From This Litter Box.....
Eehh!
All things considered, it was a decent evening at the movies. Our choices were decent, somewhat surprisingly. We did get to see an unusual science-fiction film, accompanied with an action-comedy flick. Ehhh; they were alright. 
We entered into Repo Men, first. Jude Law stars as Remy, a man with an artificial organ implanted within him. He works for The Union, an agency that collects these organs from the people whom can no longer make the payments for them. The Union is lead by the company boss, Frank (Liev Schrieber).
Remy gets to a place where he can no longer afford his own artificial heart! It is Remy's wife, Beth (Alice Braga) whom helps him to deal with this current dilemma. Beth helps him to run from his former Union collection agent partner, Jake (Forest Whitaker), while she is a subject of several artificial implants, herself! 
Our second film was The Bounty Hunter! It begins with Milo Boyd (Gerard Butler) having his ex-wife Nicole (Jennifer Aniston) trapped in his car's trunk! It turns out that Milo is a bounty hunter who was sent to catch Nicole for an unpaid debt. She had been very good at escaping bail for this debt, and was caught off-guard when Milo showed up at her home. 
Thinking that he was there for talk, Nicole allowed Milo inside. Yet, conversation leads to the revalation that Milo is there to catch Nicole, and bring her into custody for failure to make bail payments. However, she uses her job as a reporter to serve as a way to escape, stating that she has to follow through with a story on a murder investigaton.
It is during this particular investigation that Nicole finds herself a target by the murderers. While trying to catch her, Milo suddenly is targeted by these assailants, too. The ex-lovers end up running from these murderers, who believe that they have too much information, and they will be able to get them captured for jail. Yet, as Milo and Nicole evade the killers, their methods of working together to remain safe bring them closer than times before, during a seemingly unsuccessful marriage! 
The Bounty Hunter actually was more enjoyable than I had anticipated. I think that I would have wanted to have seen it first, before Repo Men. Yet, I enjoy science-fiction stories, so there was the initial excitement about that movie. Eehh! 
I really wanted to see Hubble 3D, yet it was not at the usual theater. We have to try getting to that film, and at a theater that has the right set-up for IMAX-3D viewing. I hope that we can see it next week! Meanwhile, Hot Tub Time Machine and How to Train Your Dragon begin next week, also! 
Of course, I am anticipating several more movies! April is going to begin with two very exciting films, Clash of the Titans and Why Did I Get Married, Too! Later that month, I will be looking forward to After Life, Date Night, The Joneses, Kick-Ass, A Nightmare On Elm Street, and Oceans! Movies, movies, more movies!!!
I am waitin' for the new Erykah to hit the stores!
A Diamond in the Ruff!
Although I am a cat fanatic, I do love all animals. I have a fondness for dogs, too, as my family did have a very loving and loyal German shepherd, at one time. While browsing the web for some of the latest stories, I did come across one that involved someone's precious pooch biting off way more than it needed to chew!
This happened Monday, within suburban Washington, District of Columbia. Two gentlemen, George Kaufmann and Robert Rosin, own Robert Bernard Jewelers, located within the D.C. suburb of Rockville, Maryland. It is Kaufman who is the caretaker of a Golden Retriever mix named Soli.
Kaufman happened to have Soli at the store with him this past Monday. At one point that morning, a jewelry dealer arrived to display some precious stones to the the store owners. The dealer was trying to show a three-carat diamond, valued at $20,000, to the store owners. As this was happening, Kaufman's dog Soli suddenly sprung into the scene, sniffing, then swallowing the diamond!
Surely, there was momentary panic! Yet, the store owners and the diamond dealer were able to maintain mental clarity, taking immediate action to save the dog and the three-carat diamond (the order of relevance was not mentioned....). A local veterinarian was called, who gave instructions on how to deal with the startling situation. The vet told the owners that the dog should be allowed to proceed with it's natural digestive process, and to wait for the stone to pass through the pooch!
Kaufmann wound up following Soli for the rest of the afternoon! Time passed, and Soli had not had not expelled any promising poop. It ended up being three days later when the dog finally had a significant defacation. Kaufmann was forced to finger through Soli's feces to find the lost stone! He stated that he understood "what it was like in the old Gold Rush", after having had to dig through his doggie's dookey to find the valuable item!
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSak0ZFX-2M&feature=player_embedded
http://www.ndtv.com/news/world/dog-swallows-20000-usd-diamond-17734.php
http://www.wua9.com/rss/local_article.sapx?storyid=98515
http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/world/americas/a+dogaposs+dinner++a+20000+diamond/3580087
http://forbezdvd.com/cod.php?v=MTEyNzU
http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/bizarre/BO137744/
Bigotry Nearly Bombs A Girl's Prom!
If it is not this, then it is that! Despite all of the successes and victories that various groups have made within our great nation, many issues remain unresolved. Currently, one of the incendiary issues involves the rights of gays and lesbians within The United States. As this particular struggle rages forward on various levels, throughout the nation, a recent spotlight has been cast on a special situation from Mississippi.
Deep in the heart of Dixie is where heated action occurred, surrounding a high school prom. A high school within The Itawamba County School District had planned to have it's annual promenade for the Itawamba Agricultural High School senior students. These youngsters, obviously enthused about their upcoming graduation, also were elated that the time for the prom had arrived. One young lady in particular, Constance McMillen (age 18), of Fulton, Mississippi, was excited, and she wanted to attend the event with her special someone.
It was not a total secret among the friends and associates of Constance McMillen that she is a lesbian. This young lady wanted to celebrate one of the most joyous times of her youth with the person for whom she holds deep affection. So, Constance decided that she would have her girlfriend as her prom date.
This evening was supposed to be special for Constance. Her girlfriend attends the same school. She was going to wear a lovely dress, and Constance planned to wear a tuxedo. The couple not only were planning to express their joy for the delightful occasion, they were going to celebrate it as sort of an affirmation of the people whom they planned to be as they enter into the adult world. Yet, no! Assholes are everywhere.... 
The Itawamba County School Distict chose to call of it's annual senior prom. The school district's officials voted to do this after hearing from The American Civil Liberties Union. This civil rights organization made public statements, calling for policies within the school to be changed so that same-sex couples could attend events together, like the school prom. So, rather than making minor alterations to the promenade platform, and rather than facing the realities of current times, Itawamba County Schools opted to cancel this year's prom!
The school district's action has caused reaction and response from all sides. From this box, it is felt that the decision to cancel the prom was wrong, as such action continues to reveal the not-so-hidden mindsets of many persons across our great nation, and within possibly lesser civilized areas, like Mississippi. This sentiment was expressed by The ACLU as well, as they made a public statement to demand that Itawamba County School District change policies on dates attending it's high school prom.
The ACLU filed a lawsuit that called for changes to be made with this school district's prom attendance policies. Same-sex couples are not to be banned from attending the prom. Such a particularly preposterous proposition is a violation of civil rights, in this case, as it attempts to bar personal freedom of expression.
So, instead of adjusting these out-dated policies, this good Mississippi school district chose to cancel it's senior prom, altogether! The directors of that school board made a public announcement, stating that the prom was cancelled because of "distractions to the educational process caused by recent events"! Splendid, 'Sippi, just splendid! 
A hotel out of New Orleans stepped up to the plate, opting to assist these students. That city's Clarion-Ledger Hotel sent information, stating that it would allow the prom to be held within their facility, free of charge! It will provide bus services for the students to arrive at the New Orleans location, as well! The hotel owner, Mr. Sean Cummings, stated that "concluding your high school experience should be a joyful one". Agreed! 
Constance McMillen
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.courant.com/news/nation-world/sns-ap-us-lesbian-prom-date,0,2276961.story
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/100312/world/us_lesbian_prom_date
http://www.palibandaily.com/2010/03/11/no-lesbians-allowed-at-rural-mississippi-prom/
One Desperate Housewife Gone All Wrong!
This particular story is saddening, yet pathetic at the same time. I am sure that many people whom keep up with the news have heard about Jihad Jane. She has been featured within various headlines lately, as her story has encouraged questioning about what would make a seemingly regular United States citizen opt to turn herself toward the more extreme ends of the Islamic backlash. Knowing the details of this story probably will make you think that something is wrong with this lady! 
It was during June of 2008 when Colleen LaRose chose to follow through with her curious urge to assist some of the extremist aspects of Islam. She posted a statement on YouTube, saying that she was offering help to Muslims, whom she described as "suffering". LaRose contacted members of terrorist organizations, stating that she would be able to ease through possible security measures, and that she would "become a martyr" to help this cause.
The following spring of 2009 was when LaRose allegedly agreed to wed a man whom was in cohoots with terrorist causes, while living in southern Asia. This man encouraged LaRose to travel to Europe, flying to Sweden in order to kill a man while there. She was supposed to have acquired money through online contacts, while gaining accomplices.
Additionally, LaRose was involved in an alleged murder plot. Her schemes of this level continued when she married this terrorist agent, and she claimed that she would be honored to kill and to die for him! Upon arriving in Sweden, LaRose was said to have tried to kill an artist who created an image of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad with his head placed upon the body of a dog.
Upon return to The United States from Sweden, LaRose was arrested. During October 2009, federal officials got her on stealing a U.S. passport, and she was convicted on a related indictment. Then, LaRose was charged with theft of that passport, along with coaxing individuals into joining her in treasonous causes, attempting to acquire illegal funds through Internet sources, and providing false information to The Federal Bureau of Investigations.
LaRose, age 46, is to be indicted this month. She has been held under federal custody, without bond, within Philadelphia since her October arrest. It was today when she was indicted on the several criminal charges, though murder is not one of them. Her attempt at killing the Swedish artist was not successful. If the indictment is successful, Colleen R. LaRose, a.k.a. Jihad Jane, could be charged with a one million dollar fine, along with having to spend the rest of her life behind bars!
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/03/15/2010-03-15_jihad_janes_allies_in_the_courts.html
http://www.mtstandard.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_a38f8722-304e-11df-a225-001cc4c03286.html
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/la-na-jihad-jane10-2010mar10,0,3008749.story
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/13/timeline.jihad.jane/index.html
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=7321958
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/6907322.html
Our Movies: Unity Through Recognizing Differences & Recalling Deception!
I suppose that this evening's film choices were decent. I think that I was more interested in seeing the second film than I was about seeing our first movie. I do believe that I enjoyed the second one more!
We entered into Our Family Wedding, first! The film introduces a young, interracial couple planning their wedding. They are on their way home from school, heading to the bride's home. However, they have yet to tell her parents the news!
The bride is Lucia (America Fererra). She and long-time boyfriend Marcus (Lance Gross) have decided to get married. It is when they return home during a school break that they choose to tell their families about their nuptial plans. It is at this point when the sparks begin to fly!
Lucia's father (Carlos Mencia) is excited, until he learns that her groom is to be Marcus. Initially, he shows displeasure with his Hispanic daughter marrying an African-American male, with whom he is unfamiliar. Her mother (Diana Maria Riva) shows excitement, yet she begins to dominate the planning scene!
When Marcus shares the news with his family, his father (Forest Whitaker) is somewhat unsettled that his son is opting to marry so soon. Also, Marcus immediately shares the news with his long-time best friend, Angela (Regina King), with whom there nearly seems to be romantic tension! Yet, she is a lawyer, giving advice and support to Marcus while he deals with his unstable family.
It is a mere two week period that passes between the proposal and the wedding. During this time, Lucia and Marcus reach highs and lows, as they deal with the expectations and gibes from family members, while questioning their own feelings for each other. As they both become familiar with one another's families, the two get more deeply acquainted. It is through listening to the comments from their loved ones, along with confronting each other about issues that have arisen, when Lucia and Marcus realize that they truly have the love needed to make the nuptial commitment! 
Our movie number two was Green Zone! This film was captivating, as it is yet another story that probes into some of the irregularities committed with the administration of Bush II handling of the military conflict within Iraq. Matt Damon stars as Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller, whom leads a team to find the alleged weapons of mass destruction!
Miller directs officers and soldiers into Desert areas, where the weapons are supposed to be hidden. The search is difficult and deadly, as officers find themselves regularly sent into sites boobie-trapped with bombs, yet no weapons are ever found! It is after the continuous and unsuccessful searches that military leaders begin to question what is happening.
Clues are slowly revealed, which propose that The United States government had a part in embellishing the facts around the alleged arsenal stored within Iraq. Miller and other military officers manage through volatile settings within the Middle Eastern war zone, as they learn about how the Iraqi citizens wanted Saddam Hussein out of their nation just as much as others around the world wanted to see him gone! Meanwhile, after talks with government official Clark Poundstone (Greg Kinnear), Miller stumbles upon a cover-up which reveals that the weapons never would be found because they never were there!
I thought that this was a decent evening at the theater! Meanwhile, the trailers for Iron Man 2 are being pumped up, adding all the more anticipation! The Bounty Hunter starts next week, and looks to be a load of fun! As well, Forest Whitaker will return with Repo Men, Ben Stiller will star in Greenberg, and more fascinating views of the universe will be presented with Hubble 3D!
As always, several good features are coming! The end of the month will bring Hot Tub Time Machine and How to Train Your Dragon! Tyler Perry has a hot sequel set to begin at the beginning of April, Why Did I Get Married, Too! That same day will see the release of the exciting Clash of the Titans! Other fun films for which one can prepare include The A-Team, Death at a Funeral, How to Train Your Dragon, Kick Ass, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Predators, and Shrek Forever After!
I lubb me some Jill! Looking out for Haiti....
Blowing in Soon...Hurricane Season 2010!
Buckle up and batten down the hatches! Hurricane Season 2010 is expected to be intense! Meteorologists and atmospheric forecasters aleady are sending out information to prepare us for a possibly rough ride!
Online information can be found when typing the name Joe Bastardi. He is an AccuWeather meteorologist, located at State College, Pennsylvania. Bastardi is among several weather forecasters whom see an active season for hurricanes, this year. He predicts that 2010 will be akin to hurricane seasons during 1964, 1995, and 1998. These years manufactured the major maelstroms that included Hurricanes Bonnie, Cleo, and Opal.
Bastardi's predictions are not alone. His forecasts have been verified by meteorologists around the nation. This includes statements released from meteorologists William Gray and Phillip Klotzbach, whom work with Colorado State University. These meteorologists are among what seems to be a majority of experts in their field, most of whom state that 2010 likely will produce an elevated number of tropical weather systems. Gray and Klotzbach, along with meteorologists with The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, see a minimum of five tropical systems, with at least three of them becoming severe, likely to strike the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coastlines of The United States.
This year is expected to be a stong storm season due to the effects of El Nino. This tropical weather phenomenon is believed to play a part in the strengths of tropical storms. When El Nino is at it's weakest level of activity, intense hurricane seasons usually have occurred. This seems to be apparent from studies of hurricane seasons during 1964, 1995, and 1998, which produced the afore mentioned, major tropical storms. As well, El Nino is the prime suspect behind the devastating strength of Hurricane Katrina.
Strong storms are predicted for this season due to the effects of El Nino. This weather phenomenon is serving as a measurement factor to estimate the intensity of coming hurricane seasons. When the effects of El Nino are weaker, the hurricane seasons usually are stronger. At opposition, when El Nino is stronger, the hurricane season usually is weaker. El Nino during 2010 will not be so powerful, so meteorologists expect that this season will produce stronger tropical storms.
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35796810
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1012635120100310?rpc=77
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0310/Hurricane-season-forecast-seven-storms-to-reach-land
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Atlantic_hurricane_season
http://www.katrinaaction.org/node/378
An Alluring and Anticipated Academy Awards!
I did get to watch The 82nd Annual Academy Awards! There were many fantastic films that premiered over the past year that were selected as standouts. As well, many terrific thespians were present. I wanted to see all that the nominees and other Hollywood characters would produce, this evening!
The evening opened with Barbara Walters interviewing actors and producers on the red carpet. She, and The View co-hostess Sherri Shepherd took time to get commentary from some of the thespians. A funny moment occurred with her interview of George Clooney. Also, J. Lo arrived early, looking quite sumptuous!
First of all, Avatar has won for Best Art Direction, right now! This is an overly fantastic film that, I feel, truly deserved every nomination and award that it received. Never before has there been a film on this level! You truly have to see it to understand the depth of the creativity and the story, as presented by Director James Cameron, along with all whom worked with this unique feature presentation. Additionally, Avatar won for cinematography and visual effects! 
Oh, yes! Mo'Nique did win Best Supporting Actress for Precious! This is a fabulous and fantastic film that delivers a deeply painful, yet possessing presentation. She, and co-star Gabourey Sidibe were present, this evening. I am so glad that Monique won for this story that probably can be difficult to watch, though it has a very captivating and compelling storyline.
Ten films were nominated for Best Picture! Avatar seemed to be a standout for the award, yet there are other good movies that have been released over the past year. Some of those include The Blind Side, Invictus, The Lovely Bones, and Precious. The Hurt Locker did emerge as the winner, and that is one film that I did not get to see! This movie also won awards for Best Director, Film Editing, Original Screenplay, and Sound Editing!
Sandra Bullock did win the Best Actress award, as well! Again, she did shine in The Blind Side. Jeff Bridges won Best Actor for Crazy Heart, which was deserved! Bridges starred as Bad Blake, a semi-successful country and western singer who had his life revived through a relationship with a younger woman (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal).
Other major awards include Christoph Waltz winning for Best Supporting Actor. This victory came for his role in Inglorious Basterds, which I did not see. The director of The Hurt Locker, Kathryn Bigelow, won the award for Best Director. She is the first female to win that award! Congratulations, 2010 Oscar Winners!
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/03/07/academy.awards.night/index.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/08/movies/awardsseason/08oscars.html?hp
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/mar/07/avatar-hurt-locker-lead-expanded-oscar-parade/
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2010/03/oscar-liveblog-sandra-bullocks-moment.html
http://scpr.org/news/2010/03/07/hurt-locker-bridges-bullock-bring-home-oscar-honor/
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=10037703
http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/03/07/2010-academy-awards-winners/
Haiti still needs help!!!
Magical Mystery and Modern Madness at the Movies!
We got to the movie thing this Friday evening, seeing two more movies. Our first choice was quite entertaining, as was expected. The second film was alright, yet it did fall short after we saw film number one.
The highly anticipated Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton, was first! This film is something of a part-two to the original classic. Alice (Mia Wasikowska) now is nineteen years old, as she attends a party at an associate's estate. She is in a setting in which she does not seem to fit, as she is mourning because her father died, recently. 
Alice has a return trip to Wonderland to help settle her emotions. She first sees The White Rabbit (Michael Sheen), whom she follows through a maze. It is within the maze that Alice stumbles upon a hole in the grown, falling into it, and entering a starting fantasy land called Underland!
While here, Alice is given the task of eliminating a monstrous dragon called The Jabberwocky (Christopher Lee). This creature has been terrorizing the residents of Wonderland, and it is controlled by the wicked Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter). Alice winds up following The Cheshire Cat (Stephen Fry) to find The Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), who is hosting one of his tea parties.
The Mad Hatter is a surprising ally to Alice. He accompanies her through Wonderland, as she encounters familiar faces who give helpful hints for success. Some of her allies include The Caterpillar (Alan Rickman), The Dormouse (Barbara Windsor), and The March Hare (Paul Whitehouse). Yet, it is when Alice first arrives in Wonderland that she is wounded by The Cheshire Cat before all of the misfits can unite to defeat The Red Queen!
The Cheshire Cat sees Alice at this point, and he accompanies her to The Mad Hatter's Tea Party. When they arrive, Hatter faults Alice for abandoning Wonderland, allowing The Red Queen to gain control. Yet, Hatter reveals that he sent The White Rabbit to find Alice so that she would help the residents of Wonderland to overthrow the wicked Red Queen! So, it is with the advisings of The White Queen (Anne Hathaway) that Alice is given important information to share with her allies, which will help them to win against The Red Queen.
Our second film was Brooklyn's Finest! This movie delves into the dealings of The New York Police Department. Retiring officer Eddie Dugan (Richard Gere) is merely days away from his final shift. Yet, fate has it that he winds up on a drug-bust case with with Detective Clarence "Tango" Butler (Don Cheadle) and Officer Sal Procida (Ethan Hawke). However, the case gets complicated, as Dugan later learns that Procida is involved with the drug dealers and illegal money transfers.
As Dugan simply wants to have safety and financial security for his family and ailing daughter, while he prepared to retire. He is ready to retreat to a cabin in Connecticut, yet this last case gets him deep within police affairs. Dugan's work with Tango lead to revelations that officers have been securely hidden within the drug trade game. It is Tango who helps, getting details from an incarcerated drug-link named Caz (Wesley Snipes).
Dugan, Sal, and Tango all are set on getting details to round up a high-rolling drug cartel. It is Caz that gives information to Dugan, which is supposed to lead to a major drug bust. Yet, as these officers have become a part of The New York Police Department's Operation Clean-Up, they are lead to an inner-city housing project where major drug trades occur.
It is over a period of seven days that the officers prowl through the B-K Housing Project. Sal has taken the role of the undercover, supposed drug buyer who is supposed to get the details about the inside drug trading. Follow-up leads give the other officers needed information to make major busts, as they all find themselves at this very gritty housing project where drug kingpins live and transact business. The scene does turn violent, with all of the officers being shot and killed during attempted drug raids, except for Dugan! He does make it to retirement, after one final and frightening assignment.
As always, more movies are soon to premiere! How to Train Your Dragon looks like it is going to be a lot of fun! It likely will be amusing on the level of Despicable Me, featuring the voices of Steve Carell, Julie Andrews, and Kristen Wiig. Also, several good films are around the corner, including The Bounty Hunter, Clash of the Titans, Iron Man 2, The Last Song, Marmaduke, Spiderman 4, Transformers 3, Why Did I Get Married Too, and X-Men: First Class!
Wonderland should be full of Sweet Dreams !
Chile Quake Changed Clock Settings!
It is amazing to witness the power of Earth, seeing the various effects that the planet can have on itself. This recent earthquake in Chile displayed some of that power, and showed that so many things are not as stable as they may seem. The tremor had an effect that was greater than originally realized, as scientists now are studying how it has not only affected that nation, but the entire planet, as well!
NASA scientists have been reviewing the aftermath of last Saturday's South American tremor. Their observations have produced some evidence that the earthquake may have caused a shift in the axis of Earth. This means that the positioning of the planet may have been altered, due to the magnitude 8.8 Chilean earthquake!
It is not a major change, and not anything to be alarmed about. Yet, the studying scientists were able to detect a minor change in the rotational rate of the planet. Earth's axis seems to have been shifted by nearly three inches, so that days will be 1.26 microseconds shorter! This will be a permanent alteration to our planet's rate of rotation.
OOH! (yeah, we can hear the "who the Hell cares"....) This change equates to a possible change in the rotational speed of Earth being reduced by one-millionth of a second. This happened because the strength of the earthquake caused extreme movements of land mass, which lead to changes in where and how this land is situated. The movements of significant amounts of land are capable of changing our planet's rate of rotation.
Scientists working with The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory were some of the people studying the Chilean earthquake aftermath. One geophysicist, Richard Gross, examined results from the tremor. His studies and computer reviews helped to realize that Earth likely was shifted off of it's current axis placement by nearly three inches! The shift was measured exactly through reviews of the planet's figure axis, which supports the planet's general balance.
This recent axis shift is similar to what happened during 2004. When the mega-tsunami occurred within The Indian Ocean, the power of the provoking palpatation lead to a recorded reduction in the length of the average day. The force of that quake did shorten the day by 6.8 microseconds.
So, these major earthquakes over the past eight years have had a seemingly significant effect on Earth. A total of 8.06 microseconds have been lost from the average day. With that in mind, it should behoove everyone to get daylight work done faster, as nightfall will arrive more quickly!
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/03/02/chile.quake/index.html?hpt=Sbin
http://www.space.com/news/chile-earthquake-earth-days-100302.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+spaceheadlines+%28SPACE.com+Headline+Feed%29
http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20100302/sc_space/chileearthquakemayhaveshorteneddaysonearth
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35662192/
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/02/tech/main6259089.shtml
With Everything Else, President Obama to Fix His Health!
The President has a smoking problem! With all of the other issues that require the attention of government leaders, President Obama has been informed that he must monitor his addiction to nicotine. How is this going to play out?
Right now, there is a load of issues that require the immediate attention of President Obama and government officials. The ongoing national security topic, the Wall Street aftermath, and sending assistance to Chile merely are some of the things with which he will be dealing, currently. Surely, there are important areas of his personal life, involving his wife and daughters, that must have attention, as well. Yet, with everything on a continuous roll, The President now has to make time to regulate his own health habits, more seriously!
President Obama has been working to break his smoking habit. He is taking medications, including those geared toward theraputic nicotine replacement. He has been working with physicians that have assessed the smoking problem, and also have suggested that he alter eating habits.
Currently, Obama's low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is rated at 138. Doctors recommend that individuals keep this level underneath 130. Low-density liproprotien, or LDL, is what we identify as bad cholesterol. It is reported that average males within The United States consume roughly 337 milligrams of cholesterol daily, and women take in roughly 217 milligrams.
Cholesterol is not a bad thing, as it is made by the human body, naturally. However, the excessive ingestion of additional cholesterol is where problems begin. Serious health isssues can result, leading to problems that include blocked arteries and heart disease. Experts from The American Heart Association state that daily cholesterol intake levels should be under 300 milligrams, for individuals of average health levels. This can be monitored by keeping track of the consumption of foods that contain high levels of saturated fats.
As President Obama regularly maintains his fitness levels, it would seem that watching his bad cholesterol intake will not be a problem. As well, there will be several other individuals, including The First Lady, and their daughters, that are going to help The President with this area of health regulation. Hopefully, as President Obama is working to control his cholesterol intake, to quit smoking, along with other health issues, the idea of maintaining good health will filter into a general area of motivation for all United States citizens!
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.startribune.com/politics/85770772.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aPkfedtj.TY&pos=9
http://www.salon.com/wires/politics/02/28/D9E5B6AO1_us_obama_s_health_box/index.html
http:///www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_14487604?source=rss
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-46546720100228
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/28/AR2010022801784.html?hpid=topnews
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=180
Film Two Was Fine, but Film One Reeked!
This definitely was not the best trip to the theater, as our film choices were so-so, at best. While one film was being touted throughout the weekly television ads, the second film did receive attention from various theater to-see lists. I think that I would have settled for seeing the second film, only, this evening!
We chose Cop Out, first! Bruce Willis headlines this film, accompanied with Tracy Morgan and Sean William Scott. It was not the best of films, as Mr. Willis has starred in much better features. Yet, there were some mild moments of mediocre mirth!
Our second feature was Crazy Heart! The story follows fallen Country & Western music star Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges). He is a regular drinker, living a hard life after a loss of success, and one too many marital relationships. Blake meets Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who helps him find his way back to reason ands self-recognition. After slowly accepting that his musical heyday has passed, Blake works with Jean to build a stable life, while finding romance with her!
I had a full entry prepared, just a moment earlier! Yet, this friggin' computer crashed again, despite my attempts to prevent such a disaster. My initial entry was not saved in time, so I only could prepare this mild presentation. Anyhow....
I really am looking forward to Alice in Wonderland! Other films to anticipate include Brooklyn's Finest, Clash of the Titans, The Bounty Hunter, Greenberg, Green Zone, Hot Tub Time Machine, Hubble 3D, Iron Man 2, The Joneses, and Kick Ass. There is talk of upcoming films that could include Avatar 2, Batman 3, and Transformers 3! Also, a refurbishing of A Nightmare On Elm Street will be in theaters, shortly!
Startling Sadness From Sea World!
Sea World is a very fun place that has entertained millions of people for many years. It's focus is the presentation of oceanic life, yet the theme park provides options for many other forms of enjoyment, too! However, a very tragic incident occurred earlier today, out of the Orlando, Florida branch.
It is unfortunate that there was a fatal accident at one of the Sea World parks. The Orlando site was where one of the facility's famous orcas was responsible for the drowning of a park trainer. An orca, usually given the famous Sea World moniker Shamu, snatched a trainer, 40 year-old Dawn Brancheau, off of the side of the pool area, and into the water! She was speaking with park visitors at the time, when the sea mammal suddenly peaked out of the pool, then it pulled her down! 
The incident was more horrific because of how it happened. This Shamu, named Tillikum, and nicknamed Telly, was at a distant area of it's pool when Dawn Brancheau was speaking to the audience. It was reported that Telly suddenly swam at rapid speed from one side of the tank, quickly reaching the end with Brancheau, then it lept into the air. It dove back into the water with the trainer in it's mouth, and it began to flail her back and forth, violently!
This is one of what seem to be several incidences of violent actions involving Sea World orcas and their trainers. During November 2006, the San Diego branch of the theme park was where a Shamu bit and submerged a trainer. The man, thirty-nine year-old Kenneth Peters, was grabbed by a female orca, then held beneath the pool waters multiple times during an audience presentation!
Along with mild bit wounds, this trainer had a broken foot. Yet, Peters and that Shamu-orca have had something of chewy connection, as she has assaulted him before. Tillikum has lept upon him during 2006, 1999, and once during 1993! As for this recent attack, Sea World officials are investigating what has been labeled as a tragic accident.
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35566392?GT1=43001
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/02/24/killer.whale.trainer.death/index.html?hpt=T1
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ap_on_re_us/us_seaworld_death
http://cbs2chicago.com/national/sea.world.death.2.1517496.html
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704240004575085841459502312.html
http://www.dolphintrainer.com/kw_training.htm
Gliese 581c Gleems With Potential!
It just may be possible that another planet that hosts verifiable life has been found! Well, it is high speculation, as of now. However, studying scientists seem to have located a world that just may capable of sustaining life, if it does not have some there, already!
Located 20.5 light years away, astronomers and exobiologists have been researching details about a planet labeled Gliese 581c. I have heard it pronounced as Glee-za, and as Glee-ess, yet the afore mentioned seems to be more common. Anyhow, the planet has been under review for several years, and details from satellites and telescopes seem to be delivering exciting information!
This world is located within what we view as the Constellation Libra. Studies have shown Gliese 581c to be a little more than fifty percent more massive than Earth. As well, other details about the world have lead to some intriguing revelations!
The planet is five times closer to it's host star than Earth is to The Sun. That would seem to make the planet too hot to harbor life as we understand it. Yet, the star, Gliese 581, is a red dwarf. It is not as bright, or as hot as our star. That might make conditions more tolerable for discernable life to exist.
Scientists and exobiologists are speculating that Gliese 581c could be the home to extremophile forms of life. This is life that is capable of surviving in conditions that would seem to be too harsh for average living things. The planet's proximity to Gliese 581 likely means that any life possible on this world would have to be tolerant of the most hostile environments.
Also, Gliese 581c may have the internal settings that we understand as reasonable for sustaining life. This includes being a world that has a reasonable atmosphere, that is not too thick, and is filled with the elements needed for living things to survive. The planet could have oceans too, as well as a regularly shifting surface, due to plate tectonics. However, it is likey that Gliese 581c is tidally locked.
These are very preliminary studies, speculations, of a world that is very far away. Astronomers and exobiologists will be studying Gliese 581c for years to come. Unless someone, or something, out there decides to give us more definitive details, our scientists will have plenty to review!
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/070424_hab_exoplanet.html
http://www.space.com/searchforlife/070517_seti_planet.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmTjAmop688
http://cosmographica.com/gallery/extrasolar/Gliese581c/index.html
http://www.age-of-the-universe.org/gliese_581_c.html
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap070502.html
http://members.misty.com/don/g581.html
Viewing Vancouver!
I have to admit that I just have not been into these 2010 Winter Olympic Games as I have during previous times. I am old enough to recall six or seven ceremonies (maybe a couple more....). I used to look forward to viewing the games, as I would watch the exciting competitions, while seeing the fantastic artistry of the surrounding settings. Yet, it just is not there, this time.
Some of the figure skating was on, a little earlier. Yet, I got caught watching a film on HBO, which I have seen several times before. Now, I have music playing. I will be winding down shortly, as I may or may not watch any of The Olympics before falling asleep.
I can not say why I there is no enthusiasm for this year's Winter Games. Maybe it has to do with them being in Vancouver, which I find to be boring (not that I have ever been to Vancouver....). Yet, regardless of their location, I think that this round of the rings is boring!
I think that I enjoy the Summer Games more! Provided that things still are in tact, come 2012, I think that The Olympics will be more exciting. Although, I still remain somewhat confused about them being held within London, which is not known exactly for it's bright skies and summer settings. We shall see...
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.canada.com/sports/2010wintergames/index.html
http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/2010wintergames/index.html
http://www.salon.com/wires/olympics/02/22/D9E1IS3O0_oly_medals_race/index.html
Yesterday's Film Features Fulfilled!
The prodigal cat has returned! I got shut out of this friggin' site because something between here and my entire computer system crashed over this past week! I was extremely angry because I thought that I had lost everything. Yet, as the week progressed, various sites began returning to my favorites, along with other frequently perused addresses.
Well. Of course, yesterday was Friday, and I did see movies! I got to see a film with which I was surprisedly pleased! Shutter Island, starring Leonardo Di Caprio, actually is an outstanding film! Little Leo is a cub no more, as he gave a full-fledged pleasure of a presentation, here!
The film is set in the 1950's. Di Caprio plays Teddy Daniels, supposedly a U.S. Marshall, who is investigating the mysterious disappearance of a supposedly incarcerated murderer. The patient is missing from The Ashecliffe Hospital, located on Shutter Island, off of Massachussetts. This patient's absense is a mystery as this hospital for mentally ill criminals supposedly is locked-tight!
Daniels travels to Shutter Island with his partner, Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo). Their initial investigations are met with barriers, as the hospital staff does not seem willing to cooperate. Something undercover seems to be occurring, and Daniels plans on getting to the bottom of it!
Their investigation is slowed, as this East Coast island is facing the wrath of a hurricane. As the storm makes melee, it provides the perfect opportunity for the deeply puzzled patients to escape! Yet, Chuck and Teddy are able to investigate into the mental facility, observing areas to which they had been denied access, previously.
Teddy's queries go on for two days. He believed that he was following all of the protocol necessary for this type of missing person case. Yet, things became strange, as Teddy never was allowed access to the hospital's records! Teddy began to believe that the hospital supervisor, Dr. Naehring (Max Von Sydow) had done something underhanded. He thought that his partner, Chuck, as well as several of the missing patients, had been abducted for secret mind surgeries!
It was when Teddy thought that he saw Chuck's body floating off-shore that he swam to a nearby island. There, a lighthouse stood, and Teddy entered to investigate. However, he encountered a hospital therapist, Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley), who began speaking with Teddy. It was through the steady and calming conversation with Dr. Crawley that allowed Teddy to realize that he really was a patient at Shutter Island, that Chuck is really a part of the hospital staff, and that there never was any floating body! Teddy was taken back into the hospital treatment facility.
We followed this mystery film with From Paris With Love! James Reece (Johnathan Rhys Meyers) is an assistant to a United States Ambassador to France. As well, he serves as an agent for the Central Intelligence Agency. He ends up with an assignment that involves working with Agent Charlie Wax (John Travolta), who is rowdy and ready to proceed with all manners of raucous action!
James and Wax proceed though Paris, attempting to halt a terrorist effort. The mission gets hyper, as Wax is very loose with his gun, shooting first, then questioning, later! Yet, James finds that he has been pinned as a target of the terrorists whom he and Wax are trying to catch. Both agents have to cope with each others' different approaches to tasks, as they do catch the terrorists before any further deadly actions occur!
Of course, more films will come! Next week will be highlighted with the crazy Cop Out, starring Tracy Morgan and Bruce Willis! The following week will host the release of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, featuring the always-entertaining Johnny Depp as The Mad Hatter, along with Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, and Alan Rickman! Very exciting!
The spring season will host many more entertaining films! Movies on the way include The Bounty Hunter, Clash of the Titans, Death at a Funeral, Hot Tub Time Machine, How to Train Your Dragon, Kick Ass, Oceans, and Why Did I Get Married, Too! Let's go!!!
The Grammys Were Great!
As a music fanatic, I did watch this evening's Grammy Awards. I was anticipating some of the performances, and I simply wanted to see how some of the music stars were looking! It was an entertaining event!
The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards were broadcast from The Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. As with every Grammy presentation, a host of music stars and various celebrities were on hand to witness the evening's festivities. It was quite entertaining to see the stars all in peaceful and pleasant celebration of the recent works that they have presented!
Of course, several artists received several different awards. I could not go through all of them, but some did catch my attention! I was very pleased with Beyonce, as she is doing a phenomenal job as a true musical superstar! The sensous songstress scored six Grammys, which tied her for the record for a female singer! She was on point, performing Halo during the show!
Taylor Swift was great, winning for Grammys! Her album Fearless won the award for Album of the Year! We did get to hear the title song, Fearless.
Other Grammy highlights included Maxwell doing a duet with Roberta Flack. These artists of different generations came together to sing her classic song, Where Is the Love. It did sound nice, as each of them has a good sound with their individual songs. Their duet was accompanied by others, including one with Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli. These superstars sang Bridge Over Troubled Water as part of a continued effort to raise funds for Haiti relief. 
A touching tribute was given to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. His children, Paris and Prince Michael, accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of their father. I believe that they received a rousing ovation that was meant to honor Michael.
A tribute song to Michael Jackson was performed, also! Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood sang a duet to honor him. These ladies were joined by Celine Dion, Smokey Robinson, and Usher. Together, they sang Jackson's Earth Song!
It was an entertaining show! I really enjoy music, and it was good to see the various contemporary singers gathering for a celebration of their successes. Also, it was a true plus to see them putting some of their trememdous and collective wealth to a greater cause. Many of them will be donating, and spending time with charity programs for Haiti Relief.
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.sawfnews.com/Entertainment/62526.aspx
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00030434.html
http://mtv.com/news/articles/1630717/20100128/blige_mary_j.jhtml
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1630895/.../jackson_michael.jhtml
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1630915/20100201/flack_roberta.jhtml
One Up and One Down, This Week!
Our theater trip was a good one, this evening! We did our usual two-fer, yet each presented a very different mood. As our first film delivered an atmosphere of suspense, dismay, and revenge. The following flick was a tale from the average, everyday life, showing how business and pleasure often intermingle.
Edge of Darkness was film number one. This story starts in June of 1990, with a little girl named Emma (Gabrielle Popa), who is playing, and being videotaped by her father, Tom Craven (Mel Gibson). It flashes forward to when she is older, and Dad is picking her up, taking her to their suburban Boston home for the Christmas holidays. Yet, upon getting home, she gets sick, and needs to go to the hospital. As they open the front door to leave, Emma is shot to death by a hunting rifle!
Police and investigating detectives arrive. Tom can not be directly involved with the investigation because he is a policeman, also. However, loopholes and friends within the force let Tom work to solve the case. He begins to realize that the shot was meant for him, as he gets hold of a gun that was left within Emma's apartment. Tom identifies the gun, then he goes to the apartment of a young suspect.
A fight ensues, as Tom subdues this suspect. He learns that this guy gave a gun to Emma, but he will not talk about her death for fear of being caught. So, Tom collects more of his daughter's items, then he proceeds to investigate. His findings reveal that someone stole Emma's computer, and her apartment now is laced with traces of radiation!
Information is revealed about The Northmore Defense Contract Company, for whom Emma worked. It seems that the killers thought that Emma's address was Tom's address, and the shot was meant for him! So, Tom proceeds to this company's location, finding that it is a government-operated business, deeply immersed in nuclear research, and lead by a very shady man!
DNA details lead Tom to another brutal murder scene. Meanwhile, a strange man reaches him, giving details about Emma's killer. As Tom has a gun to this man's head, he listens to the information. Tom learns that his daughter was pegged as a terrorist threat, and that she was among a group of people from the same job who all were killed!
Tom proceeds to another home; the residence of another target. He gets details, then he goes to the next location. Here, Tom finds that Emma never was exposed directly to radiation. The man refuses to leave with Tom, yet he accepts Tom's offer to keep a loaded gun for protection!
He continues, following a speeding van along a nighttime highway. Tom ends up pulling over, and he has to escape. The driver and passengers of this van now are chasing him! Tom is able to speed toward a cop car driving ahead, to which he pulls aside, and points a gun at the driving officer. He does not shoot....
Tom learns more about his daughter's company, Northmore. He is interviewed by reporters, then he proceeds to an emptying court session. There, Tom questions an attorney who attempted to date his daughter, Emma. The guy knows something, but he will not release any details. A female friend of Emma's has some details also, and Tom has her to reveal that she lead corporate killers to his daughter!
They are in a car, still speaking, when they are rear-ended, suddenly! The girl, Anna, is knocked out, yet Tom gets out, shooting! He kills that driver, yet the car hit Anna's car. She ends up comatose, and she loses her unborn baby!
Tom learns that that the company for whom his daughter worked, Northmore, does undercover work to sell illegal nuclear arsenal. They are aligned with shady government agents, who now are trying to cover their tracks. Tom reaches another agent named Craven, punches him, and attempts getting more details!
Tom gets to the home of a United States Senator. He questions the government agent, getting details about Northmore, and about letters that Emma wrote for them. He leaves the senator's home, now with photos of Northmore workers involved in illegal activities. Yet, while being followed, Tom reverses his car to collide with the agents. Police arrive, and the details make public news!
The killers have this information as well, and now are after Tom! An alleged friend arrives at his home, telling Tom that he will be charged with the death of his daughter's boyfriend. The man turns out to be someone sent to kill Tom, yet he does not because of their friendship. However, others that were with this man arrive, shocking Tom, and taking him to a radioactive factory!
Tom is able to awaken and free himself before anyone sees him. A killer arrives, but Tom kills this man, first. Tom escapes in the car of other secret agents, now set on killing others involved. As he is showing signs of poisoning, Tom kills others that were involved in his daughter's death. He gets into a fight with one killer, but shoots and kills him after pouring radioactive milk down his throat!
Government officials get wind of what has been happening. They already know about the agents aligned with the corrupt Northmore company. A cover story is created, and a meeting is called. Here, three senators are killed by a government agent. At this point, Tom is now hospitalized due to extreme poisoning. He dies, and his spirit joins that of his daughter's!
We saw Up In the Air, second! We got into the theater just as Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is making out with a lady business associate (oh, great...). Afterward, they make plans for meeting again.
Ryan is shopping for ties when he gets a call from his sister. She is getting some details for an upcoming wedding from him. This sets Ryan for a trip home to Omaha, Nebraska.
Ryan has to get things organized at work. He leads a business meeting, disussing his company's chance to do better during the current recession. A new associate named Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) has plans that seem to be helpful, as well.
Brief glimpses of corporate America are shown as Ryan and Natalie are in an airport, preparing for a business trip. During the flight, she is preparing to fire some employees. Ryan coaches her on how to fire them with tact, as they reach their destination.
After heavy flirting with Natalie, Ryan proceeds to firing employees at his office. Some of them are bitter, and they shoot off foul retorts meant to expose Ryan while he remains employed, comfortably. He proceeds to give them motivational talk about pursuing their dreams!
Now, and with an increasingly pompous demeanor, Ryan blatantly displays his status as a corporate higher-up for self-satisfaction! Though his business is not doing as well as he thinks, Ryan has lunch with Natalie. Then, he meets with son and business partner Alex (Vera Farmiga) to plan for a trip to St. Louis.
They proceed to The Gateway City to have a series of firing meetings. Several employees that were underperforming were let go. Ryan goes onto Kansas City, then to Tulsa, Des Moines, and Miami with Natalie. He gives a speech at the Miami meeting.
It is at a business meeting where Natalie is text messaging her boyfriend. She has fallen in love with him, with false hopes. They continue, as a lady advises Natalie about love issues. Also, she and Ryan tell her about plans to crash an upcoming corporate party! 
Natalie and Ryan arrive at this party, which is at a nice hotel, and they begin to dance. The party is thrown by their company, called Alpha Tech. They have Young M.C. to arrive as the guest entertainment!
It is later, as Natalie is listening to Sign Your Name, that she is given the key to Ryan's hotel room. The party winds down with terrible karaoke, with both of them standing beside a pool. Suddenly, the electricity goes out, and they are lead back to the hotel. Natalie plans to see Ryan again!
Both of them meet for lunch the next day. They are there, prepping for a later business meeting through e-chat. Natalie is given instructions to fire a fifty-seven year-old employee by serving him a severance package, then dismissing him without emotion.
Natalie learns that she will have to perform this firing ritual forty-nine more times! It is later that day when she and Ryan learn that the company is sending them to their home locations. He catches a flight to Las Vegas to take fake photos of a false trip to that city, then he asks Natalie to accompany him home to Wisconsin.
Before leaving, Ryan encounters his sister in the hotel. She is there to attend the wedding of Ryan's business partner, Alex. They all meet with family members, as Alex takes a moment to express her displeasure with her engagement ring....... 
Edge of Darkness was somewhat depressing, yet a good action and suspense film! I was not so pleased with Up In the Air, as I think about it. It was one of those films that I could have done without seeing, yet, dealing with movie addicts....
Of course, and to my delight, several good features are coming soon! Trailers for Shrek: The Final Chapter are looking great! The Wolfman is in two weeks!
I am looking forward to Steve Carell voicing the character for Despicable Me! Other features on the way include Alice in Wonderland, Babies, The Bounty Hunter, Death at a Funeral, Green Zone, Iron Man 2, The Losers, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Season of the Witch, Shutter Island, and Valentine's Day!
Children, Non-Communication, and Avoidable Tragedies
It is extremely depressing to learn that children are killing themselves, regularly, and due to some of the most asinine of reasons. I do understand that there is no reason why a child, or anyone, should be lead to commiting suicide. Yet, it seems that these horrific actions are occurring because the people around them are not paying attention to the warning signs, are letting them be placed into overly hostile settings, or, worst of all, really do not seem to give a damn!
I started reading this evening's online news clips, and I encountered several stories regarding the suicides of school-aged children. A first clip gave details about a nine year-old boy from Dallas. This child, named Montana Lance, attended the Stewart's Creek Elementary, a school located within a north Dallas suburb, The Colony.
Montana Lance, nine years old, was in the fourth grade. He had been dealing with regular taunting from other students, which apparently was not handled by teachers and staff. The young boy reached a point where the aggressive and abusive actions against him were more than he could handle. Montana hung himself in a restroom of the Lewisville I.S.D. elementary school. He was taken to a nearby hospital afterward, yet young Montana did not survive.
This was a recently sad incident involving child suicide. During 2009, there were many similar incidences that were centered around children. One boy from Chicago was found dead at a shopping center. He hung himself from the coat hook inside of a restroom stall!
Springfield, Massachussetts was where a deadly action happened with an eleven year-old. This young man faced taunting from fellow students at the New Leadership Charter School because of his sexuality. He often faced harsh, anti-gay harrassment at this Springfield, Massachussetts school, which lead him to choose an unfortunate outcome. This student, with much life ahead of him, committed suicide due to the consistent chiding.
An eleven year-old boy from Georgia was found dead after being choked to death. His parents reported that he often was a target of bullying by other students. This young man, Jaheem Herrera, was at a point of recognizing himself, and his sexual identity, while seeming not to have anywhere safe to which he could turn for assistance. The culmination of consistent chastising lead Jaheem to tie a belt around his neck, then to hang himself at home, as a result of his no longer being able to cope with the emotional and verbal abuse.
It is very sad that these merely are some of the stories involving children and young people facing suicide. It does seem that these incidences all have similarly underlying themes. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention reported that suicides have been at least ten annually, over the past ten years. This might seem minimal, yet these youths were like several people within our current social setting, unable to express themselves adequately due to dismay in anticipation of the outcomes, or to facing overly unpleasant life situations because of being situated in settings adverse to their expressions of personality.
Of course, there are several ways to prevent these kinds of horrific episodes from occurring. Friends and family members are encouraged to assist loved ones and associates dealing with possibly traumatic life settings. As well, anyone whom finds himself or herself dealing with days of difficulty is prompted to locate nearby sources of readily available assistance. Persons facing adversity due to issues of personality and sexuality are encouraged to seek help from programs like Mental Health America, The Gay and Lesbian Straight Education Network, The National Mental Health Association, and Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Please find help; there is always a better way!
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=90214
http://www.southernet.edu/counseling/selfhelp/comingout
http://www.glccsf.org/community-programs/coming-out
http://www.rainbowvisions.org.au/ComingOutAlone.pdf
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
http://www.shef.ac.uk/counseling/advice/sexuality
http://www.keithboykin.com/arch/2005/10/03/gay_teens_are_c
A Program Pushed Pondering The Great Beyond!
Falling back into my spaced-out mode, I found myself doing some more studies of outer space curiousities. I got started into a program last night, that discussed more details regarding exoplanets. It was a pretty good program, yet it was on later than I wanted to stay awake. So, I got some of the information, then I chose to look into the topic some more, this evening!
The program revealed that over 330 planets have been discovered that are outside of our solar system. I thought that was really cool, while chuckling, as I recalled that we are no longer claiming all of the planets within our own solar system! I remain irked about Pluto....
Anyhow. It went on to reveal details about those exoplanets which are considered to be the most extreme. Five of these planets were discussed, each of them located hundreds of light years away from our Earth. Information was revealed, giving the various sizes, orbital speeds, and alleged ages of these planets.
The planet labeled SWEEPS-10 stood out because it seems to be in a hurry! SWEEPS-10 orbits around it's host star at a rate of one time for every ten Earth hours! Think of that! As it takes our planet 365 days to get around our star, this one is racing around it's star once every 600 minutes! Imagining that it could be habitable, I do not think that anyone could stay on it without some really strong gravity in action!
Another planet that stood out is PSR B1620-26b (I do not know why it just does not have some kind of reasonable name...). This planet is one of the oldest that has been identified. It is a gas giant, and it happens to be within a curious orbital motion that involves two stars. This binary system consists of a white dwarf, and a rapidly-rotating pulsar.
As well, HD 149026 b was mentioned. This planet is HOT!!! Studies of it have shown that it's surface temperature can reach up to a searing 3,700 degrees, Fahrenheit! OUCH!!! Studying scientists believe that this heat is the result of HD 149026b absorbing the temperatures that are released by it's host star. It has been revealed to have a size a little less than Saturn, and to have a centralized weight that is roughly 80 % that of Earth.
I remain amazed by this type of information. I believe that the ideas of the universe are so fascinating, as there is so much out there, and so much that we just do not know. I do not know that we ever will have a full grasp of all that exists beyond our general realm of space, although there is so much scientific study occurring, regularly. It is fun to study along with what is revealed, as well as to imagine about the wonders that may be, deep into the great beyond!
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://astronomyonline.org/Exoplanets/Exoplanets.asp
http://www.exoplanetology.com/home/home.html
http://www.spacetelescope.org/science/index.html
http://astronomyonline.org/Exoplanets/Introduction.asp?Cate=Exoplanets&SubCate=EP01
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=exoplanets-direct-imaging
http://www.swissworld.org/en/science/space_research/exoplanets
Something Scary, and A Slightly Funny Fairy!
It was a fair Friday for films. Indeed, we wound up with a tale of the supernatural, and a feature with a fairy. It was a rather big fairy, but I will get on that later....
The first movie was Legion! A young man named Kyle (Tyrese Gibson) is working with cars at a race track, and he receives a strange message. An accident occurs with a car, causing one man to be killed. More explosions and killings happen, then Kyle awakens! He realizes that he was hallucinating, and that he has been having visions.
It is at a cafe called Death By Caffeine where Kyle discusses his visions with friends. They realize that his vision was real, and that the accident lead to the deaths of fifty-two people. As the memorial for this tragedy is planned, others want to know how Kyle knows about it!
Kyle goes home, and he begins to dig a hole. He places a wooden cross there to serve as a memorial. Then, heavy winds begin to blow, and Kyle is dragged away! He has more visions, as fires begin to blaze. Kyle realizes that these are premonitions.
It is at a hair salon where a woman is having her hair styled. An accident occurs, as a loose ceiling fan falls upon a child that slipped on spilled hair gel. This is followed by a lady outside being killed by a flying lawn mower blade!
A group of friends gathers to talk about the visions that they have had. They conclude that they are in immediate danger of being killed. As they talk, the friends realize that a chain of events is occurring that must be broken to save their lives!
Kyle is the main one who has been having visions. He and Percy (Forest Whitaker) go to the site of a foreseen racetrack accident. With the help of a security guard, Nick sees how a chain of events unfolded that lead to the killings. Nick and friends now approach a nearby security guard, trying to warn him before he is killed, as they are hoping to break the deadly chain of events.
One woman is killed during driving, as pigeons strike her windshield while she was on her cell phone. A boy gets sucked into the bottom of a pool when the drainage is turned on, accidentally. Then, a young lady named Janet finds herself tapped in her car while she is at a car wash. She barely escapes as the powerful washing blades rip off the top of her car, with the high-forced water almost causing her to drown!
Once free, friends come to Janet's aid. After seeing another guy falling down, then exploding, Janet begins to figure out what is happening. She sees a link in a chain of events that was broken, when she and friends saw a deforming man choking.
More accidents happen, as a nearby building is where a hot tub is overflowing, thus collpsing through it's upper floor. It smashes a man on the floor below, and an ambulance is called. It runs down a man on the way to the scene, as people at a neaby theater are burned to death when the projector and screen catch fire!
It is Nick who begins to see that Janet is caught in the midst of these weird occurrences. He envisions going to help her, going to the theater where she is at. Yet, the theater explodes, causing nails to fly about, killing Janet, and another nearby friend!
This premonition lets Nick get to Janet before she is caught in the fire, but he gets trapped by a nail gun. Nick is able to get free, and he starts the theater's sprinkler system. He and friends get away, believing that they are safe. Yet, as they are all relaxing at a coffee house, Nick has another vision, and they all are killed!
We got into The Tooth Fairy, afterward! There was excitement, comedy, et cetera, about seeing The Rock in tights, and with fairy wings attached to his back! Of course, there was some humor that could be equaled to mild silliness, yet there was something of a plot involved. Plus, Ashley Judd is in the movie!!!
Derrick Thompson (Dewayne Johnson) is a player in a minor-league hockey team, and he is accused of knocking the tooth out of a player's mouth. He is infamous for foul play during games, and he is cut down during a following media interview. The reporter calls Derrick and old-timer, which leads Derrick into a rage of down-talking teammates and others, nearby!
Derrick goes home to his wife, Tess (Destiny Whitlock), who is with their son and daughter. He gets into a spot where he is in their kid's bedroom, and Derrick steals money from the kid's piggy bank! It is filled with the childrens' tooth fairy money supply!
The Council of Imaginary Figures gets wind of this, and it is reported to The Tooth Fairy, Lily (Julie Andrews). A trial is held for Derrick, where he is accused of spoiling the dreams of children. He is found guilty, and sentenced to reform his actions by becoming the new Tooth Fairy!
He is made to make amends with Tess. It is at a make-up dinner with his wife where Derrick sprouts fairy wings! He is given a task, which he reluctantly follows. Derrick has to apply shrinking ointment to himself to fit into the first child's home.
Derrick is clumsy inside of this first home. He attempts putting a dollar under the child's pillow, yet he gets knocked off of an adjacent pillow by the sleeping boy. The boy awakens, sees the tiny-fairy Derrick, and the boy screams! As the boy's parents and cat come into the room, the cat stalks Derrick, then chases him out!
After having an argument at a hockey game, Derrick is called for his next task. The lead Tooth Fairy is there, and she tells him about his new task that coming night. He is sent home, where he has to face Tess, who is upset about their son, Randy (Chase Ellison), being bullied at school.
Derrick slowly begins to catch onto his new fairy assignments. Yet, it he learns that fairy land is in danger because children no longer are believing. As well, he finds out that other fairies want him to fail, which will force him to remain as The Tooth Fairy for more time!
It is in reality where Derrick ends up in jail. Tess has to bail him out, and he tries using magic dust on her so that she will forget the incident. It does not work, forcing him to be overly nice to Tess. Yet, these happenings have lead Derrick to choose doing his new and curious job by his own rules!
Derrick arrives at Randy's hockey game, and he is invisible. He gets into the area of the opposing team, punking a rival of Randy's by using fairy tricks. The rival winds up making a deal with Derrick.
His next task is to give encouragement to a wingless fairy named Tracy (Stephen Merchant). Derrick entrusts Tracy with the harder tasks of being a fairy while Derrick helps his son to improve with hockey. Tracy was having trouble succeeding as a fairy, but help from Derrick leads him to improve with his job!
Derrick is now at his own hockey game with his team, and is their championship game. Derrick is pumped up, and he gets selfish with the puck. This costs his team needed points, and Derrick gets an attitude after being chastised. He takes it out on the son of his friend, Carly (Ashley Judd), and he proceeds with a bad attitude!
The game continues, and Derrick is made to play when a teammate gets punked out of the game. He is hurt momentarily, yet he regroups as a rough player! Just when he is at his highest level of play, Derrick is called by the fairy council. He is assigned to a task dealing with Tess' daughter!
As he leaves the game with his wings spread, a giant amnesia gun is brought into the arena for crowd control! He gets to Tess' home, where her daughter sees him, and he is forced to reveal to her that he is The Tooth Fairy! Then, he goes into Randy's room, apologizing for prior rude behavior. He repairs Randy's broken guitar, and he encourages the boy to continue playing. Derrick reveals himself as The Tooth Fairy to both of Tess' children!
Tess enters, and she thinks that Derrick is wearing a costume. Yet, he flies away with the children, telling them the story of how he became the tooth fairy. They return in time for Derrick to get Randy to his school concert.
Derrick now believes in dreams. His newly found fervor for fantasy allowed the lead Tooth Fairy to relieve Derrick of his assignment. She magically forces him to forget all that has happened during his time as a Tooth Fairy, as those are the rules!
Of course, I am waiting to see several more exciting films! They really are pumping up Iron Man 2, as Tony Stark has his metallic messiah looking crunk and all kinda junk! The previews for The A-Team are bringing youthful flashbacks! Also, Johnny Depp is sure to turn out the silver screen once again, as he plays The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland! Other features to anticipate include Clash of the Titans, The Crazies, Dear John, From Paris With Love, Kick Ass, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Shutter Island, The Wolfman, and Why Did I Get Married, Too!
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