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20150428003659

FORTUNE — The Chinese government’s announcement last week that growth for 2011 slowed only slightly to a still impressive 9.2% was greeted enthusiastically by the world’s stock markets. Investors also remain buoyant on China’s future. They appear to be buying the official line that the gigantic property price bubble is gradually and smoothly deflating, posing little risk to an engine that’s so crucial to the future of global trade. But the math tells a different story. The housing frenzy has driven prices so high, so fast, that a crash on the scale of the real estate collapse in Japan in the 1990s is a virtual certainty. And China’s already exaggerated official growth rate could take a pounding, all the way to the zone of the unthinkable, into the low single-digits. For this analysis, I’ll borrow heavily from my former professor and mentor at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, Robert Aliber. Affectionately known to his students by his initials “RZA,” Aliber is now retired to New Hampshire, but he writes a superb newsletter for his friends and clients. He spotted the reckless credit expansion, huge trade deficits and asset bubbles that now haunt both the U.S. and European economies long before most experts. As Aliber puts it, “In China, the housing boom is a far bigger source of growth than is widely recognized, and it’s totally unsustainable.” China can’t grow its way out of a European recession Aliber got his first clue that the craze spelled disaster from a former student living in Beijing. The young Chicago alumnus told Aliber that he’d just moved into an apartment building with several hundred units, and was the only one living there. Investors had bought all the other apartments that hadn’t sold. Later that year, Aliber visited the office of an upscale developer in Beijing, who was getting $600,000 for 1100 square foot units with bare walls. The folks doing the purchasing were earning between $20,000 and $30,000. Given those modest incomes, it was obvious that the buyers weren’t purchasing an affordable new residence, but speculating in real estate, either to live there for awhile then flip the unit, or simply leave it vacant while seeking a buyer willing to hand them quick windfall. What amazed Aliber was the chasm between the prices of the apartments and the rents they fetched. A typical $600,000 unit brought a landlord less than $1000 a month in rent after expenses (assuming no mortgage). It wasn’t the rental yields that attracted investors, it was the huge price appreciation, averaging from 20% to 30% from 2008 until last year. Rents — the cost of living in the unit — exercise a sort of gravitational pull on prices. That’s because people won’t pay far more to own a home than to rent a similar one, unless they think prices will keep soaring — a view that’s a sure sign of casino mentality, and never lasts. In China, prices in the frothiest markets are fifty or sixty time rents. That’s the case with the example we discussed above, where the price is $600,000, and the rent is $12000, a ratio of 50-to-1. The 50 to 60 multiple is far above the level in most U.S. markets at the height of the bubble in 2006; in those heady days, a multiple of 40 was considered giant. So how far do China’s prices need to fall so that the cost of owning is reasonably close to the level of rents? Aliber reckons that the rental yield on apartments will eventually go from less than 2% to 5%, or even a bit higher. The rental yield is simply the annual rent divided by the market price, just as the yield on a bond is the fixed interest payment divided by the price of the bond that day. In the U.S., the rental yield averages around 6%, meaning the multiple of prices to rents is around 17. The adjustment to a 5% rental yield in China would push prices down by 60%. 15 business people who’ve changed China Aliber is by no means the sole China expert to predict that a steep drop is coming. “I estimate that a decline of 60% or even more is the upper end of the range, but is indeed possible,” says Derek Scissors, an economist at the Heritage Foundation. The adjustment has already begun. While the government’s official figures show modest declines starting late last year, those numbers are famously unreliable. A better view comes from owners trying to sell their units. Losses of 30% aren’t uncommon. In fact, many owners who paid, say, $600,000 in 2010 are furious that their landlords are now offering unsold units in the same building for $450,000. What’s the probable hit to China’s vaunted growth rate? It’s important to recap the forces that caused the frenzy. China imposes tight restrictions on returns on bank accounts, government bond yields and other domestic investments. Inflation for 2011 exceeded 5%, but 10-year bond yields are just 3.5%. It’s extremely difficult to find investments that yield more than inflation. When the easy money policies took charge after the worldwide crash of 2008, the excess cash flowed into the only place with big returns — real estate. For around four years, China has been building around 1 billion square meters of housing a year, ten times the figure in the U.S. The amount needed to accommodate real owners — people moving from farms to the cities, for example — is 700 million square meters. So let’s assume that demand goes back to that level. China is also swamped with seven to eight million vacant units. If around two million of those are sold a year, China will need to build just 500 million square meters annually — half of the total over the past several years. That decline will pound not just expenditures on apartments, but production of steel, copper and appliances. By Aliber’s reckoning, the sharp decline in housing production could lower China’s growth rate by a full five points. In his view, around three points of its 9.2% growth rate in 2011 came from the bubble. Shave two more points for the empty apartments that need to be sold, and future growth looks far less robust than the official projections. Unlike the post-crash U.S., China will keep growing after the bubble bursts, though at a far slower rate. What bears watching is the effect of another gigantic stimulus program to compensate for the decline in housing. If renewed inflation follows, so will a slowdown needed to tame it. Or as Aliber observes, “China’s spurt of a 10% growth rate is likely to be history.”

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China’s housing market is set for a hard landing

The numbers are grim: China’s property bubble is heading for a spectacular burst, and its effect on the country’s economy will be widespread.

20150524075404

MAHWAH, N.J., Sept. 30— In coaching and playing college basketball and football, achieving the top 10 has always been a standard of success. College coaches whose teams are in the top 10 at the end of a season usually keep their jobs at least another year. And players chosen among the first 10 usually get the big money, guaranteed contracts and happiness. That is, if all goes according to plan. For Roy Hamilton, formerly of U.C.L.A., the Detroit Pistons and the Portland Trail Blazers, and now a candidate for the New Jersey Nets, the plan has gone amiss. After a superb college career in which he helped lead U.C.L.A. to the final of the national collegiate West Regionals as a senior, Hamilton attained a personal goal by being chosen in the top 10 of the National Basketball Association's 1979 draft. He was chosen as No.10 by the Pistons, and signed a longterm, guaranteed contract. But the happiness that was supposed to be inevitable has yet to be fulfilled. In essence, the ''10'' has been less than perfect. Hamilton played only sparingly with the Pistons in 1979-80, averaging 15 minutes, 2.9 assists and 4.6 points in 72 games. He was released a week into their 1980 training camp, and was picked up by Portland, which was having difficulty signing Kelvin Ransey, its first-round choice in 1980. But Hamilton appeared in only one game for the Trail Blazers, a total of five minutes, before he was cut again, virtually on the day Ransey signed. Tomorrow evening, after three days at the Nets' rookie camp at Ramapo College, Hamilton is expected to learn whether he will be invited to join the veterans for the regular training camp that begins Friday. He is considered a strong contender for backup point guard, behind Foots Walker on the 12-man roster. Two other contenders are Henry Bibby, a free-agent veteran who also starred for U.C.L.A., and David Burns, the third-round draft choice out of St. Louis University. Hamilton, 23 years old, is still being paid by the Pistons. When he joined them two years ago, he seemed likely to be their point guard of the future because of his penetrating style. Yesterday, during a practice break, he made this assessment: ''I was drafted high because of my abilities to run a team and my leadership qualities. I get the best out of the other players on the court.'' At U.C.L.A. he set assist marks for a season (201) and career (512). He finished 13th on the career scoring list, averaging 17 points over his last two seasons. ''I looked at it as an opportunity to fulfill a need they had,'' he said of his shot with the Pistons. ''And I prepared myself to be there.'' But he said that his decision not to participate in the Summer Pro League in Los Angeles in 1979 had probably hurt his standing with Detroit. ''I made a wrong move then,'' he said. Without that summer experience, he felt, he never caught up to the rest of the Pistons, a team that won only 16 games that season. Al Menendez, the Nets' director of player personnel, believes that the abrupt change in coaching philosophies, from the quiet manner of Gene Bartow and Gary Cunningham at U.C.L.A. to the effervescence of Dick Vitale at Detroit, might have hampered Hamilton. ''Out there, they never raised their voices to those kids,'' said Menendez. ''Vitale never lowered his.'' The situation quieted after 12 games of the 1979-80 season, when Vitale was replaced by his assistant, Richie Adubato. But still Hamilton did not play much. He was criticized as not being aggressive enough on defense and as a poor outside shooter. In Portland he played even less. The Trail Blazers made clear that they needed a backup point guard only until they signed Ransey. ''They were up front and honest with me,'' Hamilton said. ''But I thought that Ransey would miss the first 25 games or so. I was just getting to know the system and was getting confident, then I was gone.'' During his two years at U.C.L.A., Larry Brown, now the Net coach, met Hamilton and invited him to some of his y oung team's workouts. Atthe time, Hamilton, having been cut by Portla nd, was with his family in Los Angeles, playing in a few of the area' s local leagues and working as a TV commentator at several Bruin home games. Brown asked Hamilton to join the Nets' entry in the Summer Pro League. Not about to make the same mistake twice, Hamilton accepted without hesitation. ''He did well out there,'' Brown said. ''But he lost a lot of confidence after the Detroit situation. I'm trying to make him realize that we want him leading the team and taking his shots, and not worrying about missing.'' ''Kids that come from your super programs like U.C.L.A. and Indiana, you have to give them more of a look,'' said Bob MacKinnon, the Nets' general manager, ''They won't be your superstars, but your good, solid players,'' Hamilton says he is a different player from the one who left Detroit. ''The whole experience taught me to be more aggressive,'' he said. ''I looked at films of myself over the summer and I came to see it. All I want here is to be able to walk away and say that I had my shot. ''But hopefully, I won't have to walk away.'' Illustrations: photo of Roy Hamilton

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NEW HOPE FOR A JOURNEYMAN

In coaching and playing college basketball and football, achieving the top 10 has always been a standard of success. College coaches whose teams are in the top 10 at the end of a season usually keep their jobs at least another year. And players chosen among the first 10 usually get the big money, guaranteed contracts and happiness. That is, if all goes according to plan. For Roy Hamilton, formerly of U.C.L.A., the Detroit Pistons and the Portland Trail Blazers, and now a candidate for the New Jersey Nets, the plan has gone amiss. After a superb college career in which he helped lead U.C.L.A. to the final of the national collegiate West Regionals as a senior, Hamilton attained a personal goal by being chosen in the top 10 of the National Basketball Association's 1979 draft. He was chosen as No.10 by the Pistons, and signed a longterm, guaranteed contract.

20150524082216

Following are excerpts from a transcript of questions by members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and answers by Alexander M. Haig Jr. in testimony in Washington yesterday on his nomination as Secretary of State, as recorded by The New York Times: What do you see as China's role in Asia where Peking is concerned? That is, Peking is improving relations with Japan and the Asian countries which are in conflict with Vietnam and Cambodia and potentially at odds with us over Korea. Now how should we balance our interest in a stronger China with our absence of interest in creating a Chinese threat to Taiwan and the rest of Southeast Asia? That is, the stronger we make China, the more threat it becomes to Taiwan. And I think we want to remain neutral on this, don't we? A. Well, Senator, as you probably know, I was a participant in the early efforts to normalize relationships with the Peoples Republic. And as a matter of fact, I made the trip that was the stalking horse, if you will, for President Nixon's historic trip some years ago. I think it's awfully important that we recognize that the situation is fundamentally one of strategy. It's a strategic relationship that is the underlying motivation for normalization of relationships with the People's Republic of China. It doesn't mean in any respect that we have a convergence of interests and values. I have said that the challenge of this decade facing us is the necessity, on the one hand, to conduct our policies in such a way that the People's Republic of China recognize that there is some value in a normalization of relationships with the United States; that we are reliable. And on the other hand, not permit this normalization process to result in a situation that my European friends describe as poking sticks in the polar bear's cage. And clearly this is a balancing act of some importance. Our realtionships with China, on the one hand, should be based on our strategic motivations for that relationship. And we must not get ourselves into a triangle relationship which constantly serves as an irritant to improving East-West relationships. Motivation for China Now with respect to China's role, the People's Republic of China, in the regional area, I think that strategic relationship has increasingly begun to suggest that their concern about what they refer to as the search for hegemony by the Soviet Union on their border, and south of them, and to the north of them, has given them a motivation for certain stabilizing influence in the area. Evidence, with a value judgment, their punitive action against Hanoi when Hanoi continued its activities in Cambodia. So I see a compatibilty and a convergence in the strategic sense between ourselves and the People's Republic of China. And I think it's in our interest to continue the normalization process begun during the Nixon years, furthered during the Ford years and furthered further during the Carter Administration. I do not see a particular threat at this juncture of maturization to the other nations of the area as we look at the overall demographic assets of the People's Republic of China. They have a long, long way to go before, for example, they could be considered a military threat, in my view, to the people of Taiwan, to Japan. And I would hope that there would be a structuring of improved relationships between Japan and the People's Republic, and there's a great deal under way today that could lead to that, despite historic differences of the past. Q. Do you see an improved relationship between P.R.C. and Taiwan, too? A. Well, I think this is a question that only time can answer. And I think it's a matter of considerable delicacy. It came up in the campaign, and I would prefer not, today, to add any fuel to the controversy. Suffice it to say, I think we have a strategic interst in improving and normalizing our relationships to the People's Republic of China on its own merits. We also have a fundamental responsibility to demonstrate American reliability to previous commitments in a historic sense; and we do and continue to have an obligation to the people of Taiwan. Q. Do you support the Camp David accords? A. Yes, I do. Q. Do you support the Zimbabwe settlement that was negotiated by Lord Carrington and the British? A. Yes, I do. And I've discussed this with Lord Carrington on several occasions at great length. Q. Now I know you've addressed this question before this committee, but I'm still not altogether clear on your position. Do you support the Panama Canal treaties? A. Well, I hope I made it clear yesterday that I do, and will continue to. Q. Do you favor establishing official relations with Taiwan? A. I think that question is one that was just touched upon in a more indirect way, but certainly was clearly connoted in the discussion with Senator Hayakawa. And I think it's very important that I have an opportunity to discuss this issue with the Presidentelect at some length before I would want to go on the public record with respect to that question. I would prefer that you ask it in the context of official relationships with the people of Taiwan, for example. Taiwan Relations Act

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MAJOR POINTS IN THE SENATE FOREIGN REALTIONS COMMITTEE'S QUESTIONING OF

HAIG Following are excerpts from a transcript of questions by members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and answers by Alexander M. Haig Jr. in testimony in Washington yesterday on his nomination as Secretary of State, as recorded by The New York Times: Senator S.@I. Hayakawa What do you see as China's role in Asia where Peking is concerned? That is, Peking is improving relations with Japan and the Asian countries which are in conflict with Vietnam and Cambodia and potentially at odds with us over Korea. Now how should we balance our interest in a stronger China with our absence of interest in creating a Chinese threat to Taiwan and the rest of Southeast Asia? That is, the stronger we make China, the more threat it becomes to Taiwan. And I think we want to remain neutral on this, don't we? A. Well, Senator, as you probably know, I was a participant in the early efforts to normalize relationships with the Peoples Republic. And as a matter of fact, I made the trip that was the stalking horse, if you will, for President Nixon's historic trip some years ago.

20150524084820

G EORGE BUSH, who has virtually disappeared from the public eye, is feeling a bit squeamish about the high profile that has been thrust upon him when he leaves the Vice President's House on the grounds of the Naval Observatory along Washington's Embassy Row. For months Mr. Bush, who prides himself on his quiet demeanor and on the fact that he was the last of the 1980 Republican Presidential candidates to accept Secret Service protection, has wheeled around town unobtrusively. Now he is enveloped in highly unusual security for a Vice President, the result of Secret Service concern over reports of a Libyan assassination plot against American leaders. When he travels around Washington, for example, his motorcade includes a half-dozen police and Secret Service cars, including a van carrying a SWAT team. Intersections are blocked and ordinary motorists are swept aside -measures that only Presidents, or important foreign leaders, used to rate. Before the Libyan threat, says Pete Teeley, Mr. Bush's press secretary, the Vice President's limousine and station wagon full of Secret Service agents had to stop at traffic lights and stop signs like other motorists. While the new security may have expedited his travels, it has also caused embarrassment for the Vice President, who did not accept Secret Service protection in the campaign until Puerto Rican nationalists seized his New York City headquarters and briefly held some of his workers hostage. Now he is uncomfortable when his cacophonous motorcade roars through quiet residential streets for dinner at a friend's house or a social call. ''He doesn't like being a moving showcase,'' says Mr. Teeley, ''but there's not much he can do about it.'' Nonetheless, even if Mr. Bush is remembered for nothing else, history will note that he was the first Vice President to enjoy intersection control. T HE big event is a month away, of course, but the preliminary draft of President Reagan's first State of the Union Message has already been completed. Copies of the draft, which in all likelihood will bear little resemblance to the final product, will soon be circulated to members of Mr. Reagan's senior staff. Then, of course, it will be rewritten a number of times, with a word, phrase or thought added here and a nuance or two removed there. As many as four speech writers routinely toil at many major addresses, but the work on Mr. Reagan's State of the Union Message is being done primarily by one writer, Tony Dolan. No hints of the contents of the draft have emerged from the White House, but it is known that the President has not seen it yet. In any case, revisions can be expected until the last moment, for speeches such as these often reflect late developments and the nature of discussions in the White House and other major centers of power at the time. ''With events moving the way they sometimes do,'' said a White House official, ''these things are never in their final version until they're delivered.'' O FFICES throughout the capital have been receiving the small beige announcements noting the establishment here of the National Women's Law Center, a group of five lawyers and six support staff members - all women - dedicated to legal work in areas affecting women. Those who have joined the center, which grew out of the Women's Rights Project of the Center for Law and Social Policy, already have a number of projects in hand and will expand into problems affecting the family and immigrant and refugee women. Above all, they have no fears they will lack clients. ''Our problem won't be a lack of business,'' said Marcia D. Greenberger, managing lawyer for the group. ''Our problem is that there is so much call for us and so many requests for assistance that we don't have the resources to handle it all.'' R ICHARD V. ALLEN, President Reagan's national security adviser, is still on an administrative leave following charges he acted improperly in accepting $1,000 in cash and a number of personal gifts. Even so, he has been briefed on events while at home and has kept himself busy, answering an avalanche of letters and Mailgrams from people around the country. The correspondence was prompted largely by an extraordinary media campaign he undertook shortly after Thanksgiving, and thus far, he says, the letters have been more than 100 to one in his favor. ''People have been extremely generous, kind, supportive and encouraging,'' says Mr. Allen, who pledges to answer every letter personally. Mr. Allen expects a prompt resolution of the charges against him and expects to return to duty swiftly. In the meantime, he has upped his daily swim to 2,000 yards and has been enjoying the festivities of the season with his seven children and celebrating his 24th wedding anniversary with his wife. Phil Gailey David Shribman

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BRIEFING - NYTimes.com

G EORGE BUSH, who has virtually disappeared from the public eye, is feeling a bit squeamish about the high profile that has been thrust upon him when he leaves the Vice President's House on the grounds of the Naval Observatory along Washington's Embassy Row. For months Mr. Bush, who prides himself on his quiet demeanor and on the fact that he was the last of the 1980 Republican Presidential candidates to accept Secret Service protection, has wheeled around town unobtrusively. Now he is enveloped in highly unusual security for a Vice President, the result of Secret Service concern over reports of a Libyan assassination plot against American leaders. When he travels around Washington, for example, his motorcade includes a half-dozen police and Secret Service cars, including a van carrying a SWAT team. Intersections are blocked and ordinary motorists are swept aside -measures that only Presidents, or important foreign leaders, used to rate.

20150524102850

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.— When people draw up lists of talented contemporary American playwrights, they tend to forget about Ronald Ribman. In part, it's because Mr. Ribman is not tremendously prolific - he hasn't been heard from in New York since ''Cold Storage,'' five years ago - and in part because there's no such thing as an easily categorizable ''Ribman play.'' This writer's work ranges far afield, from medieval England (''The Ceremony of Innocence'') to present-day California prisons (''The Poison Tree''), rarely settling down in familiar terrain. He has yet to write a major play about average, middle-class Americans who live their lives in living rooms. It could also be argued that Mr. Ribman has yet to write a major play, period - but, even so, he is a writer who's always worth listening to. Among his gifts are a fierce concern for language, a fantasist's theatrical flair and a profound empathy for souls in torment. All these virtues - as well as some defects - are apparent in ''The Journey of the Fifth Horse,'' the 1966 Ribman play now receiving a rare major revival at Harvard's American Repertory Theater. ''Fifth Horse'' is an adaptation and expansion of a Turgenev story, ''Diary of a Superfluous Man,'' about a 19th-century Russian landowner, Chulkaturin, who dies young, broke, friendless and unloved. The play's title comes from a metaphorical anecdote about a carriage that drags along a superfluous fifth horse: like the horse, Chulkaturin suffers through a life that is ''as brief as it is meaningless.'' If people notice this shnook at all, it is to reject him: Even a putative dueling opponent decides he's not worth the waste of a bullet. And the rejections follow Chulkaturin into the grave. When his servants try to sell his diary posthumously, the book is summarily dismissed by a lowly reader in a publishing house. In his play, Mr. Ribman has turned that reader into a second major character, Zoditch, and melded his story with that of Turgenev's protagonist. As we watch Zoditch read and mock Chulkaturin's diary in his shabby flat, the dead landowner's pathetic autobiography is reenacted in flashback. At the same time, we witness the reader's life - and it proves every bit as sorry and pointless as the one he deems unpublishable. But the pompous and petty publishing bureaucrat refuses to see the ironic connection. ''This is God's universe!'' Zoditch cries out defiantly to Chulkaturin's ghost. ''It's not a madhouse of useless, placeless rats!'' Mr. Ribman's dramatic device sometimes seems as superfluous as the men it links together. The story he has invented for Zoditch too dogmatically parallels the one Turgenev gave Chulkaturin; it doubles the length of the original work without always adding a corresponding increase in heft. At Harvard, this problem is compounded by Richard Grusin's weak performance as the reader - a role that brought Dustin Hoffman to fame in the original Off Broadway production. Mr. Grusin rises to shrill, unfocused hysteria too fast, without transforming his accelerating panic into comedy or pathos. Yet, as the two heroes increasingly mirror each other in Act II, Mr. Ribman's conceit strengthens, dragging Mr. Grusin along with it. The more fearfully Zoditch struggles to resist the wounding implications of Chulkaturin's diary, the more we wonder whether we're not resisting those implications as well. After all, one doesn't have to be as superfluous as these two men to fear that ''we are all thrust alone on a dark sea,'' doomed to absurd, useless and lonely lives. When Zoditch must figuratively confront Chulkaturin in the play's harrowing final scene, we see that Mr. Ribman's added character has forced the audience, too, into an inescapable confrontation with Turgenev's tragic view of existence. Along the way, the black humor and brooding sorrow of Mr. Ribman's dialogue blend in seamlessly with the Turgenev spirit. The same is not uniformly true of the actors, some of whom seem too contemporary or American or broad. The staging - by Adrian Hall, on temporary furlough from Providence's Trinity Square Repertory Company - and the production design are a bit sloppy. While Kevin Rupnick's set is a chilling, towering madhouse of faceless doors and stairways, some inexact lighting exacerbates Mr. Hall's already ragged interstitching of the two narratives and Zoditch's several acted-out fantasy sequences. Some of the supporting players do shine - notably Cherry Jones and Francois de la Giroday, who respectively double as would-be paramours and condescending antagonists to both heroes. But the standout is Paul Benedict, whose gentle, mild-spoken Chulkaturin earns our compassion without ever lapsing into sentimental pandering. As shapeless as a Thurber cartoon figure, this actor uses subtle means -a slight thickening of his voice, a droopy stab at a romantic smile - to reveal the pain and longings of an anonymous loser whose life and death made ''no difference to anybody.'' In concert with Mr. Ribman and Turgenev, he gives us a man whose every action is forgettable, yet whose anguished soul is impossible to escape. Mirrored Heroes THE JOURNEY OF THE FIFTH HORSE, by Ron- ald Ribman; based in part on ''Diary of a Superfluous Man'' by Ivan Turgenev; directed by Adrian Hall; sets by Kevin Rupnik; costumes by Rita Ryack; lighting by James F. Ingalls. Presented by the American Repertory Theater. At the Loeb Drama Center, Cambridge, Mass. Terentievna .............................Marianne Owen Zoditch ................................Richard Grusin Sergey and lieutenant Zimin .............Thomas Derrah Rubin and Capt. Ivan Petrovich Narvinsky Francois de la Giroday Miss Grubov and Elizaveta Kirillovna Cherry Jones Pandalevski and Bizmionkov ..............Tony Shalhoub Katerina Prolomnaya ...................Karen MacDonald Nikolai Alexeevich Chulkaturin ..........Paul Benedict Dr. Korvin .............................Jonathan Marks Levinov and Gregory ......................John Bottoms Feathers ................................Maja Hellmold Kirilla Matveich Ozhogin .................Jeremy Geidt Anna ...................................Shirley Wilber Volobrina ...............................Maja Hellmold Tania ..................................Nicolette Webb Officers ..............John Bottoms and Jonathan Marks Illustrations: Photo of Paul Benedict

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THEATER - 'FIFTH HORSE,' BY RIBMAN, AT HARVARD - NYTimes.com

When people draw up lists of talented contemporary American playwrights, they tend to forget about Ronald Ribman. In part, it's because Mr. Ribman is not tremendously prolific - he hasn't been heard from in New York since ''Cold Storage,'' five years ago - and in part because there's no such thing as an easily categorizable ''Ribman play.'' This writer's work ranges far afield, from medieval England (''The Ceremony of Innocence'') to present-day California prisons (''The Poison Tree''), rarely settling down in familiar terrain. He has yet to write a major play about average, middle-class Americans who live their lives in living rooms. It could also be argued that Mr. Ribman has yet to write a major play, period - but, even so, he is a writer who's always worth listening to. Among his gifts are a fierce concern for language, a fantasist's theatrical flair and a profound empathy for souls in torment. All these virtues - as well as some defects - are apparent in ''The Journey of the Fifth Horse,'' the 1966 Ribman play now receiving a rare major revival at Harvard's American Repertory Theater.

20150524103228

For several weeks, rumors have popped in and out of Yankee Stadium that George Steinbrenner was planning to sell the Yankees. Warner Communications, the mushrooming conglomerate that sired the video game Pac-Man, would be the buyer. The rumors, though, have not escalated into fact. Perhaps at some point in their negotiations for cable television rights, Steinbrenner and Warner executives discussed the possibility of a sale or at least a share of the club for Warner. But no pinstriped Pac-Men are expected to be scampering around Yankee Stadium soon. On the other hand, the owner of a major league team from another city said last week amid the turmoil that swirled around the Yankees: ''The wisest thing George could do at this point is to sell and take his money. He's created a Frankenstein, and it's turned on him. The fans have turned on him.'' Steinbrenner has had his detractors in the 10 seasons he has been the team's principal owner, but he never encountered the verbal abuse that cascaded from the stands last Tuesday night. In what amounted to a popularity contest with Reggie Jackson, the outcome was as onesided as if he had been in a beauty contest with Cheryl Tiegs. ''I've never seen the man that upset,'' said a man who saw Steinbrenner after the fans erupted with the most unusual chant from paying customers in recent memory. ''He was hurt, really hurt.'' Some of Steinbrenner's players loved the obscene chant. Not many were willing to express that view publicly, but neither could they supress smiles. Ron Guidry smiled and expressed his view. ''It's about the only fun time I had in the game,'' said Guidry, the losing pitcher in the game. A club executive chastized Guidry for making such a comment. Guidry, however, was only the latest in a succession of players who have incurred the owner's wrath for comments that have appeared in newspapers. Either in person or by telephone, Steinbrenner reprimanded Rick Cerone, Lou Piniella and Bobby Murcer during spring training. Steinbrenner also didn't like some comments Rick Reuschel made, but the pitcher's agents and not the pitcher heard about it. The owner, some players felt, was overreacting to their comments. Others suggested that perhaps Steinbrenner was trying to intimidate all of the players so that they would make only innocuous comments, certainly nothing that would reflect badly on him. ''I've heard from a few people he's a little more on edge than usual,'' Rudy May said. Steinbrenner outdid even himself last Monday, Gene Michael's first day back on the job as manager, when his orders to the security force made the stadium resemble an armed camp. One reporter was even physically restrained from walking toward the Yankee clubhouse. Steinbrenner didn't want his players talking about the latest managerial change, and he wasn't talking about it. Nor did Steinbrenner return telephone calls during the week to comment on the series of developments. During the week, some players spoke of confusion and unhappiness, but others saw positive movement after the change in managers. Dave Collins, for example, began to see the outline of a role for him under Michael. With Bob Lemon as manager, Collins started when another player was ill or injured. Michael, though, started him at first base against left-handed pitchers. ''I think there's less confusion for a lot of people,'' said Collins, who had been the most confused Yankee. Bucky Dent had been the most demoralized Yankee. Roy Smalley, after all, had been brought in to take his place at short. Suddenly, coincidental with Michael replacing Lemon, Graig Nettles fractured his left thumb and Smalley was needed at third base. ''It doesn't matter why I'm in there,'' said Dent, the shortstop again. ''It doesn't matter any more - period. I'm going to play as hard as I can as long as I'm here.'' And when Nettles returns? ''I'm not going to worry because I'll be playing good by then and it'll be up to them,'' Dent said. If it had been up to the Yankees, Dent might have been traded by this Tuesday. He has cleared American League waivers, which means the Yankees can trade him to a National League club in a waiver deal before the current waiver period ends Tuesday at midnight. If Nettles had not fractured his thumb, perhaps the Yankees would have done just that. If Collins and Dent feel better, May does not. ''I'm real disappointed because I don't fit into their plans,'' the veteran pitcher said. ''I don't know what they're going to do with me - start me, relieve me, trade me, release me. Maybe they're mad at me.'' Why would the Yankees be mad at May? Because last winter he refused, as was his right, to be traded to Kansas City. ''I didn't want to play in Kansas City,'' he explained. ''I wanted to play here. They talk about the great Yankee tradition and what it means, and then when you want to be a part of it, they hold it against you.'' Oscar Gamble was concerned that the Yankees would hold it against him that he refused a trade to Texas. He even refused $250,000 the Yankees offered to accept the trade for Al Oliver. ''I hope I'm still liked, but I don't know,'' said Gamble, the left-handed designated hitter. ''They didn't get me ready for the season with the number of at-bats I had in exhibition games, and then I didn't play against some right-handers. But I've been playing against the right-handers, so that's a good sign.'' The series of five trades, involving 15 players, made within one month, from March 24 to April 23, by a team that supposedly was carefully designed last fall by the owner and his staff created uncertainty in the clubhouse. ''This year we had a new club in spring training,'' said Tommy John, the pitcher who is affected by nothing. ''There were a lot of changes from last year. Then after we worked for eight weeks in Florida, we come back and they change the club again. Guys have to learn each other all over. You have to reacquire your confidence in each other. There's a chemistry in baseball. We're just kind of finding ourselves.'' Lemon never did get a chance to find himself. Steinbrenner threw one player after another at him and he was supposed to find a way to fit them all in, even if they didn't all fit. Lemon heard a joke that perhaps Steinbrenner would petition the commissioner to allow the Yankees at least to use a 10th man, a short fielder, as in softball. Lemon laughed. He did not laugh when he was dismissed. ''The best way to settle down,'' said Lou Piniella, the professional hitter and amateur philosopher, ''is to win. When you win, things get quiet in a hurry.''

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YANKEES RED-HOT AGAIN (OFF THE FIELD)

For several weeks, rumors have popped in and out of Yankee Stadium that George Steinbrenner was planning to sell the Yankees. Warner Communications, the mushrooming conglomerate that sired the video game Pac-Man, would be the buyer. The rumors, though, have not escalated into fact. Perhaps at some point in their negotiations for cable television rights, Steinbrenner and Warner executives discussed the possibility of a sale or at least a share of the club for Warner. But no pinstriped Pac-Men are expected to be scampering around Yankee Stadium soon.

20150723230837

The years 1967 and 1969 were known for their festivals, but live music in the ’60s may have had no better year than 1968, when club rock hit a kind of Hall of Fame peak. The days of rubbish amps and teenybopper gaggles were in the past, and the two Fillmore venues — one on each coast — were the psychedelic Mecca and Medina of the post-pop crowd. “Sly and the Family Stone: Live at the Fillmore East — October 4th & 5th, 1968,” a four-disc set, released last week and comprising four shows played across two nights, is sourced from New York — and, one might add, plenty of people’s wish lists, since there has been so little live Sly available over the years. And with the opening notes of “Are You Ready” — a query doubling as a warning that you are about to get seriously rocked — it’s evident that this is going to be one doozy of a box. The first show has some technical bugs, — amps act up, microphones fluctuate — but that only serves to bolster an inchoate feel from which Stone had a knack for wringing rhythm. The second show that night is pure groove, including a version of “Dance to the Music” with a pliancy that even the well-known studio cut lacks. It’s all the more remarkable given that blues, R&B, soul jazz, hambone satire, Louis Armstrong-style vocalese, and Bachian modulations all go into the mix. That it works seamlessly is pure Sly, which is why he mattered as rock and soul’s foremost assimilator. One highlight of the early show from the second night is a treatment of “Color Me True” with barbershop polyphonies brought to bear amid the Family’s perpetual roiling. “Do you take credit for somebody else’s cooking?” goes one refrain, inviting the response, nope, this is all you guys. The third show also features the best version of the Otis Redding-like stomper “M’Lady,” and goodness how it churns and burns. Pumping bass, full-throated horns, giant fistfuls of funky organ notes, cannonades of drums: This is just a massive sound, punctuated with unaccompanied vocals that in turn morph into wordless instruments. Things come completely untethered at the final show, a soul-music symposium voiced by members of a band that had never been tighter as a live act. The “Turn Me Loose / I Can’t Turn You Loose” medley might as well come with an advisory to don a helmet, lest you dance too hard and jar your skull against a wall. Sister Rosie Stone, on keyboards and vocals, is a huge presence throughout, and at one point Stone pleads with the sound man to turn her up. Hers is the voice that cuts best through Stone’s slab of sound. Stone himself is quite the sound painter on the organ. It’s something for which he’s never been given a ton of credit: That organ that manages to be both an obvious hallmark of the band at its greatest fettle and a surprise, too, when it comes washing over you. There’s enough variety here that you understand why the whole shebang needed to come out — and vintage audiophiles will just about bow down before the quality of these tapes. Had a record label released that second show from Oct. 4 as a single LP back in its day, we’d be going on almost five decades now with a live Sly Stone album counting as as one of the best ever waxed. Good to have in the books at last.

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‘Fillmore’ set shows Sly & the Family Stone at peak potency

A new four-disc set of recordings made in New York in 1968 shows Sly and the Family Stone at their peak, mixing blues, rock, funk, soul, and more.

20150816172449

Russians in particular, in the aftermath of the Ukraine crisis, have reportedly been trying to stash their cash in London's most expensive properties, but this is not something chief executive of exclusive property finder London Central Portfolio, Naomi Heaton has seen much of. Read MoreLondon house prices face boost from Ukraine turmoil "From our point it hasn't been much of a story, there has not been a notable impact on the market as a result of the sanctions imposed in April and at the moment I would be really surprised if new sanctions would have any impact," she said. "There were only 51 properties over $10 million sold last year, so we were never talking about a big quantity, and Russians only represent about 2 percent of buyers," she said. However, while Russians may not be buying that many prime London properties – they are certainly renting them. There are more Russians, particularly students, newly renting property in "iconic postcodes" in central London than any other nationality, Heaton said. Read MoreLondon luxury housing market 'cooling', estate agents warn "Russia represents the highest proportion of students at 13 percent of our tenancy start-ups this year. So we are seeing Russians, but interestingly we are seeing them at the other end of the process," said Heaton.. "We have more Russian students than any other nationality, which is a very interesting statistic – but we are not seeing the buying end," she added. Global estate agent Knight Frank has found that international buyers are now retreating from the ultra-luxury London property market. Foreign buyers accounted for under half (47 percent) of the super-prime market so far this year, down from 64 percent last year and 73 percent in 2012.

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Forget buying, wealthy Russians now renting in London

Foreign buyers have been blamed for rising London house prices, but estate agents say the rental market has seen a rise in Russian interest.

20150823201946

In January its members campaigned against and helped defeat the LDP's candidate for governor of Saga, a prefecture in farm-heavy southwestern Japan. Though agriculture is only about 1 percent of Japan's economy, that defeat worries those who fear the government could temper what Koichi Kurose, chief economist at Resona Bank, calls "a symbolic part of Abe's structural reforms" ahead of nationwide local elections in April. "If they pull back from that to win elections, they can pull back from the whole Abenomics reforms," he said. "Foreign investors are also watching closely whether or not Abe can carry out agricultural reforms, which will affect their evaluations of Abenomics," said Chizu Hori, senior research officer at Mizuho Research Institute Ltd. At home, farmers hurt by another plank of Abenomics - loose money and a weaker yen - are also watching closely. Hiroyasu Sugiura, 67, whose dairy lies in the shadow of Toyota Motor factories in central Japan, says he is desperate. The tumbling yen helps exporters like Toyota but has led to a sharp rise in feed costs, which now swallow nearly 80 percent of Sugiura's dairy revenue. Read MoreAbenomics gets a mixed report card "The weaker yen ... may have given Toyota Motor trillions of yen in profit, but we are getting squeezed by the same national policy," said Sugiura, who is also the head of the Aichi Dairy Cooperative. "We want the government to protect us." For the consumer, however, high prices and a recent butter shortage are the pitfalls of a closed market for milk and dairy products, where output volume and sales prices are set by the state and a few designated groups under the JA, while imports are under effective state control. Raw milk production was 7.45 million tonnes in the year through March 2014, down from 8.66 million in 1997, while the number of dairy farmers has fallen to 18,600 in 2014 from 160,100 in 1975. Cow numbers have fallen by a third from their peak. Meanwhile, Japan imposes a 360 percent tariff on butter imports to protect domestic farmers while maintaining an import quota as a condition for such high tariffs under international rules of trade.

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Abenomics faces test with farming industry

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's program to revive the nation's economy is set to meet perhaps its stiffest challenge, the nation's sclerotic farming industry.

20150823204616

"We're sick of being deceived by the ruling party," said Yorie Arakaki, a 44-year-old housewife among protesters who clashed with police a few weeks ago as dump trucks came in the dead of night to start working at Henoko, site of a new base to replace Futenma air base in central Okinawa. "We now see that the will of the people won't be honored." Emotions are especially high this year, the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa, which left 30 percent of the island's population dead. Residents lived under U.S. rule for the next 27 years. Even now, Okinawa hosts nearly 75 percent of the U.S. military presence in Japan, taking up 18 percent of its land area. Abe's push to beef up Japan's military, driven by China's growing assertiveness, has some worried in Okinawa, which sits some 1,600 km (1,000 miles) south of Tokyo. Last month, buoyed by December's re-election, his government passed a record $42 billion defence budget. "In the hypothetical case of a military 'situation,' Tokyo is so far away it won't feel the pain, just like 70 years ago," Nago mayor Susumu Inamine told Reuters. "Then, Okinawa helped buy time for the home islands, and this thinking basically hasn't changed. People on the mainland want Okinawans to put up with everything so they can feel safe." Everyone agrees that Futenma, crammed in the middle of a densely-populated residential area, must be moved. But a rising number of Okinawans now say it should be shifted from the islands altogether. Reasons include the planned deployment of the controversial Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, loathed for its noise, among other reasons. Read MoreCranking up reforms: Tokyo analysts to lose overtime pay "The vibrations make your insides go numb," said Kanako Kawakami, a 56-year-old resident of Ginowan, the site of Futenma. Huddled among a group of 100 protesters, Kawakami was part of a round-the-clock vigil on a hillside in front of Camp Schwab, a U.S. base that abuts the Henoko site. Dump trucks arrived in the dead of night. In January, an 80-year-old woman was hurt in clashes between protesters and riot police. The bases have always been a devil's bargain for Japan's second-poorest prefecture, where unemployment is about 75 percent higher than the national average. In the rundown city of Nago, Abe's vaunted economic growth policies appear to have had little impact on its 61,500 residents. Some are resigned. "Bases bring in money," said taxi driver Masatsune Naka, 65. "People have to support families." To help the prefecture, Tokyo has provided a generous development budget, insisting it is not linked to bases. But after the election of anti-base governor Takeshi Onaga in November, and the trouncing of ruling party candidates in a December parliamentary election, the government said it was cutting the budget by 16 billion yen to 334 billion yen in the 2015/16 fiscal year. And as the percentage of the island's GDP coming from the bases falls - from 15 percent in 1972 to 4.9 percent in 2011 - Okinawans are aware they need to be more self-reliant. Tourism now accounts for nearly 10 percent of GDP, including a hefty number of foreigners. Freeing up base land for local use would also allow expansion of growing industries such as information technology and call centers. Economically, though, things would be tough. Okinawa's GDP ranks alongside that of the tiny Pacific island of Tuvalu. "There's no way we'd ever declare independence, we couldn't feed ourselves," said Satoru Kinjo, head of the local branch of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. But islander anger, and the government's response, could pose a national danger for Abe. On Jan. 25, nearly 7,000 people gathered to protest the Henoko base in Tokyo. "The Japanese people will be watching what happens here," Inamine, the Nago mayor, said. "People who have supported the government and LDP up to now won't be able to excuse their excesses anymore."

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Battle for Okinawa: Islanders face off with Tokyo over bases

Japan's Okinawa looks and feels almost like a different country. A growing number of islanders say it should be just that.

20150919073358

SYDNEY, July 22 (Reuters) - U.S. wheat fell for a ninth consecutive session on Wednesday to hit the lowest in nearly a month, as a rapidly advancing harvest and worries over export competitiveness pushed the contract to its longest losing streak. * Chicago Board Of Trade September wheat fell 0.4 percent to $5.22-3/4 a bushel, near the session low of $5.22 a bushel - the lowest since June 25. Wheat closed down 1.5 percent on Tuesday. * November soybeans rose 0.25 percent to $10.07-1/4 a bushel, having firmed 0.53 percent on Tuesday. * December corn fell 0.36 percent to $4.16, having gained 0.36 percent in the previous session after recovering from a three-week low of $4.13 a bushel. * Corn under pressure amid expectations that the majority of the crop in the U.S. Midwest will pass through its key pollination phase without too much stress. * Egypt's General Authority for Supply Commodities on Tuesday said it bought 350,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia. There was no U.S. wheat offered in the tender, traders said. * The dollar nursed losses early on Wednesday after taking its biggest one-day fall so far this month, though most observers felt it was just a hiccup in the currency's long-term uptrend. * Crude oil futures held on to gains after a volatile session that saw the U.S. front-month August contract expire and go off the board above $50 a barrel, with a weaker dollar providing support. * U.S. stocks closed lower on Tuesday as results from IBM and United Technologies dampened early optimism over earnings season and after-the-bell declines in major tech shares suggested losses would continue on Wednesday. DATA AHEAD (GMT) 0800 IT Industrial Orders May 1300 US Monthly Home Price May 1200 US Existing Home Sales June 2350 JP Trade Balance June Grains prices at 0055 GMT Contract Last Change Pct chg Two-day chg MA 30 RSI CBOT wheat 522.75 -2.00 -0.38% -1.88% 545.83 23 CBOT corn 416.00 -1.50 -0.36% +0.00% 409.45 39 CBOT soy 1007.25 2.50 +0.25% +0.78% 984.02 52 CBOT rice $10.99 -$0.02 -0.18% +0.87% $10.54 67 WTI crude $50.45 -$0.41 -0.81% +0.60% $56.17 26 Euro/dlr $1.095 $0.001 +0.12% +1.15% USD/AUD 0.741 0.000 -0.04% +0.64% Most active contracts Wheat, corn and soy US cents/bushel. Rice: USD per hundredweight RSI 14, exponential (Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Ed Davies)

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GRAINS-Wheat falls for 9th session to one-month low

*Chicago Board Of Trade September wheat fell 0.4 percent to $5.22-3/ 4 a bushel, near the session low of $5.22 a bushel- the lowest since June 25. Wheat closed down 1.5 percent on Tuesday. *Egypt's General Authority for Supply Commodities on Tuesday said it bought 350,000 tonnes of wheat from Russia.

20151001082240

In December, Maryland Health Connection Executive Director Rebecca Pearce resigned, and in late February, the exchange fired its primary IT contractor, Noridian Healthcare Solutions. In addition to downtime for fixes, the exchange has had issues with lost and frozen applications, incorrect subsidy determinations and feuding contractors. Maryland enrolled 63,002 people in private health plans as of the end of open enrollment on March 31. Connecticut, a smaller state with fewer uninsured residents, enrolled 76,597 people. Maryland likely won't be the only state to dump its own exchange, said Howard, who sees Oregon, Minnesota and Massachusetts as likely candidates to follow Maryland. He calls all four state exchanges "outright failures." Read MoreHere are the healthiest counties in America He also expects most states on the federal exchange to come off in the next few years, taking back some autonomy. "States really do need to have a better understanding of their marketplaces, to have a role in plan management, plan selection," Howard said "They know their citizens, their unique needs." And, in fact, Counihan said Connecticut has been in talks with four other states, some on the federal exchange, some running their own sites, to provide similar services. Consolidation is the most likely course of action for everyone, Howard said. He doesn't expect any more states to start their own exchanges. Instead, they'd be more likely to join some other multistate exchange. He pointed to Kentucky, with its successful, "clean, no-frills model" exchange and California, which has outpaced other states in enrollments, as states that could follow Connecticut's lead in franchising their services. He also expects new vendors to enter the fray. —By CNBC's Jodi Gralnick. Follow her on Twitter @jodigralnick.

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Maryland Obamacare site taps Connecticut for tech fix

Maryland became the first state to take drastic action to fix its flawed Obamacare website. It likely won't be the last.

20151009215222

Tidewater is Wordell's play on energy, specifically deep-water drilling. Such drilling is going through a down cycle right now, he said, but "Tidewater is positioned as strongly as they can be. They have all new equipment," he said. "Over the next 12 to 18 months, I'm very, very comfortable that deep-water drilling is going to continue have a continued upcycle." Tidewater is down almost 50 percent this year. Wordell also likes PVH Corp. and Tyco, which he said has a tremendous pipeline of deals. Patrick Kaser, managing director and portfolio manager at Brandywine Global, has his eye on General Motors, which is down almost 20 percent year to date. He called the automaker a cheap stock with a strong balance sheet and good cash flows. "GM is one of those that could be a much better stock going forward than it has been looking backwards," Kaser said. For an energy pick, Kaser likes Halliburton, which fell more than 22 percent in 2014. "You're looking at a good management team, a cheap valuation. The market's expecting earnings to fall. They will. That's clearly, I think, already priced into the stock," he said. However, Kaser emphasized he has a long-term view of three years on the stock, noting he can't predict the next three months. Another name on Kaser's buy list is Reliance Steel, which he thinks has a reasonable valuation and will benefit from a growing economy. While he doesn't own GameStop, Kaser said he is "intrigued" by it because of the debate over whether physical video game disks will continue to be relevant. "Controversy creates opportunity and people assign too high a probability to a negative outcome and that really creates the buying opportunity," he said. —CNBC's Jackie O'Sullivan contributed to this report. Disclosures: Patrick Kaser owns GM, HAL and RS, which are also investment banking clients of Brandywine Global. Don Wordell and his family own MAT, TDW and PVH, which are also investment banking clients of RidgeWorth Capital Management, and they own TYC through the company fund.

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Buy these beaten down names: Pros

Sometimes the worst performers in this year's market can be next year's gems, two pros told CNBC Tuesday.

20151011032030

Below is an unedited transcript: CHELSEA HANDLER: Hello, hello. I am very, very, very excited and thrilled to be doing this interview, because it’s finally something serious out of my life, and I would like to go on the record and say that I am a proud holder of an AOL e-mail account, and for the first time in my life not embarrassed to say it. (Laughter.) We spoke last week on the phone to discuss what we would be talking about today, and first I want to talk about your passion for sleep. ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: Yes. You know, I thought when I read your book, My Horizontal Life, I thought if I had written a book called My Horizontal Life, it would have been about sleep, not sex. (Laughter.) And I kind of came to sleep late in life. I basically — (laughter) — came to it because I fainted from exhaustion, and hit my head on my desk, and broke my cheekbone and got five stitches on my right eye. And that’s what started my love affair with sleep. (Laughter.) But in the course of doing that, I kind of discovered that we are paying a heavy price by being a sleep-deprived society, that if we actually could up our sleep portion every day, we would become wiser. You know, I feel that we are — we have so many leaders at the moment, in media, in politics, in business, who are incredibly smart, high IQs, great degrees, and no wisdom, they’re making terrible decisions. And I think one of the reasons is sleep deprivation. Bill Clinton said that some of the worst decisions in his life were made when he was tired. He didn’t specify which worst decisions in his life — (laughter) — but if only he’d gotten eight hours sleep, we would have missed all those months of impeachment hearings. (Laughter.) CHELSEA HANDLER: So, how do you propose one gets a full eight hours of sleep every night? ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: I think first of all it’s prioritizing. Like everybody here is incredibly busy, you know, they could work 24 hours a day, but the reality is that once we look at the medical evidence, sleep deprivation leads to health problems. It actually reduces your sex drive, did you know that? CHELSEA HANDLER: I have a great sex drive, so I don’t know anything about that. (Laughter.) ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: No, but I mean, if you — but if you are exhausted, isn’t your sex drive diminished? CHELSEA HANDLER: Never, no. (Laughter.) That’s why I’ve been able to write so many books about it. ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: She’s so sleep deprived that even her perception is kind of damaged. (Laughter, applause.) But it’s also like I know that when I’ve had a good night’s sleep I feel more creative, less reactive, I enjoy my life more. And, you know, at my age, you know, I’m 61, and at my age I find that I don’t want just to be effective, I want to enjoy my life. That’s really important to me. You know, I want to enjoy every day, every hour. Even when difficult things happen, as they happen in each of our days, even when I have to face challenges and problems, it makes all the difference in the world if I’ve had a good night’s sleep. End of commercial. 10 most powerful women entrepreneurs CHELSEA HANDLER: Can I ask, so what do you look forward to most throughout your day? Is it walking into work, is it your day at work or is it walking home at night and able to have dinner with your friends or family or what have you? I mean, what gets you going each day, what’s your favorite part of it? ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: Well, I’m lucky that no two days are alike. I’ve moved from Los Angeles to New York when AOL AOL bought the Huffington Post, and took down the cubicles on the fifth floor, brought editors and tech together. So, when I walk into our offices now — incidentally I also installed two nap rooms. I forgot to mention that. (Laughter.) ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: Yes. And because we also own MapQuest, and nap rooms are called Nap Quest One and Nap Quest Two. (Laughter.) Although I must say, Chelsea, that the other day as I was going by, I saw the door of one of the Nap Quest rooms opening, and three people come out of it. (Laughter.) So, I don’t know if we should rename it ménage a trois. But as long as people are happy at work, I’m fine. (Laughter.) CHELSEA HANDLER: Well, you also have cocktail Thursdays, right? ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: No, you have cocktails. CHELSEA HANDLER: Oh, that must be me. I’m confusing it. ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: You have margarita Thursdays. CHELSEA HANDLER: We have margarita Thursdays every Thursday at work, yes. ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: I thought maybe margarita Mondays would be better. It alliterates, and then like triple-shot espresso Thursdays to get through Friday. CHELSEA HANDLER: Well, that brings me to another point. I mean, I think creating a work environment as a female is or can be very, very different than the environment that’s created by men. So, can you speak to that, and how you feel about that? ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: I do feel very maternal about our work environment. I love celebrating things. Like yesterday we launched two new sites, Huff/Post 50, our boomer site, with Rita Wilson as our editor. So, we brought Rita into the office with champagne to celebrate the launch of Huff/Post 50. We also launched Gay Voices, and today we launched High School and Weddings, which we launched a year and a half after divorce. We do things a little unconventionally. (Laughter.) Divorce was the brainchild of Nora Efron, who’s been here, and everybody loves her here. And one morning, I was staying with her in Long Island, and she said to me, you know what we must launch, a divorce section, because, she said, marriage comes and goes, but divorce is forever. (Laughter.) CHELSEA HANDLER: How do you feel about creating the kind of environment — I know in my experience running television shows, which is different than obviously what you do, but it’s — you know, I have a business partner who’s a man, who says it’s okay, our policy needs to be that it’s okay for a woman to cry at work but not about work. ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: I like that. CHELSEA HANDLER: So, you can cry at work if it’s a personal issue, and I am a big proponent of that as well. I feel like everyone should feel like they have a place that’s safe, and when you come to work I want everyone to be excited to get there. ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: Absolutely, I love that. I cry a lot. You know, my friends here will tell you I love crying. (Laughter.) Almost as much as I love sleeping. (Laughter.) The reason for that is that I like to sort of get it all out. I like to start the next day fresh, you know, to put it all behind me. I like to really be able to say I have no grudges and no regrets. And in order to do that, you have to cry about the things that upset you and get them out of you. You know when people say I have a thick skin, I don’t let things upset you. I don’t believe that, and I don’t want to have a thick skin, because if you have a thick skin, you don’t let the good things in either. So, I prefer to be permeable, like a child. Have you seen how children are? You know, they can be really upset, they can cry, and then five minutes later, you look at them and it’s over. And that’s how I like to be. You know, the older I get, that’s my ideal way of being, watching little kids and emulating them. CHELSEA HANDLER: What is your relationship like with your daughters? ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: Well, that’s like the biggest thing in my life. That’s why, Chelsea, you know, you and I have just met but how much time did we spend backstage with me urging you to have a child? (Laughter.) CHELSEA HANDLER: She said, do you want children, I said no, and she said, yes, you do. (Laughter.) I said I’m pretty sure I don’t, and she said, you’re wrong. (Laughter.) ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: She’s going to London with her boyfriend. I said London is a great place to get pregnant. (Laughter.) So, I’m now going to be e-mailing her on her AOL account, you know, reminding her, a good time of the month, I found that out. So, anyway, from — it’s just women here, right? You know, I had my children late. You know, I lost my first child that was stillborn, my first pregnancy. My first child was at 38, my second at 40. And there’s nothing I love more than spending time with them. They are both at college. You know, one is 20, one is 22. One is an artist. You went to her website. CHELSEA HANDLER: I went to her website, yes. ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: IsabellaHuffington.com, a commercial for my artist daughter. And the other wants to be a journalist; she’s a senior. And what I love — now, you know, as anybody here with adult children knows, they become your friends. They’re always your children, because you always mother them. And the reason why I keep saying that you should have children is because you are so nurturing. I mean, look at the tribe that you surround yourself with. I don’t know if you know it, but her brother lives with her and he’s her chef. You have your Pilates teacher living with you. You have a couple of gay friends living in your guesthouse. (Laughter.) 10 global women on the rise Are you sure you’re not Greek? (Laughter, applause.) Because it reminds me of my life, my home. You know, there are days when I would walk into my kitchen and know half the people there, because my mother was like that. You know, whoever would come in, the FedEx man, my mother would say, oh, come and sit down, I just baked something. You know, she could not have an impersonal relationship. And I love that way of being, and I have a sense that that’s how you are. I mean, you are nurturing to younger comedians like Whitney Cummings (ph), whom you helped so much. And that’s another thing. Mentoring has been such a big part of this conference, and whether you are mentoring like you all did yesterday — I just arrived today unfortunately — or the way you’re mentoring younger comedians, it’s just such an important responsibility for women whose lives have worked out. CHELSEA HANDLER: Yeah, I agree with that wholeheartedly, and I think when you can create opportunities for women — and not just women, when you can create opportunities for other people that are in your field, you know, especially women, because we all know those types of women that are out there that aren’t doing that, that don’t think there’s room for everyone, and to have the ability and the confidence to not be in the center of the spotlight at all times and to share the stage, which I think is a huge lesson for a woman, and I think it comes a lot from the way you were raised, and I know your relationship with your mother was obviously a hugely impactful one. Can you talk about her a little bit and maybe something that she said or an experience you had with her that’s stayed with you for a long time? ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: Well, she was the foundation of my life, because she — you know, growing up in Athens without any money, I literally saw a picture of Cambridge in England, and I said to my mother, I want to go there. And everybody around us said, don’t do be ridiculous, you’re never going to get in, you have no money, most English girls don’t get in. And my mother said, let’s make it happen. But it wasn’t let’s make it happen like a stage mother with pressure, it was more like let’s make it happen, and if you don’t make it happen, I won’t love you any less. You know, go for it, but my love doesn’t depend on you getting there. You know, earlier, when the conversation turned around risks, you know, I really believe that we women especially are so afraid of failing, that so often we don’t try new things, because the chances of failing are always there. And my mother always kept saying that failure is not the opposite of success, failure is a stepping stone to success. That was one of her favorite things to say. And the other one that you would appreciate was that angels fly because they take themselves lightly. So, it was all about humor and not taking yourself and your life too seriously. CHELSEA HANDLER: I like that. My mother passed away as well, so I have a very — CHELSEA HANDLER: Oh, thank you. And I feel, I don’t know if you feel this way, but I feel like I almost feel her presence around me more since she passed away than I did before. I feel very protected and I feel very close to her, which I think happens to a lot of people who had kind of close relationships with their parents. Do you feel that? ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: Yes, I feel that, and I also kind of do believe actually that there is another dimension to life, and when we open ourselves to it, we do have these experiences, whether it’s through dreams or meditation, which I’ve been doing every day for many, many years. CHELSEA HANDLER: You meditate every day? CHELSEA HANDLER: What time of day does this happen? ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: I do it in the morning before the day starts, because if I don’t, I’m not going to get it done. The same with yoga or exercise or something, I’ve learned that if I don’t do it right away, I’m not going to do it. And then all these things that nurture us are really important. I mean, shall we share our secret? CHELSEA HANDLER: Yes, what is it? Oh, our facialists. We have the same facialist. ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: We have the same facialist. CHELSEA HANDLER: This woman who basically beats the shit out of your face so you look younger an hour later. (Laughter.) She calls it contouring; I call it something else. (Laughter.) ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: But she’s really great, Mila Moorse (ph). Let’s give her a commercial. She’s in Los Angeles. And she said to me that Chelsea and you are the two women who don’t stop working while you’re having a facial. We make calls, we sit there, and when there is kind of something noisy happening, we say, so sorry, we’re on the tarmac. (Laughter.) Sherry Lansing (ph) taught me that. She said, if I’m blow-drying my hair, there are two kinds of people in my life: the ones to whom I say, I’m blow-drying my hair, and the others to whom I say, I’m so sorry, I’m on the tarmac. (Laughter, applause.) Because women, you know, are never supposed to have to take any time blow-drying their hair or doing anything, we’re supposed to be picture perfect getting out of bed. (Laughter.) CHELSEA HANDLER: Can we talk about your father, too, because you had a different kind of relationship with your dad? ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: You know, I kind of worshipped my dad. He was brilliant, he was an intellectual. He published an underground newspaper during the German occupation of Greece, and he was arrested and spent the war in a concentration camp. So, when he — he actually met my mother in a sanatorium. She was recovering from TB, he was recovering from the camp. And she was told that she could not have children, and she got promptly pregnant before they were married, and that was me. And he never kind of wanted to play by the rules. He was a huge philanderer. When my mother complained, he said to her, you should not interfere in my private life. (Laughter.) So, I was kind of in awe of his intellect, but I also kind of resented how much pain he caused my mother. I actually kept urging her to leave him, because I could not stand seeing her so sad. And she did leave him when I was 11, but never really stopped loving him. It’s sort of ironic how — CHELSEA HANDLER: So, what are your thoughts to obviously be as successful as you are? And I know you’ve been married. I mean, what are your thoughts on marriage? ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: Oh, I feel that for me having children sort of satisfied that desire to have a family. So, I’m not ruling anything out ever in life, but I’m not either looking forward to it in any way. You know, I feel that my life is — I feel very grateful for my life right now. One of my favorite sayings is Collette, you know, the French writer, who said, “I had such a wonderful life, I just wish I had realized it sooner.” And I feel so many of us are very blessed. You know, there is no life that hasn’t carried problems and crises and challenges, but we are blessed. I really, really want to recognize that every day. I tell my children, you can experience any emotion in the world you want, but I also want you on a daily basis to experience gratitude, because if we don’t, we just take far too much of our life for granted. CHELSEA HANDLER: Do you feel proud of yourself? ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: No, actually that was interesting, but my mother, whenever they would say to her, you must be so proud of your daughter, she said, no. Pride is not the way she related to me or to life, and it’s not the way I relate to it. I feel very lucky that I’m doing something I love, and that every day I go to work and I love it. And what Sheryl Sandberg was saying about feeling that you can make a difference, and that we have all those ways available to make a difference, and that the world needs all of us to make a difference, it’s not like we can’t be spectators, we need to be involved and discover sort of the leader in the mirror. We can’t wait for somebody else to solve problems. And that’s partly why I love what we are doing at work, because we are constantly bringing more and more people into the conversation and turning conversations into action. CHELSEA HANDLER: I know we’re out of time already, but I would love for people to have the opportunity to ask questions. Is there anyone who wants to ask a question? If you do, please raise your hand like a civilized lady. CHELSEA HANDLER: Oh, there’s the woman right over here. Oh, I’m sorry, you work here. (Laughter.) Nobody wants to ask — oh, here we go, sorry. Do you want to stand up? QUESTION: I’m Kim with (She Dappers ?). And it’s actually the same question I’ve been trying to ask most of the panelists all day, but just because you’re talking about family and mothers, and the theme kind of this afternoon has been around — you know, Gloria Steinem said, we’re not crazy, it’s the institution that’s crazy, and Sheryl talking about mothers leaving too early or women leaving too early, taking their foot off the gas. So, I’d love to hear if you have thoughts, what can the business community do to try to encourage women, after they do have kids, so they don’t have to make that choice of all or nothing, stay at home or work? There’s so many incredibly talented women who feel there’s no option and it’s one or the other, and I feel like business has the opportunity to lead in this area, not wait for governments, although I’d love governments to be involved, but not wait for policy but to say, you know what, business structure doesn’t fit our society anymore, we have to change from businesses to create a platform that’s more family centered. So, do you have any thoughts on that? ARIANNA HUFFINGTON: I think actually a lot of businesses are beginning to do that, and a lot of women are beginning to recognize that this juggling act is really ultimately about the decisions we make every day. It’s not about the big decision, are we going to work or are we going to have a family; it’s often about the little decisions like am I going to leave this meeting earlier to pick up my daughter from school, am I going to skip something in order to be present at something that matters to my child. And businesses need to acknowledge that, not just for mothers but increasingly for fathers. You know, we just brought in, we just hired Lisa Belkin from the New York Times. She’s been writing a column there called Motherlode about parenting. And we are renaming the column Parentlode, because we want to acknowledge the fact that I work with many men with young children, and they’re also a big part increasingly of their children’s lives. And as a culture we need to acknowledge that. And when we acknowledge that, it’s going to be easier for women to be able to do the famous juggling act. There’s a tremendous amount of redefining of success and happiness going on in the world, and I think we women are leading the way, because let’s face it, you know, men define success in a very unhealthy way, you know, working around the clock, having a heart attack in your fifties, and that’s the price you pay for the corner office, and we are saying no, we are going to do it differently. And as we are doing it differently, I think we are going to make a big difference for women who are following us. (Applause.) CHELSEA HANDLER: Well, I would like to say thank you very, very much for sitting down with me, and that this was very entertaining, to say the least, and you’re a lot funnier than I am. So, thank you. (Laughter, applause.) Check out additional coverage from Fortune’s Most Powerful Women summit. For more transcripts from the Most Powerful Women summit, click here.

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Sex, sleep, and power: A conversation with Chelsea Handler and Arianna Huffington

Talk show host and comedian Chelsea Handler interviewed AOL Huffington Post Media Group's president and editor-in-chief Arianna Huffington at Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit.

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Anastasia Rekoss and Quentin Dehar 10/22/2015 AT 09:45 AM EDT A Paris-based couple is taking their love of Barbie and Ken to a new level. Anastasia Reskoss, 20, and Quentin Dehar, 23, have undergone 15 procedures totaling more than $300,000 (mostly paid for by their parents) to transform into the iconic dolls. They are even legally changing their names to 'Doll' and 'Ken' The list of surgeries includes two boob jobs, four nose jobs, lip injections, butt implants, cheek fillers, ear reshaping surgery, botox, eye bag removal surgery, fake tanning, teeth whitening, nail extensions and veneers. And they're still not through with their transformations. Anastasia Reskoss and Quentin Dehar Dehar wants pectoral implants and more Botox, while Reskoss' wish list includes further breast augmentation, eye bag removal surgery, ear reshaping and veneers. So, is all this plastic surgery too excessive? "Absolutely," Dr. Saul Lahijani, CEO of the tells PEOPLE. (Dr. Lahijani has not treated the couple.) "There comes a point where patients reach impractical expectations. It is just overboard. Many times this can be a clear sign that proper assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist is necessary to get to the root of the patient's underlying issues. Plastic surgery just does not solve these concerns." Still, the pair – who met at a boat party in 2013 – said they are made for each other. "Quentin walked over to me and said: 'I've found the Barbie to my Ken," said Reskoss. "It was so straightforward. We both knew we had met a partner who was going to enable us to become the Ken and Barbie we had always dreamed of being." And their love of the dolls goes way back. Growing up, Reskoss had over 100 Barbies. "I turned to the Barbies I always loved as a kid. I just loved how tanned and perfect they were," said Reskoss, who had her first nose job at 17. "I started to learn how plastic surgery could allow me to change into a bronzed and beautiful doll." As for Dehar, "I read more magazines and began looking at various cosmetic procedures. I wanted to change my all my facial features to emulate Ken," he said. "But it was not just Ken's looks that inspired me – it was also his dream billionaire lifestyle. I aspired to have the flashy cars and luxury designer clothes that my Ken doll had."

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Couple Gets Plastic Surgery To Look Like Barbie and Ken : People.com

Anastasia Reskoss, 20, and Quentin Dehar, 23 have undergone 15 platic surgery procedures to look like their idols

20151030151049

* Goldman cuts 2015, 2016 outlook; Commerzbank also pares forecast Oil prices will be "lower for even longer" - Goldman * IEA sees lower supply, faster demand growth * Coming up: Weekly U.S. rig count at 1700 GMT (Updates market activity and prices to U.S. session; changes byline and previous LONDON dateline) NEW YORK, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Crude futures fell about 3 percent on Friday after Wall Street's most influential voice in oil trading, Goldman Sachs, slashed its price outlook through next year, citing oversupply and concerns over China's economy. Joining Germany's Commerzbank and a long list of other banks in cutting price projections, Goldman lowered its 2016 forecast for U.S. crude to $45 a barrel from $57 previously, and Brent to $49.50 down $62. "The oil market is even more oversupplied than we had expected and we forecast this surplus to persist in 2016," Goldman said in a note entitled "Lower for even longer". Citing "operational stress" as a growing downside risk to its forecast, Goldman said crude could fall further to near $20 a barrel. "While not our base case, the potential for oil prices to fall to such levels ... is becoming greater as storage continues to fill." U.S. crude futures' front-month contract was down $1.50, or 3.3 percent, at $44.42 a barrel by 10:36 a.m. EDT (1436 GMT). The front-month in Brent, the global benchmark for oil, was off $1.45, or 3 percent, at $47.44. The market is awaiting a weekly reading of the U.S. oil rig count at 1:00 p.m. ET for an indication of whether producers were cutting back on drilling as prices head lower again after a brief rebound in the second quarter. Crude prices have more than halved over the past year, with Brent tumbling from nearly $120 a barrel in the middle of 2014 to almost $42 last month. The price collapse came after oversupply filled oil storage tanks around the world, pushing commercial and government inventories to all-time highs. Analysts say the market is rebalancing, but high stocks will continue to weigh on prices into next year. Germany's Commerzbank also lowered its price forecasts on Friday, saying Brent was likely to trade at $55 by the end of this year before rising to $65 by end-2016. "It will take time to get rid of the oversupply," Commerzbank senior oil analyst Carsten Fritsch told Reuters Global Oil Forum. Investors largely ignored a relatively bullish report from the Paris-based International Energy Agency, which advises the world's biggest economies on energy policy. The IEA said a move by the world's big oil exporters in OPEC, led by Saudi Arabia, to defend their market share by not reducing production appeared to be working. (Additional reporting by Lisa Barrington and Christopher Johnson in London and Meeyoung Cho in Seoul; Editing by Nick Zieminski)

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UPDATE 9-Oil down about 3 pct as Goldman cuts price forecast

*Goldman cuts 2015, 2016 outlook; Commerzbank also pares forecast. NEW YORK, Sept 11- Crude futures fell about 3 percent on Friday after Wall Street's most influential voice in oil trading, Goldman Sachs, slashed its price outlook through next year, citing oversupply and concerns over China's economy. Joining Germany's Commerzbank and a long list of other banks...

20151116012926

Michael David Scott pleaded guilty in May. Michael David Scott, a former Mansfield real estate developer and broker charged with defrauding property investors and mortgage lenders and leaving dozens of Boston properties in foreclosure, was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in prison, according to the US attorney’s office. Scott, 51, pleaded guilty in May to 67 counts of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Federal prosecutors in Boston said he conducted a massive mortgage fraud between 2006 and 2008, just before the housing collapse, ensnaring lenders and out-of-state investors. Prosecutors said that Scott, two out-of-state recruiters, and others obtained funds to finance deals in a scam involving the conversion of multifamily homes into condominiums, many of which went into foreclosure. Scott and his associates bought multifamily homes in Dorchester and Roxbury, promising to convert them into condominiums, and then resold the units to various straw buyers, according to the US attorney’s office. Scott and the other defendants, charged separately, used straw buyers — investors from Virginia and elsewhere who typically never saw the properties. Scott and others used falsified documents, including claims that the buyers planned to live in the condos. The buyers were told they wouldn’t have to put their own money into the investments, that the mortgages would be covered by rents, and that they would share in the profits on the properties. They soon learned that what seemed too good to be true was, indeed, just that. Their experience was detailed in a Boston Globe investigation in 2009. A real estate broker involved in the scheme, Joan Ruggiero, 78, last week was sentenced to nine months in prison and nine months of home detention for her role in what the government called a conspiracy to defraud mortgage lenders of $4 million on more than two dozen properties in Dorchester. She also was ordered to pay a fine of $100,000 and restitution of $4.1 million to the lenders. Ruggiero pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in 2013. In October, a lawyer involved in the fraud, Michael R. Anderson, 46, of Framingham, was sentenced to two years in prison and two years of supervised release. He also was ordered to pay $11 million in restitution and to forfeit $7.4 million. Anderson, who was involved in preparing loan closing documents, in 2011 had pleaded guilty to 16 counts of wire fraud, nine counts of bank fraud, and two counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. Others who prosecutors said helped Scott in his scheme, Jerrold Fowler and Thursa Raetz, both of Norfolk, Va., each pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Scott has been jailed since March 2014 on separate charges for allegedly defrauding a couple of nearly $200,000 on real estate transactions. That arrest took place after he had relinquished his real estate broker’s license.

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Former Mansfield developer is sentenced to 11 years

Sentencing of Michael David Scott, former Mansfield real estate developer whose fraudulent recruitment of out-of-state investors led to dozens of foreclosures in Dorchester in the housing collapse.

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Even a lukewarm reference from a former employer can be enough to cost you the job you want. Here’s how to handle it. FORTUNE — Dear Annie: I read your article about quitting over ethics, and I have a somewhat related question about my own situation. I was recently forced out of my job, following a dispute with my boss that was partly about ethics. I spoke with both an attorney and the local labor board, and because of the unusual circumstances surrounding my firing, they both think that I could win in court if I decided to sue the company, but I’m not interested in a long, costly legal battle. However, I did work out a separation agreement with human resources. One of the provisions in it states that my former employer will not discuss the reasons for my departure with people who ask for a reference. I suspect my old boss is violating this agreement, because I just had a job offer withdrawn after the hiring manager contacted this person. Keeping in mind that I really don’t want to sue, what can I do about this? –Norm Dear Norm: This problem is a lot more common than you might think. Even without a separation agreement that specifically prohibits a former employer from badmouthing an ex-employee, most big companies have blanket policies in place that permit references to confirm nothing more than dates of employment and job title. Unfortunately, like so many corporate policies, these are honored mainly in the breach. “About 99% of the time, people we call for a reference don’t even ask who we are before they start talking,” says Heidi Allison, managing director of Allison & Taylor, a firm that specializes in finding out what people’s references are actually saying about them. People’s tendency to reveal more than they’re supposed to isn’t new, but Allison notes that it’s gotten worse since the recession started. “HR departments now have a lot of young, inexperienced staffers answering the phones. Sometimes when we’ve been referred to them by managers we’ve called, they’ve read us someone’s entire personnel file verbatim — the good, the bad, and the indifferent,” she says. “Or some companies have no in-house HR department at all anymore,” she adds. “So a request for a reference gets shuffled around to employees in other areas. They’re busy, it isn’t really their job, and they may not be familiar with company policy, so they have a tendency to say whatever pops into their heads.” Yikes. Even a less-than-enthusiastic tone of voice or a terse “no comment” can be as damaging as a negative remark. So how can you make sure the people you’re giving as references aren’t sinking your prospects? In your case, where you have reason to believe your boss is violating your separation agreement, a possible solution is a cease-and-desist letter, written by an attorney on your behalf, reiterating the terms of the agreement and requesting that the boss abide by it. You say you don’t want to sue anyone (which is smart), but your old boss doesn’t know that, does he? So a stern letter from a lawyer may be enough to make him think twice about his response to the next prospective employer who calls asking about you. Another tactic that works: Put your cards on the table. “When an interviewer asks you for references, you can say right up front, ‘My former boss and I didn’t see eye to eye, so if I may, I’d like to give you contact information for three other people who can tell you about my performance, just so you get a balanced picture’,” Allison says. “That way, even if your old boss is undermining you, the person who calls him for a reference doesn’t get an unpleasant surprise — and you don’t appear to be trying to hide something.” Alerting an interviewer ahead of time that a particular manager might not be your biggest fan is a relatively low-risk way to go, Allison adds, because “almost everyone has reported to someone, sometime in his or her career, where the personal chemistry just wasn’t great. If they really want you, they’ll hire you anyway.” Of course, this approach assumes that you do have other erstwhile bosses and colleagues who would be happy to give you a glowing recommendation. Before you give out their contact information, it never hurts to call them and ask if they’d mind talking you up. You can even coach them a little on which aspects of your past performance you’d appreciate their mentioning. Luckily, there’s a good chance that, with a few friendly ex-coworkers in your corner, you don’t need your old boss at all. A few days ago, curious about how crucial a former boss’s recommendation really is, I asked executive recruiters Korn Ferry International to conduct an informal online poll of managers visiting the firm’s web site. The question: “When you are considering hiring someone, is a reference or recommendation from the person’s last boss an absolute prerequisite?” You may be cheered by the result: Of the 252 managers who answered the question, 89% said “no.” Talkback: Have you ever worked for someone you would hesitate to give as a reference? Have you ever given a negative reference to someone else? Leave a comment below.

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Is your old boss wrecking your job hunt?

Even a lukewarm reference from a former employer can be enough to cost you the job you want. Here’s how to handle it. By Anne Fisher, contributor FORTUNE -- Dear Annie: I read your article about quitting over ethics, and I have a somewhat related question about my own situation. I was recently forced out of…

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Financial regulators on both sides of the Atlantic imposed multibillion-dollar fines on five global banks Wednesday as part of investigations into rigging of key foreign exchange markets. The U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has imposed fines totaling more than £1.1 billion ($1.7 billion) on Citibank, HSBC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, The Royal Bank of Scotland and Switzerland's UBS, it announced. It added that the fines were the largest ever imposed by the FCA, or its predecessor the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Meanwhile in the U.S., the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) ordered the same banks to pay over $1.4 billion in penalties. The formal settlement is for the "attempted manipulation of, and for aiding and abetting other banks' attempts to manipulate, global foreign exchange benchmark rates to benefit the positions of certain traders," it said. It added that the time of the improper conduct varied across the banks, commencing in 2009 for certain banks and continuing into 2012 for each bank. Read MoreEuropean authorities, CFTC to announce bank currency settlement "The setting of a benchmark rate is not simply another opportunity for banks to earn a profit. Countless individuals and companies around the world rely on these rates to settle financial contracts, and this reliance is premised on faith in the fundamental integrity of these benchmarks," Aitan Goelman, the CFTC's Director of Enforcement, said in a press release on Wednesday morning. "The market only works if people have confidence that the process of setting these benchmarks is fair, not corrupted by manipulation by some of the biggest banks in the world." The more detailed breakdown shows that the FCA is fining Citibank $358 million, HSBC $343 million, JPMorgan Chase $352 million, RBS $344 million and UBS $371 million. The CFTC is imposing fines of $310 million each for Citibank and JPMorgan, $290 million each for RBS and UBS, and $275 million for HSBC. U.K. lender Barclays is also part of the investigation but did not settle. The FCA stated it would continue to progress the investigations which will also cover wider forex business areas. In a press conference on Wednesday morning, a representative from the FCA said that Barclays was the only remaining bank under investigation by the regulator. Read MoreForex manipulation: How it worked Also in the U.K., the Bank of England (BoE) announced Wednesday that Martin Mallett, its chief forex dealer, was dismissed on Tuesday for "serious misconduct" relating to its internal policies. It stated that Mallett was aware that bank traders were sharing information about client orders. This is not necessarily improper, the BoE stated, but increased the potential for manipulation. Mallett did not not escalate the matter despite being uncomfortable with the behavior, it added, but was "not at all" related to the BoE's own investigations which found no evidence that any central bank official was involved in any unlawful or improper behavior in the forex market. Later on Wednesday, BoE Governor Mark Carney said that he accepted the criticism issued in the independent investigation. He again highlighted that Mallett's dismissal was for unrelated reasons but conceded that his conduct might not have been discovered without the review. He added that he was disappointed with the behavior but said that the department he worked in was "outstanding."

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Watchdogs impose $3.4B fines in bank forex probe

Financial regulators on both sides of the Atlantic imposed multibillion-dollar fines on five global banks for rigging key foreign exchange markets.

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Angry developing nations have warned that UN talks aimed at averting catastrophic climate change are at risk without a deal on the hot-button issue of financing. Negotiators from 195 nations are haggling in Paris over the ingredients of a universal accord to slash greenhouse-gas emissions that trap the Sun's heat, warming the Earth's surface and oceans and disrupting its delicate climate system. Taking effect from 2020, the pact would target emissions from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas - the backbone of the world's energy supply today - and channel hundreds of billions of dollars to vulnerable countries. The question of finance to help developing countries make the shift to cleaner energy sources is "make or break", said South African negotiator Nozipho Mxakato-Diseko, who spoke on behalf of the G77 group of 134 developing and emerging countries including China, on Thursday. "It has to be clearly understood that finance is critical," she told a news conference. Gambia's environment minister, Pa Ousman, demanded money for poor nations to pay for the fallout of climate change events - known as loss and damage. "If loss and damage is not addressed adequately, there will be no agreement in Paris," he said. "There is not going to be any other, second Paris. This is the time. This is the moment." More than 150 world leaders including President Barack Obama launched the talks on Monday, seeking to build momentum for the tough negotiations ahead with lofty rhetoric about the urgency of the task. But after three days of grinding discussions over a hugely complex 54-page draft pact, bureaucrats unveiled a document just four pages shorter and with vast stretches of text yet to be agreed. "I don't see any translation of the rhetoric of the leaders of the world into working towards tangible outcomes in Paris. This is very, very dangerous," Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sosene Sopoaga said. Ministers from around the globe will descend on Paris on Monday to try to transform the draft prepared by diplomats into a universal climate accord to avert planetary overheating. The conference is scheduled to conclude on December 11. "At this rate, when ministers arrive next week they will wonder what progress has been made since world leaders took to the podium in Paris," said Greenpeace's head of international climate politics Martin Kaiser. At the core of the talks is the goal of limiting average warming to a maximum of 2C over pre-Industrial Revolution levels. Kaiser said long-term goals were now clearer in the draft, though it did not call for fossil fuels to be phased out by 2050 so as to limit warming to 1.5C - a more ambitious target being pushed by low-lying island nations at risk of sinking into rising seas.

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Financing key at UN climate summit

Climate negotiators in Paris have revealed a draft deal after three days of talks, disappointing activists who say too little progress has been made.

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seems like kind of a downer band, at least on paper. But on record, the group explodes in a whirlwind of guitars, frontman James Alex's battered rasp of a voice, and achingly sincere lyrics that detail the kind of wasted (in both senses of the word) nights from which all kind of rock legends – big and small – are built. Alex has plenty of experience with this: At 41, he's a little older than most of his indie-rock peers, and has already lived a whole life with another band: Pennsylvania pop-punk act Weston, who despite touring feverishly and building up a devoted fan base, never quite broke large. But Beach Slang's full-length debut, , is popping up on year-end best-of lists, and Alex and the band are out touring behind the record, his conviction undiminished by years in the van and crashing on people's floors. Talking to the voluble Alex is a little like plugging directly into one of his amplifiers: He's exactly as sincere and positive as his songs, and his mile-a-minute patter moves at roughly the same pace. PEOPLE caught up with him as Beach Slang was in the studio recording a song for a Nirvana tribute to pick his brain about success after Weston and how it feels to build a life on rock and roll. Seven years, I suppose. And that was great! We did the thing like you would do when you're starting out – you're a teenager, you're an early twenty-something. We traveled, played hard, slept on floors, hardly ate, met a ton of people. We really did it. And it was a great way to cut my teeth and prepare me for what's becoming a lifetime of the same sort of tomfoolery. It was diving in, all the way. I can't think of a better way to come up. I think that part of it is still the same. That fervor, that hunger. As a writer, it's very different. I'm a lot more honest and heart-on-my-sleeve. I've lived long enough now to have the courage to tear it open and drop my guard. It's terrifying to be rejected, whatever you're doing in life, and with music and art, you're really putting it out there, so I always kind of saved that one little part of me, that if it were rejected, I could always convince myself, "Well, they didn't get the full story." With Beach Slang, I was just like, "No, good art deserves to be honest, and I want to make something good." Without a doubt. Your perspective changes. I've learned how to put words together, I have different things to write about. I have a life to reflect on. I have a point of view. We all think we have a point of view when we're 18 or 19, and we do, but I have double that now. I've been trying to learn how to write and be better songwriter and lyricist, and you have to tell yourself you're eventually catching on, right? I'm hoping I'm learning how to do it better than I did at 19. Absolutely, man. I think it's surrendered relatively easily in life. I think there's a cultural expectation that you hit a certain age and you think, "Well, this is as good as it gets. I've now carved my little place in the world, and this is it." I've never really subscribed to that. There's an importance to me in pushing, always pushing. I wanna keep thinking that there's places I've never been before, there's things I've never learned before, there's books I've never read before. I don't ever want to be the type of person that's like, "Man, when I was 22, man… that was my Everest." That's just the beginning! Life is this fleeting little weirdo blip, and I just wanna make the thing count while it's here. I'm here and I'm just as hungry as when I started and you know, the day I wake up and I'm not, is the day I'll split. I don't know how to fake it. I don't know how to phone it in. That has been framed as Americana. Springsteen is a great comparison. The first song on the record, "Throwaways," is my little punk "Born to Run." I've always identified with that. And my life is pretty cool right now, but I love the idea of "It can always get better." Because we're reminded daily that it's going to get worse. Or that things are terrible. How about flipping how you look at things? And thinking, "It could get better. What if it does get better?" Look, if I'm gonna believe in something – and I'm not a super-political, super-whatever person – but if I'm gonna fly a flag for something, I want it to be optimism. I want it to be hope. I don't think so, man. We were having too much fun to really be aware of much else. We went into that band with zero expectations. Towards the end when we thought something might happen, we got wrapped up in that and it was exciting, you thought something might happen, but by then, we had so clearly defined what was important about it to us that it was like, "Well, if it happens, great. If not, cool. Let's go play a show." And I think that of all the things we did wrong in that band, the one thing we did right was recognize how lucky we were. I feel really hard-pressed to complain.

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James Alex Interview : People.com

"If I'm gonna fly a flag for something, I want it to be optimism," frontman and songwriter James Alex says

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The American Repertory Theater took the most honors at Monday’s 32d annual Elliot Norton Awards for the best in local theater. The ART was named a winner four times by the Boston Theater Critics Association in ceremonies at the Wheelock Family Theatre. Company One Theatre’s “The Flick,” co-presented by Suffolk University, about the employees of a fading Central Massachusetts movie house, and Wheelock’s “Hairspray,” about a 1960s TV dance show, earned the most awards for an individual production, with three each. The fringe Zeitgeist Stage Company took three awards for two of its productions, “Punk Rock” and “The Normal Heart.” Huntington Theatre Company also garnered three awards that cited three different productions. Speakeasy Stage Company won two Norton awards for its show “Tribes,” and its founder and producing artistic director, Paul Daigneault, was given the 2013 Elliot Norton Prize for Sustained Excellence. Lowell native and Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, who began her theater career in Boston, was awarded the 2014 Elliot Norton Lifetime Achievement Award. The ART’s historical drama “All the Way” was named outstanding production by a large resident theater, and Bryan Cranston, the star of television’s “Breaking Bad,” was named outstanding actor for his performance as President Lyndon Johnson. The show eventually went on to Broadway, and Cranston has since been nominated for a Tony Award. “Tribes,” about a deaf young man coming to terms with his family, was named outstanding production by a midsize theater, while “The Flick” won for small theaters and Zeitgeist’s “Punk Rock,” about an act of school violence, won for fringe theaters. Huntington Theatre Company’s “The Jungle Book” was named outstanding musical by a large theater, while “Hairspray” won for midsize, small, or fringe theaters. The Baxter Theatre Centre’s “Mies Julie,” presented by ArtsEmerson, was named outstanding visiting production. The Baxter center is in Capetown. Andrea Syglowski of the Huntington’s “Venus in Fur” was named outstanding actress in a large theater. Jeremiah Kissel of New Repertory Theatre’s “Imagining Madoff” and Erica Spyres of “Tribes” won the midsize-theater acting categories. Alex Pollock spread his honors around, winning outstanding actor at a small or fringe theater for three separate performances: “This Is Our Youth” at Gloucester Stage Company, “Windowmen” at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, and “The Flick.” Maureen Adduci was named outstanding actress at a small or fringe theater for Zeitgeist’s “The Normal Heart.” In musicals, Francis Jue was named outstanding actor for “Miss Saigon” at the North Shore Music Theatre, while Aimee Doherty was named outstanding actress for her performances in “On the Town” at the Lyric Stage Company and “Hairspray.” Awards for outstanding ensemble acting went to the Huntington’s “The Seagull” and Wheelock’s “Hairspray.” Gisli Örn Gardarsson was named outstanding director at a large theater for “The Heart of Robin Hood” at the ART. Ilyse Robbins won in the midsize category for “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at Stoneham Theatre. In the small or fringe category, director David J. Miller won for “Punk Rock” and “The Normal Heart,” both at Zeitgeist. Design-team awards went to “The Heart of Robin Hood” and “The Flick.” “Windowmen,” written by veteran local actor Steven Barkhimer, was named outstanding new script. The awards are given in honor of Norton, a renowned theater critic in Boston, who retired in 1982 and died in 2003 at 100. The association includes 10 Boston critics, including the Globe’s Don Aucoin. Because of a reporting error, an earlier version of this story misstated the number of awards won by Zeitgeist Stage Company.

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ART, Zeitgeist four-time winners at Norton Awards

The American Repertory Theater, which continued a run of Broadway-bound productions this season, and the fringe Zeitgeist Stage Company took the most honors at Monday’s 32d annual Elliot Norton Awards for the best in local theater.

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Indonesian President Joko Widodo's move to add executions to a possible list of harsher punishments to face child sex offenders is populist and short-sighted, human rights activists say. Describing the situation of violence against children in Indonesia as an "increasing emergency", the president announced on Wednesday a government regulation that will give immediate power to the courts to enact harsher penalties to convicted child sex offenders. Among the changes is the inclusion of the death penalty for someone convicted of sexual intercourse with a child in the situation where they cause their victim serious injury, mental disturbance, infectious disease, death or the loss of reproductive functions. Under certain circumstances, a judge could also order chemical castration, microchip implants as well as the "public punishment" of revealing the crime and identity of the sex offender. "This government regulation in lieu of laws is meant to overcome the emergency caused by sexual violence to children which has increased significantly," the president, referred to as Jokowi, said when announcing the changes late on Wednesday. Haris Azhar of rights group KontraS has attacked the measure saying the government has not been able to present any evidence to suggest that the country is facing an "emergency" of sexual violence against children, nor that harsher penalties will prevent offending. The term "emergency" has also been used to justify the executions of drug traffickers with little evidence of its effect, he said. Mr Azhar argued that violence against children and women was an "institutional problem" in Indonesia and that the government should be looking at ways of changing people's mindsets and tackling sexism and discrimination, rather than enacting harsher punishments. "The burden is only on the perpetrators ... (This change) is not looking at the bigger problem," he told AAP. He accused Jokowi of enacting the changes in a bid for "popularity". The changes come as activists pushed for harsher penalties for sex offenders after the death of 14-year-old Yuyun, whose battered and bound body was found near her school in Bengkulu, Sumatra last month. Police say the 14-year-old had left school at around lunchtime on April 2 when she was snatched, gang raped and strangled. Earlier this month seven youths, who were the first to be tried over the case, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison for the offences of rape and violence causing death. Her other alleged attackers remain before the courts. After the attack made national headlines, Adriana Venny, from the women's group Komnas Perempuan, noted they had placed a draft bill before parliament seeking to widen Indonesia's limited definition of rape and include further sex offences but that it had been languishing in the "temporary list" in parliament for more than two years.

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Death penalty for sex offenders 'populist'

Child sex offenders in Indonesia could face execution and chemical castration under a host of harsher penalties announced by the government.

20160531065219

Zombie ant fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis) Ants are great navigators, following highly efficient paths as they forage for food. But in the rainforests of Thailand, Africa and Brazil, Camponotus leonardi ants get pulled off course by Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, a parasitic fungus (pictured above). A spore first infects an ant foraging on the rainforest floor, then spends 3-9 days developing inside its body. When the fungus is ready to complete its life cycle, it manipulates the worker to plod blindly away from safety, like a zombie. A study in 2009 found that the ants always went to similar locations: around 25 cm up a tree, in a spot with just the right amount of humidity for the fungus to grow. The ant then clamps down on a leaf with its mandibles, and dies. Within 24 hours, fungal threads emerge from the corpse. Finally, a stalk pushes out of the ant and begins raining spores onto the rainforest floor, where they can infect more ants. It's a bit like the chest-bursting scene from Alien, except that the ant is mercifully dead when the fungus explodes out of its head. Kamikaze horsehair worm (Paragordius tricuspidatus) One of these worms can grow up to a foot long, and look like a cooked piece of spaghetti. But to get to that point, it needs a house cricket or grasshopper to do its bidding. The worm coerces the cricket into jumping slap bang into the nearest body of water First, a tiny horsehair worm larva is eaten by the larva of another insect, such as a mosquito or mayfly. Once this emerges from the water, a cricket or grasshopper will snatch it up. Then the horsehair worm begins to develop inside the cricket in earnest. But the worm's final stage of development takes place in water. The cricket wouldn't normally swim, or even hang out near water, so the worm must get it there. By altering the functions of the cricket's central nervous system, the worm coerces it into jumping slap bang into the nearest body of water. The hapless cricket then drowns itself, allowing the horsehair worm to emerge and reproduce. From the outside, you wouldn't be able to tell if a cricket had been infected, but neurologically, the worm is in control. Ben Hanelt of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, who studies the worms, says he has seen a whopping 32 worms pushing themselves out of one luckless host. If you think making a cricket believe it can swim is impressive, this parasitic barnacle takes body-snatching to another level. A Sacculina barnacle enters a host crab by finding a chink in its claw joints. The barnacle sheds its hard shell and squeezes itself in. At this point it looks more like a slug than a typical barnacle stuck to the underside of a boat. It then sets up home, leeching off the crab's nutrients and turning it into the vehicle that will allow it to reproduce. Once fully-grown, the barnacle looks more like a soft, pulsating egg yolk. If the crab is female, Sacculina forces it to care for the millions of barnacle larvae as if they were her own. But if the crab is male, it will be feminised in order to do the same thing. Not only is it rendered infertile, it grows a larger abdomen to carry the barnacle's young, its gonads shrink, and it stops developing its fighting claws. If you see a snail with two beautiful eye stalks, pulsating with emerald- and olive-green stripes and dappled with charcoal grey flecks capped off with a maroon dab, be impressed. You're not just looking at a pimped-out snail, you're looking at a snail infected with a parasitic flatworm. The green-banded broodsac first squirms its way into the stalks of the snail, so that they look like juicy, pulsing, brightly-coloured caterpillars. This is just the kind of snack nearby birds are in the mood for. Then the worm manipulates the snail's behaviour. In 2013, Wanda Wesolowska and Tomasz Weslowski of Wroclaw University in Poland found that the infected snails behaved differently from their apparently non-infected counterparts. They positioned themselves in more exposed and better-lit places, situated higher in the vegetation. This probably makes the snails more conspicuous for foraging birds. Once eaten by the bird, the worm can reproduce, and the cycle continues. This wasp needs a host that will protect its eggs from potential predators. So what better bodyguard than an insect with markings that suggest danger? Ladybirds may seem like the stuff of cartoons and cute lunchboxes, but they can take care of themselves. When disturbed they emit a disgusting poison, and their hard shell with its bright red and black spots warns off predators. But they don't stand a chance against the parasitic wasp, which leaves behind a single egg with one sting. After the wasp egg hatches, the larva chews through the ladybird's internal tissues before bursting through the abdomen to spin a cocoon between its legs. The ladybird is now a "bodyguard", standing guard over the cocoon. Still alive despite everything, it will thrash and twitch its limbs if a predator approaches. It's not clear why it behaves like this, but it may be triggered by venom left by the larva. Rather unexpectedly, a 2011 study found that a quarter of the zombie ladybirds survive the assault. Emerald cockroach wasp (Ampulex compressa) The emerald cockroach wasp has a metallic body that glows emerald with bright crimson markings on two of its legs. Found in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and the Pacific islands, it is a beautiful insect, but pity the cockroach that crosses its path. It is one-sixth the size of a roach, but that doesn't stop it. First it delivers a simple paralysing sting. Then it hijacks the roach's mind, injecting an elixir of neurotransmitters into its brain. This turns the roach into a helpless zombie. After a quick suck of recharging roach blood, the wasp chews off the roach's antennae and leads it to its nest like a dog on a lead. There it lays its eggs on the roach's abdomen, and barricades it in with pebbles. But the hapless roach doesn't even try to escape, even though it physically could. It just sits there submissively, as the wasp larva eats it alive. Finally the adult wasp bursts out of the cockroach's remains. This single-celled creature is perhaps the most famous of all host-manipulating parasites, perhaps because it operates close to home. It mainly infects rats and mice, in order to be eaten by a cat so that it can reproduce. Between 30 and 60% of people are infected by T. gondii Infected rats and mice lose their fear of the smell of cats, according to a 2007 study. Instead, they become attracted to a pheromone in the cats' urine. The animal becomes less likely to hide under the floorboards and more likely to sniff around its feline predators, putting the parasite on course for its ultimate destination: the cat's stomach. Between 30 and 60% of people are infected by T. gondii. But it's less clear that the parasite affects human behaviour. In 2006 Kevin Lafferty of the US Geological Survey in Santa Barbara, California found some evidence of personality changes in people infected by the parasite. So far this is only a correlation, which is far from conclusive. Nevertheless, Lafferty says: "my money is on cause and effect". Toxoplasmosis is also unusually common in people with schizophrenia, but again it's not clear what that means or how significant it is. "Schizophrenia is a complicated syndrome, perhaps with multiple causes," says Lafferty. He adds that there are plenty of infected people that don't have schizophrenia, and plenty of people with schizophrenia who aren't infected. "Still, I am comfortable in saying that Toxoplasma is a correlated risk factor for schizophrenia." You might not think of a virus like rabies as a parasite, but to a biologist that's exactly what they are. "I would call rabies and flu parasites, because they generally reduce the fitness of their host, or benefit at the expense of their host," says Levi Morran of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Rabies is one of the most frightening parasites, because it seems to blur the line between humans and animals. The virus is spread through saliva, usually from a scratch or bite. It makes animals – usually dogs and bats, and occasionally humans – more aggressive, compelling them to spread the virus through biting and scratching. "Rabies manifests itself with a wide range of neurological signs, including changes in behaviour but also loss of motor control," says parasite expert Andres Gomez of ICF International in Washington, DC. "The latter sometimes include difficulties with swallowing that eventually lead to hunger, hypoglycaemia, and dehydration." Supposedly, it creates a fear of water, but this is a myth. "Patients have involuntary spasms when trying to drink and later when presented with water," says Gomez. "But it's not fear." Yes, that's the flu. In 2010 Chris Reiber of Binghamton University in New York and her colleagues found evidence that the influenza virus makes people more sociable. They found that people given a flu vaccine interacted with significantly more people, and in significantly larger groups, in the 48 hours after being exposed, compared with the 48 hours before. The infected hosts were more likely to head out to bars and parties. It's only one study, and quite a small one, but it does make a certain sinister sense. It would benefit the virus if its host passed it on to as many people as possible, before the symptoms started and they became bedridden. Parasites are everywhere. Most species will be living with more than one parasite, and even parasites may have their own parasites. So in some cases, a host may be carrying multiple parasites with different agendas, who must battle for control of the host. This is particularly likely if one parasite is ready to move onto another host, but the other isn't. It was as if the younger tapeworm wasn't there To see this happening, Nina Hafer and Manfred Milinski of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Ploen, Germany infected small crustaceans called copepods (Macrocyclops albidus) with multiple tapeworms (Schistocephalus solidus). These tapeworms ultimately need to move onto a fish host called a stickleback, and to get there they manipulate the copepod's behaviour. It becomes more active, and thus more likely to be spotted and eaten by a stickleback. If two tapeworms were both ready to move hosts, their effect on the copepod's behaviour was even stronger, suggesting they were working together. However, if an older tapeworm that wanted to leave was sharing the host with a younger tapeworm that wasn't yet ready, the host copepod still became active. It was as if the younger tapeworm wasn't there. Hafer and Milinski argue that the older tapeworm was effectively sabotaging its younger competitor.

http://web.archive.org/web/20160531065219id_/http://www.bbc.com:80/earth/story/20150316-ten-parasites-that-control-minds?

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Ten sinister parasites that control their hosts' minds

Some of the creepiest species on Earth are experts in getting their own way. Meet 10 parasites with the power to control their hosts' behaviour

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The prime minister has urged voters to “prevent the chaos of a hung parliament” and “yet another minority government” as he continued his campaign in Adelaide on Saturday. Malcolm Turnbull made the comments while announcing $24m for 1,200 new vocational scholarships in South Australia, where he has been supporting innovation minister Christopher Pyne in his safe electorate of Sturt. He told South Australians their state could become the forefront of a boom in innovation. Related: Labor takes lead over Coalition in latest poll, though Turnbull still preferred PM “Now is not the time for a protest vote or a wasted vote,” Turnbull said. “It’s time to use your vote carefully, to prevent the chaos of a hung parliament, a hung parliament that would bring government and our economic transition to a grinding halt, costing our jobs, the jobs of our children, threatening their future. “Every single vote for Nick Xenophon, the independents, the Greens or Labor, brings us closer to Bill Shorten and the Greens running Australia.” Xenophon, the South Australian independent, has been gaining support throughout the state, where he got 25% of the vote at the last election, including from former Liberal supporters. Turnbull’s comments come as the latest Fairfax-Ipsos poll shows Labor leading the Coalition 51-49 on the two-party preferred vote, suggesting voters are uncommitted. It represents a rise to Labor of two points compared with when the poll was taken a fortnight ago. However, with just one month to go until polling day, the poll also showed Turnbull remains preferred prime minister. The opposition leader, Bill Shorten, was asked to comment on the poll results while campaigning in Victoria in his safe seat of Maribyrnong and in the marginal seat of Melbourne Ports on Saturday. “It’s been clear for the whole first term that Labor are the underdogs, but we are determined to fight every day, as we have for the last three long years of Liberal administration and for the next 28 days, we are going to fight hard,” he said. “All the experts recognise it’s a steep climb. I relish the opportunity to talk to thousands and thousands of Australians about their views and our positive ideas for the future – jobs, education and Medicare. And Australians, I believe, are responding very positively to our priorities for putting people first, not big business.” Related: Lenore Taylor and Katharine Murphy discuss polling - Australian Politics Live podcast Shorten was also pressed to defend his opposition to the Coalition’s company tax cut policy, despite arguing in 2011 that such a cut would provide a boost to jobs and the economy. The economy was no longer stable enough to justify the policy, he told reporters. “What I believe is that now is not the time to cut the corporate tax rate for big business,” he said. “I don’t actually believe that, unless you’ve got a debate about how you can afford these cuts, that therefore you should do them. I’ve always been a believer that if you can reduce taxation, that’s a good thing. But the point about it is you can only make these decisions when your economy is able to withstand the changes to the budget.” The opposition leader announced his party’s $160m arts policy, including an additional $80m to the Australia Council for the Arts, $60m to the ABC and $5.6 m over four years for community radio. Meanwhile the Greens energy spokesman, Adam Bandt, outlined details of plans to spend $265m on community-owned renewable energy projects, while campaigning in his electorate of Melbourne. Speaking at a block of 92 apartments in North Fitzroy seeking to establish a community-owned renewable project, Bandt said the Greens plan would include tax-free earnings for investors and a $102.9m solar communities fund for communities to invest in solar and solar storage. “Australians are fed up with their energy companies,” he said. “They want to take control of their electricity bills and do their bit to turn Australia’s energy system from one of the dirtiest in the world to one of the cleanest and help tackle climate change.”

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Election 2016: Turnbull urges voters 'to avoid 'chaos of a hung parliament'

Prime minister says ‘now is not the time for a protest vote or a wasted vote’ and warns voters not to return to ‘yet another minority government’

20160608002643

Skilled labor jobs can pay well, even very well. Yet, many young people feel the pressure to get a college degree and don't consider hands-on labor. Fortunately, a growing movement hopes to get younger workers enthused about building, fixing, and installing. Mike Rowe of the popular TV series "Dirty Jobs" says, "Tradesmen need fans, regular people who understand the magnitude of their work, the impact of their chosen profession, and the importance of their skill." What this country needs, according to Rowe are more people willing to take the time to master heating and air-conditioning, electricity, creating solid foundations, smooth roads, and functional plumbing. Ross Porter, President of IRWIN Tools based in Huntersville, North Carolina asserts, "A job in a skilled trade is a solid, decent and admirable way to support a family. To work with one's hands-to build something-always has been and always should be commendable." Are you interested in earning high pay while working with your hands? Here's a list of the top 10 most highly-paid jobs that have the most potential for growth, according to PayScale. Average Salary: $67,500 per year Wind turbine service technicians, also called wind techs, are responsible for repairing and maintaining the complicated machinery inside wind turbines. Their work can be as simple as changing light bulbs or as complex as repairing a circuit board. The field is so new there isn't an official certification track yet, however according to the American Wind Energy Association, the amount of energy provided by wind turbines grew by 39 percent each year between 2004 to 2009. Get ready to be blown away by your pay. With five to eight years of experience some techs can earn over $84,000 per year. Average Salary: $51,600 per year This career is about much more than fixing leaky toilets. Plumbers install and repair the water, waste disposal, drainage, and gas systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings using a variety of materials from copper to cast-iron. They must be able to follow building plans or blueprints and instructions from supervisors, lay out the job, and work efficiently with materials and tools. There's room for creativity as plumbers have become more involved in the design process of water and waste systems. No wonder highly-skilled professionals can take home over $92,000 per year. Average Salary: $51,000 per year Without workers skilled in the science of heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, we wouldn't be able to control the temperature, humidity, and the total air quality in residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings. They also help with the storage and transportation of food, medicine, and other perishable items. Many HVAC technicians will specialize in either installation or maintenance and repair, but must first train to do both. High school students interested in this career should take courses in shop, math, mechanical drawing, applied physics and chemistry, electronics, blueprint reading, and computer applications. Average Salary: $49,900 per year Mechanics are responsible for assembling, installing, maintaining and replacing elevators, escalators, chairlifts, dumbwaiters and moving walkways in new and old buildings. They must complete a four-year apprenticeship offered by local joint educational committees representing the employers and the union-the International Union of Elevator Constructors. The good news is that job prospects and salaries are looking up in this industry. Top earners make about $96,700 with over five years experience. Average Salary: $48,800 per year You'll find maintenance and repair workers in almost every industry, and with them comes their supervisor. Responsibilities include supervising, troubleshooting and project management of machines, mechanical equipment, buildings, plumbing, electrical, and air-conditioning and heating systems. Many supervisors get their start right out of high school. Courses in mechanical drawing, electricity, woodworking, blueprint reading, science, mathematics, and computers are useful and education at a technical college is an important part of training. Average Salary: $48,000 per year Got an opinion on those potholes on the interstate? How about your neighbor's sloping porch? If so, a career as an inspector is right up your alley. You'll examine buildings, highways and streets, sewer and water systems, dams, bridges, and other structures for compliance with building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. About 44 percent of inspectors worked for local governments but plenty of home inspectors are self-employed and make their own hours. Average Salary: $46,600 per year Independent types who want to manage a team and a project yet still work for themselves will be in good company as the BLS finds over half of construction supervisors are self-employed. Far from working alone, managers work with owners, engineers, architects, and others to coordinate and supervise construction from the concept through final build,the project gets completed on time and within budget. Average Salary: $46,200 per year Talk about staying power: the buildings, fences, roads and footpaths crafted by brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons often outlast the individual because of the durability of concrete, stone and brick. The work itself ranges from simple masonry on walkways to complex installations of exteriors on a highrises. Training often happens on the job as an assistant to carry materials, move scaffolding and mix mortar. Learning restoration skills such as cleaning and pointing are essential to becoming a full-fledged craftsman. Registered apprenticeship programs usually last between three and four years. Average Salary: $45,600 per year You won't have to worry about becoming a desk jockey if you pursue a career as a refrigeration mechanic. Your "office" can be in any number of places including homes, stores, hospitals or factories that need installation, service, and repair of refrigerating systems. On the job, mechanics are required to read blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturers' instructions to install motors, compressors, condensing units, evaporators, piping, and other components. Systems must also be charged with refrigerant and checked for proper operation and leaks. Average Salary: $45,500 per year If you are fascinated by how things work, this could be the job for you. BMETs maintain, adjust, and repair every kind of healthcare machinery from patient monitors and defibrillators, to X-rays, electric wheelchairs and eye testing equipment. With the strength of the healthcare industry, this is a great occupation to pursue. Be prepared to head back to school if you want to work in this field. Employers generally prefer applicants with an associate's degree in biomedical equipment technology or engineering. Go for a four-year degree if you want to advance. Source: Salary data is provided by online salary database PayScale.com. Salaries listed are annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing. Next: PARADE's What People Earn: Skilled Worker Edition

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10 Best-Paid Skilled Labor Jobs

Skilled labor jobs can pay well, even very well. Yet, many young people feel the pre ure to get a college degree and don't consider hands-on labor. Fortunately, a growing movement hope

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Red wants a meeting. With whom, no one knows, except his debtor Gallego, who refuses to be Red's go-between… until Red promises to deliver Blacklister and international terrorist Zal Bin Hasaan, who's currently holding several Israeli military software engineers hostage. Since Hasaan is also responsible for the Peshin bombing that killed Samar's brother Shahin, Red calls the FBI, and in turn, Samar calls Mossad to bring in Agent Levi Shur, her former lover. In a complex operation, the FBI retrieves the hostages, and Samar is stunned to find her brother among them. The only problem? Shahin is really Hasaan, and the hostage operation is a Trojan horse meant to snare top Mossad agents. After setting off a bomb and shooting Levi, Shahin takes his own sister hostage. Luckily, Red shows up to free Samar, explaining he can grant Shahin death with a purpose - the purchase of Liz's freedom. Devastated, Samar surrenders her brother to Red, who uses him to secure Gallego's services. Aram discovers that The Director has tapped Liz's phone and sent Solomon to Wing Yee to intercept her during a proposed meeting with Tom. While Tom promises Liz that he has a plan to make her life normal again at another location, Ressler intercepts Solomon, who waits alone at Wing Yee. When Hitchin learns The Director has ignored her directive to play nice with the FBI, she boots him out of the post office. Delighted, Ressler visits Cooper to share the good news, but becomes instantly enraged to find Tom there, having stowed Karakurt in the garage. After punching the daylights out of Tom, Ressler returns to the office to find Samar in a state of near shock. Since the present moment is all Samar can count on, she and Ressler indulge in the passion of the here and now.

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Zal Bin Hasaan | Episodes | The Blacklist | NBC

Samar's tragic past erupts during the search for the next Blacklister. Christine Lahti and David Strathairn guest star.

20160621175044

Photo: Connor Radnovich, The Chronicle Oakland Councilmember At-Large Rebecca Kaplan speaks to journalists and community members during a press conference at Oakland City Hall in Oakland, California, on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. Oakland Councilmember At-Large Rebecca Kaplan speaks to journalists and community members during a press conference at Oakland City Hall in Oakland, California, on Tuesday, May 3, 2016. Oakland councilwoman calls on state to expunge pot-crime records Oakland City Councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan is calling on the state to expunge all marijuana-related criminal records, a move that she says will open the door for people of color who have traditionally been shut out of a multibillion-dollar cannabis industry. “I think it’s important to keep in mind the racial disparity here,” Kaplan told The Chronicle on Wednesday. “Over the past decade, it’s been black people who’ve been locked up — had their freedom taken away, their families taken away, their jobs taken away — for something that white people mostly don’t get punished for.” She said that people who were convicted years ago may still be denied jobs, affordable housing or student loans. “So they’re punished over and over again for something that society now doesn’t think is a crime.” Kaplan has authored a resolution, which goes before its first council committee on Thursday, and may be the next political maneuver by a city intent on correcting the racial injustices of the U.S. war on drugs. On Tuesday, the council unanimously approved new marijuana laws that included a controversial equity program that supporters say will help right some of the wrongs, but that critics say will cause the city’s pot trade to sputter. “This is not equity, this is a travesty,” said Jake Sassaman, a member of the city’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Sassaman, who is white, said he knows several African American pot entrepreneurs who would not qualify for an equity permit because they do not meet the requirements. Oakland’s new equity permit program will set aside half of the city’s cannabis business permits for applicants who fit a narrow set of criteria: Residents who have lived for at least two years in a designated police beat in East Oakland where marijuana arrests were highly concentrated in 2013, or individuals who were incarcerated for marijuana-related crimes in Oakland over the past decade. Equity permit holders must sustain at least a 50 percent ownership stake in their businesses. Opponents of the program say it will create huge backlogs on permits because the rules stipulate that the city must award at least one equity permit for each general permit. While the city’s eight currently licensed dispensaries will be grandfathered in, its mom-and-pop cannabis businesses — many of which are run by African Americans and Latinos — could get caught up in the jam. Among the critics who spoke out at Tuesday’s council meeting was Andrea Unsworth, the black owner of a delivery service called StashTwist. Many of her suppliers are moms who grow pot plants in their garages. “We know this is about those who have been arrested and impacted by the drug war, but it’s also about those of us who have taken the immense risk of opening businesses,” Unsworth told the council. But on the other side of the debate were Oakland residents who see themselves as victims of a drug policy that disproportionately punished people of color. Some who spoke at the council meeting said they’ve been left behind as the state inches toward legalizing recreational marijuana. “The war on drugs has criminalized black and brown communities, and now that (marijuana) is becoming legalized there’s a whole line of white men that are about to get rich,” said a speaker named George Galvis. Councilwoman Desley Brooks pushed for the equity program by tacking on last-minute amendments to ordinances that had taken the city’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission 18 months to write. Councilwoman Annie Campbell Washington added to a provision extending equity permits to people with criminal records. “If you’re serious about equity, show us you’re willing to share this big pie,” Brooks said to the pot business owners who challenged her amendments. May need to tweak laws Kaplan acknowledged on Wednesday that the laws might need a few tweaks before they can fully achieve the council’s vision of a more inclusive marijuana economy. She’s confident that eventually the state will get on board with the idea to expunge records for marijuana crimes. “There’s an open question as to whether this is something that (Gov. Jerry Brown’s) administration just launches, or whether it will take legislation,” she said. “But I do think we are likely to win in the end.” A spokeswoman for the state’s newly formed Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation said she thinks the decision about whether to toss records will be left to the courts. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com

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Oakland City Councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan is calling on the state to expunge all marijuana-related criminal records, a move that she says will open the door for people of color who have traditionally been shut out of a multibillion-dollar cannabis industry. Kaplan has authored a resolution, which goes before its first council committee on Thursday, and may be the next political maneuver by a city intent on correcting the racial injustices of the U.S. war on drugs. On Tuesday, the council unanimously approved new marijuana laws that included a controversial equity program that supporters say will help right some of the wrongs, but that critics say will cause the city’s pot trade to sputter. Residents who have lived for at least two years in a designated police beat in East Oakland where marijuana arrests were highly concentrated in 2013, or individuals who were incarcerated for marijuana-related crimes in Oakland over the past decade. Opponents of the program say it will create huge backlogs on permits because the rules stipulate that the city must award at least one equity permit for each general permit. “We know this is about those who have been arrested and impacted by the drug war, but it’s also about those of us who have taken the immense risk of opening businesses,” Unsworth told the council. “The war on drugs has criminalized black and brown communities, and now that (marijuana) is becoming legalized there’s a whole line of white men that are about to get rich,” said a speaker named George Galvis. Councilwoman Desley Brooks pushed for the equity program by tacking on last-minute amendments to ordinances that had taken the city’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission 18 months to write. A spokeswoman for the state’s newly formed Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation said she thinks the decision about whether to toss records will be left to the courts.

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One of DC Comics oldest heroes is super-coming out. The original Green Lantern – a DC Comics mainstay for the past 70 years – will be revealed to be a gay man in next week’s issue of “Earth 2.” Alan Scott – formerly a married father of two who first appeared in 1940 – tips readers off to his sexuality early on in the comic when he gives his boyfriend a welcome home kiss. “He’s very much the character he was. He’s still the pinnacle of bravery and idealism. He’s also gay,” “Earth 2” writer James Robinson told The Post. The Emerald Guardian’s sexuality was rebooted along with the rest of his fictional universe as part of DC’s “New 52” initiative aimed at rejuvenating their characters. Robinson said he decided to make the change because making the character young again meant erasing Scott’s gay superhero son out of existence. “The only downside of his being young was we lose his son, Obsidian, who’s gay. So I thought, ‘Why not make Alan Scott gay?'” Robinson recalled. “That was the seed that started it.” He ran his idea by the bosses at DC, “who signed off on it without hesitation.” Robinson, a British writer who lives in San Francisco with his wife, is no stranger to gay characters – he wrote DC’s “Starman” comic in the 1990s, a groundbreaking title that starred a homosexual superhero. He said the only agenda he’s pushing is reality. “It’s a realistic depiction of society,” he said. “You have to move with the times.” He said he did hope the character – who’s the most powerful member of DC’s superteam, the Justice Society – would be an inspiration. “He’s a type-A personality who doesn’t hide in the shadows,” Robinson said. “I hope he’s a positive figure. If there’s some kind of kid out there who’s reading the comic and who’s worried about the person he is, maybe it will give him a positive sense of who he is. Or maybe a different kid will read it and decide I don’t need to bully some kind of kid in school,” Robinson said. While a gay wedding in Archie Comics earlier this year and impending same-sex nuptials in a Marvel X-Men comic have recieved a small amount of backlash from angry parents, Robinson said he’s not worried about that because “that kind of negativity is stupid and outmoded.” “We should be preaching love and tolerance,” he said. “Earth 2” No. 2 goes on sale Wednesday. The character is different than the more modern Green Lantern, ladies’ man Hal Jordan, who stars in his own comics and is a member of an extraterrestrial police force called the Green Lantern Corps. Jordan’s also part of DC’s Justice League with Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman, the Flash and Aquaman. In the current “New 52” continuity, the Alan Scott Green Lantern and the Justice Society operate in a different universe than the Justice League. Robinson said in the “Earth 2” universe, Scott is the sole Green Lantern, and “the strongest, most important super-powered character” in the world. Speculation in the comics community about which DC character would be revamped as gay was at a fever pitch in recent weeks, most notably at www.bleedingcool.com.

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DC Comics Green Lantern relaunched as gay superhero

(DC Comics) (DC Comics) One of DC Comics oldest heroes is super-coming out. The original Green Lantern – a DC Comics mainstay for the past 70 years – will be revealed to be a gay man in…

20160629073716

And since 9/11, the workloads have grown heavier. Scores of officers, traumatized and stung by the loss of so many comrades, turned to the chaplains for solace, guidance and a prayer. Father Romano, for one, spent 10 months at ground zero and accompanied the body of every recovered officer as it was carried out of the pit. Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly says the stigma that once kept many officers from seeking out a chaplain, lest they be seen as frail, has largely faded since 9/11. "The shock waves were huge throughout the entire department," he said. "For the first time, people saw the organization as a big nurturing family and seeking help was no longer a sign of weakness." The chaplains, on call 24 hours a day, reflect the department's increasing diversity: there is the Rev. Luis Serrano, a Hispanic Pentecostal minister, the Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, a black Baptist and the first female chaplain, and Iman Izak-El Mu'eed Pasha, the unit's first Muslim religious figure who recently retired. (His replacement is being sought). With their standard-issue navy blues and lapels glinting with insignia, the chaplains are, at first glance, indistinguishable from the rank and file. But they do not carry weapons and wherever they go, they are swept up in the embrace of high-ranking commanders, pimple-faced cadets and civilian 911 operators. "I'm not Jewish, but I want this guy to do my eulogy," Detective Stephen Giaco said jokingly after giving Rabbi Kass a hug in the Midtown North station house where he works. "That's because he'll make me sound like a better person than I really am." Chaplains have the power to pick up a phone, call a commanding officer and wrangle out a resolution to a personality clash. They are also sworn to secrecy, something they tell each new class of police recruits. "We're a shoulder to cry on and a sympathetic ear but a lot of what we do is troubleshoot for the officers," said Ms. Johnson Cook. "We can cut through the red tape. And when it comes to the African-American community, sometimes I serve as a cultural translator." With four decades on the force, Rabbi Kass is almost as recognizable around police headquarters as his boss, Commissioner Kelly. He is also a frequent presence at churches, mosques and Hindu temples. "If there was an entry in Guinness Book of World Records for the rabbi who attended the most Catholic Masses, I would win hands down," he said with a boyish grin. Rabbi Kass has had a colorful run: there were the death threats that earned his family months of round-the-clock security and a starring role in a hostage crisis that was resolved with a pastrami sandwich. Rabbi Kass persuaded the self-identified Jewish hostage-taker to exchange his guns for two Carnegie Deli sandwiches. Another mark of devotion to the job? He left his own son's bar mitzvah when he got word that an officer had been shot in the line of duty. Addressing a class of police academy students this week, the rabbi lectured the recruits about the lures of graft, the temptation to prejudge those of other ethnicities and, more profoundly, an officer's power to take away life. "You are the only ones in society that can use lethal force," he said. "None of you should ever shoot your gun lightly. And if you do, it should be done with great reluctance and sadness. It is when you shoot and not think twice, that you have lost your humanity."

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Blessing the Fallen and Steadying Those Left Behind

New York City police chaplains, whose functions were once largely ceremonial, now serve as therapists, confidants and spiritual leaders; workloads have grown heavier since 9/11 as scores of traumatized officers turned to chaplains for solace, guidance and prayer; chaplains include rabbi, Roman Catholic priest, Pentecostal minister and black female Baptist, and replacement is being sought for retired Muslim imam, all reflecting increasing diversity of police force; photo of Rev Luis Serrano, Rabbi Alvin Kass and Rev Robert Romano at officer's funeral (M)

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SUNSET PARK Marchers carrying flags from more than 50 nations are expected to participate in the fifth annual Sunset Park Parade of Flags. Sponsored by the Sunset Park Business Improvement District with Sunset Park Restoration, the parade will include representatives of churches, civic organizations and schools displaying their banners. The U. S. Postal Service will produce a special cancellation commemorating the event. Anyone interested in a free cancellation should bring an envelope with a stamp to the parade at the mobile postal unit. The march will be held on Oct. 24, beginning at noon, and will step off from 44th St. and Fifth Ave. Anyone who wishes to carry a flag or banner should call the Sunset Park BID at (718) 437-2234, or come to the starting location by 11:30 a. m. Borough Hall Borough President Howard Golden's Office of Ethnic Affairs begins its annual series of discussions promoting responsible debate on racial and ethnic relations at 6 p. m. next Wednesday at Borough Hall. Six noted cultural leaders will discuss "Multi-cultural Educational Initiatives in Brooklyn's Major Institutions. " Speakers include Carol Enseki of the Brooklyn Children's Museum and Jayme Koszyn of the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Park Slope Carmina Slovenica, a children's choir from Slovenia formerly part of Yugoslavia will present a concert this month with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. The concert, at 7:30 p. m. Oct. 22 at the Old First Reformed Church, Seventh Ave. at Carroll St., will be the only city performance of the Carmina Slovenica's 1998 North American tour. The evening's program will include classical, contemporary, gospel, jazz and traditional Slovenian folk songs and dances.

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IN THE NABES PARADE OF FLAGS IN WORKS

SUNSET PARK Marchers carrying flags from more than 50 nations are expected to participate in the fifth annual Sunset Park Parade of Flags. Sponsored by the Sunset Park Business Improvement District with Sunset Park Restoration, the parade will include representatives of churches, civic organizations and schools displaying their banners. The U.S. Postal Service will produce a special cancellation commemorating the event. Anyone interested in a free cancellation should bring an envelope with a stamp to

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Steve Jobs once called Flash the No. 1 reason his devices crash. What changed his mind? With a terse, five-paragraph statement issued Thursday morning, Apple AAPL reversed a five-month-old policy that had sparked an industry-wide debate, a government probe and tens of thousands of words of heated commentary — including Steve Jobs’ own April 2010 “Thoughts on Flash.” The newly inoperative policy had prohibited software developers from using cross-platform tools when writing apps for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Covered by the ban were several popular third-party toolkits that make programmers’ lives easier by allowing them to write one set of code that runs on a variety of devices. None was more important — or controversial — than Adobe ADBE Flash. Apple’s statement doesn’t mention Flash by name — and we are waiting for clarification from Apple and Adobe — but as long as apps (or ads) written in Flash are compiled ahead of time and don’t require downloading any Adobe code, they should pass muster. [Adobe confirmed this in a statement issued Thursday evening. See Adobe on Apple: Our glass is half full.] Adobe’s stock opened about 9% higher on the news. What caused Apple to change its mind? The leading theories: Apple also announced that it is publishing — for the first time — a set of App Store review guidelines that should shed some light on what has seemed, until now, an arbitrary and capricious approval process. It’s pretty blunt. “We don’t need any more fart apps,” it warns developers. “If your app is rejected, we have a Review Board that you can appeal to. If you run to the press and trash us, it never helps.” UPDATE: Without further clarification from Apple, it’s not certain what the immediate effect on Adobe might be. Flash elements embedded in Web pages still don’t open in the iPhone’s version of Safari, although in theory that could change. “Here’s one interpretation,” writes Fast Company’ s Kit Easton. “What happens if you build a new browser app for the iPhone that has all the back-end code needed to run Flash in web pages already downloaded and packaged inside it? Result: De-facto ‘full Web browsing’ experience, complete with Flash, on an iPhone.” Forrester Research’s Jeffrey Hammond is less optimistic. “It looks to me like [Apple’s new policy] doesn’t change anything immediately, as the way Adobe was targeting iPhone was to use the AIR compiler to cross compile Actionscript to directly target ARM APIs through private, non-sanctioned APIs. These changes still don’t allow them to do that as far as I can tell, and they don’t allow Flash to run in iOS.” “But what is does signal,” he adds, “is that Apple feels it needs to be more transparent to developers and flexible in the options it gives them to keep iOS as the preferred mobile development platform — the one that developers choose first.” [Follow Philip Elmer-DeWitt on Twitter @philiped]

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Why did Apple lift its ban on apps written in Flash?

Steve Jobs once called Flash the No. 1 reason his devices crash. What changed his mind? With a terse, five-paragraph statement issued Thursday morning, Apple reversed a five-month-old policy that had sparked an industry-wide debate, a government probe and tens of thousands of words of heated commentary -- including Steve Jobs' own April 2010 "Thoughts…

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In May 1986, the flanks of buses plying the streets of Manhattan sported jaunty advertisements proclaiming, ''Congratulations, it's a book!'' The happy event they signaled was the arrival of the latest offspring from the publishing house of Doubleday - a compendium of the wit and wisdom of the television paterfamilias Bill Cosby on the subject of ''Fatherhood.'' It was a miraculous birth, indeed: in the United States alone, the book proceeded to go through 30 printings in record time, selling 2.5 million hard-cover copies along the way. Even more astonishing was the small matter of what is called ''contributions to overheads and profits'': figures obtained from former employees reveal that the Doubleday coffers grew between $15 million and $16 million richer courtesy of that one slim volume. Three years later, the company published the comedian's third book under its imprint - a paean to the joys and tribulations of ''Love and Marriage.'' This time, however, at least insofar as the hard-cover edition of the book was concerned, congratulations proved a little premature. Although the paperback version is currently on The New York Times's best-seller list, the experience for all concerned has been less than connubially blissful. According to a number of former employees, of the 850,000 hard-cover copies printed, only about 300,000 have been sold, with Doubleday's loss on hard-cover sales conservatively estimated at $1.5 million. In addition, author and publisher came to a parting of the ways. In order for the project to squeak into the black, it's probable that at least 800,000 copies of the paperback will have to be sold. How, in the space of a mere three years, did we get from there to here? The books that grace the best-seller lists are not always as lucrative as might be imagined, and much-heralded books frequently prove to be commercial failures. Each year, with the help of booksellers from across the country, Publishers Weekly complies a list of such works and delves into the reasons why they flopped. Through the years the explanations have been unnervingly consistent. In the case of fiction, booksellers tell us that publishers and agents often pressure young writers to bring out second novels long before they are ready. Publishers also misguidedly attempt to turn genre authors into mainstream writers. Frequently, nonfiction writers are encouraged to produce sequels to best sellers when such follow-ons serve no real purpose. Information that could be conveyed in a magazine article is stretched thin over the pages of a book that nobody wants to buy. The public's appetite for even the most popular authors can be satiated through overexposure. What can go miraculously right - as well as spectacularly wrong - in publishing and promoting major books? The writing career of Bill Cosby provides a telling parable. At a 1985 editorial meeting at Doubleday, a publisher that had seen better times, editors tossed around ideas for new book projects. The conversation turned to so-called celebrity books, always popular with publishers. Paul Bresnick, a relative newcomer to the company, needed to establish himself. ''The idea for a book on fatherhood,'' he recalled, ''closely paralleled events in my own life; it was conceived around the time my daughter was. I sensed a new attitude in the air, and so proposed a book on fatherhood.'' Mr. Bresnick approached Russell Baker and later Robin Williams, but both declined. His attention was directed to Bill Cosby, whose television show, offering a Reagan-era vision of unbridled optimism and traditional family values, was beaming its way into homes all across America. Mr. Cosby's public-relations point man, David Brokaw (the son of Norman Brokaw, the head of the William Morris Agency, who has represented the entertainer for 27 years), was interested in the book proposal. Things became serious when Brokaw pere got in on the act, and a deal was struck in the winter of 1985 for an initial advance of $600,000 (eventually increased to about $850,000). Father's Day 1986 was set as the book's publication date. Although ''Fatherhood'' and its successors, ''Time Flies'' and ''Love and Marriage,'' display only a single author's name on their covers, Mr. Cosby, like so many busy celebrities, would need a little writing help. Mr. Bresnick remembers: ''Bill said he would provide the writer. We worked with that person for a while, but it didn't pan out.'' As it happened, a comic writer named Ralph Schoenstein was also a client of the William Morris Agency. According to Mr. Bresnick, ''Ralph turned out to be the perfect match for Bill.'' Mr. Schoenstein declined to be interviewed for this article, but Mr. Bresnick says, ''All the material in the books was 'generated' by Bill Cosby: Ralph met with him, recorded and took notes from the conversations,'' and eventually ''put the material on the page in Bill's voice.'' People who were privy to the genesis of the books said that under his agreement with Mr. Cosby, Mr. Schoenstein was paid about $70,000 for working on ''Fatherhood'' and about $80,000 for ''Time Flies.'' Given the enormous profits and kudos the entertainer and the publisher both reaped from the projects, there was understandably a certain concern on the part of the writer to have his role in the process acknowledged in the books. However, it was not until the third effort, ''Love and Marriage,'' for which the writer was paid about $100,000, that Mr. Cosby extended in print ''warm thanks to Ralph Schoenstein, whose wonderful voice has joined mine in this book as it did in 'Fatherhood' and 'Time Flies.' '' As would be the case for all three books, much of the material in ''Fatherhood'' came from the entertainer's stand-up comedy routines. The text (and reportedly even the jacket copy) was reviewed by the Harvard psychiatrist Alvin F. Poussaint, an adviser to ''The Cosby Show'' whose job, it seems, is to provide the least-objectionable-programming seal of approval. With everything geared toward a Father's Day debut, a former Doubleday staff member recalls, ''the manuscript came in very late and created a lot of concern, principally because of its scanty length. A designer was commissioned to open the book [i.e., to insert white space to fill it out] . We decided to make it a 'gift' book.'' Although Doubleday was enthusiastic about the project from the beginning, the book was not initially regarded as a potentially record-breaking best seller. Richard Heffernan, a former Doubleday sales director who is now with the Putnam Berkley Publishing Group, says: ''We had thought in terms of trying to advance [i.e., garner prepublication orders for] about 300,000 copies. But in fact, the demand was such that we were able to advance 600,000 copies, and it never let up.'' Eventually, says one former Doubleday staffer, ''the company even managed to extract payments from delinquent retail accounts by threatening to withhold the Cosby book if they failed to settle their outstanding debts.'' During the week preceding Father's Day, the B. Dalton bookstore chain sold 76,000 - and Waldenbooks, an astonishing 95,000 - prepublication copies of ''Fatherhood,'' according to company spokesmen. Ellen Mastromonaco, then Doubleday's advertising and publicity director, says that the company ''spent over $250,000 on promotion,'' which included a life-size wax statue of Bill Cosby that inhabited the Doubleday stand at the American Booksellers Association's annual convention. Most important, though, as all past and present Doubleday employees associated with the book and all the booksellers I spoke to agreed, were the 10 television appearances that Mr. Cosby made to promote his book. With television's favorite dad plugging his fatherhood book right on the tube, people who would never normally venture into a bookstore were clamoring for it. ''Fatherhood'' is the fastest-selling hard-cover book ever documented. Crucially for Doubleday, it was what is called in publishing a very ''clean'' sale, with only about 5 percent of the books printed coming back from the wholesalers and retailers in the form of unsold copies, or returns. (In recent times, the return rate for hard-cover books has grown to 30 to 40 percent of books printed.) The hard-cover edition of ''Fatherhood'' was on the New York Times best-seller list for 55 weeks, prompted a feature article in Newsweek, was sold to the Literary Guild and was serialized in several magazines. The paperback rights were sold for $1.6 million to the Putnam Berkley Publishing Group, which has managed to sell 2 million of the 2.5 million copies it printed. The paperback edition was on the best-seller list for 48 weeks. Doubleday made some $15 million to $16 million. Mr. Cosby, according to information obtained from former Doubleday employees, made approximately $3.4 million to $4 million. The megasuccess of a book like ''Fatherhood'' has unusually far-reaching reverberations - both sweet and shrill - for any publisher. On the plus side, it enables the sales machine to get books into merchandising outlets never before reached and to attract consumers who do not normally buy books. It gives a psychological boost to the whole company and can help its other books. But such a huge hit also sets a dangerous precedent. Promotion money and staff effort are siphoned away from other books. And the effect on cash flow is extreme, so that an intense effort is begun to repeat the success and to ward off, at any price, other publishers' attempts to poach the author's next book. Which brings us to ''Time Flies.'' Mr. Cosby was pleased with the outcome of ''Fatherhood'' and told Paul Bresnick that he fancied doing a book about growing older. The star had just turned 50, and the aging theme was being featured in his comedy routines. Doubleday, meanwhile, was going through a rite of passage of its own. Throughout the summer of 1986, rumors were flying that Nelson Doubleday would sell the troubled company to Bertelsmann, the West German publishing giant that already owned Bantam Books. That fall, he did. With new owners lurking, ''it would have looked awfully bad if we were not able to hold on to Cosby,'' one former executive says. So hold on to him they did, signing a reported $3 million contract for a book on the subject Mr. Cosby had proposed. According to many former Doubleday staff members, the executives put in place by Bertelsmann - most notably Alberto Vitale (who has since moved on to run Random House) and Jack Hoeft - wanted to make a bullish statement about the company's new direction. It didn't take long: the print run for ''Time Flies'' would be a huge 1.75 million copies. Some publishers maintain that a large royalty advance does not always mandate a vast first printing; others say that if you pay an author $3 million, you have to print very aggressively to justify that expenditure. In the case of ''Time Flies,'' expectations were not to be fulfilled. Like its predecessor, ''Time Flies'' was published with an aggressive marketing campaign. But instead of coming out in June, it was published in September, and that meant that success hinged almost entirely on what happened during the three months before Christmas, publishing's most hotly contested selling season. To help the book on its way, a nationwide television advertising campaign was broadcast between Thanksgiving and Christmas. On publication day itself, Sept. 14, a two-page article with a banner headline appeared in Newsweek. Two weeks later, there was a Time cover story on Mr. Cosby, who also made appearances on the major television talk shows. But although ''Time Flies'' was the third leading hard-cover nonfiction title for 1987 (as opposed to its predecessor's first over all), only about half the print run (900,000 copies) was sold. ''We sold all but about 150,000 copies into the stores,'' Richard Heffernan says, ''but then had significant returns.'' What went wrong? '' 'Fatherhood,' '' Mr. Heffernan says, ''was such a phenomenon, it got everybody - including the wholesalers and retailers - thinking very aggressively about No. 2. But in retrospect, getting old is not as salable a subject as being a father. It didn't turn people on as a gift in the way the other book did. The tighter selling period was also a factor.'' But as one former Doubleday executive said: ''People also tend to forget the most basic thing: the quality of the book makes a difference. 'Fatherhood' was well structured and full of anecdotes with wide appeal. In 'Time Flies,' the material was stretched rather thin, and some of it was not to everybody's taste.'' Yet another factor was hinted at by Time. Commenting on the Cosbying of America - the television show, the advertisements for Jell-O and other products, the concert videos, the movies and the live performances - the magazine noted, ''If anything threatens the fortunes of Cosby, Inc., it is overexposure.'' According to my calculations, Doubleday earned only about $2.5 million from American hard-cover sales of ''Time Flies,'' although when combined with income from sales of its other publishing rights, the book probably made about $5 million - a far cry from the $15 million to $16 million that ''Fatherhood'' made. And yet a greater initial financial investment and just as much staff time and effort were expended. Still, hope springs eternal, particularly in matters of ''Love and Marriage,'' a book project conceived, this time, by Paul Bresnick, the editor, rather than Mr. Cosby. Having learned some lessons from the ''Time Flies'' experience, Doubleday decided to go back to basics and publish the new book not during the Christmas season, but in late spring 1989, to reach both the Father's Day and Mother's Day markets. It is one of the more curious quirks of the publishing business that famous authors' advances frequently rise in inverse proportion to the sales of their books. This happens for two reasons. With each new work, writers tend to echo Oliver Twist in wanting ''more.'' And a huge publishing conglomerate is often more immediately troubled by the prospect of a so-called major author going elsewhere, thereby causing the company to lose face, than by the inevitable consequences of falling sales. For ''Love and Marriage,'' Doubleday reportedly agreed to pay Mr. Cosby an advance of $3.5 million, while scaling down the book's first printing to 850,000. It didn't work. ''In retrospect,'' Mr. Heffernan says, ''the title was brought out too quickly on the heels of the others.'' Mr. Bresnick maintains that Doubleday was ''filling a demand from the booksellers that turned out to exceed the demands from the customers.'' Indeed, one of the woes frequently cited by publishers these days is that the huge bookstore chains overorder. But not every bookseller was clamoring for more of Bill Cosby in hard-cover form, and perhaps more heed should have been taken of their caution. One warning came from within the Doubleday Bookstores themselves. Sid Gross, the chain's merchandising director, recalls feeling that ''the third book wouldn't work.'' And Barbara Morrow, who with her husband, Edward, the president of the American Booksellers Association, owns the Northshire Bookstore in Vermont, says: ''In hard-cover, we sold 97 copies of 'Time Flies,' but only 25 of 'Love and Marriage.' It wasn't unique anymore to have a book by Cosby.'' The agent Norman Brokaw, however, maintains that ''Love and Marriage'' ''did very well, but the publisher obviously overprinted and overshipped the book, and initially didn't advertise as heavily as with the two previous titles.'' Mr. Cosby himself goes farther: ''I remember calling Norman after noticing that Sammy Davis Jr. had a book coming out about the same time as 'Love and Marriage.' Sammy's previous book came nowhere near 'Fatherhood' or 'Time Flies,' yet he had an ad that was larger than anything seen about Bill Cosby's third book. My bosses at Doubleday claimed it was my best book, but they obviously felt the title would sell itself. I told them that Bill Cosby cannot and ought not to go out and pound the media to sell himself. Bill Cosby sells other products, therefore the purchasing public must be told by other means that this is the best Cosby book ever. It is my opinion that the promotion money was misspent, and the campaign was not well thought out. But the blame came my way.'' Strong words indeed. Mr. Vitale countered: ''Nobody really knows why the book didn't work as well as the others. Perhaps it was saturation, perhaps it was publishing too many too soon. But the season was right, the jacket was great, the promotion and publicity (also with the participation of Mr. Cosby) was intensive and the distribution was spectacular - the book was everywhere. We were deeply disappointed that it didn't perform to our level of expectations.'' Stuart Applebaum, a spokesman for Bantam Doubleday Dell, said: ''Within the first two months of the book's life, Doubleday did a full-page ad in People, a week-long national radio campaign, a video news release and best-seller ads in major dailies. The overall marketing budget was in the low-to-mid six figures, the most Doubleday spent for any title in 1989. Yet there was one constant entreaty we heard from booksellers: 'Can't you get Bill Cosby to do more interviews for the book?' The bottom line is, it's TV interviews that sell a personality-driven nonfiction work.'' Whether Mr. Cosby's next project can escape the ghosts of returns past remains to be seen. Norman Brokaw confirms that ''just as the hard-cover of 'Love and Marriage' was coming out, we finalized a deal with Doubleday for Bill's fourth book, on childhood. A contract was ordered, but because Bill saw that the publisher didn't do what it had done with his two previous books, he told me to withdraw from the deal.'' Reportedly, the advance that had been negotiated was $4 million. The new book, therefore, will be published by the Putnam Berkley Publishing Group. Of course, a connection already existed through its having published the paperback edition of ''Fatherhood.'' But according to some industry observers, Putnam's owner, MCA, may have had more than a little to do with expediting the arrangements, since the company also owns Universal Pictures - responsible for Mr. Cosby's new movie, ''Ghost Dad'' - as well as the television station that, according to Norman Brokaw, parted with ''one of the biggest prices ever paid for a syndicated show'' in order to beam reruns of ''The Cosby Show'' into New York City homes each weeknight. Instead of a multimillion-dollar advance on royalties, Putnam and Mr. Cosby have entered into, as Norman Brokaw puts it, ''a joint venture or partnership,'' whereby the author participates directly in the book's profits. With the entertainer's earnings for 1987 alone estimated by Time magazine at $57 million, and a huge new contract just concluded for another season of his show, Mr. Cosby is not exactly in need of an injection of publishing cash up front. Neither side will specify exactly what the terms of the partnership are, but Phyllis Grann of the Putnam Berkley Publishing Group says that ''this way nobody needs to risk an extraordinarily high advance.'' But it is precisely because of the perceived risk in bringing out a fourth hard-cover that this unusual arrangement was concluded. ''If there is a terrific success,'' Ms. Grann says, ''the author will get a larger-than-usual share of the benefits.'' But, lest we forget, that would also mean that Putnam will get less. Some publishing people wonder whether the entertainer's views on childhood - the theme he was most famous for in the early days of his career - will speak to the 1990's. Others express fear that the Cosby camp has never fully come to terms with the reality of what happened with ''Love and Marriage.'' Most important, perhaps, is that even though Putnam is putting 30 months between the appearance of ''Love and Marriage'' and the new book, booksellers, as one publisher put it, ''have long memories. It will take some determined selling to overcome the built-up resistance to a Cosby in hard-cover.'' Of course, the publishing business by its nature is a gamble, so that the meeting place - Las Vegas, Nev. - for last week's American Booksellers Association convention may have been more apt than at first appears. But many argue that the frenzy of the big-money, brand-name, high-stakes bets so many publishers have been making of late is dangerously distorting the industry. Ego and greed on the part of both publishers and authors have helped to create a bonfire of returned, unsalable books. The mass merchandising of hard-cover books - encouraged by the bookstore chains and not discouraged by publishers - has resulted in huge expenditures to print and promote a few titles. An enormous success like ''Fatherhood'' can help pay for an investment in other writers and books, but the losses on a book like ''Love and Marriage'' do the opposite. Many publishers admit that their most lucrative books started out on a small scale. Booksellers say that what finally counts is originality of material and a realistic appreciation of the scope and nature of the potential readership. These are what will make not just a best seller, but a well-published and well-read book.

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THE BEST-SELLER BLUES - HARD LESSONS FROM A COSBY BOOK - NYTimes.com

LEAD: In May 1986, the flanks of buses plying the streets of Manhattan sported jaunty advertisements proclaiming, ''Congratulations, it's a book!'' The happy event they signaled was the arrival of the latest offspring from the publishing house of Doubleday - a compendium of the wit and wisdom of the television paterfamilias Bill Cosby on the subject of ''Fatherhood.

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• Lee Kuan Yew, Asian statesman - obituary • Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew dies aged 91 • A model for the New Authoritarians or a one-off genius? • Lee Kuan Yew life in pictures "Between being loved and being feared, I have always believed Machiavelli was right. If nobody is afraid of me, I'm meaningless." "Anybody who decides to take me on needs to put on knuckle-dusters. If you think you can hurt me more than I can hurt you, try. There is no way you can govern a Chinese society." "If you are a troublemaker... it's our job to politically destroy you... Everybody knows that in my bag I have a hatchet, and a very sharp one. You take me on, I take my hatchet, we meet in the cul-de-sac." "You take a poll of any people. What is it they want? The right to write an editorial as you like? They want homes, medicine, jobs, schools." "We have to lock up people, without trial, whether they are communists, whether they are language chauvinists, whether they are religious extremists. If you don't do that, the country would be in ruins." "If you don't include your women graduates in your breeding pool and leave them on the shelf, you would end up a more stupid society... So what happens? There will be less bright people to support dumb people in the next generation. That's a problem." "You know, the cure for all this talk is really a good dose of incompetent government. You get that alternative and you'll never put Singapore together again: Humpty Dumpty cannot be put together again... and your asset values will be in peril, your security will be at risk and our women will become maids in other people's countries, foreign workers." "I wouldn't call myself an atheist. I neither deny nor accept that there is a God. So I do not laugh at people who believe in God. But I do not necessarily believe in God - nor deny that there could be one." "Without her, I would be a different man, with a different life... I should find solace in her 89 years of a life well lived. But at this moment of the final parting, my heart is heavy with sorrow and grief." "There is an end to everything and I want mine to come as quickly and painlessly as possible, not with me incapacitated, half in coma in bed and with a tube going into my nostrils and down to my stomach." "Even from my sickbed, even if you are going to lower me to the grave and I feel that something is going wrong, I will get up." People pay tribute outside the Singapore General Hospital where elder statesman Lee Kuan Yew (AFP/Getty Images) Barack Obama said after meeting the still-healthy Mr Lee at the White House in October 2009 that “this is one of the legendary figures of Asia in the 20th and 21st centuries”. He had set Singapore on a path that has seen average incomes rise 100 times, with investments across the globe, a widely respected civil service and world-class infrastructure. But he was criticised for his iron-fisted rule, forcing several opposition politicians into bankruptcy or exile, and once invoked Machiavelli in declaring: “If nobody is afraid of me, I’m meaningless.” Mr Lee’s political career spanned 30 years as premier and 20 years as senior government adviser. But in his last years, he was a shadow of his old self as his health deteriorated following his beloved wife’s death in October 2010. He remained revered by many but also became the target of scathing attacks in social media as some Singaporeans began to muster the courage to speak out against him and the political and social model he had bequeathed. The statement from the Prime Minister's Office that was posted on Facebook His impact, through his policies and via his son, current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, is likely to be felt for years to come. Lee Kuan Yew first became prime minister after Britain granted Singapore self-rule in 1959 prior to its stormy post-colonial union with Malaysia. Born to a 20-year-old father whom he described as a “rich man’s son, with little to show for himself” and a 16-year-old bride in an arranged marriage, Mr Lee grew up thinking British colonial rulers were invincible. He had a rude awakening during World War II after Japanese invaders easily overran British forces and took over Singapore in 1942, shattering the myth of European supremacy in Asia. “The dark ages had descended on us. It was brutal, cruel,” Mr Lee said of the Japanese occupation, calling it “the biggest single political education of my life because, for three and a half years, I saw the meaning of power”. Mr Lee survived massacres of civilians and at one point worked for Japanese propaganda. After liberation, he left to study law at Cambridge, where he secretly wed his classmate Kwa Geok Choo before returning home in 1950. Queen Elizabeth II shares a toast with Singapore's then Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew in 2006 (AP) He was shaken by Kwa’s passing after more than 60 years of marriage and admitted that “at this moment of the final parting, my heart is heavy with sorrow and grief”. They had three children, the oldest of whom is Lee Hsien Loong. Daughter Lee Wei Ling became a doctor, and son Lee Hsien Yang became a top corporate figure. Mr Lee stepped down as prime minister in 1990 and handed power to his deputy Goh Chok Tong, who in turn gave way to the veteran leader’s elder son in 2004. In 2011, he stepped down as a cabinet adviser after the ruling People’s Action Party suffered its worst performance yet in a general election, its share of the vote falling to a low of 60 percent. The Prime Minister’s Office said arrangements for the public to pay respects and funeral arrangements will be announced later.

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Lee Kuan Yew: his most memorable quotes

The man credited with turning Singapore around made some extraordinary speeches in his time. Here are some of the best exercerpts

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There's something about the British royal family that seemingly keeps the world intrigued. And the ladies of that royal family, particularly Duchess Kate Middleton and Princess Diana, are especially interesting. Princess Diana was a member of British high society before marrying Prince Charles in 1981 and gaining the title of princess of Wales. She was an active member of the British royal family until her death in 1997. Princess Diana is often mentioned or remembered by her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. Both have tried to honor their mother's legacy by continuing her work helping the poor and sick. PHOTOS: Princess Diana's wedding to Charles The Prince and Princess of Wales kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding. (PA Archive) Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales leave St. Pauls Cathedral in London following their wedding on July 29, 1981. (Anwar Hussein) Britain's Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer pose following the announcement of their engagement, Feb. 24, 1981. (AP) Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles leaving St. Paul's Cathedral after their wedding rehearsal. (PA Archive) The adorable bridal attendants group on the steps of St.Paul's Cathedral before the wedding ceremony of the Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer. (PA Archive) The Prince and Princess of Wales at the High Altar in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, during their wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral. Look at that train! (PA Archive) The Prince and Princess of Wales pose for a wedding portrait in Buckingham Palace after their marriage ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral. The Princess is wearing the Spencer family tiara. (PA Archive) The Royal couple, the Prince and Princess of Wales with their young attendants. Sitting, left to right, Catherine Cameron and Clementine Hambro. Standing, left to right, Lord Nicholas Windsor, Edward Van Cutsem, Sarah Jane Gaselee (in front of India Hicks), Prince Edward, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince Andrew and Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones. (PA Archive) The Prince and Princess of Wales on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding. (PA Archive) The lovebirds on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London on their wedding day. (AP) The Prince and Princess of Wales in an open carriage, waiting to drive to Buckingham Palace after their wedding. (PA Archive) The 1981 stamp issued by Britain's Royal Mail, to commemorate the marriage of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer. (AP) Princess Diana's engagement ring was a blue sapphire with diamonds. Diana's son Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with this ring in 2010. (AP) A gallery worker holds the duplicate Bridal shoes that Princess Diana wore at her wedding. They were designed by Clive Shilton, and were displayed at La Galleria in Pall Mall, London, in 2011. (Joel Ryan/AP) The relaxed Prince and Princess of Wales on their second wedding anniversary, July 29, 1983. (AP) But any new story connected to Princess Diana often prompts some headlines, like when the world learned that her gravesite at Althorp Estate will be renovated before the 20th anniversary of her death in August 2017. A book written by her former bodyguard is also still making headlines more than a decade after it was published. The book highlighted the devastating night that Princess Diana confronted Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles about their affair. In one excerpt shared on DailyMail, the bodyguard recalled the exact moment the affair came to a head. "Please don't go, Ken,' Diana murmured, as the couple leapt guiltily to their feet. It was as though my presence was giving her strength for what she was about to say. But I felt I had no business eavesdropping on this deeply personal business and I excused myself, retreating to the foot of the stairs. I found the whole situation extraordinary. What possible need could there have been for Charles and Camilla to conduct a clandestine meeting at a crowded party where the Princess was also present? It was a terrible insult to Diana, and the only charitable interpretation is that the Prince believed their absence would not be noticed. After a few minutes, Diana emerged. She seemed elated, and as she walked back into the party she held her head high. I admired her immensely for it. A few minutes later, Charles and Camilla also appeared, looking shaken — whatever Diana had said must have hit home." So why all the interest? Maybe fans view the royals as the ultimate celebrities. And when a celebrity dies young or unexpectedly, it often makes their name legendary, and in turn makes stories about them interesting talking points for decades. PHOTOS: Princess Diana from toddler to tiara Princess Diana's life in photos Princess Diana wearing a tiara and diamond necklace on an official visit to Australia, April 12th 1983. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) Family album picture of Lady Diana Spencer at Itchenor, West Sussex, during the summer of 1970. (AP Photo) Lady Diana Spencer, 21, Prince Charles's girlfriend, is pictured in 1980 at the Kindergarten in St. Georges Square, Pimlico, London, where she works as a teacher. Diana, youngest of 56-year-old Lord Spencer's five children, would not talk about her friendship with Prince Charles, although it is known they have been on dates and she has stayed with the Royal Family at Balmoral. (AP-Photo) This is a Feb. 24, 1981 file photo of Britain's Prince Charles and the then-Lady Diana Spencer on the grounds of Buckingham Palace after announcing their engagement. According to the British news agency, Diana, Princess of Wales has died following a car accident in Paris, France, Sunday Aug. 31, 1997. (AP Photo/Ron Bell/Pool) Prince Charles and his bride-to-be, Lady Diana Spencer, driving down the course in an open carriage before Royal Ascot in England meeting on June 19, 1981. (AP Photo/Press Association) UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 01: An informal study of Prince CHARLES, the Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana SPENCER, whose wedding will take place at Saint-Paul's Cathedral, London on 29th July 1981. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images) Prince Charles looks at his beaming bride, the Princess of Wales, at the top of St. Paul’s steps after their marriage in London on July 29, 1981. (AP Photo/Press Association) UK Out LONDON - JULY 29: (FILE PHOTO) Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales leave St. Paul's Cathedral following their wedding July 29, 1981 in London, England. (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images) FILE - In this July 29, 1981 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles kisses his bride, the former Diana Spencer, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, after their wedding. Sony Electronics and the Nielsen television research company collaborated on a survey ranking TV's most memorable moments. Other TV events include, the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the O.J. Simpson murder trial verdict in 1995 and the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011. (AP Photo, file) LONDON - JULY 29: Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince Charles ride in a carriage after their wedding at St. Paul's Cathedral July 29, 1981 in London, England. (Photo by Anwar Hussein/WireImage) The Princess of Wales (formerly Lady Diana Spencer) smiles as she talks with the Commander of her Household Cavalry escort, Andrew Parker-Bowles, as she and the Prince of Wales leave Buckingham Palace in London for Waterloo Station to begin their honeymoon on July 29, 1981. (Press Association via AP Images) Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales (1961 - 1997) pose together during their honeymoon in Balmoral, Scotland, 19th August 1981. (Photo by Serge Lemoine/Getty Images) Princess Diana wearing a Jasper Conran suit during a visit to a community centre in Brixton, October 1983. (Photo by Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images) PARIS, FRANCE: Britain's Princess Diana arrived in Paris Friday, 13 November, 1992, on a private three day visit she is making without her husband, Prince Charles. (Photo credit should read JOEL ROBINE/AFP/Getty Images) HONG KONG, HONG KONG: Britain's Princess Diana stands with tennis players Michael Chang of the US (L) and Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman during the awards ceremony at the Hong Kong Open 23 April. Princess Diana, on a private visit to Hong Kong, watched as Chang defeated Bjorkman 6-3, 6-1 to win the tournament. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images) The Princess of Wales visits Chinatown in Liverpool, April 1982. She is pregnant with Prince William, and wearing a pink wool maternity coat by Bellville Sassoon and a hat by John Boyd. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images) WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 06: Princess Diana At Polo, Just Two Weeks Before The Birth Of Her First Child, Prince William. Wearing A Maternity Dress Designed By Fashion Designer Catherine Walker She Is Walking With Sarah Ferguson. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) LONDON - JUNE 22: New born Prince William with Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince Charles leave St. Mary's hospital on June 22, 1982 in Paddington, London, England,. He was born in the Lindo Wing of the hospital on June 21. (Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images) LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 01: Princess Diana Holding Her Baby Son, Prince William, At Kensington Palace. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 18: Princess Diana And Prince William In New Zealand. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) (FILES) This picture taken 17 June 1997 shows Diana, Princess of Wales, a key volunteer of the British Red Cross Landmine Campaign at Red Cross headquarters in Washington DC. Princess Diana may have survived her fatal Paris car crash in 1997 if French medical staff had not wasted precious time, a leading British surgeon indicated at her inquest 19 November 2007. AFP PHOTO/FILES/Jamal (Photo credit should read JAMAL A. WILSON/AFP/Getty Images) The Prince and Princess of Wales visit Barmouth in Wales, November 1982. She wears a suede beret by John Boyd and a coatdress by Arabella Pollen. (Photo by Terry Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images) The Princess of Wales visits University College Hospital in London, December 1982. She wears a John Boyd hat and a velvet suit by Caroline Charles. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images) LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 01: Princess Diana And Prince Charles With Prince William And His Koala Bear Toy At Kensington Palace (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) Princess Diana (1961 - 1997) at the School of the Air, in Alice Springs, Australia, 30th March 1983. She is wearing a dress by Jan van Velden. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images) AYERS ROCK, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Prince Charles, The Prince Of Wales And Diana, Princess Of Wales Standing In Front Of Ayers Rock During Their Official Tour Of Australia (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 18: Princess Diana During A Visit To New Zealand Wearing A Dress Designed By Fashion Designer Donald Campbell (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) MANUKAU - APRIL 19: Diana Princess of Wales meets firemen during a visit to Manukau, near Auckland, New Zealand during the Royal Tour of New Zealand on April 19, 1983. Princess Diana wore a suit designed by Jan Van Velden, with a hat by John Boyd. (Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images) CANADA - JUNE 23: Princess Diana in Edmonton during an official visit of Canada (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) Princess Diana (1961 - 1997) leaving St Mary's Hospital, London with her new-born son Prince Harry, September 1984. She is wearing a red coat by Jan van Velden. (Photo by Terry Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images) VENICE, ITALY - MAY 5: (FILE PHOTO) (L-R) Diana the Princess of Wales holds her son Harry, whilst looking at Prince William held by his father Prince Charles on May 5, 1985 in Venice, Italy. Prince William will celebrate his 21st birthday on June 21, 2003. (Photo by Georges de Keerle/Getty Images) On July 1st Diana, Princess Of Wales would have celebrated her 50th Birthday Please refer to the following profile on Getty Images Archival for further imagery. http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/Search/Search.aspx?EventId=107811125&EditorialProduct=Archival For further images see also: Princess Diana: http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/Account/MediaBin/LightboxDetail.aspx?Id=17267941&MediaBinUserId=5317233 Following Diana's Death: http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/Account/MediaBin/LightboxDetail.aspx?Id=18894787&MediaBinUserId=5317233 Princess Diana - A Style Icon: http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/Account/MediaBin/LightboxDetail.aspx?Id=18253159&MediaBinUserId=5317233 LA SPEZIA, ITALY - APRIL 20: The Prince and Princess of Wales in La Spezia during a tour of Italy. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) TWERTON ON AVON - MAY 31: Diana Princess of Wales meets girl guides outside the Poolemead centre for the Deaf on May 31, 1985 in Twerton on Avon, Bath, Avon. (Photo by David Levenson/Getty Images) CANADA - JULY 01: Diana Princess of Wales celebrates her birthday in Canada (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) Princess Diana (1961 - 1997) inspects a guard of honour during a two-day visit to the 1st Battalion, the Royal Hampshire Regiment in Berlin, October 1985. She is wearing a pink and black suit by Victor Edelstein and a hat by Frederick Fox. (Photo by Lucy Levenson/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images) UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 04: Diana, Princess of Wales with her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, at the piano in Kensington Palace (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) KLOSTERS, SWITZERLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Prince Charles With Princess Diana On A Ski-ing Holiday Together. The Princess Is Wearing A Red 'head' Ski Suit And A Headband And She Is Holding A Pair Of 'dynamic' Skis. The Prince Is Wearing A Blue Ski Suit And Carrying A Pair Of 'k2' Skis. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) VIENNA - APRIL 16: Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing a sapphire diamond and pearl necklace, attends a banquet on April 16, 1986 in Vienna, Austria (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images) TETBURY, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 18: Princess Diana Carries Prince Henry (harry) On Her Shoulders At Highgrove. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 22: PRINCESS DIANA ON BOARD HMS TRAFALGAR NUCLEAR SUBMARINE MEETING THE CREW DURING A VISIT TO THE NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE IN FASLANE IN THE FIRTH OF CLYDE, SCOTLAND (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) SANDHURST - APRIL 10: Diana, Princess of Wales wears a Catherine Walker white suit with drum majorette gold frogging and epaulettes and a graham smith hat for her visit to the Sandhurst Military Academy on April 10, 1987 in Sandhurst, England (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images) Princess Diana and Prince Charles of Wales attending a Lionel Richie concert at Wembley Arena, London, November 7th 1987. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images) The Prince And Princess Of Wales At A Prizegiving, At Polo, Smiths Lawn, Windsor. (Photo by Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images) Diana, The Princess Of Wales, And Prince William, At A Polo Match, Smiths Lawn, Windsor. (Photo by Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images) ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 14: Princess Diana With Her Sons Prince William And Prince Harry At Aberdeen Airport. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) MAJORCA, SPAIN - AUGUST 10: Diana, Princess of Wales with Prince Harry on holiday in Majorca, Spain on August 10, 1987. (Photo by Georges De Keerle/Getty Images) Princess Diana (1961 - 1997) driving an armoured vehicle with the Royal Hampshire Regiment at Tidworth, Hampshire, 23rd June 1988. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images) CHAMBORD, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 09: Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing a white and blue lace and sequin evening coat-dress designed by Catherine Walker for a dinner at the Chateau de Chambord during her official visit to France. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) The Princess of Wales at the museum in Kuwait City, March 1989. She is wearing a gold embroidered bedouin gown that was presented to her with a silver tea set to mark the occasion of her visit. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Getty Images) The Princess of Wales with her sons William and Harry on the chair lift during a skiing holiday in Lech, Austria, April 1991. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 7 Diana, Princess of Wales attends the Premiere of Dangerous Liaisons, in London's West End, on March 7, 1989 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images) ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MARCH 15: The Prince And Princess Of Wales attend a desert picnic on March 15, 1989 in Adu Dhab, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Georges De Keerle/Getty Images) BATH - MAY 30: (FILE PHOTO) Prince William, Diana, Princess of Wales, Prince Harry and Charles, Prince of Wales, attend the wedding of the Duke of Hussey's daughter in May, 1989 in Bath, England. (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images) LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - SEPTEMBER 11: Princess Diana With Her Sons Prince William And Prince Harry Standing On The Steps Of Wetherby School On The First Day For Prince Harry. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) INDONESIA - NOVEMBER 05: The Princess Of Wales Playing Bowls At Sitanalia Leprosy Hospital In Indonesia (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) NIGERIA - JUNE 3: (FILE PHOTO) (PRINCESS DIANA RETROSPECTIVE 17 OF 22) The Princess of Wales speaks with Nigerians circa 1990 during a visit to Nigeria. Princess Diana, 36-years-old, died with her companion Dodi Fayed, 41-years-old, in a car crash August 31, 1997 in Paris, France. Fayed was the son of an Egyptian billionaire. (Photo by Georges De Keerle/Getty Images) The Princess of Wales and the Queen Mother in an open-topped landau on their way to the Royal Ascot race meeting, June 1990. The Princess wears a Catherine Walker suit and a Philip Somerville hat. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images) The Princess of Wales walks amongst crowds of children waving flags during her visit to Cullompton in Devon, September 1990. She is wearing a Catherine Walker dress. (Photo by Terry Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images) WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 05: Princess Diana With Mrs Barbara Bush At The White House (Photo by TIM GRAHAM/Getty Images) Diana, The Princess Of Wales Takes Her Sons, Prince'S William, And Harry Out On The Boat ' Maid Of The Mist ' To View Niagara Falls. (Photo by Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images) LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 18: Diana Princess of Wales attends the Premiere of Hot Shots, in London's West End, on November 18, 1991 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images) The Princess of Wales (1961 - 1997) talks to children at the British school in Seoul during a visit to Korea, 1992. (Photo by Linda Grove/Getty Images) INDIA - FEBRUARY 11: Diana Princess of Wales sits in front of the Taj Mahal during a visit to India (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) CALCUTTA;INDIA - FEBRUARY: Princess Diana the Princess of Wales holds hands with a nun at Mother Teresa's Hospice in Calcutta during her visit to India in February of 1992. (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images) GIZA, EGYPT - MAY 12: Diana Princess of Wales visiting the Pyramids in Giza during an official tour of Egypt. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) EGYPT - MAY 13: Diana, Princess of Wales in teh Alazhar Mosque, Cairo, Egypt (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Diana, Princess of Wales, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and Prince Harry, attend the Trooping The Colour Ceremony on June 13, 1992 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images) Princess Diana (1961 - 1997) on a skiing holiday in Lech, Austria, March 1993. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Getty Images) Princess Diana (1961 - 1997) meets local people during a field visit to Red Cross projects in the remote mountain villages of Nepal, 3rd March 1993. (Photo by Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images) Diana Princess Of Wales, Prince William & Prince Harry Visit The 'Thorpe Park' Amusement Park. (Photo by Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images) Princess Diana (1961 - 1997) during a visit to the Red Cross borehole project for refugees in Zimbabwe, July 1993. She is wearing a safari suit by Catherine Walker. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Getty Images) Princess Diana (1961 - 1997), Prince Harry, Prince William and Prince Charles at a parade in the Mall, London, during V.J. Day commemorations, August 1994. Diana is wearing a Tomasz Starzewski suit and a hat by Philip Somerville. (Photo by Terry Fincher/Getty Images) UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 20: Princess Diana Reviewing The Troops Of The Princess Of Wales Regiment In Kent. The Princess Is Wearing A Pink Suit Designed By Versace. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) Diana, Princess Of Wales Attends The Serpentine Gallery Summer Party. (Photo by Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images) LONDON -OCTOBER 08: Diana, Princess of Wales laughs as she visits the London Lighthouse, the HIV/Aids charity, to help launch it's £1.5 million Capital Appeal on October 08, 1996 in London, England . (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images) Diana, Princess of Wales at Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art for a benefit ball. (Photo By: Richard Corkery/NY Daily News via Getty Images) ANGOLA - JANUARY 15: Diana, Princess of Wales wearing protective body armour, visits a minefield being cleared by the chirty Halo in Huambo, Angola (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 09: Official Portrait Of The Royal Family On The Day Of Prince William's Confirmation. Front Left To Right - Prince William, Princess Diana, Prince William, Prince Charles And The Queen. Back Left To Right - King Constantine, Lady Susan Hussey, Princess Alexandra, Duchess Of Westminster And Lord Romsey (Photo by Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty Images) GREAT BRITAIN - JUNE 06: Diana, Princess of Wales crouching down to embrace a pupil at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) Diana, The Princess Of Wales Visits Washington, Usa.Gala Dinner Held By The American Red Cross, To Raise Funds For Landmine Victims Around The World. . (Photo by Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images) This video includes images from Getty Images and clips from BBC. Music provided courtesy of APM Music.

http://web.archive.org/web/20160814002256id_/http://www.aol.com:80/article/2016/08/12/almost-20-years-after-her-death-we-still-love-princess-diana/21450556/

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Almost 20 years after her death, we still love Princess Diana

A recent story was republished that dove into Diana's difficult life in the royal spotlight and how she confronted Charles about his affair.

20160924020019

After his junior season at Utah, 49ers left guard Zane Beadles shared his latest goal with his mom: He wanted to play in the NFL. In response, she reminded her brawny son about his brains. He was a mechanical engineering major on his way to earning a postgraduate scholarship for classroom excellence. “When he told me, the first words out of my mouth were ‘Why would you want to do that?’” Beadles’ mom, Jamie Legerski said. “He just looked at me like I was crazy. ‘Zane, you’re an engineer. ... You don’t need to do this to your body.’” Like a dutiful son, Beadles, 29, has done everything to limit his mom’s worrying during a seven-year career in the NFL’s trenches. Beadles has played in 104 games (including playoffs) without missing a snap due to injury. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2011, he’s made 82 straight regular-season starts and missed seven plays, which came when he was pulled in the fourth quarter of a blowout win. In fact, Beadles has missed just one game, due to a sprained knee ligament at Utah, dating to high school. Said Beadles of his streak: “It’s pretty amazing, even to me, honestly.” After signing a three-year, $11.75 million deal in March, Beadles has been part of a sturdy offensive line that’s allowed just two sacks in two games entering the 49ers’ visit to Seattle on Sunday. For Beadles, the 49ers offered a chance to reestablish a career that hit its first speed bump in the spring when he was released by the Jaguars two years into a five-year, $30 million deal. Prior to his release, Beadles, a second-round pick of the Broncos, had played in a Pro Bowl in 2012. He started in a Super Bowl the next season. His release was his first bit of rejection. “It’s definitely never easy to hear someone say, especially when you’re under contract, ‘We don’t want you any more,’” Beadles said. “But at the same time, I think something really good came out of it.” Beadles, who stands 6-foot-4, weighs 305 pounds and sports Samson hair past his shoulders, resembles the tough guy his medical bio suggests he is. He’s stayed on the field despite bone chips in his right elbow (required surgery after rookie season), a sprained plantar fascia (2015) and a severely sprained ankle that required postseason surgery to remove scar tissue in college. Given that, it’s surprising to learn Beadles’ personal bio includes items such as this: He’s adept at decorating pastries and once danced on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show.” As it turns out, the big guy known for his durability also has a huge heart and is known for charity. Three years ago, he formed the Zane Beadles Parade Foundation, which focuses on supporting children with cancer. The foundation assists pediatric cancer patients at medical facilities in Aurora, Colo., Jacksonville, Fla., and Salt Lake City. In the Bay Area, Beadles is forming partnerships with Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto and the JW House in Santa Clara. The JW House provides housing that allows families to stay together during a medical crisis. Through his foundation, Beadles has provided hospital parties, fishing trips, surf lessons and tickets to sporting events, movies and zoos, among other activities. It has also given financial assistance to help families deal with crushing medical expenses. Beadles, a two-time NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award nominee, is heavily involved in every aspect of the foundation, including party preparation. “Don’t tell anyone,” said Julie Gart, the foundation’s executive director, “but Zane’s really good at decorating cupcakes.” Beadles, whose visit to DeGeneres’ show netted the foundation a $10,000 donation, traces his inspiration to Ryker Fox, who died at 7 because of brain cancer in 2007. Fox was a constant presence at Utah’s football facility during Beadles’ freshman season and they formed a bond during their 13-month relationship. For the past 10 years, Beadles has worn a black “Ryker” bracelet he covers with tape for games. In 2013, Beadles formed his foundation, which has a logo featuring three elephants linked together, trunk to tail. Beadles has noted elephants are passionate pack-oriented animals who mourn for a week when one in their parade dies. “You see the kids, they are going through so much, chemo and bone-marrow transplants, but most of the time they are so happy,” Beadles said. “As someone not going through that, to witness that is very cool to see and provides such an important perspective.” Beadles hopes to play at least 10 seasons in the NFL, earn a post-career MBA and start his own business. At some point, he also wants to help fund the construction of housing facilities for cancer patients and their families though his foundation. Legerski wasn’t thrilled her son chose the NFL, and remains concerned about the long-term health issues he could face. Still, his decision to play a violent sport has provided a platform he’s used to help others, which means more to her than his athletic accomplishments. “I just told him the other day,” she said, “‘Zane, I’m so proud of you.” Eric Branch is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ebranch@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Eric_Branch

http://web.archive.org/web/20160924020019id_/http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-guard-Beadles-has-been-steady-on-off-field-9243056.php

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49ers guard Beadles has been steady on, off field

Like a dutiful son, Beadles, 29, has done everything to limit his mom’s worrying during a seven-year career in the NFL’s trenches. Beadles has played in 104 games (including playoffs) without missing a snap due to injury. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2011, he’s made 82 straight regular-season starts and missed seven plays, which came when he was pulled in the fourth quarter of a blowout win. [...] Beadles has missed just one game, due to a sprained knee ligament at Utah, dating to high school. Prior to his release, Beadles, a second-round pick of the Broncos, had played in a Pro Bowl in 2012. The foundation assists pediatric cancer patients at medical facilities in Aurora, Colo., Jacksonville, Fla., and Salt Lake City. Through his foundation, Beadles has provided hospital parties, fishing trips, surf lessons and tickets to sporting events, movies and zoos, among other activities. Fox was a constant presence at Utah’s football facility during Beadles’ freshman season and they formed a bond during their 13-month relationship. At some point, he also wants to help fund the construction of housing facilities for cancer patients and their families though his foundation. Legerski wasn’t thrilled her son chose the NFL, and remains concerned about the long-term health issues he could face. [...] his decision to play a violent sport has provided a platform he’s used to help others, which means more to her than his athletic accomplishments.

20161001142638

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. (AAP) Brad Pitt will undergo drug and alcohol tests as part of a temporary agreement with his estranged wife Angelina Jolie that will allow him to see their six children, two people familiar with the agreement say. The temporary agreement, which will run until October 20, was the first breakthrough in the bitter split between the superstar couple since Jolie filed for divorce on September 20. The actress cited "the health of the family" and sought full physical custody of the children. Pitt, 52, and Jolie, 41, both agreed to undergo individual counselling, and Pitt's initial visit with the children will take place with a therapist, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. No ruling or decision has been made on who will eventually have legal or physical custody, they said. Representatives of Pitt and Jolie did not return calls for comment on Friday. Media reports say that since their separation on September 15, Pitt has not seen the three biological and three adopted children he had with Jolie. The couple, dubbed Brangelina during their decade-long romance, split following an incident on a private plane in which Pitt was reported to have lost his temper in front of one or more of the children. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has said it is evaluating whether to pursue an investigation into the matter. Both stars have laid low since the announcement of their divorce. Pitt this week skipped the red carpet premiere in Los Angeles of his latest movie project, saying he wanted to focus on his "family situation". Pitt's next film is the November war drama Allied in which he stars with French actress Marion Cotillard. Cotillard last week issued a statement strongly denying any involvement in Pitt's divorce after rumours that they became romantically involved during filming.

http://web.archive.org/web/20161001142638id_/http://www.9news.com.au/world/2016/10/01/08/05/pitt-to-have-drug-tests-in-custody-deal

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Pitt to have drug tests in custody deal

The Hollywood couple, dubbed Brangelina during their decade-long romance, split following an incident on a private plane .

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A crime crisis in Townsville has police laying about 30 charges a day as they promise to continue their blitz over Christmas. Officers have made 803 arrests and laid 1808 charges since they began cracking down on crime in the regional centre in mid-September. The police blitz was initially meant to last a month but has just been extended for a second time, with 10 additional officers to support local crews in tackling the crime problem over the festive holidays. The city's crime rate has risen so dramatically that some locals have resorted to taking matters into their own hands by chasing down young offenders. The majority have been charged with property, drug and traffic crimes. Among them is a 16-year-old boy who was charged with 105 offences, including armed robbery and burglary, over a month-long spate of thefts in the city. Police Minister Mark Ryan said the region would also get 15 extra permanent officers in December as part of efforts to curb the crime problem. "With these additional policing resources ... I'm confident that we will get on top of the criminal offending situation here in Townsville," he said. A new chief superintendent position was also announced when Mr Ryan and Police Commissioner Ian Stewart visited Townsville on Thursday. Mr Ryan will also discuss the possibility of using drones to curb the crime rate during a meeting with Townsville Labor MP Scott Stewart. Mr Stewart has raised the left-field idea with senior police and argues they are considerably cheaper than helicopters and can be launched from a police vehicle within seconds. Authorities are also working on long-term strategies that examine contributing factors to youth crime.

http://web.archive.org/web/20161125133317id_/http://www.9news.com.au/national/2016/11/24/12/55/townsville-crime-crackdown-extended

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Over 800 arrests in Townsville crime blitz

A crackdown on crime in Townsville will continue over the Christmas holiday period after police made 803 arrests in the first two months of the blitz.

20060716010511

A Congressional investigation of the nation's rickety procedures for evaluating the safety and efficacy of drugs that are already on the market makes it clear that reforms are badly needed. The Food and Drug Administration is often sluggish in responding to danger signals, and it lacks the legal authority to require manufacturers to conduct needed safety studies, according to a report this week from the Government Accountability Office. These are serious findings, for which partial reforms now being put into place will not suffice. Congress requested the G.A.O. audit because of dissatisfaction with the F.D.A.'s response to warning signs about drugs that were in widespread use after being deemed safe in premarket clinical trials. The auditors found plenty of defects in F.D.A. procedures, including bureaucratic infighting, disorganization and a lack of criteria for deciding what safety actions to take and when to take them. To its credit, the agency has set up a new drug safety oversight board and drafted a new policy to guide its decisions after a drug is on the market. But the G.A.O. still found serious gaps, including the need to track safety issues to make sure they are addressed. More worrisome is the F.D.A.'s seeming inability to take strong action against drugs that begin to look unsafe after they are on the market. In some cases, in the course of approving drugs, the agency extracts promises from the manufacturers that they will conduct long-term follow-up studies to investigate safety concerns. Unfortunately, most of these studies are never done, and the F.D.A. has little leverage to force the manufacturers to comply. The agency is even more impotent when it seeks to persuade a manufacturer after a drug is already in wide use to conduct a study to address an emerging safety concern. If this G.A.O. report does nothing else, it ought to prod Congress to expand the F.D.A.'s authority to force manufacturers to conduct needed postmarket studies.

http://web.archive.org/web/20060716010511id_/http://www.nytimes.com:80/2006/04/25/opinion/25tue3.html?ex=1303617600&en=73b241997e1a47f4&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

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Drug Safety After the Fact

A Congressional investigation of the nation's procedures for evaluating the safety and efficacy of drugs that are already on the market makes it clear that reforms are badly needed.

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You would be hard pressed to go anywhere in the world where people don’t know exactly what you mean when you say, “Bond, James Bond.” Not surprising seeing as there are 22 movies spanning over a 40 year history; it’s a bit difficult to avoid exposure to the British agent with a license to kill. The 22nd film, Quantum of Solace, is opening across the United States today, and so it seemed a good time to take a look at James Bond related sites across the Web. From official sites to fan sites, and even one that prides itself on figuring out the real world counterparts to Bond’s gadgets, there is a bit of something for everyone. Which James Bond and which film is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! 007.com – You don’t get much more official than a site with a domain name that matches Bond’s infamous license to kill number. Keeps you up to date with all of the latest film and game information on the super spy. IanFlemingCentre.com – Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, passed away in 1964, but his publishing legacy lives on. The author’s website keeps you up-to-date on all of the authors that have continued to write adventures about the spy. PierceBrosnan.com – From 1995 to 2002, Pierce Brosnan was the man ordering the vodka martinis shaken, not stirred. PinewoodGroup.com – Pinewood Studios in England has been involved in filming the Bond films since 1962, and they recently built a 59,000 square foot sound stage named “the 007 Stage.” Roger-Moore.com – The official website for the actor who played Bond from 1973 to 1985. SeanConnery.com – The official website for the first actor to play the famous British spy. YoungBond.com – Young Bond is a series of novels written by Charlie Higson that deals with the early years of James Bond’s life. YoungBondDossier.com – A site dedicated to news related to the Young Bond novels and graphic novels. 007.info – An unofficial international fan club that has a magazine, forums, an online store and more. 007magazine.co.uk – The 007 Magazine was a printed publication from 1979 to 2005, but now it is online only. Brings you news on every aspect of James Bond as well as actors and others associated with the series. MI6.co.uk – A fan site named after the branch of the British intelligence complex that Bond works for. Has information on all of the movies, video games, and a forum for you to discuss all aspects of James Bond. CommanderBond.net – Named for Bond’s rank in the Royal Navy, CommanderBond.net features news, reviews of products, fan fiction, forums and a whole lot more. JamesBondLifestyle.com – Ever wondered where Bond gets his clothes? His shoes? How about what model his cell phone is? JamesBondLifestyle.com is the site you’ve been looking for. They even identify all of his cars back to the first one. JamesBondWatch.org.uk – A guide to the various watches James Bond has used over the years and their real life counterparts. And, no, none of the consumer watches fire lasers. JamesBondWiki.com – A wiki dedicated to details on all the Bond girls, the villains, gadgets and everything else from the world of 007. UniversalExports.net – Named for the fake company MI6 uses as a cover, UniversalExports features an amazing range of information about both the books and movies. Find out about his cars, weapons, gadgets and a whole lot more.

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Quantum of Solace: 16 Places to Learn More About James Bond

The 22nd Bond film, Quantum of Solace, premieres in theatres today. Here are 16 places to learn more about James Bond. From official sites to fan sites, and more.

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Image Credit: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo ABC News’ Ben Forer, Aaron Katersky and Thomas Giusto report: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg called for the nationwide reform or repeal of Stand Your Ground laws today at an event in Washington D.C. to announce the Second Chance on Shoot First campaign. The campaign is intended to prevent killings like that of17-year-old Trayvon Martin and Bloomberg blamed the National Rifle Association for the Florida law that many feel empowered George Zimmerman to shoot the unarmed Martin. “In reality the NRA’s leaders weren’t interested in public safety. They were interested in promoting a culture where people take the law into their own hands and face no consequences for it. Let’s call that by its real name, vigilantism,” he said. ”The NRA should be ashamed of themselves. This has nothing to do with gun owners rights. It has nothing to do with the second amendment.” Bloomberg, who was joined by civil rights leaders and Florida State Sen. Chris Smith, said the laws had undermined the justice system and have done harm to public safety. “They justify civilian gunplay and invite vigilante justice and retribution with disastrous results,” he said. ABC News reached out to the NRA for comment, but it has yet to respond. Two dozen states have enacted laws similar to the one in Florida, and while the laws very from state to state most grant varying degrees of immunity to anyone who uses deadly force in self defense. Bloomberg cited statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to show an increase in justifiable homicides after the Stand Your Ground laws went into effect. In Florida, he said, justifiable homicides increased from 12 per year to 36 per year when the five years before and after the passage of the law were compared. Bloomberg was also joined by former Army Major Jon Soltz, the chairman of VoteVets.org. Soltz said that U.S. soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan had a higher standard of when to use deadly force than Americans who lived in states with Stand Your Ground laws. “There is no shoot first law for our troops in Iraq or Afghanistan. We cannot just shoot somebody because they have a hijab on in Iraq and kill them and say we’re scared. Everybody in Iraq has a weapon and all U.S. forces are always scared,” Soltz said. ”This is a legal protection in these states that is actually afforded to Mr. Zimmerman that is not afforded to our troops in combat. Unless I’m wrong I didn’t think Florida was a war zone.”

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Bloomberg Blasts NRA Over ‘Stand Your Ground’ Laws

Image Credit: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo ABC News’ Ben Forer, Aaron Katersky and Thomas Giusto report: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg called for the nationwide reform or repeal of Stand Your Ground laws today at an event in Washington D.C. to announce the Second Chance on Shoot First campaign. The campaign is intended to prevent killings like that of17-year-old Trayvon Martin and Bloomberg blamed the National Rifle Association for the Florida law that many feel empowered George Zimmerman to shoot the unarmed Martin. “In reality the NRA’s leaders weren’t interested in public safety. They were interested in promoting a culture where people take the…

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The guidelines in Dr Randle’s research state that the “optimum” weight for a rider is less than 10 per cent the weight of their mount (US guidelines say 20 per cent). With the average stable horse weighing 500kg to 600kg (79 to 94 stone) this means a rider should weigh 60kg (9.4 stone). But since horses have been lugging heavy loads for centuries – armour; carriages; caravans – you’d have thought they’d be used to it by now. Not so, says Julian Marczak, chairman of the Association of British Riding Schools. “A horse’s back is precious,” he warns. “The combination of a heavy rider and an incorrect saddle fitting is enough to put a horse out of work, long-term. And, behaviourally, you can turn a very sweet-natured horse into a cranky horse overnight.” There are now 4.3 million amateur riders in Britain. The number of horses in private households has increased from 900,000 to 1.2 million in a decade, with £732 million spent on riding schools every year. As the number of “happy hackers” increases, so, too, do the risks they bring to their mounts: limited experience, nervous handling and – often – excess weight. Overweight amateurs particularly upset readers of Horse & Hound. “Don’t fat riders make your blood boil?” asks one on the magazine’s forum. News editor Flora Watkins says the furore was ignited last year when a US company started producing “extra large”, 18-inch saddles for obese riders. “A horse will find it hard to leave the ground, let alone leave the fence up, if its rider is too heavy,” she warns. “Larger riders should look at heavier breeds – like a half-shire or a weight-carrying cob,” she continues. “The Household Cavalry horses, which are half-Irish draught and half-thoroughbred, must be able to carry a 13 to 14 stone man, plus four stone of armour, when they are on parade.” Whatever the breed, a rider’s weight is a sensitive subject. “It’s one of the most embarrassing things to bring up,” says Marczak. “But what’s more important – saving someone’s blushes, or saving the horse’s back?” Food for thought for rotund riders.

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The horses saddled with our obesity epidemic

It's not just humans who get bad backs. Now horses are feeling the strain as overweight riders put the pressure on

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As an MGM star, Jane Powell was “the girl next door” — she even titled her 1988 autobiography “The Girl Next Door and How She Grew.” The frequent description of her as pert and perky still fits. At 83, Powell is lithe (she credits Pilates), with sparkling eyes, creamy skin, and an unassuming manner that belies her stature as Hollywood royalty. Powell was in Boston with film historian and author Leonard Maltin recently to introduce a sold-out screening of one of her best-known films, “Royal Wedding” (1951), at the Brattle Theatre. Boston is one of 10 cities on TCM’s “Road to Hollywood,” showcasing classic films and live appearances by silver screen luminaries to publicize the fourth annual TCM Classic Film Festival, set for April 25-28 in Hollywood. “Turner Classic Movies has brought all of us old folks back again,” Powell said. “There are not many of us left. I don’t know what we’d have done otherwise.” She said she misses many friends and colleagues who’ve died. “Roddy [McDowall] was like a brother to me, Ricardo Montalbán, so many are gone.” Powell grew up on the MGM lot with another child star, Elizabeth Taylor, and they became friends. “I was a bridesmaid at her first wedding and she was one at mine. I’m glad we stopped it or it would have become a full-time career. It almost did.” Powell married her fifth husband, former child star Dickie Moore, in 1988. They live in New York and Connecticut. Born Suzanne Burce in Portland, Ore., Powell won a talent show hosted by Janet Gaynor when she was 12. That led to a contract with MGM. Her 19-film career slowed in the mid-’50s, but she continued to act in television and stage roles. Powell starred opposite Fred Astaire in “Royal Wedding.” “I was replacing the style and type of Deanna Durbin at the right time,” Powell said. Does she have a favorite role? “I never watch my films,” she said. “But I guess I’d have to say the classics: ‘Royal Wedding’ and ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.’ One of my favorites is ‘Two Weeks With Love’ (1950) because I got to do a period piece and the cast was wonderful. It was just froth, but I loved it.” An accomplished cook, Powell seemed more interested in giving Maltin her apple spice cake recipe than in discussing movies. “I love to cook. I cook every night. I used to do all my own parties. I don’t dance. Or sing. To me, that means getting ready to go to work.” Powell wasn’t MGM’s first choice to star opposite Fred Astaire in “Royal Wedding.” “It was June Allyson, then it was going to be Judy Garland. The choreography was in place so I had to learn all the dances in three weeks. I didn’t meet Fred Astaire until I went to the set. I asked him, ‘When did you and your sister stop dancing together?’ He said, ‘1929’ and I answered, ‘Oh, the year I was born!’ He thought that was funny.” Does Powell still get movie offers? “Not many. I’m not one to promote myself. I’m a little shy. It’s fine; I’d probably say no anyway. My life is different now. My husband is not well and I’m the caretaker of him. I feel more useful now than I’ve ever felt. I’ve always been a homebody; I took my kids on the road when I was working. This is the first time I’ve really felt useful.” Maltin said “Royal Wedding” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” are significant because they allowed Powell to break from the sweet teenage girl mold. “Jane and Astaire are so well matched. ‘How Could You Believe Me When I Said I Love You When You Know I’ve Been a Liar All My Life’ is a fantastic comedy dance showcase you can watch over and over. These are two terrific performers at the top of their game. I think because she played so many teen ingénues, many took Jane’s talent for granted. We knew she could sing and dance but she’s a good all-around performer and that’s what you see in these films. If she’d been one-dimensional she couldn’t have sustained a 30-year career in theater and nightclubs.” Powell gave a broad smile and pressed her fingers to her cheeks as if making dimples. Just like the girl next door.

http://web.archive.org/web/20130416192046id_/http://bostonglobe.com:80/arts/movies/2013/04/13/hearing-from-movie-star-next-door/dyw1NeLP9mdJRkuRPPJQeM/story.html

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Hearing from the movie star next door

As an MGM star, Jane Powell was “the girl next door” — she even titled her 1988 autobiography “The Girl Next Door and How She Grew.” The frequent description of her as pert and perky still fits. At 83, Powell is lithe (she credits Pilates), with sparkling eyes, creamy skin and an unassuming manner that belies her stature as Hollywood royalty. Powell was in Boston with film historian Leonard Maltin recently to introduce a sold-out screening of one of her best-known films, “Royal Wedding” (1951) at the Brattle Theatre. Boston is one of 10 cities on TCM’s “Road to Hollywood,” showcasing classic films and live appearances by silver screen luminaries to publicize the fourth annual TCM Classic Film Festival, set for April 25-28 in Hollywood.

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Surround sound … Haroon Mirza's Adam, Eve and a UFO (2013). Photograph: Courtesy of the artist and Lisson Gallery Often, I dance alone in my flat. How sad is that, you say, but I don't care. Feeling the beats pulsing through me, being taken over by dark rhythms or a voice, I sometimes fall over the furniture. Which is why I didn't risk dancing in Haroon Mirza's exhibition at the Lisson Gallery – though the whumffs and thuds beating around a circle of eight speakers in the upstairs gallery, all pointing inward, proved almost irresistible. A column of sound rose in the centre of the space. I wanted to be there, surrounded, but there was too much stuff in the way: the foam sound-baffles on the walls, the speakers on the floor, the "UFO circuit" (I have no idea what a UFO is in electronic terms, but it looks pretty with its pulsing lights) and all the cables festooned about the place crowded me out. Following the aural conversation criss-crossing the room from speaker to speaker (each one different) made me feel I was in some swanky hi-fi studio, being given a demo of the system that's right for me. Let's try the reverberation chamber instead, a shiny, all-white room. Clap your hands and the echo is a hard and immediate ricochet. A panel speaker hangs from the ceiling and a tubular LED light leans casually against a wall. The light comes on and off, but it is nothing like Martin Creed's famous work. I was alone in there, except for an ant. I only saw it for a moment before the light went out. It looked stunned. Perhaps it was dead. When the light comes on, it is accompanied by a shushing sound that gets louder as the light dies away to darkness. We are left in an abrupt silence that reminded me of Beckett's Breath. When the light came on again the ant was still there, an inert speck on a glass ledge inside something like an old-fashioned paraffin lamp, or perhaps a crack pipe, on the floor. It is an ant farm. When an ant wanders over a copper plate inside, the pitter-pattering of its miniscule feet is mixed in with the sound of water: something like rain, or the noise inside a shower. That's what we hear when the light comes on. I stayed in there for a long time, bemused. Then later, on the street, looking in through the window, I saw the exterior shell of Mirza's chamber in a sealed off part of the gallery. A showerhead has been plumbed into the wall, gushing water into a plastic dustbin. A microphone relays the noise of the shower into the chamber, along with the ants' footfalls. That's the sound you hear when the light comes on. Originally, this peculiar work had the title Pavilion for a Beautiful Nuisance. This has now been changed to Pavilion for Optimisation. Ant noises; water; reverb. Is this a kind of found and manipulated music? It is the sound of something approaching as the light fades away. The reverb in the room makes me feel exposed. In another part of the gallery stands an array of turntables, the needles juddering over various doctored vinyl and handmade records, all played by an invisible DJ. One turntable has been adapted to set off electronic wails, like a bird calling from high up in a jungle canopy. You'd go mad if you had to listen all day, and the whole thing has a doomy, repetitive beat. Amid it all is a recorded voice, from far away and long ago. In 1969, the American minimalist composer Alvin Lucier sat alone in a room, and recorded a brief statement: "I am sitting in a room, different from the one you are in now. I am recording the sound of my speaking voice and I am going to play it back into the room again and again until the resonant frequencies of the room reinforce themselves so that any semblance of my speech, with perhaps the exception of rhythm, is destroyed …" Lucier played back his voice, rerecorded it and played it back again. He repeated the process until his voice became a quivering abstract resonance equivalent in sound to the room itself. Lucier had a slight speech impediment; I Am Sitting in a Room was an attempt to smooth out his own speech defects. You can hear him hesitating over the word rhythm. It sounds like he is speaking from inside an echo chamber, or his words are being manipulated by a DJ. There's a clue here to the whole of Mirza's show. Mirza has remixed Lucier's recording, compounding the composer's degenerated voice with the other sounds in the gallery: the beats of a needle bouncing over tape glued to a record, a long foghorn boom from another prepared disc. This is Lucier, the dubstep remix. I tried dancing, but the tempo made me feel like a slow-mo zombie on downers. On a website dedicated to this show are a number of fascinating essays about Mirza's work. David Toop on insects, architecture, gamelan and frog choruses, and much besides. Art critic Ossian Ward on DJing is also particularly good. Mirza is a DJ too. You can be one as well, because the website features a number of samples from which you can mix your own music and upload it via SoundCloud and on to the website. Jellyman from the band Django Django has already made a version. Mirza's work is doing the rounds. He crops up everywhere – he has another show opening at the Hepworth in Wakefield this week. It is much more than a case of plug it in and turn it on. He's a sampler and a remixer, a scratch DJ of minimalist art and music, of John Cage and dub reggae soundsystems, a rethinker of bricolage and old-fashioned avant garde audio experiment. Mirza might be a bit of an equipment fetishist, but you've got to love the stuff you use. As much as he quotes, he reinvents. Isn't that something art, and music, literature and dance, always does? Just about able to set up a hi-fi system myself, my appreciation of decks and speakers, or the finer points of the turntablist's art, are barely minimal. Just spin me a few platters and I'll have a go.

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Haroon Mirza: vinyl, UFOs and the patter of tiny feet

From a room that replays the sound of ants crossing a copper plate to conversing speaker circles, Mirza's Lisson Gallery show is a riveting sonic adventure, writes Adrian Searle

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An almost believable view … Jules de Balincourt's High and Low, Photograph: Jules de Balincourt/Victoria Miro Gallery The day has a holiday air. People are out on their rooftops or standing about on patches of green. I can't tell what time of day it is – let's say the afternoon – or the season; the soft sunlight and hazy distance, where unending buildings rise in the thickening sky, make me think of late summer or early autumn. That was the time of year the painting was finished, so maybe something of the world crept into the Brooklyn studio where Jules de Balincourt painted High and Low, completing the large group of paintings now at Victoria Miro Gallery. High and Low is filled with the kind of modern, aspirational shoebox architecture you find everywhere; a ubiquitous banality hemming diminutive bits of 19th-century Greek revival – a stray townhouse and a distant set of steps that seem to lead nowhere. Here and there the cityscape gets fudged. It is a world unfinished, or about to give up on itself. At points the perspective goes astray, the buildings warping out of alignment. Some of the figures don't seem quite solid, either, or have forgotten to bring their shadows with them. At one point, the sky abandons its pretence, and you can see the whirls and knots of the plywood panel on which it was painted. It is like The Truman Show. This is something we often care not to remember when we look at a painting. We know the birds are just ticks of paint and the world is just smears and blobs on a sheet of board, or a bit of cloth stretched over a frame and fastened there with cheap industrial staples or a row of carpet tacks. You'd be an idiot not to acknowledge the something and nothing that is a painting, but even more of a fool to reduce it to bare material fact. The world is always about to fall apart, and us with it, so it's best to acknowledge the happenstance miracle of being alive. Perhaps that is what is happening here, in this almost believable view, where people have gathered, going about their day or ranged on the rooftops in watery light, looking at something we can't fathom. Maybe everyone is waiting for something to happen. They seem to be looking towards the small park, but there isn't much going on down there. There's a very big statue of a man with a cane, dwarfing the strollers, and what seems to be a picnic. Kids play, couples walk. We are either too early or too late, which leaves us free to let our eyes wander. High and Low would make a good jigsaw or drawing for a New Yorker cover. It's the sort of painting you can project yourself into, losing yourself in this painted day. This is an unsophisticated sort of pleasure, but one I never wholly tire of. Children like to lose themselves in pictures like this. You imagine the lives people live there, and get distracted as you look. You could call it escapism but you always re-find yourself inside the labyrinth of looking, thinking and daydreaming. Looking is a beginning as much as an end in itself. All these windows in all these buildings remind me of a nativity calendar. Each one is itself like a little painting. Some show us the corner of a room, the ones further away as abstract as a Kazimir Malevich work. Oddly, the little dun-coloured interior views in the nearer buildings remind me of some early paintings by Luc Tuymans. Nothing much happens in them, either. These fragmentary internal views incite our curiosity and voyeurism. I stay on the lookout for someone dressing or having a row or pressed up against the window having a bit of wild sex, as they do in Steve McQueen's film Shame. But they don't, or I haven't found them yet. They'd just be blobs anyway. I feel like Jimmy Stewart in Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window, or Gene Hackman in Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 thriller The Conversation. Looking becomes bugging, a kind of god-like act of surveillance. The more you look, the more there is to see, but the anomalies of this world become even more insistent, as if the fiction can't sustain itself. The unreliable narrator becomes the unreliable painter. Jules de Balincourt's paintings are not very consistent. There are big ones and little ones, crowded ones and empty ones, paintings filled with figures and others that appear almost entirely abstract. Sometimes he paints explosions, but they're sort of benign and cartoonish, opening like jazzy flowers. He paints views and people and maps and words, pretty much always on birch panels using thin oils. There's one piece showing a man sticking something in a bin; and there's a cursory portrait of Chelsea Manning, hung high on the wall, as though removed from the rest of the world. But most paintings have groups of people in them, some seen close up, others far away: people sitting in a tree, people watching, sleeping or sitting around in the shade. Every painting has its own atmosphere, its own timbre. There are all degrees of depiction, just as there are different flaws, fault lines and blind spots. Things that have been painted out grin through the layers, like the smile of the Cheshire cat. Often de Balincourt starts in one place and ends in another, working on a large number of paintings at once. He doesn't draw and he rarely uses photographs or other source material. Ideas migrate from painting to painting, as if he were telling himself a story. He likes to let things fall apart, and to let the half-said or the inarticulate have their stumbling say. Viewing his work is like stumbling on the kerb or catching a snatch of half-heard conversation. Somehow, these moments make his paintings more believable, less smooth, carrying more of the texture of the day. It wouldn't work in any other medium.

http://web.archive.org/web/20131120213657id_/http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2013/nov/19/jules-de-balincourt-hitchcock-painting-london-review

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Jules de Balincourt: the Hitchcock of the painting world

The French artist's absorbing canvases create whole worlds, embrace the miracle of being alive – and leave you feeling like Jimmy Stewart in Rear Window, writes Adrian Searle

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Before the 49ers made Thursday a night Jimmie Ward will never forget, the former Northern Illinois safety did the same for his mom. When the NFL draft started, Ward, whom the 49ers selected No. 30 overall, wasn't perched in front of a television. Instead, he was on the road, returning from a 150-mile trek from his family's home in Mobile, Ala., to New Orleans. His mission: To buy his mom a high-end purse for her birthday. It turned out to be money well spent. Before Ward's family celebrated his first-round selection, they saw Torcivia Daniels cry after she opened the unexpected present from her youngest son. "Oh, man," Ward said. "She was too happy. I ended up buying her a Louis Vuitton. I never could afford anything like that. I never could afford a Michael Kors purse. That's what, like, $300? This was the first time me buying her something over $100." Ward's story was the highlight of his engaging, meet-the-media session Friday afternoon. It remains to be seen how Ward will play on the field, where he is expected to play nickel cornerback. However, he played well in front of a gaggle of notebooks and cameras, thanks to a personality long on charisma and humor. How has his life changed since he became a first-round pick? He smiled: "A lot of missed calls." When will he return to Mobile, after catching a 5 a.m. flight to the Bay Area on Friday? "I have no clue," he said. "Six or seven weeks? But the way this weather is I might not want to go back. It's, like, 110 degrees in Mobile." What did he pack for his extended trip? Ward said he brought the suit he was wearing and a small bag. "Coach (Jim Harbaugh) said everything I need is in here. So I'm going to be wearing San Francisco sweats everywhere." Ward did turn serious when asked about his against-the-odds background. Ward was ignored by most Division I schools - only Northern Illinois and Southern Illinois recruited him - and before joining the Huskies, his family hopscotched from homes in and around Mobile. Ward grew up with his mom, stepfather and two older brothers. "It was a tough neighborhood I grew up in, just thinking back," Ward said. "Somehow I got through it. My mother, she pushed me. She moved me around different neighborhoods to keep me away from trouble. I had to stop hanging with my friends that I loved. (Looking back), you realize those friends that are not doing the right thing." Given his humor, it wasn't surprising when Ward said he was a class clown. In fact, his eighth-grade teacher once predicted he would make his mother cry. Ward smiled again: "She was right," he said. "But it was tears of joy." Eric Branch is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: ebranch@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Eric_Branch

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Jimmie Ward's charm sparkles in his first day as a 49er

When the NFL draft started, Ward, whom the 49ers selected No. 30 overall, wasn't perched in front of a television. [...] he was on the road, returning from a 150-mile trek from his family's home in Mobile, Ala., to New Orleans. Before Ward's family celebrated his first-round selection, they saw Torcivia Daniels cry after she opened the unexpected present from her youngest son. [...] he played well in front of a gaggle of notebooks and cameras, thanks to a personality long on charisma and humor. How has his life changed since he became a first-round pick? [...] his eighth-grade teacher once predicted he would make his mother cry. Eric Branch is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.

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Babson College has announced that the Bertarelli Foundation is funding a new faculty chair, the Bertarelli Foundation Distinguished Professor of Family Entrepreneurship, with a $3 million gift. Building on Babson College’s long history educating family entrepreneurs and advancing the study of family entrepreneurship, the chair will lead a multidisciplinary approach to family enterprise, where the family, not the business, is the focus, Babson said in a press release. The college also announced a new research prize named for Ernesto Bertarelli, a 1989 graduate of Babson, in recognition of his family’s track record in fostering entrepreneurship. Bertarelli’s grandfather founded Serono, a European pharmaceutical company. Bertarelli became chief executive in 1996. With his sister Dona, he inherited ownership in 1998 on the death of his father. Bertarelli and his family sold the company to Merck KGaA of Germany in a 2007 deal valued at $13.3 billion in US dollars. Babson President Kerry Healey commented on the gift in a statement. “Families are the dominant form of business organization worldwide and they play a leading role in the social and economic wealth creation of communities and countries,” Healey said. “For almost a century, Babson has been at the forefront educating entrepreneurial families and conducting research and programming to help family enterprises achieve continued growth. Thanks to the generosity of the Bertarelli Foundation, we will make even greater strides developing the entrepreneurial mindsets and capabilities that enable business families to think and act more entrepreneurially in all contexts.” In a separate statement, co-chair Dona Bertarelli of the Bertarelli Foundation added: “Family entrepreneurs face a unique challenge. As their businesses grow or change, they, too, need to adapt and evolve. At the same time, they need to preserve the original and special strengths, passions, and entrepreneurial characteristics of the family as they move in new directions. Through this faculty chair and our partnership with Babson College, we will have the opportunity to study this dynamic and help a new generation of individuals become tomorrow’s family entrepreneurs.”

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Babson College establishes Bertarelli Foundation chair of family entrepreneurship

Babson College has announced that the Bertarelli Foundation is funding a new faculty chair, the Bertarelli Foundation Distinguished Professor of Family Entrepreneurship, with a $3 million gift.

20140703174144

Women need to begin thinking about their reproductive options early – in their 20s and 30s – rather than the 40s when it may be too late, said Alison Zimon, a reproductive endocrinologist at Boston IVF, an infertility treatment center with locations in Boston and surrounding suburbs. As women delay childbearing, there can be unrealistic expectations that medical science can undo the effects of aging. “I do believe that most women understand age is important,” said Zimon, “but perhaps are unaware that age is the simple most predictive factor for reproductive success.” Who is your typical patient? We see all types of people, from women with longtime partners to those who have just broken off relationships. There are single women debating whether they should consider donor sperm, same sex couples hoping to build a family, those considering a surrogate mother, and more. How often does treatment result in pregnancy? For in-vitro fertilization, the success rate is good — 50 to 60 percent pregnancy rate in one attempt. Of course, younger women have a much higher chance of pregnancy. With a donor egg – using someone else’s egg — it’s 65 percent. What’s the approximate cost of fertility treatment? Typically an IVF cycle is a little more than $8,000 dollars; genetic testing of an embryo, $2,000 to $5,000. Do you feel psychological health affects patients’ ability to get pregnant? Infertility is incredibly stressful. A lot of data indicates that perhaps reducing stress may lead to better outcomes, but it’s not definite. Isn’t infertility medicine amazing because it evolves so rapidly? We’ve made tremendous strides especially when realizing that the first IVF baby was only 36 years ago. Technological advances have improved the egg-freezing process, making it possible for women to delay motherhood, store their eggs, and use them later. Why did you choose to become a fertility specialist? You can really help people. It’s heartbreaking to see women struggle with infertility and very satisfying to offer treatment with such good outcomes. What’s a success story that was meaningful to you? Among the most meaningful is the story of a nurse with Hodgkins lymphoma. After a three-year course of chemotherapy and radiation, she overcame her cancer, but developed ovarian failure. Then, after a single-treatment cycle using donated eggs, she became pregnant. She gave birth to her daughter, now 2 years old, who is the joy of her and her husband’s life. You were trained in obstetrics, but don’t deliver babies. What is it like saying goodbye to patients once they are pregnant? These are happy goodbyes, and fortunately life often finds ways for me to reconnect.

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Fertility specialist delivers hope

Women need to begin thinking about their reproductive options early – in their 20s and 30s – said Alison Zimon, a reproductive endocrinologist at Boston IVF

20140820083933

Think of: Fred Savage, from his “Wonder Years” days. Aidan has the same fresh-scrubbed innocence. But his dancing-singing-acting chops are reminiscent of another former child star, Neil Patrick Harris. What caught our eye: He exudes a boyish charm onstage, but he can also convey the wisdom and emotional maturity of a 40-year-old. Both traits come in handy for his current role of Peter in “Finding Neverland” at the American Repertory Theater. His resume reads like that of a real pro: He played Michael Banks in “Mary Poppins” on Broadway and played the Boy in “Waiting for Godot” with stage legends Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. He hadn’t read “Godot” before he landed the role, but he now understands its existential theme. “The Boy doesn’t really have a personality, and you can’t get information on him. I didn’t step into him. I just stepped out of myself.’’ Lightbulb moment: “When I was really, really little, I said, ‘Mommy I want to be rich.’ I just wanted to be famous. I went to this audition, and I freaked out and never wanted to do it again. Three million gagillion kids were going to audition to get a manager, and you had to read something. I was 4, and I couldn’t read. We just left when it came to be my turn. But my friend Zach got me into it. I went to St. Louis and did a show [“Mary Poppins”] at The Muny, and I had so much fun. That’s when I knew I was meant to do it.” Biggest thrill: “When the curtain came up on the first show of ‘Mary Poppins’ on Broadway. That was the first professional show that I did.” Biggest surprise: “Just being able to play Peter. For some reason, it struck me that I really wanted to do this.” Inspired by: “Steve Martin. I love, love ‘The Pink Panther.’ I met him once. I was like, ‘Why aren’t you speaking in a crazy French accent?’ Also, my brother Alexander. He just turned 15.” Aspires to: “Play Major League baseball. I play shortstop, first base, and I pitch. I live sports.” For good luck: He doesn’t have a ritual or token. “I do my voice warm-ups, but that is not a special ritual. I’m superstitious overall, but not when it comes to acting.” What people should know: “When I’m acting, don’t think, ‘Oh, look, I’m seeing Aidan.’ I want you to see a character. When I’m playing the violin in front of 25 people and I know half of them, I get really, really nervous. But when I’m playing someone else, I can step into it and not get nervous. What is nice about doing Peter is that he was an actual person. I can step into that and be who he was as if I’m actually living in 1904.” Coming soon: He’s preparing for the transition to middle school after “Finding Neverland” ends its run at the ART on Sept. 28. “It’s the first year of changing classes.”

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At 11, Aidan Gemme is already a stage pro

Aidan Gemme, who has already appeared twice on Broadway, plays Peter in “Finding Neverland” at the American Repertory Theater.

20140820160633

Air travelers are paying more to fly in the United States this summer on crowded planes as carriers keep capacity tight, conditions passengers will have to get used to beyond the vacation period. Carriers are offering fewer flights, have dropped routes to certain cities, and in some cases are flying smaller planes on trips in the United States amid strong demand, helping to boost summer fares 4.5 percent from a year ago. An average domestic round trip fare has climbed to about $399.48, based on data from Travelocity.com. An international ticket is about 2.3 percent more than a year ago, at $991.82. This is the busiest season for US carriers, with passenger traffic at its heaviest in July, followed by August, then June, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Airlines for America, an industry trade group, forecast that travel on US carriers this summer will be the highest in six years. But do not expect seats to open up or fares to fall much when summer ends. ‘‘Unless and until we see meaningful expansion among existing airlines or new competitors successfully launch service, we will continue to see airfares increase and flights remain crowded,’’ said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst and founder of Atmosphere Research Group. About 210 million passengers, or 2.28 million a day, will travel on US airlines from June 1 to Aug. 31, Airlines for America said. That’s up 1.5 percent from 2013. More Americans will also hit the road during the five days around the Fourth of July holiday — 34.8 million, according to AAA, the biggest US motoring organization, up 2 percent from last year. ‘‘For people who want to travel long distances reasonably quickly, air travel is really the only viable option,’’ in the United States, which lacks an extensive high-speed rail network, Harteveldt said. An increase in summer travel reflects the economic recovery boosting consumer confidence and spending. Airlines have rebounded from recession-era belt-tightening among travelers, posting record operating revenue last year, aided by almost $6.2 billion in baggage and reservation charges. ‘‘This summer ticket season has been so strong there have been few fare sales,’’ said Savanthi Syth, a Raymond James Financial analyst. ‘‘Demand has been strong and they are able to fill the airplane at higher price points.’’ Current strength in the US market offset lower-than-anticipated results from routes across the seas last month, Delta Air Lines said. Increased competition for overseas flights has led to overcapacity, thereby reducing the average fare per mile, Delta said. After several mergers in recent years, there are fewer airlines operating today and they are also pulling out of smaller hubs, reducing options or forcing passengers to take several flights to a destination. ‘‘The airlines have finally figured out that the way for them to reach profitability is to make it more trouble to travel and raise fares,’’ said Greg Raiff, chief executive of Private Jet Services, a corporate jet services firm. ‘‘Paying more is the new norm.’’

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Higher airfare, crowded planes likely to linger after summer

Air travelers are paying more to fly in the U.S. this summer on crowded planes as carriers keep capacity tight, conditions passengers will have to get used to beyond the vacation period. Carriers are offering fewer flights, have dropped routes to certain cities and in some cases are flying smaller planes on trips in the U.S. amid strong demand, helping to boost summer fares 4.5 percent from a year ago.

20140915111846

One analyst, anticipating a 100+ point run-up over the next 3-5 months, believes it does “The purchase of consumer electronic devices is not always a completely rational decision, and people buy Apple products for many different reasons, including status, aesthetics, functionality, quality and the “cool factor.” So wrote Ticonderoga’s Brian White in a note to clients Monday, taking his cue from an AppleInsider report that Apple AAPL began shipping white iPhones to retail stores over the weekend in advance of an April 27 launch. “The delayed launch of a ‘white’ iPhone,” Write says, “has created a certain mystique around the product, and we believe certain demographics will find the product appealing. As such, we expect incremental iPhone 4 purchases due to this launch, driven by replacements, upgrades and/or new iPhone 4 purchases. During our travels to Asia, we found quite a bit of interest in a ‘white’ iPhone 4, which could prompt users to make a purchase. China has clearly caught ‘Apple fever,’ and we believe the country is a prime candidate for a ‘white’ iPhone 4.” Why White insists on putting quote marks around the word “white” is not clear. What is clear is that he thinks the period of consolidation that preceded last week’s earnings report is over. “Apple’s stock moves in big waves,” he says, predicting that its shares will pick up another 100 points or more over the next 3-5 months. White’s price target of $612 is one of the highest on Wall Street. The stock opened Monday at $350.52. [Follow Philip Elmer-DeWitt on Twitter @philiped]

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Does the white iPhone matter?

One analyst, anticipating a 100+ point run-up over the next 3-5 months, believes it does "The purchase of consumer electronic devices is not always a completely rational decision, and people buy Apple products for many different reasons, including status, aesthetics, functionality, quality and the "cool factor." So wrote Ticonderoga's Brian White in a note to…

20140920011944

'This is one of those projects that is trying to do an awful lot for an area that needs moving along' ... the National Waterfront Museum. Photograph: James Brittain Wales claims to have been "the world's first industrial nation". If the number of museums relating to Wales' industrial heritage is any measure, it has now become the world's most advanced post-industrial state. You'd expect a substantial amount of industry to be on display in institutions such as Cardiff's Museum of Welsh Life, but there are also national museums dedicated to coal mining, woollen and slate industries, plus numerous decommissioned industrial sites that have been converted into heritage parks and the like. Perhaps in some future museum of 21st-century Welsh life, there'll be an exhibition about the current craze for museum building. Now we have the new £30m National Waterfront Museum, which opens in Swansea tomorrow, and aims to tell "Wales's story of industry and innovation". It sounds like the last thing the country needs, but this new institution is a welcome arrival. That's partly because it combines two existing facilities - Cardiff's Welsh Industrial and Maritime Museum, and Swansea's Maritime and Industrial Museum, thus reducing the total number of museums - but primarily because it is a piece of quality architecture in Wales's second city. Swansea could certainly do with an image makeover. The Lonely Planet guide described it as "an ashtray of a place", the movie Twin Town called it "a pretty shitty city", and even native son Dylan Thomas damned it as "a graveyard of ambition". In the post-industrial world, the city's most notable export has been Catherine Zeta Jones. Added to which, the flag-waving structures of recent years - Richard Rogers's Welsh National Assembly, the Wales Millennium Centre, and the Millennium Stadium - have all gone to Cardiff. Scarred by heavy industry and second world war bombing, much of Swansea is a jumble of old industrial buildings, decaying modern office blocks and cheap new commercial buildings resembling giant Travelodges. Despite its location on a beautiful bay, it's often difficult to guess the city is anywhere near the sea. Even in the former dockyards to the south, where the National Waterfront Museum is located, a 1970s housing development completely blocks the view to Swansea Bay. The "waterfront" of the title refers to a basin 100m inland. "I hate the phrase 'catalyst for regeneration', but this is one of those projects that is trying to do an awful lot for an area that needs moving along," says Martin Knight of architects Wilkinson Eyre, best known for their acclaimed "winking" Millennium Bridge in Gateshead. That Stirling prize-winning project has become the symbol of a rejuvenated Tyneside, and Wilkinson Eyre's presence here, in another post-industrial port city, suggests Swansea is ready for its own "Gateshead effect". There is even another striking Wilkinson Eyre footbridge - the Swansea Sail Bridge - just around the corner from the new museum. "You probably haven't got enough to make a quarter or a district like they did there, but there's a framework you can build on," says Knight. "The main thing is to make a new heart for this area that will tie into the existing building stock." The former Swansea Maritime and Industrial Museum occupied a two-storey brick warehouse alongside the basin. This area was once a rail yard, but in recent times it has been a huge car park serving the leisure centre next door - a hulking 1970s box now closed for refurbishment. Echoing the goods carriages that once pulled through here, the new section of the museum adds a curving series of four interlocked steel and glass cubes, peeling away from the warehouse building. Joining the old and new components together is a glazed internal street that forms an axis running from the basin, through the museum and its grounds, and back into the city centre. The architects have tried to forge a direct connection between the city and the sea with this new axis. If someone were to demolish the 1970s houses across the basin, the job would be complete. "We've done the best we possibly can," says Knight. Approaching the museum along this new route, the translucent boxes hardly feel like a spectacular climax - some have even compared them uncharitably to a business park - but it was more important to build a flexible, practical building than a local icon, say the architects, especially for a museum concerned with industry. The facade looking away from the city, however, is more of a show-stealer. It is clad in heavy Welsh slate - vertical slices of it arranged in irregular horizontal bands that imitate the glass on the other side. It has become almost a cliche to use slate as shorthand for Welshness - the new Welsh National Assembly and the Wales Millennium Centre also bring out the Welsh slate, the former as a heavy plinth, the latter in a sort of dry-stone wall pastiche - but this is arguably the most successful. The effect is contemporary but warm. Set off by aluminium channels between them, the slate panels' colour and surface textures change with variations in the light and weather. "We wanted to use the widest variety of Welsh quarries we could," Knight explains, "and make this really representative, but in the end we could only find two that could deal with the logistics of the programme and the budget. Part of the problem was that smaller suppliers are geared more towards doing headstones." On the inside, the architecture takes a back seat to the exhibitions, which were created by specialists Land Design. As you'd expect, there are a few big pieces of machinery, but the museum's emphasis is more on the social history of industrial Wales. There is no single point of entry, but it is hoped visitors will be led up a giant new staircase to the first floor of the old warehouse. Here, the displays begin with a wall-sized live panorama of the city, followed by an interactive exhibit based on the 1851 census (the first to show that industrial workers outnumbered agricultural workers, and the basis of the "first industrial nation" claim). The route then opens out into the main volume of the old warehouse, which has been stripped back as far as possible to reveal the original roof structure, before winding across a mezzanine bridge into the new building, and down to the open hall housing the big machines (tilt hammers, steam engines and the like). Here, Wilkinson Eyre's expertise with bridges pays off; the heavy steel elements supporting the external glass complement the exhibits. Lastly, there is a separate and rather forlorn little room projecting the industrial narrative into the future with some virtual exhibits on Wales's new growth industries, such as nanotechnology and renewable energy. If there's one lesson the millennial rush of new museums has hammered home, particularly those that have failed after a couple of years, it's that the numbers have to add up, both in terms of visitors and revenue. Whatever it brings to the city and its people, the National Waterfront Museum (which will be free to all visitors) must also generate cash to stay alive. Perhaps it's not even accurate to describe such a building as a museum. Most of the old warehouse building's ground floor is given over to commercial space: a museum shop and café inside, plus units for external bars and restaurants that will come into life after the school coach trips have gone home. It is also hoped that the grand upstairs gallery of the warehouse will double as a venue for the hosting of corporate events. The display cases are designed to slide back to the perimeter of the room on rollers, creating space for a 200-person banquet. So as much as cataloguing the past, this is a museum that might point Swansea towards the future. If the end result is a revitalised cultural destination for the city, the slurs about ashtrays and graveyards could become history too.

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Swansea may yet become the next Gateshead, says Steve Rose

With its sleek new museum, built by 'winking-eye bridge' architects Wilkinson Eyre, Swansea may yet become the next Gateshead, says Steve Rose.

20141005185604

What is the world coming to? In a shock development Friday, a prominent Englishman Friday apologized for making the kind of comments that the English and French have routinely been making about each other every day at least since, I dunno, the Hundred Years War. Andy Street, chief executive of the august retail chain John Lewis Plc, had regaled fellow-businessmen in an after-dinner speech in London Wednesday with some choice views on the state of the U.K.’s favorite neighbor, calling it “finished” and “sclerotic, hopeless and downbeat.” “I have never been to a country more ill at ease … nothing works and, worse, nobody cares about it,” Street said of the country that gave us The Declaration of the Rights of Man, modern mathematics and a whole host of cheeses that can’t be sold in the U.S. because they’re too delicious. With a rhetorical flourish, Street described as “the squalor pit of Europe” the Gare du Nord, the rail terminus from which relieved Limeys–laden down with purchases of clothes more stylish and food more tasty than they can generally find at home–take the Eurostar back to their sceptr’d isle. (You can find more in the same vein here, or you can dust off your old copy of A Tale of Two Cities, depending on how much time you have.) It wasn’t immediately clear whether Street’s comments were part of the company’s marketing for its new French-language e-commerce portal, which–perhaps for the better–doesn’t yet have a launch date. Either way, by midday, Street was beating a retreat worthy of…no we’re not going to go there…anyway, he was very, very sorry. “The remarks I made were supposed to be lighthearted views, and tongue in cheek,” Street said in a statement. “On reflection I clearly went too far. I regret the comments, and apologise unreservedly.” Francophobes around England (i.e., all 48 million of ‘em) were shocked by the apology. They resorted instantly to lamenting the decline of the Royal Navy since Nelson’s day and sensed that the whole thing was cooked up by the foreigner-loving Foreign Office to make sure that the U.K.’s new delegate to the European Commission doesn’t end up with the portfolio for Humanitarian Aid & Crisis Management. A spokeswoman for John Lewis refused to apologize for Street’s apology when pressed. Likewise, a spokesman for the French embassy declined to provide any assurances that the French would now stop being rude about cheddar and Vivienne Westwood, or at least stop pointing out that they won soccer’s World Cup a lot more recently than we did.

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Today's hot news: Englishman apologizes for being rude about France

Disgraceful climbdown by CEO whose heart is obviously in the right place, writes our London correspondent (who had a positively shocking experience in Provence last year) in a fit of uncontrollable Francophobe rage.

20150125044331

Mayor Koch, who announced his candidacy for Governor on Monday with a pledge to represent New York State's urban, rural and suburban interests equally, has declared in a published interview that life in the suburbs is ''sterile.'' ''It's nothing - it's wasting your life,'' Mr. Koch said. In the interview, given last November and December and prepared for the April issue of Playboy magazine, the Mayor also spoke scoffingly of rural life, dismissing the notion that many people prefer living in ''the country.'' Rural Living 'a Joke' Along this line, Mr. Koch was asked about the rigors of urban life, specifically ''the loss of time because of lousy city services, late subways.'' ''As opposed to wasting time in a car?'' the Mayor replied, with rising laughter, according to the magazine. ''Or out in the country, wasting time in a pickup truck? When you have to drive 20 miles to buy a gingham dress or a Sears, Roebuck suit? This rural America thing - I'm telling you, it's a joke.'' Asked yesterday about his comments on suburban life, the Mayor said he could have been ''more careful in my language.'' However, he insisted he was only speaking personally. ''What I was simply conveying was that life in a big city is my life,'' he said. ''To live in the suburbs for me would be sterile. That is, for me, in no way a reflection on the people who live there and make that choice.'' Mr. Koch also said he did not think he had hurt his gubernatorial hopes. ''People might like the clear, fully expressed statement,'' he said. ''Some people find that rather novel among public officials.'' On another subject in the Playboy interview, Mr. Koch said that as Mayor he was not ''able to do very much'' about increasing municipal services, a point that he made in passing and did not pursue. Nevertheless, it was one of the few times that he had publicly questioned his ability to provide the service improvements that he said would be the hallmark of his second term at City Hall. In a conversation with a press aide that briefly interrupted the interview while the tape recorder apparently was still on, the Mayor also attacked Carol Bellamy, the City Council President. Miss Bellamy would become Mayor if Mr. Koch is elected Governor. The Council President, the Mayor said, is ''a pain'' and he then said where. Several times he spoke derisively of Miss Bellamy, saying that she ''hasn't done a good job'' as a board member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. ''Look,'' he said, ''she gets a free ride on a whole host of things. That's what's upsetting to me, that she hasn't been subject to the criticism she should be.'' In a footnote, Playboy said that this attack occurred in late 1981, a week before Mr. Koch, in a newspaper interview, made even harsher comments about the Council President, for which he later apologized. Carter Interview Recalled Yesterday, speaking with reporters in his City Hall office, the Mayor said he would try to ''involve her much more closely'' in the daily affairs of local government. Deputy Mayor Nathan Leventhal was designated to serve as liaison official. ''It is in the interest of the city, it is in her interest and it is in my interest to clue her in,'' Mr. Koch said. The magazine article recalled another Playboy interview that turned out to have political significance, the one in 1976 in which Jimmy Carter, then running for President, said he had ''looked on a lot of women with lust'' and ''committed adultery in my heart many times.'' The Koch interview was conducted over four sessions with Peter Manso, a freelance writer. In the article, the Mayor touched on a broad range of topics, frequently using profanities for emphasis as he told stories about his youth, discussed his political career and evaluated other public figures.

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KOCH, IN INTERVIEW DISPARAGED THE LIFE OF THE SUBURBANITE

Mayor Koch, who announced his candidacy for Governor on Monday with a pledge to represent New York State's urban, rural and suburban interests equally, has declared in a published interview that life in the suburbs is ''sterile.'' ''It's nothing - it's wasting your life,'' Mr. Koch said. In the interview, given last November and December and prepared for the April issue of Playboy magazine, the Mayor also spoke scoffingly of rural life, dismissing the notion that many people prefer living in ''the country.'' Rural Living 'a Joke' Along this line, Mr. Koch was asked about the rigors of urban life, specifically ''the loss of time because of lousy city services, late subways.''

20150316012530

Eight people have been confirmed dead in the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila after Cyclone Pam tore across the island nation, with that number expected to rise as information comes through from remote communities. Australia is ready to assist as Vanuatu assesses the aftermath of one of the worst storms in the island nation's history. Tropical Cyclone Pam hit the South Pacific island chain on Friday, devastating homes and bringing flooding, high seas and winds in excess of 250km/hr. There are fears those who have survived may still be at risk of dying from dehydration or exposure as authorities race to restore water and power and to ensure all people have access to emergency shelter. Vanuatu now faces a huge clean up effort. (9NEWS) The system has now been downgraded to category 4 but is still carrying winds of up to 200km/h. Australia will provide a "life-saving" package of $5 million and humanitarian supplies. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says the commitment follows a request from the Vanuatu government. "This package will include $5 million that will be provided to Australian NGOs, particularly the Red Cross and to other United Nations partners," she told reporters in Perth. Authorities still do not know the full extent of the damage. (9NEWS) "We will also be deploying humanitarian supplies to provide support for up to 5,000 people in the form of water, sanitation and shelter." A team of medical experts and urban search and rescue personnel will also be deployed. Ms Bishop said there were probably 3000 Australians in Vanuatu at any one time, but the government had not received any reports regarding Australian citizens. Witnesses have described scenes of devastating, with home stripped to their foundations and damage to the main hospital in the capital, Port Vila. Cyclone Pam has battered the region with huge wave swells and high winds. (9NEWS) Nine News staff member Rob Filby and his wife were in Vanuatu for their wedding anniversary. Mr Filby said Cyclone Pam provided a night he'll never forget after they were evacuated from their resort as the cyclone approached. Sheltering in another resort with about 200 other people, he said the storm sounded like "pounding surf" when it hit, throwing objects around. "It was amazing, it's a night I'll never forget," Mr Filby told Weekend TODAY. He said he hadn't been allowed outside the grounds of the resort, but the devastation was obvious. "It looks like a huge boulder has just rolled down the valley," he said. "We've heard a lot of people may have lost their lives, particularly on the outlying islands." Melbourne couple Glen and Nicole Wilson told 9NEWS.com.au they were evacuated from the Breakas Beach Resort to the Holiday Inn, the strongest structure in Port Vila that had been transformed into a makeshift shelter. "Holiday Inn is no longer running as a hotel or resort, we are no longer guests," Mr Wilson said. "They are serving as a shelter, there are no options for food other than what they serve in bulk to us. "All bedrooms are not being serviced in anyway and are flooded but we are still sleeping in them, some can see the sky through the bathroom exhaust fan because the fan cover has been ripped off. "There is no air conditioning because the unit has also been ripped off the roof. "Half of the resort buildings are out of bounds due to being damaged. There are minimal staff working as they have stayed at home to look after their families. "The Holiday Inn have food supplies for a month but water for only five days." He said he had heard evacuations back to Australia could still be two weeks away but was more concerned about the staff who had stayed at the Breakas Beach Resort. "Breakas offered all of their staff shelter at Holiday Inn and all turned it down due to wanting to stay with their families and communities," he said, "we have since heard they all survived." The main airport is currently shut down making it difficult for aid to get in to the country. The military is concentrated on starting to clear cluttered roads and restoring power remains a priority. A seven-member disaster response team from Save the Children will fly from Australia to Vanuatu. It is just one of many disaster management teams preparing for the grim scenes likely to be found on the outlying islands which do not have sturdy shelter or good healthcare. The first members of the Save the Children team are due to arrive in the islands later today and the rest early this week. They include experts in health, shelter, water, sanitation and communications. Save the Children's Head of Humanitarian Response Nichola Krey said they would team up with the aid group's workers who are already in the islands assessing damage before mounting an urgent relief operation. "We expect to be met by mass devastation. This is by far the worst disaster ever in Vanuatu," she said in a statement. "The main concern right now is for food as most people who rely on subsistence agriculture have lost their farms." Ms Krey said there were also concerns about the health and safety of women and young children who were sleeping cheek by jowl in evacuation centres after their homes were destroyed. Australians concerned about friends of relatives in Vanuatu can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 1300 555 135. Do you have any news photos or videos?

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Six people have been confirmed dead in the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila after Cyclone Pam tore across the island nation, with that number expected to rise as information comes through from remote communities.

20150524075840

So these two clowns journey to the ''Manhattan crater'' where the final destruction began way back in 1981, two centuries ago, and meet up with a wise mutant who survived it. She knows what happened but does not like to talk about it. This takes place in ''Powerplay,'' which will be performed in Central Park just south of the Bandshell, off 72d Street, this afternoon at 3 o'clock by the Bond Street Theater Coalition. ''Powerplay '' is a ''circus soap opera, a warning disguised as a cartoon,'' ac cording to the coalition, which has strong roots in commedia dell 'arte. ''It's about rayon power - which you can read nuclear power,'' said Joanna Sherman, who is one of the clowns and the company's general manager. ''It has a political and social message, but we don't believe in getting up on a soapbox and preaching.'' The presentation will include lots of song and dance, improvisation, acrobatics, juggling and fire twirling. ''I call it urban folk theater,'' Miss Sherman said. Bond Street will soon be taking nine months off from performances to pursue such ventures as a workshop in Denmark and an expanded apprentice program in New York. Five more performances of ''Powerplay'' are scheduled through Sept. 13. For information, call 254-4614. SUSPENDED DANCERS Three dancers will cavort in midair somewhere between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock, and one of them, Barbara Salz, explained why. Also how. Earthbound dancers can leap and be lifted by partners, but always, back down they come, restricted to one plane. The Multigravitational Aerodance Group choreographs off the ground ''to explore,'' Miss Salz said, ''the body being able to move 360 degrees in space. ''The body can be upside down, spinning in different ways, bouncing, you can throw yourself upside down and return right-side up. It creates a different theatricality and new possibilities for movement.'' They do it with tight ropes, loops, elastic ropes and such, which allow the body to be suspended - from from whatever is at hand. Tomorrow's performance, for which the admission is free, will take place in Empire-Fulton State Park, on New Dock Street and the East River. For directions call 977-8240. It will consist of four pieces - a humorous Brazilian carnivale dance, a solo about a mythical creature who lures people into the forest, and two duets, ''Autumn Song'' and ''Silver Scream Idols.'' NO PAIN Ronald Champlain will kneel down at the Felt Forum tomorrow and suffer five cinderblocks to be placed on his head and smashed with a sledgehammer. Then he will lie down on a bed of nails - not for rest, but for similar treatment, this time with boards on his face and chest. How can he do it? ''It's because he has the internal power, the chi,'' Aaron Banks said. Mr. Banks produces martial-arts events, including this one, and directs the New York Karate Academy. He also holds a world record in breaking airborne pieces of wood and was recently awarded a 10th-degree red belt, which is as serious as it sounds, the highest achievement in the world of karate. His event tomorrow - ''The Oriental World of Self Defense'' - will begin at 2 P.M. Tickets are $8 to $20 and are available through Ticketron or Chargit, 944-9300.

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RAYON AND NUCLEAR POWER So these two clowns journey to the ''Manhattan crater'' where the final destruction began way back in 1981, two centuries ago, and meet up with a wise mutant who survived it. She knows what happened but does not like to talk about it. This takes place in ''Powerplay,'' which will be performed in Central Park just south of the Bandshell, off 72d Street, this afternoon at 3 o'clock by the Bond Street Theater Coalition.

20150524081106

Futures prices for metals closed sharply higher yesterday with some buying spurred by news of increased tension in Poland and lower interest rates, analysts said. The rise in metals prices and increases in interest rate futures, in turn, were said to encourage buying in grains, livestock, cotton and other agricultural commodities. On the Commodity Exchange Inc., silver gained as much as 42.5 cents, with the contract for delivery in August settling at $9.036 an ounce; gold gained as much as $18, with August settling at $409.90 a troy ounce; August-delivery copper rose 2.85 cents to 82.70 cents a pound. The rally in precious metals, which often are sought by investors as a refuge for money in times of political and economic uncertainty, was said to be sparked by a false rumor on the trading floor that martial law had been imposed in Poland. Although the rumor was later denied, Poland's leaders said they would take steps to stop street protests for more food and economic reform. Decline in Short-Term Rates Analysts said the metals advances were further prompted by a decline in some short-term interest rates. A decline in interest rates lessens the advantages that dollar-denominated or interestbearing investments have over precious metals and other commodity futures. Grain and soybean futures prices closed mostly higher on the Chicago Board of Trade amid a number of positive factors. Analysts said strength in the gold and interest rate futures markets appeared to have a stabilizing effect on grains. Some traders also were believed to be buying because they do not want to be holding short contract positions when the United States Agriculture Department releases its updated crop production estimates today. Less Hedge Selling Observed Reports of only light farmer sales overnight also were seen as favorable because the lack of selling in the cash market resulted in less hedge selling in the futures market, sources at the Board of Trade said. And good buying by commercial interests and exporters, and talk that China was in the market for wheat reportedly pushed up prices in that trading pit. Wheat for delivery in September settled at $3.99 a bushel; corn was mixed with the September contract at $3.19 1/4 a bushel; and soybeans were 1/2 cent to 4 1/2 cents higher, with August at $7.10 1/2 a bushel. Following some recent strength, sugar prices fell as much as 0.49 cent, with the September delivery contract settling at 15.89 cents a pound.

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Futures prices for metals closed sharply higher yesterday with some buying spurred by news of increased tension in Poland and lower interest rates, analysts said. The rise in metals prices and increases in interest rate futures, in turn, were said to encourage buying in grains, livestock, cotton and other agricultural commodities. On the Commodity Exchange Inc., silver gained as much as 42.5 cents, with the contract for delivery in August settling at $9.036 an ounce; gold gained as much as $18, with August settling at $409.90 a troy ounce; August-delivery copper rose 2.85 cents to 82.70 cents a pound.

20150524081152

VAGABOND HOTELS, an over— the-counter company two-thirds owned by the Ivan F. Boesky family, is likely to be four-fifths owned by it soon. Until Ivan F. Boesky sold his arbitrage business some months back to pursue other business interests, he was one of Wall Street's best-known risk-takers. But Mr. Boesky appears to risk little in seeking added shares of Vagabond, a motel operator, for the Beverly Hills Hotel Corporation, which he and his wife control. Vagabond proposes to raise $2.8 million through the sale of 708,000 shares of convertible preferred stock at $4 a share. A special meeting to vote on the plan is scheduled three days before Christmas at 10 A.M. in San Diego. Approval is a foregone conclusion since the Boesky interests already have enough votes to win. The proxy statement covering the deal indicates that Vagabond has no specific plans for the money and that other funds are available for expansion. But the proxy acknowledges the addition to the equity base will reduce Vagabond's earnings per share on a pro forma basis from the $2.93 reported for the nine months ended in September to $2.56. The proxy materials quote a letter from Vagabond's president to Mr. Boesky and Burton Flatkin, who are both directors of Vagabond. In the quoted material, the executive states that Vagabond shares should be worth $35 to $40 a share in a cash sale of the company. But under the preferred sale, the Boesky family would increase its holdings at a substantial discount from the lower price in that range. That is because each five shares of preferred are convertible into one share of common at $20 a share. On the other hand, $20 a share is above the current market value of Vagabond's shares. The proxy says a successful deal would allow the Beverly Hills Hotel Corporation to consolidate tax returns with Vagabond. A corporation must hold 80 percent of the voting shares of a company to consolidate. The proxy says Beverly Hills Hotel will enter into a tax-sharing arrangement with Vagabond whereby the latter would pay to Beverly Hills Hotel the money it would otherwise pay into the Treasury Department. ''Beverly Hills Hotel Corporation,'' the proxy states, ''might obtain a benefit under the agreement by reason of the filing of consolidated Federal income tax returns if Beverly Hills Hotel Corporation or Vagabond incurs a loss which such entity could not fully utilize as a carry-back on a separate return basis.'' A shareholder who is critical of the preferred plan comments that Vagabond has been making money for years. Thus the prospects for tax credits for Vagabond are nil in his view. He notes that on Dec. 4, the last trading day before the proxy statement reached shareholders, Vagabond traded at 18 bid. The shares closed yesterday at 16 bid. The critical shareholder, who spoke with the understanding he would not be identified, regards this drop as significant and argues that, from the public's point of view, the company is selling shares it need not and the earnings per share are being diluted. Secondly, if the Beverly Hills Hotel Corporation gets a tax benefit now or in the future, this could materially reduce the incentive to sell the company. Vagabond's management states in the proxy statement that it is not aware of any interest in purchasing the company or in merging it. But the shareholder who is critical of the plan said he knew of at least one such offer within the last six months. The shareholder said the offer was rebuffed out of hand by Mr. Boesky. ''Of course, that isn't so,'' Mr. Boesky said in rebuttal. Mr. Boesky was asked if his family could benefit at the expense of Vagabond's public shareholders. Mr. Boesky referred to a press release issued in connection with the proxy, saying that the document ''speaks for itself'' and adding that he did not wish to elaborate on it in any way. The press release states that proceeds will be used to build or purchase motor inns, to expand current facilities and operations, or for other acquisitions or other corporate purposes. Vagabond owns and operates 56 motels, primarily in California. The company reported revenues in the calendar year 1980 of $43 million and net income of $2.8 million.

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the-counter company two-thirds owned by the Ivan F. Boesky family, is likely to be four-fifths owned by it soon. Until Ivan F. Boesky sold his arbitrage business some months back to pursue other business interests, he was one of Wall Street's best-known risk-takers. But Mr. Boesky appears to risk little in seeking added shares of Vagabond, a motel operator, for the Beverly Hills Hotel Corporation, which he and his wife control. Vagabond proposes to raise $2.8 million through the sale of 708,000 shares of convertible preferred stock at $4 a share. A special meeting to vote on the plan is scheduled three days before Christmas at 10 A.M. in San Diego. Approval is a foregone conclusion since the Boesky interests already have enough votes to win.

20150524082224

TREAT WILLIAMS is opening tomorrow as the star of one of the summer's most ambitious new films, ''Prince of the City.'' He plays a police officer on the narcotics squad who turns informer on his colleagues - and finally admits to his own misdeeds - in this true, complex story of police corruption in New York City. The film has already generated a great deal of interest, for it was directed by Sidney Lumet (''Serpico,'' ''Dog Day Afternoon,'' ''Network'') and is based on the publicized exploits of former Detective Robert Leuci, whose cooperation with Government investigators led to the indictments of 52 detectives who used to roam New York at will as members of the elite Special Investigating Unit in the Narcotics Division. For the 29-year-old Mr. Williams, the film is the biggest break of his career, and just the sort of vehicle that elevates a handsome young actor to celebrity-of-the-moment status: Johnny Carson wants him. So does Merv Griffin. Scores of magazines and newspapers want interviews. Gossip columnists are printing his name. Halston is inviting him to his star-studded parties. A squadron of press agents is needed to screen and schedule appearances. New Pirate King Next Tuesday, Mr. Williams will be the center of even more attention. That night he will replace his friend Kevin Kline in the musical hit ''The Pirates of Penzance'' as the swashbuckling Pirate King, one of the flashiest roles on Broadway. If Mr. Williams, best known to date as the hippie Berger in the film ''Hair,'' is carried away by the attention of the moment, it isn't evident. The day of Halston's black-tie party for Liza Minnelli and Robert DeNiro last week, he was behaving like a jittery highschool boy getting ready for a prom. After a grueling day of rehearsals for ''Pirates'' in a steamy room downtown at the Public Theater, he rushed home to his new upper West Side penthouse and carefully laid out his ensemble for the evening. He neatly placed his pretied bow tie and cummerbund, still in boxes, next to his tuxedo shirt, still in cellophane, on his antique dining table, and draped his new Ralph Lauren tuxedo over a chair. Everything was there. Except the shoes. He had forgotten the shoes. Mr. Williams ran out to Broadway and came back minutes later with a black lace-up pair from a nearby Florsheim's. A Taste of Celebrity With that matter resolved, Mr. Williams settled down over white wine spritzers on his expansive terrace to talk about the latest developments in his career. He spoke at a rapid clip, pausing occasionally to deliver self-mocking one-liners with the cockiness of Danny Ciello, the character, based on Robert Leuci, that he plays in ''Prince of the City.'' ''I got a lot of invitations after 'Hair,' but after the film flopped, the invitations stopped,'' Mr. Williams remarked. ''I've already had a taste of celebrity, and it left a bad taste.'' So did the film business, for a while. After an earlier movie, the comedy ''Why Would I Lie?,'' which critics didn't find at all funny, Mr. Williams decided to change careers. ''I started flying planes for a company in Los Angeles,'' said the actor, whose unusual first name is Welsh and has been in his family for generations. ''I'd done eight films, none of which had been successful. I felt so out of control. I wasn't working with people I wanted to work with. I was very frustrated.'' Six months later, Sidney Lumet called and offered Mr. Williams the starring role in ''Prince of the City,'' which he and Jay Presson Allen had adapted from Robert Daley's book. 'The Best Work I've Done' ''It's the best work I've done so far,'' volunteered Mr. Williams, who is on screen for most of the film's two hours and 47 minutes. ''It's my most complex and multifaceted role. At my age, I'm very pleased to have played it, and that Sidney trusted me. Most actors have to wait until they're in their 40's to play such a complex role.'' Before the shooting began, Mr. Williams spent a month learning about police work. He hung out day and night at the 23d Precinct, Third Avenue at 102d Street, and went on drug busts; he also lived for a while with Mr. Leuci. ''To be a cop in the film,'' said Mr. Williams, who was born in the quiet town of Rowayton, Conn., and grew up in upper-middle-class comfort, ''I had to have the second nature of a cop: How do they load their guns? How do they treat junkies on the street? How do they talk to the judges downtown? How do they treat lawyers? By the time we started rehearsals, I was thinking like a cop.'' Mr. Williams lit a cigarette and leaned forward in his lounge chair. ''The police are so worried about the appearance of corruption now that two cops wouldn't let me buy them a cup of coffee. But in those days, before the Knapp Commission, the guys in the Special Investigating Unit were literally 'Princes of the City.' Some didn't pick up their paychecks for weeks at a time. They were making so much money.'' Decision to Return to Stage After ''Prince of the City,'' Mr. Williams made another movie. He starred with Robert Duvall in ''Pursuit,'' which is due to open in November. Last spring Mr. Williams decided he wanted to get back to the stage - his first job in the theater in New York was as John Travolta's understudy in ''Grease'' - so he signed for the starring role in a summer production of ''A Servant of Two Masters,'' Carlo Goldoni's farce, at Kenyon College in Ohio. He had already opened in the play, which closed only yesterday, when he was offered the part of the Pirate King in ''The Pirates of Penzance.'' The timing couldn't have been worse. ''This has been the most awful rehearsal period of my life,'' Mr. Williams moaned, lighting another cigarette. ''Thursday through Sunday, I've been in 'A Servant of Two Masters.' I'd fly back here on Sunday in the middle of the night and go into rehearsal for 'Pirates' on Monday. This has been going on for four weeks. At first, I was flying myself back and forth in my twin-engine Piper, but that was too exhausting. It was suggested that I leave the play in Ohio, but I wouldn't do that to the cast.'' Hard Act to Follow Mr. Williams received help from Dan Berlinghoff, the ''Pirates'' conductor, who flew to Ohio to work with him. ''It has taken a lot of voice lessons to get my vocal tenor back,'' he said. ''And I've been running two miles a day to get in shape. I go into the show Aug. 25, but I hope people will see me after Sept. 15.'' It's inevitable, Mr. Williams knows, that he will be compared to Kevin Kline, who is a hard act to follow. ''I'll be a smash in 'Prince of the City' and will have that to fall back on,'' Mr. Williams joked. Then, he threw up his arms in exasperation. ''What am I going to do? Get a heart attack if someone says I'm not as good as Kevin? No one can touch him, but I'd hope there are other people who can play the Pirate King - or else they should close the show down. ''Kevin is a dear friend, and I've told him my fears. He said, 'No one should go into the show but you.' I said to him, 'I'll steal from everything of yours that I can.' '' One difference between the two actors will be readily apparent: Mr. Williams has a beard. ''I grew it so I'd look older,'' he said.''I have a young-looking face. I look more like the Pirate Prince.'' Illustrations: Photo of Treat Williams in role from movie 'Prince of the City' Photo of Treat Williams in role from 'Pirates of Penzance'

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TREAT WILLIAMS is opening tomorrow as the star of one of the summer's most ambitious new films, ''Prince of the City.'' He plays a police officer on the narcotics squad who turns informer on his colleagues - and finally admits to his own misdeeds - in this true, complex story of police corruption in New York City. The film has already generated a great deal of interest, for it was directed by Sidney Lumet (''Serpico,'' ''Dog Day Afternoon,'' ''Network'') and is based on the publicized exploits of former Detective Robert Leuci, whose cooperation with Government investigators led to the indictments of 52 detectives who used to roam New York at will as members of the elite Special Investigating Unit in the Narcotics Division. For the 29-year-old Mr. Williams, the film is the biggest break of his career, and just the sort of vehicle that elevates a handsome young actor to celebrity-of-the-moment status: Johnny Carson wants him. So does Merv Griffin. Scores of magazines and newspapers want interviews. Gossip columnists are printing his name. Halston is inviting him to his star-studded parties. A squadron of press agents is needed to screen and schedule appearances. New Pirate King Next Tuesday, Mr. Williams will be the center of even more attention. That night he will replace his friend Kevin Kline in the musical hit ''The Pirates of Penzance'' as the swashbuckling Pirate King, one of the flashiest roles on Broadway.

20150524083323

By Christopher Lehmann-Haupt HIGH IN AMERICA. The True Story Behind Norml and the Politics of Marijuana.'' By Patrick Anderson. 328 pages. Viking. $13.95. IN his sober and even-handed conclusion to ''High in America: The True Story Behind Norml and the Politics of Marijuana,'' the veteran reporter Patrick Anderson says of ''America's marijuana policy over the past fifty years'' that ''If it weren't so tragic, it would be hilarious.'' That was precisely what I was going to say about the story that Mr. Anderson has just finished telling of Keith Stroup (rhymes with ''cop'') and the rise and fall of Norml, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Except that, depending upon your attitude toward marijuana, you might as easily say of Mr. Anderson's story that if it weren't so hilarious, it would be tragic. In short, one approaches the moral dimension of this story with extremely mixed feelings, so ambiguous and paradoxical are some of the issues it raises. So it's probably best to suspend for a moment the question of ethics or politics or whatever you want to call the frame of the marijuana issue, and simply describe ''High in America'' as a book about the art of lobbying. As such it is fast-paced, funny, instructive and dramatic, a first-rate example of what used to be known as new journalism, in which the people are handled as if they were characters in a novel, yet the reader rarely has any doubt how the author found out so much about them. How It Started The story begins with the famous 1977 Norml party at which Dr. Peter Bourne, former President Jimmy Carter's friend and adviser on health issues, is supposed to have taken cocaine, the eventual consequence of which was that both Dr. Bourne and Keith Stroup had to resign from their respective jobs, and the movement to ''decriminalize'' marijuana lost its momentum. As one observer put it, ''The drug-law movement vanished up Peter Bourne's nose.'' Mr. Anderson then goes back to the beginning of Mr. Stroup's career, traces his shaky start as a rebel and dropout, describes his discovery of the vast untapped pot-smoking underground, and follows the remarkable steps he took in putting together what eventually became a powerful and highly effective lobby. And at the same time as Mr. Anderson instructs in the art of making political friends and influencing state legislatures, he introduces us to all the curious characters who rallied 'round the grass, boys, and sprinkles his narrative with such highly dramatic sidelights as the case of Bobby Arnstein, the employee and friend of Playboy's publisher, Hugh Hefner, who, in Mr. Anderson's opinion, became a victim of the Nixon Administration's attempts to destroy the ultimate rabbit. But more than a surprisingly entertaining story, ''High in America'' is a fascinating character study of Keith Stroup, its renegade-hero. However you may feel about his cause, you'll have difficulty disputing Mr. Anderson's final judgment of Mr. Stroup's career as a lobbyist. ''To have conceived NORML in 1970, to have brought it into being, and to have made it the formidable national organization it became were quite remarkable achievements. In the process Stroup had helped a lot of people no one else had the talent or inclination to help. A lot of people were not in jail who would have been if NORML had not existed.'' ''Stroup's critics might not consider him a proper model for the young, but he had fought effectively for what he believed, and history teaches that the people who step forward to lead unpopular causes are not often perfect gentlemen.'' The interesting question remains: can Keith Stroup's ultimately rash and self-destructive behavior be seen as a reflection of the dubious merit of his cause? Some will say, Of course: Mr. Stroup began as an angry rebel; marijuana was an angry rebel's touchstone; a daily pot habit can't be good for the temperament; so it's fitting that he finally blew himself up in a blaze of anger. Others will say, Pshaw: a lobbyist for the mink farmers of America could just as easily possess too short a fuse. Takes No Stand But we have wandered back into the realm of value judgments here, and, as I've indicated, Mr. Anderson, the author of five previous books, including the novel ''First Family,'' does not take a stand on the good or evil of grass. Quite the contrary, he is circumspect. After having told Keith Stroup's story, he devotes an admiring section to Sue Rusche, president of DeKalb Country (Georgia) Families in Action and the leader of the opposition to the decriminalization of marijuana. In his concluding pages, he circles the ethical dimension of his work like a painter executing a work of cubism. No one can really complain, except those so horrified by the subject that they think it oughtn't to be mentioned - especially in front of the children. Illustrations: photo of Patrick Anderson

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By Christopher Lehmann-Haupt HIGH IN AMERICA. The True Story Behind Norml and the Politics of Marijuana.'' By Patrick Anderson. 328 pages. Viking. $13.95. IN his sober and even-handed conclusion to ''High in America: The True Story Behind Norml and the Politics of Marijuana,'' the veteran reporter Patrick Anderson says of ''America's marijuana policy over the past fifty years'' that ''If it weren't so tragic, it would be hilarious.'' That was precisely what I was going to say about the story that Mr. Anderson has just finished telling of Keith Stroup (rhymes with ''cop'') and the rise and fall of Norml, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Except that, depending upon your attitude toward marijuana, you might as easily say of Mr. Anderson's story that if it weren't so hilarious, it would be tragic.

20150524084112

On the face of it, those who have been calling for basic reform in the American way of government should find much to cheer about in Ronald Reagan's ''New Federalism.'' Some of the President's proposals to cut the budget, consolidate and even eliminate some Federal programs and to turn back authority to the state and local governments mirror reforms many elected officials as well as scholars have been urging for years. But under the surface, many of the proposals now before Congress run counter in important respects to most of the reformers' plans for change - and to the policy of President Reagan's Republican predecessors. As a result, there is concern that the nation may wind up swapping old difficulties for new ones. Over the last few years, for instance, the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations has been painstakingly examining the growing Federal role. The panel, established by Congress to find ways to make the Government more efficient and composed of elected officials from all levels, urges consolidations of the kind Mr. Reagan has proposed. Beyond that, the differences between the President's and the committee's plans are pronounced. In the committee's view, there should be a sorting out of Federal and state roles so that the public will know which level of government to hold responsible for what. Washington, the panel said, should assume full responsibility for welfare, housing assistance, medical benefits and basic nutrition; more authority should be returned to state and local governments in education, transportation, law enforcement and other areas that until the past two decades had been almost exclusively their province. Other study groups have shared this view of a first step toward alleviating the widespread public discontent with the national Government. Even in his campaign, however, Mr. Reagan took a different tack. He would turn welfare back to the states to administer under their own standards. Among his supporters on the farther right, such a proposal had strong support. The center and the left considered it the turn on the road back to the days of the county poorhouse, when each locality decided how to deal with poverty and there was enormous disparity in benefits between localities, states and regions. And while governors and city and county officials would like to recapture authority from Washington, the last responsibility they want is that of welfare. Richard P. Nathan, an official in the Nixon Administration who helped form welfare policy and is now professor of public and international affairs at Princeton University, is among those who have pointed out Mr. Reagan's divergence from his own party's record of federalism. Under both Presidents Nixon and Ford, Mr. Nathan said, the policy was to designate ''the group of programs which transfer income from the Government to individuals as those which should be structured under equitable and uniform policies by the Federal Government. The reasons for centralizing policymaking for income transfer programs was not only to make them equitable but to help ensure efficiency.'' Similar disagreements exist about the manner in which Federal programs, which have grown like weeds and frequently overlap or conflict, should be consolidated. The President would lump more than 80 Federal programs for education, health and social services into three block grants, giving the states and localities wide authority in deciding how the money should be spent. But the money in them would be cut by about $2.6 billion. Many mayors and governors have gone along with Mr. Reagan's proposals, because of the wide popular support for his efforts to improve the economy. But the potential for resentment is simmering. Two years ago, the National Governors Association offered to take a 10 percent cut in Federal aid if Federal payments were consolidated, because, the governors asserted, the states would still be able to deliver better services. They were not prepared for so large a cut - almost 25 percent of the Carter Administration budget, which itself had been reduced considerably since 1978. Dumping the Hard Choices The resentment flows from the belief that the Reagan strategy is to dump on state and local officials the distasteful task of deciding which interest groups to hurt. Peter Korn, the city manager of Rochester, expressed this view recently when he said, ''I see the most important part of the Reagan budget as a shifting of the burden. I can see a real bitter struggle on the City Council when various groups clash over reduced money. The problem for local politicians is how to avoid being classified as the S.O.B's in all this.'' Another controversial aspect of the Reagan plan is the freeze on hiring Federal employees, billed as an effort to reduce a bloated bureauracy. The Urban Institute, based in Washington, recently published a study which suggested that the Federal Government got out of hand in the 1970's as much because it delegated so much authority to non-Federal employees as because of its size. As size has become political anathema, Congress has found ways to have other people - the states, cities, counties, special districts, bankers, hospitals, corporations, consultants, civic organizations - do the Federal Government's work. While the expenditures of the Federal Government were increasing rapidly during the past two decades, the number of Federal employees has in fact remained steady. Meanwhile, as a result of Federal programs and mandates, the ranks of other governments have increased rapidly. The reason for waste and corruption in programs such as job training and food stamps is disputed. But a solid argument is made by some that a principal cause is that there are not enough Federal officials to maintain control. Thus, what is emerging is a deep ideological dispute between Mr. Reagan's approach and reformers who would like to see public service continued at a reasonably high level and are proposing procedural and statutory changes to make it work. The White House philosophy - reduce government at all levels - may also contain the seeds of a bitter conflict with the states and localities.

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WHAT SHAPE FOR THE NEW FEDERALISM?

On the face of it, those who have been calling for basic reform in the American way of government should find much to cheer about in Ronald Reagan's ''New Federalism.'' Some of the President's proposals to cut the budget, consolidate and even eliminate some Federal programs and to turn back authority to the state and local governments mirror reforms many elected officials as well as scholars have been urging for years. But under the surface, many of the proposals now before Congress run counter in important respects to most of the reformers' plans for change - and to the policy of President Reagan's Republican predecessors. As a result, there is concern that the nation may wind up swapping old difficulties for new ones. Over the last few years, for instance, the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations has been painstakingly examining the growing Federal role. The panel, established by Congress to find ways to make the Government more efficient and composed of elected officials from all levels, urges consolidations of the kind Mr. Reagan has proposed. Beyond that, the differences between the President's and the committee's plans are pronounced.

20150524090855

South Africa has undeniably made gestures toward black economic progress, if not political equality. Black trade unions have been officially recognized, steps have been taken to require compulsory education for all black children and residence restrictions are to be eased. South Africa's defenders cite these steps in arguing that apartheid is not as immutably evil as its critics contend. But too often, South Africa's white rulers lapse back into indefensible repression. Last year it was the violent dispersal of protesting schoolchildren. Last week, with less blood but grave effect, it was the shutdown of the Post newspapers, the largest black papers in the country. A predecessor, The World, was once preeminent; its editor, Percy Qoboza, was the nation's foremost black journalist. Three years ago, after the Soweto riots, Mr. Qoboza was arrested with other dissidents and his newspaper was closed. Yet Post was allowed to take its place, even to occupy its offices. Last year, too, the Post papers were shut for several weeks - during a dispute with the Media Workers Association, a legal black union. But when the walkout ended, the required Government permission to publish was denied. Like The World, the Post papers reported faithfully, too faithfully, the sentiments of the blacks they served. But silencing the messenger will not silence the message. ''Whatever they try to suppress here will crop up over there,'' said the leader of another harassed union. And indeed, the black weekly Sowetan now proposes to replace Post by publishing daily. Black South Africans will not stay quiet for lack of one or another printed voice. Nor should they.

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Relay Journalism in South Africa

South Africa has undeniably made gestures toward black economic progress, if not political equality. Black trade unions have been officially recognized, steps have been taken to require compulsory education for all black children and residence restrictions are to be eased.

20150524125238

At the turn of the century Munich's art world was in ferment. Artists, designers and architects, inspired by the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement as put forth a half century earlier by William Morris, embraced the applied arts with messianic fervor. And, over the next few decades, the outpouring of graphics, posters, objects, furniture, embroideries and accessories in Jugendstil, Germany's version of Art Nouveau, or the ''style of youth,'' was astounding. This was the scene in 1896 when Wassily Kandinsky, the Russian-born painter and theorist (1866-1944) arrived in the Bavarian capital to study art. His later involvement with crafts and the Jugendstil, and the effects of both on his evolution toward abstraction, are among the many elements dealt with in the provocative exhibition, ''Kandinsky in Munich: 1876-1914,'' at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (through March 21). Conceived by Thomas M. Messer, director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, and coordinated by Vivian Endicott Barnett, reasearch curator of the museum, it is the first of three exhibitions, scheduled at approximately two-year intervals, tracing the entire course of the artist's development, set against a background of the artistic, social and intellectual happenings of his time. The 375 selections in this presentation - paintings, drawings, woodcuts, furniture, decorative arts, designs for crafts, stage sets and textiles - are revealing on other levels and intentionally so. Peg Weiss, the guest curator of this show, is an expert on Kandinsky in this period as well as the entire milieu. An adjunct professor at Syracuse University and author of ''Kandinsky in Munich, the Formative Jugendstil Years,'' published by Princeton University Press in 1979, she aims to show how Kandinsky was influenced by other artists, craftsmen and designers, incorporating in his work the folk themes, symbolist and abstract motifs and forms that were their signatures. In other instances he is shown to be the dominant force. This interrelationship is rarely dealt with in reviews of the decorative arts of this period. The momentum of the interaction between artists, designers, poets and craftsmen increased noticeably after 1896, the year August Endell, a furnishings designer, declared in his critical pamphlet ''Um die Schonheit'' the basic revolutionary concepts of Jugendstil. He called for recognition of the sensuous immediacy of art, its total independence from nature and its essence as form and color that should be seen and felt, not understood. The seeds of the intellectual hunger for abstraction were sown in that proclamation by this spokesman for the Arts and Crafts Movement. ''There is no greater error than t he belief that the painstaking imitation of nature is art ,'' he stated. Kandinsky in his writings would later echo the word s and ideas of Endell. Just how Endell perceived the execution of designs to satisfy that declaration can be seen in numerous selections in the show, one of the most arresting of which is shown in the photograph of an 1897 whiplash-shaped stucco wall relief painted in harsh tones of turquoise and crimson to decorate the windowless front of Elvira Studio, a photography studio. Other photographs of the undulating ironwork inside that building - a wrought iron gate, hardware and stair railing, all asymmetric, sinuous mazes - are superb examples ofthe Jugendstil. While Endell was shaping his Jugendstil concepts in 1896, Hermann Obrist took over one of Munich's more prestigious salons to mount an exhibition of 35 embroideries of his design that were executed by his assistant, Berthe Ruchet. The show caused a sensation and made the point that the applied arts can approach the level of high art. The 1895 ''Whiplash'' embroidery which was designed by Obrist and is included in the current show, achieves the two-dimensional quality he and other artists thought necessary before abstraction could be accomplished. Embroideries - and a host of other crafts - figured in all of the exhibitions of Phalanx, the artists' society Kandinsky founded in 1901 to show the work of young avant-garde artists. Kandinsky designed embroideries, too, and a memorable one from 1905 of Viking ships is included in the Guggenheim show. It is a boldly conceived applique embroidery with beading that Gabriele Munter, his companion from 1902 to 1916, executed. She also was responsible for completing his designs for handbags and appliqued and beaded wall hangings, some with realistic imagery and some with abstract stylization. From 1911 to 1913 Kandinsky also devised the stencils used to decorate the surfaces of the pine peasant-style furniture he chose for his home in Murnau, Germany, several examples of which are in the show. The horse and rider motif and a medieval castle -favorite devices springing from his interest in legends and folklore, which he also used in woodcuts and paintings - embellish a night table front. Floral motifs are his fanciful ornaments for a painted red desk and chair. This is an exhibition that cannot be ''read'' at a glance. Although the evolution of Kandinsky from realism to abstraction is shown in a compelling way, many will visit more than once to understand the complexities in his development and the interconnections between the other creators represented. But even a superficial viewing will be an eye-opener for those who knew of the artists separately but never realized how each was influenced by others. The show includes some excellent examples of ceramics by Hans Christiansen, their surfaces glowing with abstract patterns in bold colors; stunning accessories in a money purse and belt clasp alive with swirls and circles by Patriz Huber; curvaceous chairs and a table by Richard Riemerschmid; extraordinary folk-figure puppets with ancient faces by Waldemar Hecker, and a memorable photograph of a 1900 interior chock full of Obrist embroideries, Riemerschid's furniture and curvilinear wall decorations. Kandinsky sought to achieve esthetically determined environments in which each architectural element, art work, piece of furniture and accessory was in harmony with everything else. And the closest he came to that ideal was in the foyer of the Park Avenue apartment of an American, Edwin R. Campbell, for which he created four wall panels so that they would look ''exactly as if originally intended as part of the hall.'' His great dream of integrating lyrical abstraction and architectural environment into a grand synthesis was accomplished in 1914 in these glorious abstract works, as can be seen in this show. Illustrations: photo of Richard Riemerschmid's armchair photo of Ferdinand Hauser's brooch with pendants photo of Patriz Huber's belt clasp

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KANDINSKY'S LINK TO CRAFTS

At the turn of the century Munich's art world was in ferment. Artists, designers and architects, inspired by the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement as put forth a half century earlier by William Morris, embraced the applied arts with messianic fervor. And, over the next few decades, the outpouring of graphics, posters, objects, furniture, embroideries and accessories in Jugendstil, Germany's version of Art Nouveau, or the ''style of youth,'' was astounding. This was the scene in 1896 when Wassily Kandinsky, the Russian-born painter and theorist (1866-1944) arrived in the Bavarian capital to study art. His later involvement with crafts and the Jugendstil, and the effects of both on his evolution toward abstraction, are among the many elements dealt with in the provocative exhibition, ''Kandinsky in Munich: 1876-1914,'' at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (through March 21). Conceived by Thomas M. Messer, director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, and coordinated by Vivian Endicott Barnett, reasearch curator of the museum, it is the first of three exhibitions, scheduled at approximately two-year intervals, tracing the entire course of the artist's development, set against a background of the artistic, social and intellectual happenings of his time.

20150524130113

JOCK. The Life and Times of John Hay Whitney. By E. J. Kahn Jr. 339 pages. Doubleday. $19.95. JOHN HAY WHITNEY, who is now in his late 70's and virtually retired from the full public and financial activities that charted the course of so much of his life, is one of that patrician breed that arouses such mixed feelings in Americans. We admire such folk for their distinguished bloodlines, even their wealth and their educated assurance of right and wrong; yet those same very qualities are suspect in a country whose platitudes are rooted in concepts of equality. In this biography about Mr. Whitney - ''Jock,'' as he was known to many -Mr. Kahn, who is on the staff of The New Yorker, gives us a detailed account of his protagonist's doings in the course of an eventful life. He was a stable owner in the sport of kings, financier, Ambassador to Britain, backer of Broadway theater and Hollywood films, last publisher of The New York Herald Tribune, contributor to Republican Party candidates. T he Whitney name is associated with New York Hospital (the Payne Whitney wing) and even with the film ''Gone With the Wind''(as a bac ker of David O. Selznick, the producer). He never had to work a day in his life (his father was worth $179 million when he died in 1927), but he did . Jock Whitney went to Groton and to Yale and he apparently was never salaried until he entered the A rmy as an officer during World War II, a conflict duringwhich he was captured by and escaped from the Germans in France. Mr. Whitney has always, by Mr. Kahn's account, understood that he was often loved by others than close friends for more than his personality alone. Speaking before a group that was conferring an honor on him, he once said: ''I think it is queer that though I have worked at journalism, I am here today primarily because I am a millionaire. It is not polite to go into that sort of thing. Heaven knows it is not comfortable.'' It is with this sort of detailed reporting, by quotation and by documentable incident, that Mr. Kahn covers, apparently in full, the life of Mr. Whitney. It is by writing down the ascertainable that the picture of his personality - an intelligent, concerned man with a talent for bringing together those who are poles apart - emerges. Mr. Kahn rarely betrays an affection for his subject, although it occasionally peeks through the flow of facts as though by inadvertence. Each sentence, with style and sophistication, pushes forward the narrative with an offering of new information, laced at times with witty comment. There are no unanswered questions. Indeed some questions that might never be asked are answered, but such divegations certainly do not ramble; rather they admirably put eras and persons into proper context. In the final pages of this wholly absorbing, if cooly written, story of an unusual life, Mr. Kahn explains why Mr. Whitney is worth a book: ''He had epitomized, in a world of increasing egalitarianism, the vanishing patrician. For he had been a philanthropist in the very best sense of that word - a man who combined generosity (and self-indulgence) with fairness, decency and, so important in his day and age, a genuine social conscience.'' It is an epitaph, not for Mr. Whitney, who is still with us, but for a class that Mr. Kahn, with obvious regret, feels is on its way to joining the zeppelin, the five-cent fare and the ice box in mankind's cabinet of memories.

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Books - Rich Man's Tale - NYTimes.com

JOCK. The Life and Times of John Hay Whitney. By E. J. Kahn Jr. 339 pages. Doubleday. $19.95. JOHN HAY WHITNEY, who is now in his late 70's and virtually retired from the full public and financial activities that charted the course of so much of his life, is one of that patrician breed that arouses such mixed feelings in Americans. We admire such folk for their distinguished bloodlines, even their wealth and their educated assurance of right and wrong; yet those same very qualities are suspect in a country whose platitudes are rooted in concepts of equality.

20150602192132

Lawyer Muhammad Rifan speaks with the media. (AAP) A Bali lawyer who claims bribery and politics interfered in the death sentencing of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran will be quizzed next week. On the eve of the men's executions last month, Muhammad Rifan alleged judges who sentenced the men in 2006 asked for more than $130,000 for a lighter sentence. Mr Rifan indicated he wished to withdraw the claims after the executions but the judicial commission had already launched a probe. Commissioner Imam Anshori Saleh told AAP on Thursday the matter was still under investigation, with Mr Rifan to be questioned in Bali next week. Mr Imam says because it is an ethical probe, witnesses don't have to be sworn in and commission staff will interview Mr Rifan in private. "We would like to know why he said that in the first place and then why he withdrew it," he said. "Because it's a public report, we can't reject it, we have to follow it up. "Whether it's proven or not, that's another matter. "We want the public to have open and accessible justice and the judicial commission is the bridge for that." The complaint was lodged by lawyers fighting to save Chan and Sukumaran from the death penalty. They argued the men shouldn't have been executed before the claims were investigated. Mr Rifan was the pair's lawyer when they went on trial for their part in the 2005 Bali Nine plot to smuggle heroin out of Indonesia. He first made claims of "interference" in February, and as the men went to the firing squad last month, revealed judges had asked for $130,000 to give a prison term of less than 20 years but withdrew the offer on orders from Jakarta to impose a death penalty. Do you have any news photos or videos?

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Ex-Bali Nine lawyer to meet on bribe claim

Indonesia's judicial commission is preparing to interview the former lawyer for Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran over bribery allegations.

20150610151833

Savvas Savopoulos and his wife Amy (left) and Jordan Wallace (right) 06/08/2015 AT 12:45 PM EDT From the beginning of their investigation, police believed there were multiple people involved in the of Savvas Savopoulos, his wife Amy, their 10-year-old son Philip and the family housekeeper on May 22, they immediately made it clear they suspected he had help. "We believe he did not act alone," a police spokesperson told PEOPLE last week. to Jordan Wallace, a 28-year-old driver who claimed to have delivered $40,000 in cash to the family's home on the day their upscale mansion was set on fire. Wallace has not been identified as a suspect, but court documents obtained by PEOPLE show that police executed a search warrant of Wallace's car and recovered a laptop, an external hard drive, two backpacks and his passport. According to the application for a search warrant, police started noting discrepancies in Wallace's story during their first interview. "Wallace stated he received a call from Mr. Savopoulos on Thursday morning, May 14, 2015, and was directed to report to the office to pick up a package and return the package to Mr. Savopoulos," the document reads. "As detectives continued to question Wallace, Wallace changed his account of the events regarding how he received the package, where he left the package, and when he was told to get the package." "Due to the facts in this affidavit, [the officer] believes probable cause exists, that located inside the target vehicle is evidence … linking Jordan Wallace to this offense," the affidavit continues. On his social media, Wallace seemed proud of his new job – and the displays of wealth that it afforded. In his now-deleted Instagram account, Wallace posted several photos of the Savopoulouses' Porsche before the murders. "Another day on the job," he wrote under one photo. "My office today is pretty nice! #porsche #livingthedream" In text messages to his girlfriend, he in cash that he had allegedly delivered. As the investigation heads into its fourth week, authorities are trying to determine any connections between Wallace and Wint. Although they both worked for American Iron Works, their employment never overlapped. (Wint worked for the company for a short time several years ago; Wallace had just been hired in April.) , Wint and Wallace had lived in the same apartment complex several years ago – and police are "aware" of a link between the two men. "The investigation is ongoing," a police spokesman for the D.C. Metropolitan Police tells PEOPLE. "We will continue to investigate any and all possibilities." Wallace has not returned PEOPLE's emails or calls for comment.

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Why Are Police Investigating Jordan Wallace? : People.com

Jordan Wallace claims he delivered $40,000 in cash to the home of Savvas Savopoulos before it was set on fire

20150824001315

The South Korean electronics giant has already released six smartwatches, including the 3G-capable Gear S. But Eom said the company had no plans to take its foot off the gas pedal. "The wearable market has a huge potential. So we are making heavy investment in R&D…. I would say a significant portion of our investment is around wearables and we will be ready in time to deal with the market trend," he said. Smart wearable device shipments are expected to reach 116 million units in 2017 compared to the 17 million estimated last year, according to Juniper Research, with wrist wearables set to dominate. Some doubt was cast over the viability of the space when Google said it was ending its current version of Glass. But products by Samsung, Apple and a number of other manufacturers highlight that other tech giants are not shying away from wearables. Eom's comments came as Samsung unveiled a host of connected home products at its stakeholder event. Speaking to CNBC, the executive laid out his vision about how Samsung's smartphones and wearables would connect to these devices. "We have a product roadmap for the next three years and we will bring more connectivity through our next product range… By 2020, we'd like to connect all of our products together," Eom, who recently took the job as Samsung's European chief, said. Read MoreWhy Samsung could dominate Apple and Google in the smart home Last August, Samsung acquired SmartThings, a platform which allows users to control devices through their mobile phones, in an effort to bolster its connected-home capabilities. Samsung has already released a number of internet-connected home appliances, such as fridges and washing machines, and is hoping to connect items like these to its smartwatches and smartphones. "In Europe there are 18 different gadgets and appliances on average in a home and if we are connecting them…to bring additional benefit, it will be great. Our smartphone technology is clearly capable for us to be leading the connected home market," Eom told CNBC. Samsung is ramping up investment in the smart-home space, but analysts said it needed to convince consumers of the value. "I think there still are issues over the value proposition and that needs to be overcome to bring connected homes in to the mainstream," Steffen Sorrell, senior analyst at Juniper Research, told CNBC by phone.

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Samsung keeps the faith in wearable tech

Samsung has dismissed the threat to its smartwatch range from the Apple Watch, and has ramped up investment in the category.

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Shoppers on the hunt for more of an investment set will still find price breaks. Even some cutting-edge ultrahigh-definition set (also called 4K technology) are on sale. At Best Buy, a 55-inch LG LED 4K set with 3-D and Web connectivity is 14 percent off, at $3,000. But buying may be a bit premature for most shoppers. There's not much 4K content yet to justify the premium. "The prices on those, you're probably not going to see many less than $3,000, although this is an industry that eats its young," Barry said. "You're going to see those prices start to come down." (Read more: Ultrahigh-definition TVs steal CES spotlight) A more solid bet: Consider trading up to a "smart" TV that connects to the Internet and, in some cases, your smartphone or tablet. "We're starting to see that's a more sought-after feature," said Arnold. Sets often run $100 or so higher than comparable models without that capability. The smart TV advantage: Users can access content from the Web and their devices right on the set, as well as sync devices to pull up content related to what's on screen (such as football stats). Some apps also let smart-set owners stream video to their tablet (for crucial snack runs to the kitchen) or set up a virtual gathering (with fans who live elsewhere), said Barry. If you're in the market for a tablet, some retailers are bundling them with smart TVs. Through Feb. 8, for example, Amazon is offering a free Galaxy Tab 3 (regularly $300) with the purchase of one of nine select Samsung smart TV models. The sets, which start at sale prices of $1,098, are already discounted 35 percent or better. Sports fans may also want to hunt for a high refresh rate, which better captures on-screen motion, said Arnold. "It provides a little more realistic experience," he said. —By CNBC's Kelli B. Grant. Follow her on Twitter @Kelligrant and on Google.

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Why the Super Bowl makes for super TV sales

Believe it or not, the Super Bowl offers some of the best TV sales of the year. Here's how to find the best deals.

20150908203005

In his new book, “The Cinema of Errol Morris,” David Resha examines nine of Morris’s films, including “The Fog of War,” the Oscar-winning documentary about Robert McNamara. Errol Morris doesn’t so much record reality as question it in his films. Perhaps more accurately, he ponders what we think about when we think about what’s real. His is a variation on the old Watergate question — what do we know and how do we know it? — but with an epistemological, not political spin. Invariably, this approach infuriates some critics. Why doesn’t he condemn the guilty? Why does he seem to ridicule the innocent, deluded, or strange? Those questions and others are answered in David Resha’s recently published “The Cinema of Errol Morris” (Wesleyan University), the first — and long overdue — comprehensive book about the provocative, pioneering, Cambridge-based filmmaker. An assistant professor of media and film studies at Birmingham-Southern College, Resha writes in the introduction, “Morris’s interests in exploring human subjectivity also reveals the capacity of documentaries to engage something subtle, delicate, and concealed: the ways in which people view the world and themselves.” Guided by this insight, Resha analyzes nine of Morris’s films, from 1978’s “Gates of Heaven” (called “one of the 10 greatest films of all time” by Roger Ebert) to 2010’s “Tabloid” (deemed a “celluloid catastrophe” by the film’s subject, Joyce McKinney, who sued Morris and lost). But it does not include the most recent, “The Unknown Known” (2013), an inquiry into the thought processes of former secretary of defense Donald Rumsfeld, which is unfortunate because the title alone epitomizes Morris’s goals and methods. Resha also studies Morris’s commercials and TV work, including his short-lived 2000-01 Bravo TV and IFC series “Errol Morris’ First Person.” A Fox executive quoted by Resha suggests that “First Person” failed because “there’s just too much new here.” Indeed, where else will you find stories like “I Dismember Mama,” about a cryonics expert who might have frozen his mother’s head while she was still alive, or “You’re Soaking in It,” about a woman who goes into the forensic cleanup business after her son blows his brains out with a shotgun. This playful, horrified fascination with the macabre, bizarre, and morbid is an aspect of Morris’s sensibility that perhaps gets insufficient attention in Resha’s book. “No art form can give us truth on a silver platter,” writes filmmaker Errol Morris as he examines the relationship between film and reality. Be that as it may, Resha applies the same approach to each of Morris’s works, analyzing them according to “Style,” “Structure,” and “Voice.” The latter category offers the most insight as it confronts the difficulty some have with Morris’s point of view. He seems at times to make fun of the less powerful, like “Tabloid” subject McKinney, while offering a free pass to the privileged, like Robert McNamara, the US secretary of defense who presided over the Vietnam War, in the Oscar-winning “The Fog of War” (2003). Resha disagrees. As he says of Morris’s documentary about the Abu Ghraib scandal, “Standard Operating Procedure” (2008), Morris regards such realities as “not the result of an inherently evil person or power structure but rather intimately connected to the peculiarities of the human experience.” At a time when opinion trumps understanding, and condemnation is preferred over comprehension, such “subjective objectivity” (for want of a better term) is an endangered virtue.

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Errol Morris, from the screen to the page

David Resha’s recently published “The Cinema of Errol Morris” (Wesleyan University Press), is the first comprehensive book about the provocative, pioneering, Cambridge-based filmmaker.

20150912161835

OLEAN, New York, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Amid the rolling mountains surrounding this quiet town in southwest New York state, tucked away on miles-long stretches of underused rail tracks, hundreds of idle oil tank cars attest to the extent of fallout from oil's rout. The oil tank cars - a year ago sought-after to haul crude from North Dakota to New Jersey - now stand idle as a result of two converging trends: the reversal in U.S. shale oil production and the completion of new pipelines. They show how the pain from the slump in the oil-by-rail industry has spread far and wide. Big rail lines, such as Berkshire Hathaway-owned BNSF Railways or Union Pacific are losing what used to be their fastest-growing source of new traffic; refiners such as PBF Energy are left with millions of dollars worth of unused rolling stock; and leasing firms such as Trinity Industries and Greenbrier Companies Inc have seen monthly rates fall to a third of peaks above $2000 per car. There is one winner, though. Short-line railroads from Utah to Pennsylvania are making millions of dollars every month by providing refiners, producers and traders a place to park their unused tank cars. Outside this town of 14,000, along sidings that once helped ship vast volumes of coal, lumber and other raw materials during the region's industrial heyday, the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad is now collecting fees for about 800 cars. "They've been here for about five months, and we hear rumors more are coming," Carl Belke, chief operating officer for the line, told Reuters. WNY&P's main rail line is about 190 miles (306 km) long. By comparison, BNSF has 32,500 route miles in 32 states. Gennessee and Wyoming, the nation's largest short line rail road, is collecting as much as $5 a day on each of about 2,000 idle crude rail cars in Utah, the Midwest and Canada, according to chief commercial officer Michael Miller. The company is also storing up to 700 frac sand cars, as plummeting oil prices have pushed production into reverse for the first time in five years. Demand has been rising since late last year, accelerating further in the past three months, Miller said. Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad and the North Shore railroads in Pennsylvania are also storing cars, according to company officials. Neither company would provide specific numbers. To be sure, the extra revenue offsets only some of the income lost because of a drop in traffic caused by declining coal use and slowing crude shipments. "We'd much rather be moving cars than storing them," Miller said. Still, rail car storage is a fast-growing business. In addition to oil traffic decline, tens of thousands of cars may need to be retrofitted or replaced to meet tough new safety regulations. "Clearly, the number of cars being displaced over the coming months exceeds the existing capacity for storage," Todd Cecil, vice president at Chicago-based Iowa Pacific Holdings said in a July news release announcing its storage expansion plans. The short rail company also said it already had three unit trains in storage in Colorado and was planning to use its tracks in upstate New York, along with others, to capitalize on demand for up to 50,000 cars that it expects to come off the tracks as the new rules are phased in. Short line railroads have traditionally served as a temporary storage hub for underused rail cars, particularly in regions where industry has shut down or scaled back. "Simply, they have the space," Barton Jennings, a professor of supply chain management at Western Illinois University, said. "Many of these short lines have a one or two customers and they can utilize their sidings for storage. Also, they are located at the beginning or end of a trip, so it makes sense." Crude shipments by rail soared to 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) in December 2014, or more than a tenth of total U.S. production, from 20,000 bpd in 2009, but volumes have been falling since the start of this year, according to the data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (Graphic:http://link.reuters.com/xag55w) Some of the decline may reflect lower demand from refiners such as PBF, which found it cheaper to import crude this year than to haul it by rail from North Dakota, where most traffic originates. While the firm has invested in new facilities to allow its two East Coast refineries to unload up to 210,000 bpd of crude oil from rail cars, it only ran about 60,000 bpd in the second quarter, less than its contractual amount, CEO Tom Nimbley told investors last month. Shipments are set to fall to as little as 40,000 bpd this quarter. Rival refinery Phillips 66 has also cut oil-by-rail shipments. "We actually set cars on the siding. We brought imported crudes in the system," CEO Greg Garland recently told investors. In addition, construction of several new pipelines from North Dakota to a major storage facility in Cushing, Oklahoma, has been completed, providing a cheaper alternative for shippers and further reducing demand for tank cars. For the first time since 2012, pipeline shipments from North Dakota are due to overtake exports by rail, state data shows. If the slump in shipments and tank car glut persists companies could consider scrapping some cars, though analysts say it is unlikely. "It's too big of a write off," said Taylor Robinson, president of PLG Consulting, which works with crude by rail firms."They will hold on to them and hope things improve. These are 30-40 year assets." (Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)

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Big Rail's little cousins find boon in U.S. oil-by-rail bust

The oil tank cars- a year ago sought-after to haul crude from North Dakota to New Jersey- now stand idle as a result of two converging trends: the reversal in U.S. shale oil production and the completion of new pipelines. Big rail lines, such as Berkshire Hathaway- owned BNSF Railways or Union Pacific are losing what used to be their fastest-growing source of new...

20150916080101

Over at Kohl's, a mid-tier department store chain that also serves a price-conscious clientele, the mood was bleak after the company said its comparable sales fell 1.6 percent last quarter. Kevin Mansell, Kohl's chairman, president and CEO did not account for the weak quarterly results in the company's earnings report, saying only, "As we enter the holiday season, we believe we are well-positioned from a merchandise content and inventory perspective to gain market share. We have increased our marketing spending and improved its impact and reach in order to drive higher traffic to our stores and on-line." (Read more: Kohl's shares stumble after earnings miss) But later, on the call with analysts, Mansell was more frank. "Let's be clear: we were disappointed in the third quarter results," he said. He noted that Kohl's e-commerce business only grew 15 percent for the quarter, which is lower than historical growth. "If we had not replatformed (e-commerce) , we were not going to be able to reach our full potential online," Mansell said. "It's not a fourth quarter initiative, its' a next three years initiative that just went through. We knew it was going to hurt our online business." Wal-Mart said comparable sales at its U.S. stores, its biggest unit, fell 0.3 percent in the third quarter ended on Oct. 31, in part because of price reductions on televisions and sluggish sales of toys and packaged foods. Analysts had expected flat U.S. comparable sales, which include those online and at stores open at least a year. Business was also slower than expected at its Sam's Club chain and in key markets like Canada and Mexico, but the company's e-commerce operation and small-format stores performed well. Wal-Mart caters to lower-income customers, who have been reluctant to spend this year because of higher payroll taxes and slow job growth. The retailer and analysts do not expect that caution to abate this holiday period. "That low-end consumer is just not willing to step out and buy those discretionary items," said Edward Jones analyst Brian Yarbrough. (Read more: These retailers pushing the envelope on Black Friday) To compete against retailers such as Amazon.com and Target, Wal-Mart began its holiday sales earlier than last year and is advertising more heavily. Wal-Mart U.S. Chief Executive Officer Bill Simon told reporters that the company would also "invest" in prices, its term for cutting them. But some analysts were not convinced that would be enough. "Lowering prices no longer drives an offsetting increase in traffic which has been the lifeblood of Wal-Mart," said Ken Murphy, a senior vice president at Standard Life Investments. Wal-Mart lowered its full-year forecast and now expects earnings of $5.11 to $5.21 per share, compared with an earlier outlook of $5.10 to $5.30. The company said it still expected sales to rise 3 percent to 5 percent in fiscal 2015, which begins in February. Earlier this week, the world's largest retailer announced it will begin its in-store Black Friday sales at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, two hours earlier than last year. In addition, Wal-Mart.com will begin offering Black Friday sales on a limited number of items Thursday morning—likely before the turkey is even in the oven. —By NBC News and wire reports

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Holiday shopping season looking bleak for Wal-Mart, Kohl's

Wal-Mart forecast a disappointing Thanksgiving-to-Christmas season, saying it expects sales to be flat, and Kohl's said it would spend more on ads.

20151204030125

Jared Leto as the Joker in Suicide Squad 12/01/2015 AT 02:30 PM EST When Leto signed on to play The Joker in the upcoming film , he knew he had some big shoes to fill. Not only is the character one of the most iconic villains in comic book history, but the actor is following in the footsteps of , who have both taken on the role of the psychotic clown prince of crime. And while Leto, 43, has already impressed many die-hard Batman fans with his transformation into a modern-day, of The Joker, it's Nicholson and Ledger whom he wants to make proud. In an Instagram posted Monday, Leto shared a photo featuring a combination of Ledger's character from 2008's and Nicholson's role in 1989's As the two pose as The Joker from their respective films, overset text on the black-and-white photo reads, "Don't worry, Leto will make us proud." Leto simply captioned the photo with a green heart. While on set, Leto was committed to giving the best performance possible as The Joker. In fact, he took it so seriously that costar , who plays anti-hero Deadshot, said he's never met Leto – instead, he's only spoken to him as The Joker. "I've never actually met Jared Leto. We worked together for six months and we've never exchanged a word outside of 'action' and 'cut.' We've never said 'hello,' " he told . "I've only spoken to him as Deadshot and him as The Joker. Smith said that when he runs into Leto in the future, he feels like they would need to introduce themselves to each other. "I literally have not met him yet. So the first time I see him will be, 'Hey, Jared, what's up? Will, hey man, how you doing? Nice to meet you.' Not a single word exchanged off-camera. He was all in on The Joker!" hits theaters Aug. 5, 2016.

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Jared Leto as the Joker" Wants to Make Heath Ledger, Jack Nicholson Proud : People.com

Jared Leto posted an Instagram featuring Heath Ledger and Jack Nicholson with text that reads, "Don't worry, Leto will make us proud"

20151209130026

The launch of NASA's deep-space Orion capsule for a test flight around Earth was delayed on Thursday after a last-minute technical problem with its rocket, NASA said. United Launch Alliance, a partnership of Lockheed Martin and Boeing that builds and flies the Delta 4 rocket, plans to try again at 7:05 a.m. EST (1205 GMT) on Friday. Gusty winds at the seaside spaceport initially postponed the launch for more than an hour Thursday morning. Read MoreNASA (and Lockheed) bet big on spacecraft 'Orion' The countdown was restarted after the weather cleared, but was halted again when two valves on the rocket apparently failed to close about three minutes before liftoff. With the glitch unresolved before the end of Thursday's two-and-a-half hour launch window, Orion's test flight was postponed. "Despite the valiant attempts of the launch teams and mission managers  we basically ran out of time in trying to troubleshoot the last of the issues,'' said NASA launch commentator Michael Curie. For its orbital debut Orion, which is flying without a crew, is expected to soar as far as 3,600 miles (5,800 km) from Earth so that it can slam back into the atmosphere at a speed of about 20,000 mph (32,000 km/h), giving its heat shield a workout of 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,200 degrees Celsius). Read More Google needs space; rents NASA airfield Splashdown in the Pacific Ocean is expected about four-and-a-half hours after launch. Eventually, NASA plans to use Orion capsules to fly astronauts to and from Mars. NASA already has spent more than $9 billion developing Orion, which will make a second test flight without crew in about four years. A third mission, expected around 2021, will include two astronauts on a flight that will send the capsule into a high orbit around the moon. Since the end of the Apollo moon program in 1972, the United States and the rest of the space-faring world have flown crews only into orbits that are a few hundred miles from Earth. "This flight is a big step toward fulfilling a promise we made to the American people when we retired the space shuttle that we are going to take that money and build some incredible vehicles that can do amazing things,'' said astronaut Rex Walheim. Read MoreSpace's greatest hits: NASA uses SoundCloud for space playlist

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Technical problem delays NASA Orion capsule launch till Friday

The launch of NASA's Orion capsule on a test flight around Earth was delayed after a last-minute technical problem with its rocket.

20151219231608

Security camera footage captured the alleged assailant. 12/17/2015 AT 08:45 AM EST A 16-year-old foreign exchange student from China was slashed in the face by an unknown assailant Wednesday morning as she walked to school in Queens, New York, police confirm to PEOPLE. The student, whose name was not made public, was walking east on 13th Avenue near 147th Street in the Whitestone neighborhood at around 8:20 a.m. when she was attacked. The incident was caught on a local security camera. "She's slashed in her face, twice," Robert K. Boyce, the New York Police Department's chief of detectives, tells . "Once from her ear to her throat, to the middle of her throat, and another part of the face as well." The attack "came out of nowhere," Boyce added. The girl's injuries were not considered life-threatening. The attacker, who was wearing a surgical mask during the attack, has not yet been apprehended, the NYPD tells PEOPLE early Thursday. "This is terrible," the girl's aunt, who was said to be her guardian, told the . "She was on the way to school, only an eight-minute walk, when she was attacked. She was carrying a cup of hot chocolate." The aunt said the girl's wounds were "so deep. There was so much blood … We hope he gets caught." The girl was treated at LIJ Children's Hospital. An employee there told the that the injuries could have been much worse. "She could have died," the employee said. "She is going to be OK. She is not going to die. She got hurt." The suspect was said to be possibly in his 20s and wearing a surgical mask, white gloves and a gray hooded sweatshirt with black stripes on the sleeves.

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16-Year-Old Girl Is Slashed in the Face While Walking to School in Queens

The suspect, who used a box cutter and was wearing surgical mask, was still at large Thursday morning

20151223114423

Photo: Julie Jacobson, Associated Press The Panthers’ Cam Newton is the NFL’s leading rusher among quarterbacks and keys a 14-0 team. The Panthers’ Cam Newton is the NFL’s leading rusher among quarterbacks and keys a 14-0 team. Panthers lead NFL with 10 players picked for Pro Bowl NEW YORK — Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers are two wins from a perfect regular season. They are also a perfect 10 when it comes to the Pro Bowl. The Panthers led the NFL with 10 players selected Tuesday for the All-Star game. Newton was picked for the third time, and five of the quarterback’s teammates were first-time picks, including cornerback Josh Norman and linebacker Thomas Davis. “It’s truly an honor to be selected to the Pro Bowl,” Davis said. “All the hard work and dedication I’ve put into the game has paid off. I’m extremely excited and I couldn’t be more thankful to the fans who took their time to vote me in, as well as my fellow players and coaches. “To have 10 guys selected says a lot about our team. It says a lot about our fans and how highly they thought of us this season, and I think it says a lot about the way our season has gone. I’m excited and thankful to be part of the 10.” Newton was joined by five offensive teammates: running back Jonathan Stewart, tight end Greg Olsen, fullback Mike Tolbert, center Ryan Kalil and guard Trai Turner. Other Carolina defensive players chosen were middle linebacker Luke Kuechly and defensive tackle Kawann Short. Seattle, Arizona and New England each had seven players selected. Cincinnati and Kansas City each had five players. Leading the way for the Seahawks was quarterback Russell Wilson, the only member of the offense picked. The rest of the selections were defensive end Michael Bennett, safety Kam Chancellor, special teamer Tyler Lockett, cornerback Richard Sherman, safety Earl Thomas and linebacker Bobby Wagner. Patriots star Tom Brady was selected for the 11th time, the most of any of this season’s picks. Among the other Patriots honored were tight end Rob Gronkowski and cornerback Malcolm Butler, whose last-minute interception clinched New England’s Super Bowl win over Seattle. NFC West champion Arizona was paced by quarterback Carson Palmer, receiver Larry Fitzgerald and cornerback Patrick Peterson. Safety Tyrann Mathieu was selected, but will miss the game after tearing his ACL in Sunday’s win over Philadelphia. Wide receiver A.J. Green, defensive tackle Geno Atkins, tight end Tyler Eifert, safety Reggie Nelson and offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth were selected from Cincinnati. It’s the most Bengals selected since the 2005 season. Also selected was Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who has 91 catches for 1,396 yards and 13 touchdowns, tied for the league lead. Beckham was given a one-game suspension Monday for his conduct Sunday against Carolina, when he drew three personal foul penalties. Twenty-five players selected were first-timers, including three rookies: the Rams’ Todd Gurley, Lockett and the Chiefs’ Marcus Peters, an Oakland native. Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin will serve as alumni team captains for the Pro Bowl teams. The draft will be Jan. 27. The Pro Bowl will be on Jan. 31 in Honolulu.

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Panthers lead NFL with 10 players picked for Pro Bowl

Panthers lead NFL with 10 players picked for Pro Bowl Newton was picked for the third time, and five of the quarterback’s teammates were first-time picks, including cornerback Josh Norman and linebacker Thomas Davis. Other Carolina defensive players chosen were middle linebacker Luke Kuechly and defensive tackle Kawann Short. The rest of the selections were defensive end Michael Bennett, safety Kam Chancellor, special teamer Tyler Lockett, cornerback Richard Sherman, safety Earl Thomas and linebacker Bobby Wagner. NFC West champion Arizona was paced by quarterback Carson Palmer, receiver Larry Fitzgerald and cornerback Patrick Peterson. Wide receiver A.J. Green, defensive tackle Geno Atkins, tight end Tyler Eifert, safety Reggie Nelson and offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth were selected from Cincinnati. [...] selected was Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who has 91 catches for 1,396 yards and 13 touchdowns, tied for the league lead.

20160106055534

Twitter Inc. may be preparing to raise its character limit to the thousands from the current 140 for tweets, a person with knowledge of the matter said. The maximum number of characters in a post could be raised to as much as 10,000, or it could be half that, depending on how users respond to trials, said the person, who asked not be identified as the changes haven’t been decided. Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey has been pushing the company to think of ways to make the product more engaging. Last month, Twitter began experimenting with a new order that shows users the most relevant content first, instead the usual format of displaying recent posts in reverse chronological order. In August, Twitter removed the 140-character message for direct private messages sent between users. Re/code reported earlier on Tuesday that Twitter was considering the new limit. Aly Pavela, a spokeswoman for San Francisco-based Twitter, declined to comment. A rapid reaction spread across Twitter in the wake of the report: Just wanted to show you how long 10,000 characters is. $TWTR pic.twitter.com/XPeeKFQJOe In unending quest to ruin the product, Twitter execs press ahead w/ 10,000-character limit. https://t.co/P15vuu7C8B pic.twitter.com/wqJCIWeQjt I've read so many tweets and thought, "Man, if only this could go on for 9,860 more characters." https://t.co/ot63oHL3RC The problem with Twitter isn't that it limits users' thoughts to 140 characters. It's that it counts images and links towards that limit. In protest of the new Twitter rule, I will limit myself to 60 characters. I don?t believe the 140 limit goes away, it will just link to a Twitter based ?blog? they?re creating. Maybe Medium? Lots of outrage about Twitter's potential 10,000-character limit -- but if it's just a "read more" link, where's the harm?

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Twitter may raise character limit

No decisions have been made, but CEO Jack Dorsey has been pushing the company to think of ways to make the product more engaging.

20160523082432

A Biography of D. H. Kahnweiler, 1884-1979. Illustrated. 411 pp. New York: Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler was 23 years old when he opened his first art gallery in Paris. It occupied a tiny space on the Rue Vignon, near the Madeleine, and its aspiring proprietor did not have a single artist under contract. Indeed, he had hardly met any. The year was 1907 - an important date in the history of the Paris avant-garde. Like many of the people who took an avid interest in avant-garde developments in Paris at that historic moment, Kahnweiler was a foreigner - a German Jew, born in Mannheim, whose prosperous family had expected him to follow tradition by making a career in the stock market or the banking business. Instead, he decided to become an art dealer, and - what was even more shocking - a dealer in avant-garde art. ''He knew nothing about the business of selling art,'' Pierre Assouline writes in his biography of Kahnweiler, ''knowing more about art itself than about the art market.'' What Kahnweiler did possess in large measure, however, was a keen sensibility for the modernist art that was meeting with such adamant hostility from established opinion. For those in the know, of course, Paris loomed as the international capital of the modern movement - the magnet that drew ambitious, independent talent from every corner of the Western world - but neither the French public nor the French press was yet willing to grant the achievements of the modernists even minimal recognition. The rejection of everything avant-garde in Paris was still fierce and unforgiving. In 1907, the brunt of this philistine abuse was directed against Matisse and the Fauves - ''Wild Beasts'' - who had lately exhibited their audacious paintings in the Salon d'Automne (1905) and the Salon des Independants (1906). It was indicative of the course Kahnweiler set for himself that he promptly got to know Matisse and began acquiring pictures by the other Fauves - Andre Derain, Maurice de Vlaminck, Georges Braque and Kees van Dongen - for his new gallery. Matisse, though ridiculed in the press with the others, already commanded prices that were too high for Kahnweiler to handle at that early stage of his career, and Matisse was in any case attached to an established gallery (Bernheim-Jeune). None of the others were. It was through another German resident in Paris - the collector and writer Wilhelm Uhde, who was later to write a book titled ''Picasso and the French Tradition'' - that Kahnweiler met the artist with whom, above all others, his name would be forever linked. Pablo Picasso was then 26. He had just completed a large painting that left all of his artist friends deeply shocked. Uhde described it to Kahnweiler as ''Assyrian'' in style, and urged him to see it. Kahnweiler, who - as Mr. Assouline writes - ''knew nothing about Picasso,'' thus went to Picasso's studio to have a look at this strange ''Assyrian'' painting. It turned out that Picasso had already paid a visit to the gallery in the Rue Vignon with Ambroise Vollard, a dealer Kahnweiler greatly respected. With that irresistible touch of malice the young dealer would soon become familiar with, Picasso immediately repeated to Kahnweiler a disparaging comment Vollard had made about him on that occasion. ''Do you know what Vollard said to me on leaving your gallery?'' Picasso asked. ''He said, 'This is a young man whose family gave him a gallery for his first communion.' '' Kahnweiler was naturally wounded by this gibe, but he (characteristically) sloughed it off. He was transfixed by the painting - ''Les Demoiselles d'Avignon,'' as it was later called. ''When Kahnweiler finally saw the painting,'' Mr. Assouline writes, ''it came as a complete shock; he was astounded at first and then dazzled. He felt that something admirable, extraordinary, inconceivable had occurred. He was totally unprepared for this vision, and it stunned him. . . . It was wonderful, crazy, and monstrous at the same time, and yet moving. Without a doubt this work was completely new and important.'' For a work of art to be both new and important was already for Kahnweiler the key issue, and he had great confidence in his own judgment. The next day he returned to Picasso's studio to buy some of the paintings that were preliminary studies for ''Les Demoiselles.'' As for ''Les Demoiselles'' itself, Picasso wasn't ready to sell it and Kahnweiler wasn't then in a position to buy it. But a bond of a sort had been established between them. At the crucial moment Kahnweiler hadn't flinched. He had in fact responded with genuine excitement. Equally important, he acted upon his response with prompt cash purchases. ''Picasso was touched by his exceptional enthusiasm,'' Mr. Assouline writes. ''Kahnweiler was one of the few people to believe in him completely and absolutely at a moment when Picasso had touched bottom. . . . From that moment their fates were sealed.''

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The Man Who Held the Cubists Together

LEAD: AN ARTFUL LIFE A Biography of D. H. Kahnweiler, 1884-1979. By Pierre Assouline. Translated by Charles Ruas. Illustrated. 411 pp. New York: Grove Weidenfeld. $24.95.

20160523090058

Jacques Derrida, the Algerian-born, French intellectual who became one of the most celebrated and notoriously difficult philosophers of the late 20th century, died Friday at a Paris hospital, the French president's office announced. He was 74. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer, according to French television, The Associated Press reported. Mr. Derrida was known as the father of deconstruction, the method of inquiry that asserted that all writing was full of confusion and contradiction, and that the author's intent could not overcome the inherent contradictions of language itself, robbing texts -- whether literature, history or philosophy -- of truthfulness, absolute meaning and permanence. The concept was eventually applied to the whole gamut of arts and social sciences, including linguistics, anthropology, political science, even architecture. While he had a huge following -- larger in the United States than in Europe -- he was the target of as much anger as admiration. For many Americans, in particular, he was the personification of a French school of thinking they felt was undermining many of the traditional standards of classical education, and one they often associated with divisive political causes. Literary critics broke texts into isolated passages and phrases to find hidden meanings. Advocates of feminism, gay rights, and third-world causes embraced the method as an instrument to reveal the prejudices and inconsistencies of Plato, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Freud and other "dead white male" icons of Western culture. Architects and designers could claim to take a "deconstructionist" approach to buildings by abandoning traditional symmetry and creating zigzaggy, sometimes disquieting spaces. The filmmaker Woody Allen titled one of his movies "Deconstructing Harry," to suggest that his protagonist could best be understood by breaking down and analyzing his neurotic contradictions. A Code Word for Discourse Toward the end of the 20th century, deconstruction became a code word of intellectual discourse, much as existentialism and structuralism -- two other fashionable, slippery philosophies that also emerged from France after World War II -- had been before it. Mr. Derrida and his followers were unwilling -- some say unable -- to define deconstruction with any precision, so it has remained misunderstood, or interpreted in endlessly contradictory ways. Typical of Mr. Derrida's murky explanations of his philosophy was a 1993 paper he presented at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, in New York, which began: "Needless to say, one more time, deconstruction, if there is such a thing, takes place as the experience of the impossible." Mr. Derrida was a prolific writer, but his 40-plus books on various aspects of deconstruction were no more easily accessible. Even some of their titles -- "Of Grammatology," "The Postcard: From Socrates to Freud and Beyond," and "Ulysses Gramophone: Hear Say Yes in Joyce" -- could be off-putting to the uninitiated. "Many otherwise unmalicious people have in fact been guilty of wishing for deconstruction's demise -- if only to relieve themselves of the burden of trying to understand it," Mitchell Stephens, a journalism professor at New York University, wrote in a 1994 article in The New York Times Magazine. Mr. Derrida's credibility was also damaged by a 1987 scandal involving Paul de Man, a Yale University professor who was the most acclaimed exponent of deconstruction in the United States. Four years after Mr. de Man's death, it was revealed that he had contributed numerous pro-Nazi, anti-Semitic articles to a newspaper in Belgium, where he was born, while it was under German occupation during World War II. In defending his dead colleague, Mr. Derrida, a Jew, was understood by some people to be condoning Mr. de Man's anti-Semitism. Nonetheless, during the 1970's and 1980's, Mr. Derrida's writings and lectures gained him a huge following in major American universities -- in the end, he proved far more influential in the United States than in France. For young, ambitious professors, his teachings became a springboard to tenure in faculties dominated by senior colleagues and older, shopworn philosophies. For many students, deconstruction was a right of passage into the world of rebellious intellect. Jacques Derrida was born on July 15, 1930, in El-Biar, Algeria. His father was a salesman. At age 12, he was expelled from his French school when the rector, adhering to the Vichy government's racial laws, ordered a drastic cut in Jewish enrollment. Even as a teenager, Mr. Derrida (the name is pronounced day-ree-DAH) was a voracious reader whose eclectic interests embraced the philosophers Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Camus, and the poet Paul Valéry. But he could be an indifferent student. He failed his baccalaureate in his first attempt. He twice failed his entrance exam to the École Normal Supérieure, the traditional cradle of French intellectuals, where he was finally admitted in 1952. There he failed the oral portion of his final exams on his first attempt. After graduation in 1956, he studied briefly at Harvard University. For most of the next 30 years, he taught philosophy and logic at both the University of Paris and the École Normal Supérieure. Yet he did not defend his doctoral dissertation until 1980, when he was 50 years old. By the early 1960's, Mr. Derrida had made a name for himself as a rising young intellectual in Paris by publishing articles on language and philosophy in leading academic journals. He was especially influenced by the German philosophers, Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger. Both were strong critics of traditional metaphysics, a branch of philosophy which explored the basis and perception of reality. As a lecturer, Mr. Derrida cultivated charisma and mystery. For many years, he declined to be photographed for publication. He cut a dashing, handsome figure at the lectern, with his thick thatch of prematurely white hair, tanned complexion, and well-tailored suits. He peppered his lectures with puns, rhymes and enigmatic pronouncements, like, "Thinking is what we already know that we have not yet begun," or, "Oh my friends, there is no friend" Many readers found his prose turgid and baffling, even as aficionados found it illuminating. A single sentence could run for three pages, and a footnote even longer. Sometimes his books were written in "deconstructed" style. For example, "Glas" (1974) offers commentaries on the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and the French novelist Jean Genet in parallel columns of the book's pages; in between, there is an occasional third column of commentary about the two men's ideas. "The trouble with reading Mr. Derrida is that there is too much perspiration for too little inspiration," editorialized The Economist in 1992, when Cambridge University awarded the philosopher an honorary degree after a bruising argument among his supporters and critics on the faculty. Elsewhere in Europe, Mr. Derrida's deconstruction philosophy gained earlier and easier acceptance. Mr. Derrida appeared on the American intellectual landscape at a 1966 conference on the French intellectual movement known as structuralism at Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore. Its high priest was French anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss, who studied societies through their linguistic structure.

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Jacques Derrida, Abstruse Theorist, Dies at 74

Jacques Derrida, one of most celebrated and notoriously difficult philosophers of late 20th century, dies at age of 74; he was known as father of deconstruction, method of inquiry that asserts that all writing is full of confusion and contradiction, that author's intent could not overcome inherent contradictions of langugage itself, robbing texts of truthfulness, absolute meaning and permanence; photo (L)

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Noah Syndergaard brought two elements heretofore missing from the 111th World Series: He incited the dislike with the very first pitch of Game 3 Friday night, a pitch that sailed near Kansas City leadoff hitter Alcides Escobar’s head and unleashed a verbal barrage from the Royals dugout in real time and then again after the game. Syndergaard offered a few barbed retorts that only will heighten the on-field friction the rest of this series. But suddenly there is a rest of a series to care about beyond hostilities. That is because the Mets are back in the Fall Classic and that is pretty much on Syndergaard, too. For he went from reeling to dealing in Game 3. Nearly knocked out in the second inning to delivering the key pitch in the sixth. His tenacity and survival skills have changed everything in a World Series that is now tighter and tenser. The Mets won 9-3. They are within two games to one. And we now await Game 4 on Saturday night not only because the Mets have a chance to get even, but because the Royals do too — though in a completely different way. “If they have a problem with me throwing inside, then they can meet me 60 feet, 6 inches away,” Syndergaard said. “I’ve got no problem with that.” Them thar are fightin’ words. So now we see if there is fight beyond the normal parameters. This was not Red Sox-Yankees or Dodgers-Giants. Before 8:08 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2015, the Mets and Royals had no beef. But then Syndergaard threw the first pitch of Game 3, a 98-mph missile that sent Escobar sprawling. Maybe this would have passed without incident had Syndergaard not hinted at his intentions. When asked the previous day about handling Escobar, who has been hot because of his penchant for swinging at first-pitch fastballs, and do damage, Syndergaard said he “had a few tricks up his sleeve.” Normally, in the aftermath of such a high, hard one, pitchers will obfuscate about their true intent publicly. But Syndergaard admitted afterward that he summoned catcher Travis d’Arnaud upon arriving at Citi Field to tell him his plan was to go high and tight with Pitch 1 and break off a curve away for Pitch 2. Syndergaard insisted he did not want to hit Escobar, but “I feel like it really made a statement to start the game, that you guys can’t dig in and get too aggressive because I’ll come in there.” When informed the Royals believed he was head-hunting and asked to clarify what he was trying to do, Syndergaard replied, “My intent was to make them uncomfortable, and I feel like I did that. I know that for every postseason game that Escobar has swung at first-pitch fastball, and I didn’t think he would want to swing at that one.” That induced some chuckles in the press conference room, but the Royals were not laughing. Escobar said it was not right to throw at his head. Kansas City third baseman Mike Moustakas explained, “The whole team was pretty upset.” Syndergaard’s comments will only further trigger Royal anger. But to what extent? No one wants to get ejected from a World Series that is no longer one-sided. There were edgy moments when it looked as if Syndergaard might actually pitch the Mets into an 0-3 hole. In his first 10 batters, the big righty yielded six hits — all on fastballs of at least 97 mph — and three runs. He was two batters away from coming out in the second inning if he did not right himself. But he did. He found the release point on his slider and that enhanced his fastball and curve, especially when he worked down in the zone. He retired 12 in a row at one point before — with two outs in the sixth — allowing a single and his only two walks of the game to load the bases with two outs. Bartolo Colon was warmed. But Terry Collins liked how his rookie was doing and — with a 5-3 lead — perhaps invested his season in Syndergaard. “We needed the third out and I thought he was the guy to get it,” Collins said. He threw two outer-edge sliders that d’Arnaud described as “perfect.” One for a strike, the next beaten into the ground by Alex Rios. Wilmer Flores ranged behind second to field and throw out Rios, extinguishing Kansas City’s last real opportunity to overcome the Mets in Game 3. Syndergaard’s game was over, at least on the field. He had made the World Series tighter with six fortitude-dense innings and then made it tenser with a few comments that had some John Wayne and Nolan Ryan about them. Syndergaard went up and in, and long and effective. We have a different World Series because of that.

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Noah Syndergaard’s 98-mph bullet flipped World Series on its head

Noah Syndergaard brought two elements heretofore missing from the 111th World Series: Loathing and competition. He incited the dislike with the very first pitch of Game 3 Friday night, a pitch that…

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Before you go, we thought you'd like these... Tracy Morgan made some heartbreaking revelations about his near-fatal car accident in a new sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey. The interview, which will air on Winfrey's OWN Network on Sunday night, covers the dark, emotional time in the comedian's life. In it, he recounts an encounter at the gates of heaven with his late father. Tracy Morgan reveals encounter with late father after near-fatal car crash Tracy Morgan presents the award for outstanding drama series at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Actor Tracy Morgan speaks onstage during the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 20, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Actor Tracy Morgan speaks onstage during the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 20, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by FOX/FOX Collection/Getty Images) Tracy Morgan, right, and Jane Krakowski hug at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Tracy Morgan, Maven Sonae Morgan and Megan Wollover pose in the photo room at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater on September 20, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Dan MacMedan/WireImage) LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Actor Tracy Morgan and wife Megan Wollover pose in the press room at the 67th annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 20, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic) Tracy Morgan, left, and Megan Wollover pose in the press room at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Tracy Morgan, left, and Megan Wollover pose in the press room at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Tracy Morgan poses at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 20, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage) Tracy Morgan, left, and Megan Wollover pose in the press room at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) SEE ALSO: Martin Sheen believes O.J. is innocent, is producing a docu-series to prove it "When you're in a coma for 8-10 days, you're basically knocking on the door," Morgan said. "I dont know if I was in a coma or in and out of a coma, but I was talking to my dad. He had this green thing on, and I just remember him saying, 'I'm not ready for you son.'" See photos from the Tracy Morgan crash: Tracy Morgan reveals encounter with late father after near-fatal car crash In this image from video the limousine bus carrying Tracy Morgan and six other people lies on it's side early Saturday morning June 7, 2014 on the New Jersey Turnpike. Morgan remained hospitalized as state and federal officials continued their investigation of the six-vehicle crash on the New Jersey Turnpike that took the life of a Morgan friend and left two others seriously injured, authorities say. (AP Photo/Will Vaultz Photography) FILE - This April 28, 2012 file photo shows Tracy Morgan at The 2012 Comedy Awards in New York. Billboard announced Wednesday, April 17, 2013 that the 44-year-old will host the awards show on May 19, 2013 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes, File) In this image from video the Wal-Mart truck involved in the crash of the limousine bus carrying Tracy Morgan and six other people is seen early Saturday morning June 7, 2014 on the New Jersey Turnpike at the accident scene. Morgan remained hospitalized as state and federal officials continued their investigation of the six-vehicle crash on the New Jersey Turnpike that took the life of a Morgan friend and left two others seriously injured, authorities say. Wal-Mart President Bill Simon said in a statement a Wal-Mart truck was involved and that the company "will take full responsibility" if authorities determine that its truck caused the accident. (AP Photo/Will Vaultz Photography) Kevin Roper, center, arrives with his attorney David Jay Glassman, left, for a court appearance Wednesday, June 11, 2014, in New Brunswick, N.J. Roper, a Wal-Mart truck driver from Georgia, was charged with death by auto and four counts of assault by auto in the wake of a deadly chain-reaction crash on the New Jersey Turnpike early Saturday, June 7, 2014, that killed comedian James McNair and left actor-comedian Tracy Morgan and two others critically injured. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - MAY 06: Tracy Morgan speaks onstage at Spike TV's 'Don Rickles: One Night Only' on May 6, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Spike TV) In this image from video the limousine bus carrying Tracy Morgan and six other people lies on it's side, left, as emergency responders work the accident scene early Saturday morning June 7, 2014 on the New Jersey Turnpike. Morgan remained hospitalized as state and federal officials continued their investigation of the six-vehicle crash on the New Jersey Turnpike that took the life of a Morgan friend and left two others seriously injured, authorities say. (AP Photo/Will Vaultz Photography) Kevin Roper, second right, tries to walk past cameras blocking him as he arrives for a court appearance Wednesday, June 11, 2014, in New Brunswick, N.J. Roper, a Wal-Mart truck driver from Georgia, was charged with death by auto and four counts of assault by auto in the wake of a deadly chain-reaction crash on the New Jersey Turnpike early Saturday, June 7, 2014, that killed comedian James McNair and left actor-comedian Tracy Morgan and two others critically injured. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) Kevin Roper, walks past cameras blocking him as he arrives for a court appearance Wednesday, June 11, 2014, in New Brunswick, N.J. Roper, a Wal-Mart truck driver from Georgia, was charged with death by auto and four counts of assault by auto in the wake of a deadly chain-reaction crash on the New Jersey Turnpike early Saturday, June 7, 2014, that killed comedian James McNair and left actor-comedian Tracy Morgan and two others critically injured. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) This photo provided by the New Jersey State Police shows Kevin Roper. Roper, a Wal-Mart truck driver from Georgia, was charged with death by auto and four counts of assault by auto in the wake of a deadly chain-reaction crash on the New Jersey Turnpike early Saturday, June 7, 2014, that left actor-comedian Tracy Morgan and two others critically injured and another man dead. (AP Photo/New Jersey State Police) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - JUNE 11: Kevin Roper arrives for a court appearance at Middlesex County Courthouse on June 11, 2014 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Roper is the Walmart truck driver accused of causing the accident that critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan on Saturday, June 7. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images) Traffic moves pass the scene of a serious accident at milepost 71 on the northbound lanes of New Jersey Turnpike on Saturday, June 7, 2014 near Cranbury, N.J. Comedian Tracy Morgan is in critical condition following an early morning accident on the New Jersey Turnpike. The comedian was injured in a crash involving six vehicles that left at least one person dead and several others, including Morgan, with serious injuries. (AP Photo/David Gard) This Friday, April 21, 2013 image released by South Beach Comedy Festival shows comedian Tracy Morgan performing during the 8th Annual South Beach Comedy Festival in Miami Beach, Fla. The comedy festival runs through April 21. (AP Photo/South Beach Comedy Festival 2013, Mitchell Zachs) Host Tracy Morgan speaks on stage at the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, May 19, 2013 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) The traumatic June 2014 car accident in New Jersey resulted in the death of fellow comedian James McNair and almost caused Morgan to lose his own life. "I just started crying so hard," he continued. "I was crying hard -- probably harder than I cried during the funeral -- and I just kept saying, 'Dad!' 'cause he was my best friend in life." OWN will air the entire interview on Sunday, April 3. Watch the video below for more of Morgan's revelations: More from AOL.com: Rihanna goes topless for intimate, black & white 'Kiss It Better' video Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Russell Crowe to host 'Saturday Night Live' 'Inside Amy Schumer' teaser reveals huge 'Game of Thrones' 'spoiler' (Video)

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Tracy Morgan reveals encounter with late father after near-fatal car crash

Tracy Morgan sat down in an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey in which he reveals that he talked to his father in heaven during his coma.

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PANAMA CITY, Panama—On a recent Tuesday morning, Captain Fernando Jaen was piloting a cargo ship through the Panama Canal’s new set of intimidatingly narrow locks. “The times we’ve had conversations, we ended up crashing,” Capt. Jaen said. “You have to concentrate.” Moments later, a tiny miscalculation sent the ship’s midsection on a course to brush the wall. If the impact were severe, Capt. Jaen knew that he, and possibly the entire crew, might be plunged into the watery abyss below—which, in this case, might have required everybody to take a break and change their socks. The Panama Canal evokes romantic images of seafaring precision and derring-do. Here, at a new $8 million training facility for freighter pilots, the only outsize thing is the potential for embarrassment. Experienced Canal pilots climb aboard miniature battery-powered ships with little engines, little rudders and little anchors all meticulously constructed to match the dimensions of real cargo vessels in 1-to-25 scale. They traverse a scale replica of the canal where the water ranges from about 2 feet to six-and-half feet deep. There is nothing Titanic here. About the length of two pickup trucks, the ships have room for two to four sailors to safely stand or sit on their decks, which are sometimes piled with faux cargo containers that double as chairs. When it gets cramped, pilots switch around to stretch their legs. The “tugmasters” who join them steer suitcase-sized tugboats by joystick on a remote control. It is all part of what Panama Canal Authority officials refer to as a laboratory for maneuvers—a roughly 10-acre scale remake of the real Canal, complete with elfin docks, locks and a clone of the Culebra Cut that connects two man-made lakes in which several stations along the Canal are re-created. “For everyone that comes in, they kind of laugh at the beginning. They look like toys,” said Capt. Jose Burgos, a Panama Canal pilot and training officer. “That’s the rub.” In a recent practice run, Capt. Londor A. Rankin, the Panama Canal Pilots Union’s Secretary-General, and a pilot with more than 30 years of experience, hit a bank. A rubber stopper resembling a clown’s nose on the boat’s submerged bow softened the blow. Capt. Rankin straightened his vessel for another round of bumper ships. The effect on his pride was life-size. “It made my ego feel this small,” he said, gesturing with his hands. “You have to respect the vessels in the simulator, as well as we respect the vessels in real life because they react very similar.” The facility, which opened in March, is the newest of a handful of tiny training centers, including ones in France, Australia and the U.S., where maritime professionals come to practice driving gargantuan vessels without actually driving gargantuan vessels, which is impractical. “When we’re piloting ships, we’re doing it for our customers. You don’t practice things on your customers,” said Capt. Alison Buckler, talking about a training course she took at the Maritime Pilots Institute in Louisiana. She had her picture taken from the stern of a miniature cargo ship. She later posted it to Facebook. Her mother wrote “Cute!” “It looks like a little boat,” said Capt. Buckler, who’s been a pilot for 12 years. “People don’t get it, but in our world, people get it.” The new Panama center runs parallel to the real Culebra Cut in Summit, a region of Panama City, among lush hills brimming with monkeys and the occasional crocodile, one of which recently wandered into the training lakes. It was promptly evicted and a fence went up. As the Panama Canal nears the end of a nine-year, $5 billion expansion to accommodate bigger ships, scheduled to open June 26, the Canal Authority plans to train its roughly 250 pilots on the new waterways. They are also using computer simulators, but animations can’t fully replicate the feel of wind and water currents. Working on physical models provides a just-right dose of reality without life-size risks, said Nick Cutmore, secretary-general for the International Maritime Pilots Association, which promotes manned-model training. At Summit and similar facilities, sea pilots get a dress rehearsal for disaster on a diminutive scale: malfunctioning electrical systems, stuck anchors, broken rudders. Miniatures can be used to replicate all kinds of complicated real-life situations. With CyberCity, a 48-square-foot, 1-to-87 scale fake town, cybersecurity experts train to protect unsuspecting citizens from hackers. Two tabletop CyberCity settlements in New Jersey and Colorado, built by the SANS Institute, react to cybercriminals as they would in the real world. If hackers derail a train, the city’s tiny model train actually derails. If they fire the rocket, a Nerf projectile goes off. Because they are scale replicas, the pee-wee ships feel like real ones, said Capt. Jaen. How they turn and respond to different water depths, plus their line of sight and horsepower, create the illusion of being on a colossal counterpart. That said, the lakes’ birds and fish look like giants against the scale models. Rough winds rock a model ship much more violently. And everything happens faster on the smaller scale, making the exercise mentally taxing, trainers and trainees said. One criticism of these mini-ships, said Capt. Joseph Murphy, a marine transportation professor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, is cost. Weeklong training sessions can run upward of $10,000. The models themselves cost hundreds of thousands, and they simulate only the ship in whose likeness they are built. The Panama Canal Authority shelled out roughly $500,000 for each of its two model freight carriers and is buying a third. In a computer simulator, the “ship” can morph from a tanker to a cruise to a cargo carrier, said Mark Woolley, chief of staff in the Office of the President at SUNY Maritime College in New York City and a former executive for a simulator-development company. “Simulation technology is so advanced, I don’t really see the need to go out on a small pond in a boat,” said retired U.S. Navy Captain Woolley. He said he has never boarded one. The Canal Authority is banking others will see the need. It hopes its manned-model unit will draw mariners from around the world. “You feel the adrenaline,” said Capt. Rankin, the pilots-union representative. “To me, it’s the best training we have gotten here.”

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A Man, a Plan, a Mini Canal: Pilots Use ‘Toy’ Boats to Practice for Panama

Pilots who will guide ships through the new, expanded Panama Canal are practicing on miniature locks with scale replica boats.

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There is a solution to the controversy over the Supreme Court vacancy that merits the consideration of all concerned -- the President, the Senate, the American public and the nominee. Judge Clarence Thomas should step aside and the President should nominate Judge Amalya L. Kearse of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Most knowledgeable observers agree Judge Kearse is among the four or five persons most qualified for the High Court. The President said Judge Thomas was the person best qualified in the entire country. No one seriously thought this was true. He has a mediocre educational record, followed by some years of useful Government service and 17 months of judicial experience undistinguished by any notable opinions. Judge Kearse compiled a brilliant record at Wellesley and Michigan Law School, became one of the outstanding lawyers in New York City and has served with extraordinary distinction for 12 years as my colleague on the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The selection of Judge Kearse would end a controversy that cannot be satisfactorily defused. Hearings on the accusations of Prof. Anita Hill will provide an uncertain basis for the Senate and the nation to determine exactly who said what and under what circumstances. It is unlikely that her allegations are entirely groundless, though the precise facts will probably never be known. The President is absolutely right to recognize the need for diversity on the Supreme Court. Judge Kearse is a woman and an African American. President Bush has already assembled a conservative majority on the Supreme Court. Neither he nor the nation require another certified conservative. Judge Kearse's moderate views are precisely what the Court needs. It is no disgrace for Judge Thomas to remain on a Court of Appeals in lieu of an expected Supreme Court appointment. Judge Clement F. Haynsworth Jr. served with great distinction for the Fourth Circuit after having his High Court nomination rejected in 1969. Judge Douglas H. Ginsburg continues to serve ably on the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit after withdrawing from consideration amid controversy in 1987. Judge Thomas's future record on the appellate court may demonstrate distinction meriting another nomination to the Supreme Court. For now, what is needed is an appointment that can unify the country in the assurance that the next Supreme Court nominee is a person of unquestioned excellence. Judge Kearse is that person.

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A Replacement for Thomas

There is a solution to the controversy over the Supreme Court vacancy that merits the consideration of all concerned -- the President, the Senate, the American public and the nominee. Judge Clarence Thomas should step aside and the President should nominate Judge Amalya L. Kearse of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Here's why:

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As tens of thousands of Boston-area tenants get ready to move this summer, there are yet more signs that the region’s rental market might finally be topping out. Rents in Greater Boston climbed in the second quarter at their slowest pace in two years, according to new figures out Wednesday, while the vacancy rate among apartments hit a six-year high. Moreover, a number of new apartment buildings are set to open around the city’s traditional Sept. 1 move-in date, putting more pressure on landlords, some of whom are already offering sweeteners such as a free month or two, to keep rent hikes in check. To be clear, this is still a tight, pricey rental market. The average apartment in Greater Boston rented for $2,046 a month in the three months ending June 30, according to real estate data firm Reis Inc., a sum that trails only New York and San Francisco nationally. But that average rent climbed “just” 4 percent from a year prior, Reis said, the slowest annual growth rate in Greater Boston in two years. And the vacancy rate ticked upward to 5.5 percent. You can thank supply and demand, said Ishay Grinberg, president of RentalBeast, a Somerville-based rental website. More than 7,000 housing units — the majority being high-end apartments — have come on the market in Boston in the last two-and-a-half years, with thousands more in neighboring communities. While many of the new buildings fetch jaw-dropping rents — think $2,500 for a studio in the South End — only so many tenants can pay that kind of money. So more buildings are covering upfront costs such as broker’s fees and security deposits. That effectively lowers their costs to tenants and forces owners of older buildings to do the same to compete. “You clearly see the trickle-down effect of new inventory,” Grinberg said. “The big new buildings have to adjust to attract more ‘normal’ renters. That applies pressure on the mid-market buildings, too.” Prices are still climbing fast in more-affordable neighborhoods such as East Boston and Charlestown, Grinberg said, and in nearby suburbs such as Medford, where renters who are priced out of Cambridge and Somerville are looking for cheaper digs. Jason Gell, president of Boston Luxury Properties, just listed 25 apartments, mostly in Brookline and central Boston, with new rents set 3 to 5 percent higher than last year. Already he’s received applications for five. “The interest has been there,” he said. “It’s wait and see whether they’ll actually rent. The next six weeks will be really telling.” Soft rent growth in New York and San Francisco has led some of the nation’s biggest landlords to lower profit estimates. And saturation in Austin, Texas, and Atlanta has reportedly led builders there to shelve big apartment projects. One of the nation’s biggest landlords, Equity Residential, recently said it has sharply slowed new projects until the market catches up. “We really have cut back,” Mark Parrell, Equity Residential’s chief financial officer, said at a conference with analysts in June. “If it’s better for a little while to do nothing — which is what we’re doing right now — we’ll do that.” A local spokeswoman for Equity said recently that the company’s planned 44-story apartment tower in Boston’s West End is still moving forward. Though no major builders in Boston have publicly signaled plans to delay projects, there are signs of slowing. Through May, building permits for units in multifamily buildings in Greater Boston were running at roughly half of last year’s clip, according to data from the US Census Bureau, and behind the pace set in 2014 and 2013. And Greg Vasil, chief executive of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, said some of his members have decided to hit pause on projects that haven’t begun construction — though he declined to name any. “The worst thing in the world is to get caught without a seat when the music stops,” he said.” Nobody wants to get stuck out ahead of the market.”

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Boston’s rental market may have peaked

Rents in Greater Boston climbed in the second quarter at their slowest pace in two years, according to new figures out Wednesday, while the vacancy rate among apartments hit a six year high.

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Frieda Pushnik, who used being born without limbs to achieve a remunerative career, not to mention a quirky celebrity, by appearing in Ripley's and Barnum's sideshows as the ''Armless and Legless Wonder,'' died of bladder cancer on Dec. 24 at her home in Costa Mesa, Calif. She was 77. ''At least they didn't call me brainless,'' she said with the wit that -- when combined with demonstrations of skills including writing, typing and sewing -- carried her sideshow performances beyond peculiarity to a lesson in adaptation and determination. When asked in a CBS television interview in 1998 whether she thought it was all right to be stared at, she snapped back, ''If you're paid for it, yeah.'' And she was paid, and then some. Sideshows in the middle years of the last century were popular, and by far their best-paid performers were people with intriguing deformities. ''She was fabulously in the right place at the right time,'' said James Taylor, publisher of the magazine Shocked and Amazed, which is devoted to sideshows. But Miss Pushnik also personified what Dick Zigun, the impresario of the sideshow tribute Coney Island U.S.A., calls ''the hot-button issue of sideshows,'' the showcasing of people with physical abnormalities. Mr. Zigun's show at Coney Island features what are known as working acts, meaning normal-seeming people who have learned to do freakish things. One of his stars, for instance, drives a nail through his tongue. But Mr. Zigun defends displaying those who are known in the sideshow business as freaks. ''What's the alternative?'' he asked. ''To have a politically correct society where people would be hidden away, living on welfare?'' Robert Bogdan, a sociologist at Syracuse University who wrote the 1998 book ''Freak Show: Presenting Human Oddities for Amusement and Profit,'' said that Miss Pushnik came along during the transition between the old it's-all-right-to-stare attitude and a newer view that people with deformities should be looked at, if at all, as medical case studies. ''She and her mother conducted themselves in a dignified way at a time questions about this as a proper practice were beginning to be raised,'' Mr. Bogdan said in an interview. Frieda Katherine Pushnik was born on Feb. 10, 1923, in Conemaugh, Pa. Her brother William, her only survivor, said her condition resulted from a botched appendectomy on her pregnant mother, which severed her arms and legs while she was in the womb. He said the family never considered suing for malpractice, but from the perspective of this more litigious time, speculated on what a successful suit might have meant. For one thing, Mr. Pushnik said, the poor family might have afforded a wheelchair instead of putting wobbly wheels on a high chair. For another, Frieda could have had a more normal childhood. ''She would never have had to go to the World's Fair or anything like that,'' Mr. Pushnik said. But he said that Frieda never talked about her limblessness, even as a young girl. ''She accepted it as a matter of fact,'' he said. In a 1966 interview, Miss Pushnik told The Orange County Register that she had never resented her condition. ''I never said, 'Why me?' That would be a wasted emotion. You can ruin your life like that,'' she said. From the beginning, her mother insisted she do as much as possible for herself. By holding things between one small stump of an arm and her chin, she could feed herself, sew and crochet. Her brother remembers her going sledding, and laughing uproariously when she fell off. She also received an award for penmanship. In 1933, Robert L. Ripley, creator of ''Ripley's Believe It or Not!,'' heard of her and visited. He put a cartoon of her in his nationally syndicated feature, calling her ''little half girl'' and misspelling her name as Freda. He then asked her to appear at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1933. With her mother and sister accompanying her, as they did throughout her performing career, the 9-year-old girl joined a man who lifted weights with his eyelids and a 4-year-old girl with four legs and three arms in what Mr. Ripley had named his Odditorium. In the 1996 interview, she described her opening spiel. ''I'd say, 'I'm Frieda Pushnik, I'm 9 years old and I attend public school,' '' she said. ''Then I'd do a demonstration -- how I'd type and write and sew.'' She repeated the five-minute show many times each hour through what was often a 16-hour day, with her mother hovering nearby. In six years of touring most of the nation's major expositions, including the New York World's Fair in 1939, she was seen by millions. ''She was a big attraction,'' said Edward Meyer, archivist at the Ripley headquarters in Orlando. ''Well known, well photographed, made major appearances, as opposed to hicky little fairs.'' Then the mother and daughter returned home to Pennsylvania, but they soon received a call from the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. She joined the circus's sideshow, which was in a tent pitched near the big tent's entrance and cost extra. Other attractions included giants, midgets, Siamese twins and a tattooed man who had decorated even the inside of his ears. ''I was a star,'' Miss Pushnik said of her circus years, which lasted from 1943 to 1955 with a two-year break in the early 1950's. In 1944, when the Big Top caught fire in Hartford, killing 167 people, a performer in the circus's minstrel show rushed on stage, grabbed her chair and carried her to safety. In the early 1960's, she, her mother, her sister and her brother-in-law decided to move to Orange County, Calif., where Mr. Pushnik had settled. Miss Pushnik never talked in detail about money, saying only that she ''managed.'' But her tasteful furnishings reflected her success in saving and investing her sideshow income. She liked to cruise the South Coast Plaza mall in her Jaguar, as she named her wheelchair in honor of its fake jaguar-skin upholstery. She decorated her house with her own oil paintings, and she enjoyed entertaining. Guests who had earlier expressed interest in watching her eat would realize only after she was finished that she had been so natural they failed to notice how she did it, her brother said. The truth seems to be that she would have been pleased to discuss just about anything. ''What are they going to learn if they just stare?'' she once asked. ''They should come ask me.'' Photo: Frieda Pushnik as a young sideshow performer.

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Frieda Pushnik Is Dead at 77

Frieda Pushnik, who used being born without limbs to achieve a remunerative career, not to mention a quirky celebrity, by appearing in Ripley's and Barnum's sideshows as the ''Armless and Legless Wonder,'' died of bladder cancer on Dec. 24 at her home in Costa Mesa, Calif. She was 77. ''At least they didn't call me brainless,'' she said with the wit that -- when combined with demonstrations of skills including writing, typing and sewing -- carried her sideshow performances beyond peculiarity to a lesson in adaptation and determination.

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One persistent feature of the conservative attack on Social Security, and especially on the emerging campaign to increase benefits, is the notion that the typical American will do just fine in retirement just as it is. Andrew G. Biggs of the pro-business American Enterprise Institute has been especially vocal on the topic in recent weeks, with articles in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and Forbes appearing all since just before Christmas. The pieces overlap in their treatment of the theme, which is succinctly defined by the headline in the Journal: "New Evidence on the Phony 'Retirement Crisis.'" Biggs' chief goal is to support Republican ideas about "restoring Social Security to solvency — by reducing benefits for high earners or raising the retirement age" and dismiss the Democratic goals of raising benefits and expanding eligibility. The latter options, he wrote in the Post, are "unnecessary and unaffordable." It's proper to examine his "evidence" and its implications. It's also important because fears about retirement income are widespread — 59% of those polled by Gallup in 2014 were "moderately" or "very" worried about not having enough money for retirement, making it the top financial concern among all respondents. If the prospects are as bright as Biggs says — if "Social Security’s promised benefit levels are far more adequate than is often portrayed," as he told the Journal's readers — lots of people can breathe easier. The foundation of Biggs' argument is a calculation of the Social Security "replacement rate." That's the percentage of a retiree's pre-retirement income represented by his or her benefits. A common rule of thumb is that retirees need about 70% of their pre-retirement income to maintain their lifestyle after leaving the workforce, though not all is expected to be provided by Social Security. The "new evidence" on replacement rates cited by Biggs comes from the Congressional Budget Office in a recent paper. For middle-income workers born in the 1960s — that is, the cohort likely to start retiring about a decade from now — CBO pegs that rate at about 56%, assuming that benefits aren't cut before then. (The CBO performed a range of calculations; for example, for the lowest-income workers, who receive larger benefits relative to their working income, the replacement rate will be about 95%.) Biggs says that such a replacement rate implies that Social Security will give these recipients a solid foundation for a comfortable retirement. But it's important to note that replacement rates are notoriously slippery. For one thing, the new figures are the product of a new standard for calculating the rate. Among other things, instead of measuring Social Security benefits against retirees' lifetime earnings, including years of low earnings at the beginning and end of one's career (when the worker may shift to part-time work or stop working at all before filing for Social Security), the new standard measures benefits only against workers' substantial earnings late in life. That's a better benchmark to judge the difference in lifestyle pre- and post-retirement, and it's endorsed by the Social Security Administration, more or less. Yet, Social Security's chief actuary estimates a much lower replacement rate than the CBO for middle-income retirees — in the neighborhood of 39%, not much different from the figure under the old calculation. Experts aren't quite sure how to account for the discrepancy, but until it's resolved Biggs should explain why he chose the higher figure. (The Social Security trustees dropped replacement rates from their annual report starting in 2014, at the behest of "critics who argue that all is right in the world: People will have plenty of money in retirement" and who complained that the official figures were too low, according to Social Security expert Alicia Munnell. But they're still published periodically by the chief actuary's office.) In any case, the CBO also estimates the average initial Social Security benefit for those 1960s-cohort middle-income retirees at $19,000 a year, which would place their late career earnings at about $34,000. Economist Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Research asks cogently: "Is $19,000 a year a middle-class income?" Most Americans wouldn't think so, yet this is the retirement benefit that Biggs argues makes the retirement crisis "phony." Biggs bolsters his argument with another assertion that's very questionable. He argues that income from "401(k) and other plans" added to Social Security will allow the "typical worker" to bring his or her replacement rate to 70% or even 80%. Biggs observed in the Washington Post that Americans' overall retirement assets are bursting at the seams, with 401(k) and Individual Retirement Account balances and benefits due from traditional pensions and Social Security having risen from 2.7 times total personal incomes in 1996 to 4.1 times in early 2015. Assets set aside for retirement are at "record levels," he has written, noting that the total incomes of Americans age 65 or older are equal to 92% of the national average income, a higher percentage than Sweden, Germany and Denmark. Yet using these statistics to argue that the average American doesn't face a retirement crisis assumes that retirement assets are distributed among the population in the same proportion as working income. Is this plausible? Doubtful, because the facts tell a different story. Wealth inequality is spreading through the economy, and the gap in retirement assets may be even wider. Enrollment in 401(k) plans and other retirement accounts rises sharply with income, as Natalie Sabadish and Monique Morrissey of the pro-labor Economic Policy Institute have shown. Of households in the top fifth of the income ladder, they found, 88% had assets in retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k) plans in 2010. Of those in the bottom fifth, only 11% had retirement accounts. Retirement savings of the top 20% averaged about 134% of annual income; for those in the bottom fifth it was 58%. It's well documented that, while more workers today have access to 401(k) and other defined-contribution plans, few take full advantage of the ability to save. Such plans have their virtues, including the right to carry them from one employer to the next — a plus in an era when career-long employment with a single company is increasingly rare. But they shift market risks to workers and shortchange those who have to live paycheck to paycheck. As Baker points out, the record amount of Americans' retirement savings is "indeed good news for those who have these savings, but unfortunately most middle-class households don't fall into this category." The likelihood is that the shortfall in retirement assets is going to become grimmer with time. Yes, more companies are offering 401(k) plans, but in the Uberized "gig economy" fewer workers may even have an employer to offer them. The changing nature of work is going to place more responsibility, not less, on public programs such as Social Security, guaranteed retirement accounts such as those outlined recently by retirement experts Teresa Ghilarducci and Hamilton James, and state-sponsored programs similar to one moving toward fruition in California under the guidance of state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). New ideas will be needed to keep Americans from impoverishment in old age. The idea that there's no crisis and nothing to be worried about is what's old and outmoded. Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see our Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

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Conservatives are still trying to prove there's no retirement crisis -- but workers may know better

One persistent feature of the conservative attack on Social Security, and especially on the emerging campaign to increase benefits, is the notion that the typical American will do just fine in retirement just as it is.

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Bob Dylan has never really been celebrated as a cutting edge technocrat, so it is slightly odd to find his website hosting a ground-breaking video. Even odder, the song in question is nearly 50 years old. Like A Rolling Stone was recorded in 1965, the moment Dylan really cracked his new electric phase, combining the depth and resonance of folk lyricism with the primal force of rock into six minutes and thirteen seconds of blistering attack on a world adjusting to new realities. “That snare shot sounded like somebody'd kicked open the door to your mind,” is how Bruce Springsteen recalled first hearing this at 15 years old. The new video, meanwhile, seems aimed at trying to engage with today’s 15 year-olds. Created by digital media company Interlude, it has sixteen different storylines (presented as distinct TV channels), which viewers can toggle between. On each channel, actors and presenters mouth the lyrics, so you can cut from a fake news channel where the victim of a mugging sings about mystery tramps selling alibis to a vacuous game show host asking “Do you want to make a deal?” An innovative video for the interactive generation, it allows the freedom to channel surf through the same song, with each viewing experience essentially creating a new edit. It’s clever stuff and if it was Lady Gaga it might even work but if the plan was to engage with a new generation, I think they might have to start with adding Auto-Tune and a rapper. I strongly suspect that most old Dylan fans will come to rest on the Music 1 Classics channel where there is some raw old DA Pennebaker footage of Dylan and The Band performing live. While most pop stars may benefit from such visual bedazzlement, Dylan is at his most compelling intense and unadorned. Previously the most famous Dylan video was a black and white single shot of Dylan holding up lyric signs. Frankly, I think its iconic position is safe.

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Bob Dylan: Like A Rolling Stone - is the interactive new video any good?

A new video for Bob Dylan's Like A Rolling Stone has been posted on his website. But it might not impress the interactive generation, says Neil McCormick

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WASHINGTON — Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. The American Bankers Association complained on Thursday that bankers around the country were “extremely upset” about how the Treasury Department was trying to offer them billions of dollars in fresh capital. “These bankers believe they are being asked — in some cases pressured — to participate in a program they did not want and do not need,” wrote Edward L. Yingling, president of the American Bankers Association, in a blistering letter to the Treasury secretary, Henry M. Paulson Jr. Saying he had “deep concerns with the lack of clarity about the program,” Mr. Yingling said the confusion had grown sharply this week over what the government’s purpose was. The bank lobbying group said the main confusion was over whether the purpose of the program was to shore up healthy banks, as Mr. Paulson has insisted, or to rescue failing ones. Mr. Yingling said he was alarmed that lawmakers in Congress were criticizing the Bush administration for its reluctance to impose tougher restrictions on banks that accept government money. Some Democratic lawmakers have complained that banks are taking taxpayer money with one hand while paying out dividends to shareholders with the other. Some policy makers have also complained that banks are not lending enough and might be paying their executives too much. Since the Treasury Department introduced its plan, officials have stressed that their goal was to strengthen healthy banks and get them to revive their lending. Officials are also encouraging the takeovers of sick banks by healthy ones, as they did last week when the Treasury approved the bailout program’s purchase of $7.7 billion of preferred shares in PNC Financial Services and rejected an application from National City Bank, based in Cleveland. National City quickly agreed to a takeover by PNC. But the focus on healthy banks has created baffling contradictions. Healthy banks have been reluctant to take the government money, in part because they feared being stigmatized as needy or vulnerable. Mr. Paulson essentially strong-armed several of the country’s biggest banks into participating when he announced the program earlier this month. To attract healthy banks into the program, Treasury officials also imposed as few restrictions as possible for those that received money. Banks could still keep paying dividends. They had only limited restrictions on executive bonuses and compensation. And the government would not force the banks to make loans they did not want to make. But that only raised the question: why was the government trying to give those banks money in the first place? Andrew M. Cuomo, the New York attorney general, sent letters to the nine biggest financial institutions on Wednesday, demanding a “detailed accounting” of the next round of bonuses they planned to pay. Mr. Yingling said many healthy banks might want to take advantage of the Treasury’s offer, but not if they had to suspend dividends or accept restrictions on executive pay. “It would make no sense for a well-capitalized bank with solid earnings to agree to a program which would greatly lower the value of its stock,” Mr. Yingling wrote. A version of this article appears in print on , on page B6 of the New York edition with the headline: Some Banks May Tell U.S. to Keep Bailout Cash. Order Reprints| Today's Paper|Subscribe

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Some Banks May Tell U.S. to Keep Bailout Cash

The American Bankers Association says there is confusion over whether the purpose of the program is to shore up healthy banks or to rescue failing ones.

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“It’s the kind of thing where I don’t need to think about the outfits that much anymore,” she added. Egos abound on both sides of the celebrity styling business as the architects of A-list facades have gained followings to rival their clients (see: Jen Atkin, Kardashian tress tamer). Stylists have publicists. Tag teams are rare. But joining forces in 2007 allowed Mr. Zangardi and Ms. Haenn, both former stylists for MTV’s on-air personalities, to play up their different strengths and sensibilities. Ms. Haenn veers toward hip-hop (her first styling job was on the set of the video for Trick Daddy’s “Take It to da House”). Mr. Zangardi is more pop: “Mandy, Britney, Christina Aguilera, the boy bands,” he said the other day over coffee with Ms. Haenn at the Soho House here in West Hollywood. Ms. Haenn grew up in Brooklyn, Mr. Zangardi in Ohio. “Mariel is the bad cop,” Mr. Zangardi said. Ms. Haenn said: “Look, I’m comfortable being like, ‘No, that’s not my favorite,’ or, ‘No, I don’t like that,’ even if they do. They get used to getting that from me and getting what Rob brings.” “It’s Ohio versus New York,” Mr. Zangardi said. Their first joint effort was styling Rihanna’s 2007 “Umbrella” music video, which featured computer-generated water splashes and a series of good-girl-gone-bad ensembles (a leather romper, a low cut baby-doll dress). More work for the singer followed: a horned headpiece from Rihanna’s “Rockstar 101” video sits on a shelf in the duo’s studio here, though Rihanna is no longer a client. In 2009, Andrea Lieberman, a stylist whom Ms. Haenn looked up to, moved away from longtime clients like Ms. Stefani and Ms. Lopez to start her own clothing line, A.L.C. Ms. Lieberman said she was relieved to see her star clients end up working with a strong team. “It was important to me that when I left both women, they were in supremely good hands,” Ms. Lieberman said about Ms. Stefani and Ms. Lopez. “I knew Rob and Mariel had it. They seamlessly could edit the best of the world of fashion with the world of music and had an incredible work ethic. It was a no-brainer for me to suggest them both to Jennifer and Gwen.” Ms. Lopez recalled her first meeting with Ms. Haenn and Mr. Zangardi, in 2011. “I found them to be shy and kind of quiet, but they had their point of view,” she said. “We started working together, little by little, and it worked really well. Those things you can’t really force, you have a sensibility or you don’t.” Mr. Zangardi and Ms. Haenn have since scripted many head-turning moments for Ms. Lopez: the mustard colored, cape-capped Giambattista Valli gown she wore to the Golden Globes in January, the crystal-studded Dsquared2 bodysuit she opened the American Music Awards with in 2015. The bodysuit was displayed in a glass case, along with Ms. Lopez’s other sartorial hits (that green Versace dress), outside a recent “All I Have” performance in Las Vegas. Mr. Zangardi was there to ensure that the array of outfits Ms. Lopez would wear that night were ready for the spotlight. “She’s sliding on the floor in boots that are rhinestone that we have to recrystal every day,” he said. (Ms. Haenn was in Japan with Ms. Stefani.) They work out of a windowless, fluorescent-lit studio, jazzing up dancers’ mall-bought outfits with safety pins and sequins (the budget for the backup crew is not what it is for marquee performers). In the back, a dozen bins of Spanx are stacked next to racks of old costumes worn by Ms. Lopez and Shakira, a former client. Despite the modest digs, clients like Ciara, Cara Delevingne, Rachel McAdams and Emily Ratajkowski often drop by to try on clothes. At a recent fitting for the backup dancers on Ms. Stefani’s tour, Ms. Haenn, Mr. Zangardi and their in-house tailor, Anna Kenaraki (poached, with blessings, from Ms. Lopez), bopped along to reggaeton and debated the merits of side versus back zippers (back zippers, Ms. Haenn said, are less likely to get stuck during a frantic midconcert costume change). They discussed the sartorial effects of “bum flaps,” rectangles of fabric that frame the hips of Ms. Stefani and her dancers and create the illusion of movement even when they’re not doing much of it. These are conversations Mr. Zangardi and Ms. Haenn like to have. “When you’re on a red carpet, you’re just doing this,” Ms. Haenn said, strutting two steps and squatting primly. “With what we do, we need to make sure you’re not going to get stabbed with a huge safety pin while you’re running around on stage.”

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What Do Jennifer Lopez and Gwen Stefani Have in Common? Their Stylists Know

Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn build on the sensibility of their star clients to create onstage wardrobes and red-carpet moments.

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Photo: John Grieshop, Getty Images CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 27: Jeremy Kerley #11 of the New York Jets runs the ball up field during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 27, 2013 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals defeated the Jets 49-9. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 27: Jeremy Kerley #11 of the New York Jets runs the ball up field during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 27, 2013 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Wide receivers Jeremy Kerley, top, and ex-Raiders Rod Streater, above, are helping each other learn the 49ers’ playbook as fast as possible to make them available and ready for Monday night’s season opener against the Rams. Wide receivers Jeremy Kerley, top, and ex-Raiders Rod Streater, above, are helping each other learn the 49ers’ playbook as fast as possible to make them available and ready for Monday night’s season opener Forgotten receivers eager to jump-start careers with 49ers After enjoying productive NFL seasons, wide receivers Jeremy Kerley and Rod Streater combined for 17 catches in 2015, signed with new teams in the offseason and recently were traded to the 49ers. On Thursday, Kerley was asked if he and Streater had discussed their similar trajectories. As a matter of fact, he said, they just finished having that conversation before walking into a locker room where temporary nameplates were taped above their stalls. “Actually, we talked about it (Thursday) coming off the field,” Kerley said. “In this business, it’s crazy because one day you could be the guy, and the next day you could be forgotten about. It’s just how it is. Whenever there’s a window of opportunity, you’ve got to make the most of it.” The good news for the forgotten wideouts: They figure to have plenty of opportunities with their new team, given the 49ers’ lack of options at their position. And those chances could come as early as Monday night’s season opener against the Rams — provided they can successfully absorb a new playbook before kickoff. After season-ending injuries to Bruce Ellington and Eric Rogers hurt an already underwhelming receivers unit, the 49ers acquired Kerley, 27, and Streater, 28. They join a group that includes Torrey Smith, Quinton Patton and rookie sixth-round pick Aaron Burbridge. On Aug. 28, the 49ers traded guard Brandon Thomas to the Lions for Kerley, a 2011 fifth-round pick who had 137 catches and 1,759 yards while making 22 starts with the Jets from 2012 through ’14. Last year, however, he dipped down the depth chart and had 16 catches. He signed with the Lions in March and initially was optimistic about his chances of jump-starting his career. “I had a good fit in Detroit when I first got there,” Kerley said. “I picked up everything good. Unfortunately, it just didn’t go the way I wanted it to. You just have to swallow your pride. At the same time, I’ve jumped into an even better situation here.” On Saturday, the 49ers traded an undisclosed draft pick — and received an undisclosed pick in return — to Kansas City for Streater. After the deal, head coach Chip Kelly said Streater was “coming off a 60-catch season,” which wasn’t quite accurate. Streater, who spent his four seasons (2012-15) with the Raiders, had 60 catches for 888 yards in 2013. However, he missed the final 13 games of 2014 with a broken foot and he said his injury was still bothering him at the start of last year. It was the beginning of a nightmare one-catch season in which he was routinely left off the 46-man game-day roster. “I’m hungry,” Streater said. “This is a new opportunity. They brought me in and I’m ready to prove them right. … I’m confident in myself. I had a little setback. You can’t control that. I feel like God has a plan and brought me here for a reason. So I’m just ready to go out there and make plays.” With the 49ers, Kerley (5-foot-9, 188 pounds) will handle Ellington’s slot-receiver duties. And the 49ers hope Streater (6-2, 195) will be the big-bodied down-the-field threat they thought they had in Rogers, who led the CFL in receiving yards last year. Since Streater arrived Sunday morning, they’ve been working together during late-night study sessions to prepare for Monday. They’ve been joined by practice-squad receiver Chris Harper, a Cal alum who spent last year in New England. “It’s good to get in there in the mix with other guys who are in the same position that you are in and get to know this playbook,” Kerley said. “We all get together and throw stuff at each other.” Eric Branch is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ebranch@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Eric_Branch

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Forgotten receivers eager to jump-start careers with 49ers

After enjoying productive NFL seasons, wide receivers Jeremy Kerley and Rod Streater combined for 17 catches in 2015, signed with new teams in the offseason and recently were traded to the 49ers. [...] those chances could come as early as Monday night’s season opener against the Rams — provided they can successfully absorb a new playbook before kickoff. After season-ending injuries to Bruce Ellington and Eric Rogers hurt an already underwhelming receivers unit, the 49ers acquired Kerley, 27, and Streater, 28. On Aug. 28, the 49ers traded guard Brandon Thomas to the Lions for Kerley, a 2011 fifth-round pick who had 137 catches and 1,759 yards while making 22 starts with the Jets from 2012 through ’14. Last year, however, he dipped down the depth chart and had 16 catches. On Saturday, the 49ers traded an undisclosed draft pick — and received an undisclosed pick in return — to Kansas City for Streater. Streater, who spent his four seasons (2012-15) with the Raiders, had 60 catches for 888 yards in 2013. Since Streater arrived Sunday morning, they’ve been working together during late-night study sessions to prepare for Monday.

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The electoral watchdog says it expects Family First will soon lodge updated information about payments made to it by retiring Senator Bob Day. The South Australian senator on Monday announced he was resigning from the upper house to deal with the fallout from his Home Australia group of companies going into liquidation. Senator Day apologised for the pain, stress and suffering caused to the group's clients and workers by the collapse. But Greens senator Lee Rhiannon said Senator Day had questions to answer about his almost $2 million payments to the party, after more than 200 homes were left unfinished. "The people who had been left high and dry by his building company were forced to watch as Senator Day bankrolled his own political career," she said. "You can see why the public cynicism and contempt runs deep." It is likely liquidators McGrathNicol will examine the political payments as part of its investigation into the management of the group. The Greens asked the Australian Electoral Commission in June to examine what Senator Rhiannon described as "irregularities" in donations and loans to Family First. AEC commissioner Tom Rogers told a Senate hearing on Tuesday night the commission had "done some work in that space". "I would expect there would be an amended return published on our website fairly shortly," Mr Rogers said. He said he would not comment further as it was an "active" case. Electoral commission returns record $938,975 in payments from Senator Day or his private company to Family First between 2010/11 and 2014/15. An amount of $381,775 in 2012/13 hasn't been recorded as either a "donation" or "other receipt" in Family First's return. The party's 2011/12 return originally showed $57,360 in total debts to "B Day". An amended return submitted 18 months later disclosed total debts of $1.089 million to "Robert John Day". The 2012/13 return records $1.471 million being owed to "B & B Day Pty Ltd". The 2013/14 return records no debt owed to Senator Day or the company. Senator Rhiannon said it would have been expected Family First would have made payments of at least $1.47 million to pay off the loan, but the disclosure only recorded $1.19 million in payments.

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Family First to update Day payments

The Australian Greens say questions about Family First senator Bob Day's political donations are more relevant than ever since the collapse of his business.

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WHERE does the West begin? That's a matter of opinion. But on the high plains, a good argument can be made that it starts in the Black Hills in western South Dakota. Anne Sherwood for The New York Times HIGH PLAINS Near Buffalo, Wyo., a sign seems to point westward. The brick-red soil of the rolling, ponderosa-pine-covered Black Hills also extends into Wyoming, and this part of the region is less well known. Its landscape, and that of the high plains and mountains to the west, holds a fascinating history of settlement and conflicts, from Indians to cowboys to the cavalry, including George Armstrong Custer. A road trip along Interstate 90 that begins on the South Dakota-Wyoming border takes you through wide-open country — a classic Western landscape, with more horses and cows than people and many miles between gas stations and good restaurants. MILE 2 Vore Buffalo Jump: Just over the South Dakota border on I-90 is the tiny, cottonwood-tree-shaded village of Beulah, Wyo. — population 33, the sign says. A few miles east of town, stop and see a large 45-foot-deep hole called the Vore Buffalo Jump, sandwiched between I-90 and the frontage road. It doesn't look like much — a large red hole in the ground with a locked metal door over a hole at the bottom. But a small sign on top says it is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world, and a larger visitor center is planned. Some 20,000 bison were driven over the edge and to the bottom of the pit between about 1300 and 1800 (according to carbon dating), where they were attacked by Indians with spears, arrows and clubs who turned them into dinner and left behind the bones and many weapons. Beneath the door at the bottom lies a pile of buffalo bones, projectile points and other artifacts more than 20 feet deep. The years of accumulation have carefully preserved a record in annual layers and have created an unusually vivid portrait of the lives of the Indians who lived on these rocky plains. While visitors can't see the artifacts — the visitor center hasn't been built yet — you can stand at the top or hike to the bottom and imagine a herd of bison galloping toward you across the sagebrush-studded plains and then suddenly finding, in terror, the ground giving way beneath them. MILE 50 Devils Tower: From Beulah, stay on Interstate 90, exit at State Highway 14 and follow the signs to Devils Tower, the nation's first national monument, set aside by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. In Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" it was the place where the aliens landed. Even without hovering spacecraft, on a windy and gray day, the tower was still stunning, a dark, almost dreamlike silhouette that resembled a giant tree stump glimpsed through low-lying clouds. Its vertical pillar rises 1,267 feet above the ox-bowing Belle Fourche River. Indian tribes called it Bear Lodge, and legend has it that when seven young girls prayed to be saved from a rampaging grizzly bear, the ground started to push up and the tower grew higher and higher to keep them out of reach of the attacking bear — so high eventually that they became the seven sisters in the sky, the constellation Pleiades. When you leave the tower, follow Highway 14 to Moorcroft and get back on I-90 there, instead of retracing your steps. The trip now winds for many miles through the dun-colored prairie of the Powder River Basin, once the great hunting grounds of the northern tribes. MILE 180 Buffalo, Wyo.: This quaint little town with a historic downtown was a stage where many Western dramas were played out. (In the snow-mottled mountains to the west of town a Western drama of a different kind was set — the Bighorn Mountains are the setting of the story on which the movie "Brokeback Mountain" was based.) Much of historic Buffalo remains, including the frontier-era Occidental Hotel, a carefully restored barbershop, a saloon and the Virginian restaurant, all in the same block. Many of the West's legends stayed at the Occidental, including Buffalo Bill Cody, Calamity Jane, Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and Theodore Roosevelt. It was founded in 1878, the era of gunslingers and vigilantes, expanded and rebuilt in the early 1900's, and meticulously restored almost a century later. The region was always heavily trafficked, and several Indian, trader and exploration routes ran through the area around Buffalo. In the mid-1860's, the Bozeman Trail, a spur off the Oregon Trail that led to the rich gold fields that had recently been discovered in Montana, was established over the same route. Later, in 1892, the Johnson County War took place between cattle barons and small ranchers (who were accused of being rustlers) in the area around Buffalo. Large ranchers, backed by about 50 out-of-state gunmen, attacked the cabin of Nate Champion, a small rancher who operated the KC Ranch. Of the four men staying there, two were killed and two captured. A posse from Buffalo, led by the sheriff of Johnson County, then besieged the cattle barons' men at a nearby ranch. The big cattlemen were eventually rescued by federal troops. All this and more is interpreted at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum downtown, part of which is in the town's historic library.

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A New Look at the Old West

A road trip that begins on the South Dakota-Wyoming border takes you through a classic Western landscape, with more horses than people and many miles between gas stations and good restaurants.

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Sunday, April 7th 1996, 2:00AM Music's loss was film's gain. Larry Gilliard Jr., who broke into movies in 1989 as the lead in Matty Rich's acclaimed independent feature "Straight Out of Brooklyn," gave up a promising career as a clarinetist to go into acting. Since his role as Dennis Brown in "Straight...," the native New Yorker, who attended Juilliard, has done his fair share of acting, with TV roles in "Homicide," "The George Foreman Show" and "New York Undercover," as well as small film roles in "Money Train," "Fly by Night" and "White Lies." In his latest film, "Lotto Land," the twentysomething Gilliard portrays Hank, a soon-to-be high-school graduate who realizes he will never fufill his dream of playing professional basketball. Hank turns his attention to the lottery and spends all his money on tickets for a $27 million jackpot. Throughout his life and career, Gilliard has been supported by his 65-year-old grandmother, Marion Burnside, 65, who stood by him when he rejected military school for music and then music for acting. She's a South Carolina native who lives in Harlem and helped rear him. MARION BURNSIDE: We have a very good relationship that goes back to when he lived with me, before he moved to Baltimore when he was 7. Sometimes I feel more like his mother than his grandmother. Even after he moved down there, I would visit quite often and during the summer he would come spend three weeks with me. And when he went to college he came and lived with me. As a child he wanted to be a musician, a classical clarinetist. I think mostly we allowed him to do what he wanted to do. He went to the Baltimore School of the Arts and he did recitals. He was always a good kid. He listens. Most grandparents would want a grandchild like him because he never gave us any trouble. We have 10 grandchildren and no, I try to not have favorites. But he is the oldest and there is that bond ... you find yourself leaning. When he was a child, we did a lot of going to the park. I'm a bowler and we would go to the alleys. And he would also go to church with me at the Salem United Methodist Church. When I first saw him on the screen in "Straight Out of Brooklyn," it was just like, "This is my grandchild!" I thought he did a fine job. He is a very humble person and he doesn't flaunt his talent or his achievement. We don't talk much about what he does. We do talk about relationships. Larry is a pretty level-minded person. He's had the same girlfriend for several years. He relates well to women. His mother had three sisters and there was my mother and myself. So there were a lot of women and only one man, my husband, Willie. The first time I saw Larry perform at the School of the Arts in Baltimore, he performed a song he had written. He was just so much in control. He was only 17. Of course, I cried. Another time that stands out is when the rabbi at the Jewish school Ramaz, where I worked as supervisor for food services, had Larry come to assembly and talk to the kids about the clarinet. What I would like to see is for him to get a big break in the business and see him do the things he wants to do for his mother, Edith, like buy her a real nice house. LARRY GILLIARD JR.: I went to Juilliard as a clarinet major and somewhere between the beginning and the end, I stopped playing it. I asked myself who was I reaching ... I just fell out of love with it. I just got lucky with "Straight Out of Brooklyn." I just went out on an audition and got the role. Since then, I've done some stuff, but it's hard for African-American actors, period! There just isn't any material out there for us, and what there is, is the same: profanity, violence, etc. "Lotto Land" is about two interracial couples. My character dreams of getting out of the projects by playing basketball, but he wasn't good enough. His Latina girlfriend, though, is going on to college. The other relationship is between his father, played by singer and musician Wendell Holmes of the Holmes Brothers, and the girlfriend's guardian. One of the reasons I took the role was that I'm engaged, and my fianc, Monilewa Hernndez, who has a bit role in the film, is Puerto Rican. So I could really identify with the character. I lived in New York until I was about 7. I wasn't really close to my father and he passed away when I was 17. My mother's side of the family raised me. I was the first male born into the family. My grandmother, well, she's very strict and she's conservative. She's a churchgoing woman, a Christian. She might hate me for saying this, but she is open-minded, if only to a certain extent. First, there was going to music school. In my senior year of high school I was also accepted into a military school, I wanted to be a pilot. My grandparents were more leaning for me to go to the military school. Then when I switched from playing music to acting, she was worried. I tried to explain to her that I was going crazy and that I wasn't happy. I don't really think that she understood. I'm a free spirit and I think that they're used to me by now. My family accepts whoever I bring home ... they like people who are like them, who are open and like to talk. My fianc is very introverted and quiet. At first, my grandmother thought she was too quiet for them. But they have taken her in and they love her. Bottom line is, though, I know whenever I'm hungry I can come here, she will always have some food and a bed for me. One of the things I see is how strong she is. She had kids when she was very young and had to go out and get a job and was able to make a good home for them and for her grandchildren.

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HATS OFF TO LARRY GRANNY WAS BEHIND ACTOR LARRY GILLIARD ALL THE WAY FROM MILITARY SCHOOL TO MOVIE SETS

Music's loss was film's gain. Larry Gilliard Jr., who broke into movies in 1989 as the lead in Matty Rich's acclaimed independent feature "Straight Out of Brooklyn,"gave up a promising career as a clarinetist to go into acting. Since his role as Dennis Brown in "Straight...,"the native New Yorker, who attended Juilliard, has done his fair share of acting, with TV roles in "Homicide,""The George Foreman Show"and "New York Undercover,"as well

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Saturday, October 28th 2006, 1:42AM All arrangements are not likely to be in your control this weekend. Although an Aries likes to be the leader of the pack, it will be nice to let someone else take responsibility for a change. Money matters will be top of mind - but again, not necessarily in your ­control. Think through the possible scenarios and discuss them with someone trustworthy, then ­enjoy the weekend. Get ready for love to get cozy (and intense) this weekend. Also, compliments are coming your way, so be prepared to respond favorably to move a relationship to the next level. But don't go getting all clingy and possessive; too much, too fast could scare someone off. Leave feelings for someone from the past in the history books. Concentrate on the here and now to gain a sweetheart's affections. If your perception of what something should be like is stopping a situation from moving forward, a change of attitude can change the whole weekend, Gemini. Keep in mind that others can pick up on how you're feeling. An attitude can show through with body language and tone of voice, so be aware of nonverbal communication. You don't have to actually say anything to be understood. Don't be too preoccupied to help others, Cancer. Lending a hand to a colleague or friend creates good karma, with the promise of being repaid by having something good come your way in the near future. However, the trick for you this weekend is to give without any thought of return. When it comes to looking after the dollars, avoid making loans that can't be repaid. Otherwise, problems could occur. If arrangements are set for the weekend, be sure to double-check them to avoid ­people missing out on a social ­gathering just because a ­finer detail has been overlooked. With Mercury, planet of correspondence, going out of phase tomorrow, it's wise to check critical details rather than leave it for someone else. This way, it will be done to your standards! Think carefully before ­deciding on a course of action, Virgo. It may not be the smartest thing to do now. Think outside the box and find ­another way to achieve the same ­result. If you can achieve this, life promises to be calmer. Some things are just not worth changing or battling over. Check your priorities and agree to let some issues slide by. Life is too short not to enjoy every minute. Be proactive about telling someone how you feel over the weekend, Libra. I don't mean ­going on about all the pros and cons of the relationship. I mean ­really share your heartfelt emotions with a friend, lover or ­family member. Do this, and ­closeness will be built that you never thought possible. If there are unsettled money matters, strive to gain closure before they get out of hand. You may have something ­logical and meaningful to say, ­especially with all the ­current planetary activity. But with ­Mercury, the ­communicator planet, also in the sign of ­Scorpio (and about to go out of phase for a three-week period beginning tomorrow), be careful of what and how you say things this weekend. You could come across as being ­somewhat pretentious. Be approachable and supportive to get your own way. Sagittarians like to be honest at all times to stay within the boundaries of integrity. But is the honesty for someone else's sake, or is it to off-load a ­story because it'll make you feel better? It's ­important now to follow your heart and do what's right for you. But think twice before being ­brutally ­honest. It may not be ­necessary to be so upfront about an ­issue that could hurt someone's ­feelings. Be careful, Capricorn, about when, where, how and with whom classified information Ensure that what you say to others won't be detrimental in the future; you don't want something coming back to bite you in the butt. Sometimes, the power is in the silence. Let others share themselves first before giving your all. If in doubt, say nothing. If there's work to do this much ­energy on it because there's likely to be someone around to share your time with - promising to be a whole lot more enjoyable than going to the ­office. However, be careful you don't come across as being possessive. It's nice to be attached at the hip and build closeness, but others need their independence, too. Everything is not always as it seems, Pisces. Don't go deluding yourself about someone who is close. It can take a long time to get to know a person on a more intimate level. It can even take a lifetime to fully understand yourself properly. Don't be surprised if he/she doesn't live up to your expectations over the weekend or through next week. Then again, maybe your ­expectations are unrealistic! Aries Be a spontaneous spirit Gemini If you're going to be a Cancer Slow down; going too fast can scare a love mate. Leo True love can be hiding ­beneath the surface. Virgo Intellect can be misleading; follow feelings instead. Libra Breaking news can change everything. Scorpio Generosity comes from the heart, not from guilt. Sagittarius Vote for freedom; possessiveness repels others. Capricorn Strong-minded lovers are attractive partners. Aquarius Lighten up; a misunderstanding can be forgiven. Pisces Look behind the scenes Aries Mah-jongg - a challenging, thinking person's game. Taurus The card game patience; I've got plenty of it. Gemini Trivial Pursuit; you'll want to be on my team. Cancer A jigsaw puzzle - something for the whole family. Leo Charades - an interactive game anyone can play. Virgo Scrabble - I'm unbeatable ... almost! Libra Backgammon - just the two of us. Scorpio Monopoly - all that ­power is very attractive. Sagittarius The "Da Vinci Code" board game - a quest for truth. Capricorn Chess - it appeals to my strategic nature. Aquarius Polarity - science game defying the laws of gravity. Pisces Dominoes - it's a journey, just like life. Happy birthday, Scorpio! ­Having a magnetic charm, as well as a strong sense of right and wrong, you attract people of all ­classes and cultures. This makes you an ­excellent spokesman for those who don't possess the same level of skill and know-how. Spend the rest of the year using energy to gain the greatest results. Next year will be a time of strengthening support groups. julia roberts oct. 28, 1967 joaquin phoenix oct. 28, 1974

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YOUR DAILY HOROSCOPE

ARIES MARCH 21-APRIL 19 All arrangements are not likely to be in your control this weekend. Although an Aries likes to be the leader of the pack, it will be nice to let someone else take responsibility for a change. Money matters will be top of mind - but again, not necessarily in your ­control. Think through the possible scenarios and discuss them with someone trustworthy, then ­enjoy the weekend. TAURUS APRIL 20-MAY 20 Get ready

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Friday, June 30th 2006, 1:11AM Satire about a would-be journalist who becomes a gofer for a fashion magazine's abusive editor. With Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci. Directed by David Frankel. (1:50) Calling all fashionistas and Kmart shoppers: Direct your attention to the designwear department and the one-size-fits-all comedy "The Devil Wears Prada." This adaptation of Lauren Weisberger's ankle-biting roman à clef about the New York fashion industry - and, in particular, Weisberger's one-time Vogue magazine boss Anna Wintour - has been nipped and tucked and stonewashed to a wrinkle-free fare-thee-well. Though there is enough haute couture on display for a season of "Sex and the City" envy, it has definite off-the-rack appeal to regular moviegoers. In fact, it may be the one film this year where you'll see Manolo Blahniks and Doc Martens on women sitting in the same row. Speaking of Doc Martens, Anne Hathaway's Andy Sachs is wearing something like those clodhoppers when she shows up in an otherwise muted, possibly Lands End ensemble for an interview with Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), editor and chief soul-sucker of glossy An aspiring journalist, Andy would prefer a job at The New Yorker, but this is where the agency sent her, and when she learns that a year of severe abuse as Miranda's second assistant could launch her magazine career, she signs on. The question is whether Andy can survive the tempest without losing her integrity, her neglected boyfriend (Adrian Grenier) or her modest sense of style. The answer is predictable and not very interesting. What gives "Prada" its juice is Miranda. Not since Cruella De Vil ordered a coat made from Dalmatian puppy hides has the screen welcomed as heartless a fashion diva. Streep plays Miranda with both relish and restraint. To the editor's terrified staff, she's like an approaching hurricane, as scary to anticipate as to face. She can draw blood with a withering glance or a curt dismissal. While readers of the novel had reason to assume Miranda was Anna Wintour, for whom Weisberger worked as an assistant, the filmmakers have broadened her into the incarnation of every worker's nightmare - the generic boss from hell. If reputations are to be believed, Wintour should be flattered by Streep's portrayal. Miranda actual reveals a beating heart in one touching scene, where she appears - red-eyed and bare of makeup - dealing with the news that her husband has left her. Hathaway's character, in contrast, doesn't so much evolve as change clothes. Thanks to the magazine's fey art director (Stanley Tucci, embracing the stereotype) and an apparently endless supply of designer samples, Andy becomes a fashion plate herself, and grows into the role of The movie is no thigh-slapper, by any means, but veteran TV director David Frankel ("Sex and the City") has given it a consistently whimsical touch. It has a couple of fine supporting performances (British actress Emily Blunt is particularly good as Miranda's overeager first assistant) and that tour de force from Streep.

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SHE'S DEVILICIOUS. Streep a delight as infernal fashion diva in 'Prada'

Satire about a would-be journalist who becomes a gofer for a fashion magazine's abusive editor. With Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci. Directed by David Frankel. (1:50) PG-13: sensuality. Area theaters. Calling all fashionistas and Kmart shoppers: Direct your attention to the designwear department and the one-size-fits-all comedy "The Devil Wears Prada."This adaptation of Lauren Weisberger's ankle-biting roman à clef about the New York fashion industry - and, in particular, Weisberger's one-time Vogue magazine boss

20111105015000

HONOLULU — Safeway is declining to press charges against a Honolulu couple whose arrests over stolen sandwiches led state workers to take custody of their 2-year-old daughter and sparked nationwide outrage. Safeway told Honolulu police Tuesday that it won't press charges against Marcin and Nicole Leszczynski, company spokeswoman Susan Houghton told The Associated Press. The couple were arrested last week when Nicole, who is 30 weeks pregnant, ate a sandwich while shopping and walked out without paying. Their daughter Zofia was taken away by state Child Welfare Services officials. She was returned to her parents 18 hours later. Karl Schroeder, a Safeway Inc. division president, called Nicole Leszczynski on Tuesday, and "apologized for what she's been through," Houghton said. Houghton said management followed routine shoplifting procedure by contacting police, but Safeway regrets not foreseeing that doing so would cause a child to be separated from her parents. "We want to do the right thing here," Houghton said. "Families are important to us." Nicole said she was surprised to get the call because the incident was nearly a week ago. "I feel relieved that the charges are being dropped and he kind of did make an apology," she said. "Now that we have our daughter back and we're not in jail, that's our biggest concern." The incident at the store near downtown Honolulu is prompting Safeway to examine how managers and employees are trained. "In this case, it was not handled in the appropriate manner and we wanted to correct that," Houghton said. Nicole, 28, and Marcin, 33, forgot to pay for two sandwiches that together cost $5. They were handcuffed and searched, and later released on $50 bail each. The family had moved to an apartment near downtown Honolulu from Monterey, Calif., two weeks ago. Still settling in, they ventured out Wednesday to stock up on groceries, took the bus, got lost, and ended up at a Safeway supermarket, Nicole said. Famished, the former Air Force staff sergeant openly munched on one while she shopped, saving the wrapper to be scanned at the register later. But she said they forgot to pay for the sandwiches as they checked out with about $50 worth of groceries. "When the security guard questioned us, I was really embarrassed, I was horrified," Nicole told AP on Monday. They were led upstairs, where the couple expected to get a lecture, pay for the sandwiches, and be allowed on their way. But store managers wouldn't allow them to simply pay, she said. Four hours later, a police officer arrived and read them their rights. A woman from the Child Welfare Services arrived to take Zofia away. Nicole called the incident "so horrifying. It seemed to escalate and no one could say, `this is too much.'" The pregnant mother said she tried to keep her composure until Zofia, who turns 3 in December, left the store. "I didn't want Zofia to be scared because she's never spent a night away from us. She didn't have her stuffed animal. She didn't have her toothbrush." But as soon as her daughter left, "I got completely hysterical. I went to the bathroom and I threw up," she recalled. A Honolulu police spokeswoman said it was routine procedure to call Child Welfare Services if a child is present when both parents are arrested. The couple were handcuffed and driven separately to police headquarters a few blocks away, where they were searched, had their mug shots taken and then released after paying bail. Nicole said that the morning after the arrest, she emailed Safeway to say not paying for the sandwiches was an honest mistake. "It was just a slip, a mommy-brain moment, I guess," she said. Houghton said Safeway accepts her assurance that she simply forgot to pay. Nicole said she and her husband were told they were banned from the store for one year. Houghton said she wasn't sure who would have told them that, but Safeway welcomes the family back. Grocery shopping is a chore that now bring some anxiety, Nicole said, adding that she has read countless comments online criticizing her for eating before paying. "I didn't know it was such a taboo thing," she said. "Where I grew up in a small town it's not seen as stealing for sure." The Leszczynskis had hired a criminal defense lawyer to fight the charges but are unsure about whether to pursue legal action against Safeway. "I haven't even considered it because I was just so worried about the charges," Nicole said. "I do feel like something went terribly wrong and we were abused in some way."

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Safeway Drops Sandwich Theft Charges Against Hungry Family

HONOLULU — Safeway is declining to press charges against a Honolulu couple whose arrests over stolen sandwiches led state workers to take custody of their 2-year-old daughter and sparked nationwide outrage. Safeway told Honolulu police Tuesday that it won't press charges against Marcin and Nicole Leszczynski, company spokeswoman Susan Houghton told The Associated Press.

20120117041040

First the dot.coms popped, then mortgages. Are student loans and higher education the next bubble, the latest investment craze inflating on borrowed money and misplaced faith that it could never go bad? Some specialists have raised the possibility. Last summer, Moody’s Analytics pronounced fears of an education spending bubble “not without merit.’’ Last spring, investor and PayPal founder Peter Thiel called attention to his claims of an education bubble by awarding two dozen young entrepreneurs $100,000 each not to attend college. Recent weeks have seen another spate of “bubble’’ headlines: student loan defaults up, tuition rising another 8.3 percent this year, and a new report estimating that average student debt for the class of 2010 has passed $25,000. All that on top of a multiyear slump in the job market. So do those who warn of a bubble have a case? The hard part, of course, is that a bubble is rarely apparent until it bursts. But the short answer is this: There are worrisome trends. A degree is an asset whose value can change over time. Borrowing to pay for it is risky, and borrowing is way up. The stakes are high. You can usually walk away from a house. Not so a student loan, which can’t even be discharged in a bankruptcy proceeding. But there are important differences between a potential “student loan bubble’’ and an “education bubble.’’ Furthermore, many economists think the whole concept of a bubble is a misleading way to think about what is happening and may distract from real problems. College affordability is a serious issue, but it’s a different one. Borrowing for college and borrowing for, say, a house, are fundamentally different in important ways. But there are some classic warning signs: ■Everybody wants in. The idea that higher education is the only way to get ahead has become widely held. College enrollment has surged one-third in a decade. College tuition and fees have more than doubled over that time, outstripping inflation. ■The volume of outstanding student loans is rising rapidly and now exceeds credit card debt, though recent reports of it crossing $1 trillion may be premature. Moody’s Analytics puts the number at $750 billion. Credit card debt is declining, but student loan debt keeps going up. ■Many student loans were made with little or no research into whether borrowers were fit. Federal Stafford loans are basically automatic for college students, and government backing for other types of loans gave other student lenders little reason to be picky. ■Defaults on federal student loans jumped to 8.8 percent from 7 percent in the most recent fiscal year. The numbers are alarming. But putting them in context requires thinking separately about the ideas of a “student loan bubble’’ and an “education bubble.’’ The possible student loan bubble poses much less of a threat than housing debt did to drag down the economy. Total student loans probably amount to less than 10 percent of outstanding mortgages. More importantly, Wall Street is not knee-deep in securities composed of bundled student loans, as it was with mortgages. The other big difference with student loans is the dominant role the federal government has assumed: It accounts for roughly 85 percent of student debt. The government is answerable to voters, not shareholders, making it more likely than private investors to take steps to try to relieve student debt burdens. Second, noted Mark Kantrowitz of Finaid.org, what bursts a bubble is a liquidity crisis, when borrowers suddenly can’t get money they need. Even in the depths of the 2008 financial crisis, when private student loans dried up, the government’s dominant role kept student loans flowing. That doesn’t guarantee that the bubble won’t slowly and painfully deflate. But it ensures against the chaos of a “crash’’ after which students can’t get loans - a scenario that could shut down untold numbers of colleges. None of that, however, changes the fundamental risk for individual borrowers: They could borrow heavily to pay for college and find the return much less than expected. Here the “bubble’’ debate gets tricky. Can an education lose value? Certainly a degree can. A key measure is the wage premium for bachelor’s degree recipients over those with just high school diplomas, and there are ways to measure it. All show the premium is substantial, but appears to have slipped. Wages for the median bachelor’s degree recipient are roughly $55,292, compared with $34,813 for those with only high school, according to Georgetown University. That reflects a premium that has fallen from about 67 percent a few years ago to 59 percent. Still, estimates for the lifetime earnings advantage of a college degree range from a conservative $500,000 to more than $1 million, the Census Bureau says. Even with recent price increases, for the average student loan borrower that remains a very high return on investment. The jobless rate for new college graduates is more than 10 percent. But unemployment for college graduates overall is 4.2 percent, versus 9.7 percent for those with a high school degree. And nobody earns a generic “college degree.’’ Degrees are earned from different schools, with different reputations, and in different majors with much different payoffs. What counts most, says Georgetown’s Anthony Carnevale, are the courses you take and your major.

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Some see signs of a student loan ‘bubble’

First the dot.coms popped, then mortgages. Are student loans and higher education the next bubble, the latest investment craze inflating on borrowed money and misplaced faith it can never go bad? Some experts have raised the possibility. Last summer, Moody’s Analytics pronounced fears of an education spending bubble “not without merit.’’ Last spring, investor and PayPal founder Peter Thiel called attention to his claims of an education bubble by awarding two dozen young entrepreneurs $100,000 each NOT to attend college. Recent weeks have seen another spate of “bubble’’ headlines - student loan defaults up, tuition rising another 8.3 percent this year and a new report estimating that average student debt has passed $25,000.

20120129211056

eBay has acquired RedLaser, a barcode-scanning app that helps users locate the best price for a product and uncover further information, from technology startup Occipital. Occipital will remain a freestanding company. The paid app [iTunes link], which was featured in Apple’s “Shopper” commercial for the iPhone (see below), is now available for free. eBay will begin to add its more than 200 million listings from eBay into the app, along with products from the 7,000 merchants partnered with Shopping.com (which, according to eBay, includes 95 of the top 100 retailers). eBay also intends to integrate RedLaser’s barcode-scanning technology into its own iPhone applications, including eBay Marketplace, eBay Selling, StubHub and Shopping.com, which have already been downloaded by more than 10 million users collectively. Many other applications already use RedLaser’s technology, from grocery shopping lists to gift registries. “Mobile enables consumers to make impulse buys and convenient purchases wherever they are, and eBay is constantly innovating to make mobile shopping easy and reduce the friction in commerce,” said Mark Carges, chief technology officer and senior vice president, global products, eBay Marketplaces in a statement. “With RedLaser’s innovative technology, eBay is continuing to help shoppers quickly find the best deals online, and eBay sellers will be able to list their items faster.” Although the terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, it’s a logical step for eBay, who claims that a purchase is made every two seconds via its mobile applications for iPhone, Blackberry and Android. As a RedLaser user, I’m a open to the inclusion of eBay listings in the application, so long as eBay does not prioritize the listings of its own properties over other retailers’. RedLaser and eBay users: What do you think of the acquisition? Do you welcome eBay’s listings on the iPhone app?

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eBay Acquires Barcode-Scanning iPhone App Redlaser

eBay has acquired RedLaser, a barcode-scanning app that helps users locate the best price for a product and uncover further information, from technology startup Occiptal.

20120210041936

She's surrounded by hot bodies and party girls, a bunch of surfers soaking in the sun in the waning minutes of a Jacksonville Jaguars game. She knows most of them, smiling behind her shades as they show skin and affection the way so many beachgoers do. To a stranger, she seems just like one of them -- another young American with too much time spent on a tan and too little time spent at work. And in a way, she is like them -- she was a pro surfer too, hanging ten for sport and hanging out for a living. But in another way, Kristin Wilson is completely different from all the other surfers. She is an entrepreneur, a business woman, a money-making author of her very own American dream. And what's funny is, her American dream has nothing to do with surfing. It doesn't even take place in America. We go from sun-drenched Jacksonville a few Sundays ago to a dark room in Las Vegas a few months ago, where a few college-age men sat stone-faced at their computers. This is a scene that used to take place everywhere in America, every day -- young men (and some women) playing online poker. For many, it was a hobby. For some, a growing addiction. For these guys, from North Carolina State University, it was a job. And then, on April 15 of this year, the unthinkable took place. ThePostGame brings you the most interesting sports stories on the web. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to read them first! "I was actually playing when it happened," says Nick Hatley. "The Department of Justice had seized the websites." The FBI had shut down three of the biggest online poker sites, alleging the owners had laundered money and defrauded banks to skirt gambling laws. Poker players are nothing if not resourceful, so Hatley and his friends started looking at other sites. Surely there was a way around this. "When PokerStars stopped letting players open new tables," Hatley says, "I knew there was a serious problem." Panic set in. This wasn't just a temporary power outage; some players had hundreds of thousands of dollars sitting in the coffers of these companies. Poker agent Brian Balsbaugh later told CNBC's Darren Rovell, "It happened, it happened fast and it completely annihilated what was a flourishing industry in the United States." It came to be called Black Friday. And suddenly thousands of online poker players had to choose their country or their main source of income. Hatley left for Canada in May, but immigration rules forbid staying for more than six months out of a particular year. So he was stuck. "Then," he says, "we found Kristin." Kristin Wilson is the last person you'd think could be a poker pied piper. She has never played. She doesn't even own a deck of cards. And beyond that, surfing seems about the least appropriate sport to prepare for a career in poker. Surfers are up before dawn, eating perfectly, soaking up the rays and allowing the rhythm of the waves to wash all stresses away. Online poker players are up all night, eating whatever, staring at their screens until the adrenaline withers their nerves away. But Wilson, 29, never really fit in perfectly with surfers either. She was a cheerleader who had an interest in quantum physics. She studied and surfed in Costa Rica before graduating from the University of Central Florida in 2004, and got her MBA in '05. Surfing was something she was good at -- something she actually moved back to Costa Rica to do after getting her business degree -- but she didn't want to do it forever. Her true calling happened almost randomly. She met several people in Costa Rica who worked in sports books, which are huge there. She kept in touch. And on April 15 of this year, she read countless cries of desperation on her Twitter and Facebook feeds. Several mentioned the idea of going to Costa Rica. She knew the terrain. She spoke Spanish. She could help. "So I just started emailing people," she says. "I figured I should just do this as a business. Not many people were equipped to just pick up and move to a different country." That was for sure. The hurdle for the poker players to relocate to Costa Rica wasn't money. They had plenty. It was logistics. And effort. "Poker players by nature are very lazy," says Hatley. "Most people like me, they just sit in the house and play poker all day. They don't understand how to deal with life issues." Wilson knew the type -- let's face it, surfers aren’t exactly detail-oriented either -- and she figured she could do a lot more than find these guys a place to live. How were they going to set up a bank account? How were they going to get around safely? How were they going to install a T-1 line, for that matter? So for $1,000 a person, Wilson did pretty much everything for the transplants. She found them houses, she had them fetched at the airport, she walked them through immersion in the day-to-day culture. She even defended them to skeptical landlords who didn't want night owls as tenants. One of her clients, an online poker forum called PocketFives.com, suggested they join forces. Kristin got her own page, calling it "Poker Refugees." And now it's a strange, platonic marriage between the refugees and the sunny blonde. "I'm their friend," Wilson says. "They call when they're having a bad day. They tell me what hand they got. They copy and paste it into an email and send." That's the least of her self-appointed duties. She finds the exiles maid service, groceries, even places to go to find a date. She wakes up at 4:45 a.m., works out, reaches out to the next group of refugees on the way from Vegas or Canada, meets with prospective clients, and then helps whomever needs it for the rest of the afternoon and evening. She answers questions on the Poker Refugees website -- even one from a New Yorker in Denmark who has no foreign bank account but wants to play anyway. "I can still help you," she chirps. Wilson no longer surfs, has no boyfriend, and doesn't see much of her roommate in her three-bedroom condo. Her trip home to North Florida was merely to see her folks, see some friends, and get her car fixed. "If I'm ever not working," she says," I feel guilty." She's not lonely or miserable, though -- not hardly. She's just an entrepreneur running her own start-up. She loves the challenge and the intimacy of it. In real estate, you're just an agent. In this kind of thing, you matter. "It would be impossible without Kristin," says poker refugee Mazin Khoury. "If you spoke Spanish, you'd have a better chance. But we don't." If you think this little enterprise is somehow un-American -- a Florida girl getting paid to help gamblers go off-shore to make a mint -- consider that the poker exiles pay tens of thousands of dollars in taxes to the U.S. government. They wouldn't be paying anywhere near as much if they lived at home. Wilson is hardly patting herself on the back, but when you add up dozens of poker players each making tens or hundreds of thousands, her service is funneling the U.S. government a rather large amount of money. "I still pay taxes," she says. "We're all contributing members of society. We're not complaining or living off the government." And that's why pretty much everyone thinks this situation won't last. There are too many millions -- even billions -- at stake. "I'm still sticking to the notion in my head we'll have poker back," says Khoury. "There's too much money to be made by these companies and the U.S. government. It just seems like how can something not get done when it's a billion dollar industry." Kristin's fine with that. She says when that time comes, she'll just move on to something else. That's the surfer in her -- ride every wave until the end and don't look back. For now, she'll be up late at night, taking calls from her new clients, trying to empathize with a bad deal or a bad hand. "What am I supposed to say?" she jokes. "I just tell them they'll get it back." Hearing that makes the poker refugees feel better. Because, after all, Kristin's already gotten it back for them. Popular Stories On ThePostGame: -- Tilted World: The Broken Faith In Online Poker -- Video: Flare Surfing Is Both The Coolest And The Hottest Thing On Water -- MLB Veteran Survives Near-Fatal Surfing Injury

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The Spread Sheet | ThePostGame

Parlay-vous? Then we're definitely speaking the same language here. A teaser is not just a preview. We'll discuss when it's better to give than to receive, and vice versa.

20120219004738

A Newton developer is moving forward with construction of a 14-story hotel and apartment complex across from the TD Garden, one of several projects that could help reinvent the North Station area in coming years. The Boston Development Group on Thursday night won city approval to build The Merano, which will include a 210-room Courtyard Marriott hotel, 231 apartments, restaurants, and retail shops. Construction of the $165 million project is planned to start in the fall. “We’re thrilled with the design and expect that the project will bring vibrance to the neighborhood day and night,’’ said David Zussman, chief executive of the Boston Development Group. The project is one of several planned on state-owned property at the northern edge of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. The land once was occupied by the elevated central artery. Simpson Housing began construction last summer on the Victor, a 286-unit apartment project with ground-floor restaurants along Causeway Street. Trinity Financial Inc. is planning a large development nearby, and Equity Residential and Delaware North Cos. are eyeing residential projects in the neighborhood. The Merano, which will be near the Zakim Bridge, has been revised from a prior proposal to feature a range of apartments, with about 60 percent to be one-bedroom units, 25 percent two bedrooms, and 15 percent studios. An executive with Boston Development Group said the one bedrooms will rent for between $2,600 and $2,800 per month. Thirty of the units will be designated affordable. Designed by CBT Architects Inc., the complex will be contained in a pair of adjoined 14-story buildings. Many of the apartments will have balconies, and residents will have access to a pool and fitness center to be built in the Courtyard Marriott. The second and third levels of the complex will contain 184 parking spaces. The project is expected to create about 550 jobs during construction and about 200 permanent jobs in the hotel and restaurants. In addition to The Merano, the Boston Redevelopment Authority also approved construction of 60 apartments in three adjoining buildings on Melcher Street in the Fort Point Channel neighborhood. The project will include 27 so-called innovation housing units, which are designed to be smaller and more affordable for renters in the neighborhood. The developers plan to build the project in phases, starting with the renovation of 63 Melcher St. and then moving to 49 and 51 Melcher St.; the latter two buildings will include retail shops and/or entertainment on the lower levels. Parking for residents of the complex will be available in the adjacent Necco Street Garage. The development team includes Archon Group, Goldman Properties, Melcher Street Holdings LLC, and Gerding Edlen Development. The complex is being designed by the architecture firm Bargmann, Hendrie & Archetype.

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North Station area projects move ahead

A Newton developer is moving forward with construction of a 14-story hotel and apartment complex across from the TD Garden, one of several projects that could help reinvent the area in coming years. The Boston Development Group on Thursday night won city approval to build the Merano, which will include a 210-room Courtyard Marriott hotel, 231 apartments, restaurants, and retail shops. Construction of the $165 million project is planned to start in the fall.

20121104000219

At some fashion shows, clothes come down the runway that make you ashamed to be dressed at all. How can you wear jeans and a T-shirt when that model is wearing a whole ship? You just have to leave and start over tomorrow, presumably with the Robert Louis Stevenson collection. “Holy Motors” is the movie equivalent of that. Why settle for the sexual uplift of “The Sessions,” with Helen Hunt therapeutically pleasuring a disabled John Hawkes, when you can watch a bloody gnome lick Eva Mendes’s armpit for absolutely no humane reason at all? It’s couture ridiculousness. The film has sprung from the mind of the Frenchman Leos Carax and ought to be seen to be believed, on the largest screen you can find, and probably sober, too, since it becomes its own narcotic. The opening credits feature three of the best consecutive words of the year — “et Eva Mendes”! — and the sort of acting from Denis Lavant that sets aside matters of pure craft and embraces bodily instinct (where Mendes is concerned, even the ones a man can’t control). I don’t know what Lavant is playing here because I’ve never seen anything like it. The movie consists of him changing characters in a stretch limo. After he gets into the car as a billion-dollar titan, he exits as a crippled homeless babushka, then emerges once more in a full-body suit with motion-capture sensors to simulate an action sequence on a soundstage, then running on a treadmill with a machine gun, then intercourse with an Amazonian figure in a matching getup. She kicks off her shoes as if it will really make a difference opposite a force as runty as Lavant. Eventually, the man slips into a new costume. Inside the limo, I’d call it leprechaun record executive. But scurrying down into the sewers amid the homeless and, above ground, frantically eating the flowers at a cemetery and assaulting the visitors? It’s “Troll 7.” But his scrambling over people and headstones does land him at a photo shoot where Mendes is Mendes-ing for a scraggly photographer. As the cameraman shoots, he cries out “Beauty, beauty,” then gets a load of the troll and falls deeper in love: “He’s so weird,” moans the photographer, snapping away as though what he’d actually said was, “He’s so hot.” Anyway, the troll bites off the fingers of the cameraman’s assistant, races up to Mendes, licks under her arm, and scuttles off to the sewers with her over his shoulder and proceeds to eat up her cash. Even if John Waters and Stephen Colbert got a movie into theaters tomorrow, it wouldn’t be as sickly hilarious and knowingly off as this sequence. (Mendes looks like an “Attack of the 50-Foot Woman” doll, only Carax has spent the battery money.) It’s possible that this man, whom his driver (Édith Scob) calls, perhaps with a Hollywood wink, “Monsieur Oscar,” might have a “normal” persona, too. He spins by a party and picks up a girl who’s been sprinkling her hair with glitter. It’s his daughter, and they proceed to have what passes for a poignant heart-to-heart about her worsening bashfulness. There’s almost no point in going on any further because all of Carax’s imagery and scenarios will exceed what I type. Kylie Minogue in “Holy Motors.” This is his first film since 1999’s “Pola X,” in which the director put a stick of TNT into Herman Melville and turned the smithereens into sensual dream-art. “Holy Motors” is more of the same, just with extra more. The headstones at that cemetery say in French “Visit my site,” and after hearing Kylie Minogue the ringtone and Kylie Minogue the party-starting jam, we see the real thing in Monsieur Oscar’s big musical number (she does the singing). It’s not the celebratory release you’d expect, but a ballad in which one of Earth’s most incandescent pop stars dons a trench coat and Julie Andrews wig and lights nothing up. Lest there be any confusion, the star of “Holy Motors” is its maker. There are people who will find this tiresome, like their leg is being pulled over and over. But for Carax I was happy to put up with it for two hours. For him, I’m a millipede. “Holy Motors” is a movie you could imagine coming from Marcel Duchamp, Grace Jones, or a caveman opening a bottle of Gaultier perfume sent back in time. Truthfully, it’s a vehicular picaresque that deserves a permanent parking spot in the David Lynch-David Cronenberg garage. Carax happily rebukes the comforts and monotonies of commercial art and mass entertainment. At the moment, there are a lot of directors begging with comfort food for your attention at the box office. Pot pies are fine. But consider throwing Carax some of your money. He’s the rare filmmaker who’ll put it where his mouth is.

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‘Holy Motors’ is a weird, wild drive

*** Holy Motors An automotive picaresque with Denis Lavant as a gentleman who emerges from his limousine a different person every time. The movie’s sprung from the mind and popped from every orifice of the Frenchman Leos Carax and ought to be seen to be believed, on the largest screen you can find, and probably sober, too, since it becomes its own narcotic. (117 min., unrated) (Wesley Morris)