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LOS ANGELES – it wasn’t Lewis Carroll’s writing that inspireddirector Tim Burton to create his film version of the classic story”Alice in Wonderland.” it was how the story seeped into popculture.

“I’m from Burbank so we never heard of ‘Alice in Won-derland’except for the Disney cartoon, the Tom Petty video, the JeffersonAirplane (song “White Rabbit”),” Burton says. “I knew more about itfrom listening to music, other illustrations and artists that wouldincorporate that imagery into their work. That’s what made merealize the power of it.”

Despite having seen the characters from Carroll’s book becomedeeply ingrained in the culture, it wasn’t until he had successfulconverted his 1993 animated release “The Nightmare BeforeChristmas” from 2-D to 3-D that Burton finally decide to bringAlice to the big screen.

The trippiness of Carroll’s writing, says Burton, was a perfectfit with 3-D technology. Burton filmed the movie in 2-D and thenmanipulated the footage to make it appear in 3-D.

That was necessary because he used so many special effectsmethods – from green screens to computer generated backgrounds -there was really nothing on the set, other than actors, to film in3-D.

Just as Burton had noticed, the new “Alice” joins a long line offilm, TV and stage versions of the Carroll novels. That didn’tworry Burton.

“I had never seen a version I really liked, so I didn’t feellike there was a definitive version we were fighting against,”Burton says.

Melania Trump, wife of reality personality Donald Trump, and their son Barron , now 4, attended the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s ‘Bunny Hop’ at F.A.O. Schwartz in New York City yesterday (March 9).

This was the first time Barron had been seen in public in a while. The little guy is already starting to take after his old man.

When asked if he wanted a dog, he said: “No, they’re too much mess!” Father Donald is known for his hatred of germs, often refusing to shake hands.

Meanwhile, Melania is set to launch a new jewelry line on QVC in April. The former model turns 40-years-old on April 26, just days before her QVC debut on April 30.

All over Haiti on March 8, International Women’s Day, women’s groups will meet to honor their dead and raise up their living.

As for how to raise up the living, Myriam Merlet, a pioneering feminist who died in the earthquake once said this: “This society [must] get to a different theory and application of power in all aspects. of course it’s a utopian dream. but the more people dream, the more likely that power can change. the more people share in the same dream, the more likely we’ll achieve it collectively.”

If you want to learn about the dream for new relations of power in Haiti, ask a Haitian woman. if you want to learn about her role in creating it, you may have to ask several times, as she is not likely to volunteer that information. She may not even be conscious of how her daily actions might be contributing to a new balance of power between individuals in society, between men and women, between civil society and the state, and between Haiti and other nations.

Take, for example, the creation of a more nurturing and humane society, where mutual support replaces money-based transactions. Since the earthquake, with international aid for those in need largely missing in action, women en masse have stepped in as first and second responders. Street vendors, factory workers, farmers, professionals, and unemployed, they compose a national force which has sustained hungry, wounded, and abandoned survivors. though they may be on the razor-thin edge of survival themselves, though they may already be caring for many, women have been finding and cooking food for strangers, taking in children left orphaned and others left homeless, and seeking out medical assistance and health care or improvising their own. Some have taken it upon themselves to organize education or recreation sessions for children, who have little to do since Port-au-Prince’s schools have closed. ‘It’s just our social obligation,’ said one woman.

Here is another example. with security in the streets and camps ranging from sparse to nonexistent, and with an inoperative justice system, women have taken the initiative in protecting each other, as well as children, from rape and other violence. Some concerned residents of camps offer round-the-clock help to girls and women at risk. they even jeopardize their own security to step in when rapes and beatings are underway. One grassroots group uses whatever money it can find to pay for bus fare so that at-risk girls in Port-au-Prince can return to their families in the countryside. Feminist organizations engage in what they call ‘accompaniment’, offering paths for battered and raped women to record their attack and get emotional, psychological, and medical care.

Women are also core to the social movement now working to change power so that economic justice, rights, and self-determination are guaranteed. though their names may not appear on the formal declarations or their voices in the press conference, women spanning all social classes and regions are speaking up and organizing for a reconstruction that is not just about infrastructure, but also about citizen participation and social rights such as adequate food, clean water, quality health care, and education. Rural women are advocating food sovereignty so that farmers – the majority of the population – can both support themselves and feed the nation while avoiding national dependence on food aid.

International Women’s Day, the annual commemoration of women begun in 1911, normally involves two components. It both celebrates women and renews their commitment to political, economic, and gender justice. the celebratory tone will be absent this Monday in a nation where perhaps a half-million, or roughly one in nine, is either dead or missing.

As for the other component, Haitian women will use the day to build onto a long tradition of justice organizing to change the balance of power. (For that history, see part II of this article, coming out on March 10th.) they will talk about critical issues they face, including (according to a survey of women’s organizations) social and economic rights, protection from rape and violence, trauma recovery and other post-earthquake psychological needs, militarization by the U.S., citizen participation in the rebuilding, and what a new Haiti should look like. they will develop a set of demands toward the Haitian state, especially regarding its responsibilities towards survivors.

In one International Women’s Day event, a coalition of feminist groups will gather in Port-au-Prince to commemorate four pioneering feminists who died in the earthquake: Magalie Marcelin, Anne Marie Coriolan, Mireille Neptune Anglade, and the aforementioned Myriam Merlet. not far from where the women will stand is a freshly bulldozed lot. Less than two months ago, on the property stood a building which bustled with the energy of women organizing. It was the Ministry on the Status and Rights of Women, created by former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 1994. For 16 years, the ministry headquarters stood as a symbol of what women have done and can do to change their lives and those of their compatriots. Today the empty lot stands as a symbol of Haitian women’s challenges and determination as they keep alive hope for their people, their country, and new paradigms of power.

Beverly Bell has worked with Haitian social movements for over 30 years. She is also author of the book Walking on fire: Haitian Women’s Stories of Survival and Resistance. She coordinates other Worlds, www.otherworldsarepossible.org, which promotes social and economic alternatives. She is also associate fellow of the Institute for Policy Studies.

Hard to believe it’s been 13 years since the music world lost Notorious B.I.G.

On March 9, 1997, rap star Notorious B.I.G., a.k.a. Christopher Wallace, was victim to a drive-by shooting at a traffic light in Los Angeles following an after party for the Soul Train Music Awards. Biggie, as he was often called, died later that night at Los Angeles’ Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

The death of Notorious B.I.G. happened just days prior to the release of his second album, ominously titled Life after Death.

In the aftermath of Biggie’s death, a parlor game ensued over who killed Notorious B.I.G.; one high-profile conspiracy followed another. The books and movies and rumors are just colorful window-dressing to the unsolved mystery.

The investigation into the rap star’s murder continues today.

Now part of canon of influential music artists gone too soon, Notorious B.I.G., like a Charlie Parker or Jimi Hendrix, is thought of not just in terms of what he accomplished while living, but also what he might have/could have accomplished were he alive today.

Biggie’s death occurred just months after rap star Tupac Shakur was murdered, further exacerbating the West Coast versus East Coast hip hop rivalry and re-directed the media spotlight on a contentious style of hip hop known as ‘gangsta rap.’

Many rappers have come and gone in the years since Biggie’s passing; artists like Jay-Z and Puff Daddy have built quite the brand around their style of hip-hop. but no one has yet to discover the same smooth style and raw power Biggie brought to the rap genre – he was quite unique in that sense.

The best rapper of all-time? Perhaps. Had he not been killed he was probably well on his way. It’s a good debate for a lazy afternoon. but there is no doubt he had a major impact on hip-hop and the greater pop culture.

In the end, he recorded some damn fine songs – still catchy as hell all these years later. And for that, this music fan is grateful.

BOND MOVIE ROLE FOR NEW FORD KA

COLOGNE, August 15, 2008 The highly-anticipated new James Bond adventure, ‘Quantum of Solace’, will feature a cameo appearance from Ford’s fresh-faced new model, the all-new Ford Ka.

Ford’s cheeky new small car will make its screen debut alongside the film’s beautiful but feisty leading lady, Olga Kurylenko. Kurylenko plays Camille, a woman with her own personal mission and who quickly becomes an unlikely ally for Bond.

The ‘Quantum of Solace’ Ka is unique with metallic gold paint and an exclusive exterior graphics and interior trim combination.

“The new Ka is the perfect match for the character of Camille adventurous, individual and thoroughly modern,” says Ford of Europe’s Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Odell. “We are delighted that the launch of the film coincides with the launch of such a significant new model for Ford of Europe.”

The special ‘Quantum of Solace’ Ka was created by Ford of Europe’s Design team, in collaboration with the movie’s Oscar award-winning production designer, Dennis Gassner. The Ka’s cameo continues Ford of Europe’s relationship with the James Bond films, following the debut appearance of the latest Ford Mondeo, in the 2006 blockbuster, ‘Casino Royale’.

Twelve years after the original Ford Ka wowed customers with its modern spirit and what has proved to be a remarkably age-less design, its successor looks set to repeat its impact.

The new model retains all the qualities which made the Ka so popular compact size, great looks, lively dynamics and fun personality but presents them in a fresh new package. further technical details of the new Ford Ka will be revealed closer to launch later in 2008.

‘Quantum of Solace’ is produced for EON Productions by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Directed by Marc Forster, the film stars Daniel Craig as the legendary secret agent, James Bond and opens in the UK and France on October 31st, then elsewhere November 7th.

The all-new Ka enjoys the spotlight of its own at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, on October 2.

Abbott to Buy Facet Biotech for $722 Mln, Adding to Pipeline – Wall Street JournalMarch 9th, 2010 | 5:29 PM | by WSJ |

1. Abbott to Buy Facet Biotech – Wall Street Journal
2. TransCanada Groundbirch Shale Gas Pipeline Plans get Regulators OK – Wall Street Journal
3. CORRECT: UPDATE: TransCanada Groundbirch Pipeline Gets Regulator OK – Wall Street Journal
4. Edison, BEH, Depa to Build Greece-Bulgaria Gas Pipeline – Wall Street Journal

Read the original Article Here

NEW YORK – a television producer admitted Tuesday to trying to shake down David Letterman in a case that bared the late-night icon’s affairs with staffers, avoiding a long prison sentence by pleading guilty in exchange for six months in jail and community service.

Robert “Joe” Halderman, 52, entered the plea in a Manhattan court to attempted grand larceny after being accused of demanding $2 million to keep quiet about the late-night comic’s workplace love life.

Halderman, a producer for CBS’ “48 Hours Mystery,” had mined information from reading his then-girlfriend’s diary entries about her relationship with Letterman, her boss, authorities said.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office said the debt-strapped Halderman threatened to ruin Letterman’s reputation, disguising his demands as a deal for a thinly veiled screenplay about the comedian.

“In September of 2009, I attempted to extort $2 million from David Letterman by threatening to disclose personal and private information about him, whether true or false,” Halderman said in court, reading a prepared statement at first so quickly that Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Charles Solomon asked him to slow down.

Halderman acknowledged delivering the threat to Letterman’s driver, in the form of a screenplay outline, or “treatment.”

“This so-called treatment was just a thinly veiled threat to ruin mr. Letterman if he did not pay me a lot of money,” Halderman said, dressed in a gray suit. he subsequently met with Letterman’s lawyer, who eventually gave him a phony $2 million check.

“I knew throughout this time that I was not engaged in a legitimate business transaction with mr. Letterman and that what I was doing was against new York law,” Halderman said, adding that he realized he had violated the privacy of Letterman and his family.

“I feel great remorse for what I have done,” Halderman said, apologizing to Letterman, the comic’s family, and his own former girlfriend, Stephanie Birkett.

Outside court, Halderman repeated his apologies, declined any interviews and said no more. he remains free on bail until his sentencing, set for May 4. in addition to the jail sentence, he agreed to 1,000 hours of community service; he would have faced up to 15 years in prison if convicted at a trial.

Through his lawyers, Letterman thanked Manhattan prosecutors for pursuing the case.

“When they became involved in this case, I had complete faith that a just and appropriate result was inevitable,” he said in a statement they read outside court.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. noted that Letterman had come to authorities knowing the case could push his private life into public view.

“Mr. Letterman is a public figure, but like all new Yorkers, he has a right to a certain degree of privacy in his public life,” said Vance, who took over the case from predecessor Robert Morgenthau in January.

Halderman’s lawyer, who had raised free-speech and other issues in his attempt to portray the producer’s behavior as a business deal, said Halderman ultimately decided he needed to end the case.

“We had a novel defense here involving complicated legal issues. I was very excited about the defense,” said the lawyer, Gerald Shargel. “But there would be a long road ahead of us, and considering the risks and the rewards and the need for Joe to put this behind him and get on with his life, those needs were paramount.”

Letterman married longtime girlfriend Regina Lasko last year. they began dating in 1986 and have a 6-year-old son.

Petrol reaches ‘uncomfortable price point’ – AA

Updated Shell and Mobil increase their petrol and diesel prices by 3 cents per litre this afternoon, bringing the price of fuel to its highest level in 18 months. More

Car deliberately crashed into police station

Updated several people were lucky not to be hurt when a car was driven through the entrance to Hamilton police station. More

Racing: Zavite wins Auckland Cup

Breaking Australian-owned Zavite has outmuscled her rivals to win the $1m Auckland Cup at Ellerslie this afternoon. More

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March 09, 2010 – Comments (1) | RELATED TICKERS: SPY

There is so much noise and pressure out there about trying to beat an index. if you are a fund manager your performance is graded against the relevant index and your alpha above or below determines your fate. Motley Fool compares our portfolios to the S&P 500 index (indirectly). this is truely foolish for me because I never try to replicate the S&P 500 and then ‘tweak’ my portfolio.

Last year my CAPS score got crushed (because of me trying to play the game with rapid trades!) but my fool portfolio lost less than 50% of real life fund managers and in real life I lost even less than most pros – how? my real life portfolio is more like a blended large cap with some global exposure – so using S&P 500 is inaccurate for judging. do I bother with another index? no – why not? because I am not a pro – just some guy trying to make a few bucks. I would care if I professionally managed money for others

This is the reason I don’t really care about my Fool score – just that I make real money in the real world. which I do. Goodnight all. W

Showing off her million dollar smile, Cameron Diaz was spotted on the set of her latest movie, Bad Teacher, in Los Angeles today (March 9).

Sporting a sexy mini dress and motorcycle boots, the blonde beauty felt a bit camera-shy at one point promptly hid behind a large umbrella.

Cammy’s ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake also stars in the new comedy — though he was nowhere to be seen.

Meanwhile, Cameron says she is “thrilled” that JT has been cast as her love interest in Bad Teacher – because his on-set antics are keeping her entertained.

The Charlie’s Angels actress stars as a junior high school teacher who sets out to steal a colleague’s boyfriend, played by Justin, in the comedy.

She tells Access Hollywood: “We’re thrilled to have him. He’s the best person for the job. He’s going to be hilarious. He’s clearly a very talented comedian, look at his Saturday Night Live (skits). He’s fantastic; he’s going to be so great. We just had our first day of shooting yesterday with Jason [Segel]. And we just laughed all day. It’s so wonderful, I’m so excited.”