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Oldest man in the US dies in Sacramento at 112
George Francis, the nation's oldest man, who lived through both world wars, man's first walk on the moon and the election of the first black president, has died. He was 112.
Francis died Saturday of congestive heart failure at a nursing home in Sacramento, his son, Anthony Francis, said Sunday.
"He lived four years in the 19th century, 100 years in the 20th century, and 8 years in the 21st century. We call him the man of three centuries," said the younger Francis, 81.
UCLA gerontologist Dr. Stephen Coles, who maintains a list of the world's oldest people, said Francis lived 112 years and 204 days.
With Francis' death, Walter Breuning of Montana, who is 112 years, 98 days old, becomes the country's oldest living man. At 114, Gertrude Baines of Los Angeles is the nation's oldest living person. The world's oldest person is Maria de Jesus of Portugal, who is 115 years, 109 days old, and the oldest man is Tomoji Tanabe of Japan, who is 113 years, 101 days, Coles said.
Francis, who at his prime barely weighed more than 100 pounds, was born June 6, 1896, in New Orleans. As an African-American in the South, he felt the sting of the Jim Crow-era segregation laws in his early life.
His son said Francis tried to enlist in the U.S. Army during World War I but was turned down because of his stature.
"We always attributed his longevity to his mental and physical toughness," Anthony Francis said.
George Francis quit school after the sixth grade, became an amateur boxer as a young man and later worked as a chauffeur, an auto mechanic and a barber.
He and his wife, Josephine Johnson Francis, had a son and three daughters. Josephine Francis died of cancer in 1964.
Even in his waning days, Francis never lost his passion for politics, his family said. He voted for Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s and for Barack Obama in 2008.
In an interview with The Associated Press after Obama's victory, Francis, who used a wheelchair, said he felt like jumping up and down.
"He is going to give black men a break in the world, and give them a better opportunity to live and make more money," he said. "For people who say voting doesn't matter, I think that's crazy."
Anthony Francis said his father was devoted to his family and that he attributed his longevity to them.
"He said `My children and my friends, I live off of them,'" he said.
Besides his four children, Francis is survived by 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren.
Francis died Saturday of congestive heart failure at a nursing home in Sacramento, his son, Anthony Francis, said Sunday.
"He lived four years in the 19th century, 100 years in the 20th century, and 8 years in the 21st century. We call him the man of three centuries," said the younger Francis, 81.
UCLA gerontologist Dr. Stephen Coles, who maintains a list of the world's oldest people, said Francis lived 112 years and 204 days.
With Francis' death, Walter Breuning of Montana, who is 112 years, 98 days old, becomes the country's oldest living man. At 114, Gertrude Baines of Los Angeles is the nation's oldest living person. The world's oldest person is Maria de Jesus of Portugal, who is 115 years, 109 days old, and the oldest man is Tomoji Tanabe of Japan, who is 113 years, 101 days, Coles said.
Francis, who at his prime barely weighed more than 100 pounds, was born June 6, 1896, in New Orleans. As an African-American in the South, he felt the sting of the Jim Crow-era segregation laws in his early life.
His son said Francis tried to enlist in the U.S. Army during World War I but was turned down because of his stature.
"We always attributed his longevity to his mental and physical toughness," Anthony Francis said.
George Francis quit school after the sixth grade, became an amateur boxer as a young man and later worked as a chauffeur, an auto mechanic and a barber.
He and his wife, Josephine Johnson Francis, had a son and three daughters. Josephine Francis died of cancer in 1964.
Even in his waning days, Francis never lost his passion for politics, his family said. He voted for Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s and for Barack Obama in 2008.
In an interview with The Associated Press after Obama's victory, Francis, who used a wheelchair, said he felt like jumping up and down.
"He is going to give black men a break in the world, and give them a better opportunity to live and make more money," he said. "For people who say voting doesn't matter, I think that's crazy."
Anthony Francis said his father was devoted to his family and that he attributed his longevity to them.
"He said `My children and my friends, I live off of them,'" he said.
Besides his four children, Francis is survived by 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren.
Top 2008 Heroes of Super Proportions
Like Superman and Lois Lane, superheroes and the Internet have a classic love affair—but passion wasn't found online for the Man of Steel in 2008.
The honor of most popular superhero on the Web in 2008 goes to the dark defender of Gotham: Batman. Take one part sequel hype, one part tragic death, and one part comic book icon, and you get massive interest in the Dark Knight. Mouses clicked for film spoilers, rumors of a third installment, and just about everything concerning the late, lamented Heath Ledger. Prepare for 2009's great Web gossip blockbuster, "Who Will Play Catwoman in Batman 3?"
It's hard to say whether the fervor for "Iron Man" had more to do with Robert Downey Jr. or with the armor-plated hero, but the film's popularity spilled over to the Web. Costume sneak peeks and casting controversies helped keep interest alive even after the movie left the theaters.
All of the drama involving Spider-Man this year was off-screen, but there was plenty of it. After Peter Parker's marriage was magically erased in the comics, a mini-crisis spread across the Internet. And high stakes Hollywood negotiations over whether Toby Maguire and Kirsten Dunst would return as the hero and the damsel in distress in movie sequels "4" and "5" captivated gawking Web viewers.
While people focused on Spider-Man's future, the Incredible Hulk's new version of his past raised eyebrows online. A second movie try at the green guy's origin got people's attention, with people searching for everything from what the new hulk looked like to whether Captain America was hinted at in a small scene.
If you forgot to buy Superman a birthday gift in 2008, you still have a few days. His 70th birthday sparked all kinds of searches including speculation on when he would rejoin his friend with the bat wings at the cinema. But just as significant to Web surfers was a lawsuit regarding who owns the rights to Superboy. Sometimes a legal battle can excite Searchers just as much as a super villain with Kryptonite.
Hype for movies ("Hellboy," "Ghost Rider," and the notorious "Watchmen"), rumors of wild casting (Beyonce as Wonder Woman), and just plain old love of characters (Wolverine) kept the once-cult realm of comics in the mainstream. Even the drama of the 2008 presidential run for the White House got a graphic treatment.
What remains to be seen next year is whether 2008 was too much of a good thing for masked avengers. Will too many "Dark Knight" knock-offs ruin audience appetite for heroics? Then again, a rough economy could easily increase the desire to see rich men in cool outfits fighting societal ills. Maybe in "Iron Man 2," Downey should take on America's greatest foe yet: the nefarious Recession.
Batman
The honor of most popular superhero on the Web in 2008 goes to the dark defender of Gotham: Batman. Take one part sequel hype, one part tragic death, and one part comic book icon, and you get massive interest in the Dark Knight. Mouses clicked for film spoilers, rumors of a third installment, and just about everything concerning the late, lamented Heath Ledger. Prepare for 2009's great Web gossip blockbuster, "Who Will Play Catwoman in Batman 3?"
It's hard to say whether the fervor for "Iron Man" had more to do with Robert Downey Jr. or with the armor-plated hero, but the film's popularity spilled over to the Web. Costume sneak peeks and casting controversies helped keep interest alive even after the movie left the theaters.
All of the drama involving Spider-Man this year was off-screen, but there was plenty of it. After Peter Parker's marriage was magically erased in the comics, a mini-crisis spread across the Internet. And high stakes Hollywood negotiations over whether Toby Maguire and Kirsten Dunst would return as the hero and the damsel in distress in movie sequels "4" and "5" captivated gawking Web viewers.
While people focused on Spider-Man's future, the Incredible Hulk's new version of his past raised eyebrows online. A second movie try at the green guy's origin got people's attention, with people searching for everything from what the new hulk looked like to whether Captain America was hinted at in a small scene.
If you forgot to buy Superman a birthday gift in 2008, you still have a few days. His 70th birthday sparked all kinds of searches including speculation on when he would rejoin his friend with the bat wings at the cinema. But just as significant to Web surfers was a lawsuit regarding who owns the rights to Superboy. Sometimes a legal battle can excite Searchers just as much as a super villain with Kryptonite.
Hype for movies ("Hellboy," "Ghost Rider," and the notorious "Watchmen"), rumors of wild casting (Beyonce as Wonder Woman), and just plain old love of characters (Wolverine) kept the once-cult realm of comics in the mainstream. Even the drama of the 2008 presidential run for the White House got a graphic treatment.
What remains to be seen next year is whether 2008 was too much of a good thing for masked avengers. Will too many "Dark Knight" knock-offs ruin audience appetite for heroics? Then again, a rough economy could easily increase the desire to see rich men in cool outfits fighting societal ills. Maybe in "Iron Man 2," Downey should take on America's greatest foe yet: the nefarious Recession.
Batman
Tickly tum dancing
DELIGHTED Strictly Come Dancing beauty Tess Daly last night confirmed to The Sun she IS pregnant.
The former model — wed to telly and radio host Vernon Kay, 34 — is just over three months gone.
Vernon Kay
The former model — wed to telly and radio host Vernon Kay, 34 — is just over three months gone.
Tess, 37, said: “We are over the moon at the prospect of a new addition to our family.”
The couple already have a four-year-old daughter, Phoebe Elizabeth.
The statuesque presenter showed off a small baby bump as she hosted the Strictly Come Dancing special on Christmas Day with Bruce Forsyth. She wore a Grecian-style floor-length grey silk gown which showed off her curves.
But Tess had been keen to keep the news quiet.
She even went so far as to say she just had a “fat belly” when fans speculated she was expecting last month.
A pal said: “Both Tess and Vernon have been keeping the news under wraps for weeks, but the pregnancy was clear to see on Christmas Day.
“They are really excited and so happy. It’s great news that Phoebe will have a little brother or sister.”
Tess and Vernon moved out of London to a sprawling country home in Buckinghamshire after Phoebe was born. The latest baby news means that Tess will give birth just in time to host the seventh series of the BBC1 ballroom hit.
Vernon Kay
Becks cans Pepsi after ten years
DAVID BECKHAM has canned his big money deal with Pepsi after TEN YEARS as the face of the soft drinks giant.
Becks, 33, has thrilled his fans by dressing up as a gladiator, cowboy and surfer for the long-running TV advertising campaign.
But the England footie hero, nicknamed Goldenballs, is now giving up his £2million-a-year contract to focus on other work with companies such as Vodafone and Armani.
Dad-of-three Becks — currently playing at AC Milan after being loaned out by his US team LA Galaxy — said last night: “I have nothing but good memories of my association with Pepsi. I’ve played a gladiator, a cowboy, a surfer, and worked alongside BEYONCE and JENNIFER LOPEZ as well as some of the biggest names in world football.
It added: “David’s football legacy will live on, and everyone at Pepsi will continue to be passionate about his success.”
But the news will please the Consumer Association, which earlier this year complained to Becks that he was promoting unhealthy products to kids.
Becks
Becks, 33, has thrilled his fans by dressing up as a gladiator, cowboy and surfer for the long-running TV advertising campaign.
But the England footie hero, nicknamed Goldenballs, is now giving up his £2million-a-year contract to focus on other work with companies such as Vodafone and Armani.
Dad-of-three Becks — currently playing at AC Milan after being loaned out by his US team LA Galaxy — said last night: “I have nothing but good memories of my association with Pepsi. I’ve played a gladiator, a cowboy, a surfer, and worked alongside BEYONCE and JENNIFER LOPEZ as well as some of the biggest names in world football.
I hope everyone who has seen the work enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed making it.Pepsi hailed its work with Becks as “one of the most enduring partnerships in global brand history”.
It added: “David’s football legacy will live on, and everyone at Pepsi will continue to be passionate about his success.”
But the news will please the Consumer Association, which earlier this year complained to Becks that he was promoting unhealthy products to kids.
Becks
Abbey enjoys vestive season
ABBEY days are here again . . . as the gorgeous Miss CLANCY poses for her latest underwear shoot.
Blonde Abbey, 22, is pictured wearing a clinging white vest top and a figure-hugging black corset — showing the kind of form that’s bound to cheer up footie ace boyfriend PETER CROUCH after his Portsmouth team lost 4-1 at home to West Ham yesterday.
And there’s even better news for Abbey’s admirers, because she’s got more sizzling snaps on the way.
Bosses at fashion store Matalan are so pleased with Abbey they are set to offer her a new contract to continue promoting their lingerie range.
Makes sense to us . . . Abbey’s clearly a model employee, and the company’s got a vested interest in her!
Abbey Clancy in vest
Blonde Abbey, 22, is pictured wearing a clinging white vest top and a figure-hugging black corset — showing the kind of form that’s bound to cheer up footie ace boyfriend PETER CROUCH after his Portsmouth team lost 4-1 at home to West Ham yesterday.
And there’s even better news for Abbey’s admirers, because she’s got more sizzling snaps on the way.
Bosses at fashion store Matalan are so pleased with Abbey they are set to offer her a new contract to continue promoting their lingerie range.
Makes sense to us . . . Abbey’s clearly a model employee, and the company’s got a vested interest in her!
Abbey Clancy in vest
10 Worst Real Estate Markets for 2009
The housing market hasn't bottomed out yet. For the third quarter, the closely-watched S&P Case-Shiller national home-price index fell 16.6%, and experts are predicting further declines. Of the top 100 markets, here are 10 with the worst forecasts.
1. Los Angeles
2008 median house price: $375,340
2009 projected change: -24.9%
2010 projected change: -5.1%
The median home price in the L.A.-Long Beach-Glendale metro area is projected to fall nearly 25% in 2009 - the biggest drop in the country.
2. Stockton, Calif.
2008 median house price: $248,050
2009 projected change: -24.7%
2010 projected change: -4.0%
3. Riverside, Calif.
2008 median house price: $256,540
2009 projected change: -23.3%
4. Miami-Miami Beach
2008 median house price: $293,590
2009 projected change: -22.8%
2010 projected change: -6.4%
Miami will be nursing the hangover from its epic building boom for years to come. After falling 22% in 2008, prices are predicted to plunge another 23% next year.
5. Sacramento
2008 median house price: $225,140
2009 projected change: -22.2%
2010 projected change: 2.3%
2010 projected change: -4.8%
6. Santa Ana-Anaheim
2008 median house price: $532,810
2009 projected change: -22.0%
2010 projected change: -3.5%
7. Fresno
2008 median house price: $257,170
2009 projected change: -21.6%
2010 projected change: -3.3%
8. San Diego
2008 median house price: $412,490
2009 projected change: -21.1%
2010 projected change: -2.9%
9. Bakersfield, Calif.
2008 median house price: $227,270
2009 projected change: -20.9%
2010 projected change: -2.5%
10. Washington, D.C.
2008 median house price: $343,160
2009 projected change: -19.9%
2010 projected change: -5.7%
Top 10 Box Office Movies of 2008
In 2008, superheroes, spies, and animated animals dominated the box office, with moviegoers flocking to theaters to see a little bit of everything, from new heroes to old favorites. Here are the top ten highest grossing films at the domestic box office this year.
10. HORTON HEARS A WHO
Total Gross: $154,529,439
Featuring the voice talents of Jim Carrey and Steve Carell, and based on Dr. Seuss' storybook classic, the computer-animated Horton hit it big in March with one of the top spring opening weekends ever.
9. TWILIGHT
Total Gross: $158,461,000
Fueled by an enthusiastic fanbase, Stephanie Meyer's hit literary phenomenon jumped from the page to the big screen to take a bite out of the annual box office, grabbing the number 9 spot during the last weeks of the year.
8. QUANTUM OF SOLACE
Total Gross: $161,300,000
Picking up where 2006's "Casino Royale" left off, Daniel Craig returned to action as 007 and raked in a cool sum in ticket sales, making James Bond the second most successful movie franchise behind "Star Wars."
7. MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA
Total Gross: $172,332,000
In the sequel to 2005's animated animal hit, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra and the rest of the zoo crew crash landed in uncharted territory, and "moved it, moved it" at the box office, kicking off the holiday movie season.
6. KUNG FU PANDA
Total Gross: $215,434,591
Armed with all the right moves and an all-star voice cast, DreamWorks' unlikely kung fu hero battled his way to box office greatness, nabbing the animation studio one of its biggest, fattest, fuzziest hits yet.
5. WALL-E
Total Gross: $223,749,872
The animation wizards at Pixar rocketed to critical and box office success again with the biggest family movie of the year, an out-of-this-world tale of a lonely little robot with a really big heart.
4. HANCOCK
Total Gross: $227,946,274
Once again, Will Smith proved to be king of Independence Day, starring as a high-flying superhero with some really bad public relation problems, and smashing his way to his biggest summer opening weekend ever.
3. INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
Total Gross: $317,023,851
Nearly twenty years after his last Crusade, Harrison Ford returned as everyone's favorite whip-cracking archaeologist to don the famed fedora once more, raiding a large trove of box office treasure but falling short of record-breaking expectations.
2. IRON MAN
Total Gross: $318,313,199
Director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr. brought Marvel Comics' popular armored superhero to the big screen, kicking off the summer blockbuster season, defying expectations and blasting off all the way to the number two spot.
1. THE DARK KNIGHT
Total Gross: $530,750,228
Christian Bale faced off against Heath Ledger for the highly-anticipated, action-packed follow-up to 2005's "Batman Begins," conquering the box office with not only the biggest movie of the year, but also the second highest-grossing movie of all time -- behind "Titanic" -- sending the Joker laughing all the way to the bank.
dark night
10. HORTON HEARS A WHO
Total Gross: $154,529,439
Featuring the voice talents of Jim Carrey and Steve Carell, and based on Dr. Seuss' storybook classic, the computer-animated Horton hit it big in March with one of the top spring opening weekends ever.
9. TWILIGHT
Total Gross: $158,461,000
Fueled by an enthusiastic fanbase, Stephanie Meyer's hit literary phenomenon jumped from the page to the big screen to take a bite out of the annual box office, grabbing the number 9 spot during the last weeks of the year.
8. QUANTUM OF SOLACE
Total Gross: $161,300,000
Picking up where 2006's "Casino Royale" left off, Daniel Craig returned to action as 007 and raked in a cool sum in ticket sales, making James Bond the second most successful movie franchise behind "Star Wars."
7. MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA
Total Gross: $172,332,000
In the sequel to 2005's animated animal hit, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra and the rest of the zoo crew crash landed in uncharted territory, and "moved it, moved it" at the box office, kicking off the holiday movie season.
6. KUNG FU PANDA
Total Gross: $215,434,591
Armed with all the right moves and an all-star voice cast, DreamWorks' unlikely kung fu hero battled his way to box office greatness, nabbing the animation studio one of its biggest, fattest, fuzziest hits yet.
5. WALL-E
Total Gross: $223,749,872
The animation wizards at Pixar rocketed to critical and box office success again with the biggest family movie of the year, an out-of-this-world tale of a lonely little robot with a really big heart.
4. HANCOCK
Total Gross: $227,946,274
Once again, Will Smith proved to be king of Independence Day, starring as a high-flying superhero with some really bad public relation problems, and smashing his way to his biggest summer opening weekend ever.
3. INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
Total Gross: $317,023,851
Nearly twenty years after his last Crusade, Harrison Ford returned as everyone's favorite whip-cracking archaeologist to don the famed fedora once more, raiding a large trove of box office treasure but falling short of record-breaking expectations.
2. IRON MAN
Total Gross: $318,313,199
Director Jon Favreau and star Robert Downey Jr. brought Marvel Comics' popular armored superhero to the big screen, kicking off the summer blockbuster season, defying expectations and blasting off all the way to the number two spot.
1. THE DARK KNIGHT
Total Gross: $530,750,228
Christian Bale faced off against Heath Ledger for the highly-anticipated, action-packed follow-up to 2005's "Batman Begins," conquering the box office with not only the biggest movie of the year, but also the second highest-grossing movie of all time -- behind "Titanic" -- sending the Joker laughing all the way to the bank.
dark night
Wal-Mart to start selling Apple's iPhone on Sunday
Wal-Mart will start selling Apple's popular iPhone on Sunday, the chain said, confirming earlier reports by employees.
Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will become the second independent retail chain after Best Buy Inc. to sell the phone. It is also sold at Apple Inc. and AT&T Inc. stores.
Wal-Mart will sell the phones for $2 less than the regular price with a two-year contract: $197 for the 8-gigabyte model, or $297 for the 16-gigabyte model. Best Buy is discounting the phone by $9.
Reports that Wal-Mart would sell the phone, but not the exact launch date or the terms, surfaced early this month through store employees who had been briefed.
iPhones
Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will become the second independent retail chain after Best Buy Inc. to sell the phone. It is also sold at Apple Inc. and AT&T Inc. stores.
Wal-Mart will sell the phones for $2 less than the regular price with a two-year contract: $197 for the 8-gigabyte model, or $297 for the 16-gigabyte model. Best Buy is discounting the phone by $9.
Reports that Wal-Mart would sell the phone, but not the exact launch date or the terms, surfaced early this month through store employees who had been briefed.
iPhones
Heat’s Dwyane Wade helps family displaced by fire
When Dwyane Wade heard the plight of a South Florida woman whose nephew accidentally burned down her home—and ruined all the family’s possessions—the Miami Heat star knew he had to do something.
So he helped the family move into a new home, just in time for Christmas.
Wade presented Dawn Smith with the ultimate Christmas gift on Wednesday— the keys to a her new house, along with some furnishings, clothing and gifts to make sure her family has a joyous holiday, something that didn’t seem likely just a few weeks ago.
His Wade’s World foundation will make some payments on the home, while Smith and her family get back on their feet.
“That’s what I try to teach my kids,” said Wade, whose foundation has hosted several charity events this holiday season, mostly for needy children. “It’s not about what you’re going to receive—it’s what you can give to others from what you’ve received.”
Smith couldn’t hold back happy sobs when she saw the home for the first time.
“A big-time relief,” Smith said, clearly overcome by emotion. “Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Oh, God, thank you so much.”
The NBA’s leading scorer this season had a simple message: “Hopefully, you’ll like it.”
Wade’s other holiday events this year included a party for 350 children on Monday, and hosting 100 kids at Tuesday night’s Heat game against the Golden State Warriors. He also donated $10,000 to each of three children’s organizations, but said he was particularly touched by being able to assist the Smith family.
So he helped the family move into a new home, just in time for Christmas.
Wade presented Dawn Smith with the ultimate Christmas gift on Wednesday— the keys to a her new house, along with some furnishings, clothing and gifts to make sure her family has a joyous holiday, something that didn’t seem likely just a few weeks ago.
His Wade’s World foundation will make some payments on the home, while Smith and her family get back on their feet.
“That’s what I try to teach my kids,” said Wade, whose foundation has hosted several charity events this holiday season, mostly for needy children. “It’s not about what you’re going to receive—it’s what you can give to others from what you’ve received.”
Smith couldn’t hold back happy sobs when she saw the home for the first time.
“A big-time relief,” Smith said, clearly overcome by emotion. “Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Oh, God, thank you so much.”
The NBA’s leading scorer this season had a simple message: “Hopefully, you’ll like it.”
Wade’s other holiday events this year included a party for 350 children on Monday, and hosting 100 kids at Tuesday night’s Heat game against the Golden State Warriors. He also donated $10,000 to each of three children’s organizations, but said he was particularly touched by being able to assist the Smith family.
Man in Santa suit kills at least 6 at holiday party
In a bizarre Christmas Eve rampage in a Los Angeles suburb, a 45-year-old man in a Santa Claus outfit opened fire on a gathering of his in-laws and then methodically set their house ablaze, killing at least six people and injuring several others, the authorities said on Thursday.
In adition, three people who were at the party in the suburb of Covina — including the couple who owned the home and the former wife of the suspect — were missing, the police said.
The suspect, identified by witnesses as Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, later killed himself in front of his brother's house in Sylmar, about 40 miles from the scene of the shootings, the police said.
Witnesses said Pardo, armed with cans of accelerant, went to the house looking for his former wife, Sylvia, with whom he had been entangled in a bitter divorce..
The frenzied shooting occurred just before midnight Wednesday at a two-story home on a cul de sac in Covina, a middle-class town about 22 miles east of Los Angeles. People who escaped the home, including one woman who broke an ankle as she leapt out of a second-floor window, said they had gathered for a family celebration.
At least three bodies were initially discovered inside the home, and coroners found "several" more bodies as they went through the rubble on Thursday morning, according to The Associated Press.
Investigators said that about 30 people, among them many children, were inside the home celebrating on Christmas Eve when Pardo knocked on the door. The gathering was a tradition for the family, an annual holiday party, and Pardo had apparently disguised himself as hired entertainment to gain access. When a guest opened the door, Pardo stepped inside the house, pulled out a handgun, and immediately started shooting, Lieut. Pat Buchanan of the Covina Police Department said in a telephone interview.
Officers said they responded to a burst of 911 calls, and arrived at the home at 1129 E. Knollcrest Drive moments later to find it engulfed in flames and shots still being fired inside. Pardo had doused the house in accelerant and then set it on fire, the police said. They said they initially kept about 80 firefighters from getting too close until it appeared that the shooting had stopped. Pardo was believed to have started the fire, possibly with Molotov Cocktails, the authorities said.
Three victims — an 8-year-old and a 16-year-old with gunshot wounds, and the woman who broke her ankle, who is in her 20s— staggered outside and were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries, Buchanan said.
Jeanie Golpz, 51, who lives down the street from the house, said the woman leapt out of the window after running upstairs to flee Pardo. Golpz said she comforted the woman and two others who escaped the house, including a man who was screaming "He shot my family, he shot my family!" The three survivors, she said, were worried that as many as 10 people were still in the home when they escaped.
At some point during the chaos, the police said, Pardo stripped out of his Santa outfit and fled the house in street clothes. When the fire was brought under control, around 1:30 a.m., investigators peered inside the charred structure, where they could see at least three bodies. By early Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles, it was still unclear who the victims were and how many more were inside because officers had not yet entered the home, Buchanan said.
But Ed Winter, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner's office, told The AP that more bodies had been found inside, some of them too badly burned to immediately determine whether they died in the fire or from gunshots.
"We have multiple bodies inside," Winter said. "They're extremely charred and burned."
Buchanan said Pardo had been having problems with his wife, a relative of the owner of the home. Records indicate that the two filed for divorce in March, and that Sylivia Pardo had been living in the home. It was unclear if she was among the dead, and what connection Bruce Pardo had to the wounded 8-year-old and the other victims, he said.
"We don't know if they were residents of the house or not," the officer said.
The authorities began a manhunt for Pardo and were scouring the area when his body was discovered in a car near his brother's home in Sylmar, about 40 miles northwest of Covina.
A suburb that boasts in its slogan "One mile square and all there," Covina sits at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains in the San Gabriel Valley. In the last few decades it became a scenic backdrop for films and shows, including several episodes of the television series "Roswell" and the hit show "Knight Rider."
In adition, three people who were at the party in the suburb of Covina — including the couple who owned the home and the former wife of the suspect — were missing, the police said.
The suspect, identified by witnesses as Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, later killed himself in front of his brother's house in Sylmar, about 40 miles from the scene of the shootings, the police said.
Witnesses said Pardo, armed with cans of accelerant, went to the house looking for his former wife, Sylvia, with whom he had been entangled in a bitter divorce..
The frenzied shooting occurred just before midnight Wednesday at a two-story home on a cul de sac in Covina, a middle-class town about 22 miles east of Los Angeles. People who escaped the home, including one woman who broke an ankle as she leapt out of a second-floor window, said they had gathered for a family celebration.
At least three bodies were initially discovered inside the home, and coroners found "several" more bodies as they went through the rubble on Thursday morning, according to The Associated Press.
Investigators said that about 30 people, among them many children, were inside the home celebrating on Christmas Eve when Pardo knocked on the door. The gathering was a tradition for the family, an annual holiday party, and Pardo had apparently disguised himself as hired entertainment to gain access. When a guest opened the door, Pardo stepped inside the house, pulled out a handgun, and immediately started shooting, Lieut. Pat Buchanan of the Covina Police Department said in a telephone interview.
Officers said they responded to a burst of 911 calls, and arrived at the home at 1129 E. Knollcrest Drive moments later to find it engulfed in flames and shots still being fired inside. Pardo had doused the house in accelerant and then set it on fire, the police said. They said they initially kept about 80 firefighters from getting too close until it appeared that the shooting had stopped. Pardo was believed to have started the fire, possibly with Molotov Cocktails, the authorities said.
Three victims — an 8-year-old and a 16-year-old with gunshot wounds, and the woman who broke her ankle, who is in her 20s— staggered outside and were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries, Buchanan said.
Jeanie Golpz, 51, who lives down the street from the house, said the woman leapt out of the window after running upstairs to flee Pardo. Golpz said she comforted the woman and two others who escaped the house, including a man who was screaming "He shot my family, he shot my family!" The three survivors, she said, were worried that as many as 10 people were still in the home when they escaped.
At some point during the chaos, the police said, Pardo stripped out of his Santa outfit and fled the house in street clothes. When the fire was brought under control, around 1:30 a.m., investigators peered inside the charred structure, where they could see at least three bodies. By early Thursday afternoon in Los Angeles, it was still unclear who the victims were and how many more were inside because officers had not yet entered the home, Buchanan said.
But Ed Winter, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner's office, told The AP that more bodies had been found inside, some of them too badly burned to immediately determine whether they died in the fire or from gunshots.
"We have multiple bodies inside," Winter said. "They're extremely charred and burned."
Buchanan said Pardo had been having problems with his wife, a relative of the owner of the home. Records indicate that the two filed for divorce in March, and that Sylivia Pardo had been living in the home. It was unclear if she was among the dead, and what connection Bruce Pardo had to the wounded 8-year-old and the other victims, he said.
"We don't know if they were residents of the house or not," the officer said.
The authorities began a manhunt for Pardo and were scouring the area when his body was discovered in a car near his brother's home in Sylmar, about 40 miles northwest of Covina.
A suburb that boasts in its slogan "One mile square and all there," Covina sits at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains in the San Gabriel Valley. In the last few decades it became a scenic backdrop for films and shows, including several episodes of the television series "Roswell" and the hit show "Knight Rider."
Eartha Kitt, sultry 'Santa Baby' singer, dies
Eartha Kitt, a sultry singer, dancer and actress who rose from South Carolina cotton fields to become an international symbol of elegance and sensuality, has died, a family spokesman said. She was 81.
Andrew Freedman said Kitt, who was recently treated at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, died Thursday in Connecticut of colon cancer.
Kitt, a self-proclaimed "sex kitten" famous for her catlike purr, was one of America's most versatile performers, winning two Emmys and nabbing a third nomination. She also was nominated for several Tonys and two Grammys.
Her career spanned six decades, from her start as a dancer with the famed Katherine Dunham troupe to cabarets and acting and singing on stage, in movies and on television. She persevered through an unhappy childhood as a mixed-race daughter of the South and made headlines in the 1960s for denouncing the Vietnam War during a visit to the White House.
Through the years, Kitt remained a picture of vitality and attracted fans less than half her age even as she neared 80.
When her book "Rejuvenate," a guide to staying physically fit, was published in 2001, Kitt was featured on the cover in a long, curve-hugging black dress with a figure that some 20-year-old women would envy. Kitt also wrote three autobiographies.
Once dubbed the "most exciting woman in the world" by Orson Welles, she spent much of her life single, though brief romances with the rich and famous peppered her younger years.
After becoming a hit singing "Monotonous" in the Broadway revue "New Faces of 1952," Kitt appeared in "Mrs. Patterson" in 1954-55. (Some references say she earned a Tony nomination for "Mrs. Patterson," but only winners were publicly announced at that time.) She also made appearances in "Shinbone Alley" and "The Owl and the Pussycat."
Her first album, "RCA Victor Presents Eartha Kitt," came out in 1954, featuring such songs as "I Want to Be Evil," "C'est Si Bon" and the saucy gold digger's theme song "Santa Baby," which is revived on radio each Christmas.
The next year, the record company released follow-up album "That Bad Eartha," which featured "Let's Do It," "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "My Heart Belongs to Daddy."
In 1996, she was nominated for a Grammy in the category of traditional pop vocal performance for her album "Back in Business." She also had been nominated in the children's recording category for the 1969 record "Folk Tales of the Tribes of Africa."
Kitt also acted in movies, playing the lead female role opposite Nat King Cole in "St. Louis Blues" in 1958 and more recently appearing in "Boomerang" and "Harriet the Spy" in the 1990s.
On television, she was the sexy Catwoman on the popular "Batman" series in 1967-68, replacing Julie Newmar who originated the role. A guest appearance on an episode of "I Spy" brought Kitt an Emmy nomination in 1966.
"Generally the whole entertainment business now is bland," she said in a 1996 Associated Press interview. "It depends so much on gadgetry and flash now. You don't have to have talent to be in the business today.
"I think we had to have something to offer, if you wanted to be recognized as worth paying for."
Kitt was plainspoken about causes she believed in. Her anti-war comments at the White House came as she attended a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson.
"You send the best of this country off to be shot and maimed," she told the group of about 50 women. "They rebel in the street. They don't want to go to school because they're going to be snatched off from their mothers to be shot in Vietnam."
For four years afterward, Kitt performed almost exclusively overseas. She was investigated by the FBI and CIA, which allegedly found her to be foul-mouthed and promiscuous.
"The thing that hurts, that became anger, was when I realized that if you tell the truth — in a country that says you're entitled to tell the truth — you get your face slapped and you get put out of work," Kitt told Essence magazine two decades later.
In 1978, Kitt returned to Broadway in the musical "Timbuktu!" — which brought her a Tony nomination — and was invited back to the White House by President Jimmy Carter.
In 2000, Kitt earned another Tony nod for "The Wild Party." She played the fairy godmother in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" in 2002.
As recently as October 2003, she was on Broadway after replacing Chita Rivera in a revival of "Nine."
She also gained new fans as the voice of Yzma in the 2000 Disney animated feature "The Emperor's New Groove.'"
In an online discussion at Washingtonpost.com in March 2005, shortly after Jamie Foxx and Morgan Freeman won Oscars, she expressed satisfaction that black performers "have more of a chance now than we did then to play larger parts."
But she also said: "I don't carry myself as a black person but as a woman that belongs to everybody. After all, it's the general public that made (me) — not any one particular group. So I don't think of myself as belonging to any particular group and never have."
Kitt was born in North, S.C., and her road to fame was the stuff of storybooks. In her autobiography, she wrote that her mother was black and Cherokee while her father was white, and she was left to live with relatives after her mother's new husband objected to taking in a mixed-race girl.
An aunt eventually brought her to live in New York, where she attended the High School of Performing Arts, later dropping out to take various odd jobs.
By chance, she dropped by an audition for the dance group run by Dunham, a pioneering African-American dancer. In 1946, Kitt was one of the Sans-Souci Singers in Dunham's Broadway production "Bal Negre."
Kitt's travels with the Dunham troupe landed her a gig in a Paris nightclub in the early 1950s. Kitt was spotted by Welles, who cast her in his Paris stage production of "Faust."
That led to a role in "New Faces of 1952," which featured such other stars-to-be as Carol Lawrence, Paul Lynde and, as a writer, Mel Brooks.
While traveling the world as a dancer and singer in the 1950s, Kitt learned to perform in nearly a dozen languages and, over time, added songs in French, Spanish and even Turkish to her repertoire.
"Usku Dara," a song Kitt said was taught to her by the wife of a Turkish admiral, was one of her first hits, though Kitt says her record company feared it too remote for American audiences to appreciate.
Song titles such as "I Want to be Evil" and "Just an Old Fashioned Girl" seem to reflect the paradoxes in Kitt's private life.
Over the years, Kitt had liaisons with wealthy men, including Revlon founder Charles Revson, who showered her with lavish gifts.
In 1960, she married Bill McDonald but divorced him after the birth of their daughter, Kitt.
While on stage, she was daringly sexy and always flirtatious. Offstage, however, Kitt described herself as shy and almost reclusive, remnants of feeling unwanted and unloved as a child. She referred to herself as "that little urchin cotton-picker from the South, Eartha Mae."
For years, Kitt was unsure of her birthplace or birth date. In 1997, a group of students at historically black Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., located her birth certificate, which verified her birth date as Jan. 17, 1927. Kitt had previously celebrated on Jan. 26.
The research into her background also showed Kitt was the daughter of a white man, a poor cotton farmer.
"I'm an orphan. But the public has adopted me and that has been my only family," she told the Post online. "The biggest family in the world is my fans."
This Feb. 7, 1996 file photo shows singer Eartha Kitt
in a New York hotel room.
Andrew Freedman said Kitt, who was recently treated at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, died Thursday in Connecticut of colon cancer.
Kitt, a self-proclaimed "sex kitten" famous for her catlike purr, was one of America's most versatile performers, winning two Emmys and nabbing a third nomination. She also was nominated for several Tonys and two Grammys.
Her career spanned six decades, from her start as a dancer with the famed Katherine Dunham troupe to cabarets and acting and singing on stage, in movies and on television. She persevered through an unhappy childhood as a mixed-race daughter of the South and made headlines in the 1960s for denouncing the Vietnam War during a visit to the White House.
Through the years, Kitt remained a picture of vitality and attracted fans less than half her age even as she neared 80.
When her book "Rejuvenate," a guide to staying physically fit, was published in 2001, Kitt was featured on the cover in a long, curve-hugging black dress with a figure that some 20-year-old women would envy. Kitt also wrote three autobiographies.
Once dubbed the "most exciting woman in the world" by Orson Welles, she spent much of her life single, though brief romances with the rich and famous peppered her younger years.
After becoming a hit singing "Monotonous" in the Broadway revue "New Faces of 1952," Kitt appeared in "Mrs. Patterson" in 1954-55. (Some references say she earned a Tony nomination for "Mrs. Patterson," but only winners were publicly announced at that time.) She also made appearances in "Shinbone Alley" and "The Owl and the Pussycat."
Her first album, "RCA Victor Presents Eartha Kitt," came out in 1954, featuring such songs as "I Want to Be Evil," "C'est Si Bon" and the saucy gold digger's theme song "Santa Baby," which is revived on radio each Christmas.
The next year, the record company released follow-up album "That Bad Eartha," which featured "Let's Do It," "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "My Heart Belongs to Daddy."
In 1996, she was nominated for a Grammy in the category of traditional pop vocal performance for her album "Back in Business." She also had been nominated in the children's recording category for the 1969 record "Folk Tales of the Tribes of Africa."
Kitt also acted in movies, playing the lead female role opposite Nat King Cole in "St. Louis Blues" in 1958 and more recently appearing in "Boomerang" and "Harriet the Spy" in the 1990s.
On television, she was the sexy Catwoman on the popular "Batman" series in 1967-68, replacing Julie Newmar who originated the role. A guest appearance on an episode of "I Spy" brought Kitt an Emmy nomination in 1966.
"Generally the whole entertainment business now is bland," she said in a 1996 Associated Press interview. "It depends so much on gadgetry and flash now. You don't have to have talent to be in the business today.
"I think we had to have something to offer, if you wanted to be recognized as worth paying for."
Kitt was plainspoken about causes she believed in. Her anti-war comments at the White House came as she attended a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson.
"You send the best of this country off to be shot and maimed," she told the group of about 50 women. "They rebel in the street. They don't want to go to school because they're going to be snatched off from their mothers to be shot in Vietnam."
For four years afterward, Kitt performed almost exclusively overseas. She was investigated by the FBI and CIA, which allegedly found her to be foul-mouthed and promiscuous.
"The thing that hurts, that became anger, was when I realized that if you tell the truth — in a country that says you're entitled to tell the truth — you get your face slapped and you get put out of work," Kitt told Essence magazine two decades later.
In 1978, Kitt returned to Broadway in the musical "Timbuktu!" — which brought her a Tony nomination — and was invited back to the White House by President Jimmy Carter.
In 2000, Kitt earned another Tony nod for "The Wild Party." She played the fairy godmother in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" in 2002.
As recently as October 2003, she was on Broadway after replacing Chita Rivera in a revival of "Nine."
She also gained new fans as the voice of Yzma in the 2000 Disney animated feature "The Emperor's New Groove.'"
In an online discussion at Washingtonpost.com in March 2005, shortly after Jamie Foxx and Morgan Freeman won Oscars, she expressed satisfaction that black performers "have more of a chance now than we did then to play larger parts."
But she also said: "I don't carry myself as a black person but as a woman that belongs to everybody. After all, it's the general public that made (me) — not any one particular group. So I don't think of myself as belonging to any particular group and never have."
Kitt was born in North, S.C., and her road to fame was the stuff of storybooks. In her autobiography, she wrote that her mother was black and Cherokee while her father was white, and she was left to live with relatives after her mother's new husband objected to taking in a mixed-race girl.
An aunt eventually brought her to live in New York, where she attended the High School of Performing Arts, later dropping out to take various odd jobs.
By chance, she dropped by an audition for the dance group run by Dunham, a pioneering African-American dancer. In 1946, Kitt was one of the Sans-Souci Singers in Dunham's Broadway production "Bal Negre."
Kitt's travels with the Dunham troupe landed her a gig in a Paris nightclub in the early 1950s. Kitt was spotted by Welles, who cast her in his Paris stage production of "Faust."
That led to a role in "New Faces of 1952," which featured such other stars-to-be as Carol Lawrence, Paul Lynde and, as a writer, Mel Brooks.
While traveling the world as a dancer and singer in the 1950s, Kitt learned to perform in nearly a dozen languages and, over time, added songs in French, Spanish and even Turkish to her repertoire.
"Usku Dara," a song Kitt said was taught to her by the wife of a Turkish admiral, was one of her first hits, though Kitt says her record company feared it too remote for American audiences to appreciate.
Song titles such as "I Want to be Evil" and "Just an Old Fashioned Girl" seem to reflect the paradoxes in Kitt's private life.
Over the years, Kitt had liaisons with wealthy men, including Revlon founder Charles Revson, who showered her with lavish gifts.
In 1960, she married Bill McDonald but divorced him after the birth of their daughter, Kitt.
While on stage, she was daringly sexy and always flirtatious. Offstage, however, Kitt described herself as shy and almost reclusive, remnants of feeling unwanted and unloved as a child. She referred to herself as "that little urchin cotton-picker from the South, Eartha Mae."
For years, Kitt was unsure of her birthplace or birth date. In 1997, a group of students at historically black Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., located her birth certificate, which verified her birth date as Jan. 17, 1927. Kitt had previously celebrated on Jan. 26.
The research into her background also showed Kitt was the daughter of a white man, a poor cotton farmer.
"I'm an orphan. But the public has adopted me and that has been my only family," she told the Post online. "The biggest family in the world is my fans."
This Feb. 7, 1996 file photo shows singer Eartha Kittin a New York hotel room.
New DVD releases: `Eagle Eye,' `The Duchess'
Selected home-video releases:
"Eagle Eye"
Shia LaBeouf caps another big year with this hit action thriller about characters caught up in a Web of pervasive surveillance technology. After co-starring in the new "Indiana Jones" blockbuster, LaBeouf hooks up with Michelle Monaghan, the two playing strangers thrown together in a ticking-clock adventure fueled by threatening phone calls from an unknown woman. Single-disc and two-disc DVD editions and the Blu-ray release have deleted scenes and a making-of segment. The Blu-ray and two-disc DVD set also come with an alternate ending and a handful of other behind-the-scenes featurettes. Single-disc DVD, $29.99; two-disc DVD set, $34.99; Blu-ray, $39.99. (Paramount)
___
"The Duchess"
Keira Knightley plays dress-up again with her latest costume drama, starring in the 18th century equivalent of a tabloid scandal with this story of an ancestor of Britain's Princess Diana. Knightley plays Georgiana Spencer, a society icon who struggles to juggle an affair with her true love while stuck in a loveless marriage to the powerful Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes). Extras on the DVD and Blu-ray include a background segment on Georgiana and a round-table chat at her ancestral home with producer Gabrielle Tana and author Amanda Foreman, whose biography on the duchess was the basis for the film. There's also a segment with the movie's costume designer on the colorful wardrobe fashioned for Knightley. DVD, $29.99; Blu-ray, $39.99. (Paramount)
___
"Ghost Town"
After playing an imbecilic boss in "The Office" and a fame-seeking actor in "Extras," Ricky Gervais takes the lead on the big-screen with this supernatural romance about a man who sees dead people -- and is dying to get rid of them. Gervais plays an anti-social dentist whose near-death experience during surgery makes him a magnet for ghosts demanding favors -- including a slimy guy (Greg Kinnear) who wants to prevent the remarriage of his widow (Tea Leoni). The DVD and Blu-ray come with three making-of featurettes, plus commentary with Gervais and writer-director David Koepp. DVD, $29.99; Blu-ray, $39.99. (Paramount)
___
TV on DVD:
"Nip/Tuck: Season Five, Part One" -- Dylan Walsh and Julian McMahon return as plastic surgeons living in the fast lane, with the duo moving their practice from Miami to Los Angeles in season five. A five-disc set has the season's first 14 episodes, accompanied by deleted scenes and a segment on the West Coast move. DVD set, $59.98. (Warner Bros.)
"Kyle XY: The Complete Second Season" -- Matt Dallas is back in the title role as a mysterious teen with superhuman powers and an unknown purpose. Year two's 23 episodes come in a six-disc set, along with deleted scenes, cast and crew commentary and a couple of featurettes. DVD set, $39.99. (Disney)
"Greek: Chapter Two" -- College kids get lessons in life and love in the family series set among campus fraternities and sororities. Season two's 12 episodes arrive in a three-disc set, with audio commentary and a music video. DVD set, $29.99. (Disney)
"The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Season One" -- Former teen star Molly Ringwald moves into mom mode as parent to a nice high school girl (Shailene Woodley) whose hookup with a drummer at band camp leaves her pregnant. The first 11 episodes are packed in a three-disc set that also includes a segment on the cast. DVD set, $39.99. (Disney)
___
Other new releases:
"Towelhead" -- An Arab-American teen (Summer Bishil) balances racism at school, her growing curiosity about sex, and life with her strict Lebanese father in this tale that co-stars Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette and Maria Bello. The DVD includes two panel discussions led by writer-director Alan Ball, who examines the social issues in the film. DVD, $27.95. (Warner Bros.)
"An American Carol" -- A Michael Moore-type filmmaker seeking to abolish the Fourth of July gets a lesson in conservatism when he's visited by three spirits that awaken his patriotic spirit in director David Zucker's twist on "A Christmas Carol." Among DVD extras are deleted scenes and commentary from Zucker. DVD, $26.99.
"Eagle Eye"
Shia LaBeouf caps another big year with this hit action thriller about characters caught up in a Web of pervasive surveillance technology. After co-starring in the new "Indiana Jones" blockbuster, LaBeouf hooks up with Michelle Monaghan, the two playing strangers thrown together in a ticking-clock adventure fueled by threatening phone calls from an unknown woman. Single-disc and two-disc DVD editions and the Blu-ray release have deleted scenes and a making-of segment. The Blu-ray and two-disc DVD set also come with an alternate ending and a handful of other behind-the-scenes featurettes. Single-disc DVD, $29.99; two-disc DVD set, $34.99; Blu-ray, $39.99. (Paramount)
___
"The Duchess"
Keira Knightley plays dress-up again with her latest costume drama, starring in the 18th century equivalent of a tabloid scandal with this story of an ancestor of Britain's Princess Diana. Knightley plays Georgiana Spencer, a society icon who struggles to juggle an affair with her true love while stuck in a loveless marriage to the powerful Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes). Extras on the DVD and Blu-ray include a background segment on Georgiana and a round-table chat at her ancestral home with producer Gabrielle Tana and author Amanda Foreman, whose biography on the duchess was the basis for the film. There's also a segment with the movie's costume designer on the colorful wardrobe fashioned for Knightley. DVD, $29.99; Blu-ray, $39.99. (Paramount)
___
"Ghost Town"
After playing an imbecilic boss in "The Office" and a fame-seeking actor in "Extras," Ricky Gervais takes the lead on the big-screen with this supernatural romance about a man who sees dead people -- and is dying to get rid of them. Gervais plays an anti-social dentist whose near-death experience during surgery makes him a magnet for ghosts demanding favors -- including a slimy guy (Greg Kinnear) who wants to prevent the remarriage of his widow (Tea Leoni). The DVD and Blu-ray come with three making-of featurettes, plus commentary with Gervais and writer-director David Koepp. DVD, $29.99; Blu-ray, $39.99. (Paramount)
___
TV on DVD:
"Nip/Tuck: Season Five, Part One" -- Dylan Walsh and Julian McMahon return as plastic surgeons living in the fast lane, with the duo moving their practice from Miami to Los Angeles in season five. A five-disc set has the season's first 14 episodes, accompanied by deleted scenes and a segment on the West Coast move. DVD set, $59.98. (Warner Bros.)
"Kyle XY: The Complete Second Season" -- Matt Dallas is back in the title role as a mysterious teen with superhuman powers and an unknown purpose. Year two's 23 episodes come in a six-disc set, along with deleted scenes, cast and crew commentary and a couple of featurettes. DVD set, $39.99. (Disney)
"Greek: Chapter Two" -- College kids get lessons in life and love in the family series set among campus fraternities and sororities. Season two's 12 episodes arrive in a three-disc set, with audio commentary and a music video. DVD set, $29.99. (Disney)
"The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Season One" -- Former teen star Molly Ringwald moves into mom mode as parent to a nice high school girl (Shailene Woodley) whose hookup with a drummer at band camp leaves her pregnant. The first 11 episodes are packed in a three-disc set that also includes a segment on the cast. DVD set, $39.99. (Disney)
___
Other new releases:
"Towelhead" -- An Arab-American teen (Summer Bishil) balances racism at school, her growing curiosity about sex, and life with her strict Lebanese father in this tale that co-stars Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette and Maria Bello. The DVD includes two panel discussions led by writer-director Alan Ball, who examines the social issues in the film. DVD, $27.95. (Warner Bros.)
"An American Carol" -- A Michael Moore-type filmmaker seeking to abolish the Fourth of July gets a lesson in conservatism when he's visited by three spirits that awaken his patriotic spirit in director David Zucker's twist on "A Christmas Carol." Among DVD extras are deleted scenes and commentary from Zucker. DVD, $26.99.
Nintendo, Dentsu to offer video on Wii
Dentsu Inc, Japan's largest ad agency, said it would team up with game maker Nintendo Co Ltd to launch a video distribution service on Nintendo's wildly popular Wii console.
The two companies plan to offer programmes created for the service, a Dentsu spokesman said, in contrast to most online channels, which tend to carry existing TV shows and movies.
Viewers will need to pay to see some of the new programmes, while others will be offered free of charge and accompanied by advertisements, the spokesman said on Thursday.
Nintendo has sold 34.6 million Wii consoles, which feature a motion-sensing controller that looks like a TV remote control, as of the end of September, far outselling Microsoft Corp's Xbox 360 and Sony Corp's PlayStation 3.
Dentsu and Nintendo will start offering the new service in Japan next year, while the timing for overseas sales has yet to be set, the Dentsu spokesman said.
He said the two firms have not decided what type of programmes they will offer, but the Nikkei business daily said cartoons and other entertainment content will be distributed.
The two companies plan to offer programmes created for the service, a Dentsu spokesman said, in contrast to most online channels, which tend to carry existing TV shows and movies.
Viewers will need to pay to see some of the new programmes, while others will be offered free of charge and accompanied by advertisements, the spokesman said on Thursday.
Nintendo has sold 34.6 million Wii consoles, which feature a motion-sensing controller that looks like a TV remote control, as of the end of September, far outselling Microsoft Corp's Xbox 360 and Sony Corp's PlayStation 3.
Dentsu and Nintendo will start offering the new service in Japan next year, while the timing for overseas sales has yet to be set, the Dentsu spokesman said.
He said the two firms have not decided what type of programmes they will offer, but the Nikkei business daily said cartoons and other entertainment content will be distributed.
Lingerie Buying Guide
Women have a wide selection when buying outfits with appropriate jewellery. Similarly, equal importance is given when women go shopping for lingerie. Lingerie designed exclusively for women is generally made of cotton, silk, satin, sheer fabric or other delicate fabrics for comfort.
Choose your lingerie type
Women lingerie includes brassiere, underwear and other delicate garments such as chemise, camisole, corset, garter. You can choose them based on your likes, size and comfort.
Also known as knickers panties, they have become flashy and more colorful than the traditional white cotton. You have a wide choice available for your high-cut or control top or a bikini cut panty.
Size – The most important thing to consider when buying lingerie is size, especially an accurate bra size to make you feel comfortable.
Trial – If you are shopping in a store, make sure that you try on the lingerie before purchase. Only if you get the right fit you will be comfortable with it and like to wear it.
For robes – You should check whether your robe is made of pure silk rather than a silk blend or synthetic silk, nylon or polyester. Robes made of silk blend or synthetic silk are more fragile and susceptible to damage when being washed.
A careful co-relation of the points above with what you are looking for in your Women lingerie will help you make the right pick at Getprice!
Choose your lingerie type
Women lingerie includes brassiere, underwear and other delicate garments such as chemise, camisole, corset, garter. You can choose them based on your likes, size and comfort.
- Baby doll – Also known as shortie nightgown or negligee is usually trimmed with lace, ruffles, appliques, bows, ribbons and made of sheer or translucent fabric like nylon or chiffon or silk. The hemline of baby doll is usually about six inches above the knee like a minidress and has a scoop neck. This type of lingerie often comes as a set with matching panties. Shirley Of Hollywood Multi Fiber Chiffon and Stretch Lace Baby Doll has halter tie neck, waist slimming bow tie back and full handkerchief hem skirt. Intimate Attitudes Lace Baby Doll has under wired cups and ruffle trim at adjustable straps.
- Basque – This type of lingerie is designed like a corset or jacket and provides close, contoured fit. It extends past the waistline over the hips. These days, basques are designed with lace-up or hook-and-eye fasteners, boning or vertical seams for structure and support. Moulin Rouge Basque looks hot in black colour and has removable suspender clips.
- Body Suit – This leotard designed with snaps at the crotch is usually skintight or formfitting with sleeves of any length. Bodysuit is the right choice for those who want an undergarment providing shaping support or can be worn as a top for the smooth line it gives. Simone Perele Lingerie Sunlight Body Suit made from breathable stretch tulle is stylish, comfortable and durable. Le Mystere Lingerie Renaissance Bodysuit made from meryl fabric has mesh power net added on the inner side for extra control and support.
- Bridal lingerie – Such type of lingerie made from satin or other delicate fabric is usually worn under bridal gown or given as gift to bride for the wedding night, honeymoon or wedding anniversary. Bridal Set, OS white is a three-piece bridal set that includes a veil, strapless teddy and stockings. Le Mystere Lingerie Bridal Seduction Bustier has a special powernet lining and is made from hi-tech microfibre to create a smooth look under any bridal gown.
- Camisoles – Such type of lingerie made from silk or polyester is usually designed like a short sleeveless shirt that covers the bust to the waist. Camisole is generally used to provide minimal bust support or under tops that are see-through. Stretch camisoles made of cotton knit or a combination of Lycra and cotton are becoming more popular too. They are also designed with thin spaghetti straps. Papinelle Lace Camisole has lined bust cups and a gorgeous scalloped hem. Pleasure State Couture Poeme Camisole and Thong Set made from beautiful, luxurious rose silk has very light padding for shape and a center front jewel detail. Bodywrap Shapewear Camisole with waist minimizer and tummy tamer is a good choice for women who want to enhance her figure.
- Chemise – This origin of modern slip is a full-length garment with or without sleeves, worn under the clothing for defining the body shape. Chemises are usually made of fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk to protect the body from rough clothing and allow clothes to lie flat. Intimate Attitudes Princess Line Lace Chemise has soft shiny textured stretch Lace with fit and flair style plus adjustable straps. Shirley Of Hollywood Silk Ribbed Knit and Lace Chemise looks stunning with criss-cross tie closure over low back. Elle Macpherson Intimates Nova Chemise is made from crushed satin for texture and style. The baby hems and concealed seams ensure a flawless finish to the chemise.
- Corset – Such type of lingerie is used to support the bust and the torso for aesthetic or medical purposes. Corsets vary widely in their design as well as their purpose. They are generally made of fabric, leather or other flexible material and enforced with hard strips called boning. A corset typically laces up in the back to adjust the fit, although some models lace in the front. Genuine corsets are shaped and designed according to individual preference. Shirley Of Hollywood Stretch Satin Corset has slimming boning, adjustable straps with hook and eye adjustable back. Shirley Of Hollywood Floral Tapestry Strapless Corset has gorgeous Venice trim, removable adjustable garters with hook and eye front waist cinching lace-up back.
- Garter – This small belt-like clothing made of leather or heavy cloth is used to hold stockings up and adorned with small bells and/or ribbons. Brides wear garters as part of their wedding gown. Shirley Of Hollywood Satin and Lace Bridal Garter and Intimate Attitudes Lace Garter Belt are a good select.
- Lingerie Gowns & Dresses РThese are made of soft or sheer fabric, falls in the category of night wear. These lingerie types are of loose fitting. Shirley Of Hollywood Charmeuse and Net Long Gown is trimmed with a sequin embellished Venice appliqu̩. Intimate Attitudes Stretch Lace and Supple Tricot Long Gown has stretch lace bodice and hidden shoulder straps.
- Robes and Nightshirts РRobes are usually made of silk or similar material and are recommended for bedroom wear. Silk robes usually come with a specific set of lingerie matching in color and appearance. Shirley Of Hollywood Sheer Net Robe/Shirt and Intimate Attitudes Sheer Net Robe/Shirt has sequin embellished Venice appliqu̩ and comes with Charmeuse G-string. Peignoir is a loose-fitting robe. Intimate Attitudes 2 PC Long Gown Pegnoir Set is underwired and has adjustable straps. Nightshirt is a long undergarment worn all day under outer clothing. Striped Nightshirt made of pure cotton looks cool and great.
- Slimmer/Shaper – Also known as shapewear, it is designed to give a more appealing figure. Bodywrap Shapewear Hi Waist Long Leg has a front panel that flattens your tummy and a crotch that makes you feel cool. Flexees Shapewear Strapless Body Suit offers full torso control.
- Teddy – This lingerie is a combination of a camisole and panty. Teddy is usually designed to give a loose and comfortable fit. Chainmail Teddy , OS silver is a good choice. Intimate Attitudes Open Bust Crotchless Teddy has satin and lace open bust, ribbon tie closure and thong back. You can choose your teddy from the types given below.
Bareback teddy – Such type of teddy has an open back and includes one or more straps to provide bust support, so they can be worn even without a brassier. This undergarment is the right choice for tops with open or partially open backs.
Fashion top teddy – Such type of teddy is a combination of thong panty, bra and fashion top and is usually worn as fancy undergarments or as an outer garment without having to wear a top. Fashion top teddy includes a simple style made from plain material to very fancy styles with beads, crystals or sequins.
Teddiette – This teddy is designed with detachable garters. Intimate Attitudes Our ever popular Lace Teddiette embellished with delicate rose buds has under wired cups, Lycra back, snap bottom and adjustable straps.
Sleep teddy – This loose-fitting teddy that is used as sleepwear looks simple and is made from soft materials.
Also known as knickers panties, they have become flashy and more colorful than the traditional white cotton. You have a wide choice available for your high-cut or control top or a bikini cut panty.
- Bikini – This close-fitting lingerie is usually worn as bathing suit. Bella G-String Bikini made from lovely soft cotton with spandex, is the right choice for everyday wear. Bendon Lingerie Yvette – Bikini features beautiful Italian styled scalloped lace and ladder stitch detailing. String Bikini has a small string that is tied around the waist.
- Briefs and full Briefs – This is a close-fitting, legless underpant with an elastic waistband. Simone Perele Lingerie Manille Italian Brief has stunning gorgeous lace back with imitation corset stitching. Bendon Lingerie Body Lavish Trouser Brief is a glamorous piece designed with full lace coverage for flattering style and sophistication. Full briefs are designed to cover the hip till the belly button. You can choose Bendon Lingerie Freedom - Full Brief for daily wear.
- G-Strings – Such type of panty has a narrow loincloth supported by a waistband. Backless Lingerie Cotton G-String is specially designed with adjustable leg bands that lift and flatter your bottom. Lola Luna PEARL Mini Gstring featuring an ivory strand of pearl beads joining exquisite Calais lace embellished with glass beads and sequins looks glamorous and stunning. BodyUp by ID Sarrieri Sexy V-String is comfortable and popular among stylish modern women.
- High Cut brief – This type of panty is cut high over the thigh and sides while providing full back coverage. Bendon Lingerie Body Lace High Cut Brief with stretch lace and floral jacquard collection ensures easy and comfortable fit. Fayreform Coral Hi Cut Brief designed with embroidered sides is a glamorous set.
- Low cut brief – This type of lingerie sits low on the hips for an invisible look when worn under low-rise jeans and trousers. Arianne Lingerie Carla Extra-Low Rise Thong made from soft coffee-coloured velvet is designed with black lace edging. Arianne Lingerie Stella Extra Low Rise Bikini made from a luxurious soft silky fabric is funky, comfortable and has lace edging and extra low-rise design.
- Hipster/ Hiphugger – This lingerie has a lose-fitting waistline placed at the hip rather than at the waist. Sloggi Light Hip Brief is comfortable as well as invisible under tight fitting clothing and can be used for everyday wear. Love and Lustre The Hipster Brief is made with minimal lining to wear under transparent clothing.
- Shorts – Such type of panty is usually worn under the skirt while at home as part of nightdress or while out on a sunny beach. Simone Perele Lingerie Katarina Shorty made from embroidered tulle with floral design has low waist. Mesh Babydoll and Boyshorts Set, SM has underwired mesh with ruffle trim.
- Tanga – These panties usually feature embroidery or floral designs. Princess Tam Tam Promesse Tanga looks elegant with delicate floral embroidery on thin tulle cloth material. Valisere Lingerie Danur Tanga is stunning and perfectly completed with double satin straps that rest perfectly on the hips.
- Thongs – Such panty type consists of a narrow strip of fabric that passes between the thighs supported by a waistband. Shirley Of Hollywood Crotchless Thong is beautifully embroided. Simone Perele Lingerie Fidji Low Waist Thong is pretty with full sheer embroidered mesh front and has soft edges that hides it under clothing for the perfect fit.
Size – The most important thing to consider when buying lingerie is size, especially an accurate bra size to make you feel comfortable.
Trial – If you are shopping in a store, make sure that you try on the lingerie before purchase. Only if you get the right fit you will be comfortable with it and like to wear it.
For robes – You should check whether your robe is made of pure silk rather than a silk blend or synthetic silk, nylon or polyester. Robes made of silk blend or synthetic silk are more fragile and susceptible to damage when being washed.
A careful co-relation of the points above with what you are looking for in your Women lingerie will help you make the right pick at Getprice!
The Buzz Log - New 'Do for the 'Twilight' Dude
Robert Pattinson, sexy vampire star of the movie "Twilight," caused an absolute Internet uproar with a new hairdo that many fans thinks is a hair don't: He traded in his trademark tousled locks (perfect for vampiring) for a no-muss, Marine-style crew cut. (Perfect for looking like a standard-issue Hollywood star.
Let's just say that the new look has not gone unnoticed. Fans of the teen heartthrob turned to the Web in a frenzy of look-ups for "Robert Pattinson haircut." And also "Robert Pattinson new hair," "Robert Pattinson new hair cut," "Rob Pattinson new haircut," and "Robert Pattinson with short hair."
Hecklerspray noted that Pattinson has "the world's dreamiest hair... so if Robert Pattinson ever had a haircut, we'd probably kill ourselves."
Probably not. But that doesn't stop fans from feelling a slight betrayal in the change. People.com has helpfully added a poll to its website for opinionated hair-istas to vote on how they feel about the shorter, unfussy look.
The previous romantically coiffed waves made Pattinson a dead ringer for the teen vampire role of Edward Cullen. Which could be the reason "Twilight" fans are just a tad upset he's gone and chopped his locks. As one commenter on People.com bemoaned, "Rob's hair looks good both ways. But how can he cut his hair and play Edward Cullen?"
Yes, would someone please think of the fans? As many pointed out, filming for the sequel is three months away -- and opinions ranged about whether this is enough time for his hair to grow back for the role. OMG suggested that to reprise the signature 'do, Pattinson may be forced to don hair extensions. Would fans buy Pattinson in a wig?
It's not just his head that gets the fans going online. Searches extend to "Robert Pattinson shirtless," "Robert Pattinson biography," and "Robert Pattinson girlfriend." Pattinson still may not really get the mania surrounding him. He told AccessHollywoood.com, "Well, they're in love with the character... I really don't claim anything."
He's right. It's not him. It's his hair.
Robert Pattinson
Let's just say that the new look has not gone unnoticed. Fans of the teen heartthrob turned to the Web in a frenzy of look-ups for "Robert Pattinson haircut." And also "Robert Pattinson new hair," "Robert Pattinson new hair cut," "Rob Pattinson new haircut," and "Robert Pattinson with short hair."
Hecklerspray noted that Pattinson has "the world's dreamiest hair... so if Robert Pattinson ever had a haircut, we'd probably kill ourselves."
Probably not. But that doesn't stop fans from feelling a slight betrayal in the change. People.com has helpfully added a poll to its website for opinionated hair-istas to vote on how they feel about the shorter, unfussy look.
The previous romantically coiffed waves made Pattinson a dead ringer for the teen vampire role of Edward Cullen. Which could be the reason "Twilight" fans are just a tad upset he's gone and chopped his locks. As one commenter on People.com bemoaned, "Rob's hair looks good both ways. But how can he cut his hair and play Edward Cullen?"
Yes, would someone please think of the fans? As many pointed out, filming for the sequel is three months away -- and opinions ranged about whether this is enough time for his hair to grow back for the role. OMG suggested that to reprise the signature 'do, Pattinson may be forced to don hair extensions. Would fans buy Pattinson in a wig?
It's not just his head that gets the fans going online. Searches extend to "Robert Pattinson shirtless," "Robert Pattinson biography," and "Robert Pattinson girlfriend." Pattinson still may not really get the mania surrounding him. He told AccessHollywoood.com, "Well, they're in love with the character... I really don't claim anything."
He's right. It's not him. It's his hair.
Robert PattinsonTravelers hunker down for Christmas Eve at airport
With airports across the country recovering from a blast of snow and ice storms, some unlucky holiday travelers stranded for the second night in a row prepared to wake up Christmas morning at the nation's second busiest airport.
Newlyweds Tommy and Siobhan Costello were at O'Hare International Airport on Wednesday for the second night en route to their honeymoon in San Diego.
About 500 flights were canceled at O'Hare on Tuesday, the day the Costellos arrived from their native Ireland. The weather disruptions meant the earliest flight out they could get was Thursday. Since the couple packed for California, they didn't have clothes to venture out into the city where the weather was expected to dip into the single digits Wednesday evening.
"This was supposed to be a pit stop," said 30-year-old Siobhan Costello, who wandered the terminal hallways with her husband. "But there's nothing you can do."
Airline officials said the Costellos were among a dwindling group of stranded passengers. About 100 flights were canceled early Wednesday, but as the day progressed and the weather improved, the cancellations dropped off and delays shortened to between 30 and 45 minutes.
City of Chicago Aviation Department spokesman Greg Cunningham said airlines at O'Hare requested 75 cots for passengers Wednesday night.
Airports across the country recovered from a barrage of snow and ice storms Wednesday, with some conditions improving, but highways remained dangerously slippery in some areas.
At least 30 people were killed in crashes on rain- and ice-slickened roads across the nation's midsection Tuesday and Wednesday.
The New York metro area's Newark airport was experiencing delays of more than four hours, and Kennedy was seeing delays of three hours, the Federeal Aviation Administration reported.
"The airlines are dealing with nothing but unhappy customers," said Mike Conway, spokesman for Detroit's Metropolitan Airport, where delays were reported because of conditions elsewhere in the country.
The weather service posted winter storm warnings and advisories for large parts of the West, plus parts of the Midwest and the Northeast.
Driving conditions were still tough in Oregon's Portland metro area, where many side streets were clogged with snow and motorists were required to have tire chains, unless they had four-wheel drive and tires designed for hazardous weather. More snow fell in the region Wednesday, followed by rain that would likely freeze overnight.
Despite more snow falling Wednesday in the Seattle area, operations at Sea-Tac Airport were back to normal Wednesday, said spokeswoman Terri-Ann Betancourt. She said the only flight cancellations were caused by delays or cancellations at other airports.
"I've lived here 16 years and this is the first time I've thought 'I wish it would rain!'" Betancourt said.
The weather service said she could get her wish, at least briefly, with snow showers changing to rain Christmas Eve.
Oregon's largest utility, PGE, said it had restored service to 265,000 customers since the storm arrived Friday, but 47,000 were still blacked out Wednesday.
Motorists in Michigan had to cope with drifting snow in places in addition to ice-covered pavement.
"It looks like all areas should see a white Christmas," meteorologist Dave Kook said from the weather service office in Oakland County's White Lake Township. "There's enough snow on the ground that it won't all melt away with the rain."
Amtrak also reported improvement Wednesday. Trains out of Chicago and elsewhere were leaving on time — or relatively close to it — unlike Tuesday when several trains were canceled and some 600 furious travelers waited for as much as 22 hours for delayed trains at Chicago's Union Station, spokesman Marc Magliari said.
Also Wednesday, an avalanche in the Rocky Mountains killed two snowmobilers in northern Utah. The Utah Avalanche Center warned people not to venture into the backcountry.
Newlyweds Tommy and Siobhan Costello were at O'Hare International Airport on Wednesday for the second night en route to their honeymoon in San Diego.
About 500 flights were canceled at O'Hare on Tuesday, the day the Costellos arrived from their native Ireland. The weather disruptions meant the earliest flight out they could get was Thursday. Since the couple packed for California, they didn't have clothes to venture out into the city where the weather was expected to dip into the single digits Wednesday evening.
"This was supposed to be a pit stop," said 30-year-old Siobhan Costello, who wandered the terminal hallways with her husband. "But there's nothing you can do."
Airline officials said the Costellos were among a dwindling group of stranded passengers. About 100 flights were canceled early Wednesday, but as the day progressed and the weather improved, the cancellations dropped off and delays shortened to between 30 and 45 minutes.
City of Chicago Aviation Department spokesman Greg Cunningham said airlines at O'Hare requested 75 cots for passengers Wednesday night.
Airports across the country recovered from a barrage of snow and ice storms Wednesday, with some conditions improving, but highways remained dangerously slippery in some areas.
At least 30 people were killed in crashes on rain- and ice-slickened roads across the nation's midsection Tuesday and Wednesday.
The New York metro area's Newark airport was experiencing delays of more than four hours, and Kennedy was seeing delays of three hours, the Federeal Aviation Administration reported.
"The airlines are dealing with nothing but unhappy customers," said Mike Conway, spokesman for Detroit's Metropolitan Airport, where delays were reported because of conditions elsewhere in the country.
The weather service posted winter storm warnings and advisories for large parts of the West, plus parts of the Midwest and the Northeast.
Driving conditions were still tough in Oregon's Portland metro area, where many side streets were clogged with snow and motorists were required to have tire chains, unless they had four-wheel drive and tires designed for hazardous weather. More snow fell in the region Wednesday, followed by rain that would likely freeze overnight.
Despite more snow falling Wednesday in the Seattle area, operations at Sea-Tac Airport were back to normal Wednesday, said spokeswoman Terri-Ann Betancourt. She said the only flight cancellations were caused by delays or cancellations at other airports.
"I've lived here 16 years and this is the first time I've thought 'I wish it would rain!'" Betancourt said.
The weather service said she could get her wish, at least briefly, with snow showers changing to rain Christmas Eve.
Oregon's largest utility, PGE, said it had restored service to 265,000 customers since the storm arrived Friday, but 47,000 were still blacked out Wednesday.
Motorists in Michigan had to cope with drifting snow in places in addition to ice-covered pavement.
"It looks like all areas should see a white Christmas," meteorologist Dave Kook said from the weather service office in Oakland County's White Lake Township. "There's enough snow on the ground that it won't all melt away with the rain."
Amtrak also reported improvement Wednesday. Trains out of Chicago and elsewhere were leaving on time — or relatively close to it — unlike Tuesday when several trains were canceled and some 600 furious travelers waited for as much as 22 hours for delayed trains at Chicago's Union Station, spokesman Marc Magliari said.
Also Wednesday, an avalanche in the Rocky Mountains killed two snowmobilers in northern Utah. The Utah Avalanche Center warned people not to venture into the backcountry.
Dustin Hoffman finds "Last Chance" for love
Dustin Hoffman says he will never retire from acting, but he may have to look far beyond the Hollywood that made him famous to find the roles he relishes as he ages.
His latest film, "Last Chance Harvey," is a small ode to finding love late in life, a theme that should resound with the fastest-growing movie-going audience -- viewers over 40. It opens in U.S. theaters on Christmas Day.
Hoffman, who plays down-on-his-luck Harvey opposite Emma Thompson's Kate, would like to make more films for older fans, just as he reveled in representing a younger generation as Benjamin Braddock in "The Graduate" 40 years ago.
But the two-time Oscar winner and seven-time nominee doesn't think the Hollywood studios -- bent on big films that blanket theaters -- are capable of taking on senior romance.
"If I had my druthers, it wouldn't be to change the studio system. It would be to add two or maybe three languages to my repertoire, which now only consists of street English," Hoffman said in a recent interview.
"But if I could speak French, Spanish and Italian, I'd be working in movies that interested me more. They still honor love stories about people who are past the age of not needing facial work. You can age in Europe."
Hoffman, born and raised in Los Angeles, says he never understood, even as a kid, the obsession with youth and what he calls "the lack of respect for age here that doesn't exist in all countries."
'MY BEST WORK IS ... AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL'
"Last Chance Harvey," written and directed by British filmmaker Joel Hopkins, was tailor-made for Hoffman and Thompson, friends since they made "Stranger than Fiction" a few years ago. Hoffman made sure that Harvey, like himself, was a frustrated jazz pianist.
Divorced, lonely and about to lose his job as a past-his-prime jingles composer, Harvey heads to London for his daughter's wedding. As he obsesses about getting back to New York to save his job, Harvey careens toward failure as a father until he meets sensitive and hopelessly single Kate.
Kate, a middle-aged woman held back by a needy mother and a go-nowhere job, dreams of becoming a writer. A most unlikely pair, Harvey and Kate roam the streets of a romantic London and mull over life and dreams.
A turning point comes when Harvey, at Kate's urging, rushes back to the daughter's wedding and makes a speech that could have gone terribly wrong, but instead redeems him.
Hoffman wrote the speech with his wife of some 30 years the night before filming, dredging up emotions from his own divorce from his first wife when he was making "Kramer vs Kramer" -- a portrait of divorce for which he won his first Academy Award.
"I do my best work when it is, in a sense, autobiographical," said Hoffman. "With 'Tootsie,' I became a better man by having been a woman. In 'Kramer,' he was a bad father and had to become a good father."
As he enters his seventh decade, Hoffman says people pussyfoot around his age for fear of offending him. But he says he has never felt better than he does right now. "That's because I am closer to understanding that your life can be yours and you don't have to feel bad about it," he said.
He hopes to emulate legends who worked up to the end of their lives with good humor, even in failing health. One of his favorite examples is the late comedian George Burns, who said: "Sex at age 90 is like trying to shoot pool with a rope."
"To have that playfulness about mortality," said Hoffman. "If that isn't the object of life, I don't know what is."
His latest film, "Last Chance Harvey," is a small ode to finding love late in life, a theme that should resound with the fastest-growing movie-going audience -- viewers over 40. It opens in U.S. theaters on Christmas Day.
Hoffman, who plays down-on-his-luck Harvey opposite Emma Thompson's Kate, would like to make more films for older fans, just as he reveled in representing a younger generation as Benjamin Braddock in "The Graduate" 40 years ago.
But the two-time Oscar winner and seven-time nominee doesn't think the Hollywood studios -- bent on big films that blanket theaters -- are capable of taking on senior romance.
"If I had my druthers, it wouldn't be to change the studio system. It would be to add two or maybe three languages to my repertoire, which now only consists of street English," Hoffman said in a recent interview.
"But if I could speak French, Spanish and Italian, I'd be working in movies that interested me more. They still honor love stories about people who are past the age of not needing facial work. You can age in Europe."
Hoffman, born and raised in Los Angeles, says he never understood, even as a kid, the obsession with youth and what he calls "the lack of respect for age here that doesn't exist in all countries."
'MY BEST WORK IS ... AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL'
"Last Chance Harvey," written and directed by British filmmaker Joel Hopkins, was tailor-made for Hoffman and Thompson, friends since they made "Stranger than Fiction" a few years ago. Hoffman made sure that Harvey, like himself, was a frustrated jazz pianist.
Divorced, lonely and about to lose his job as a past-his-prime jingles composer, Harvey heads to London for his daughter's wedding. As he obsesses about getting back to New York to save his job, Harvey careens toward failure as a father until he meets sensitive and hopelessly single Kate.
Kate, a middle-aged woman held back by a needy mother and a go-nowhere job, dreams of becoming a writer. A most unlikely pair, Harvey and Kate roam the streets of a romantic London and mull over life and dreams.
A turning point comes when Harvey, at Kate's urging, rushes back to the daughter's wedding and makes a speech that could have gone terribly wrong, but instead redeems him.
Hoffman wrote the speech with his wife of some 30 years the night before filming, dredging up emotions from his own divorce from his first wife when he was making "Kramer vs Kramer" -- a portrait of divorce for which he won his first Academy Award.
"I do my best work when it is, in a sense, autobiographical," said Hoffman. "With 'Tootsie,' I became a better man by having been a woman. In 'Kramer,' he was a bad father and had to become a good father."
As he enters his seventh decade, Hoffman says people pussyfoot around his age for fear of offending him. But he says he has never felt better than he does right now. "That's because I am closer to understanding that your life can be yours and you don't have to feel bad about it," he said.
He hopes to emulate legends who worked up to the end of their lives with good humor, even in failing health. One of his favorite examples is the late comedian George Burns, who said: "Sex at age 90 is like trying to shoot pool with a rope."
"To have that playfulness about mortality," said Hoffman. "If that isn't the object of life, I don't know what is."
new lingerie from Kate Moss
Kate Moss is set to design and model a range of sexy lingerie.
The British beauty has extended her contract with UK high street fashion chain Topshop for another three years and can't wait to start work on the new lines - which also includes a range of shoes.
She said: "The last two years have been an exciting experience and Topshop has given me the perfect platform to develop my own collection, which is something that I have wanted to do for a long time.
"I am really looking forward to working with the Topshop team on our new collections and thank everybody who already owns a piece of Kate Moss for Topshop!"
Kate's original deal in 2005 was reportedly worth £4 million (NZ$1 million)a year.
Her new spring collection is due to be launched in March.
Sir Philip Green - who owns the Arcadia group, which includes Topshop - believes Kate's new range will be a worldwide hit.
He said: "Having had two years experience, I am confident that Kate's collection now has the potential to become a significant global brand within Topshop."
British supermodel Kate Moss is designing another lingerie line
for Britain's Topshop.
The British beauty has extended her contract with UK high street fashion chain Topshop for another three years and can't wait to start work on the new lines - which also includes a range of shoes.
She said: "The last two years have been an exciting experience and Topshop has given me the perfect platform to develop my own collection, which is something that I have wanted to do for a long time.
"I am really looking forward to working with the Topshop team on our new collections and thank everybody who already owns a piece of Kate Moss for Topshop!"
Kate's original deal in 2005 was reportedly worth £4 million (NZ$1 million)a year.
Her new spring collection is due to be launched in March.
Sir Philip Green - who owns the Arcadia group, which includes Topshop - believes Kate's new range will be a worldwide hit.
He said: "Having had two years experience, I am confident that Kate's collection now has the potential to become a significant global brand within Topshop."
British supermodel Kate Moss is designing another lingerie linefor Britain's Topshop.
Land of the Lost
Land of the Lost, starring Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, Anna Friel and Jorma Taccone. Based on the classic television series, Land of the Lost was directed by Brad Silberling and follows a has-been scientist (Ferrell), a crack-smart research assistant (Friel) and a redneck survivalist (McBride) who get sucked through time and spit out into an alternate universe -- one that finds them running from dinosaurs and weird reptiles called Sleestaks, while trying to figure a way out of this hybrid dimension.
Where'd the bailout money go? Shhhh, it's a secret
Think you could borrow money from a bank without saying what you were going to do with it? Well, apparently when banks borrow from you they don't feel the same need to say how the money is spent.
After receiving billions in aid from U.S. taxpayers, the nation's largest banks say they can't track exactly how they're spending it. Some won't even talk about it.
"We're choosing not to disclose that," said Kevin Heine, spokesman for Bank of New York Mellon, which received about $3 billion.
Thomas Kelly, a spokesman for JPMorgan Chase, which received $25 billion in emergency bailout money, said that while some of the money was lent, some was not, and the bank has not given any accounting of exactly how the money is being used.
"We have not disclosed that to the public. We're declining to," Kelly said.
The Associated Press contacted 21 banks that received at least $1 billion in government money and asked four questions: How much has been spent? What was it spent on? How much is being held in savings, and what's the plan for the rest?
None of the banks provided specific answers.
"We're not providing dollar-in, dollar-out tracking," said Barry Koling, a spokesman for Atlanta, Ga.-based SunTrust Banks Inc., which got $3.5 billion in taxpayer dollars.
Some banks said they simply didn't know where the money was going.
Elizabeth Warren
After receiving billions in aid from U.S. taxpayers, the nation's largest banks say they can't track exactly how they're spending it. Some won't even talk about it.
"We're choosing not to disclose that," said Kevin Heine, spokesman for Bank of New York Mellon, which received about $3 billion.
Thomas Kelly, a spokesman for JPMorgan Chase, which received $25 billion in emergency bailout money, said that while some of the money was lent, some was not, and the bank has not given any accounting of exactly how the money is being used.
"We have not disclosed that to the public. We're declining to," Kelly said.
The Associated Press contacted 21 banks that received at least $1 billion in government money and asked four questions: How much has been spent? What was it spent on? How much is being held in savings, and what's the plan for the rest?
None of the banks provided specific answers.
"We're not providing dollar-in, dollar-out tracking," said Barry Koling, a spokesman for Atlanta, Ga.-based SunTrust Banks Inc., which got $3.5 billion in taxpayer dollars.
Some banks said they simply didn't know where the money was going.
Elizabeth Warren
Blood from mosquito traps Finnish suspect
Police in Finland believe they have caught a car-thief thanks to a DNA sample taken from a sample of his blood found inside a mosquito.
Last June a car was stolen in Lapua, some 380 kilometres (235 miles) north of Helsinki. It was soon found near a railway station in Seinaejoki, about 25 kilometres from where it was stolen.
"A police patrol carried out an inspection of the car and they noticed a mosquito that had sucked blood. It was sent to the laboratory for testing, which showed the blood belonged to a man who was in the police registers," inspector Sakari Palomaeki told AFP.
The suspect, who has been interrogated, has insisted he did not steal the car, saying he had hitchhiked and was given a lift by a man driving the car.
Palomaeki said a prosecutor would decide if the evidence was solid enough for charges to be pressed.
Finnish police said it was rare for them to use insects to solve crimes, although they are interested in everything found at a crime scene.
"It is not usual to use mosquitoes. In training we were not told to keep an eye on mosquitoes at crime scenes," Palomaeki said, laughing.
"It is not easy to find a small mosquito in a car, this just shows how thorough the crime scene investigation was," he added.
Last June a car was stolen in Lapua, some 380 kilometres (235 miles) north of Helsinki. It was soon found near a railway station in Seinaejoki, about 25 kilometres from where it was stolen.
"A police patrol carried out an inspection of the car and they noticed a mosquito that had sucked blood. It was sent to the laboratory for testing, which showed the blood belonged to a man who was in the police registers," inspector Sakari Palomaeki told AFP.
The suspect, who has been interrogated, has insisted he did not steal the car, saying he had hitchhiked and was given a lift by a man driving the car.
Palomaeki said a prosecutor would decide if the evidence was solid enough for charges to be pressed.
Finnish police said it was rare for them to use insects to solve crimes, although they are interested in everything found at a crime scene.
"It is not usual to use mosquitoes. In training we were not told to keep an eye on mosquitoes at crime scenes," Palomaeki said, laughing.
"It is not easy to find a small mosquito in a car, this just shows how thorough the crime scene investigation was," he added.
Nets’ Yi Jianlian targeted in age investigation
NBA player Yi Jianlian is being investigated by a Chinese-language magazine which claims he is one of many of the country’s athletes guilty of lying about their age on official documents.
Yi, who plays for the New Jersey Nets, has long been reported in the Chinese media to be older than his records show. Earlier this month, China’s Sports Ministry reported that it found 36 players in China’s professional basketball league whose dates of birth may have been changed.
The December issue of the Chinese-language edition of Sports Illustrated said a reporter for the magazine found records from Yi’s middle-school registration in his hometown in southern China that said he was born in 1984.
His official basketball records say he was born in 1987. He is also listed by the Nets as being born Oct. 27, 1987.
A spokesman for the Chinese Basketball Association could not be reached Monday for comment.
Yi could be quizzed again about his age on Monday night when the Nets face the Houston Rockets and fellow Chinese star center Yao Ming in New Jersey.
Players’ ages are sometimes altered to show them as being younger, mainly to qualify for youth tournaments. Those false ages stay with athletes and can result in embarrassment and sanctions when they move on to greater success.
The opposite practice was alleged in the controversy surrounding China’s gold medal-winning women’s gymnastics team at the Beijing Olympics, where China entered athletes suspected of being below the minimum age of 16.
The international gymnastics federation eventually cleared the Chinese gymnasts of amending birth records to make athletes appear older than they were. However, it continues to investigate the ages of Chinese gymnasts who competed in the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Yi, who plays for the New Jersey Nets, has long been reported in the Chinese media to be older than his records show. Earlier this month, China’s Sports Ministry reported that it found 36 players in China’s professional basketball league whose dates of birth may have been changed.
The December issue of the Chinese-language edition of Sports Illustrated said a reporter for the magazine found records from Yi’s middle-school registration in his hometown in southern China that said he was born in 1984.
His official basketball records say he was born in 1987. He is also listed by the Nets as being born Oct. 27, 1987.
A spokesman for the Chinese Basketball Association could not be reached Monday for comment.
Yi could be quizzed again about his age on Monday night when the Nets face the Houston Rockets and fellow Chinese star center Yao Ming in New Jersey.
Players’ ages are sometimes altered to show them as being younger, mainly to qualify for youth tournaments. Those false ages stay with athletes and can result in embarrassment and sanctions when they move on to greater success.
The opposite practice was alleged in the controversy surrounding China’s gold medal-winning women’s gymnastics team at the Beijing Olympics, where China entered athletes suspected of being below the minimum age of 16.
The international gymnastics federation eventually cleared the Chinese gymnasts of amending birth records to make athletes appear older than they were. However, it continues to investigate the ages of Chinese gymnasts who competed in the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Shoppers haggle for deals from desperate retailers
If you're looking for an extra bargain before the holidays, you may only have to ask. With holiday sales shaping up to be the lowest in years, possibly the worst since the industry began annual comparisons in 1969, retailers say they're taking consumers' demands for good deals seriously.
Some are extending return policies, while others are matching competitors' prices. Many are volunteering on-the-spot discounts and even letting customers haggle prices well down from what's marked in a desperate bid to make the cash register ring.
"You'd have to be a moron not to ask for a discount," said Stephen Hoch, a retailing expert at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
More and more consumers are doing just that, treating a trip to the mall like a visit to the used car lot.
Allen Chen, a part-time cashier at a J. Crew store in White Plains, N.Y., said shoppers with two-month-old receipts are asking for partial refunds for items now on sale. Normally, the store's policy is to refund the difference between an item's purchase price and a later sale price only if it goes on sale within seven days of the purchase.
"When I tell them it is past the seven-day policy, they tell me that they will just return it and re-buy it" at the sale price, he said, adding that his store managers are now allowing customers to do so most of the time.
Shoppers are also being far more savvy about asking retailers to match a competitor's lower price.
While shopping for Blu-ray discs at a Los Angeles Best Buy, Luis Levy used his cell phone to check the price at nearby competitors. Each disc was $10 cheaper at Circuit City or Wal-Mart. Best Buy matched the lower prices.
Diana Thang, manager of Grace Jewelers near San Francisco's Union Square, said she and her staff are bargaining more than she ever has in two-plus decades in the business. But it's not working wonders.
"They have a budget," Thang said of most customers this season. "We give a low, low price and they still can't accept it. They're looking at more than $1,000 stuff, and they want to spend $200 or $300."
With sales slow at virtually all retailers, experts say customers now have the upper hand. And even some who don't explicitly ask for a discount or price-match are pressing for better deals.
Jill duPont the owner of a small women's clothing and accessories boutique called Out of the Box in Greenwich, Conn., said she's felt some pressure to mark her prices down to be competitive with others.
"Customers aren't shy about telling us 'what a good price' they found somewhere else," she said.
For some retailers, desperation is setting in. The new year brings new inventory, so retailers typically try to clear out the old stock by year's end. Stores are increasingly willing to do whatever they can to get rid of merchandise — even offering discounts on the spot.
Erica Pearson, a 31-year-old Brooklyn, N.Y., resident, was debating which pair of Camper shoes to buy at a Saga Shoes store in Manhattan when a salesman offered her a deal if she bought both.
"The manager asked me what I wanted to pay for both of them," Pearson said. She wound up getting about $40 off the total and paying no sales tax.
At cosmetics counters, the situation varies, said Ehtisham Khan, who asked that the major retailer where he works in San Francisco not be named. The biggest-name vendors aren't bargaining; some aren't even offering specials for big spenders. But smaller makeup and perfume companies are piling on the freebies, he said, and it's driving sales.
"You give them an extra travel size or a couple fragrance samples, and they'll buy an extra item rather than wait until later," he said.
Of course, not every retailer is willing to haggle.
Adam Lippes, the owner of a two-store high-end contemporary clothing chain called ADAM, said he's offering bigger sales this year at his location in Manhattan's trendy Meatpacking district to cater to more budget-conscious shoppers. But he has had to retrain his sales staff to explain to shoppers why a garment shouldn't be sold for still less.
"The sales staff has to understand the clothes," he said. "It's more work."
He recently talked a customer out of demanding $200 off a $450 dress that was already discounted 25 percent by explaining that it was made with high-quality Italian fabric and manufactured in New York.
Other retailers are giving consumers more wiggle room for returns instead of haggling over prices.
Even Circuit City Inc., which has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, has extended its holiday return deadline to Jan. 31, said spokesman Jim Babb. The chain previously required items like cameras and computers to be returned by Jan. 8 and others by Jan. 25.
If the International Council of Shopping Centers' prediction for this season's sales comes true, it would be the weakest season since the index of same-store sales started in 1969. The group expects same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, to be down 1 percent in November and December — maybe more — compared with last year.
Even massive discounts on Black Friday — the day after Thanksgiving, historically the point when retailers began to turn a profit — didn't do much to help boost sales.
"Retailers have pulled every single trick out of their quiver of arrows that has worked in the past and what they're seeing this year is that it's just not working," said Hoch, the Wharton expert.
DuPont said her normal return policy "became history" about a month ago after her customers begged to be able to return their normally nonreturnable sale purchases after Christmas.
"We caved in, reluctant to turn away business," she said. "We're not looking forward to what Dec. 26 brings."
Some are extending return policies, while others are matching competitors' prices. Many are volunteering on-the-spot discounts and even letting customers haggle prices well down from what's marked in a desperate bid to make the cash register ring.
"You'd have to be a moron not to ask for a discount," said Stephen Hoch, a retailing expert at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
More and more consumers are doing just that, treating a trip to the mall like a visit to the used car lot.
Allen Chen, a part-time cashier at a J. Crew store in White Plains, N.Y., said shoppers with two-month-old receipts are asking for partial refunds for items now on sale. Normally, the store's policy is to refund the difference between an item's purchase price and a later sale price only if it goes on sale within seven days of the purchase.
"When I tell them it is past the seven-day policy, they tell me that they will just return it and re-buy it" at the sale price, he said, adding that his store managers are now allowing customers to do so most of the time.
Shoppers are also being far more savvy about asking retailers to match a competitor's lower price.
While shopping for Blu-ray discs at a Los Angeles Best Buy, Luis Levy used his cell phone to check the price at nearby competitors. Each disc was $10 cheaper at Circuit City or Wal-Mart. Best Buy matched the lower prices.
Diana Thang, manager of Grace Jewelers near San Francisco's Union Square, said she and her staff are bargaining more than she ever has in two-plus decades in the business. But it's not working wonders.
"They have a budget," Thang said of most customers this season. "We give a low, low price and they still can't accept it. They're looking at more than $1,000 stuff, and they want to spend $200 or $300."
With sales slow at virtually all retailers, experts say customers now have the upper hand. And even some who don't explicitly ask for a discount or price-match are pressing for better deals.
Jill duPont the owner of a small women's clothing and accessories boutique called Out of the Box in Greenwich, Conn., said she's felt some pressure to mark her prices down to be competitive with others.
"Customers aren't shy about telling us 'what a good price' they found somewhere else," she said.
For some retailers, desperation is setting in. The new year brings new inventory, so retailers typically try to clear out the old stock by year's end. Stores are increasingly willing to do whatever they can to get rid of merchandise — even offering discounts on the spot.
Erica Pearson, a 31-year-old Brooklyn, N.Y., resident, was debating which pair of Camper shoes to buy at a Saga Shoes store in Manhattan when a salesman offered her a deal if she bought both.
"The manager asked me what I wanted to pay for both of them," Pearson said. She wound up getting about $40 off the total and paying no sales tax.
At cosmetics counters, the situation varies, said Ehtisham Khan, who asked that the major retailer where he works in San Francisco not be named. The biggest-name vendors aren't bargaining; some aren't even offering specials for big spenders. But smaller makeup and perfume companies are piling on the freebies, he said, and it's driving sales.
"You give them an extra travel size or a couple fragrance samples, and they'll buy an extra item rather than wait until later," he said.
Of course, not every retailer is willing to haggle.
Adam Lippes, the owner of a two-store high-end contemporary clothing chain called ADAM, said he's offering bigger sales this year at his location in Manhattan's trendy Meatpacking district to cater to more budget-conscious shoppers. But he has had to retrain his sales staff to explain to shoppers why a garment shouldn't be sold for still less.
"The sales staff has to understand the clothes," he said. "It's more work."
He recently talked a customer out of demanding $200 off a $450 dress that was already discounted 25 percent by explaining that it was made with high-quality Italian fabric and manufactured in New York.
Other retailers are giving consumers more wiggle room for returns instead of haggling over prices.
Even Circuit City Inc., which has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, has extended its holiday return deadline to Jan. 31, said spokesman Jim Babb. The chain previously required items like cameras and computers to be returned by Jan. 8 and others by Jan. 25.
If the International Council of Shopping Centers' prediction for this season's sales comes true, it would be the weakest season since the index of same-store sales started in 1969. The group expects same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, to be down 1 percent in November and December — maybe more — compared with last year.
Even massive discounts on Black Friday — the day after Thanksgiving, historically the point when retailers began to turn a profit — didn't do much to help boost sales.
"Retailers have pulled every single trick out of their quiver of arrows that has worked in the past and what they're seeing this year is that it's just not working," said Hoch, the Wharton expert.
DuPont said her normal return policy "became history" about a month ago after her customers begged to be able to return their normally nonreturnable sale purchases after Christmas.
"We caved in, reluctant to turn away business," she said. "We're not looking forward to what Dec. 26 brings."
Motorola i576 - black
Have looking for new cell phone ? maybe you intersting Motorola i576 - black, here the little beat review of Motorola i576 - black
The good:
The Motorola i576 has a durable, easy-to-use design. It offers great audio quality and a range of calling features.
The bad:
The Motorola i576 has low-resolution displays.
The bottom lineThe bottom line:
The Motorola i576 is a sturdy and functional Nextel phone. It's not glamorous, but it works.
Specifications:
Band / mode: IDEN 800/900 ; Combined with: With two-way radio ; Weight: 4.2 oz
Motorola i576 - black
The good:
The Motorola i576 has a durable, easy-to-use design. It offers great audio quality and a range of calling features.
The bad:
The Motorola i576 has low-resolution displays.
The bottom lineThe bottom line:
The Motorola i576 is a sturdy and functional Nextel phone. It's not glamorous, but it works.
Specifications:
Band / mode: IDEN 800/900 ; Combined with: With two-way radio ; Weight: 4.2 oz
 |  |  |  |
Motorola i576 - black
Adebayor fury at red card
EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR has blasted Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa for falling as if he had “put a knife in him.”
Adebayor saw red for a second bookable offence when he raised his foot and elbow against Arbeloa.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who could lose crocked Cesc Fabregas for up to eight weeks, called ref Howard Webb’s decision ‘a joke’.
Adebayor said: “The defender threw himself on the floor as if I put a knife in him. I hope when the referee goes home and watches it on the TV, he will see it was a foul but I didn’t deserve a card.
“Of course I’m annoyed. I cannot say he cheated but what he did wasn’t fair play at all.
“It was a mistake by the ref. He said it was for the leg but if I don’t put my body in there I would never score a goal in this league.”
Wenger was furious with Webb for both yellow cards he dished out to Adebayor as well as other decisions.
The Gunners boss claimed the official cost his team victory following the striker’s second-half dismissal.
Robin van Persie gave Arsenal a 24th-minute lead but Robbie Keane equalised with a stunning strike just before the break.
Wenger said: “It was a very soft sending off.
“Today we had the ‘Be a Gooner, Be a Giver’ charity appeal — you cannot say the referee was a Gooner today but he was a giver because he gave us yellow cards we did not deserve.
“Every week I sit in front of you when we play away from home and you say ‘People get in your faces and you cannot cope with it’. Have you seen anybody sent off?
“Do you want me to show you our players and the damage done to them after the game? It’s a joke.”
Van Persie said: “At the start, we wanted a win but after the red card we are not that unhappy with a point.
“One-one is not what we wanted but it’s not that bad considering what happened in the game.
“I didn’t see the incident but Ade told me he never touched him so if you take that then you have to say it was harsh.
“But we said we needed to keep going and we kept on fighting to the end.”
Arsenal are now sweating on the fitness of captain Fabregas who suffered medial knee ligament damage in a 50-50 tackle with Xabi Alonso.
Liverpool lead the Premier League by two points but will be overtaken tonight if Chelsea win at Everton.
Arbeloa reels back after being
caught by Adebayor
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who could lose crocked Cesc Fabregas for up to eight weeks, called ref Howard Webb’s decision ‘a joke’.
Adebayor said: “The defender threw himself on the floor as if I put a knife in him. I hope when the referee goes home and watches it on the TV, he will see it was a foul but I didn’t deserve a card.
“Of course I’m annoyed. I cannot say he cheated but what he did wasn’t fair play at all.
“It was a mistake by the ref. He said it was for the leg but if I don’t put my body in there I would never score a goal in this league.”
Wenger was furious with Webb for both yellow cards he dished out to Adebayor as well as other decisions.
The Gunners boss claimed the official cost his team victory following the striker’s second-half dismissal.
Robin van Persie gave Arsenal a 24th-minute lead but Robbie Keane equalised with a stunning strike just before the break.
Wenger said: “It was a very soft sending off.
“Today we had the ‘Be a Gooner, Be a Giver’ charity appeal — you cannot say the referee was a Gooner today but he was a giver because he gave us yellow cards we did not deserve.
“Every week I sit in front of you when we play away from home and you say ‘People get in your faces and you cannot cope with it’. Have you seen anybody sent off?
“Do you want me to show you our players and the damage done to them after the game? It’s a joke.”
Van Persie said: “At the start, we wanted a win but after the red card we are not that unhappy with a point.
“One-one is not what we wanted but it’s not that bad considering what happened in the game.
“I didn’t see the incident but Ade told me he never touched him so if you take that then you have to say it was harsh.
“But we said we needed to keep going and we kept on fighting to the end.”
Arsenal are now sweating on the fitness of captain Fabregas who suffered medial knee ligament damage in a 50-50 tackle with Xabi Alonso.
Liverpool lead the Premier League by two points but will be overtaken tonight if Chelsea win at Everton.
Arbeloa reels back after being
caught by Adebayor
The Biggest Loser Upcoming Airings
As we all know that on The Biggest Loser Season 6 Episode 14 : Michelle Aguilar from Fort Worth, Texas, is named the winner, earning her $250,000 for dropping 110 lbs, which is almost half of her original weight.
And now here are the sypnosis for the next episode of The Biggest Loser :
Family care packages are at stake as the two teams head for the beach to take part in grueling workouts in the sand. Also: one contestant gets some disturbing news from home.
biggest loser pic
And now here are the sypnosis for the next episode of The Biggest Loser :
Family care packages are at stake as the two teams head for the beach to take part in grueling workouts in the sand. Also: one contestant gets some disturbing news from home.
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Holby hunk is ballroom king
ACTOR Tom Chambers has been crowned champion of Strictly Come Dancing. The Holby hunk scooped the BBC ballroom crown in a face-off with rival Rachel Stevens.
Model Lisa Snowdon had earlier been axed. She failed to make the final pair despite clocking up two perfect scores.
Tom found himself in the spotlight after he received a controversial pass to the final.
But the soap pin-up deflected attention to his dance parter Camilla Dallerup.
He said: “Tonight is about you. You absolutely deserve this more than anyone.”
He won the public vote in the BBC’s annual glamour flagship.
Welsh soul sensation Duffy helped wind down the show – belting out her hit single Mercy – while TV legend Des Lynam looked on.
Tom pipped Rachel to the crown despite picking up less judges’ points than the pop beauty.
But the ex-S Club 7 starlet was still overjoyed at coming second.
She said: “I’ve just had the best time of my life.”
She wowed presenter Tess Daly with her “erotically charged” routines.
And despite seeing her miss out, ballroom guru Craig Revel Horwood reckons she trumps all former wannabes.
He told her: “You’ve been nothing less than brilliant this whole series.
“You’ve consistently been the best celebrity dancer we’ve ever had on this series.”
Stunning Lisa – who famously wooed Hollywood hunk George Clooney – was given a standing ovation after her early elimination.
And even though she was turfed out having notched up two perfect scores the model was delighted.
She said: “I know it’s a cliché, but I already feel like a winner.
“It’s been brilliant.”
Lord of the dance ... Tom waltzed off with title
Model Lisa Snowdon had earlier been axed. She failed to make the final pair despite clocking up two perfect scores.
Tom found himself in the spotlight after he received a controversial pass to the final.
But the soap pin-up deflected attention to his dance parter Camilla Dallerup.
He said: “Tonight is about you. You absolutely deserve this more than anyone.”
He won the public vote in the BBC’s annual glamour flagship.
Welsh soul sensation Duffy helped wind down the show – belting out her hit single Mercy – while TV legend Des Lynam looked on.
Tom pipped Rachel to the crown despite picking up less judges’ points than the pop beauty.
But the ex-S Club 7 starlet was still overjoyed at coming second.
She said: “I’ve just had the best time of my life.”
She wowed presenter Tess Daly with her “erotically charged” routines.
And despite seeing her miss out, ballroom guru Craig Revel Horwood reckons she trumps all former wannabes.
He told her: “You’ve been nothing less than brilliant this whole series.
“You’ve consistently been the best celebrity dancer we’ve ever had on this series.”
Stunning Lisa – who famously wooed Hollywood hunk George Clooney – was given a standing ovation after her early elimination.
And even though she was turfed out having notched up two perfect scores the model was delighted.
She said: “I know it’s a cliché, but I already feel like a winner.
“It’s been brilliant.”
Maddie appeal video released
A NEW video of Madeline McCann has been released by her parents appealing for information to find the missing toddler.
The video was shot around Christmas 2006 just months before she went missing during a family holiday in Portugal.
The heartbreaking footage shows Maddie playing with her younger siblings and talking to the camera.
The video also shows the tot speaking about her new pink shoes. She plays with her brother and sister saying: "Clap your hands together and one, two, three."
Madeleine then holds up her new pair of shoes and says: "These are my shoes." Behind the camera Mr McCann asks her what colour they are, and she answers: "Pink."
The video ends with an emotional appeal from Kate and Gerry McCann.
"Christmas is a time for children. Please help bring our daughter back," they say.
"This will be our second Christmas without our daughter. Please help us make sure we don't have a third."
McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "Kate and Gerry do not wish to say anything further. They feel the video will speak for itself."
missing Maddie
The video was shot around Christmas 2006 just months before she went missing during a family holiday in Portugal.
The heartbreaking footage shows Maddie playing with her younger siblings and talking to the camera.
The video also shows the tot speaking about her new pink shoes. She plays with her brother and sister saying: "Clap your hands together and one, two, three."
Madeleine then holds up her new pair of shoes and says: "These are my shoes." Behind the camera Mr McCann asks her what colour they are, and she answers: "Pink."
The video ends with an emotional appeal from Kate and Gerry McCann.
"Christmas is a time for children. Please help bring our daughter back," they say.
"This will be our second Christmas without our daughter. Please help us make sure we don't have a third."
McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "Kate and Gerry do not wish to say anything further. They feel the video will speak for itself."
High-flying Bryant going low-cut with shoes
The high-flying Kobe Bryant will now ply his trade in low-cuts.
Bryant unveiled his latest Nike signature shoe Friday night—a low-cut sneaker the league’s reigning MVP donned in a game for the first time when his Los Angeles Lakers visited the Miami Heat. At 11.6 ounces, Nike says it’s the lightest basketball shoe it has created, and Bryant is convinced the switch makes the most sense for his game.
“It feels great, feels great,” Bryant said. “I’m excited about it.”
Many NBA players now use braces on their ankles to prevent sprains, and virtually the entire league plays in mid-cut or high-top shoes. But Bryant is sticking with plain old athletic tape for ankle support, and says that’s enough.
“High-tops really don’t do much for you,” Bryant said Friday. “If you’re going to roll your ankle, you’re going to roll it. It kind of is what it is. If you come down on somebody’s foot, nothing you can do really about that. I wanted to have more mobility in the ankle, more movement at the foot and a lighter weight shoe, and I got it.”
Lakers coach Phil Jackson has no qualms about Bryant’s decision, which is understandable.
After all, he played in low-cuts.
“The only thing about low-cuts, I think some people started saying low-cuts are a detriment to the game because if you get stepped on on the heel, they can come off on the floor,” Jackson said. “But I wore low-cuts, taped. A ton of players had low-cuts and taped their ankles. It doesn’t really matter.”
Some Heat players raised their eyebrows when told of Bryant’s switch, with a few saying they wouldn’t feel comfortable without the extra protection that a high-top shoe might provide.
Miami forward Shawn Marion, though, said he wore low-tops in high school. He no longer does in games, but said there’s some advantages to the lighter shoe.
“Low-cut shoes, they support an ankle more than high-tops,” Marion said. “You’ve got all that high-top coming over the ankle, but you’ve got more stability to move around a little more quickly in low-tops.”
Bryant was directly involved in the design of the shoe, which will be available in stores in February.
He said he didn’t consult any other players who have worn low-cuts, either now or in the past, about the specifications of the sneaker, which he said has special technology to keep a player’s heel in place—something that was among his most important requests, he said.
“It’s more about what I needed as an athlete, me, myself,” Bryant said. “When I play, how do I feel when I wear the shoe? When I wear high-tops, how did I feel? What would I like to see improve in the shoes? What would I like to see perform better? From that, in our meetings, I would just throw all this stuff to them and they would come back with the technology necessary.”
Bryant unveiled his latest Nike signature shoe Friday night—a low-cut sneaker the league’s reigning MVP donned in a game for the first time when his Los Angeles Lakers visited the Miami Heat. At 11.6 ounces, Nike says it’s the lightest basketball shoe it has created, and Bryant is convinced the switch makes the most sense for his game.
“It feels great, feels great,” Bryant said. “I’m excited about it.”
Many NBA players now use braces on their ankles to prevent sprains, and virtually the entire league plays in mid-cut or high-top shoes. But Bryant is sticking with plain old athletic tape for ankle support, and says that’s enough.
“High-tops really don’t do much for you,” Bryant said Friday. “If you’re going to roll your ankle, you’re going to roll it. It kind of is what it is. If you come down on somebody’s foot, nothing you can do really about that. I wanted to have more mobility in the ankle, more movement at the foot and a lighter weight shoe, and I got it.”
Lakers coach Phil Jackson has no qualms about Bryant’s decision, which is understandable.
After all, he played in low-cuts.
“The only thing about low-cuts, I think some people started saying low-cuts are a detriment to the game because if you get stepped on on the heel, they can come off on the floor,” Jackson said. “But I wore low-cuts, taped. A ton of players had low-cuts and taped their ankles. It doesn’t really matter.”
Some Heat players raised their eyebrows when told of Bryant’s switch, with a few saying they wouldn’t feel comfortable without the extra protection that a high-top shoe might provide.
Miami forward Shawn Marion, though, said he wore low-tops in high school. He no longer does in games, but said there’s some advantages to the lighter shoe.
“Low-cut shoes, they support an ankle more than high-tops,” Marion said. “You’ve got all that high-top coming over the ankle, but you’ve got more stability to move around a little more quickly in low-tops.”
Bryant was directly involved in the design of the shoe, which will be available in stores in February.
He said he didn’t consult any other players who have worn low-cuts, either now or in the past, about the specifications of the sneaker, which he said has special technology to keep a player’s heel in place—something that was among his most important requests, he said.
“It’s more about what I needed as an athlete, me, myself,” Bryant said. “When I play, how do I feel when I wear the shoe? When I wear high-tops, how did I feel? What would I like to see improve in the shoes? What would I like to see perform better? From that, in our meetings, I would just throw all this stuff to them and they would come back with the technology necessary.”
Toys Kids And Parents Want Most
Bakugan, a game based on a Japanese cartoon, was the most searched for toy on Google this holiday season.
Just what is Bakugan? If you don't know the answer, you're not alone. Typing in "What is Bakugan game?" will bring up about 1.1 million hits on Google, or about as many as the query "What is a good credit score?"
For those of us who aren't 8-year-olds but are merely shopping for them, Bakugan is a game played with magnetic cards and action figures based on a popular Japanese animation show on the Cartoon Network. It's also the most-searched for toy on Google during the 2008 holiday season.
Google's list of the most-searched for toys spans from Bankugan at No. 1 to "Little Big Planet," a videogame for the Playstation 3 in which users can design their own levels and share them with their friends, at No. 10. The toys on the list--which range in price from less than $10 to more than $150--provide a rogue's gallery of reasons why even shoppers with tight budgets are braving malls during the holiday season.
Wii, Bakugan toys and accessories have sold out within minutes at various retailers across the country. But thanks to its relatively low technology--each action figure comes inside a small ball that is opened by a magnet--the toys are often restocked daily.
Just what is Bakugan? If you don't know the answer, you're not alone. Typing in "What is Bakugan game?" will bring up about 1.1 million hits on Google, or about as many as the query "What is a good credit score?"
For those of us who aren't 8-year-olds but are merely shopping for them, Bakugan is a game played with magnetic cards and action figures based on a popular Japanese animation show on the Cartoon Network. It's also the most-searched for toy on Google during the 2008 holiday season.
Google's list of the most-searched for toys spans from Bankugan at No. 1 to "Little Big Planet," a videogame for the Playstation 3 in which users can design their own levels and share them with their friends, at No. 10. The toys on the list--which range in price from less than $10 to more than $150--provide a rogue's gallery of reasons why even shoppers with tight budgets are braving malls during the holiday season.
The high search results on Google also suggest that shoppers are continuing to move toward online retailers as a way to beat crowds.
For parents, the items on the list will be familiar by now--perhaps painstakingly so. While not as hard to find as a NintendoBut even those parents with the best of intentions are clearly shopping for themselves as well. "Guitar Hero: World Tour" comes in right after Bakugan on the list of most-searched toys. The videogame, which lets users play along with popular songs with simulated guitars, drums and a microphone, sells for around $200 and is available for the major games console.
Playable tracks include the Eagles' "Hotel California," Michael Jackson's "Beat It" and Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again." Tweens raised on Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers can't be the only ones asking Santa for the chance to play along with those classics.
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