Lazy Giant's Blog

Giant creatures found in Antarctica

2008-02-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

Giant creatures found in Antarctica
Marine research ships have collected giant sea creatures including some unknown species in the deep waters of the Antarctic Ocean.

Sea spider-like creatures the size of dinner plates and jelly fish with six-meter tentacles were found on the ocean floor, more than 1,000 meters below the surface.

In order to identify the unknown species, the creatures will be sent to scientific centers for tissue sampling and DNA bar coding, Reuters reported.

The expedition shows the fatal consequences of environmental change in Antarctic waters will make it harder for marine organisms to grow and sustain calcium carbonate skeletons.

"It is predicted that the first effects of this will be seen in the cold, deep waters of Antarctica," said Martin Riddle.
source: http://www.presstv.ir

National signing day: A look at Cal, Stanford and SJSU

2008-02-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

National signing day: A look at Cal, Stanford and SJSU

This was one of the least exciting signing days I can remember.

That doesn’t mean Cal, Stanford and SJSU didn’t sign good players or fill their needs. But there wasn’t much in the way of big news or marquee names, unless you count Cal’s non-involvement involvement with Kevin Hart.

Hart, from a small town in Nevada, fabricated a story that he would be signing with Cal. The incident made the front page of espn,.com and even Yahoo! — as Jeff Tedford said himself, it overshadowed Cal’s actual recruiting class.

I’m not going to go through each school, player-by-player. For that, you can check the Merc’s coverage or that of 100 other websites. (Note: The Merc’s list is tough to follow: Cal recruits are first, followed by SJSU, then Stanford.)

source: http://www.mercextra.com

Kirsten Dunst latest starlet to enter rehab; checks herself into Cirque Clinic

2008-02-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

Kirsten Dunst latest starlet to enter rehab; checks herself into Cirque Clinic

Spider-Man's girlfriend has checked into rehab.

Kirsten Dunst is seeking treatment at the Cirque Lodge Clinic in Sundance, Utah — the same facility where Lindsay Lohan sought help last year after a drunken driving arrest.

"She's not doing well," a source close to Dunst told People magazine.

"People were pushing her to go in there but there was no intervention... She has been partying hard for a while and I'm sure the Heath Ledger thing put people over the edge."

Dunst checked into facility after spending a week at the Sundance Film Festival, according to People.

"She was in a big group of friends and they were dancing their a--es off by their table," the source said. "They looked like they were having a great time and they were getting pretty crazy."

The next day, Dunst blew off her own Glamour magazine party, claiming she "wasn't feeling well."

The 25-year-old New Jersey native is a former child actor who made her breakthrough performance in 1994 when she appeared in "Interview with the Vampire" alongside Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. She became a megastar playing Mary Jane Watson opposite Tobey Maguire in the three Spider-Man blockbusters.

Dunst has not only been partying hard, she's been working hard. Her latest film, "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People" is set to be released in October. Another movie called "Sweet Relief," in which she plays peace activist Marla Ruzicka, is set to come out next year.

She was sobbing and acting bizarre when she checked into Cirque, Star magazine reported.

"She seemed to be intoxicated when she checked in because she was acting really erratic," a source told Star. "She was extremely emotional, constantly breaking down in tears."

As Dunst was settling in, another young A-list actress, Eva Mendez, was checking out. Mendez, 33, went to Cirque last week, citing she needed treatment for "personal issues."

Mendez will likely return to the treatment center before Dunst leaves, her representative said.

source: http://www.nydailynews.com

SoBe Life Water Super Bowl Commercial Featuring Naomi Campbell Now Available to Media

2008-02-03T18:01:00.000-08:00

SoBe Life Water Super Bowl Commercial Featuring Naomi Campbell Now Available to Media

SoBe Life Water launches its full
portfolio of beverages in a highly innovative and unprecedented Super Bowl
commercial. Featuring the song "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, on the eve of
the album's 25th anniversary, the spot stars Supermodel Naomi Campbell, who
along with a cast of SoBe lizards, introduce the world to the concept of
Thrillicious.
source: http://www.prnewswire.com

Regional ski report

2008-02-01T23:51:00.000-08:00

Regional ski report

If you aren’t watching the Super Bowl this weekend, it’s a good time to get tips to improve your skiing skills.
Crystal Mountain offers a free ride clinic for expert skiers Saturday and Sunday. This is an opportunity to learn from some of the best skiers in the country, including Ingrid Backstrom and Sturtevant’s manager Keith Rollins. In the January session, much of the session was held in the backcountry.
White Pass will have its Top of the Hill workshop this weekend, a lesson series for adults of all skill levels. The all-day lessons are $60. Register in the lodge at 9:30 a.m.
Stevens Pass will host a junior free ride competition Friday through Sunday on Cowboy Ridge.
Alpental is celebrating its 40th season Saturday. More festivities will be held later in the season. A benefit spaghetti dinner for the Summit at Snoqualmie ski patrol will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Alpental Lodge. The all-you-can-eat dinner is $5.
Mount Hood Meadows will host the Moe Dixon Show – a one-man ski-themed show – and will show the Super Bowl in its lodge Sunday.
The Legendary Banked Slalom, one of the state’s most popular ski resort events, is Feb. 8-10 at Mount Baker.

Source: http://www.thenewstribune.com

'LOST' marketing campaign makes for heightened anticipation

2008-01-31T23:20:00.000-08:00

'LOST' marketing campaign makes for heightened anticipation

The campaign for the newest season of ABC's 'Lost' has stirred up excitement in itself.
The network set up phony billboards for 'Oceanic Airlines' in several major cities. They feature a web address with a news release which even directs visitors to a contact number, all part of the promotion of the show's new season.
To heighten the drama, the billboards were later 'defaced' to redirect those who saw them to another website with additional dramatic story elements and even clue hunting games to find out more information about storylines.
Those unfamiliar with the show can even play catch up before the show airs by watching the Lost in 815. The promotional video allows new viewers to get a brief understanding of the three previous seasons in 8 minutes, 15 seconds a reference to the show's fictitious Oceanic Air Flight 815.
Tune in to the 2-hour premiere of the fourth season of ABC's 'Lost' at 7 p.m. MST.

Source: http://www.kvia.com

Ethan Hawke Expecting Baby with Nanny Ryan Shawhughes

2008-01-30T19:44:00.000-08:00

Ethan Hawke Expecting Baby with Nanny Ryan Shawhughes

Actor Ethan Hawke, who was married to Uma Thurman for seven years, is expecting his third child—with he and Thurman's former nanny Ryan Shawhughes. Hawke, who has two previous children with Thurman, got to know Shawhughes while she was caring for daughter Maya and son Levon.
A representative for Hawke, Mara Buxbaum, told the Associated Press that she can confirm that he and Shawhughes are expecting and "they are thrilled." No other details, she said, would be released to the public at this time.
Hawke and Shawhuges reportedly met while she was working as a nanny for he and Thurman, while they were still married. The two were not officially 'out' as a couple until a year after Hawke and Thurman divorced, but Star Magazine reported last year they were dating during the divorce proceedings, if not before.
"They seem to be trying to rewrite history by saying they waited a whole year, so they could look innocent when word that they were together finally got out," an unnamed source told Star. "[Hawke] was terrified, because he knew if Uma found out he was with their nanny, she'd blow up and the divorce would get nasty when it had been going relatively well."
Ex-wife Thurman, meanwhile, has been dating London-based multi-millionaire financier Arpad Busson. Busson has two sons from a previous relationship with supermodel Elle Macpherson. Although the romance between Thurman and Busson appears to be going strong—the couple was recently spotted engaged in some public PDA—Thurman has no plans to move to London, according to Harper's Bazaar.
In an interview with the magazine, Thurman said she did not want to disrupt her children's lives by uprooting them. Thurman reportedly lives only a few blocks away from Hawke in New York with 5-year-old Levon and nine-year-old Maya.

Source: http://www.gaywired.com

Mets Agree to Santana Deal, Pending Extension Agreement

2008-01-29T16:47:00.000-08:00

Mets Agree to Santana Deal, Pending Extension Agreement

If New York can work out a contract agreement with Minnesota, the Mets will send outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitchers Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey to the Twins.
The trade agreement was first reported by USA Today on its Web site.
"If it's true, obviously, you're getting arguably the best pitcher in the game," Mets third baseman David Wright said, according to The Associated Press.
Contacted by 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand, both Twins head of communications Mike Herman and Mets vice president of media relations Jay Horwitz refused to comment on the deal.
Santana, who completely controls his fate because of the full no-trade clause he possesses, asked the Twins to make a decision, which is why Minnesota imposed a Tuesday deadline for offers from the interested teams.
The Red Sox also made offers, while the Yankees appeared to be out of the Santana talks altogether before the Twins accepted the Mets' offer.
Think Johan Santana would be comfortable pitching for the Mets in Shea Stadium? Among active pitchers with a minimum of 15 innings pitched in Shea, Santana has the fourth-best career ERA.
The agent for Santana, Peter Greenberg, would not comment on whether he has been told the Mets have worked out a trade for his client, or about Santana's request for resolution.
It is not known if Santana, who turns 29 on March 13, explicitly informed the Twins that he would invoke his no-trade clause and then file for free agency after the 2008 season, but that has always been his right. It appears the Twins have taken his request seriously.
Among the three suitors for Santana, the Mets have the strongest need for a frontline starter, as well as the greatest willingness to pay him the enormous extension he will demand in order to waive his no-trade clause. It is expected that Santana's request will be for a deal in the range of six years for $150 million.

Source: http://www.abcnews.go.com

Google Lego Logo Celebrates Fifty Year Birthday of Legos

2008-01-28T09:58:00.000-08:00

Google Lego Logo Celebrates Fifty Year Birthday of Legos

Legos is celebrating their fifty year birthday today and Google is joining in on the celebration by posting a Legos version of the Google logo on Google.com.

According to Search Engine Land, “Google’s culture has always had a special place for Lego. Google’s first servrs were ‘modded’ up with legos.” Apparently “computer ‘geeks’ cant get enough of their Legos.” Lego art is proudly displayed in Google offices and some lego fans have even used the connectable pieces to create the Google logo. Google apparently thought the design was a good idea.

Source: http://www.transworldnews.com/

Utah Beats Houston 97-89

2008-01-27T22:30:00.000-08:00

Utah Beats Houston 97-89

Deron Williams had 17 points and 12 assists, Kyle Korver added 17 points, including two late 3-pointers, and the Utah Jazz took advantage of Yao Ming's absence to beat the Houston Rockets 97-89 on Sunday night.

Yao, voted the starting center for the Western Conference in next month's All-Star game, sat out with an upper respiratory infection, the first game he's missed this season.

Tracy McGrady shook off a dismal first half to score 21, but Houston's offense sputtered all night. The Rockets shot 44 percent from the field and went 9-for-19 from the free throw line.

Carlos Boozer had 13 points and 10 rebounds, but went 4-for-14 from the field. Korver made up for it, going 6-for-9 with three 3-pointers.

The Jazz have won eight of their last nine, though they averaged 111 points in their previous eight games. Utah had 60 points after three quarters before scoring 37 points in the final quarter behind Williams' eight assists.

Boozer scored inside off a nice pass from Williams with 4:36 left to put the Jazz up 80-76. Williams swished an off-balance shot from the corner on Utah's next possession.

Korver nailed back-to-back 3-pointers to complete a 14-3 run and give Utah an 88-77 lead. The Rockets got no closer than eight, losing for just the third time in 12 games.

The teams combined for 10 turnovers in an ugly first quarter that ended with Utah up 19-16. The Jazz missed 17 of their first 24 shots and only managed to lead by sinking their first six free throws.

Utah improved its shooting before the half ended, while the Rockets continued to sputter. Houston shot 34 percent (14-of-41) in the first half and trailed 41-35. McGrady started 1-for-8.

Despite Yao's absence, Boozer was 2-for-6 in the half and had only seven points.

The Rockets missed their first seven shots of the second half, three of them layups. The Jazz stretched the lead to 10 and could've led by more, but Boozer missed two point-blank chances.

McGrady drove for two layups early in the third quarter and the Rockets cut the deficit to four. Williams converted a three-point play with 6:12 left in the third quarter to put Utah up 50-43.

Luis Scola scored inside and Alston drove for a layup as Houston trimmed the Jazz lead to three. Williams sank two free throws, but seldom-used sharpshooter Steve Novak hit a jumper from the top of the key and a 3-pointer to tie the game at 56-all.

Novak came off a screen and swished another 3 in the final minute of the quarter, flashing a smile at McGrady, who got the assist.

Matt Harpring hit a jumper and sank two free throws early in the fourth quarter as Utah retook a slim lead.

With 6:22 left, McGrady fell into the crowd after he was fouled by Mehmet Okur and appeared to injure a finger on his left hand. He missed two free throws, keeping Houston down 74-72.

The teams met for the first time in Houston since the Jazz eliminated the Rockets in the first round of last year's playoffs.

source: http://ap.google.com/

Avalanche Kills TV Star Christopher Allport

2008-01-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

Avalanche Kills TV Star Christopher Allport

Before you hear it in the inevitably snarkier fashion, let me be among the first to report the death of actor Christopher Allport (pictured above in DEAD AND BURIED) in an avalanche that occurred on Friday at the Mountain High Ski Area in Los Angeles' San Gabriel Mountains.
A busy character actor, Christopher Allport enjoyed an almost 40 year career, from the underrated missing girl drama MAN ON A SWING (1974) to the recently completed GARDEN PARTY (2008). Allport's genre credits include SAVAGE WEEKEND (1979), a memorable small role as a victim in DEAD AND BURIED (1981), in the disturbing nuclear incident TV movie SPECIAL BULLETIN (1983), Tobe Hooper's INVADERS FROM MARS (1986), JACK FROST (1996) and JACK FROST 2: REVENGE OF THE MUTANT KILLER SNOWMAN (2000).
Christopher Allport also appeared in William Friedkin's TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA (1985) and was a guest on a number of hit TV series, including the "Lazarus" episode of THE X-FILES and as Pete Campbell's father on AMC's critically acclaimed MAD MEN.
Christopher Allport was 60 years old.

Source: http://www.huliq.com

State's streak stops at 2

2008-01-26T22:05:00.000-08:00

State's streak stops at 2

Oklahoma contestants won the Miss America crown two years in a row, but there was no third time charm for the Sooner State on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Miss Oklahoma Makenna Smith, 24, didn't make it into the semi-finals announced early in the Miss America Live! Pageant that aired Saturday on TLC.

Miss America 2007, Oklahoma's Lauren Nelson, who was dressed in a red evening gown, welcomed the crowd and contestants to the updated, trendy pageant held at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

Smith made a brief appearance as contestants came on stage in dark jeans, bright tank tops and big earrings.

The semi-finalists in the 2008 pageant added a spicy look to the once staid competition. The women showed lots of cleavage during the swimsuit portion of the event.

The talent portion was shortened, as well as the usual countdown leading up to the announcement of the winner.

Later in the show, Nelson, who had changed into an elegant white gown, told the audience, "It truly has been a year I will never forget. Thanks to all of you.”

Just before Nelson crowned Miss Michigan Kirsten Haglund as Miss America 2008, she was asked if she was ready to relinquish her crown.

"No, but I guess I'll have to give it up,” Nelson said.

source: http://newsok.com/

Christian Brando dead at 49

2008-01-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

HOLLYWOOD, Jan. 26 Christian Brando, the late Marlon Brando's son convicted of killing his half-sister's lover, died Saturday of pneumonia in Los Angeles, a family attorney said.

Christian Brando dead at 49

David J. Seeley, a lawyer for the elder Brando's estate, said the younger Brando died at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Christian Brando, the oldest of award-winning actor's nine children, was 32 when he fatally shot Dag Drollet, the 26-year-old boyfriend of Cheyenne Brando and father of her unborn child in 1990. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He wound up serving nearly five years.

Brando's mother was Anna Kashfi, Marlon Brando's first wife.

Christian Brando, who dropped out of high school and had a history of drinking and using drugs, worked at times as a welder, tree trimmer and fishing barge pilot. However, he lived at his father's home for years, as well.

Source: http://www.earthtimes.org

Some 'Idol' musings on Kelly Clarkson bio

2008-01-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

Some 'Idol' musings on Kelly Clarkson bio

With one week (and four hours) of "American Idol" under our belts, we've now devoted more time to watching auditions good, bad and deranged than it would take to screen "Gone with the Wind" or "The Godfather, Part II." That's just something to think about in the weeks and months ahead as the "Idol" hours pile up.

For those who can't pass a single evening without "Idol" stargazing, there is a "Biography" (9 p.m., Biography) of Kelly Clarkson, the very first "Idol." I'm always amused by "Biography" profiles of the overnight sensations, particularly when the sensation is entirely manufactured.

"Biography" returns to Clarkson's hometown of Burleson, Texas, where the future singer of "A Moment Like This" spent her pre-fame years working as a cocktail waitress and vacuum-cleaner salesman. Or is that salesperson?

After "Idol" she would leave the bags of dust and lint and the town of Burleson behind and go on to sell more than 16 million albums.

As a critic of television and not pop music, I'll leave it to others to judge the quality of Clarkson's voice or her chances for pop immortality. But the sound of her voice and the insipid nature of songs like "A Moment Like This" make me thankful that I am a TV critic. To indulge in a cliche, I'm not sure I could listen to Clarkson even if they paid me.

It remains to be seen whether the presence of celebrities on "The Apprentice" (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14) has halted the slide of that reality franchise into oblivion. It debuted to healthy ratings but faded last week when faced with airings of new episodes of "Grey's Anatomy" and "CSI."

One thing is certain, however: Gene Simmons all but eclipses Donald Trump as the most vulgar cartoon character on the show. While both the brash New York developer and the Kiss legend appear to be playing well-rehearsed parts, Simmons takes the role of the self-assured, poker-faced, misogynistic pig to a new level.

Tonight, The Donald puts Simmons in charge of the winless women's team in a contest involving a mobile-printing facility. Let's see what develops.

"Police Tech: Stolen Cars" (8 p.m., National Geographic) looks at the new gadgets intended to reduce the number of auto thefts in America, now running in excess of 1.2 million cars per year.

source: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/

New technology makes better cartographers

2008-01-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

New technology makes better cartographers

Most Americans received their first glimpse of infrared mapping in the moments after the terrorist attacks began on Sept. 11, 2001.

Rescuers used heat-sensitive cameras to identify "warm spots" where survivors might be trapped among the carnage.

That technology now is at Muskegon Community College, which began offering a Geospatial Technology Certificate program this past fall. The program is designed to help professionals in various fields learn how to adapt the evolving technology to their needs.

"GIS (geographic information systems) has been around a long time," said Thomas Van Bruggen, property information analyst for the Muskegon County equalization department. "Muskegon County has been using it internally. But, it's now becoming more widely known."

Van Bruggen, who is teaching "Introduction to Geographic Information Systems" this semester, said aerial photography and infrared mapping likely is to gain in popularity as more people learn how to use it.

GIS is used to collect and analyze geographical data that can be used for such things as helping governments redraw county boundaries to aiding businesses with marketing strategies, said Stephen Carlson, an associate planner for West Michigan Shoreline Development.

Aerial photography and infrared imaging are more advanced aspects of GIS. The images that are culled from the processes can produce highly detailed data, said MCC geography instructor Diana Casey.

"A picture is really worth a thousand different words," said Casey, who taught the initial "Elements of Design," class this past fall.

Casey helped MCC obtain a $187,000 grant from the National Council for Geographic Education. The three-year grant primarily will be used to provide training for instructors, and purchase software and other equipment to teach classes, she said.

The college offers a more advanced spring semester class that will focus on infrared mapping. Eight students were enrolled in the initial fall semester class, which introduced students to the basics of map design.

Most of the students enrolled during fall semester were professionals who already had extensive knowledge about traditional cartography methods, said Van Bruggen.

That knowledge will be put to the test this spring when students will be assigned a group project that will involve studying the Lakes Mall area, and how development there has affected the local environment, said Casey.

Locally, infrared imaging use has been limited to emergency situations, such as water and fire rescues, said Casey.

But, use of the technology has many possibilities.

For example, West Michigan Shoreline Development planners believe the data collected from aerial photos and infrared images could have helped them design a better flood mitigation plan for the county, said planner Carlson.

"We used the information from maps that already existed -- but it was estimated," said Carlson, who serves as an adviser to the MCC program. "Satellite photos would have given us more accurate information."

MCC student Terry Zahniser is using the GIS program as a springboard to an eventual career in homeland security. A retired U.S. Marine, Zahniser garnered extensive experience in Intelligence Operations during two stints in Saudi Arabia.

Gina Roe, project manager for Muskegon's Trace Analytical Laboratories, said the new technology also will benefit the public in many ways. Because data is collected and stored on computers, the information will become more accessible.

"You won't have to go to the township (building) to find out the schematics," said Roe, who was enrolled in MCC's "Elements of Design" class. "That's old school."
source: http://blog.mlive.com/

the Mutual UFO Network

2008-01-14T22:19:00.000-08:00

the Mutual UFO Network
To The Editor: He's at it again, the UFO skeptic and long-time debunker penned his latest diatribe in the Times-News letters column Dec. 21.

This computer specialist garners most, but not all his information from searching the Web sites, but interestingly he seems to ignore sources that would contradict his biased belief system.

If he's really serious about learning how alien beings from far out galaxies could travel by spaceships the unbelievable distances required, taking possibly a thousand years (his calculations) to reach planet Earth, then I'd suggest that he tap into several excellent Web sites.

First, I'd recommend the Mutual UFO Network, which is international in scope and available on the Internet at http://www.mufon.com or e-mail hq@mufon.com. Second, I'd hope he would check fsphys@rogers.com or our UFO sage, Stanton Friedman, at www.stantonfriedman.com. These contacts could finally put an end to this disbeliever's negativism.

Incidentally, I've been a member of MUFON for the past 27 years and have done field investigations and research during much of that time. Yes, I'm fully convinced that extraterrestrials have been visiting our planet since Biblical times.

Fred R. Chaffee

Hendersonville
source: http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/

Cassandra: Hillary didn’t cry. She almost cried

2008-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Cassandra: Hillary didn’t cry. She almost cried

Does crying help a woman get what she wants?

Hillary Clinton showed some emotion and it won her New Hampshire. Alpha males everywhere were outraged. They collectively rolled their eyes and asked: does crying help a woman get what she wants?

Hillary didn’t cry. She almost cried. There is world of difference between the two. Tearing up as she did, makes her emotional. Had she cried, she would have been labelled hysterical.

Tearing up shows vulnerability with restraint. Crying is much more of a release. Or, as men see it: a meltdown. If you’re on a date, tearing up is permissible. Start crying and he’ll call for the cheque.

I have a lot of experience in this department. Crying for me is like sighing. It’s emotional punctuation. However unlike Hillary, it’s never won me any points.

Men are uncomfortable with public displays of emotion, especially tears. Certain places, it’s OK. Funerals for instance. But how often can you take a date to a funeral?

Tears of joy are a more tolerable but only if they’re displayed in an appropriate setting. Weddings, births, and so on. Better yet: a woman who cries at a football match.

Men are most uneasy when a woman cries if they are responsible. Unless it’s during sex. Then it’s OK because they must be tears of gratitude.

People who criticise Hillary for cracking under pressure have no idea of the stress she’s under. She’s tired, hormonal, she has people touching her hair and fussing with her make-up. Obama probably doesn’t have to participate in discussions on whether it’s best to pluck his eyebrows.

But let’s say Hillary had been crying. Let’s say the tears were streaming down her cheeks and her eyes were puffy and her nose was running. That would have been a real problem. Because if you’re going to cry in public, it has to look flawless.

Certain women can cry and get away with it. Angelina Jolie, for instance. When she cries men find it sexy. Heather Mills crying is another story. Then it’s not sexy. It’s scary.

The reason for the tears is also a factor. Some women cry to get people to feel sorry for them whereas others, like my friend, Lisa, cry to get people to leave her alone. The problem is she looks so good when she cries it has the opposite effect. With her porcelain skin and big brown eyes she looks like Ingrid Bergman at the end of Casablanca. Who wouldn’t want to rescue her? I don’t look like Ingrid Bergman when I cry. I look more like Sneezy. And no one wants to rescue a sneezing dwarf.

I’ve also learned that if you want crying to be effective, it has to be strategic. Like knowing when to pick your battles, you have to know when to pick your breakdowns.

Which means the war room in Hillary’s campaign office must be in total chaos. Does she tear up again and get more votes? Or, if she shows more emotion will people become inured? Either way, I don’t see what all the fuss is about. Who cares if she cries six times a day as long as she gets the job done. There are worse things than an emotional woman in the White House. There could be another Republican from Texas.

source: http://women.timesonline.co.uk

"Comanche Moon" pales against Western classic

2008-01-13T21:33:00.000-08:00

"Comanche Moon" pales against Western classic

Hard to believe, but it's been nearly two decades since the glorious miniseries Western saga "Lonesome Dove" came riding through CBS in 1989.

It's considered by many to be the finest miniseries of all time, though it managed to lose the Emmy that year to "War and Remembrance." No matter. It's a classic. So when you invoke the "Dove" name, you'd better be prepared to pale by comparison -- even if you're Larry McMurtry, the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel on which the miniseries was based.

For "Comanche Moon," his "Dove" prequel, McMurtry joined forces with "Brokeback Mountain" partner Diana Ossana (who together won Oscars for that screenplay) to adapt the novel into this six-hour horse opera that's blessed with some powerful scenes but too much lightweight patter. It isn't worth three nights of anyone's life, even if it carves a collection of memorable moments into the mix.

Steve Zahn steps in for Robert Duvall as the hard-drinking and emotional Gus McCrae, and Karl Urban subs for Tommy Lee Jones as the hard-driving Woodrow F. Call. They don't come close to matching their predecessors. As Gus, Zahn is alternately pining and crazy; as a sullen Call, Urban reminds us of an expressionless statue. Their chemistry together is scarcely evident.

"Moon" catches up with our heroes as semi-young Texas Rangers when they join up with Captain Inish Scull (Val Kilmer), a Yankee aristocrat and hero of the recently concluded Mexican War, as they hunt across a pre-Civil War Texas for a Comanche chief (Wes Studi), a horse thief (Adam Beach) and a Mexican outlaw (Sal Lopez). The quest stretches across all three nights of the mini, moving in a linear fashion that nonetheless takes too many side journeys to supply color. Those departures have the unfortunate effect of detracting from the dramatic impact of the narrative, which in the McMurtry-Ossana teleplay is in truth less a cohesive story than a series of snippets that give us insight into prairie life during a warring time in the Old West.

Kilmer travels far over the top to a place of irredeemable arrogance. He's pretty much all over the map in his performance. But at the same time, he's quite the hoot, playing this more for laughs than credibility. Zahn and Urban are bickering and largely unlikable. The ladies tend to fare better, having the more intriguing characters: Rachel Griffiths as a gloriously over-the-top, ballbusting vixen (and Kilmer's wife); Elizabeth Banks ("Scrubs") as Maggie, the young prostitute with a heart of gold and Woodrow's gal; and Clara (Linda Cardellini of "ER"), a smarty-pants, saucy dame who leads Gus around by the nose.

source: http://www.reuters.com/article/reviewsNews

Indy downplays loss to San Diego

2008-01-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

The last time the Indianapolis Colts met the San Diego Chargers, the Colts made San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie appear worthy of an award that Colts safety Bob Sanders won, NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. And the Chargers made Colts quarterback Peyton Manning look about as skittish as his kid brother, Eli.

It was a 23-21 loss for the Colts on Nov. 11. Manning threw a career-high six interceptions, three of them snagged by Cromartie. Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri missed a 29-yard field goal with 1:31 remaining. Dwight Freeney, the Colts' star defensive end, was lost for the season with a foot injury.

Indy downplays loss to San Diego

And the Colts' special teams couldn't corral Darren Sproles, who returned two kicks for touchdowns.
You can what-if yourself all over the field," Manning said, "but San Diego played better than we did and won the game. I still think what happened earlier, or what happened in years past - past playoff games, whatever it may be - I still don't think it carries a lot of relevance. It still comes down to how you play on Sunday."

Vinatieri said he quickly put that game "to bed" in his own mind.

"Nothing that happened six, eight weeks ago is going to help me or hurt me at this point," the kicker said. "You learn from the mistakes and you learn from the things you do well, and you move on. You forget about it."
source: http://www.azcentral.com

Phoenix Marathon

2008-01-13T11:03:00.000-08:00

Phoenix Marathon
PHOENIX: For the third year, Goodwill volunteers will walk the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon route today to retrieve clothing discarded by 35,000 runners in the first mile of the race. The clothes go to Goodwill stores.

PHOENIX: The RecruitMilitary Career Fair, a hiring fair for vets, is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at US Airways Center. www.recruitmilitary.com.

CENTRAL PHOENIX: The Arizona Indian Festival is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 18-20 at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road. $8; $5 ages 55 and older and 12-18. www.azindiantourism.com.

Cheruiyot wins Houston Marathon in sprint finish

2008-01-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

Cheruiyot wins Houston Marathon in sprint finish

Kenya's David Cheruiyot won the Chevron Houston Marathon in an official time of 2:12:32, his third win in the race.

Cheruiyot is only the second runner to win the event three times (2008, 2006, 2005) -- joining countryman Stephen Nbungu who had three consecutive wins from 1998-2000.

Ethiopia's Dire Tune set a record — an official time of 2:24:40 — in the women's event today, breaking her own mark of 2:26:52, set last year. Tune is the first repeat winner since 2000 and the third overall to win the race twice.

Cheruiyot pulled clear of Ethiopia's Kasime Adilo over the last 400 meters of the 26.2-mile race.

Colorado-based James Carney won the Aramco Houston Half-Marathon, also the USATF National Championship, with a time of 1:02:21.

Kate O'Neill ran 1:11:57 to take the women's title.

Carney's pace was 4:46 per mile while O'Neill averaged 5:30 for the event.

source: http://www.chron.com/

Special with David and Mary Garrard On Crohn's Disease

2008-01-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

CBS is doing a special on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard and wife Mary at 3:30. It will be about his "remarkable journey", and I assume it will focus on or at least highlight the football player's battle with Crohn's Disease.

Stay tuned for details and possibly a link to the inverview. As you know, I am a big football fan, and am dissapointed that I can't really cheer for my favorite athlete with Crohn's disease today...on account of them playing my team....the New England Patriots. Search my blog for several articles detailing David Garrard's Battle with Chron's.

-Scott

More info on his Crohn's (from jacksonville.com interview)
One test came in 2004, when he had surgery for Crohn's disease, a painful inflammation of the intestines. He takes medication every eight weeks, a 3?-hour procedure; his next appointment is Tuesday, three days after playing the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the playoffs tonight.

"It's a horrible disease, something that a lot of people are affected by," he says. "But I think the Lord blessed me with it, so I could talk about it."
To Mary Garrard, her husband's Christian faith is a key to both his personality and his playing style. "About 95 percent of his temperament comes from his faith," she says. "We're both Christians: There's a higher power, God is in charge of everything, there's no reason to worry about anything."

From IBD site:
David Garrard has been fighting Crohn's disease since 2003. He was sidelined from playing football for the NFL and lost 35 pounds. This season he is back in full force, and the Jaguars have won 6 of his last 7 starts. He credits the turnaround in his health to Remicade. With starting quarterback Byron Leftwich possibly sidelined for the rest of the season, Garrard is now likely to start for the Jaguars for the rest of the year.
Most of us with IBD just struggle to get through a day, or a week, at a time. Sometimes a simple everyday activity like a shopping trip or a night out seems like an impossible task, rather than a pleasure. People with IBD such as David Garrard, Pearl Jam Guitarist Mike McCready, and San Diego Chargers legend Rolf Benirschke are good reminders for us--a productive and fulfulling life is possible with IBD!

Original Story of his Crohn's (From USAToday.com)
Jaguars backup quarterback David Garrard will have surgery next week to alleviate symptoms of Crohn's disease and hopes to be back in time for training camp. Garrard will have diseased tissue removed from where his colon meets his small intestine.
Jacksonville Jaguars' second string quaterback David Garrard will have surgery for Crohn's disease.

Crohn's causes blockage in the intestines, resulting in chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and weight loss. There is no known cause or cure, and it afflicts more than 500,000 people in the United States.

Garrard, 26, said he will have surgery next Thursday at Baptist Medical Center, and be sidelined until mid-July. He hopes to get himself ready for training camp in late July or early August.

Although the surgery will not cure the disease, Garrard said patients sometimes go 15 to 20 years without symptoms after the surgery.

"I'll be done with football by that time," Garrard said. "There shouldn't be any problems. I could have lived with it if I was a normal person."

Garrard decided to have the surgery after he was hospitalized last weekend when he was in constant pain because his intestines had swollen and were pressing on his bladder.

Garrard started feeling sick in January and was diagnosed in March.

He completed nine of 12 passes last year for 86 yards and a touchdown. Although the Jaguars signed undrafted rookie Bryson Spinner to give them a fourth quarterback, coach Jack Del Rio said he will await Garrard's return.

"Get healed and come back," Del Rio said. "We're not rushing anybody."

Source: Living By Crohn's Disease Blog

Hasselbeck can't trump snow, dropped passes or Packers in Seahawks' loss

2008-01-12T17:11:00.000-08:00

It wasn't the swarming, storybook snow of Green Bay that ruined Seattle's season.

Instead it was crucial dropped passes and a defense that allowed the most postseason points in Green Bay's history as the Seahawks lost 42-20 Saturday night in an NFC divisional playoff game.

It was the eighth consecutive postseason loss away from Seattle since the Seahawks won at Miami on Dec. 31, 1983, in their first playoff game.

And it was an inglorious end to quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's first playoff game in Green Bay since 2004, when he boldly proclaimed "We want the ball, and we're going to score!" during the overtime coin toss - then threw the interception that Al Harris returned for game-winning touchdown.

Some fans came into Lambeau Field wearing funky, half-Seahawks, half-Packers jerseys. The names Hassel-arve and Farv-elbeck were across the back, with half a number 4 and half an 8 below - a tribute to Hasselbeck and his mentor a decade ago in Green Bay.

Nothing about the game was half and half. It was all Packers, after the first four minutes, that is.

Grant's fumbles on two of Green Bay's first three plays gave Seattle a 14-0 lead. Hasselbeck found a leaping Bobby Engram between two Packers in the back of the end zone for the second score just 4:01 into the game.

The first of Favre's three touchdown passes and then a 1-yard touchdown run by Grant tied the game after one quarter, the highest scoring opening period in the postseason since 1969.

On the first play of the second quarter, Marcus Pollard - Seattle's most experienced postseason player - fumbled when Atari Bigby hit him after a catch. Aaron Kampman recovered at the Seahawks 18. Three plays later, Favre perfectly plopped a 3-yard touchdown pass into the arms of Greg Jennings, who beat Jordan Babineaux to the back corner of the end zone.

About as fast as the snow covered Lambeau Field, Seattle's 14-0 lead had become a 21-14 deficit.

Hasselbeck was left playing catch-up, and playing frustrated, the rest of the night.

The Seahawks were poised to retie the game on the ensuing drive when they reached the Packers 10. But D.J. Hackett had a third-down pass bang off his chest incomplete. Josh Brown made a 29-yard field goal, so Seattle still trailed 21-17.

But only briefly.

Favre led the Packers on a 14-play drive. On third-and-8 from the Seahawks 14, Favre spun away from a sack by Brandon Mebane, stumbled, and then tossed the ball underhanded to Donald Lee for an 11-yard gain that epitomized his near-perfect half.

On the next play, Grant ran 3 yards for his second score. The Seahawks were down 28-17 and Lambeau Field was rocking.

The largest crowd in the stadium's history, wearing foam cheeseheads and antlers sticking out of foam cheeseheads, were jumping up and down to "Jump Around" - by the aptly named House of Pain.

Seattle had just allowed its most points in the first half in its postseason history.

The second half was more of the same: Grant running wild. Hasselbeck throwing to receivers who couldn't catch.

Nick Barnett yelled obscenities at Hasselbeck after an incompletion off Leonard Weaver's chest. Hasselbeck responded by barking back at Barnett - then completing consecutive passes for 29 total yards to get Seattle into Green Bay territory.

The Seahawks could have pulled to within 35-24, but the fading, 35-year-old Pollard allowed Hasselbeck's perfect pass to sail through his hands in the back of the end zone. Josh Brown kicked a 29-yard field goal to make it 35-20.

Down 42-20 and desperate, Hasselbeck had another pass go off Ben Obomanu's hands at the Packers 28. On fourth down, Pollard let another throw sail through his arms at the 25.

All Hasselbeck could do was shake his head and clap his hands at his waist as if to say, "What else can I do?" as he walked to the sideline.

There, Hasselbeck stood just five feet from coach Mike Holmgren, who might have coached his last game. The quarterback, his shoulders slumped under the team coach with the hood pulled up, and coach stood, watching the snow.

Seattle's most indispensable player set team records this season for yards (3,966), completions (352) and attempts (562) and made his third Pro Bowl in five years. But Saturday, he was left shaking his head after finishing 19-for-33 for 194 yards and a touchdown.

source: http://www.usatoday.com/sports

Brett Favre: Beating the Lions isn't only love Favre has

2008-01-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

The last time we saw Brett Favre, he had just thrown a touchdown pass against the Lions. He had led the Packers to a 21-3 lead in little more than a quarter, and because this was the regular-season finale, and his team was locked into the second seed in the NFC, he was done for the day.

Favre almost ran into a referee on his way off the field. As the ref backed away, he extended his hand -- and Favre slapped it. Later, Favre said he was looking for someone to celebrate with.

Is that Brett Favre or what? Beating the Lions at Lambeau. Playing with excellence and enthusiasm. Having fun. Sorry to go all John Madden on you, but that gives you a glimpse of why Favre is the most beloved player in the NFL -- and why he might be dangerous in these playoffs.

Like Favre, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have won the Super Bowl and the most valuable player award. But there is a feeling that they must do more. If Brady doesn't follow up on the Patriots' 16-0 regular season with a Super Bowl victory, he will have missed an opportunity for unprecedented greatness. For all his accomplishments, Manning is measured against Brady. Then there's Tony Romo, who has to make up for his biggest playoff moment to date, a mishandled long snap that cost the Cowboys a game.

Favre, who faces Seattle today, doesn't seem to have that kind of weight on his shoulders. For years, there has been talk about Favre retiring. But he came back this season and threw for 4,155 yards and 28 touchdowns. He broke Dan Marino's all-time records for passing yards and touchdown passes. This surprising season is seen as a bonus. If Favre succeeds in the playoffs, that will only make the bonus bigger. If he fails, his legacy is still secure.

"I'm one of the few guys who can say that individually I have far exceeded every goal," Favre said in a conference call with Detroit reporters before the Thanksgiving Day game. "To have been on a team that won a Super Bowl, to have gone to Pro Bowls, to pretty much own all passing records good and bad, and to have played as long as I have and play for one of the greatest organizations in all of sports and have the success I had, makes it easier.

"I don't feel like I have to come back to prove anything. I don't feel like I have to come back to still feel like somebody. It's all been done. I'm here because I love to play. I still think I can play at a high level. I still think I can help this team win. If it doesn't work out and I walk away, hey, it has been a pretty good ride."

But Favre's legacy is about more than production or accomplishments. It's about moments like the one when he slapped the ref's hand.

Brady is the quarterback of that joyless juggernaut in New England, the GQ QB who has been photographed for fashion mags and has dated an actress and a supermodel.

Manning is the purebred quarterback, son of Archie, brother of Eli, and despite his great, goofy TV commercials, he is known for his obsessive preparation and robotic style of play.

Romo is the NFL's "American Idol," the hot young star who came out of nowhere to lead America's Team. He even dated Carrie Underwood and now is with Jessica Simpson.

Favre, meanwhile, describes himself as a "good, old country boy from south Mississippi." His Wrangler ads capture his image perfectly -- scruffy beard, faded T-shirt, broken-in jeans, tossing a worn, leather ball around the backyard.

The public has watched him deal with personal problems -- from addictions to painkillers and alcohol, to his wife's battle with breast cancer, to the deaths of loved ones -- all while playing with the joy of a little boy in the NFL's small town. Even if some of it is mythology, it doesn't matter. It's who he is and always will be.

"I hope that what I've left behind up to this point doesn't need to be in the record books to be remembered," Favre said in that conference call. "I hope that I played this game in a way that people say, 'He was sure fun to watch.' "

source: http://www.freep.com

Tony Siragusa: Seahawks-Packers: Welcome to Lambeau Field

2008-01-12T17:02:00.000-08:00

Players are on the field to loosen up as some very light flurries fall on the stadium.

It's a great day for football. Temps are in the 30s and whatever snow there is, it's not sticking. The Lambeau turf, again, looks great and fast.

Seahawks kicker Josh Brown is on the field, but he's not wearing his electric pants.

The Seahawks will be wearing white pants and tops.

Tony Siragusa is on the field interviewing Ryan Pickett. Siragusa is not wearing that ridiculous hat he wore a couple weeks ago.

source: http://blogs.jsonline.com

61st Hula Bowl Treats Fans to Wild Finish

2008-01-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

In a game where timing can be everything, the 2007 Hula Bowl proved no different. With less than a week as teammates, and only 3 days of practice, the game came down to the final 44 seconds. In those last 44 ticks of the clock, the Aina (East) scored 15 points and took down the Kai (West), who had held the lead the entire game.

The Kai took a 10-3 lead into the locker rooms, boosted by a 16 yard touchdown catch in the first quarter by Nate Ilaoa of the University of Hawai’i. The Kai added three more points in the second quarter on a 23 yard field goal by Greg Johnson of Texas. The Aina was able to put points on the board just before the break with a 24 yard field goal by John Vaughn of Auburn, coming with 14 seconds left in the half.

The second half was a defensive struggle, with Chad Nkang, MVP of the Kai team, leading the way with nine tackles and one pass deflection. The Aina was able to sustain a late drive engineered by Clemson teammates Will Proctor, QB, and Reggie Merriweather, RB. Merriweather scored on a 1 yard run, making the score 10-9. The Aina then attempted a two-point conversion and Proctor, MVP of the Aina team, found Tennessee receiver Bret Smith in the corner of the endzone, giving the Aina their first lead of the game.

With Boise State QB Jared Zabransky at the helm, the Kai had another chance to win the game. However, the Fiesta Bowl MVP threw an interception to cornerback Ramzee Robinson of Alabama. Robinson scampered the 44 yards to the endzone to ice the game. This time, the Aina team kicked the extra point, and took the lead 18-10. The Kai began a drive with only 10 seconds left, and Zabransky’s last gasp deep pass was knocked away by Sergio Gilliam of Clemson.
source: http://www.huliq.com

Mavericks big-wave surf contest won by 24-year-old

2008-01-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

A 24-year-old California surfer won Saturday's big-wave surf contest off the Northern California coast.

Greg Long of San Clemente was named the winner of the Mavericks surf contest after competing in the all-day event against 23 other elite surfers.

Long and his fellow surfers were whisked out on jetskis to conquer the giant storm-generated swells about a half-mile offshore from Pillar Point Harbor, about 20 miles south of San Francisco.

Some waves towered more than three-stories tall.

Thousands of surf fans gathered on cliffs and beaches to watch the contest, which was also broadcast live at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

Grant "Twiggy" Baker of South Africa came in second and Jamie Sterling of Hawaii came in third.

The top six winners will share a $75,000 purse.

For more on this story, read Sunday's Bee sports section.

source: http://www.sacbee.com/100/story

Lambeau Field: Seahawks kicker forfeits dignity, wears hot pants

2008-01-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

The Seahawks travel to Lambeau Field this Saturday for a playoff game against the Packers. Kicker Josh Brown will wear heated pants during the game. Heated pants. That take batteries.

What has two thumbs and wears heated pants when it's cold outside? This guy:

The best part of Danny O'Neil's story in the Seattle Times is this anecdote:

Coach Mike Holmgren was asked about Brown's heated pants, and he responded with a blank stare for a good 10 seconds.

I'm generally the last guy to call another dude soft. But come on. Additionally, I hate the Seahawks like some people hate malaria, so it's not like I needed another reason to hope they go down hard.

source: http://blogs.citypages.com/sports

Green Bay: Favre May Return To QB Green Bay Packers In 2008

2008-01-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre may be back to lead the team again next season, no matter what happens in Saturday's NFC Divisional playoff game vs. Seattle.

Despite what appeared to be a teary-eyed farewell after last season, Favre has enjoyed a remarkable year, throwing for more than 4,000 yards with 28 touchdowns in leading the Packers to a 13-3 record and NFC North regular season title.

Favre success has probably led to second thoughts from the future Hall of Famer, who told a Mississippi newspaper on Thursday that he is leaning toward prolonging his career at least another season.

Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy is skeptical about Favre's return, as he said he hasn't broached the subject with his star quarterback. He also doesn't like the timing of the story, coming on the heels of a very important game.

"I'm trying not to laugh, but I have not been part of any conversation with Brett on that topic," McCarthy told AP. "And I think we need to just move on and focus on Seattle, because that's what we are focused on. I'm sure that's what he's focused on."

Still, Favre may have his sights set on making another Super Bowl bid next season, according to his recent comments.

"For the first time in three years, I haven't thought this could be my last game," Favre told the newspaper. "I would like to continue longer."

source: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles

Atari Bigby, Marquee corners, underrated safeties power Packers' pass defense

2008-01-12T16:24:00.000-08:00

GREEN BAY, Wis. — It starts with Al Harris and Charles Woodson, a pair of veteran cornerbacks so good at anticipating a receiver's next move that even their coaches and teammates sometimes are left shaking their heads.

Behind them is strong safety Atari Bigby, a heavy hitter who has made major strides in his pass defense in his first season as a starter - so much so that he was named the NFC defensive player of the month for his four interceptions in December.

Free safety Nick Collins sometimes gets overlooked. But not by his coaches, who appreciate his communication skills and sometimes have a hard time finding his mistakes when they're grading game film.

It all adds up to a formidable secondary that could help propel the Green Bay Packers to the Super Bowl, but must first pass a test from Seattle's pass-first offense in a divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field on Saturday.

"They have a veteran quarterback and veteran receivers," Bigby said. "Not as fast, but they're quick and they know how to get open - something like the guys down there in St. Louis. Guys know how to get open, they run great routes. So we're going to have a challenge back there."

source: http://www.usatoday.com