts (Putnam, 2004), it's 1935 and 12-year-old Moose Flanagan lives on Alcatraz Island where his father is a prison guard. The boy finds himself indebted to the infamous mobster, Al Capone, who pulled some strings to get his disabled sister, Natalie, admitted to a special school in San Francisco. His friend, Annie, warns Moose that owing a prisoner a favor is a dangerous position to be in, but he refuses to tell anyone, afraid that Natalie will be kicked out of the school if he does. When his sister comes home for a visit, Moose discovers that she has become an unwitting accomplice to an escape plan by some of the convicts on Alcatraz. Narrator Kirby Heyborne's dramatic performance draws listeners into the thick of the story, and he does a wonderful job portraying and differentiating between the various characters. The story is sometimes humorous and sometimes sad, but always moving. It would make a good springboard for discussing topics such as trust and right versus wrong. A must-have for elementary, middle school, and public libraries with strong audiobook collections.—Kathy Miller, Baldwin Junior High School, Baldwin City, KS

Black Box (unabr.). 4 CDs. 3:54 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7393-8595-1. $38.

Gr 7 Up—Elena, a high school freshman, has always looked up to her older sister, Dora, and the two have an exceptionally close relationship. But when Dora is hospitalized for depression, Elena has a difficult time coping. The strained visits to the hospital, the tension once Dora returns home, the keeping of secrets, and the attempt to "make everything the same as it used to be" as her parents' arguments escalate and Dora seems to be spiraling out of control put Elena in the vortex of a difficult struggle. At school, the only people who will even speak to her are some of Dora's worried friends and the rather strange Jimmy Zenk who seems to know a great deal about depression. At home, she tries to monitor Dora's actions, such as sleeping most of the day, hoarding her pills, skipping school, and not eating. The situation becomes even more difficult when Dora must swear to keep Elena's secret. Lynde Houck narrates Julie Schumacher's novel (Delacorte, 2008), perfectly capturing Elena's voice. At the conclusion, Schumacher offers commentary about writing the book. Poignant, at times heartbreaking, and always honest, the blend of a good story and a strong narrative voice makes this an exceptional listen.—Janet Hilbun, Texas Women's University, Denton

Branded Outlaw (unabr.). 2 CDs. approx. 2 hrs. Galaxy Press. 2009. ISBN 978-1-59212-349-0. $9.95.

Gr 10 Up—L. Ron Hubbard's pulp fiction Western from the 1930s is a story about young Lee Weston who comes back home to Wyoming to find his family murdered. Convinced that his father's old enemy, Harvey Dodge, is to blame, Weston sets out to seek his revenge. Almost immediately Weston gets into a gunfight, murders another man, and is wounded. He is nursed back to health by a young woman and falls in love with her, only to discover that she is the daughter of his enemy. While this title will probably not be of interest to the majority of teens, there's plenty of action, blazing guns, and some romance here to capture the attention of reluctant readers who like Westerns. The multicast narration is well done, and superior sound effects and musical interludes add to the suspense. The cover art is exquisitely designed.—Ivy Miller, Wyoming Seminary Upper School, Kingston, PA

A Chair for My Mother and Other Stories (unabr.). CD. 1 hr. HarperChildren's Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-0-06-176121-8. $13.99.

PreS-Gr 3—This collection includes stories by Vera B. Williams about Rosa and her family—A Chair for My Mother (1982), Something Special for Me (1983), Music, Music for Everyone (1984), and A Chair for Always (2009)—plus Cherries and Cherry Pits (1986, all Greenwillow). In the first title, a young African-American girl tells of the sorrow of losing her home and belongings to a fire and the jar in which the family places all of their loose change to save for a lovely, soft armchair. In the first four tales, the chair is a character, symbolizing warmth, love, security, and family to the young narrator. In A Chair for Always, Rosa expresses her attachment to the now aging chair when her mother and grandmother begin thinking it might be time to find a new one. Martha Plimpton perfectly captures the tenderness and joy of these stories. This winning collection celebrates family and the power of hope.—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT

Change-Up: Mystery at the World Series (unabr.). 6 CDs. 6:33 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7393-8101-4. $55.

Gr 5–7—In John Feinstein's mystery (Knopf, 2009), the news media hits on a "feel good" story highlighting a minor league baseball pitcher, Norbert Doyle, who has recently been added to the major leagues and will be pitching in the World Series. This feat combined with his ability to cope with his wife's death of his wife and raise his children on his own, and the personal obstacles he has overcome, seems like a fantastic story. Yet 14-year-old reports Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson begin to ferret out the painful truth behind this pitcher's public persona. The author narrates in a resonant New York voice that perfectly recreates the sports broadcasting environment. Listeners accustomed to dramatic readings may have to get used to his steady, clipped pace. Feinstein's style in writing and narration reflects his experience as a sports writer and commentator for major print publications and radio broadcasts. A perfect choice for sports fans.—Tina Hudak, St. Albans School, Washington, DC

City of the Dead: The Haunting of Derek Stone, Book 1 (unabr.). 3 CDs. 3:12 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4233-9476-1. $39.97.

Gr 5–8—Fourteen-year-old Derek survives a horrific train wreck, but his father and older brother Ronny are killed. When Ronny shows up a month after his death, with no explanation, their uncle, who is taking care of Derek and the estate, accepts him immediately. But it's soon apparent to Derek that Ronny is not who he seems to be. Investigating the fact that there was a similar disaster 70 years ago at the same place involving a train full of murderers and thieves introduces Derek to the idea of translation, or dead souls possessing the bodies of the more recent victims. The book's title refers to one of the large cemeteries in New Orleans. The first title (Scholastic, 2009) in the series by Tony Abbott ends with a cliffhanger. Nick Podehl does a good job with Derek's first person narration, lending an immediacy and urgency to the story. What secrets lie ahead in the City of the Dead? Though it occasionally veers off into territory where suspension of disbelief becomes a heavy burden, this should be a good match for reluctant readers.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

Crashed (unabr.). 9 CDs. 10:49 min. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4233-7495-4. $72.97.

Gr 9 Up—In Robin Wasserman's sequel (2009) to Skinned (2008, both Simon Pulse; Brilliance, 2008), Lia Kahn has been forced to make the adjustment from a rich, popular, shallow high schooler to life as a "mech" (a mechanical replica of the human body) after a terrible car accident. In the mech world, there is no death, no work, no life, no point. Lia has moved to a mech compound where she will not feel like the outcast she has become in her home and at school. Abandoned by friends and family, her life consists of meaningless days of giving tours to new mechs arriving at the compound and being trapped in the mind of the old Lia. The religious extremists catapult her world into chaos when her face is broadcast on screens everywhere as the person responsible for causing the death of humans. As she begins a search for the truth, friends become enemies and she has to learn to move from her self-imposed isolation to trusting her new mech friends. Reminiscent of Mary Pearson's Adoration of Jenna Fox (Holt, 2008; Macmillan, 2008), this futuristic tale's thought-provoking plot will engage teens trying to make sense of the world around them. Kate Reinders gives Lia an authentic voice, except when she moves from normal dialogue to the "techie" voice is somewhat distracting. While this fast-paced, riveting story can stand on its own, most teens will want to begin with the first title in the trilogy.—Jeana Actkinson, Adjunct, Educational Service Center, Region XI, Ft. Worth, TX

The Day of the Pelican (unabr.). 4 CDs. 4:23 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4418-0207-1. $69.97.

Gr 5–8—The war in Kosovo in the 1990s is brought to life in Katherine Paterson's novel (Clarion, 2009). The story follows Meli Lleshi, a 12-year-old Albanian girl, and her family as they begin to see violence escalating in their small town. The Serbians are the dominant force in the country and, under the leadership of war criminal Slobodan Milosevic, their brutality against the minority groups knows no boundaries. When the Lleshis and their extended family see the handwriting on the wall, they escape just as the violence reaches their doorstep. The trek to safety in Macedonia is a struggle, but they finally arrive at a refugee camp. When NATO effectively ends the war, Meli's family decides to move to America where new struggles and hurdles await them. The story provides insight into the Albanian culture, the war in Kosovo, and what it feels like to be an immigrant in a new land. It also offers a glimpse into the role of women in these cultures. Narrator Tavia Gilbert does a marvelous job of representing the family's accents when necessary but, for the most part, her narration is unaccented. She perfectly voices the emotional struggles of Meli and her family as they attempt to survive. A welcome addition to historical fiction and multicultural collections.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Devil's Kiss (unabr.). 7 CDs. 8:29 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4418-0165-4. $54.97.

Gr 9 Up—Sarwat Chadda's fast-paced novel (Hyperion, 2009) combines modern London with a fantasy world of ghuls (vampire/ghoul), weres, the Grigori (fallen angels), the Knights Templar, Arthurian characters, and a dash of Harry Potter. Thanks to a prophesy, Bilquis (Billi) SanGreal is the only female member of the Knights Templar. Since she is also the youngest, she tries to combine school with a rigorous training and patrolling schedule which she resents. This makes her easy prey for the attention of Mike, a handsome and mysterious young man who appears to understand her better than anyone else. But Mike isn't what he appears. He's the Archangel Michael on a quest to bring forth his watcher brothers and sisters, trapped in the ether by Solomon's mirror—protected through the ages by the Templars. Filled with Biblical lore, magical words and symbols, and medieval history, the novel takes listeners on a roller-coaster ride, leading to a tumultuous denouement. Anna Flosnik does an excellent job of voicing all the characters. A highly recommended listen.—Suanne Roush, Osceola High School, Seminole, FL

Emperor Mage: The Immortals, Book 3 (unabr.). 8 CDs. 7:45 hrs. Full Cast Audio. 2008. ISBN 978-1-934180-20-4. $55.

Gr 6–10—Tamora Pierce's third title (Atheneum, 2003) in the series continues the riveting story of Daine, a Tortallan girl with wild magic—the ability to communicate with animals and shape-shift into their form. This power earns her a mentorship from Numair Salmalin, a mage, and a fast friendship with Alanna the Lioness, the King's Champion (and the main character from Pierce's Song of the Lioness Quartet). As a developing mage and healer, Daine is invited to Carthak to meet with Emperor Ozorne, also known as the Emperor Mage. Unfortunately, he has angered the gods, especially Carthak's own Graveyard Hag, and Daine is tapped as a vessel for the goddess, quickly managing to become embroiled in the battle between Emperor and gods. Given a "gift" by the goddess, Daine is able to raise creatures from the dead. When Ozorne threatens Numair, Daine becomes so angry that she raises an army of dinosaur skeletons that destroys the Emperor's palace. In the aftermath, Ozorne escapes and Daine discovers that Numair is still alive. This full-cast production is narrated by the author. They all do a wonderful job, especially Carmen Viviano-Crafts, who voices Daine, and Mike Komurek as Daine's new friend, Zek the Marmoset. All the drama, humor, anger, and romance come across clearly. While the audiobook could stand on its own, it is recommended for libraries circulating the previous volumes.—Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT

Encyclopedia Brown Solves Them All (unabr.) cassette or CD. 1:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2009. cassette: ISBN 978-1-4407-2154-0, CD: ISBN 978-1-4407-5158-8. $25.75.

Gr 3–5—Leroy Brown, 10-year-old son of Idaville's Chief of Police, will solve any case, big or small, for a quarter in this collection (Dutton, 1968) of 10 short mysteries by Donald Sobol. Sometimes with his partner Sally in tow and sometimes accompanying his father, Encyclopedia pieces together the clues to get to the truth. Among the tales are "The Case of the Frightened Playboy," "The Case of the Wounded Dog," and "The Case of the Muscle Maker." After each story, there is a pause to allow listeners time to stop the recording and try to solve the case of on their own before the answer is given. This is the draw to the series. However, the plots and characters have little substance and the lifestyle represented is dated. Steer listeners instead to mysteries such as the 39 Clues series (Scholastic).—Richelle Roth, Boone County Public Library, KY

The Entertainer and the Dybbuk. 2 CDs. approx. 1:45 hrs. Full Cast Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-934180-38-9. $29.

Gr 6–10—Sid Fleischman's compelling story (Greenwillow, 2007) begins in 1948, three years after the end of World War II. In Vienna, Austria, "Freddie the Great," a second-rate American ventriloquist whose career is on the downswing, opens his hotel closet and sees a long-legged boy curled up on the floor. Twelve-year-old Avrom Amos Poliakov is a dybbuk, a wandering soul, who helped Sergeant Freddie T. Birch escape from a POW camp during the war and has returned to collect on the favor. And so begins the odd journey of the scrappy Avrom, ghost of a Jewish boy murdered by a German SS officer, and the struggling American entertainer. Avrom will help Freddie become a first-rate ventriloquist, but there's a catch: Avrom needs Freddie's help in tracking down Colonel Gerhard Junker-Strupp, the Nazi who killed him. Freddie becomes possessed by Avrom's spirit and is an instant hit in Paris. What unfolds is an entertaining and moving story, told with humor and pathos, and characters who embrace life despite unimaginable tragedies. Featuring excellent narration by Banna Rubinow and a full cast, the tale is brought to life with distinct and lively characterizations. The pacing is quick and sharp, the delivery is excellent, and each chapter begins and ends with piano music reminiscent of old-fashioned radio plays.—Roxanne Spencer, Western Kentucky University Libraries, Bowling Green

Everything for a Dog (unabr.). 5 CDs. 5:10 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4233-9236-1. $59.97.

Gr 4–6—Ann Martin's moving story (S & S/Feiwel & Friends, 2009) shifts between three main characters' points of view: a dog named Bone, who was born wild in a barn; Henry, who desperately wants a dog; and Charlie, who survives the death of his brother through bonding with his brother's dog. Bone, along with his sister Squirrel, are discarded in a mall parking lot. (Squirrel's story is told in Ann Martin's A Dog's Life: the Autobiography of a Stray [Scholastic, 2005]). Bone is rescued, given away, and finally abandoned to live as a stray. Charlie is tormented by the death of his brother, who fell from a tree where he allegedly climbed to get Charlie's kite. Henry, whose parents are both librarians, has tried for years to convince them to let him have a dog. As their refusals become more adamant, his resolve to be more responsible grows. There are hints early on that Henry will adopt Bone, but readers will be surprised at the relationship revealed between Charlie and Henry. Martin fully develops each character, drawing listeners into their struggles. David Pittu's narration is methodical and measured. Dog lovers will be enthralled by this audiobook.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Glass Houses: The Morganville Vampires, Book 1. 7 CDs. 8:30 hrs. Tantor Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4001-4190-6. $59.99.
The Dead Girls' Dance: The Morganville Vampires, Book 2. 7 CDs. 9 hrs. Tantor Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4001-4191-3. $69.99.

Gr 9 Up—College should be an exciting time, but for brainy 16-year-old Claire Danvers that's too mild a word. Due to advanced placement, Claire can start college early, but her parents refuse to allow her to go to the distant Ivy League school of her dreams. She goes to Texas Prairie University where she is tormented by the popular girls—but that's the least of her worries. Morganville, home of the university, is also home to vampires and vampire hunters. Claire finds protection from the horrors of the town in the Glass House with three fellow outcasts, Goth girl Eve, rebellious Shane, and Michael, who disappears during the day. Claire falls for Shane and would do anything to protect her friends, including facing down bloodthirsty vampires and dangerous bikers. Rachel Caine's first two books (Penguin, 2006, 2007) in the series flesh out the characters and the setting, allowing listeners to really visualize the town. These suspenseful titles are filled with violence, language, and sensual situations. Cynthia Holloway's narration has a supernatural quality that is perfectly suited to the story, and she does a nice job of switching between characters and capturing the changes in Claire as she grows more mature and confident. Older teens will fall under Caine's spell as she weaves together scary moments with romantic situations, which are at times overly descriptive, but not graphic. Those looking for books like Twilight, but with more bite, will enjoy this series.—Sarah Flood, Breckinridge County Public Library, Hardinsburg, KY

Jumping to Conclusions: Rachel Yoder—Always Trouble Somewhere, Book 7 (unabr.). 3 CDs. 3:25 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4418-0683-3. $44.97.

Gr 2–5—In this volume (Barbour Pub., 2009) by Wanda Brunstetter, 11-year-old Rachel is having a problem with eavesdropping and the resultant rumors, leading to all sorts of misunderstandings, some comical, others more serious. When she overhears a comment about her brother's health and inadvertently spreads a rumor that he is dying, she realizes that listening in on other people's conversations can be harmful to herself and to others. Rachel's adventures are set in a modern Amish settlement, but young listeners will easily identify with her moods and mishaps. The plot seems repetitive at times, as Rachel makes the same mistake over and over again without learning from her experiences. The story is sprinkled with Pennsylvania Dutch words and phrases which are glossed over in the print edition, but are immediately translated in the audiobook by narrator Ellen Grafton who provides a youthful delivery. This story often refers to events in earlier books, so purchase only where the previous volumes are available.—Misti Tidman, Boyd County Public Library, Ashland, KY

Lawn Boy (unabr.). 2 CDs. 1:24 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4233-9589-8. $39.97.

Gr 4–7—At the beginning of summer vacation, the 12-year-old narrator wonders how he is going to get enough money to buy a new inner tube for his bike. Grandma comes to the rescue when she gives him her late husband's riding lawn mower and he starts mowing a few yards in the neighborhood. Within a month, he has 15 people working for him and more business than he can handle. Arnold, one of his customers and a home-based stock broker, invests some of the boy's earnings not only in the stock market but also in a prizefighter, helping him earn thousands of dollars. Gary Paulsen's enjoyable novel (Wendy Lamb Books, 2007) also offers lessons on how a free-market economy works, buffered by lots of wacky humor and the inclusion of improbable and unexpected events. Tom Parks does an excellent job of conveying the innocence and unbridled enthusiasm of the young man. However, the protagonist sounds younger than 12 and a Latino character sounds somewhat robotic. In spite of these quibbles, this is a fun and educational audiobook.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN

Need (unabr.). 7 CDs. 8 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4233-9926-1. $87.97.

Gr 7 Up—Move over Edward Cullen (Twilight)—there's a new boy in town. Carrie Jones's terrific fantasy/romance/thriller (Bloomsbury, 2008) is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Zara White flies to Maine to live with her grandmother after her stepfather dies in her arms. At the airport, she notices a mysterious man pointing at the plane and—it seems—at her. Could this be the same man she has seen around her South Carolina hometown? When he shows up in tiny Bedford, things turn really creepy. Zara begins to realize that the townspeople are hiding monumental secrets: young boys are disappearing and nobody—not the head cheerleader, the star athlete, or even Zara's grandmother—are who they claim to be. Zara joins forces with new friends Issie, Devyn, and the mysterious Nick, and romance blooms as they race to outwit Zara's stalker. Narrator Julia Whelan deftly captures Zara's youthful Southern twang and the harder-edged Northeastern accents of the other characters. This is a taut, satisfying thriller. Don't be put off by the provocative cover—the writing is gentle enough for younger teens. A sequel, Captivate, is planned for early 2010.—Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

The Nine Pound Hammer: The Clockwork Dark, Book 1 (unabr.). 8 CDs. 10:22 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7393-8078-9. $55.

Gr 4–7—John Claude Bemis's debut novel (Random, 2009) draws on Southern folklore and American tall tales to present the story of Ray and his younger sister who ride an Orphan Train south from Maine. Ray thinks his sister might fare better alone, so he jumps from the train and sets off on his own. He meets up with an eclectic group of performers in a medicine show. Ray realizes that this troupe is running from an evil entity—the Gog—who wants to capture the Siren, a mermaid-like creature whose voice mesmerizes all who hear it. It's never made clear how the Siren will help the Gog build a machine, better than the one John Henry destroyed, that will allow the Gog to spread darkness throughout the world. While the book is overly long and somewhat difficult to follow, narrator John Mayer is marvelous, infusing the sharply drawn characters with distinct personalities and drawing listeners into the tale. There are so many dangling plot lines, that there is no satisfying conclusion.—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Piper Reed Gets a Job (unabr.). 2 CDs. 1:52 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-0-7393-6191-7. $24.

Gr 3–5—Piper Reed and her Gypsy Club compatriots need a place where they can hold their important meetings. After all, doesn't every club deserve a clubhouse? Unfortunately, the members are less than affluent. Not to be discouraged, Piper decides to earn the money by getting a job. Ultimately, she starts her own business—a birthday party planning service. Her first job is to plan a space-themed party for Brady, a toddler who can't wait to be three. After babysitting a wild set of triplets who locked her out of their house and illustrating her Emily Dickinson-loving little sister's fairy tale book that takes place on an air force base, Piper earns (almost) enough money to purchase a clubhouse for the Gypsies. Kimberly Willis Holt's latest title (Holt, 2009) about the fifth grade Navy brat features kid-friendly writing and excellent narration by Emily Janice Card. Her voice has a child-like quality that easily changes from adenoidal to authoritative as needed. A delight.—Terri Crowe, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY

The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano (unabr.). 2 CDs. 2:05 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape. 2009. ISBN 978-0-3075-8307-9. $24.

Gr 7 Up—Margarita Engle's biography (Holt, 2006) chronicles the talents and tortures that filled the early life of Juan Francisco Manzano. Offering insights into early 19th-century Spanish colonial life, Engle uses the diverse viewpoints of Manzano, his parents, owners, and overseer. Because Manzano memorized and recited poetry as a child, he received special attention from the Marquesa who owned him, but he felt like a "poodle" doing tricks to amuse her friends. Though he taught himself to read and write, and was promised freedom at her death, when his owner died another noble woman reneged on the agreement. The new Marquesa showed off his poetic skills, but also exploited Manzano's abilities as a healer and tailor. At the same time, she had him whipped, locked in a morgue, and abandoned on a roadside. After years of abuse, he finally stole a horse and ran away. Engle based the book on the poet's own notes, smuggled to England by abolitionists. Her free verse narrative not only reveals inspiring moments of inner strength, but also presents hard-hitting facts about slavery. Four narrators handle the emotional and poetic content with equal dexterity, reading in clear Spanish-accented English that enhances the text. Engle delivers her own Historical Note with more information on Manzano and recites two of his poems in Spanish and then in English. A valuable resource for classes studying Latino history and culture or slavery.—Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT

Ryan & Robbie's Bike Ride Adventure and Lao Lao's Chinese Secrets. CD. 18:25 min. with hardcover book. ryanandrobbie.com. 2009. ISBN 978-0-9820254-6-8. $15.95.

K-Gr 2—Roger Hackett's passion for Chinese culture, language, and food, as well as his two sons, inspired him to write his first book. His effort at presenting a multicultural family of three generations succeeds in its attempt to show strong family values, teamwork, and Chinese cultural traditions, but it falters in its literary merit. The story relates how the boys' Lao Lao (grandmother) gave their mother a pendant that held a secret. Upon touching it, she would "know time that [she] did not have before." The necklace's secret is not further developed in the story, but later, Ryan and Robbie's mother makes similar pendants for them and imparts "secrets," which are more like motivational guidance, to help them tackle challenges. During a bike ride through their neighborhood, the boys recall their mother's advice to help them deal with the situations they encounter. The story would have benefited from judicious editing. Jared Beckstrand's work as an animator at Disney Studios is evident in his bright, cartoon-like illustrations. The CD uses the sound of a gong as the page-turn signal and features soft Asian-inspired instrumental music. Liu Quinjia, the book's Chinese cultural advisor, narrates the tale in a somewhat flat voice; intermittent laughter and the voices of Hackett's sons who echo the narrator in some places are a bit confusing. A second audio track includes the pronunciation of the book's Mandarin Chinese phrases and their translations.—Ruth Lorbert, East Woods School, Oyster Bay, NY

The Spectacular Now (unabr.). 7 CDs. 8:19 hrs. Brilliance Audio. 2009. ISBN 978-1-4233-9963-6. $87.97.

Gr 9 Up—Filtered through the whiskey-soaked perceptions of high school senior Sutter Keely, Tim Tharp's quirky novel (Knopf, 2008) echoes the tragic-comic struggles typical of many students launching themselves into the maelstrom of the adult world. Part witty party boy and would-be Lothario, Sutter walks a tightrope of avoidance, love, compassion, and resistance to the whole grown-up thing. Life would be so much simpler if everyone understood both his desire to help those in need and his aesthetic appreciation of the intangible beauties to be observed in the "spectacular now." Part comedy and part poignant saga, MacLeod Andrews delivers a knife-edge performance, full of jaunty insouciance and touching despair, liberally soused with the teen's ever-present, whiskey-laden bon mots. Sutter's adventures and alcoholic slide take place mostly on a road to nowhere. Along the way, he loses his girlfriend and alienates his sister and brother-in-law by nearly setting their house on fire; but he also sets up his best friend with his first girlfriend, and aims to boost his new girlfriend Aimee's self-esteem with his sincere and flamboyant attention. Andrews's portrayal is perfectly nuanced, and listeners will be entranced, even as they wince at the zany perambulations of a young man who has lost his way, all the while helping friends and strangers with his keen insights and goofy charm. Sutter is a more charming, less alienated Holden Caulfield, trenchantly in thrall to the "Bright Lights, Big City" of his alcohol-infused imagination.—Roxanne Spencer, Western Kentucky University Libraries, Bowling Green

Spy Killer (Stories from the Golden Age Series). 2 CDs. 2 hrs. Galaxy Audio. 2008, 2009 release. ISBN 978-1-59212-166-3. $9.95.

Gr 9 Up—"Kurt went to the back of the room and found the round-faced, slit-eyed proprietor." So goes the story of Kurt Reid, who has been accused of murder, and his adventures on "the Yellow Continent." Originally published in 1936, this is part of a series of stories by L. Ron Hubbard that have been recorded by a full cast, with music and sound effects. Like a lot of pulp fiction from that era, there are obvious stereotypes and distinct language that will make it a difficult sell to today's audiences. The narration is very dramatic, but the accents used for the Russian and Chinese characters border on ridiculous. Unless it is tied to a lesson on cultural stereotypes of the past or American pulp fiction, skip this title.—Genevieve Gallagher, Charlottesville High School, VA

Strawberry Hill (unabr.). 4 cassettes or 4 CDs. 4:30 hrs. Recorded Books. 2009. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4407-4721-2: $33.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4407-4725-0: $46.75.

Gr 3–5—During the Great Depression, Allie Sherman's father loses his job and finds a new one in Stanford, CT. Allie is unhappy that the family has to move. She will miss her friends and doesn't want to leave her familiar life behind. When the 10-year-old learns that her new street is named Strawberry Hill, she is enchanted by the thought of a street strewn with strawberries, and decides that the move might not be so bad after all. After arriving at her new home, Allie discovers that there are no strawberries. She also is confronted with a myriad of other concerns, including her desire to fit in at her new school and a longing for a new best friend in Mary Ann Hoberman's debut novel (Little, Brown, 2009). She does a stellar job of interweaving Allie's tender narrative with some of the harsh realities of one of the most difficult times in American history. Cassandra Morris's narration brings Allie to life with an appropriate voice. For public and school library collections.—Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY

Winnie Dancing on Her Own (unabr.). CD. 63 min. Live Oaks Media. 2009. ISBN 978-1-43010-752-1. $18.95; with paperback book, ISBN 978-1-43010-753-8: $20.95.

Gr 2–5—Winnie lives with her father (her mother is deceased) and has two best friends—Vanessa and Zoe. The girls call themselves "The End of the Alphabet" club. But problems arise between the friends when Zoe and Vanessa insist that they all sign up for ballet. Winnie has never been graceful on her feet and she much prefers to do what they always do on Tuesday afternoons—go to the library. Winnie eventually agrees to begin ballet lessons, but soon drops out. Vanessa and Zoe team up and Winnie finds herself excluded from the club. This is painful for Winnie, but she handles it well and a believable compromise is worked out. Laura Hamilton provides minor voice variations to distinguish between the three girls; Zoe's voice sounds a bit young. Jennifer Richard Jacobson's well-written, realistic story (Harcourt, 2001) will captivate listeners.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings School, Hoover, AL

Music

America. CD. 37:35 min. with lyrics. New Hope Records. 2009. $14.99.

Gr all levels—Bobby Susser's latest album features 12 simple original songs. He opens with "America," an upbeat, catchy pop tune celebrating our country. Among the other songs are "Dear Mr. President" (an open letter to our leader encouraging cooperation), "Lucky Little Man from Louisiana" (a bluesy ditty), and "Dancing in the USA" (a stand-out rocking tune guaranteed to get kids up and dancing). The songs offer an upbeat, optimistic look at life, such as "Brighter Day" (about looking forward to the future), "Building Bridges Today" (a Caribbean-flavored tune about working together), "Hope Is in the Air" (a song about hope for the future), "We Can Make It Together" (regarding the importance of cooperation), and "Happy Feeling." Susser continues to invite guest artists to join his efforts and sing lead in a song or two; in this case, Ben E. King, Paula Atherton, and Mike Green share their talents. However, too many songs repeat choruses too often. An enjoyable listen for previous fans.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

Cows and Horses. CD. 44:18 min. School House Songs. 2009. $9.95.

PreS-Gr 3—Lee and Sandy Paley sing 19 original, bouncy, energetic songs in a variety of musical styles such as rock, soft rock, jazz, march, and bluegrass. Sound effects, speaking, and whistling enhance some of the pieces. Vocals and instrumental performances are very good. The album includes several silly songs, such as "Take a Duck to Lunch," "Breaky with a Black Bear," and "Walrus Stuck in the Waterslide." Other topics featured are soda pop, polar bears, kites, farm animals, hippos, toboggans, and more. A fun album for the whole family.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

If the World Was Upside Down. CD. approx. 39 min. AV Café. 2008, 2009 release. $16.

PreS- Gr 3—Joe West is a seasoned musician from the southwest, and this is his first attempt at a children's recording. The line-up is all original songs, with the exception of Michelle Shocked's "The Ballad of Patch Eye and Meg." West and his band of bluegrass rockers perform some unusual but enjoyable songs, including "My Grandma," which pays tribute to a family's aging matron. The title song, while unique and engaging, contains lyrics that may raise some eyebrows. As West sings about the way the world would be if it was upside down, he somewhat irresponsibly involves "Aunt Jane" who drinks too much and falls asleep on the couch. This doesn't mesh with the balance of the silly lyrics, which encourage the call and response phrase "upside down" following such phrases as "we'd wake up in the morning (upside down) and we'd walk to the school bus (upside down)." The strength of the album lies in the band's solid accompaniment. Sometimes the lyrics limit the enjoyability of a song. For example, waltzing "Anita Pita" has a clever tune, but the lyrics describe a single mother who carries a vacuum wherever she goes to support her daughter by cleaning for others. For those who like quirky songs.—Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

My Trampoline. CD. 42 min. Prod. by Minivan Prods. Dist. by Allegro Media Group. 2009. $14.95.

K-Gr 5—Grammy-nominated recording artists Peter Himmelman bounces to new heights on his fifth album for school-aged children. He grabs listeners' attention from the opening song, "Imagination" (a catchy, up-tempo tune about using one's imagination to enhance playtime), and holds it until he closes with "Lullabye with Baseball and Trains" (a ballad about being tucked into bed), never skipping a beat. The blues, country, pop, and rock musical styles enhance the listening experience. Standouts include "My Trampoline" (a ballad that includes a riff straight from "Fiddler on the Roof"), "Main Dish" (a country-flavored lament about being a side dish or a main dish for dinner), "Peter's a Pin Head" (a middle-of-the-road rock tribute to picky eaters), "Ten Billion Blades of Grass" (an ode to grass on the lawn which channels the grandeur of "Circle of Life"), and "Are There Any Kids Named Steve Anymore" (a Bob Dylan-esque observance about the cyclical nature of popular names). Himmelman's arrangements of the songs are commendable, his lyrics are thoughtful, his use of a handful of backup singers adds just the right amount of pizzazz, and the band is top-notch. An outstanding collection.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

The Time Machine. CD. 44 min. AV Café. 2009. $15.

K-Gr 4—San Francisco-based kiddie rock band The Sippy Cups offer some thoughts about growing up, inspired by the performers' children. The presentation of their 11 musically sophisticated original songs range from silly to funky to serious depending on the subject matter. The title cut, "The Time Machine," is a funky pop wish for a time-travel machine that uses echo distortion to achieve a sound that might be considered "scientific." Standouts include "Starry Morning" (a simple ballad about being born that features dissonant harmonies to add depth), "Seven Is the New Fourteen" (a zany psycho-pop tune about growing up too quickly), "One Day Soon" (a middle-of-the-road rock piece about milestones that kids face), and "Hailstone Man" (a driving rock number comparing life's ups and downs with the weather). The album closes with a dreamy ballad, "Awake." Spoken word tracks used to set up a couple of the songs are probably fun shtick to hear in a live concert, but they just seem inserted to fill up space here. A creative, edgy compilation.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH

The Tortoise and the Hare (Stories in Music Series) CD. approx. 54 min. with activity booklet. Maestro Classics. 2009. ISBN 978-1-932684-18-6. $16.98.

PreS-Gr 4—This entry in the award-winning series is presented by Stephen Simon and the renowned London Philharmonic Orchestra. The story was adapted by Bonnie Ward Simon and is expressively narrated by Yadu (Konrad Czynski). The simple Aesop fable is expanded to include press conferences, a pretzel vendor, and a French bistro. Simon's composition perfectly reflects the animals' movements and personalities: frenetic, manic music in different tempos is the theme for the arrogant hare, while a stately, dignified motif, featuring the contrabassoon, is used for the tortoise. The tracks following the story include a reading of the original fable; the "Pretzel Vendor of Paris" song, with a vocal performance by Jim Shaffran of the Washington National Opera and a Dixieland Band; information about the music; and an instrumental version of the pretzel vendor song with which listeners can sing along. The booklet contains fun facts and activities. Fans of the series and classical music will welcome this creative production.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

Traveling On. CD. approx. 42 min. AV Café. 2009. $12.

K-Gr 4—Brian and Terri Kinder perform 15 original songs on their sixth album in a variety of musical styles such as rock, folk, jazz, and country. Brian's gravely voice and Terri's sweet vocals harmonize well together on songs such as "Rhythm Band" (which features rhythm instruments and a children's chorus), "Farmer Fred" (has a chicken on his head), "Shake-a-Saurus," "Lucky Day" (in which the singer breaks a neighbor's window and is proclaiming how lucky he is, while the neighbor is shouting at him that he is in big trouble), "Billy the Bully" (is afraid of butterflies), "Grandmas Love to Rock" (and dance to the twist, the pony, the funky chicken, etc.), and others. Instrumental performances are also top notch. A fine addition to music collections.—Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX

New Year's Resolution: Help Your Child Lose Weight

2010-01-04T10:11:00.000-08:00

If you are the parent of an overweight child, you can make a life-changing New Year’s resolution this year: help your child lose weight. It is a resolution that can make a significant difference in the future of your child’s health.

The statistics on childhood overweight and obesity are disturbing: 12.4 percent of children aged 2 to 5 years, 17 percent of those aged 6 to 11 years, and 17.6 percent of those aged 12 to 19 years are obese, according to data from the NHANES surveys reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Children who are obese are at increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other serious conditions, and are more likely to remain overweight as adults.

Any weight loss program should be a family affair, as parents are critical role models for their children when it comes to good eating habits and physical activity. Getting children to change eating and exercise habits can be a challenge, so parents can turn to various weight loss programs that can be of assistance. Here are just a few to consider. Parents are encouraged to talk to their pediatrician about weight loss programs for their children.

Just For Kids! was developed at the University of California School of Medicine and is based on the country’s leading pediatric obesity program. Just For Kids! is a health education program for all children which provides ways for them to change their diet, exercise, and communication, which then results in weight loss, improved cardiovascular and physical fitness, and a better knowledge of nutrition. The 10-week program provides a workbook that guides children through changes in their habits. Parents can visit the Just For Kids! website for more information.

We Can! stands for Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity & Nutrition and is a national movement designed to provide parents and caregivers tools to help children aged 8 to 13 stay at a healthy weight. We Can! offers tools, fun activities, worksheets, and other resources that encourage healthy eating, increased physical activity, and less time sitting in front of a computer or television.

We Can! is the result of efforts from four institutes of the National Institutes of Health: the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the National Cancer Institute. Parents have free access online to a wide variety of resources, including but not limited to parent handbooks, physical activity worksheets, quizzes, Power Point presentations, and tip sheets. The We Can! website is the place to start.

A new program called Thin Adventure™ Children’s Weight Loss Program, offered by Smart for Life, is being marketed as an affordable 30-day weight loss program specially designed for children aged 6 to 14. The program was designed by a bariatric physician, Dr. Sasson Moulavi, and requires parents or caregivers to purchase the foods for the program.

The Thin Adventure foods include cupcakes, cookies, soups, shakes, cereals, and more that are higher in fiber and protein and lower in fat and sugar than conventional foods. These healthy snacks and meal replacements can be used by the entire family. The program also includes fresh foods from the recommended USDA food groups. To motivate children to stay with the program, Thin Adventure has an interactive website that includes games, nutrition information, recipes, and more.

Parents can also turn to their child’s school for help. A national effort called “Fuel Up to Play 60” is a collaboration between the National Football League and the National Dairy Council. This youth-led program is designed to help children and adolescents take control of and improve their health by engaging in 60 minutes of physical exercise daily and making nutritious food choices.

“Fuel Up To Play 60” allows children a chance to get involved in a nationwide competition between participating students and schools, which is a motivating factor for weight loss. Parents can get more information from the “Fuel Up to Play 60” website or from their school administrators.

As 2010 approaches, New Year’s resolutions are on our minds. This year, parents can make a resolution that will have life-time consequences: helping an overweight child lose weight and learn healthy habits that can stay with that child throughout his or her life. It is a New Year’s resolution parents won’t want to quit.

New Years Resolution Worksheet Kids

2010-01-04T10:03:00.000-08:00

A New Years resolution worksheet kids is the perfect way to start a new school week. Teachers and homeschooling parents can use a New Years resolution worksheet kids to develop goals and inspire ideas. A New Years resolution worksheet kids is an easy way to get children to think about life and the future.

When my children return from school, I will ask if they received a New Years resolution worksheet kids. It's a great way for them to focus on their goals and ways to achieve them. If not, I will use one of these New Years resolution worksheet kids ideas.

Here is a direct link to print a simple New Years resolution worksheet kids from homeschooling.about.com. This easy New Years resolution worksheet kids is the perfect way to get little ones thinking.

Another printable New Years resolution worksheet kids is found at ABC Teach. This is also a simple form for children of all ages to review the year ahead and their goals.

Finally, you can find a printable New Years resolution worksheet kids for grades 4 through 8 at Teacher Vision. This is a more detailed worksheet to get older children to review the year ahead based on personal improvement, family and friends and school and the outside world.

Will you encourage your children to complete a New Years resolution worksheet kids?

Here is a funny YouTube video about adult new years resolutions from a child's perspective:

Born in Beauty: Proplyds in the Orion Nebula

2010-01-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

ScienceDaily (Dec. 30, 2009) — A collection of 30 never-before-released images of embryonic planetary systems in the Orion Nebula are the highlight of the longest single Hubble Space Telescope project ever dedicated to the topic of star and planet formation. Also known as proplyds, or protoplanetary discs, these modest blobs surrounding baby stars are shedding light on the mechanism behind planet formation.

Looking like a graceful watercolour painting, the Orion Nebula is one of the most photogenic objects in space and one of the Hubble Space Telescope's favourite targets. As newborn stars emerge from the nebula's mixture of gas and dust, protoplanetary discs, also known as proplyds, form around them: the centre of the spinning disc heats up and becomes a new star, but remnants around the outskirts of the disc attract other bits of dust and clump together. Proplyds are thought to be young planetary systems in the making. In an ambitious survey of the familiar nebula using Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), researchers have discovered 42 protoplanetary discs.

The $199 tablet according to Freescale

2010-01-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

Freescale Semiconductor has designs on new "smartbook" tablet computers and to prove it it's rolling out a second-generation reference design at the Consumer Electronics Show.

To say that tablet concepts are all the rage right now is, of course, an understatement. With a media frenzy over a reportedly imminent Apple tablet, companies like Freescale, which will supply the silicon guts of these newfangled computers, are eager to show concepts that they are peddling to device makers.
Freescale tablet reference design

Freescale tablet reference design
(Credit: Freescale Semiconductor)

Freescale is pushing designs "with prices less than $200"--according to a statement--that integrate its version of the power-efficient ARM processor: the i.MX515 chip based on ARM Cortex-A8 technology.

Here's how Freescale describes the design: it will "provide instant-on functionality, persistent connectivity and all-day battery life." The tablet that the chipmaker will show at CES will run both the Android and Linux operating systems.

An overview of the Freescale reference design:

* Display: 7-inch (1024 x 600) touch screen
* Processor: Freescale i.MX515 processor based on ARM Cortex-A8 core
* Connectivity: 3G modem (option) 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS
* Memory: 512 MB DDR2
* Storage: from 4GB to 64GB internal storage; removable micro SD
* Camera: 3 Mpixel (video recording up to VGA 30fps)
* Sensors: 3-axis accelerometer and an ambient light sensor
* Adobe Flash Player support
* Operating system: Android or Linux
* Price: under $200

Freescale alternative design: tablet removable from keyboard dock.

Freescale alternative design: tablet removable from keyboard dock.
(Credit: Freescale Semiconductor)

Partners include Inventec Appliance for design and manufacturing services and Thundersoft for software integration customization and optimization.

The erstwhile chip manufacturing arm of Motorola (spun off in 2004) calls its technology platform Smart Application Blueprint for Rapid Engineering or SABRE. "The SABRE tablet platform for smartbooks incorporates feedback from a recently completed end-user research study conducted in conjunction with Savannah College of Art and Design's prestigious Industrial Design program," the company said.

Looking forward to CES 2010

2010-01-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will be held in Las Vegas this week, and more than 100,000 people are expected to turn up to see 20,000 new products and even more old ones. It's still the main focus for the global electronics industry, though Google is expected to announce its Nexus One phone on Tuesday, before the show opens, and Apple will announce its iSlate/Tablet/oversized iPod Touch/whatever at a later date.

One of the main battles will be the one I reported through the second half of last year: between Intel-powered netbooks (which are selling like hot cakes) and ARM-based smartbooks (which barely exist, yet). The Intel-powered netbooks will take some big steps forward with the use of Intel's new Pine Trail chipset -- several dozen new machines are expected. But there should also be the chance to see some working smartbooks with ARM Cortex chips running one of the plethora of Linuxes.

Touch-screen tablet computers are also expected to appear again. Firms have been trying to flog them since the GridPAD, which -- pre-Windows -- ran Microsoft MS DOS, and the WebPads of the late 1990s. Microsoft has had several goes at the market with PC Companions running Windows CE, the Tablet PC edition of Windows XP, and its Origami design, without selling significant numbers. But it might be an idea whose time has finally come.

Following the success of Amazon's Kindle ebook reader -- another idea that goes back more than a decade -- I'm expecting to see lots of ebook readers. In particular, MSI is expected to show a twin-screen model. I'm also expecting at least a couple of companies to try ebooks with colour screens, which look attractive but can greatly reduce battery life.

Yet another old idea, 3D, could also get some traction. There must have been some sort of 3D TV shown at practically every CES in the past decade. Thanks to the recent success of 3D movies, there should be even more this year. How many will reach the shops and be bought by grateful punters is another matter, but the market can't really get any smaller.

But the real fun of CES is finding the oddball products you could never have anticipated. Of course, almost all of these disappear without trace. However, if you were only going to report the sort of Windows-based PC that's actually going to take the vast majority of the PC market, it would be hard to justify going to CES….

Christopher Browne, R.I.P.: Wearing black for the man who wore down Conrad Black; plus Roe Conn, Cisco Cotto and more

2010-01-04T09:10:00.000-08:00

Christopher Browne wasn't a reporter, editor, photographer or publisher, but he played a huge role in Chicago newspaper history.

It was shareholder Browne's persistent demands for accountability from the publicly held company that owned the Chicago Sun-Times that toppled global press lord Conrad Black, ending what the company's own investigation would brand a "corporate kleptocracy."

Normally considered a low-key Wall Street money manager, Browne loomed large as he rallied his fellow shareholders in questioning how Hollinger International -- a precursor to today's Sun-Times Media -- being milked to subsidize a lavish lifestyle for Black and his wife.

"If this was a cow, there wouldn't be an udder that wasn't sore," Browne, who died Sunday of an apparent heart attack, once told the Chicago Tribune.

Browne, who reportedly was 63, had been a longtime managing partner of Tweedy Browne Co., having followed his father into the firm 40 years ago. But, citing health reasons, he stepped down from day-to-day responsibilities in July and took on the role of senior advisor.

His father, Howard, traded stocks for the likes of Ben Graham and Graham's protege, Warren Buffett. The younger Browne, who would go on to write 2006's "The Little Book of Value Investing," earned his own reputation for being able to find undervalued companies.

Black's Hollinger International initially seemed like such a discovery in the late 1990s, and Tweedy Browne would become the company's largest outside shareholder. But when Hollinger's performance disappointed, Browne and his company poked and prodded for explanations of sizable fees paid to Black and others.

Browne and Black clashed like, well, brown and black.

As Canada's Globe and Mail noted in its report Tuesday on Browne's death: "Friends of Lord Black said that his greatest miscalculation was underestimating the soft-spoken and taciturn Mr. Browne. When the fund manager sent letters requesting meetings to inquire about executive compensation, the newspaper baron privately dismissed the pressure as an 'epidemic of shareholder idiocy' and refused to reduce personal payments."

A special committee of the board formed to investigate. The revelations drove Black from power and he subsequently was sentenced in federal court to six and a half years in prison.

The tipping point came in 2003, when Black resigned as chief executive after Hollinger's directors reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission that $32.1 million in payments to Black and his lieutenants had not been approved by the board.

"Before this latest discovery, (the special committee) was not ready to have its showdown with Conrad," Browne told the Tribune at the time. "This one rose to a level that they had to do disclosure. ... It enabled them to force a resolution.

"The difference here is that this was $32 million in payments," he said. "Half of it had been previously disclosed; the other half wasn't disclosed or approved. That's usually labeled as having the hand in the cookie jar."

But Browne wasn't just upset with Black, former Sun-Times Publisher F. David Radler or the others in Black's cadre. He also was angry that Hollinger's audit committee, led by former Illinois Gov. James R. Thompson, failed to stop them, approving millions of dollars in management fees paid annually to Black's Ravelston Corp.

"This board didn't know how to say no," Browne told the Tribune in 2004. "There's no excuse for it. Jim Thompson is not an Isuzu salesman from Peoria."

Ultimately, Black, Radler and the rest brought themselves down. But, even as the value of his investment declined, who knows how long it would have taken had Browne not stood up to them, demanded answers and pushed for reform?
* * *

Also, proving that you can try to to take time off, but time simply doesn't stop ...

Not only is Citadel Broadcasting's WLS-AM 890 poised to re-sign afternoon star Roe Conn, but it looks to team Conn with Cisco Cotto, assuming Salem Communications' WIND-AM 560 doesn't match its offer.

This news, which comes as Citadel is said to be preparing to file a prearranged bankruptcy, was broken Friday by Chicago Public Radio blogger Robert Feder.

Conn has suffered in the ratings since WLS removed Bill Leff and Christina Filiagi from his show in favor of Amy Jacobson in the spring. The effect of a Conn-Cotto pairing on Jacobson was not immediately clear.

* * *

This columnist is scheduled to be a guest on Sunday's edition of CNN's "Reliable Sources." Look for me -- or avoid me, completely your call -- between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., barring something unexpected. We're supposed to be talking about George Stephanopolous' move to ABC's "Good Morning America" and other changes.

Bears season, which ended in Cincy when Bengals scored at will, finally ends

2010-01-04T08:52:00.000-08:00

It was either the last game of the 2009 regular season or the first game of the 2010 exhibition season, or in a no man's land in between, which is where Lovie Smith might find himself over the next few days.

It was a game that gave Daunte Culpepper a chance to audition for another team and Fox announcer Chris Myers an opportunity to try out his act for "The Last Comic Standing," which NBC is reportedly bringing back because their former first comic, Leno, is down for the count. But Leno was only the second biggest Jay-flop this year. At least NBC didn't give up two first round draft choices for him.

Last I recall Myers was a sideline reporter. Did he get the nod because other Fox

announcers were onto more important assignments such as college bowl games? Myers seized the opportunity by referring to a Bears player as "Devin Harris." The Bears are Devin-laden, but there is no Harris among them.

And Myers also said that the Lions' "defense broke through like they were at airport security in Amsterdam." Apparently Myers snuck that distasteful one-liner in his underwear and got it past Fox standards and practices. Just tell me when it's open season on 9/11. I've been dying for years to compare former Bulls giants Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler to the twin towers.

Oh yeah. The game. As if it mattered. Well, for a while the most exciting moment was when a fan did a fly pattern on the field. You couldn't blame the Fox camera crew for being caught off guard and showing the guy as he ran, but why the gratuitous shot of him being wrapped up in the endzone? Why give a moron what he wanted? This isn't "American Idol." This is the NFL, dammit.

The Bears got a victory. The guess is that Lovie was going to have to run on the field like that fan in order to get fired. In fact, a lot of fans wish Lovie would show the passion of that fan.

Jay Cutler's New Year's resolution must have been to give up giving up interceptions. He had none. And he found both his tight ends for touchdowns and would have found both his Devins for td's as well had Hester not dropped one early. But Aromashodu covered for Hester by catching two.

That's four touchdown passes in each of the last two games for Cutler. Sure, today's were against the Lions, a Ford product that needs to be taken over by the federal government. But last week's were against the Vikings, who crushed the Giants today. And today Cutler saved the defense because Detroit was one Culpepper errant pass in the endzone away from making it 27-27 late in the game.

All of which means that Lovie Smith should be removed as defensive coordinator? A 7-9 record means the Bears are an average football team. Does that mean Ron Turner should be canned just as soon as he seems to be getting it with Cutler? Or would that be as maddening and senseless as making airline passengers stay in their seats for the last hour of their overseas flights? I'll hang up and wait for Chris Myers to answer.

My Name Is Khan Trailer

2009-12-31T11:19:00.000-08:00

The terrific trio is back. Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Karan Johar have come together again to recreate their special brand of magic with My Name Is Khan. And the chemistry has clicked every time at the box-office.

Love Sex aur Dhokha – Official Trailer

2009-12-31T11:13:00.001-08:00

Have a look at the trailer of Dibakar Banerjee’s (of ‘Oye Lucky1 Lucky Oye!’ fame) new film titled ‘Love Sex Aur Dhokha’ (LSD). The film is shot using hidden cameras and deals with the subject of voyeurism. It is produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms.

2009: Few new faces in Bollywood

2009-12-31T11:11:00.002-08:00

Fresh faces failed to make a smashing debut in Bollywood this year. But actors like Mahie Gill, Kalki Koechlin, Giselle Monteiro and Shurti Haasan did stand out. Here are 10 newcomers who made a mark:

Mahie Gill: She may well hold the record for being a debutante with the most number of releases in a single year. First, she managed to catch everyone’s attention as the new age Paro in “Dev D”, a modern-day take on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel “Devdas”. Later, she impressed in Anurag Kashyap’s next film “Gulaal”. She is a complete natural and one would love to see more of her. She also featured in the duds “Aagey Se Right” and “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas”.

Kalki Koechlin: Born to French parents Kalki as a modern day Chandramukhi showed how to get the sensuality in place in “Dev D”. Good acting skills did not harm her cause.

Giselle Monteiro: She was the hidden treasure for the entire team of “Love Aaj Kal”. With her identity being unveiled only after the release of the film, she made countrywide news once it was declared that she was a Brazilian in the garb of a Punjabi ’soni kudi’.

Chandan Roy Sanyal: Pretty much following the route that was laid out for Prateik Babbar when he made his quiet ’supporting actor’ debut with “Jaane Tu Ya… Jaane Naa”, Chandan was hardly in the news until the release of “Kaminey”. He was truly discovered when he played his part of Mikhail to perfection in the dark crime thriller.

Jaccky Bhagnani: Even though “Kal Kissne Dekha” didn’t work, Jackky did deliver. Quite confident in front of the camera, he neither overplays nor underplays his part. Though a better script would have helped, “Kal Kissne Dekha” did act as a show reel for young Bhagnani.

Sheena Shahabadi: For Sheena, what worked most was the author-backed role that she got in “Tere Sang”. Playing a 15-year-old who was looking at exploring life to the fullest, she was easily the star of the show and came up with a bravura act that made “Tere Sang” believable.

Sohum Shah: The film “Baabarr” went largely unnoticed, but debutant Sohum Shah stood tall as he impressed most with his dialogue delivery. He is bound to be noticed in a big way from here on, though it would be interesting to see how he looks clean shaven.

Shruti Haasan: If there was one quintessential Bollywood material that arrived in 2009, it was Shruti Haasan. However, the really poor script of “Luck” ruined the pretty girl’s chances of starting off her Bollywood outing with a smash hit. She has the body, the looks and the attitude. All she needs now is another good opportunity on a decent enough platform.

Nausheen Ali Sardar: In a small film, “Three – Love, Lies, Betrayal”, which unfortunately went totally unnoticed, Nausheen made a good switch from TV (”Kkusum”) to the big screen. Her role demanded her to look sad and worn out in every scene, but she didn’t complain. However, she didn’t miss a chance when she found a good stage to demonstrate histrionics, especially during the final moments of the film.

Jacqueline Fernandes: Jacqueline’s task was pretty much cut out in “Aladin”. She had to look good and this is where her Miss Sri Lanka crown came in handy. Moreover, she was indeed good in the couple of scenes where she was required to mouth dialogues in addition to just smiling. Just like Katrina Kaif who started off her career with her good looks and fair acting capabilities, Jacquline too has a future in Bollywood.

2009: Dreadful year for Bollywood.

2009-12-31T11:11:00.001-08:00

The Hindi film industry never had it so bad. Recession, producer-multiplex strike, and a string of duds led to one of the worst years for Bollywood. Experts say it suffered a loss of about Rs.700 crore (Rs.7 billion) in 2009.

“2009 has been a disastrous year for the Hindi film industry. We’ve had everything, from swine flu, cricket matches, elections to a strike against the industry this time,” trade analyst Taran Adarsh told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

“And then we had major flops like ‘Chandni Chowk To China’, ‘Aladin’ and ‘Kurbaan’ to name a few. People have lost almost 75-100 percent for a movie. Though the actual losses cannot be accounted, it is huge and more than Rs.500-700 crore,” he added.

Film critic Omar Qureshi echoed the same.

“It has been one of the bad years. Unfortunately, some of the big movies failed this year. Even Diwali, when we release the biggest movies of the year, was such a disappointment with failures in ‘Blue’ and ‘Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna’.”

The year started with not-so-happening movies like “The President Is Coming”, “Bad Luck Govind”, “Kaashh…Mere Hote” — none of them could ignite the box office.

It was followed by massively promoted big budgets like Warner Bros co-production – Rs. 51-crore “Chandni Chowk To China”, Shah Rukh Khan’s home production, the Rs.23 crore “Billu”, and UTV’s Rs.45 crore “Delhi 6″ — all of them failed at the ticket window.

So far 120-odd films have released, but hits are few and far between. Movies that made business include low-budget ones like “Raaz – The Mystery Continues”, “Dev D”, “13 B”, “Phoonk”, “New York”, “Wake Up Sid”, “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani”.

Big-starrer and big-budget films like “Love Aaj Kal”, “Kaminey”, “Wanted”, “All The Best”, and “De Dana Dan” too clicked at the box office.

Films like “Luck By Chance”, “Firaaq”, “Gulaal” and “Quick Gun Murugun” couldn’t get the cash registers ringing, but received appreciation from audiences and critics alike.

The first few months were spent reeling under recession. Then came another blow in the form of the film producers-distributors’ tussle with multiplexes over revenue sharing. It led to a two-month strike – from April 4 to June 5 – and witnessed a virtual drought of movies. During that period, gap fillers like “Coffee House”, “99″, “Suno Na” and “Detective Naani” were released.

As soon as the strike got over, IPL matches and elections started, leaD, leading to low footfalls in theatres.

Bollywood events also took a nose dive in the wake of swine flu which led to the closing of cinema halls temporarily as well as cancellation of shootings.

“The year has been a tough one because of a couple of reasons. First, for three months there were no releases which caused a dent and a lot of movies bunched up that further ate one another’s revenues. Then, because of the abundance of movies, audiences declined,” Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO of UTV Motion Pictures, told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Adarsh, however, felt “the two main reasons for the industry’s debacle this year have been the remuneration of actors and corporates that acquired movies at exorbitant prices, leading to doomsday.”

“The costing this year was the biggest spoilsport. It was so huge that it ruined the industry. The industry was thrown to the lions because of actors’ fees and it was very difficult for the producers to recover the investments,” he said.

Most big-budget films received tremendous openings courtesy round the clock promotions but fell flat at the box office.

Some of them were “8X10 Tasveer”, “Kal Kissne Dekha”, “Kambakkht Ishq”, “Luck”, “Dil Bole Hadippa”, “What’s Your Raashee?”, “Do Knot Disturb”, “Blue”, “Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna”, “London Dreams”, “Aladin” and “Kurbaan”.

Bollywood now awaits the much-talked about “Three Idiots”, which is releasing Dec 25. Trade pundits hope that the Aamir Khan-starrer repeats the same success story that “Ghajini” created when it was released last year on the same day.

They also suggest some revival strategy in the new year.

Qureshi said: “We must look at reinventing scripts with a good story and a good star cast. You cannot insult the audience now and take them for granted. You have to make intelligent movies. Look at a very intelligent stupid movie ‘Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani’ that worked wonders.”

Said Roy Kapoor, “2010 should be high on creativity and hope the production costs come down and a model is developed that is more effective than it was ever before.”

Telugu film industry may shift to Chennai, warns Rosaiah

2009-12-31T11:07:00.000-08:00

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah Wednesday said the continuing attacks on film shootings in and around Hyderabad by Telangana supporters may force the Telugu film industry to shift back to Chennai Assuring full pro

tection, the chief minister urged all political parties to ensure that the industry stays in Hyderabad.

The campaign over Telangana has caused huge losses to the film industry, with thousands boycotting movies of some actors and continuing attacks on the shooting of some others opposed to Telangana’s creation.

Recalling that the Telugu film industry shifted from Chennai to Hyderabad after the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956, Rosaiah said if it goes back, it will affect the employment opportunities of local people.

He pointed out that 70 to 80 percent of the workers in the film industry were locals.

“The hero, heroines and some other people may be from other regions (of Andhra Pradesh) but the majority of the workers are local people,” he said in an obvious reference to claims by pro-Telangana groups that the movie industry was dominated by people from coastal Andhra.

Rosaiah also termed as baseless the allegations of pro-Telangana groups that film personalities were given prime lands free of cost in and around Hyderabad.

He pointed out that lands were given to the industry as incentives as per the market rates.

The chief minister regretted that the shootings of actors like Mahesh Babu and Junior NTR who have said nothing on Telangana were also attacked.

Last week the protestors also attacked film shootings of veteran actor-producer Mohan Babu’s son M. Manoj and actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi’s nephew Allu Arjun.

Both Mohan Babu and Chiranjeevi are opposing the bifurcation of the state.

It’s tough to play a simple, beautiful girl: Priyanka Chopra

2009-12-31T10:59:00.000-08:00

She is smart, glamorous and one of the most sought after actresses in Bollywood, but Priyanka Chopra says it was difficult for her to portray a simple, beautiful girl in forthcoming film “Pyaar Impossible” and still try to hold the interest of audiences.

“When you do characters like one in ‘Aitraaz’, ‘Fashion’ or ‘Kaminey’, there are certain peripheries. For example, Sweety in ‘Kaminey’ won’t be able to speak English or she won’t wear jeans and top. They are also difficult, but the boundaries help. When I am playing a simple beautiful looking girl, how do I get your interest?” Priyanka said.

“Heroines ought to look beautiful, it’s their work. We look pretty, we wear great clothes but that’s our job. But how do I make you feel for her? That’s why these films are more difficult,” said Priyanka, who has teamed up with Uday Chopra in the film.

Written and produced by Uday, “Pyaar Impossible” is a romantic tale about a beauty and a geek. Directed by Jugal Hansraj, it shows how fate brings Uday and Priyanka come together and love blooms amidst all odds.

Talking about her character in “Pyaar Impossible”, Priyanka said: “I play Alisha who works in a software company. She has always been a popular girl, fun loving and one who loves life. But at a young age she has to take a lot of responsibilities and she finds it difficult to manage and her life becomes chaotic,” said Priyanka.

“Pyaar Impossible” is slated to release Jan 8.

The actress took three months before giving her final consent for the film.

“When I was offered the film, I was shooting for ‘Kaminey’. So I told them I will take some time to decide. It took me around three months to read the script, but when I read it, I felt I was reading a romantic book or a breezy novel and I immediately called Uday and gave my consent,” she added.

Priyanka was all praise for Uday and the way he has sketched the characters.

“Uday is a great human being and a very talented guy. The way he had written the story and sketched my character, they are very close to reality,” Priyanka said before leaving for New York.

She will stay there for two and a half months to complete Siddharth Anand’s “Anjana Anjani”, which also features Ranbir Kapoor.

“I am planning to enjoy the New Year’s eve in Times Square, but it’s so cold and there has been a blizzard too so I’m not sure whether I would be able to go out of my hotel or not,” said Priyanka.

Asked about her role in Farhan Akhtar’s “Don 2″, she said: “It’s coming by the end of next year. The only thing I can say now is that I have some superb actions in ‘Don 2′ and I am very excited about that.”

She has also signed on for Vishal Bharadwaj’s tentatively titled “7 Husbands”.

3 Idiots’ one of the best from Bollywood: Malaysian film critic

2009-12-31T10:58:00.000-08:00

Applauding the cast and crew of recently released hit film “3 Idiots”, a Malaysian film critic described director Rajkumar Hirani’s directorial venture as “one of the best from Bollywood”.

If you want to find fault with “3 Idiots”, it should be the title – for its wrong connotation. It has an intelligent storyline with acting par excellence, critic K.N. Vijiyan wrote in his review in New Straits Times.

Don’t get the wrong idea from the film title. This is not an idiotic movie and is, in fact, one of the best from Bollywood. It makes you laugh, it makes you think. In some scenes, you may even shed a tear.

Aamir Khan proves yet again why he is such a prized possession in Bollywood. The ‘Mr. Perfectionist’ always puts in a lot into his movies and that’s why “Lagaan”, “Taare Zameen Par”, “Rang De Basanti”, “Fanaa” and “Ghajini” have been praised and did well at the box-office.

Boman is impressive with his lisp, style of dressing and mannerisms, reminiscent of his similar role in “Munnabhai M.B.B.S”, but he is thoroughly enjoyable to watch.

Many scenes in the story will have the audience rolling with laughter, especially where a boy gets his words mixed up while giving a welcoming address to a VIP. There is a message about the futility of suicide, the increasing cost of living and the mindless cramming to pass exams.

The songs composed by Shantanu Moitra are a good listen and the movie has been imaginatively filmed by Muraleedharan C.K.

Kareena Kapoor doesn’t have much screen time but makes her presence felt. Her lip-lock with Aamir has been snipped.

This is a feel-good movie which will make you want to watch it a second time. In “Munnabhai”, the director propagated the “hugging” philosophy for emotional wellbeing. Here, the “mantra” is “All is well” even when something goes wrong.

Don’t miss this offering which shows all the signs of a new Bollywood box-office record.

Priyanka Chopra India’s top brand endorser of 2009

2009-12-31T10:57:00.000-08:00

After emerging as one of the leading actresses in Bollywood, Priyanka Chopra has been declared India’s top brand endorser in 2009, says a report.

According to the report by TAM AdEX, a division of TAM Media Research, Priyanka, 27, has edged past endorsement giants like skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and actors Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.

Priyanka, who is awaiting the release of her next movie “Pyaar Impossible”, is all smiles.

“I have always strived to give my very best. It has been very fulfilling experience to be the face of some of the best brands. In my mind, the findings of the survey endorse the equal opportunity country that we are emerging. Being a woman is no longer a disadvantage,” said Priyanka.

“It is a humbling recognition and I am grateful for the adulation and unconditional support of millions across the world which is most integral constituent all the successes in every phase of my life,” she added.

Currently, Priyanka endorses a variety of brands including Nokia, Lux, Sunsilk, Levi’s, Hero Honda and Asmi.

These days the former Miss World is busy promoting her romantic-comedy “Pyaar Impossible”, the story of a beauty and a geek. She has teamed up with Uday Chopra in it.

Apart from making her mark in ad world, she has also delivered hit film “Kaminey” and won critical appreciation for her performance in “What’s Your Raashee?”. She bagged a few awards as well.

Katrina’s dampened travel plans

2009-12-31T10:54:00.000-08:00

katrina Kaif has been facing illness these days due to which she could not take a break and go out for a travel these days.

A friend of the actress Katrina Kaif disclosed that she loves to go to different place and

explore them. She also said that Katrina loves to collect souvenirs that jog her memory about that place.

The friend of Katrina also added that she is not more of a party hoppers type rather she is interested in knowing customs and tradition of the places she travels more than joining night life or partying. But unfortunately her recent health trouble has become a dampener on her travel plans.

Frank Mir doubts Brock Lesnar will keep his UFC heavyweight title in 2010 Full VIDEO

2009-12-28T09:22:00.000-08:00

Former UFC Heaveryweight Champion, Frank Mir, stated in a recent interview with ESPN radio that he doubts current UFC Heavyweight Champion, Brock Lesnar, will keep his UFC heavyweight title in 2010 due to major weight loss associated with his illness, diverticulitis, which in turn suggests a major loss of physical strength as well (listen to the interview in the video below).

While Lesnar officially still has time to recover and regain his strength, Mir and Shane Carwin are scheduled to fight at UFC 111 in March 2010 and possible determine the interim UFC heavyweight champion.

Mir seems to have forgotten his own year-long recovery from a motorcycle accident in 2004, though. If it was possible for him to make successful comeback after that, he should expect no less from Lesnar. The nature of Lesnar's disease certainly affects the fighter in significant ways and it he might be leaner upon his return to the octagon. Nevertheless, sometimes changes of this nature can actually have a positive rather than negative impact on an athlete. Even more so since Lesnar was suspected to have been suffering from his illness well before the final breakdown a few months ago. Ultimately, he could come back stronger than ever before if he was only performing at 60-70 percent prior to the surgery as doctors have suggested.

Depending on how long Lesnar's recovery will take, it certainly seems appropriate to vacate the title in the near future.

2009-12-28T08:44:00.001-08:00

Nikon Rumors Online Store

2009-12-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

Chimpanzees Use Tools To Eat

2009-12-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

A scientific panel for the first time observed how some chimpanzees use tools to reduce the size of the food and make them more edible, the BBC reports.

Primates of Mount Nimba in Guinea, West Africa, are using stone axes and woods to process Treculia fruit and make it easier to eat. The chimpanzees cut the fruit to make it easy to eat eatable portions of Treculia.

Kathelijne Koops, a doctoral student, and Professor William McGrew, researchers from the Leverhulme Center for Human Evolution Studies from the University of Cambridge in the UK conducted the study. They observed a group of chimps living in the wild in the forests of Mount Nimba.

African chimpanzees greatly vary in their usage of tools used for preparing their daily food. Some groups use stones as hammers and stone anvils to break the shells of nuts. Other chimpanzee groups use branches to catch termites, researchers say.

To break the shell of the nuts the chimpanzees from Bossou area, a village in Guinea, used hammers and anvils. They even used weights to level the anvil and make it more efficient for their needs, said Koop, the Ph.D. student involved in this research.

The BBC report, published in the Spanish language version of the service notes that this is the first time that the scientists have found chimpanzees using tools to eat. Furthermore, this is the first time that the researchers learn chimpanzees using different types of tools to achieve the same results.

Thus, the scientists conclude that the learning in chimpanzees is cultural and related to their location.

Shake Up In Democratic Party As Rep. Parker Griffith Plans To Switch Parties

2009-12-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

There is a shake up in the Democratic Party as it is being reported that freshman Rep.Parker Griffith of Alabama is scheduled to announce he is switching parties at a 1 pm news conference. Griffith is currently a Democrat.

Griffith has a press conference scheduled for 1 pm in northern Alabama. This is the district he represents. At the press conference, Griffith is expected to switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party.

This switch comes at a crucial time for the health care reform vote. Griffith has voted against the Democratic Party on all major domestic issues, including health care.

Griffith is a Radiation Oncologist and has been critical of the Democratic health care plan. He is considered to be one of the most conservative Democrats on the hill.

Griffith reportedly informed Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi this morning of his decision. Griffith has made it clear in the past that he does not care for Pelosi. He has stated he would not vote for her to remain as the House Speaker.

Griffith won his Congressional seat by a slim margin in 2008. Just 51% over 48% for Republican Wayne Parker. No Republican has ever been elected to that seat.

All political eyes and ears will be listening to Rep Parker Griffith's words at 1 this afternoon. His switching to the Republican Party from the Democratic Party impact on health care reform is still to be seen.

Winter Weather Stalls Travel in Midwest

2009-12-28T08:27:00.000-08:00

Powerful snowstorms are making their way around the country and this week the midwest is getting its share of snow. Travel during the holidays is stressful even without snow and some travelers are going to have to be extremely patient as snow and ice cause disruptions to flights and dangerous travel on roads in the nation's midsection.

More than 200 flights at O'Hare International Airport were cancelled in Chicago, along with about 60 flights out of Midway International Airport. This is just the beginning of what looks to be an intense storm that will target the midwest with intensity on Thursday.

Heavy snow, sleet and rain is expected Thursday with the possibility of up to two feet of snow in some areas on Christmas Day. Three deaths on Interstate 70 in Kansas were blamed on slippery road conditions.

Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota all have had immense issues with snow, ice and poor road conditions are wreaking havoc on holiday travel. There have been several reports of ice on the roads in Nebraska being 1/4" thick.

At this time, Weather.com reports that travel is likely to be dangerous to near impossible through the Plains from North Dakota to Kansas where blizzard conditions will develop and persist.

Senate approves healthcare reform bill, 60-39

2009-12-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

In a rare Christmas Eve session, the United States Senate approved its version of the most sweeping reform of the nation’s health care system since the introduction of Medicare in 1965 in a 60-39 party-line vote.

The vote took place in a session called at 7 a.m. to give senators time to return to their districts for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Vice President Joe Biden presided over the vote in his role as president of the Senate.

Among the key provisions of the Senate bill are a mandate that individuals purchase health insurance, a tax on lavish insurance plans – the so-called “Cadillac plans” many union members enjoy – to help fund subsidies for individuals who cannot afford to purchase private insurance, a ban on the practice of denying insurance to individuals with pre-existing conditions, several measures aimed at slowing the growth of health care costs, and two additional provisions designed to make coverage more affordable: the creation of insurance exchanges where individuals may purchase coverage and the opening of the Federal government’s employee health benefits plan to individual participation. The last two provisions are substitutes for the “public option” that liberal activists insist upon.

Many of these same liberal activists have criticized the bill as a gift to the health insurance industry, and the performance of for-profit health insurers’ stocks since the Senate vote that ended a Republican filibuster appears to buttress their criticism. Conservative critics of the bill, including almost all of the Republicans who voted against it, call it an unprecedented and unaffordable intrusion of government into the private sector that will lower the quality of health care in America.

In a news conference after the vote, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) called the bill’s passage “a huge victory for the American people” and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream of the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.)

The next step for the health care reform bill is a House-Senate conference committee that will meet in January to iron out differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. While House members are under intense pressure to agree to all or almost all of the Senate bill’s provisions in order to ensure 60 votes for passage of a final bill in the Senate, they also face countervailing pressure from much of the Democratic base to preserve the public health insurance plan contained in their version but not the Senate’s.
If the bill becomes law, it will mark the culmination of a decades-long quest for universal health insurance, a goal of Democrats since President Harry Truman first proposed a national health insurance plan in 1948. The larger issue of universal health insurance was first raised by former President Theodore Roosevelt, who made it part of his quest to regain the office he held as the Progressive Party’s 1912 candidate for president.

The last time the Senate met on Christmas Eve was in 1917, when the body debated America’s entry into World War I. The Senate will convene again on Jan. 18.

Percy Sutton dies at 89, attorney for Malcom X

2009-12-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

Percy Sutton, was a lawyer who represented many controversial figures such as Malcolm X, was known as one of America's best known lawyers during the 1950's and 1960's. Sutton died on December 26 at the age of 89. He was a civil rights activist, lawyer and entrepreneur and was known as one of America's best known lawyers during the 1950's and 1960's.

Percy Sutton founded his law firm in 1953 in Harlem, New York. He represented Malcolm X and the slain activist's family for many years. Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965 while giving a speech in New York.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, Sutton was the youngest of 15 siblings. Both parents were educators and business people.

Sutton ran for Borough president of the Borough of Manhattan in 1965. He won with 80% of the vote. He served in that post until 1977, when he ran for the Democratic nomination for Mayor of New York City against Congressman Ed Koch, New York Secretary of State Mario Cuomo, Mayor Abraham Beame, former Congresswoman Bella Abzug, and Congressman Herman Badillo. Koch ended up winning the nomination and became Mayor.

In 1971, Sutton founded the Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, which purchased and developed radio stations WLIB-AM and WBLS-FM; making them the first black-owned stations in New York City.

In 1981, Sutton rescued the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem from bankruptcy.

Percy Sutton leaves behind his wife Leatrice, two children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

sources: visionaryproject.org, wikipedia, MSNBC

New Nikon Digital Cameras In 2010

2009-12-28T07:54:00.000-08:00

Will there be new Nikon cameras in 2010? Yes, just as there will be for all of the other digital camera manufacturers. The real question is what camera bodies will these new Nikon digital cameras be replacing.

As the new year approaches, the predictions have begun of what the new Nikon digital cameras will be for 2010. Both Nikon Rumors and Thom Hogan have released their predictions of what the new Nikon cameras will be and which ones they will replace.

While Nikon has not said what their plans are for 2010 are just yet, both Hogan and the Nikon Rumors blog are predicting a replacement for the Nikon D90 digital camera. The two disagree on both the possible name and the announcement date for the new camera.

Hogan suggest the new digital camera replacing the Nikon D90 could be named the D8000 and that the announcement will be around August 2010. Nikon Rumors think the name will be the D7000 and that we will hear about it in early 2010.

Both Hogan and Nikon Rumors believe that Nikon will replace the D3000 for a D4000 model. Nikon Rumors predicts the announcement for this new digital camera will be in the second half of 2010.

The oldest Nikon digital camera is the D700 and Hogan thinks it is time for Nikon to replace it with an improved model. His prediction is for a digital camera named the D800 to be announced in March 2010 to replace the D700.

New digital cameras to replace the Nikon D90 and the D700 makes sense. These two digital cameras have been around since 2008 and have sold very well for Nikon.

Technology has changed since he D90 and D700 digital cameras have been released. Also, Nikon does need to improve on the video quality in their DSLR cameras. Nikon is way behind their main competitor, Canon in the video technology.

A replacement camera for the Nikon D3000 in 2010? I am not so sure about this one. The D3000 is a fairly new digital camera and I do not see Nikon replacing it so soon; maybe an announcement at the end of 2010 for release in mid-2011.

For 2011, Nikon Rumors and Hogan both predict the D400 digital camera to replace the Nikon D300s. Hogan also predicts that the D4 will be available in 2011.

Nikon just released the Nikon D3s this November. This new digital camera is receiving rave reviews and NASA has ordered eleven of them to use on the space station.

The only real certainty is that Nikon will announce some new digital cameras in 2010. Only Nikon knows what they will be and at this time, they are not saying. All we can do is be good and hope for one of the new Nikon digital cameras to be under our Christmas tree on Christmas morning next year.

Written by Denise Clay, Certified Professional PhotographerFor Huliq

Over 100 Whales Die in New Zealand

2009-12-28T07:50:00.000-08:00

New Zealand was the site of a massive amount of whales that were found stranded on two beaches this weekend. Approximately 125 whales died this weekend but with the help of volunteers and conservations workers, 43 whales were saved after being helped back into the ocean. By Monday morning, rescue workers reported that all 43 of the whales were back out to sea off of Colville Beach on North Island's Coromandel peninsula.

No one was clear on how the pilot whales ended up stranded, but there is speculation that their their sonar may have led them into the shallow harbor and they could not find their way out of the shallow water.

On the South Island, 105 long-finned pilot whales died Saturday after being stranded on the beach. When the pilot of a tourist plane spotted the whales on the beach, conservation workers and volunteered headed to the beach only to find some very sick whales.

Thirty were still alive but very ill. It was suspected that the whales had been on land for quite awhile and did not fare well in the oppressive heat. All of the whales either died or had to be euthanized by conservation workers as they were extremely ill.

A total of 105 long-finner pilot whales died on the South Island and 20 died on the North Island. Scientist are still not positive why whales become stranded.

New Year Highlights

2009-12-28T07:45:00.000-08:00

New Year Highlights

New Year Cards	New Year Events
2010 Calendars	New Year Cruises

Krrish 2 to have Deepika as Katrina refuses to do the film

2009-12-28T07:35:00.000-08:00

Krrish 2 to have Deepika as Katrina refuses to do the film

Mumbai: The movie Krrish 2 is already in news even before its script has been decided or production has begun. Apparently, Rakesh Roshan took up the idea of doing the flick as he wanted to carry forward the success the prequel Krrish had raked in at the box office.
The protagonist in the flick is going.............

Deepika Padukone miffed with questions about Ranbir Kapoor

Mumbai: The sexy actress split from current Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor about two months ago. But, the media has not stopped haunting her with questions of her ex-beau.

Recently, when the actress was present at a press meet to promote a new skin care product she was assailed with lot of questions connected to Ranbir.
Deepika

Director Murugadoss and actress Deepika Padukone roped in for Kick

Mumbai: Sajid Nadiadwala’s latest project Kick no doubt has superstar Salman Khan as the male lead. For the female lead the producer has roped in Bollywood babe Deepika Padukone.

The casting of Deepika opposite Salman is bound to raise quite a few eyebrows as she is known to be close to the SRK camp give

Is Ranbir Kapoor missing ex-girl friend Deepika Padukone?

Mumbai: Recently, Bollywood’s young sensations Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone decided to end their relationship of two years and go their separate ways. News was abuzz that Deepika decided to ignore her pain by immersing herself in her current projects. Now, it seems Ranbir too is finding ways to cope without Deepika.
However, is he really

Is Khloe Kardashian pregnant?

2009-12-28T07:27:00.000-08:00

Is Khloe Kardashian pregnant? Khloe Kardashian, the famous television personality has just been married for less than three months and rumor has it that she may be pregnant.

Apparently, when Khloe was flying to some destination, one of the stewardesses on the flight walked up to Khloe and congratulated her.

Later, the stewardess also enquired about Khloe’s months into pregnancy. Khloe was surprised by the stewardess and maintained she was notpregnant.

Only time will tell whether Khloe Kardashian is indeed pregnant or not. Just check out the picture and be the judge yourself.

3 Idiots Review in terms of Box Office collections

2009-12-28T07:26:00.000-08:00

Mumbai: Last week on the joyous occasion of Christmas, Bollywood flick 3 Idiots opened in theatres across the nation in a grand style.

3-idiots-review-in-terms-of-box-office-collections

The movie made an astounding twelve crores on its opening day. A whopping forty crores more were expected to be earned by the flick over the weekend.

With its box office collections the movie is bound to be the biggest blockbuster of the year ahead of Love Aaj Kal.

3 Idiots is in some ways based on the popular book ‘Five Point Someone’ authored by Chetan Bhagat and stars Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi and R. Madhavan in the role of the three idiots.

Bigg Boss 3: Pravesh Rana speaks after his defeat

2009-12-28T07:25:00.000-08:00

Mumbai: Bigg Boss-3: One day after Christmas the Season 3 of reality TV series Bigg Boss concluded. After a journey of eighty-four long days the winner was finally declared in a special episode from the three finalists.

Vindu clinched victory and Pravesh Rana came in second to Vindu while Poonam Dhillon was third.

Pravesh was a strong contender to win the season but fell short owing to his immature behavior in the last few days on the show.

The ex-Mr. India admitted he had done an atrocious thing by putting away all the food in the house into the swimming pool.

Pravesh said that the incident has changed him and he has been taught a good lesson on anger management. He said he will henceforth be able to take control of himself when in a fit of rage.

In addition, Pravesh was up in praise of winner, Vindu Dara Singh and told he learnt three invaluable lessons from him – owning up to the wrong done by oneself, asking for forgiveness from the people you have hurt and making sure you do not do the same wrong thing for a second time.

2009-12-28T07:24:00.003-08:00

Mumbai: Superstar Salman Khan just ushered in his 45th year of life last week. The first month of the New Year is extremely important for the actor as his movie Veer will make it to the box office.

veer-salman-khan-opens-blog-to-stories-of-bravery1

In order to promote his latest flick, the actor will launch a blog today pertaining to bravery. On this blog site stories of ordinary people who showed extra ordinary courage in real life will be published.

The actor and founders of this blog are expecting many stories to feature on this blog.

Only time will tell if this idea brings success for the film Veer.

2009-12-28T07:24:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year 2010: Bollywood promises big movies

2009-12-28T07:23:00.001-08:00

Mumbai: Happy New Year 2010: The year 2009 was not that great for Bollywood. The Hindi film industry incurred a loss of seven hundred crore rupees.

happy-new-year-2010-bollywood-promises-big-movies

Will the coming year bring in the much desired profits for Bollywood? Well, only time will tell. But, Bollywood is all set to keep the audiences entertained next year with a gamut of flicks covering various genres.

The month of January itself has a number of films lined up for release. On Jan 8 in the new year, Pyar Impossible and Dulha Mil Gaya will hit the theatres.

Then, in the following week Chance Pe Dance will be screened across the country. On Jan 22 the big budget flick Veer starring superstar Salman Khan will release.

In the month of February, Big B will battle it out with King Khan at the box office as their films Teen Patti and My Name is Khan respectively release on the same day.

The coming weeks of the year 2010 are also going to be packed with a number of big films trying to lure audiences to theaters.

Snookie Punched Video Released By "MTV" 'Jersey Shore Episode 4′

2009-12-26T12:58:00.000-08:00

Snookie, loud and in your face star of MTV’s Jersey Shore, was punched in the face recently while filming episode 4. A gym teacher, Brad Ferro, got into an argument with Snookie after she accused him of stealing her drink. The argument turns violent when Brad clocks Snookie good and knocks her out. Snookie is laid out on the floor like a very tan dish rag. Brad Ferro is a physical health teacher at Middle Village and North Queens Community High School and has been suspended for his actions. Snookie is just riding the wave of popularity this incident has brought her. The fight scene was edited out of the 4th episode but has since been released by MTV. MTV’s Jersey Shore is becoming a runaway hit despite all the controversy that surfaced when the show first aired. Snookie is a very outspoken member of the show.

'Jersey Shore' star speaks

Snookie punched in the face in ‘Jersey Shore Episode 4′

2009-12-26T12:56:00.000-08:00

'Jersey Shore' star speaks

"Jersey Shore" Girl Punched (VIDEO): Snooki Hit On MTV Reality Show HD Full Clip

2009-12-26T12:54:00.002-08:00

MTV knew it was courting controversy with its new reality show Jersey Shore, which stars eight of the "hottest, tannest, craziest Guidos" who live and party together for a summer, but a whole new level of criticism is sure to come when they air the epsiode in which one of the stars, Snookie, gets punched in the face by a random man at a bar. (Click HERE for more information on the assailant, a New York gym teacher.

'Jersey Shore' star speaks

Twitter Users Discuss BlackBerry Outage

2009-12-26T12:54:00.001-08:00

We recently reported that BlackBerry users were reporting the second outage in just one week, this happened on December 22, 2009. Although RIM has yet to announce what the cause is of the problem that is stopping emails going trough, there are plenty of reasons why it could be happening.

Reading through an article on The San Francisco Chronicle, they put the outage down to several reasons. The first is because it is Christmas week, the second is that Research In Motion are still unable to cope with high demand and the third reason is due to lack of planning on RIM’s part.

We know that RIM is aware of the issue, but have yet to explain to users what this is. They do state that they are currently working on the outage problem, but they do not give any clue as to how long the outage will last for.

SF Gate has another interesting theory as to why this is the second outage in just one week. The writer had noticed a number of dropped calls while trying to get a flight; more people are also experiencing this problem, as there is a huge volume of people traveling during these poor winter conditions.

Whenever you travel in poor conditions you always feel the need to phone home and let them know that you are safe, something that a huge amount of BlackBerry users are doing right now.

BlackBerry Outage: Problems continue in North America

2009-12-26T12:53:00.002-08:00

Following on from our article last week, which reported on the huge BlackBerry outage that thousands of you were experiencing, it has been reported that some users in North America are still having problems with the network.

Over at BGR, they have reported that another BlackBerry BIS outage has occurred in some areas, with the majority of users stating that this has happened on the Verizon network.

Of course, this could only be happening to a select few of you, as some of you told us that your network was working fine with no problems.

Microsoft loses patent appeal; Word and Office to be barred from sale starting January 11 Breaking News

2009-12-26T12:53:00.001-08:00

It's getting closer and closer to check-writing time for Steve Ballmer, as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has just upheld a decision that would see Microsoft Word and Office banned from sale starting January 11. If you'll recall, Microsoft lost a patent infringement suit against XML specialists i4i back in May when it was found that Word's handling of .xml, .docx, and .docm files infringed upon i4i's patented XML handling algorithms, but the injunction against further Word sales was put on hold pending the results of this appeal. Now that Microsoft has lost once again, we'd expect either another appeal and request for the injunction to be stayed, this time to the Supreme Court, or for a settlement between these two that would end this whole mess right now. We'll see what happens -- stay tuned.

P.S.- Just to be clear on this, i4i isn't a patent troll -- it's a 30 person database design company that shipped one of the first XML plugins for Office and was actually responsible for revamping the entire USPTO database around XML to make it compatible with Word back in 2000. What's more, the patents involved here don't cover XML itself, but rather the specific algorithms used to read and write custom XML -- so OpenOffice users can breathe easy, as i4i has said the suite doesn't infringe. Existing Office users should also be fine, as only future sales of Word are affected by the ruling, not any already-sold products.

Engadget: Helping you flame with accuracy.

Update: Microsoft says it's moving quickly to prepare versions of Office 2007 and Word 2007 that don't have the "little-used" XML features for sale by January 11, and that the Office 2010 beta "does not contain the technology covered by the injunction," which can be read in a number of ways. It's also considering an appeal, so we'll see what happens next.

Epic shows off Unreal Engine 3 running on iPhone / iPod touch Gaming Video

2009-12-26T12:51:00.000-08:00

There's certainly plenty of good looking iPhone games available these days, but things could be about to get quite a bit more interesting, as Epic has now demonstrated its Unreal Engine 3 (the same one used for games like Gears of War 2) running on the iPhone 3GS and 3rd gen iPod touch to our friend Anand Shimpi of AnandTech. Unfortunately, it hasn't also announced any games or licensees that will be using the engine, but it seems like it has at least managed to get it running remarkably well on the hardware -- albeit in a somewhat limited demo, as you can see in the video after the break. What's more, Epic also reportedly said that it would be showing off the engine running on "another mobile platform entirely" at CES next month, but didn't drop any further hints besides that. Video after the break, and hit the read link for the full scoop.

Dell pulls ads from Jersey Shore, calls show 'derogatony' (video)

2009-12-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

Its seems that casual TV viewers and large corporations handle Schadenfreude very differently. While MTV's Jersey Shore has been a constant source of amusement for at least one Engadget editor, TMZ (our other favorite tech site) reports that Dell has joined a growing list of advertisers that are backing away from the reality series. In fact, a company spokesman (with a less jaded view of humanity than us) has gone on record stating that Dell doesn't "condone or support ethnic bashing in any form." And neither do we, of course -- but we do love a good laugh. Jenni "Jwoww" Farley is unavailable for comment.

BlackBerry Outage hits North America – December 22/09

2009-12-26T12:49:00.000-08:00

BlackBerry Outage is now on its third time of its service. Blackberry Messenger or BBM as abbreviated is now on the run off issues for its outage across North America. The BBM carriers experience lost signals so they couldn’t access each of the users and also the web browsing. BBM outage?!

Blackberry outage could have some problems on RIM causing delay on messages, off browsing in web and many users experience this problem.They asked for the third time, another outage?!

Users find their way to solve this but still counting for the down system of the BBM.

American Airlines Crash in Jamaica Accident Video

2009-12-26T12:47:00.000-08:00

American Airlines crash in Jamaica is the hottest new of the hour. The News American Airlines crash in Jamaica is still developing and breaking news suggests that over 40 passengers onboard are injured but there are no fatalities.

American Airlines flight 331 crashed in Jamaica at 10:20 P.M on Tuesday. Although there are mixes news’s regarding American Airline Crash in Jamaica and nothing is much clear at this point about the incident, but what can be said with assurance is that, passengers of the American Airliner Boeing 737 flight 331 narrowly missed death after the airliner overran the runway stopping just few feet away from the sea line alongside Port Royal main road.

According to breaking news flight 331 of American Airlines ran short of the runway while landing at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica. Over 40 onboard passengers were taken to the nearby hospital.

Daryl Vaz Minister for Information released a statement in which he said that most of the passengers are suffering with broken bones but there are no fatalities.

Robert Mais, an onboard passenger told the media that, many were shaken-up badly, whereas several other suffered trauma and broken bones but fortunately he survived without any injury.

There are no passengers left at the crash site, passengers with injuries were taken to the hospital whereas, other passengers have been shifted to the safe areas Michael Bailey superintendent of Kingston East Division said.

Moreover he told the media that Port Royal road where the incident occurred is being guarded by the police and would remain closed until further orders.
Passengers of American Airlines flight 331

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American Airlines Crash in Jamaica | Breaking News

2009-12-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

American Airlines Crash in Jamaica

KINGSTON: American Airlines Crash in Jamaica, Forty passengers were injured when an American Airlines jet crashed late Tuesday at Kingston’s international airport, Jamaican Information Minister Daryl Vaz told media.

American Airlines Flight 331, carrying 148 passengers and six crewmembers, was en route from Miami to Kingston, the airline confirmed to media.

The plane overshot the runway, according to local media reports.

“The injured passengers have been taken to the Kingston Public Hospital,” Vaz told media, adding that there were no reports of fatalities.

Local media said the Boeing 737 plane broke in two after landing in heavy rain at Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport at about 10:00 pm (0300 GMT Wednesday).

American Airlines “will not speculate on the cause of the incident,” airline spokesman Billy Sanez said in a recorded statement.

“The plane crashed and broke almost in front of me,” passenger Naomi Palmer told the media as emergency vehicles raced to the scene.

Norad Santa Tracker 2009 | Where Is Santa Right Now ?

2009-12-26T12:42:00.000-08:00

Got nothing to do before, during and after Christmas? Well, aside from the usual eating, singing Christmas carols and opening gifts, it’s also fun to know where Santa is as he travels around the world.

This 2009, you can use the Norad Santa Tracker and see exactly where Santa is. NORAD stands for North American Aerospace Defense

Waiting for Reform: The Unemployed Get a Health Care Gift Video

2009-12-26T12:35:00.001-08:00

With the job outlook grim, unemployed workers received an unexpected boost this week as President Obama signed legislation authorizing a six-month extension of the COBRA health care subsidy program that was part of the economic stimulus bill passed in February. "That makes me pretty happy," says Don Hall, 56, who lives outside Sandusky, Ohio. A supervisor with an MBA at an automotive parts supplier to Ford Motor Company, Hall was laid off in October 2008. He recently sent a letter of hardship to Wells Fargo to try to save his house from foreclosure. His subsidized COBRA payment has been $258 a month and he says not having to pay an additional $500 a month for health care coverage is a godsend. "When you have to draw straws between paying the utility bills, the mortgage and health care, it's hard."

"For millions of laid-off workers and their families, the federal COBRA subsidies have been a health-coverage lifeline," says Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, a non-profit organization for health care consumers.

Treetops glisten, but storm snarls Midwest holiday Video Clip

2009-12-26T12:33:00.000-08:00

OKLAHOMA CITY – A fierce Christmas storm dumped more snow and ice across the nation's midsection Friday after stranding travelers as highways and airports closed and leaving many to celebrate the holiday just where they were.

Meteorologists predicted the slow-moving storm would glaze highways in the East with ice through Christmas night and that gusty thunderstorms would hamper the South. An ice storm warning was issued for parts of West Virginia and the Blue Ridge mountains in North Carolina and Virginia, while a wind chill advisory cautioned of temperatures as low as 30 below zero in Montana.

The National Weather Service warned that blizzards would hit parts of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin on Christmas Day and into the evening.

A sheriff's deputy in central Iowa's Guthrie County, where 6 inches of snow fell since Thursday night, said he saw only snowplows on his way to work Friday.

"It's going to be one of them days," Deputy Jesse Swenson said. "Everybody wanted a white Christmas — and they got it."

In Minnesota, Mike Ruhland, who was shoveling his driveway in Minneapolis on Friday morning, said he hadn't made much progress after two hours.

"I waited too long to start shoveling. For two days, it was the white powdery snow, and now it's the heavy, thick stuff," he said. "It's a pain in the butt, but at least I'm getting my exercise for the month."

Crews were working to restore power to thousands of customers in Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois and Iowa. Several small towns in western Iowa, including Deloit, Manilla and Vail, were in the dark, said Greg Miller, Crawford County's emergency management director.

The National Weather Service said the storm posed a threat to life and property. Officials warned travelers to stay home and pack emergency kits if they had to set out. Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry declared a state of emergency.

Slippery roads have been blamed for at least 19 deaths this week as the storm moved east across the country from the Southwest. Driving became so treacherous that authorities closed interstates in Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota and South Dakota to prevent further collisions.

Jonathan Cannon was spending Thursday night at a Baptist church in Goldsby, Okla., after being stuck for several hours on Interstate 35. He had left Sherman, Texas, a little after noon hoping to join his wife in Edmond, Okla. — a trip that usually takes about three hours.

Cannon said about 200 people — plus the dogs many travelers had with them in their cars — were in the church Thursday night, with more possibly on the way. He wasn't sure if he would be able to finish his journey on Friday.

"This is mine and my wife's first Christmas together, so she's not very excited," he said.

About 100 passengers and the same number of workers were stuck at Oklahoma's largest airport, which closed Thursday afternoon after several inches of snow clogged runways. At least 70 flights were canceled at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. Director Mark Kranenburg told The Oklahoman that the airport re-opened Friday morning, with one of three runways operational, though many flights remained delayed or canceled.

Robert Smith of Denver was forced to cancel plans to fly home on Christmas Eve after visiting family members and friends in Oklahoma City. Smith said he was accustomed to snowstorms — and that none had ever hampered his travel plans.

"We are going to wait it out," he said. "We went to the grocery store to get stuff. We've got the generators ready just in case we need to use them."

Other stranded motorists took shelter at a high school gymnasium. Eric Adams, a U.S. Mail contractor from Memphis, Tenn., sought shelter at the Flying J Travel Plaza in Sayre in far western Oklahoma after strong winds caused his tractor-trailer to sway.

Oklahoma City had received 14 inches of snow by Thursday night, breaking a record set back in 1914 of 2.5 inches. Winds gusted to 50 mph in central Kansas, while winds gusting at up to 65 mph in Texas drifted the snow as deep as 5 feet in some areas.

The Star-Telegram said the Dallas-Fort Worth area was experiencing its first White Christmas in more than 80 years. While the area had a sprinkling of holiday snow in 2004 and 1997, the last time it experienced "a true, New England-style dose of snow on Christmas Day was Dec. 25, 1926," the newspaper reported.

Some churches canceled Christmas Eve services, while others saw sharply lower attendance.

"I don't think God wants anyone to get killed or break a hip or break a knee or something," said the Rev. Joseph Mirowski of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration in Mason City, Iowa.

Since Tuesday, icy roads have been blamed for accidents that killed at least seven people in Nebraska, five people in Oklahoma, four in Kansas, two in Minnesota and one near Albuquerque, N.M.

___

Associated Press writers Rochelle Hines in Oklahoma City, Patrick Condon in Minneapolis, John Hanna in Topeka, Kan., Jean Ortiz and Josh Funk in Omaha, Neb., and Melanie Welte and Michael J. Crumb in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this report.

Disney Christmas parade 2009, movie marathons Video HD

2009-12-26T12:31:00.000-08:00

Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Ripa and Nick Cannon host "Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade" (ABC at 10 a.m.), with performances from the Mouse House's stars such as the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato. Other singers include Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, Anika Noni Rose and Kris Allen.

On Christmas, some networks run marathons; others favor Burn-Off Theater. Such as Fox, which runs four new episodes of the Brad Garrett/Joely Fisher sitcom " 'Til Death" starting at 8 p.m. In the first segment, Eddie and Joy decide to try to live a complaint-free life, while Kenny freaks out parents (but wows their kids) when he works as a mall Santa.

FX shows three movies in a row that prove how family can drive anyone mad, whether it's leaving you by yourself to fend off burglars ("Home Alone" at 7:30), decorating the house too brightly ("Deck the Halls" at 9:30) or hating the person you bring home for the holidays ("The Family Stone" at 11:30).

New series "Daycare Divas" (at 10) premieres on TLC, as best friends Leslie and Christine start a business in New York for a dozen rambunctious toddlers.

"Independent Lens" (WETA at 9) features "Between the Folds," which profiles various origami artists, including a former sculptor who makes caricatures, and one person who chose folding paper full time instead of pursuing a career in physics.

As for networks that go the marathon route this Christmas, here are some worth watching:

Repeated showings of Chevy Chase in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (at 6:30 a.m.) kick off the day on AMC.

Spike TV stays in the holiday spirit, sort of, by showing "Bad Santa" -- starring Billy Bob Thornton and Lauren Graham -- over and over, starting at 9 a.m.

Hear "Nobody puts Baby in a corner" repeatedly on "Dirty Dancing" (TV Guide), as the film airs from noon until midnight.

Booth and Brennan banter through eight hours of "Bones" (at noon), starting with six episodes from Season 2 and ending with the team investigating the murder of a mall Santa.

TLC spends the day with a few bridezillas on "Say Yes to the Dress" (at 5 p.m.), all of whom slowly but surely drive the shop owners crazy.

Miley Cyrus The Climb Official Music Video (HQ)

2009-12-22T11:08:00.000-08:00

[tab:part1]The Climb is the brand new hit single from Miley Cyrus available on Hannah Montana: The Movie

Soundtrack in stores March 24! Hannah Montana: The Movie only in Theaters April 10

Click (more info) for Lyrics.

I can almost see it

That dream I'm dreaming but

There's a voice inside my head sayin,

You'll never reach it,

Every step I'm taking,

Every move I make feels

Lost with no direction

My faith is shaking but I

Got to keep trying

Got to keep my head held high

There's always going to be another mountain

I'm always going to want to make it move

Always going to be an uphill battle,

Sometimes you going to have to lose,

Ain't about how fast I get there,

Ain't about what?s waiting on the other side

It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing,

The chances I'm taking

Sometimes they knock me down but

No I'm not breaking

I may not know it

But these are the moments that

I'm going to remember most yeah

Just got to keep going

And I,

I got to be strong

Just keep pushing on, cause

There's always going to be another mountain

I'm always going to want to make it move

Always going to be an uphill battle,

Sometimes I'm going to have to lose,

Ain't about how fast I get there,

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

There's always going to be another mountain

I'm always going to want to make it move

Always going to be an uphill battle,

Sometimes you going to have to lose,

Ain't about how fast I get there,

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

Keep on moving

Keep climbing

Keep the faith baby

It's all about

The climb

Keep the faith

Keep your faith

Tags:

mileycyrus miley cyrus theclimb the climb hannah montana soundtrack things billy ray

mandy.

Quot official music video new song

2009-12-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

Hollywood Undead "Everywhere I Go" (official music video)

2009-12-22T11:00:00.001-08:00

Hollywood Undead "Everywhere I Go" (official music video) (new song june 2009) + Download link

holly wood undead everywhere i go official music video new song june 2009 download rock blink

182 green day

Tags:

holly wood undead everywhere go official music video new song june 2009 download

rock blink 182 green day

Hilary Duff - Reach Out BRAND NEW MUSIC HD VIDEO

2009-12-22T11:00:00.000-08:00

This is the BRAND NEW video that has been released from Hilary Duff for 'Reach Out'. The song

will be released on Hilary's final album with Hollywood Records, 'Best Of' November 11th.

The video offers a new flavour for all fans, as I am sure that this isn't what was expected

from Hilary at all...

I have to say, I personally love it, so I hope you do too... =]

I in no way intend to commit copyright enfringement, and all credit goes to Hollywood Records.

I in no way take any credit for any aspect of this video.

Tags:

hilary duff reach out best of hollywood records music video holiday brand new

Still In Hollywood (Music Video) (Alternate Version)

2009-12-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

Hollywood undead - The diary(New song!)

2009-12-22T10:55:00.002-08:00

Papa Roach - Hollywood Whore Video_new song

2009-12-22T10:55:00.001-08:00

Spirit Theme Music By Sibby Shah hollywood bollywood

2009-12-22T10:50:00.000-08:00

Music composed, written, arranged & produced by Sibby. Music has no limitations or boundaries

and its surely not tied down to a continent!!! I love to explore the diversities within a given

tho...

Tags:

The Spirit New Films hollywood shahrukh karan johar bollywood songs films hindi

panjabi punjabi indian classical music raga raag priyanka chopra aishwariya rai

kajol ghazals folk love sukhwinder singh sonu rafi ar rehman shankar mahadevan

shafqat amanat ali madhuri dixit rani mukarjee saif khan akshay kumar amar kham

amir film teasers danve anthem€ dance track hipop 50 cent tupac madona justin

timberlake fusion

Power Rangers The Movie Pt. 2/10

2009-11-01T04:16:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Kacey1991. ^____^

Primera parte de la pelicula de los Power Rangers. Disfrutenla.

P.D: En esta parte no subtitule al tipo que hablaba en el microfono porque sinceramente no entendi lo que decia =S.

First part of the movie of the Power Rangers. Enjoy it.
In this part I don't subtitle the guy that was speaking in the microphone because sincerely I don't understand what he says =S.

Power Rangers The Movie Pt. 1/10

2009-11-01T04:14:00.001-08:00

Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai [high quality video]

2009-10-26T06:56:00.001-07:00

Movie Name: Maine Dil Tujhko Diya (2002)
Singer: Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan
Music Director: Daboo Malik
Year: 2002
Producer: Bunty Walia, Sohail Khan
Director: Sohail Khan
Actors: Kabir Bedi, Salman Khan, Sameera Reddy, Sanjay Dutt, Sohail Khan
Theme: Love

Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai Thoda Hai Baki
Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai Thoda Hai Baki
Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai Thoda Hai Baki
Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai Thoda Hai Baki
Hum To Dil De Hi Chuke
Hum To Dil De Hi Chuke Bas Teri Haan Hai Baki
Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai Thoda Hai Baki
Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai Thoda Hai Baki

Kaun Sa Mod Aaya Zindagi Ke Safar Mein
Bas Gaya Tu Hi Tu Ab To Meri Nazar Mein
Dil Ki Har Ek Dhadkan Tujhko Pehchaanti Hai
Meri Chaahat Hai Ab Kya Tu Nahin Jaanti Hai
Main Tuhje Jaan Gayi Tujhko Pehchaan Gayi
Phir Bhi Teri Haan Hai Baki
Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai Thoda Hai Baki
Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai Thoda Hai Baki

Aaj Yeh Kya Hua Hai Dil Nahin Mera Bas Mein
Is Liye Sochti Hoon Tod Doon Sari Rasme
Umr Bhar Ke Liye Tu Aa Mera Saath De De
Tera Ho Jaaonga Main Haathon Mein Haath De De
Haathon Mein Haath Sahi Tu Mere Saath Hi Sahi
Phir Bhi Teri Haan Hai Baki
Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai Thoda Hai Baki
Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai Thoda Hai Baki
Thoda Sa Pyar Hua Hai Thoda Hai Baki

Main Aurr Mrs Khanna New Full Movie 2009 [HD] Part - 1/11

2009-10-24T08:14:00.001-07:00

Movie Name : Main Aur Mrs Khanna
Year of Release : 2009
Release Date : 16 October 2009
Cast : Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Govinda, Sohail Khan
Special Appearance : Preity Zinta
Music Director : Sajid-Wajid
Banner : UTV Motion Pictures, Sohail Khan Production
Presenter : UTV Motion Pictures
Director : Prem Soni
Producer : Ronnie Screwvala, Sohail Khan

Ooo.. Who’s the lovely lady
(Who’s d lovely lady)
Walking down the street..man
h a r i s h z o n e . c o m
She’s got me crazy
(Crazy)
Who (who) is the lovely lady
The way she’s taking her hips
She got me mesmerised (aaooo)
She’s driving me crazy

Who Mrs Khanna Who Mrs Khanna
Who Mrs Khanna
Comm’on everybody put your hands together
Say
Who Mrs Khanna Who Mrs Khanna
h a r i s h z o n e . c o m
Who Mrs Khanna
Comm’on everybody put your hands together

Oh teri tirchi nazar ka
Oh teri patli kamar ka

Teri tirchi nazar ka
Teri patli kamar ka
Mein toh deewana hua
Oh meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
Meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
Oh meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
Meri meri tu Mrs Khanna

Oh meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
Meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
Oh meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
h a r i s h z o n e . c o m
Meri meri tu Mrs Khanna

Oh baby baby you drive me crazy
Give me just one chance to make you mine
Give me give me
Give me give me

Aaji muskuraeye, zara paas aaeye
Aagar ja rehe hai toh
Patha de ke jaaeye

Haan mere dil ki rahoon pe
Chalne jo aayega
Yeh toh sach mano na mano
Chal nahin payega

Aaji rootoh na dekho rootoh na
Haan aise rootoh na
Meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
Meri meri tu Mrs Khanna

Who Mrs Khanna Who Mrs Khanna
Who Mrs Khanna
Comm’on everybody put your hands together
Say

Come talk to me, come walk with me
Everytime i see you my heart goes boom boom
h a r i s h z o n e . c o m
Dance with me romance with me
Listen to my heart beat..

Itne pakao ho tum
Baada shor karthe ho
Chupne ki aadat hai
Baada bore karthe ho

Jooth nahi bola hai, jab se tu aayi hai
Ye ji mere baaton mein keval sachayi hai

Aare lele jatka re laga lage jatka re
Dekho kisa kisa laga jatka

Meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
Meri meri tu Mrs Khanna

Oh teri tirchi nazar ka
Oh teri patli kamar ka

Teri tirchi nazar ka
Teri patli kamar ka
Mein toh deewana hua
Oh meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
Meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
h a r i s h z o n e . c o m
Oh meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
Meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
Oh meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
Meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
Oh meri meri tu Mrs Khanna
Meri meri tu Mrs Khanna

Beautiful locations of MAin Aurr Mrs Khanna

2009-10-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

Beautiful locations of MAin Aurr Mrs Khanna
by 9winds


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Hollywood-Bollywood-Movies

RTEMS and Google Summer of Code 2009 - Google Open Source Blog

Funny video's

Sources: Jackson to take Raiders

Ask Gill: flight refunds, Madeira by boat, Broadway, India visas, Premier Inn prices

To madeira – without flying

Broadway tickets

Can we see India without a visa?

Premier Inn breaking its price promise

London hit by worst snow in 18 years

Snow in Europe closes airports, schools, offices

Snow in Europe closes airports, schools, offices

A man sits on a park bench with two snowmen in St. James's Park, in central London February 2, 2009. (Agencies)

The statue of Nelson Mandela is covered in snow in Parliament Square in London February 2, 2009.(Agencies)

Tourists pose beside a snowman in Parliament Square, in central London February 2, 2009.(Agencies)

Tables stand covered in snow in London's Canary Wharf February 2, 2009. Heavy snow brought much of London's transport to a halt on Monday with airport runways forced to close and all bus and many train services suspended.(Agencies)

People walk dogs through heavy snow in King George V park in Farnborough, southern England, February 2 2009. Heavy snow brought much of London's transport to a halt on Monday with airport runways forced to close and all bus and many train services suspended.(Agencies)

London snowstorm could cost billions

Exclusive: first Google Phone / Nexus One photos, Android 2.1 on-board

Tila Tequila, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton React To Casey Johnson's Death

Google Phone 'Nexus One' Set For January 5 Unveiling

Google moves to keep lead as web goes mobile

RIL sells Rs 2,675 cr treasury stocks to LIC

Brokers crib their way to office for 9 am start

Ten global launches to set an Expo record

World's tallest building opens in Dubai

Molester top cop Rathore stripped of police medal

New Years Resolution Worksheet Kids

Video/DVD

New Year's Resolution: Help Your Child Lose Weight

New Years Resolution Worksheet Kids

Born in Beauty: Proplyds in the Orion Nebula

The $199 tablet according to Freescale

Looking forward to CES 2010

Christopher Browne, R.I.P.: Wearing black for the man who wore down Conrad Black; plus Roe Conn, Cisco Cotto and more

Bears season, which ended in Cincy when Bengals scored at will, finally ends

My Name Is Khan Trailer

Love Sex aur Dhokha – Official Trailer

2009: Few new faces in Bollywood

2009: Dreadful year for Bollywood.

Telugu film industry may shift to Chennai, warns Rosaiah

It’s tough to play a simple, beautiful girl: Priyanka Chopra

3 Idiots’ one of the best from Bollywood: Malaysian film critic

Priyanka Chopra India’s top brand endorser of 2009

Katrina’s dampened travel plans

Frank Mir doubts Brock Lesnar will keep his UFC heavyweight title in 2010 Full VIDEO

Nikon Rumors Online Store

Chimpanzees Use Tools To Eat

Shake Up In Democratic Party As Rep. Parker Griffith Plans To Switch Parties

Winter Weather Stalls Travel in Midwest

Senate approves healthcare reform bill, 60-39

Percy Sutton dies at 89, attorney for Malcom X

New Nikon Digital Cameras In 2010

Over 100 Whales Die in New Zealand

New Year Highlights

2010 Calendars

Krrish 2 to have Deepika as Katrina refuses to do the film

Is Khloe Kardashian pregnant?

3 Idiots Review in terms of Box Office collections

Bigg Boss 3: Pravesh Rana speaks after his defeat

Happy New Year 2010: Bollywood promises big movies

Snookie Punched Video Released By "MTV" 'Jersey Shore Episode 4′

Snookie punched in the face in ‘Jersey Shore Episode 4′

"Jersey Shore" Girl Punched (VIDEO): Snooki Hit On MTV Reality Show HD Full Clip

Twitter Users Discuss BlackBerry Outage

BlackBerry Outage: Problems continue in North America

Microsoft loses patent appeal; Word and Office to be barred from sale starting January 11 Breaking News

Epic shows off Unreal Engine 3 running on iPhone / iPod touch Gaming Video

Dell pulls ads from Jersey Shore, calls show 'derogatony' (video)

BlackBerry Outage hits North America – December 22/09

American Airlines Crash in Jamaica Accident Video

American Airlines Crash in Jamaica | Breaking News

Norad Santa Tracker 2009 | Where Is Santa Right Now ?

Waiting for Reform: The Unemployed Get a Health Care Gift Video

Treetops glisten, but storm snarls Midwest holiday Video Clip

Disney Christmas parade 2009, movie marathons Video HD

Miley Cyrus The Climb Official Music Video (HQ)

Quot official music video new song

Hollywood Undead "Everywhere I Go" (official music video)

Hilary Duff - Reach Out BRAND NEW MUSIC HD VIDEO