Cricket-crazy Bangladesh calm before next storm
Cricket-crazy Bangladesh is enduring a brief respite from World Cup frenzy due to a gap in matches as fans take a breather before the action resumes.
Calm descended on the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, a refurbished modern 25,000-seater facility in suburban Mirpur, which witnessed joyous celebrations of cricket’s greatest show over the past week.
Bangladesh regards the World Cup, which it co-hosts for the first time with neighbours India and Sri Lanka, as its biggest event since independence in 1971.
And it is going out of its way to put on a party to remember.
So far, Bangladesh has proved to be the perfect hosts, creating a delightful World Cup atmosphere that would have pleased International Cricket Council chiefs.
Unlike empty stands at matches in the other two hosting nations, packed crowds have witnessed the first two matches played by Bangladesh against India and Ireland in Dhaka.
Tens of thousands, who failed to secure tickets, have partied outside the venue, soaking in the atmosphere on foot and in open vans, dancing, waving flags and blowing locally-made vuvuzelas.
Dhaka streets were jammed till late on Friday night after Sakib al Hasan’s home team clinched a superb victory against Ireland, who failed to chase a modest target of 206.
The win was important for Bangladesh to stay afloat in the tournament, after the opening loss to India, but the celebrations seemed as if the team had won the World Cup.
Beating Ireland mattered to fans because the non-Test nation had defeated their side twice in major events, first in the Super Eights of the 2007 World Cup and again in the first round of the 2009 World Twenty20.
The win also ensured that cricket fever will continue unabated when the West Indies come calling on Friday.
Bangladesh are the only team playing all their league matches at home.
The action will shift to the port city of Chittagong for the games against England (March 11) and the Netherlands (March 14), before Dhaka hosts the last league match against South Africa on March 19.
The Sher-e-Bangla stadium will also host two quarter-finals. If Bangladesh qualify, they will play at home unless they are drawn against Sri Lanka, in which case the match will be held in Colombo.
‘This is a tournament that matters a lot to the people of this country, they have never experienced anything like this,’ said ICC media officer Rabeed Imam, who is also contracted with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
‘If the team keeps winning, the celebrations will get even bigger.’
The Bangladesh government is also doing its best to ensure the party is not ruined by chronic power shortages that have stirred public anger and triggered violent protests in the past.
To save power and ensure fans get to watch matches uninterrupted on television, authorities have ordered factories to suspend operations every evening till the end of the six-week tournament.
Read the original story on the daily New Age
Calm descended on the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, a refurbished modern 25,000-seater facility in suburban Mirpur, which witnessed joyous celebrations of cricket’s greatest show over the past week.
Bangladesh regards the World Cup, which it co-hosts for the first time with neighbours India and Sri Lanka, as its biggest event since independence in 1971.
And it is going out of its way to put on a party to remember.
So far, Bangladesh has proved to be the perfect hosts, creating a delightful World Cup atmosphere that would have pleased International Cricket Council chiefs.
Unlike empty stands at matches in the other two hosting nations, packed crowds have witnessed the first two matches played by Bangladesh against India and Ireland in Dhaka.
Tens of thousands, who failed to secure tickets, have partied outside the venue, soaking in the atmosphere on foot and in open vans, dancing, waving flags and blowing locally-made vuvuzelas.
Dhaka streets were jammed till late on Friday night after Sakib al Hasan’s home team clinched a superb victory against Ireland, who failed to chase a modest target of 206.
The win was important for Bangladesh to stay afloat in the tournament, after the opening loss to India, but the celebrations seemed as if the team had won the World Cup.
Beating Ireland mattered to fans because the non-Test nation had defeated their side twice in major events, first in the Super Eights of the 2007 World Cup and again in the first round of the 2009 World Twenty20.
The win also ensured that cricket fever will continue unabated when the West Indies come calling on Friday.
Bangladesh are the only team playing all their league matches at home.
The action will shift to the port city of Chittagong for the games against England (March 11) and the Netherlands (March 14), before Dhaka hosts the last league match against South Africa on March 19.
The Sher-e-Bangla stadium will also host two quarter-finals. If Bangladesh qualify, they will play at home unless they are drawn against Sri Lanka, in which case the match will be held in Colombo.
‘This is a tournament that matters a lot to the people of this country, they have never experienced anything like this,’ said ICC media officer Rabeed Imam, who is also contracted with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
‘If the team keeps winning, the celebrations will get even bigger.’
The Bangladesh government is also doing its best to ensure the party is not ruined by chronic power shortages that have stirred public anger and triggered violent protests in the past.
To save power and ensure fans get to watch matches uninterrupted on television, authorities have ordered factories to suspend operations every evening till the end of the six-week tournament.
Read the original story on the daily New Age
Reporter assaulted at China rally site: Bloomberg
AFP, BEIJING: Bloomberg News said on Monday that one of its journalists was assaulted as Chinese security personnel staged an aggressive clampdown in Beijing at the weekend to thwart a call for public rallies.
The incident took place Sunday as hundreds of police swarmed the capital's Wangfujing shopping street, which had been designated as an anti-government protest site for the second straight weekend in an anonymous online appeal.
The Bloomberg journalist was repeatedly punched and kicked by a group of at least five men in plainclothes -- apparently security personnel -- who also took his video camera and detained him in a nearby store, the news agency said.
He was later taken to a police station by uniformed personnel before being released, it said. His camera was later returned.
Bloomberg did not detail the extent of his injuries, but said he had sought treatment at a local hospital.
Police staged a show of force at Wangfujing, restricting access to the shopping area, aggressively pushing away foreign reporters with cameras and briefly detaining several. Police eventually cleared most people from the site.
Similar scenes took place at the Shanghai protest site near the city's People's Square.
The mysterious online protest appeal has urged citizens to gather for subtle "strolling" rallies in 13 cities each Sunday to highlight public anger with the government.
No actual protest actions were seen in Beijing, but AFP journalists saw several people being bundled into police vans in Shanghai. It was unclear why they were being removed.
The incident took place Sunday as hundreds of police swarmed the capital's Wangfujing shopping street, which had been designated as an anti-government protest site for the second straight weekend in an anonymous online appeal.
The Bloomberg journalist was repeatedly punched and kicked by a group of at least five men in plainclothes -- apparently security personnel -- who also took his video camera and detained him in a nearby store, the news agency said.
He was later taken to a police station by uniformed personnel before being released, it said. His camera was later returned.
Bloomberg did not detail the extent of his injuries, but said he had sought treatment at a local hospital.
Police staged a show of force at Wangfujing, restricting access to the shopping area, aggressively pushing away foreign reporters with cameras and briefly detaining several. Police eventually cleared most people from the site.
Similar scenes took place at the Shanghai protest site near the city's People's Square.
The mysterious online protest appeal has urged citizens to gather for subtle "strolling" rallies in 13 cities each Sunday to highlight public anger with the government.
No actual protest actions were seen in Beijing, but AFP journalists saw several people being bundled into police vans in Shanghai. It was unclear why they were being removed.
US, S. Korea launch war games amid N. Korea threat
AFP, SEOUL: The US and South Korean militaries Monday launched major annual land, sea and air exercises, amid North Korean threats to turn Seoul into a "sea of flames" in case of any provocation.
The Key Resolve/Foal Eagle drills are the first to be held since the North's deadly artillery attack on a South Korean border island last November.
The US and South Korea said the exercise is defensive in nature but North Korea habitually denounces it as a rehearsal for invasion.
"If the aggressors launch provocation for a 'local war' the world will witness unprecedented all-out counteraction on the part of the army and people of the DPRK (North Korea)," its military said Sunday.
"It will also see such merciless counteraction as engulfing Seoul in sea of flames, whereby to smash every move for confrontation with unimaginable strategy and tactics."
The North routinely issues such warnings before military drills in the South. But tensions are high after the shelling attack that killed two marines and two civilians.
The South also accuses its neighbour of torpedoing a warship near the disputed Yellow Sea border in March 2010 with the loss of 46 lives, a charge it denies.
Analysts say the North's regime is also trying to block news of popular revolts that have swept away despotic regimes in North Africa.
The South's military has been floating balloons into the North carrying news of the uprisings, a lawmaker said last week. Private activists also frequently launch propaganda leaflets that are suspended under the balloons.
On Sunday the North's military threatened to open fire at sites from where "rotten videos" and other propaganda material are launched.
The drills involve 12,300 US troops and some 200,000 service members including reservists from South Korea, military officials from the two sides say.
There have been widespread media reports that a US aircraft carrier will take part but neither side would confirm this.
The US has 28,500 troops based in the South. A US military spokesman said the drills, which began Monday do not involve any extra activities on five frontline islands near the Yellow Sea border.
The 11-day Key Resolve drill focuses on computer-based simulations. The Foal Eagle exercise involves field training that will continue through April 30.
The Key Resolve/Foal Eagle drills are the first to be held since the North's deadly artillery attack on a South Korean border island last November.
The US and South Korea said the exercise is defensive in nature but North Korea habitually denounces it as a rehearsal for invasion.
"If the aggressors launch provocation for a 'local war' the world will witness unprecedented all-out counteraction on the part of the army and people of the DPRK (North Korea)," its military said Sunday.
"It will also see such merciless counteraction as engulfing Seoul in sea of flames, whereby to smash every move for confrontation with unimaginable strategy and tactics."
The North routinely issues such warnings before military drills in the South. But tensions are high after the shelling attack that killed two marines and two civilians.
The South also accuses its neighbour of torpedoing a warship near the disputed Yellow Sea border in March 2010 with the loss of 46 lives, a charge it denies.
Analysts say the North's regime is also trying to block news of popular revolts that have swept away despotic regimes in North Africa.
The South's military has been floating balloons into the North carrying news of the uprisings, a lawmaker said last week. Private activists also frequently launch propaganda leaflets that are suspended under the balloons.
On Sunday the North's military threatened to open fire at sites from where "rotten videos" and other propaganda material are launched.
The drills involve 12,300 US troops and some 200,000 service members including reservists from South Korea, military officials from the two sides say.
There have been widespread media reports that a US aircraft carrier will take part but neither side would confirm this.
The US has 28,500 troops based in the South. A US military spokesman said the drills, which began Monday do not involve any extra activities on five frontline islands near the Yellow Sea border.
The 11-day Key Resolve drill focuses on computer-based simulations. The Foal Eagle exercise involves field training that will continue through April 30.
Tunisia premier replaced after new violence
AFP, TUNIS: Tunisia's prime minister Mohammed Ghannouchi resigned and was replaced by Beji Caid Essebsi, a former minister, after anti-government protests left five people dead over the weekend.
Security forces again clashed with protesters in Tunis demanding the removal of some ministers of Ghannouchi's interim government before the premier announced his resignation.
"The acts of violence and looting, the unrest and the fires on Habib Bourguiba avenue in Tunis on Saturday have left five people dead," said an interior ministry statement quoted by TAP news agency.
"These human losses happened during the clashes" with "interior security forces which tried to push back a group of young people armed with knives and stones that tried to storm the interior ministry headquarters."
The statement also said 16 security officers were wounded when stones and other objects were hurled at them.
An investigation is under way to shed light on the circumstances of the deaths and injuries, it added.
The ministry said the "acts committed by these agitators, who do not want Tunisia to be stable... (were) serious."
Ghannouchi earlier said he decided to quit after just over six weeks as interim prime minister prior to elections expected by mid-July but was "not running away from responsibility".
"I am not ready to be the person who takes decisions that would end up causing casualties," Ghannouchi said.
"This resignation will serve Tunisia, and the revolution and the future of Tunisia," he added.
Interim President Foued Mebazaa appointed Caid Essebsi, 84, to succeed the 69-year-old Ghannouchi.
"I proposed Beji Caid Essebsi for the position of prime minister, and he has accepted the responsibility," said Mebazaa in a statement sent to local media.
Caid Essebsi "is known for his patriotism, his faithfulness and his self-sacrifice for the benefit of the fatherland," said the president.
He thanked Ghannouchi for serving Tunisia in difficult times after hardline president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled the country to Saudi Arabia in mid-January after 23 years in power.
Considered a liberal, Caid Essebsi held several ministerial posts under Ben Ali's predecessor Habib Bourguiba who had led Tunisia to independence from France. He was defence and foreign minister and speaker of parliament.
The leader of the influential UGTT trade union, Ali Ben Romdhane, welcomed Ghannouchi's resignation, saying his government had been hesitant and "unable to stop the violence".
But Ben Romdhane criticised the rapid nomination without consultations of a successor which he said had taken his movement by surprise.
How can Tunisia overcome its crisis "if the president does not take at least 24 hours for consultations", he asked.
Left-wing opposition leader Hamma Hammami told AFP: "We are expecting the formation of a new transition government, breaking totally with the old regime, which will follow an understanding between all the country's political forces."
The EU's foreign policy chief Catherin Ashton said she commended Ghannouchi's decision to resign as showing a "sense of responsibility, so as to avoid further violence.
"I hope that his decision will prevent any further tension and will allow the present transition phase to proceed in a peaceful and stable way."
She said in a statement she was "also encouraged that elections will take place before mid-July.
"It is important that a democratically elected government emerges from these elections to address the political, economic and social challenges faced by the country.
"The transitional government must ensure a rapid and smooth transition. The objective is a lasting transformation that delivers deep democracy and full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms."
On Sunday police fired tear gas and warning shots on the capital's central Habib Bourguiba avenue to disperse stone-throwing youths on a third day of violence.
Security forces acted to stop protesters, who were chanting anti-government slogans, from reaching the interior ministry, AFP reporters said.
Rampaging youths hurled rocks at buildings to break the windows and threw up barricades to impede the police who were not able to disperse them.
In the protests demonstrators demanded the removal from the interim government of members of Ben Ali's regime, whose toppling on January 14 after weeks of demonstrations sparked similar uprisings across the Arab world.
More than 100 people were arrested for involvement in the unrest on Saturday and 88 people after a demonstration Friday, the ministry said, blaming the violence on "agitators" it said had infiltrated peaceful demonstrators.
A few hundred people assembled late Sunday in front of Ghannouchi's suburban home to express support for him, witnesses said.
Security forces again clashed with protesters in Tunis demanding the removal of some ministers of Ghannouchi's interim government before the premier announced his resignation.
"The acts of violence and looting, the unrest and the fires on Habib Bourguiba avenue in Tunis on Saturday have left five people dead," said an interior ministry statement quoted by TAP news agency.
"These human losses happened during the clashes" with "interior security forces which tried to push back a group of young people armed with knives and stones that tried to storm the interior ministry headquarters."
The statement also said 16 security officers were wounded when stones and other objects were hurled at them.
An investigation is under way to shed light on the circumstances of the deaths and injuries, it added.
The ministry said the "acts committed by these agitators, who do not want Tunisia to be stable... (were) serious."
Ghannouchi earlier said he decided to quit after just over six weeks as interim prime minister prior to elections expected by mid-July but was "not running away from responsibility".
"I am not ready to be the person who takes decisions that would end up causing casualties," Ghannouchi said.
"This resignation will serve Tunisia, and the revolution and the future of Tunisia," he added.
Interim President Foued Mebazaa appointed Caid Essebsi, 84, to succeed the 69-year-old Ghannouchi.
"I proposed Beji Caid Essebsi for the position of prime minister, and he has accepted the responsibility," said Mebazaa in a statement sent to local media.
Caid Essebsi "is known for his patriotism, his faithfulness and his self-sacrifice for the benefit of the fatherland," said the president.
He thanked Ghannouchi for serving Tunisia in difficult times after hardline president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled the country to Saudi Arabia in mid-January after 23 years in power.
Considered a liberal, Caid Essebsi held several ministerial posts under Ben Ali's predecessor Habib Bourguiba who had led Tunisia to independence from France. He was defence and foreign minister and speaker of parliament.
The leader of the influential UGTT trade union, Ali Ben Romdhane, welcomed Ghannouchi's resignation, saying his government had been hesitant and "unable to stop the violence".
But Ben Romdhane criticised the rapid nomination without consultations of a successor which he said had taken his movement by surprise.
How can Tunisia overcome its crisis "if the president does not take at least 24 hours for consultations", he asked.
Left-wing opposition leader Hamma Hammami told AFP: "We are expecting the formation of a new transition government, breaking totally with the old regime, which will follow an understanding between all the country's political forces."
The EU's foreign policy chief Catherin Ashton said she commended Ghannouchi's decision to resign as showing a "sense of responsibility, so as to avoid further violence.
"I hope that his decision will prevent any further tension and will allow the present transition phase to proceed in a peaceful and stable way."
She said in a statement she was "also encouraged that elections will take place before mid-July.
"It is important that a democratically elected government emerges from these elections to address the political, economic and social challenges faced by the country.
"The transitional government must ensure a rapid and smooth transition. The objective is a lasting transformation that delivers deep democracy and full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms."
On Sunday police fired tear gas and warning shots on the capital's central Habib Bourguiba avenue to disperse stone-throwing youths on a third day of violence.
Security forces acted to stop protesters, who were chanting anti-government slogans, from reaching the interior ministry, AFP reporters said.
Rampaging youths hurled rocks at buildings to break the windows and threw up barricades to impede the police who were not able to disperse them.
In the protests demonstrators demanded the removal from the interim government of members of Ben Ali's regime, whose toppling on January 14 after weeks of demonstrations sparked similar uprisings across the Arab world.
More than 100 people were arrested for involvement in the unrest on Saturday and 88 people after a demonstration Friday, the ministry said, blaming the violence on "agitators" it said had infiltrated peaceful demonstrators.
A few hundred people assembled late Sunday in front of Ghannouchi's suburban home to express support for him, witnesses said.
'Mega-mudslides' destroy homes in Bolivia
AFP, LA PAZ: Heavy rains unleashed a "mega-mudslide" in Bolivia's capital that destroyed 400 homes, authorities said.
Thanks to a swift evacuation, authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties on Sunday.
But the destruction in the usually dry capital was staggering with some neighborhoods virtually wiped away. House after house -- many made of adobe and some of brick -- simply collapsed.
"We are talking about some 400 homes that are no longer there," said Edwin Herrera, a spokesman with the capital's mayor's office.
"It is one of the worst disasters this city has seen in terms of the number of houses affected. It is a mega-mudslide, a massive disaster," he added.
Heavier than normal rains blamed on the La Nina weather phenomenon have left at least 20 people dead and 14,000 families homeless in Bolivia since January.
Thanks to a swift evacuation, authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties on Sunday.
But the destruction in the usually dry capital was staggering with some neighborhoods virtually wiped away. House after house -- many made of adobe and some of brick -- simply collapsed.
"We are talking about some 400 homes that are no longer there," said Edwin Herrera, a spokesman with the capital's mayor's office.
"It is one of the worst disasters this city has seen in terms of the number of houses affected. It is a mega-mudslide, a massive disaster," he added.
Heavier than normal rains blamed on the La Nina weather phenomenon have left at least 20 people dead and 14,000 families homeless in Bolivia since January.
Libya exodus 'emergency' as Asian workers land in Malta
AFP, VALLETTA: The UN refugee agency said a "humanitarian emergency" was underway as thousands fled Libya over the weekend in a mass exodus of foreigners from the strife-torn country by air, land and sea.
The agency said almost 100,000 migrant workers, mostly from Egypt and Tunisia, had fled Libya in the past week and many remained stranded at the Libya-Tunisia border as Libyan customs officers deserted their posts on Sunday.
"We call upon the international community to respond quickly and generously to enable these governments to cope with this humanitarian emergency," said Antonio Guterres, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Meanwhile two ferries docked late Sunday with some 300 people, including the ambassadors to Libya from Malta and Portugal, on the Mediterranean island of Malta. As the closest European Union member state located just 350 kilometres (220 miles) north of Libya, it has become a key hub in the desperate scramble to get foreigners out of Libya.
Malta's Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said his island nation had received some 8,000 people since the Libyan crisis began and he feared there could be an even greater exodus.
"There could be an escalation," Gonzi said at a press conference late Sunday. "We have brought back from Libya more than 8,000 people representing 89 nationalities."
"If the situation continues to escalate, we'll need help from Europe and share the burden with our European partners," he said, adding that in his view the end was in sight.
"The leadership of (Moamer) Kadhafi needs to end and its end is inevitable," he said.
Earlier a ferry arrived in Malta loaded with some 1,800 Asian workers -- chartered by Brazilian energy infrastructure company Odebrecht -- included citizens of China, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam who will be flown back to their homelands from Malta.
Libya, one of Africa's biggest oil producers, had a huge multinational workforce before the current crisis including construction workers, oil industry workers and domestic helpers from Bangladesh, China, Egypt and the Philippines.
Some 4,600 people fleeing the violence in Libya, mostly Chinese nationals, arrived in the Greek ports of Piraeus and Heraklion on Sunday. Three Greek ferries have evacuated more than 7,000 foreign nationals from Libya.
Several hundred Vietnamese and Filipinos also made their escape by land to neighbouring Algeria, abandoning their construction jobs, along with 109 Libyans and three Belarussians, the Algerian news agency APS reported.
An Italian warship, the San Giorgio, meanwhile landed in Sicily loaded with 258 evacuees from around 20 countries including 121 Italians who were rescued from the Libyan port of Misurata in stormy weather conditions.
A ship chartered by Russian businesses operating in Libya, the Sveti Stefan II, arrived at the port of Ras Lanouf in central Libya to evacuate 1,126 people, as a Russian emergency situations ministry plane flew to Tripoli.
On Sunday three British military aircraft rescued a further 150 foreign nationals stranded at camps of remote oil installations in the Libyan desert, following a similar mission on Saturday.
One of the Royal Air Force C130 Hercules transport planes involved in Sunday's mission sustained damage "consistent with small arms fire," the Defence Ministry said.
"There were no injuries to passengers or crew and the aircraft returned safely to Malta," a ministry spokesman added.
A British warship, the HMS Cumberland, which set off again for Libya after bringing hundreds of evacuees to Malta, had picked up more people in Benghazi and was heading back to Malta, Defence Secretary Liam Fox said.
The first wave of those rescued on Saturday arrived at London's Gatwick airport from Malta on Sunday and expressed their gratitude to the British forces.
"They were magic people, perhaps the best in the world," Mike O'Donoghue, a 62-year-old oil worker, told the BBC. "We owe our lives to them perhaps.... When we got on the plane there were two locals attacking the tyres with machetes and the special forces told them to stop.
"Fortunately someone tackled them and brought these guys down but they were in a very difficult situation," he added.
Turkey's foreign ministry meanwhile said Sunday it had sent a military cargo plane to Libya to repatriate 125 nationals who were rescued after being held hostage in Tripoli.
The United Nations said more than 1,000 people had been killed in Libya as supporters of strongman Moamer Kadhafi crack down on protests.
Germany's weekly Bild am Sonntag said two Transall C-160 planes landed on an air strip in Nafurah in the desert and evacuated 133 people. But the German foreign ministry said dozens of Germans remained stranded in the desert.
The agency said almost 100,000 migrant workers, mostly from Egypt and Tunisia, had fled Libya in the past week and many remained stranded at the Libya-Tunisia border as Libyan customs officers deserted their posts on Sunday.
"We call upon the international community to respond quickly and generously to enable these governments to cope with this humanitarian emergency," said Antonio Guterres, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Meanwhile two ferries docked late Sunday with some 300 people, including the ambassadors to Libya from Malta and Portugal, on the Mediterranean island of Malta. As the closest European Union member state located just 350 kilometres (220 miles) north of Libya, it has become a key hub in the desperate scramble to get foreigners out of Libya.
Malta's Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said his island nation had received some 8,000 people since the Libyan crisis began and he feared there could be an even greater exodus.
"There could be an escalation," Gonzi said at a press conference late Sunday. "We have brought back from Libya more than 8,000 people representing 89 nationalities."
"If the situation continues to escalate, we'll need help from Europe and share the burden with our European partners," he said, adding that in his view the end was in sight.
"The leadership of (Moamer) Kadhafi needs to end and its end is inevitable," he said.
Earlier a ferry arrived in Malta loaded with some 1,800 Asian workers -- chartered by Brazilian energy infrastructure company Odebrecht -- included citizens of China, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam who will be flown back to their homelands from Malta.
Libya, one of Africa's biggest oil producers, had a huge multinational workforce before the current crisis including construction workers, oil industry workers and domestic helpers from Bangladesh, China, Egypt and the Philippines.
Some 4,600 people fleeing the violence in Libya, mostly Chinese nationals, arrived in the Greek ports of Piraeus and Heraklion on Sunday. Three Greek ferries have evacuated more than 7,000 foreign nationals from Libya.
Several hundred Vietnamese and Filipinos also made their escape by land to neighbouring Algeria, abandoning their construction jobs, along with 109 Libyans and three Belarussians, the Algerian news agency APS reported.
An Italian warship, the San Giorgio, meanwhile landed in Sicily loaded with 258 evacuees from around 20 countries including 121 Italians who were rescued from the Libyan port of Misurata in stormy weather conditions.
A ship chartered by Russian businesses operating in Libya, the Sveti Stefan II, arrived at the port of Ras Lanouf in central Libya to evacuate 1,126 people, as a Russian emergency situations ministry plane flew to Tripoli.
On Sunday three British military aircraft rescued a further 150 foreign nationals stranded at camps of remote oil installations in the Libyan desert, following a similar mission on Saturday.
One of the Royal Air Force C130 Hercules transport planes involved in Sunday's mission sustained damage "consistent with small arms fire," the Defence Ministry said.
"There were no injuries to passengers or crew and the aircraft returned safely to Malta," a ministry spokesman added.
A British warship, the HMS Cumberland, which set off again for Libya after bringing hundreds of evacuees to Malta, had picked up more people in Benghazi and was heading back to Malta, Defence Secretary Liam Fox said.
The first wave of those rescued on Saturday arrived at London's Gatwick airport from Malta on Sunday and expressed their gratitude to the British forces.
"They were magic people, perhaps the best in the world," Mike O'Donoghue, a 62-year-old oil worker, told the BBC. "We owe our lives to them perhaps.... When we got on the plane there were two locals attacking the tyres with machetes and the special forces told them to stop.
"Fortunately someone tackled them and brought these guys down but they were in a very difficult situation," he added.
Turkey's foreign ministry meanwhile said Sunday it had sent a military cargo plane to Libya to repatriate 125 nationals who were rescued after being held hostage in Tripoli.
The United Nations said more than 1,000 people had been killed in Libya as supporters of strongman Moamer Kadhafi crack down on protests.
Germany's weekly Bild am Sonntag said two Transall C-160 planes landed on an air strip in Nafurah in the desert and evacuated 133 people. But the German foreign ministry said dozens of Germans remained stranded in the desert.
Vietnam matriarch, now 92, spread piano culture
AP, HANOI, Vietnam: Time was running out, and it wasn't safe to stay. Sixty upright pianos had to be moved from Hanoi's music conservatory to a village in the countryside where students could practice without the constant threat of American bombers.
The pianos were hauled by train to neighboring Bac Giang province, dragged another 8 miles (13 kilometers) on carts pulled by cattle and water buffalo, and finally hand-carried by villagers into flimsy huts with dirt floors. Thai Thi Lien, a founder of the music school and an accomplished Western-trained pianist, was charged with making sure the war and a lack of sheet music did not stop the best players from being sent abroad for advanced classical training.
Today, looking at a tattered black-and-white photo sitting atop the grand piano in her living room, the 92-year-old sees herself as a smiling young beauty surrounded by three grinning children. The image is a reminder of that hasty journey in 1965 to seek refuge during the Vietnam War.
Thanks in part to Madame Lien, as she's known, a lasting appreciation for classical music was woven into Vietnam's culture. So much so, that the country's first professional concert hall is now being built in honor of this music matriarch.
____
In the village with no running water or electricity, Vietnam's soggy air and pounding rains ate away at the pianos' wooden frames, while hungry rats burrowed inside, nibbling felt off the hammers for their nests. There weren't enough keyboards to go around, and students were forced to take turns practicing around the clock.
Dang Thai Son was just 7 years old at the time. Despite having Madame Lien as both his mother and teacher, he was forced to compete against all the much-older students for his chance to touch the keys just 30 minutes each day.
Some of the school's 400 students learning various instruments were taught in mud-wall bunkers, but there was no room underground for all the uprights. Pianists instead banged out Beethoven in the open until being forced to take cover when screaming air raid sirens warned of approaching American B-52 bombers. Some students, determined not to lose their precious turn, terrified villagers by refusing to stop playing despite the danger. The village, however, was never hit.
"It's dark, it's humid and it's dangerous. There's a lot of snakes and frogs and all kinds of insects," Son said, laughing at the memory. "When the parents weren't there, we would go out and just watch how they are fighting each other. Bravo!"
With his older sister already a skilled pianist and his brother playing cello, Son said his parents discouraged him from taking up an instrument at first, arguing that the family already had enough musicians. But the young boy was drawn to the keyboard and soon found that music flowed easily from somewhere deep inside.
He remembers his mother lovingly coaching him to play the romantic ballads of her favorite composer, Chopin. The emerald green rice fields, the moon and the jungle somehow touched him during those early years.
"Today, the relationship between professor and student can sometimes be a business relationship," Son said, perched next to his mom in Hanoi, where the family reunited this month for the Lunar New Year, or Tet. "But at that time in the village, it's like a big family and we shared everything — we shared the pain, we shared also the joy — and it's really such a human relationship that is quite different."
___
Madame Lien still looks more the part of a socialite than a jungle-dwelling nationalist. Even at 92, her eyebrows are carefully trimmed into tiny crescents, her nails manicured with a clear shellac and her short, thin hair dyed dark, with small pearls adorning her ears.
Her eyes snap as she speaks quickly in English laden with a French accent, complaining that her hearing isn't so great anymore. She laughs and apologizes for not being able to easily decipher an American accent, instead offering to speak in Vietnamese, Russian, Polish or even, perhaps, a little Czech.
She has lived a life of luxury. She began studying piano at age 4 as the daughter of Vietnam's first Western-trained engineer, a man who allowed his children to speak only French in the former southern city of Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City. She rubbed shoulders with the likes of Pablo Picasso and other pro-Communist figures in Paris, and later became Vietnam's first woman to graduate with an overseas music degree from the Prague Conservatory, in what was then Czechoslovakia.
But she has also faced her share of hardships as a nationalist married to a revolutionary who fought alongside the country's founding president, Ho Chi Minh, to liberate Vietnam from French colonialism.
"My journey from Prague back to Vietnam was long and a very hard journey," she said, remembering how blisters bubbled all over her feet as she carried her 22-month-old daughter in 1951. "We had to walk with my baby 110 kilometers (68 miles) at night to the North Vietnamese government in the jungle where they were based. It took about three weeks."
She spent the next three months being fully indoctrinated at a re-education camp, the place where she first met Ho Chi Minh and Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap, the architect of Vietnam's military campaigns against the French and later the Americans. She later gave birth to a son while living in the bush, just six months after losing her husband to a bout with tuberculosis.
"It was very difficult," she said, her eyes staring at the floor of her upscale lakeside apartment. "I don't want to remember this time."
It was also the only period in her life when she was separated from the piano. She was forced to wait until 1954 before she could again find comfort playing Chopin. She was sent to Beijing to record revolutionary music, lullabies and folk songs to help motivate Ho Chi Minh's ragtag Communist army to keep fighting after it overtook the French at the famous battle of Dien Bien Phu, ultimately leading to Vietnam's independence.
"When I first saw a piano again, I was very happy," she said. "I played all night."
____
Madame Lien returned to Vietnam determined to start a proper music school in Hanoi. She married another revolutionary, who was also a passionate poet, and they had Son before enduring the start of another long war, this time with the Americans.
They moved the entire school to the countryside — including all the upright pianos — twice, after returning to Hanoi for a period when things seemed calmer. But that window was short-lived prior to the devastating Christmas bombings in December 1972 when American B-52s pounded the city over 12 days.
"We Vietnamese, we are not afraid to die," she said. "It is why we won the war."
In 1980, just five years after the Vietnam War ended with north and south reunified by the Communists, Madame Lien traveled to Warsaw alongside 22-year-old Son to translate for him during an international Chopin piano competition.
Son said it was remarkable that the regime ever allowed him to study in Moscow after being discovered in the village by a visiting Soviet piano teacher. After all, his father had switched loyalties during the war, becoming an anti-communist dissident unpopular with Hanoi's leaders.
But not even Vietnam's extreme distrust of the West could stop Son from becoming the first Asian to win the prestigious contest in Poland. The results were shocking to many at the time, but Son's career path was set. And his mother has remained by his side — the two have only been separated for a brief period.
Son, now 53, remains Vietnam's only international artist, performing concerts globally with world-renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma. He is now recognized as one of the world's great Chopin interpreters.
In Vietnam, Son is more like a rock star. Young people born a generation after the war know his face and his music. They approach him on the street and shake his hand or pose with him while friends snap photos on mobile phones.
Madame Lien remains in the background and laughs at the notion that she still teaches her youngest son.
"Oh no, now he's my master!" she says, giggling, as Son interrupts: "We play for each other!"
She spends about half the year in Montreal, Canada, where she lives with Son and can speak her native French. The rest of the time she's in Hanoi with her daughter, Tran Thu Ha, who graduated with a doctorate from Moscow's Tchaikovsky Conservatory, and later took over as head of Vietnam's National Academy of Music.
Her other son, Tran Thanh Binh, the cellist who also lives in the capital, went on to become one of the country's most sought-after architects. He designed the new 800-seat concert hall in his mother's honor. It's expected to open sometime this fall.
The matriarch performed her last solo concert just five years ago — when she was 87 — inside Hanoi's elegant French colonial opera house. And her legacy lives on, with about 1,800 students now enrolled at the music school where some 200 lecturers teach.
Even today, as her tiny wrinkled fingers dance gracefully over the keys of the grand piano, the room is filled with the beautiful sound she's creating — her version of a Chopin etude, born from a long life touched by war and great peace.
And she's not finished yet. Her 6-year-old granddaughter is her newest student.
The pianos were hauled by train to neighboring Bac Giang province, dragged another 8 miles (13 kilometers) on carts pulled by cattle and water buffalo, and finally hand-carried by villagers into flimsy huts with dirt floors. Thai Thi Lien, a founder of the music school and an accomplished Western-trained pianist, was charged with making sure the war and a lack of sheet music did not stop the best players from being sent abroad for advanced classical training.
Today, looking at a tattered black-and-white photo sitting atop the grand piano in her living room, the 92-year-old sees herself as a smiling young beauty surrounded by three grinning children. The image is a reminder of that hasty journey in 1965 to seek refuge during the Vietnam War.
Thanks in part to Madame Lien, as she's known, a lasting appreciation for classical music was woven into Vietnam's culture. So much so, that the country's first professional concert hall is now being built in honor of this music matriarch.
____
In the village with no running water or electricity, Vietnam's soggy air and pounding rains ate away at the pianos' wooden frames, while hungry rats burrowed inside, nibbling felt off the hammers for their nests. There weren't enough keyboards to go around, and students were forced to take turns practicing around the clock.
Dang Thai Son was just 7 years old at the time. Despite having Madame Lien as both his mother and teacher, he was forced to compete against all the much-older students for his chance to touch the keys just 30 minutes each day.
Some of the school's 400 students learning various instruments were taught in mud-wall bunkers, but there was no room underground for all the uprights. Pianists instead banged out Beethoven in the open until being forced to take cover when screaming air raid sirens warned of approaching American B-52 bombers. Some students, determined not to lose their precious turn, terrified villagers by refusing to stop playing despite the danger. The village, however, was never hit.
"It's dark, it's humid and it's dangerous. There's a lot of snakes and frogs and all kinds of insects," Son said, laughing at the memory. "When the parents weren't there, we would go out and just watch how they are fighting each other. Bravo!"
With his older sister already a skilled pianist and his brother playing cello, Son said his parents discouraged him from taking up an instrument at first, arguing that the family already had enough musicians. But the young boy was drawn to the keyboard and soon found that music flowed easily from somewhere deep inside.
He remembers his mother lovingly coaching him to play the romantic ballads of her favorite composer, Chopin. The emerald green rice fields, the moon and the jungle somehow touched him during those early years.
"Today, the relationship between professor and student can sometimes be a business relationship," Son said, perched next to his mom in Hanoi, where the family reunited this month for the Lunar New Year, or Tet. "But at that time in the village, it's like a big family and we shared everything — we shared the pain, we shared also the joy — and it's really such a human relationship that is quite different."
___
Madame Lien still looks more the part of a socialite than a jungle-dwelling nationalist. Even at 92, her eyebrows are carefully trimmed into tiny crescents, her nails manicured with a clear shellac and her short, thin hair dyed dark, with small pearls adorning her ears.
Her eyes snap as she speaks quickly in English laden with a French accent, complaining that her hearing isn't so great anymore. She laughs and apologizes for not being able to easily decipher an American accent, instead offering to speak in Vietnamese, Russian, Polish or even, perhaps, a little Czech.
She has lived a life of luxury. She began studying piano at age 4 as the daughter of Vietnam's first Western-trained engineer, a man who allowed his children to speak only French in the former southern city of Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City. She rubbed shoulders with the likes of Pablo Picasso and other pro-Communist figures in Paris, and later became Vietnam's first woman to graduate with an overseas music degree from the Prague Conservatory, in what was then Czechoslovakia.
But she has also faced her share of hardships as a nationalist married to a revolutionary who fought alongside the country's founding president, Ho Chi Minh, to liberate Vietnam from French colonialism.
"My journey from Prague back to Vietnam was long and a very hard journey," she said, remembering how blisters bubbled all over her feet as she carried her 22-month-old daughter in 1951. "We had to walk with my baby 110 kilometers (68 miles) at night to the North Vietnamese government in the jungle where they were based. It took about three weeks."
She spent the next three months being fully indoctrinated at a re-education camp, the place where she first met Ho Chi Minh and Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap, the architect of Vietnam's military campaigns against the French and later the Americans. She later gave birth to a son while living in the bush, just six months after losing her husband to a bout with tuberculosis.
"It was very difficult," she said, her eyes staring at the floor of her upscale lakeside apartment. "I don't want to remember this time."
It was also the only period in her life when she was separated from the piano. She was forced to wait until 1954 before she could again find comfort playing Chopin. She was sent to Beijing to record revolutionary music, lullabies and folk songs to help motivate Ho Chi Minh's ragtag Communist army to keep fighting after it overtook the French at the famous battle of Dien Bien Phu, ultimately leading to Vietnam's independence.
"When I first saw a piano again, I was very happy," she said. "I played all night."
____
Madame Lien returned to Vietnam determined to start a proper music school in Hanoi. She married another revolutionary, who was also a passionate poet, and they had Son before enduring the start of another long war, this time with the Americans.
They moved the entire school to the countryside — including all the upright pianos — twice, after returning to Hanoi for a period when things seemed calmer. But that window was short-lived prior to the devastating Christmas bombings in December 1972 when American B-52s pounded the city over 12 days.
"We Vietnamese, we are not afraid to die," she said. "It is why we won the war."
In 1980, just five years after the Vietnam War ended with north and south reunified by the Communists, Madame Lien traveled to Warsaw alongside 22-year-old Son to translate for him during an international Chopin piano competition.
Son said it was remarkable that the regime ever allowed him to study in Moscow after being discovered in the village by a visiting Soviet piano teacher. After all, his father had switched loyalties during the war, becoming an anti-communist dissident unpopular with Hanoi's leaders.
But not even Vietnam's extreme distrust of the West could stop Son from becoming the first Asian to win the prestigious contest in Poland. The results were shocking to many at the time, but Son's career path was set. And his mother has remained by his side — the two have only been separated for a brief period.
Son, now 53, remains Vietnam's only international artist, performing concerts globally with world-renowned artists such as Yo-Yo Ma. He is now recognized as one of the world's great Chopin interpreters.
In Vietnam, Son is more like a rock star. Young people born a generation after the war know his face and his music. They approach him on the street and shake his hand or pose with him while friends snap photos on mobile phones.
Madame Lien remains in the background and laughs at the notion that she still teaches her youngest son.
"Oh no, now he's my master!" she says, giggling, as Son interrupts: "We play for each other!"
She spends about half the year in Montreal, Canada, where she lives with Son and can speak her native French. The rest of the time she's in Hanoi with her daughter, Tran Thu Ha, who graduated with a doctorate from Moscow's Tchaikovsky Conservatory, and later took over as head of Vietnam's National Academy of Music.
Her other son, Tran Thanh Binh, the cellist who also lives in the capital, went on to become one of the country's most sought-after architects. He designed the new 800-seat concert hall in his mother's honor. It's expected to open sometime this fall.
The matriarch performed her last solo concert just five years ago — when she was 87 — inside Hanoi's elegant French colonial opera house. And her legacy lives on, with about 1,800 students now enrolled at the music school where some 200 lecturers teach.
Even today, as her tiny wrinkled fingers dance gracefully over the keys of the grand piano, the room is filled with the beautiful sound she's creating — her version of a Chopin etude, born from a long life touched by war and great peace.
And she's not finished yet. Her 6-year-old granddaughter is her newest student.
Singer Shakira: Latinos in US will have 'justice'
AP, CAMBRIDGE, Mass: Colombian singer Shakira was honored Saturday by Harvard University for her artistic and humanitarian work. She later said some U.S. states' proposed anti-immigrant legislation goes against her foundation's efforts to provide education to poor people around the world.
The Grammy Award-winning singer, however, said Latino immigrants in the U.S. facing various anti-immigrant bills will have "justice" as public awareness about their plight grows.
"Justice will come. I'm sure," Shakira told The Associated Press after the award ceremony. "Wherever there is ... a kid, who could be the son or the daughter of a Latino immigrant, who cannot attend a school in the United States of America, that kid should be a concern to all of us and our responsibility."
Shakira made the comments in an interview when asked about proposed measures in Arizona and elsewhere targeting illegal immigrants. A bill in Arizona, for example, would bar illegal immigrants from attending public schools, living in public housing or driving. Another bill seeks to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. if their parents are illegal immigrants.
"I believe we should never think less of the Latino community because it's a productive force in this country," Shakira told the AP.
The singer, born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, was awarded the "2011 Artist of the Year" from the Harvard Foundation, the university's center for intercultural arts and science initiatives.
Foundation director S. Allen Counter said Shakira, who has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, was honored for her "distinguished history of creativity," as well as for her charitable contributions.
Previous winners of the Harvard award include Sharon Stone, Will Smith, Jackie Chan and Herbie Hancock.
Shakira said she was humbled by the award and the student performances at the ceremony. "As I entered the premises today, I had to call my mom and say, 'Hey mom. Guess what? I got into Harvard'," said Shakira, who took a history class in 2008 at UCLA.
After accepting the award, she challenged Harvard students to do more to improve education in developing countries. "Not everyone can study at Harvard University," she said. "But everyone, wherever they live, whatever their background, deserves a chance to make the most of his or her potential" through education.
She said that applied to poor children in Bangladesh or immigrants in the United States. "And as a child of the developing world, it is my duty to use this voice in every way I can to promote the message about the power of education to change lives," she said.
Shakira founded the Barefoot Foundation at the age of 18 to provide education and nutrition to children in impoverished areas of Colombia. She also is a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador.
Howard Buffett, 56, son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett and board member of the Barefoot Foundation, said he and Shakira have plans to work on educational projects in parts of the world ravaged by war and natural disasters.
"I think she brings credibility, particularly because of her background," Buffett said. "She's pretty focused on education."
The Grammy Award-winning singer, however, said Latino immigrants in the U.S. facing various anti-immigrant bills will have "justice" as public awareness about their plight grows.
"Justice will come. I'm sure," Shakira told The Associated Press after the award ceremony. "Wherever there is ... a kid, who could be the son or the daughter of a Latino immigrant, who cannot attend a school in the United States of America, that kid should be a concern to all of us and our responsibility."
Shakira made the comments in an interview when asked about proposed measures in Arizona and elsewhere targeting illegal immigrants. A bill in Arizona, for example, would bar illegal immigrants from attending public schools, living in public housing or driving. Another bill seeks to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. if their parents are illegal immigrants.
"I believe we should never think less of the Latino community because it's a productive force in this country," Shakira told the AP.
The singer, born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, was awarded the "2011 Artist of the Year" from the Harvard Foundation, the university's center for intercultural arts and science initiatives.
Foundation director S. Allen Counter said Shakira, who has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, was honored for her "distinguished history of creativity," as well as for her charitable contributions.
Previous winners of the Harvard award include Sharon Stone, Will Smith, Jackie Chan and Herbie Hancock.
Shakira said she was humbled by the award and the student performances at the ceremony. "As I entered the premises today, I had to call my mom and say, 'Hey mom. Guess what? I got into Harvard'," said Shakira, who took a history class in 2008 at UCLA.
After accepting the award, she challenged Harvard students to do more to improve education in developing countries. "Not everyone can study at Harvard University," she said. "But everyone, wherever they live, whatever their background, deserves a chance to make the most of his or her potential" through education.
She said that applied to poor children in Bangladesh or immigrants in the United States. "And as a child of the developing world, it is my duty to use this voice in every way I can to promote the message about the power of education to change lives," she said.
Shakira founded the Barefoot Foundation at the age of 18 to provide education and nutrition to children in impoverished areas of Colombia. She also is a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador.
Howard Buffett, 56, son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett and board member of the Barefoot Foundation, said he and Shakira have plans to work on educational projects in parts of the world ravaged by war and natural disasters.
"I think she brings credibility, particularly because of her background," Buffett said. "She's pretty focused on education."
`Chilli' ponders fertile question in season finale
AP, LOS ANGELES: Chilli explores fertile territory on the finale of her reality show, "What Chilli Wants," deciding whether to freeze her eggs for the chance at future motherhood.
"What Chilli Wants," which wraps its second season on VH1, followed the Grammy-winning TLC singer's effort to find Mr. Right. But if she doesn't find him right now, she may in the future, leading her to ponder preserving the option of a child as she turns 40.
Her birthday is Sunday, the night the finale airs. Chilli, who has one son, said she's glad to have the chance to "educate women on their options when it comes to having children."
The prospective romances in Chilli's life this season included boxer Floyd Mayweather, race car driver Raphael Matos and model Lasse Larson.
"What Chilli Wants," which wraps its second season on VH1, followed the Grammy-winning TLC singer's effort to find Mr. Right. But if she doesn't find him right now, she may in the future, leading her to ponder preserving the option of a child as she turns 40.
Her birthday is Sunday, the night the finale airs. Chilli, who has one son, said she's glad to have the chance to "educate women on their options when it comes to having children."
The prospective romances in Chilli's life this season included boxer Floyd Mayweather, race car driver Raphael Matos and model Lasse Larson.
Rapper Juvenile posts bond after drug arrest
AP, STERLINGTON, La: New Orleans rapper Juvenile was arrested on a drug charge and released from a northern Louisiana jail after posting bond, police said Sunday.
Sterlington Police Sgt. Jacob Greer said that Juvenile, whose real name is Terius Gray, was charged with simple possession of marijuana and driving on a suspended license.
Greer said he pulled over Gray's car about 10:55 p.m. Saturday after clocking it at 75 mph in a 65 mph zone and for passing in the right lane, which is illegal in Louisiana. He was released a short time later after posting a $750 cash bond.
Greer said after he stopped the 35-year-old rapper, he smelled marijuana and Gray handed over small bag of it when asked.
Greer said the suspended license appeared when police checked his name with law enforcement records. Both charges are misdemeanors.
"He was very courteous and respectful as he could be. He asked me if I recognized him, and I said `No. Now if you were George Strait I'll probably have recognized you,'" Greer said.
There was no phone listing for Gray in New Orleans. Greer said he did not know whether Gray had an attorney.
The rapper has an April 1 court date in Sterlington, located north of Monroe in northern Louisiana.
Juvenile, best known for the song "Back That Thing Up," has been arrested at least five times on charges ranging from failure to pay child support to resisting an officer at a Florida mall in 1999. Most of the charges have been dismissed. In 2003, he was sentenced to community service for hitting a man on the head with a champagne bottle.
In August 2010, he pleaded guilty in Saint Bernard Parish to a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge. He received a suspended sentence of three months in jail and was given six months probation and paid a $250 fine and court costs.
Sterlington Police Sgt. Jacob Greer said that Juvenile, whose real name is Terius Gray, was charged with simple possession of marijuana and driving on a suspended license.
Greer said he pulled over Gray's car about 10:55 p.m. Saturday after clocking it at 75 mph in a 65 mph zone and for passing in the right lane, which is illegal in Louisiana. He was released a short time later after posting a $750 cash bond.
Greer said after he stopped the 35-year-old rapper, he smelled marijuana and Gray handed over small bag of it when asked.
Greer said the suspended license appeared when police checked his name with law enforcement records. Both charges are misdemeanors.
"He was very courteous and respectful as he could be. He asked me if I recognized him, and I said `No. Now if you were George Strait I'll probably have recognized you,'" Greer said.
There was no phone listing for Gray in New Orleans. Greer said he did not know whether Gray had an attorney.
The rapper has an April 1 court date in Sterlington, located north of Monroe in northern Louisiana.
Juvenile, best known for the song "Back That Thing Up," has been arrested at least five times on charges ranging from failure to pay child support to resisting an officer at a Florida mall in 1999. Most of the charges have been dismissed. In 2003, he was sentenced to community service for hitting a man on the head with a champagne bottle.
In August 2010, he pleaded guilty in Saint Bernard Parish to a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge. He received a suspended sentence of three months in jail and was given six months probation and paid a $250 fine and court costs.
Year after 'Cove' Oscar, activists shift tactics
AP, TAIJI, Japan: In the fervor of the Academy Awards in Hollywood on Sunday, last year's winners will be a distant memory. Half a world away in the Japanese fishing village of Taiji, few will ever forget the film that won in 2010 for Best Documentary Feature.
A year after "The Cove" received an Oscar for its scathing portrayal of Taiji's dolphin hunting tradition, the tiny town is still under siege by foreign activists. That's created a deep deadlock with Taiji's fishermen, leading some activists to seek a different tact.
"I'm trying to get a grass-roots movement going in Japan. I've come to realize, you can't show up with a big stick and tell them what to do," said Ric O'Barry, the veteran dolphin activist who stars in "The Cove."
A smattering of foreign protesters has come for years to Taiji, but since the success of the movie, the sleepy town of 3,500 has been inundated. The environmental group Sea Shepherd has started a "Cove Guardian" program that brings visitors, new groups such as "Taiji Action Group" and "Eyes on Taiji" have sprung up, and many people have come on their own.
The influx has had little effect. The town's two dozen dolphin hunters, most of whom are gruff ex-whalers, ignore the protesters as unwanted foreign pressure on their traditions, and have responded with elaborate tarp structures to hide the gorier aspects of their work. A rare public meeting between the two sides in November ended in confusion and discord, and town officials say the attention is largely a nuisance.
"We're a small town, we really can't get anything else done while this is going on," said Masahiro Mukai, who normally runs the town's volunteer fire department but now goes on regular patrols to monitor the activists.
So activists like O'Barry are trying to recruit more Japanese to their cause, publishing materials in the Japanese language and holding meetings with those who show an interest. Longtime Japanese activists like Masato Sakano have organized crowded forums in Tokyo to discuss the implications of "The Cove" and the Taiji hunts.
While many in the country feel the town should be allowed its traditional ways, others are coming to Taiji to protest or simply see for themselves.
"A lot of foreigners are helping us, but if we don't do something on our own, this problem won't be resolved," said Yoshiko Wada, 33, a hairdresser who has visited the town six times.
The government permits about 20,000 dolphins to be hunted along Japan's coasts each year. Only about 2,000 of those are taken in Taiji, but it is singled out mainly because it uses drive fishing, in which the animals are herded near to shore and slaughtered in shallow water, as opposed to being harpooned at sea.
This method also lends itself to capturing live animals, because they are relatively unscathed and can be examined up close by aquarium buyers or dolphin dealers. Those that aren't picked are killed for meat or occasionally released.
In years past, several towns captured live dolphins in Japan, but now only Taiji remains. So a complete end to the hunts would be difficult, because they have become crucial for the popular and lucrative dolphin shows throughout the country, and captive breeding is rare.
While killing dolphins for food remains a cultural touchstone, the hunts generate far more money from selling live animals. Bottlenose dolphins sold for meat typically go for several hundred dollars, while prime live animals sell for about $10,000 domestically and much more abroad. In the year ending in March 2010, 79 dolphins were exported from Japan for 277 million yen ($3.38 million), the government says.
With Taiji's fishermen unlikely to bend to foreign pressure and the strong ties to Japan's aquarium industry, a quick end to the hunts looks unlikely. Some foreign activists have called for protests directly at aquariums, but others question that approach.
"If we can't shut down aquariums in our own countries, how do you go to the Japanese and ask them to do that here?" said Michael Dalton, an Australian activist living near Taiji.
A year after "The Cove" received an Oscar for its scathing portrayal of Taiji's dolphin hunting tradition, the tiny town is still under siege by foreign activists. That's created a deep deadlock with Taiji's fishermen, leading some activists to seek a different tact.
"I'm trying to get a grass-roots movement going in Japan. I've come to realize, you can't show up with a big stick and tell them what to do," said Ric O'Barry, the veteran dolphin activist who stars in "The Cove."
A smattering of foreign protesters has come for years to Taiji, but since the success of the movie, the sleepy town of 3,500 has been inundated. The environmental group Sea Shepherd has started a "Cove Guardian" program that brings visitors, new groups such as "Taiji Action Group" and "Eyes on Taiji" have sprung up, and many people have come on their own.
The influx has had little effect. The town's two dozen dolphin hunters, most of whom are gruff ex-whalers, ignore the protesters as unwanted foreign pressure on their traditions, and have responded with elaborate tarp structures to hide the gorier aspects of their work. A rare public meeting between the two sides in November ended in confusion and discord, and town officials say the attention is largely a nuisance.
"We're a small town, we really can't get anything else done while this is going on," said Masahiro Mukai, who normally runs the town's volunteer fire department but now goes on regular patrols to monitor the activists.
So activists like O'Barry are trying to recruit more Japanese to their cause, publishing materials in the Japanese language and holding meetings with those who show an interest. Longtime Japanese activists like Masato Sakano have organized crowded forums in Tokyo to discuss the implications of "The Cove" and the Taiji hunts.
While many in the country feel the town should be allowed its traditional ways, others are coming to Taiji to protest or simply see for themselves.
"A lot of foreigners are helping us, but if we don't do something on our own, this problem won't be resolved," said Yoshiko Wada, 33, a hairdresser who has visited the town six times.
The government permits about 20,000 dolphins to be hunted along Japan's coasts each year. Only about 2,000 of those are taken in Taiji, but it is singled out mainly because it uses drive fishing, in which the animals are herded near to shore and slaughtered in shallow water, as opposed to being harpooned at sea.
This method also lends itself to capturing live animals, because they are relatively unscathed and can be examined up close by aquarium buyers or dolphin dealers. Those that aren't picked are killed for meat or occasionally released.
In years past, several towns captured live dolphins in Japan, but now only Taiji remains. So a complete end to the hunts would be difficult, because they have become crucial for the popular and lucrative dolphin shows throughout the country, and captive breeding is rare.
While killing dolphins for food remains a cultural touchstone, the hunts generate far more money from selling live animals. Bottlenose dolphins sold for meat typically go for several hundred dollars, while prime live animals sell for about $10,000 domestically and much more abroad. In the year ending in March 2010, 79 dolphins were exported from Japan for 277 million yen ($3.38 million), the government says.
With Taiji's fishermen unlikely to bend to foreign pressure and the strong ties to Japan's aquarium industry, a quick end to the hunts looks unlikely. Some foreign activists have called for protests directly at aquariums, but others question that approach.
"If we can't shut down aquariums in our own countries, how do you go to the Japanese and ask them to do that here?" said Michael Dalton, an Australian activist living near Taiji.
Kathleen Parker out of CNN's "Parker Spitzer" show
Reuters, LOS ANGELES: Journalist Kathleen Parker is leaving CNN talk show "Parker Spitzer," and the prime-time program will be revamped with former New York governor Eliot Spitzer remaining, alongside others, CNN said on Friday.
CNN said Parker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post columnist was leaving to focus on her writing. The "Parker Spitzer" talk show debuted in October to disappointing ratings, and critics said the pair lacked chemistry as a duo.
Spitzer has sometimes been appearing solo in recent weeks, chairing a more hard news-oriented show about politics and the upheavals in Arab states.
"We have been pleased with how the 8 p.m. hour has become a centerpiece of substantive, policy-oriented conversation, and we are looking forward to building on that with this new format, " CNN executive vice president Ken Jautz said in a statement.
Jautz said the new program would be called "In the Arena" and it will adopt an ensemble format with several newsmakers, guests and contributors joining Spitzer each night. On a regular basis, Spitzer will co-host the show alongside news anchor E.D. Hill and conservative columnist Will Cain.
CNN said Parker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post columnist was leaving to focus on her writing. The "Parker Spitzer" talk show debuted in October to disappointing ratings, and critics said the pair lacked chemistry as a duo.
Spitzer has sometimes been appearing solo in recent weeks, chairing a more hard news-oriented show about politics and the upheavals in Arab states.
"We have been pleased with how the 8 p.m. hour has become a centerpiece of substantive, policy-oriented conversation, and we are looking forward to building on that with this new format, " CNN executive vice president Ken Jautz said in a statement.
Jautz said the new program would be called "In the Arena" and it will adopt an ensemble format with several newsmakers, guests and contributors joining Spitzer each night. On a regular basis, Spitzer will co-host the show alongside news anchor E.D. Hill and conservative columnist Will Cain.
Jamie Oliver: food for kids a civil rights issue
AP, MIAMI BEACH, Fla: British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver called Sarah Palin a "Froot Loop" for criticizing the Obama administration's healthy eating initiatives, and said getting healthy foods to kids is a civil rights issue.
The U.S. is in a "really dark moment" when it comes to children's health and needs to make it a priority, said Oliver, who tried to transform the diets of a West Virginia town with his 2010 ABC show "Jamie's Food Revolution" and is filming a new version in Los Angeles.
Improving what children eat at school alone can have a far-reaching, positive effect on their habits and health as adults, Oliver said Saturday during an Associated Press interview at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
He said he doesn't have much faith that government will lead the way, but said the Obama administration is on the right track.
Palin, in contrast, "clearly on this issue is a Froot Loop," he said.
The president recently signed a bill that increases the federal reimbursement for free school lunches and expands the government's nutrition requirements for the free and reduced meals it subsidizes to cover all foods sold during school hours.
Some school groups argue it will be hard for already-stretched schools to pay for the new requirements, and Palin and other conservatives have argued that telling children what to eat is a case of government meddling, and that parents should decide what their children eat.
But Oliver, who launched his career in England as "The Naked Chef," countered that he's heard from pediatricians and dentists who feel some parents are edging toward child abuse by not feeding them healthy food. And he argued that the obesity epidemic is hampering the American spirit of problem-solving and ingenuity.
"From my view of the health situation we're in at the moment, it really isn't allowing Americans to be Americans," he said.
But, he predicted that once a majority of the public takes to his ideas, things will change quickly.
"Americans, when you get them on something, will shift faster than anyone else," he said. "I think America's going to react very strongly to what I've filmed in the last two months."
___
J.M. Hirsch is food editor of The Associated Press. To see all of the videos from AP's coverage of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, go to: http://bit.ly/f4lFT6
The U.S. is in a "really dark moment" when it comes to children's health and needs to make it a priority, said Oliver, who tried to transform the diets of a West Virginia town with his 2010 ABC show "Jamie's Food Revolution" and is filming a new version in Los Angeles.
Improving what children eat at school alone can have a far-reaching, positive effect on their habits and health as adults, Oliver said Saturday during an Associated Press interview at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
He said he doesn't have much faith that government will lead the way, but said the Obama administration is on the right track.
Palin, in contrast, "clearly on this issue is a Froot Loop," he said.
The president recently signed a bill that increases the federal reimbursement for free school lunches and expands the government's nutrition requirements for the free and reduced meals it subsidizes to cover all foods sold during school hours.
Some school groups argue it will be hard for already-stretched schools to pay for the new requirements, and Palin and other conservatives have argued that telling children what to eat is a case of government meddling, and that parents should decide what their children eat.
But Oliver, who launched his career in England as "The Naked Chef," countered that he's heard from pediatricians and dentists who feel some parents are edging toward child abuse by not feeding them healthy food. And he argued that the obesity epidemic is hampering the American spirit of problem-solving and ingenuity.
"From my view of the health situation we're in at the moment, it really isn't allowing Americans to be Americans," he said.
But, he predicted that once a majority of the public takes to his ideas, things will change quickly.
"Americans, when you get them on something, will shift faster than anyone else," he said. "I think America's going to react very strongly to what I've filmed in the last two months."
___
J.M. Hirsch is food editor of The Associated Press. To see all of the videos from AP's coverage of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, go to: http://bit.ly/f4lFT6
DiSpirito: ditch the calories, keep the sin
AP, MIAMI BEACH, Fla: Celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito wants to turn a collection of healthy recipes into a lifestyle, and he wants people to feel bad about it.
The key to transforming comfort food into healthy fare is cutting calories while retaining the "sinful" feeling that comes from eating rich foods, he said Saturday in an Associated Press interview at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
"Fried chicken needs to feel bad. You need to crunch through that outer coating, you need to feel like you're committing a sin," he said, describing a recipe that involves poaching chicken until it's almost cooked, then flash frying it so that it absorbs just a tenth of the oil of the conventional approach.
His new cookbook, "Now Eat This! Diet" is a follow-up to his best-selling "Now Eat This!" cookbook. The new book combines a diet plan and recipes with shopping lists, menus and exercise advice, and though it joins countless other diet books on store shelves, DiSpirito said his offers a new approach.
"I think the professional chef who has a particular focus on flavor has been missing" from the diet book industry, he said.
DiSpirito, who rose to fame at his Union Pacific restaurant in New York and later starred in the reality show, "The Restaurant," said he thinks Americans increasingly are turning to celebrity chefs for guidance in eating healthier. Healthy cooking is not just for the dietitians of the world, he said.
"We're the gateway to information on entertaining, cooking, food and wine, living large," he said. "We represent a lot of things to a lot of Americans. Now, we're becoming a resource for healthy eating. We all got old, some of us got healthy."
But DiSpirito also looks to his fans for help with his books, using Facebook and Twitter to gather ideas. What started as throwing out a request because he didn't know what else to post turned into a valuable way to gain insight into his audience, he said.
"I just wanted my book to one, have the most accurate information, and two, America's real preferences for the comfort food I was going to transform from the bad boys of food to real healthy food," he said. "The main message was, 'We love our comfort food and we want it to be healthy ... but we would still eat it if it wasn't healthy.'"
____
J.M. Hirsch is food editor of The Associated Press. To see all of the videos from AP's coverage of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, go to: http://bit.ly/f4lFT6
The key to transforming comfort food into healthy fare is cutting calories while retaining the "sinful" feeling that comes from eating rich foods, he said Saturday in an Associated Press interview at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
"Fried chicken needs to feel bad. You need to crunch through that outer coating, you need to feel like you're committing a sin," he said, describing a recipe that involves poaching chicken until it's almost cooked, then flash frying it so that it absorbs just a tenth of the oil of the conventional approach.
His new cookbook, "Now Eat This! Diet" is a follow-up to his best-selling "Now Eat This!" cookbook. The new book combines a diet plan and recipes with shopping lists, menus and exercise advice, and though it joins countless other diet books on store shelves, DiSpirito said his offers a new approach.
"I think the professional chef who has a particular focus on flavor has been missing" from the diet book industry, he said.
DiSpirito, who rose to fame at his Union Pacific restaurant in New York and later starred in the reality show, "The Restaurant," said he thinks Americans increasingly are turning to celebrity chefs for guidance in eating healthier. Healthy cooking is not just for the dietitians of the world, he said.
"We're the gateway to information on entertaining, cooking, food and wine, living large," he said. "We represent a lot of things to a lot of Americans. Now, we're becoming a resource for healthy eating. We all got old, some of us got healthy."
But DiSpirito also looks to his fans for help with his books, using Facebook and Twitter to gather ideas. What started as throwing out a request because he didn't know what else to post turned into a valuable way to gain insight into his audience, he said.
"I just wanted my book to one, have the most accurate information, and two, America's real preferences for the comfort food I was going to transform from the bad boys of food to real healthy food," he said. "The main message was, 'We love our comfort food and we want it to be healthy ... but we would still eat it if it wasn't healthy.'"
____
J.M. Hirsch is food editor of The Associated Press. To see all of the videos from AP's coverage of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, go to: http://bit.ly/f4lFT6
Art Smith: stars can make healthy eating sexy
AP, MIAMI BEACH, Fla: Defending the often frenzied food celebrity culture, chefs Art Smith and Spike Mendelsohn said Saturday that more stars should use their status to promote healthy eating.
Smith, who rose to fame as Oprah Winfrey's personal chef, said the American public loves personalities, so chefs — and athletes and movie stars — might as well tap into that fascination to do some good.
"If you don't make it sexy, if you don't make it fun, they're not going to buy into it. And the fact is, for so long, when it came to health and wellness, it was not fun," said Smith, who has made healthy eating a public focus since losing a considerable amount of weight in recent years. Offering even a few healthier menu items can make a difference, he said.
"What will change America most effectively and efficiently will be more chefs like Spike, like me, like Jamie (Oliver), getting on the bandwagon," Smith said in an Associated Press interview at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
Mendelsohn, a contestant on "Top Chef: Chicago," and chef and owner of Good Stuff Eatery and We, the Pizza restaurants in Washington, D.C., acknowledged that food television has become more about entertainment than teaching people to cook, but he believes it is slowly coaxing people back to the kitchen.
"Most people out there get anxiety in the kitchen. I feel with all this television, all these chefs doing demonstrations, they're starting to learn this is really not that hard," said Mendelsohn.
And even people who aren't interested in cooking for themselves can be spurred to think more about their food choices by celebrity chefs, he said.
"If we can get that education through entertainment, if that's the way we can deliver it to you and make you understand about food, I think that's the best way," he said.
Smith challenged actors and athletes to follow the lead of celebrity chefs.
"I want to see these amazing sports people say, 'Hey, the reason I look like this is because I eat this,'" he said. "We are so star struck that if these people with power would say, 'I feel great because this is part of my regimen,' people will buy into that."
____
J.M. Hirsch is food editor of The Associated Press. To see all of the videos from AP's coverage of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, go to: http://bit.ly/f4lFT6
Smith, who rose to fame as Oprah Winfrey's personal chef, said the American public loves personalities, so chefs — and athletes and movie stars — might as well tap into that fascination to do some good.
"If you don't make it sexy, if you don't make it fun, they're not going to buy into it. And the fact is, for so long, when it came to health and wellness, it was not fun," said Smith, who has made healthy eating a public focus since losing a considerable amount of weight in recent years. Offering even a few healthier menu items can make a difference, he said.
"What will change America most effectively and efficiently will be more chefs like Spike, like me, like Jamie (Oliver), getting on the bandwagon," Smith said in an Associated Press interview at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
Mendelsohn, a contestant on "Top Chef: Chicago," and chef and owner of Good Stuff Eatery and We, the Pizza restaurants in Washington, D.C., acknowledged that food television has become more about entertainment than teaching people to cook, but he believes it is slowly coaxing people back to the kitchen.
"Most people out there get anxiety in the kitchen. I feel with all this television, all these chefs doing demonstrations, they're starting to learn this is really not that hard," said Mendelsohn.
And even people who aren't interested in cooking for themselves can be spurred to think more about their food choices by celebrity chefs, he said.
"If we can get that education through entertainment, if that's the way we can deliver it to you and make you understand about food, I think that's the best way," he said.
Smith challenged actors and athletes to follow the lead of celebrity chefs.
"I want to see these amazing sports people say, 'Hey, the reason I look like this is because I eat this,'" he said. "We are so star struck that if these people with power would say, 'I feel great because this is part of my regimen,' people will buy into that."
____
J.M. Hirsch is food editor of The Associated Press. To see all of the videos from AP's coverage of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, go to: http://bit.ly/f4lFT6
'King's Speech' spotlights stress of stuttering
AFP, MCLEAN, Virginia: When the envelopes are opened Sunday at the Academy Awards ceremony in Hollywood, Keiko Brown will be rooting for "The King's Speech" to take home best film, best actor, best everything.
Brown's 17-year-old daughter Melanie stutters, as did King George VI, who is played in the movie by British actor Colin Firth.
To the mother of a child who stutters, "The King's Speech," which has been nominated for multiple Oscars including best film and best actor for Firth, has gone a long way toward teaching people with fluid speech about the high-stress world of stutterers.
"I think if it takes an Oscar, it's good," said Brown.
"Before, nobody really understands," said the Japan native as she sat in the waiting room of therapist Vivian Sisskin, the University of Maryland speech disorder expert who had just led Melanie and three other teenage girls with stutters through a one-hour therapy session.
"People say they understand, but I don't think they really do understand how much they suffer and how much stress they have every single day," Brown said, her gaze fixed on Melanie, sitting at her side.
"The King's Speech" is based on the true story of how a speech therapist helped George VI control a severe, lifelong stutter to allow the monarch to address the British people as they prepared to enter World War II.
The National Stuttering Association hailed it as an "accurate depiction of people who stutter through the compelling story of a real-life hero."
Debbie Grinstead, mother of 16-year-old Claire, called "The King's Speech" a "burden-lifting experience for those who stutter," while her daughter, whose speech disorder includes tongue clicks, said Firth deserved an Oscar just for having the courage to step into the skin of a stutterer.
"Stuttering is so stressful. If you induce that kind of stress on yourself, I think that deserves everything," she said.
Stutterers are often thought to be stupid and nervous, but the four girls in therapy with Sisskin are anything but.
Jacqueline Speiser, 16, is an "A" student at the best public high school in the United States, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, in Virginia.
She started therapy with Sisskin around four months ago after she realized "I was messing up my advanced Spanish course, because I would stutter during presentations."
Melanie wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Claire wants to be a genetics counselor, and Dina Trembinsky, 16, has her eye on a job in communications and advertising.
Some fluid speakers assume -- wrongly -- that stutters are caused by abusive parents or are a psychological disorder.
But a study published last year in the New England Journal of Medicine found that they could could be linked to defects in three genes.
"When you meet someone who stutters, it's just like meeting someone with another condition that they were born with or have a predisposition to develop, like asthma or diabetes," Sisskind said.
Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation of America, said "The King's Speech" has created a "tsunami of awareness" of the fear and stress that stuttering brings to sufferers and their families.
"My father was a very severe stutterer and only now are my cousins and aunts and uncles calling me and saying, 'Now we understand what your father went through, now we understand why you're doing the job you're doing,'" Fraser told AFP.
"Even close family members never understood the horror that it was for him -- and for me, waiting for him to get his words out. As a child, I would sit there and get so tense waiting for those words to come out, and agonize over what I could do to help get them out."
Stuttering tends to come on between the ages of two and five, but in nearly 80 percent of cases, the child spontaneously heals from his or her stutter.
Sitting on the off-white couch in Sisskind's waiting room, Irina Tremblinsky wondered if she could have prevented daughter Dina's stammer "by dealing with it right away when we noticed that she stuttered, when she was two years old."
"But the pediatrician told us don't worry about it, she's too small. So we waited, and we probably waited too long," she said.
Keiko Brown wished for a miracle that would allow her to trade places with Melanie.
"If they can switch us and I can stutter from now on, it doesn't bother me," she said. "But her life is from now on. And she has to go through so much."
Brown's 17-year-old daughter Melanie stutters, as did King George VI, who is played in the movie by British actor Colin Firth.
To the mother of a child who stutters, "The King's Speech," which has been nominated for multiple Oscars including best film and best actor for Firth, has gone a long way toward teaching people with fluid speech about the high-stress world of stutterers.
"I think if it takes an Oscar, it's good," said Brown.
"Before, nobody really understands," said the Japan native as she sat in the waiting room of therapist Vivian Sisskin, the University of Maryland speech disorder expert who had just led Melanie and three other teenage girls with stutters through a one-hour therapy session.
"People say they understand, but I don't think they really do understand how much they suffer and how much stress they have every single day," Brown said, her gaze fixed on Melanie, sitting at her side.
"The King's Speech" is based on the true story of how a speech therapist helped George VI control a severe, lifelong stutter to allow the monarch to address the British people as they prepared to enter World War II.
The National Stuttering Association hailed it as an "accurate depiction of people who stutter through the compelling story of a real-life hero."
Debbie Grinstead, mother of 16-year-old Claire, called "The King's Speech" a "burden-lifting experience for those who stutter," while her daughter, whose speech disorder includes tongue clicks, said Firth deserved an Oscar just for having the courage to step into the skin of a stutterer.
"Stuttering is so stressful. If you induce that kind of stress on yourself, I think that deserves everything," she said.
Stutterers are often thought to be stupid and nervous, but the four girls in therapy with Sisskin are anything but.
Jacqueline Speiser, 16, is an "A" student at the best public high school in the United States, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, in Virginia.
She started therapy with Sisskin around four months ago after she realized "I was messing up my advanced Spanish course, because I would stutter during presentations."
Melanie wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Claire wants to be a genetics counselor, and Dina Trembinsky, 16, has her eye on a job in communications and advertising.
Some fluid speakers assume -- wrongly -- that stutters are caused by abusive parents or are a psychological disorder.
But a study published last year in the New England Journal of Medicine found that they could could be linked to defects in three genes.
"When you meet someone who stutters, it's just like meeting someone with another condition that they were born with or have a predisposition to develop, like asthma or diabetes," Sisskind said.
Jane Fraser, president of the Stuttering Foundation of America, said "The King's Speech" has created a "tsunami of awareness" of the fear and stress that stuttering brings to sufferers and their families.
"My father was a very severe stutterer and only now are my cousins and aunts and uncles calling me and saying, 'Now we understand what your father went through, now we understand why you're doing the job you're doing,'" Fraser told AFP.
"Even close family members never understood the horror that it was for him -- and for me, waiting for him to get his words out. As a child, I would sit there and get so tense waiting for those words to come out, and agonize over what I could do to help get them out."
Stuttering tends to come on between the ages of two and five, but in nearly 80 percent of cases, the child spontaneously heals from his or her stutter.
Sitting on the off-white couch in Sisskind's waiting room, Irina Tremblinsky wondered if she could have prevented daughter Dina's stammer "by dealing with it right away when we noticed that she stuttered, when she was two years old."
"But the pediatrician told us don't worry about it, she's too small. So we waited, and we probably waited too long," she said.
Keiko Brown wished for a miracle that would allow her to trade places with Melanie.
"If they can switch us and I can stutter from now on, it doesn't bother me," she said. "But her life is from now on. And she has to go through so much."
Rachael Ray: small steps key to child nutrition
AP, MIAMI BEACH, Fla: Though she lobbied Congress last year to boost the reimbursement rate for school lunches, food celebrity Rachael Ray said Saturday that improving school nutrition can best be tackled closer to home, in small steps without stepping on toes.
"As long as you don't insult someone and start with a conversation instead of a lecture, it's really easy to find people who are willing to make small changes," she said. "Finger wagging turns everyone off."
Ray, whose Yum-o! charity teaches kids healthy eating, spoke about that approach in an Associated Press interview at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. While she applauds the recently announced plan by the Agriculture Department to implement the first major nutritional overhaul of students' meals in 15 years, Ray said parents and others shouldn't sit back.
Under the guidelines announced last month, school cafeterias would be required to cut the sodium in subsidized lunches by more than half, use more whole grains and serve low-fat milk. But those changes could take years to implement, and in the meantime, schools can find other ways to encourage healthy eating, such as having students plant gardens or offering healthier options in vending machines, Ray said.
"You don't have to wait for them to make a law, you can make changes in your own school by just going in there and telling them you care," she said.
Seven months after Ray's trip to Washington last spring, President Barack Obama signed a bill in December expanding access to free lunch programs and increasing the federal reimbursement for free school lunches by 6 cents a meal. Ray said she was pleasantly surprised that members of Congress listened to her pitch, but she was struck by the shortsightedness of some who couldn't see that the obese children of today will be generating costly medical bills years into the future.
"They can't see that debt yet, so they're not going to do anything about it, it doesn't exist," she said. "It's really childish, ironically."
She said she doesn't understand people who cast the debate over food policy as a battle between elitists and common folk or who criticize first lady Michelle Obama's fitness and childhood obesity initiatives.
"How could you criticize the idea of children playing in the sunshine and eating healthy food?" she said. "I don't know any one person in my broad or tight circle that agrees with any of that."
Though she grew up eating a healthy, Mediterranean-style diet, Ray said she was a latecomer to exercise, and didn't start running until she turned 40.
"When I started running, I felt like I wasted 20 years of my adult life," she said. "It makes such an emotional difference, and such a huge difference in your clarity of thought to vigorously exercise on a regular basis."
"As long as you don't insult someone and start with a conversation instead of a lecture, it's really easy to find people who are willing to make small changes," she said. "Finger wagging turns everyone off."
Ray, whose Yum-o! charity teaches kids healthy eating, spoke about that approach in an Associated Press interview at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. While she applauds the recently announced plan by the Agriculture Department to implement the first major nutritional overhaul of students' meals in 15 years, Ray said parents and others shouldn't sit back.
Under the guidelines announced last month, school cafeterias would be required to cut the sodium in subsidized lunches by more than half, use more whole grains and serve low-fat milk. But those changes could take years to implement, and in the meantime, schools can find other ways to encourage healthy eating, such as having students plant gardens or offering healthier options in vending machines, Ray said.
"You don't have to wait for them to make a law, you can make changes in your own school by just going in there and telling them you care," she said.
Seven months after Ray's trip to Washington last spring, President Barack Obama signed a bill in December expanding access to free lunch programs and increasing the federal reimbursement for free school lunches by 6 cents a meal. Ray said she was pleasantly surprised that members of Congress listened to her pitch, but she was struck by the shortsightedness of some who couldn't see that the obese children of today will be generating costly medical bills years into the future.
"They can't see that debt yet, so they're not going to do anything about it, it doesn't exist," she said. "It's really childish, ironically."
She said she doesn't understand people who cast the debate over food policy as a battle between elitists and common folk or who criticize first lady Michelle Obama's fitness and childhood obesity initiatives.
"How could you criticize the idea of children playing in the sunshine and eating healthy food?" she said. "I don't know any one person in my broad or tight circle that agrees with any of that."
Though she grew up eating a healthy, Mediterranean-style diet, Ray said she was a latecomer to exercise, and didn't start running until she turned 40.
"When I started running, I felt like I wasted 20 years of my adult life," she said. "It makes such an emotional difference, and such a huge difference in your clarity of thought to vigorously exercise on a regular basis."
Banksy, Franco's singing among Oscar mysteries
AP, LOS ANGELES: To the movie industry, the Oscars are an awards ceremony. For the rest of us, they're a show. So while we couldn't recall last year's best picture on a bet (Cameron's blue-aliens movie? No, wait, it was "Hurt Locker" from his ex!), we savor the memory of Billy Crystal's great opening bits and Jack Palance's one-armed push-ups and brave Christopher Reeve onstage, alone, in a wheelchair.
So, Academy Awards, what are you going to do for us in the three-hour-and-then-some ABC broadcast starting at 8 p.m. EST Sunday?
Nobody's complaining about seeing the likes of nominees Natalie Portman, Amy Adams or Colin Firth in their designer duds and with a potential winner's aura (and, in Portman's case, the unbeatable glow of pregnancy).
But in a year with so many apparent dead-certs — including Portman as best actress for "Black Swan," Firth as best actor for "The King's Speech" and Melissa Leo and Christian Bale of "The Fighter" for the supporting-actor prizes — we need more bells and whistles.
First, there's the all-important theme for the Kodak Theatre event. This year: "You're invited."
OK. We accept.
Moving on, it's going to be cold, at least by L.A. standards, with temperatures dipping into the 40s at showtime. So during the red-carpet parade, look for loyal publicists earnestly guiding starlets out of the chill because why cover a designer gown with a coat?
The show's hosts are a key element and, this year, relatively daring: Anne Hathaway and James Franco, two fine, handsome actors but lacking the standard credentials of their predecessors, whether a seasoned emcee (Johnny Carson), comedian (Chris Rock) or song-and-dance man (Hugh Jackman).
ABC's promotional spots, including one in which Franco puts Hathaway's bathroom-break quickness to the stopwatch test, are a good sign that clever comedy is afoot. So is the approval of Alec Baldwin, who was a hit last year with co-host Steve Martin.
"She's a very smart and talented and gorgeous and funny woman, and he's a very charming and polished leading man," Baldwin said Friday. "They are great symbols of young Hollywood. The show is very well served by having them."
Any hosting advice for Hathaway, who was a best-actress nominee for 2008's "Rachel Getting Married," and Franco, who's up for best-actor honors for "127 Hours"?
"Just go with your instincts, because your instincts are what got you there in the first place," Baldwin counseled.
Hathaway, at 28 the youngest host ever, and Franco, 32, are expected to make a little music together. Hathaway sparkled in a 2008 Oscar duet with Jackman, while Franco practically demanded the chance to sing Sunday, said producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer.
More tunes are on tap with the return of the best-song showcases. The four nominated numbers will be performed by Gwyneth Paltrow ("Coming Home" from the film "Country Strong"); Randy Newman (his "Toy Story 3" song, "We Belong Together"); Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi and composer Alan Menken ("I See the Light" from "Tangled") and Florence Welch and composer A.R. Rahman ("If I Rise" from "127 Hours").
The producers have secrets in store, including something they've termed "scenic transitions," with music and images that will take viewers to different points in film history for presentation of the more technical awards.
The best surprises, of course, are the unplanned emotional peaks. One could come courtesy of Annette Bening, 52, nominated three times before without winning, finally earning her trophy for "The Kids Are All Right." Or it could be provided by 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld emerging as the underdog winner for her film debut in "True Grit."
Then there's presenter Sandra Bullock, returning to the stage where she triumphantly claimed her best-actress trophy last year for "The Blind Side" and then, within days, saw cheating allegations surface against her now-ex-husband, Jesse James.
Suspense over winners and losers is obviously a staple of the night. But there's a twist this year thanks to Banksy, the elusive British bad-boy street artist and nominee for best documentary feature for his directing debut, "Exit Through the Gift Shop."
Will the artist who prefers to hide his face from public view suddenly turn ham and appear in front of a half-billion viewers? As the movie academy would put it, you're invited to find out.
So, Academy Awards, what are you going to do for us in the three-hour-and-then-some ABC broadcast starting at 8 p.m. EST Sunday?
Nobody's complaining about seeing the likes of nominees Natalie Portman, Amy Adams or Colin Firth in their designer duds and with a potential winner's aura (and, in Portman's case, the unbeatable glow of pregnancy).
But in a year with so many apparent dead-certs — including Portman as best actress for "Black Swan," Firth as best actor for "The King's Speech" and Melissa Leo and Christian Bale of "The Fighter" for the supporting-actor prizes — we need more bells and whistles.
First, there's the all-important theme for the Kodak Theatre event. This year: "You're invited."
OK. We accept.
Moving on, it's going to be cold, at least by L.A. standards, with temperatures dipping into the 40s at showtime. So during the red-carpet parade, look for loyal publicists earnestly guiding starlets out of the chill because why cover a designer gown with a coat?
The show's hosts are a key element and, this year, relatively daring: Anne Hathaway and James Franco, two fine, handsome actors but lacking the standard credentials of their predecessors, whether a seasoned emcee (Johnny Carson), comedian (Chris Rock) or song-and-dance man (Hugh Jackman).
ABC's promotional spots, including one in which Franco puts Hathaway's bathroom-break quickness to the stopwatch test, are a good sign that clever comedy is afoot. So is the approval of Alec Baldwin, who was a hit last year with co-host Steve Martin.
"She's a very smart and talented and gorgeous and funny woman, and he's a very charming and polished leading man," Baldwin said Friday. "They are great symbols of young Hollywood. The show is very well served by having them."
Any hosting advice for Hathaway, who was a best-actress nominee for 2008's "Rachel Getting Married," and Franco, who's up for best-actor honors for "127 Hours"?
"Just go with your instincts, because your instincts are what got you there in the first place," Baldwin counseled.
Hathaway, at 28 the youngest host ever, and Franco, 32, are expected to make a little music together. Hathaway sparkled in a 2008 Oscar duet with Jackman, while Franco practically demanded the chance to sing Sunday, said producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer.
More tunes are on tap with the return of the best-song showcases. The four nominated numbers will be performed by Gwyneth Paltrow ("Coming Home" from the film "Country Strong"); Randy Newman (his "Toy Story 3" song, "We Belong Together"); Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi and composer Alan Menken ("I See the Light" from "Tangled") and Florence Welch and composer A.R. Rahman ("If I Rise" from "127 Hours").
The producers have secrets in store, including something they've termed "scenic transitions," with music and images that will take viewers to different points in film history for presentation of the more technical awards.
The best surprises, of course, are the unplanned emotional peaks. One could come courtesy of Annette Bening, 52, nominated three times before without winning, finally earning her trophy for "The Kids Are All Right." Or it could be provided by 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld emerging as the underdog winner for her film debut in "True Grit."
Then there's presenter Sandra Bullock, returning to the stage where she triumphantly claimed her best-actress trophy last year for "The Blind Side" and then, within days, saw cheating allegations surface against her now-ex-husband, Jesse James.
Suspense over winners and losers is obviously a staple of the night. But there's a twist this year thanks to Banksy, the elusive British bad-boy street artist and nominee for best documentary feature for his directing debut, "Exit Through the Gift Shop."
Will the artist who prefers to hide his face from public view suddenly turn ham and appear in front of a half-billion viewers? As the movie academy would put it, you're invited to find out.
Tigers looking for more down the stretch
AP, CLEMSON, S.C: Clemson guard Tanner Smith knows the Tigers aren't experts in the motion offense. Still, the junior thinks the team has picked up first-year coach Brad Brownell's schemes quicker than some may have expected.
That's one reason for Clemson's success.
"Maybe we're 'A' students now," Smith said Friday. "We'll see how it goes."
With about a week left in the regular season, the Tigers are vying for a first-round bye in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament and a spot in the NCAAs. The stretch starts Saturday against Wake Forest, the Tigers' first game since a rousing road win at Miami last Sunday.
Bidding for an NCAA spot was not where some, including Smith, thought Clemson (18-9, 7-6 ACC) would be so late in the season. Not after longtime coach Oliver Purnell left for DePaul and the team's star, Trevor Booker, became a first-round NBA draft pick.
"I definitely had some questions," Smith said.
Clemson was picked to finish seventh in the ACC. There were several reasons, including the unknown quantity of Brownell, hired from Wright State to replace Purnell, and the question over who would pick up the offensive punch of Booker, the power forward who led the Tigers with 15.2 points and 8.4 rebounds a game last year.
Things looked even worse early on. Brownell could not hold on to promising Purnell recruit Marcus Thornton while long-range shooter Noel Johnson decided to transfer less than a month into the season.
There were three straight awful defeats to Michigan, rival South Carolina and Florida State where the Tigers appeared lost in the offensive flow.
"It was a transition, no doubt about that," Smith said. "But we had some people who were battle tested and wanted to succeed."
The Tigers reeled off eight straight victories, including a 2-0 start in ACC play. They defeated a ranked team in Florida State on Jan. 29 and are a game behind Virginia Tech for fourth place, which would mean an opening round rest when the ACC tournament starts.
"We're on the bubble, or whatever, so we have a lot of work to do before we worry about those kinds of things," Brownell said.
The Tigers have been particularly sharp at home, winning five of six so far with the Demon Deacons (1-12 in the league) on Saturday and the Hokies left at Littlejohn Coliseum a week later.
Despite the transition, Brownell never eased up on expectations. But he didn't inflate them, either, always placing the emphasis on gradual improvement over how high the Tigers might go.
He's not changing that now with Clemson in sight of a fourth consecutive NCAA tournament berth.
"Both collectively and individually, we still have to get more guys playing consistently well for us to challenge in the ACC tournament or things of that nature," the coach said.
The Tigers have been led by seniors in point guard Demontez Stitt and forward Jerai Grant. Stitt, a slasher who's best at driving the lane, is the team's top scorer at 14 points a game. Grant, the 6-foot-8 son of former Oklahoma standout Harvey, is right behind at 12 points a game and leads the club in rebounding (6.5 average).
Smith says the team's epiphany came when they discovered that tightening defense would mean easier baskets and a better offensive flow. The Tigers lead the ACC in scoring defense giving up just 60.2 points a game, 2 points a game ahead of Florida State and Virginia.
Clemson's players believe in what their coaches are teaching and it shows on the court. Smith said the Tigers were angry about fumbling away a 69-61 loss at North Carolina State last week after leading for a good part of the contest. Instead of crumbling, Smith said the team channeled efforts into last Sunday's 63-59 win at Miami.
"The energy is there. The focus is really there," Smith said. "We can't dwell on the games we gave away. We're still in control of our destiny and I think we're ready."
That's one reason for Clemson's success.
"Maybe we're 'A' students now," Smith said Friday. "We'll see how it goes."
With about a week left in the regular season, the Tigers are vying for a first-round bye in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament and a spot in the NCAAs. The stretch starts Saturday against Wake Forest, the Tigers' first game since a rousing road win at Miami last Sunday.
Bidding for an NCAA spot was not where some, including Smith, thought Clemson (18-9, 7-6 ACC) would be so late in the season. Not after longtime coach Oliver Purnell left for DePaul and the team's star, Trevor Booker, became a first-round NBA draft pick.
"I definitely had some questions," Smith said.
Clemson was picked to finish seventh in the ACC. There were several reasons, including the unknown quantity of Brownell, hired from Wright State to replace Purnell, and the question over who would pick up the offensive punch of Booker, the power forward who led the Tigers with 15.2 points and 8.4 rebounds a game last year.
Things looked even worse early on. Brownell could not hold on to promising Purnell recruit Marcus Thornton while long-range shooter Noel Johnson decided to transfer less than a month into the season.
There were three straight awful defeats to Michigan, rival South Carolina and Florida State where the Tigers appeared lost in the offensive flow.
"It was a transition, no doubt about that," Smith said. "But we had some people who were battle tested and wanted to succeed."
The Tigers reeled off eight straight victories, including a 2-0 start in ACC play. They defeated a ranked team in Florida State on Jan. 29 and are a game behind Virginia Tech for fourth place, which would mean an opening round rest when the ACC tournament starts.
"We're on the bubble, or whatever, so we have a lot of work to do before we worry about those kinds of things," Brownell said.
The Tigers have been particularly sharp at home, winning five of six so far with the Demon Deacons (1-12 in the league) on Saturday and the Hokies left at Littlejohn Coliseum a week later.
Despite the transition, Brownell never eased up on expectations. But he didn't inflate them, either, always placing the emphasis on gradual improvement over how high the Tigers might go.
He's not changing that now with Clemson in sight of a fourth consecutive NCAA tournament berth.
"Both collectively and individually, we still have to get more guys playing consistently well for us to challenge in the ACC tournament or things of that nature," the coach said.
The Tigers have been led by seniors in point guard Demontez Stitt and forward Jerai Grant. Stitt, a slasher who's best at driving the lane, is the team's top scorer at 14 points a game. Grant, the 6-foot-8 son of former Oklahoma standout Harvey, is right behind at 12 points a game and leads the club in rebounding (6.5 average).
Smith says the team's epiphany came when they discovered that tightening defense would mean easier baskets and a better offensive flow. The Tigers lead the ACC in scoring defense giving up just 60.2 points a game, 2 points a game ahead of Florida State and Virginia.
Clemson's players believe in what their coaches are teaching and it shows on the court. Smith said the Tigers were angry about fumbling away a 69-61 loss at North Carolina State last week after leading for a good part of the contest. Instead of crumbling, Smith said the team channeled efforts into last Sunday's 63-59 win at Miami.
"The energy is there. The focus is really there," Smith said. "We can't dwell on the games we gave away. We're still in control of our destiny and I think we're ready."
Loss to Cougars not forgotten by Washington
AP, SEATTLE: After Washington State upset Washington in Pullman in January, Cougars fans stormed the court to celebrate the victory over their rival.
The Huskies returned to their locker room to find another jab waiting for them along with their postgame meal: A Pullman sandwich shop had placed messages in the players' boxed meals.
"May memories of the fun you share bring you gentle comfort. So sorry for your loss," the prank note said.
The Huskies didn't appreciate the gestures. And the Huskies do remember, especially Isaiah Thomas.
"Right after that game I just watched how they did that," Thomas said. "They felt it was the right thing to do I guess. ... Beating any team in the regular season, unless it's the No. 1 team in the country, I don't feel like you should storm the court."
The teams meet again on Sunday night in Seattle. Since their victory over Washington, the Cougars have fallen apart, winning just two of their last seven and falling to cellar-dwelling Arizona State last weekend.
The loss has all but ended the Cougars' chances to make the NCAA tournament field. Outside of winning the Pac-10 tournament in two weeks, Washington State would probably have to win its remaining three regular season games and make it to the Pac-10 title game to have any shot of making the field as an at-large selection.
The loss to Washington State began a three-game skid for the Huskies that dropped them out of the conference lead.
Washington has since responded by winning four of its last five games, with an 87-86 loss at conference-leading Arizona the only blemish.
The Huskies' chances at the Pac-10 regular season title realistically ended with the loss on Saturday, but Arizona's loss to USC on Thursday night kept the door open slightly.
The Wildcats would need to lose two of their last three games to give Washington a chance of claiming their second regular season crown in three seasons.
"A lot has to happen for that to take place," coach Lorenzo Romar said. "We can't lose sight of Sunday. We have a week and a half of conference play and we have to take advantage of it and not get sidetracked by other issues."
The Huskies turned the ball over 24 times and made just 11 of 31 three-pointers in the loss to Washington State, something Romar stressed can't happen again if the Huskies are to win this time around.
"From my standpoint, I'm more concerned that we turned the ball over 24 times and didn't guard like we should have guarded. That bothers me," Romar said. "We turned the ball over far too many times by trying to force the issue the last time we played them. We needed to be a little more patient against them."
The Huskies returned to their locker room to find another jab waiting for them along with their postgame meal: A Pullman sandwich shop had placed messages in the players' boxed meals.
"May memories of the fun you share bring you gentle comfort. So sorry for your loss," the prank note said.
The Huskies didn't appreciate the gestures. And the Huskies do remember, especially Isaiah Thomas.
"Right after that game I just watched how they did that," Thomas said. "They felt it was the right thing to do I guess. ... Beating any team in the regular season, unless it's the No. 1 team in the country, I don't feel like you should storm the court."
The teams meet again on Sunday night in Seattle. Since their victory over Washington, the Cougars have fallen apart, winning just two of their last seven and falling to cellar-dwelling Arizona State last weekend.
The loss has all but ended the Cougars' chances to make the NCAA tournament field. Outside of winning the Pac-10 tournament in two weeks, Washington State would probably have to win its remaining three regular season games and make it to the Pac-10 title game to have any shot of making the field as an at-large selection.
The loss to Washington State began a three-game skid for the Huskies that dropped them out of the conference lead.
Washington has since responded by winning four of its last five games, with an 87-86 loss at conference-leading Arizona the only blemish.
The Huskies' chances at the Pac-10 regular season title realistically ended with the loss on Saturday, but Arizona's loss to USC on Thursday night kept the door open slightly.
The Wildcats would need to lose two of their last three games to give Washington a chance of claiming their second regular season crown in three seasons.
"A lot has to happen for that to take place," coach Lorenzo Romar said. "We can't lose sight of Sunday. We have a week and a half of conference play and we have to take advantage of it and not get sidetracked by other issues."
The Huskies turned the ball over 24 times and made just 11 of 31 three-pointers in the loss to Washington State, something Romar stressed can't happen again if the Huskies are to win this time around.
"From my standpoint, I'm more concerned that we turned the ball over 24 times and didn't guard like we should have guarded. That bothers me," Romar said. "We turned the ball over far too many times by trying to force the issue the last time we played them. We needed to be a little more patient against them."
Northwestern St. beats Texas-Arlington 78-71 in OT
AP, NATCHITOCHES, La: Devon Baker scored 20 points and Northwestern State defeated Texas-Arlington 78-71 in overtime Saturday.
Northwestern State (17-12, 9-5 Southland Conference) made 6 of 8 free throw attempts in overtime and hit 26 of 42 free throws for the game. The Mavericks were 10 of 18.
Leading 69-68 in the extra period, the Demons went on a 9-1 run for a 78-69 cushion with 17 seconds remaining.
The Demons were not as successful from the field, shooting 32.8 percent (22 of 67). The Mavericks made 35.5 percent (27 of 76).
Baker scored the final five points in regulation for the Demons, who finished the second half with a 14-2 run to force overtime.
Will Pratt added 14 points and Shamir Davis had 11 for the Demons.
Jordan Reeves scored 19 points, Darius Richardson added 16 and Bo Ingram had 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavericks (13-14, 7-7).
Northwestern State (17-12, 9-5 Southland Conference) made 6 of 8 free throw attempts in overtime and hit 26 of 42 free throws for the game. The Mavericks were 10 of 18.
Leading 69-68 in the extra period, the Demons went on a 9-1 run for a 78-69 cushion with 17 seconds remaining.
The Demons were not as successful from the field, shooting 32.8 percent (22 of 67). The Mavericks made 35.5 percent (27 of 76).
Baker scored the final five points in regulation for the Demons, who finished the second half with a 14-2 run to force overtime.
Will Pratt added 14 points and Shamir Davis had 11 for the Demons.
Jordan Reeves scored 19 points, Darius Richardson added 16 and Bo Ingram had 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavericks (13-14, 7-7).
West Virginia coach Carey rips official after loss
AP, PISCATAWAY, N.J: West Virginia coach Mike Carey might have to do some explaining to Big East Conference officials after yelling at a referee and criticizing her following a loss at Rutgers.
Carey stormed on the court Saturday after the No. 19 Mountaineers dropped a 67-58 decision to Rutgers and screamed at referee Angela Lewis for a couple of seconds. Lewis had handed Carey a technical foul in the waning seconds.
In the postgame news conference, Carey said some of the female official's calls — Lewis was the only female in the three-person crew — were "unbelievable."
The one that seemed to upset Carey the most was when Lewis overruled fellow official Ed Sidlasky with 3:47 to go and Rutgers ahead 54-53.
Sidlasky, who was positioned on the baseline, called a charging foul against Rutgers' Daisha Simmons on a baseline drive. Lewis, who was the outside official, overruled him and called a foul on Madina Ali, her fourth, sending Simmons to the line for two free throws.
"I can't talk about the referee," Carey said. "I would love to. The female, unbelievable, referee. I didn't say their names so maybe I won't get in trouble. Unbelievable. Unbelievable calls down the stretch. It's unbelievable."
Carey also was miffed his team didn't get any calls in the second half despite taking the ball to the basket. Rutgers had 21 free throws in the final 20 minutes. West Virginia got seven.
"We didn't even get to the one-and-one until under 30 seconds," Carey said. "Granted you have to attack the rim to get the one-and-one, but we were. We were getting banged driving and no calls, and they were getting those calls."
West Virginia (21-8, 7-8) has lost seven of nine games after starting the season 19-1. The Mountaineers, who will have to play a first-round game in the Big East tournament, will finish the regular season at home on Monday against St. John's.
Carey stormed on the court Saturday after the No. 19 Mountaineers dropped a 67-58 decision to Rutgers and screamed at referee Angela Lewis for a couple of seconds. Lewis had handed Carey a technical foul in the waning seconds.
In the postgame news conference, Carey said some of the female official's calls — Lewis was the only female in the three-person crew — were "unbelievable."
The one that seemed to upset Carey the most was when Lewis overruled fellow official Ed Sidlasky with 3:47 to go and Rutgers ahead 54-53.
Sidlasky, who was positioned on the baseline, called a charging foul against Rutgers' Daisha Simmons on a baseline drive. Lewis, who was the outside official, overruled him and called a foul on Madina Ali, her fourth, sending Simmons to the line for two free throws.
"I can't talk about the referee," Carey said. "I would love to. The female, unbelievable, referee. I didn't say their names so maybe I won't get in trouble. Unbelievable. Unbelievable calls down the stretch. It's unbelievable."
Carey also was miffed his team didn't get any calls in the second half despite taking the ball to the basket. Rutgers had 21 free throws in the final 20 minutes. West Virginia got seven.
"We didn't even get to the one-and-one until under 30 seconds," Carey said. "Granted you have to attack the rim to get the one-and-one, but we were. We were getting banged driving and no calls, and they were getting those calls."
West Virginia (21-8, 7-8) has lost seven of nine games after starting the season 19-1. The Mountaineers, who will have to play a first-round game in the Big East tournament, will finish the regular season at home on Monday against St. John's.
Phil Spector won't appear in person at civil trial
AP, LOS ANGELES: Prison officials won't allow music producer and convicted murderer Phil Spector to attend a civil trial in which he is trying to recoup $1 million paid to celebrity attorney Robert Shapiro, a lawyer told a judge on Friday.
Spector will still be a star witness in the case but will instead appear via a videotaped deposition.
His attorney Michael Dempsey said he expects the footage to be shown near the conclusion of Spector's civil case claiming breach of contract against Shapiro.
Dempsey said at a pretrial hearing that he was advised by prison officials that his client would not be moved for the trial scheduled to begin March 7.
Spector was convicted of the second-degree murder of actress Lana Clarkson and is serving a sentence of 19 years to life at Corcoran State Prison.
He has battled Shapiro for years, contending the lawyer took advantage of him after he was arrested in 2003. Shapiro represented Spector for a year, securing his release on bail.
Shapiro's attorneys deny any wrongdoing and say the producer knew he was paying to have exclusive rights to the lawyer who also helped defend O.J. Simpson at his murder trial.
Lawyer Joel Klevens, who represents Shapiro, argued that it was essential to have Spector in court to cross-examine him.
The producer's deposition is several years old and will have to be edited to exclude issues that won't be presented to the jury.
Superior Court Judge Malcolm said he had a similar problem when handling a case involving rapper Dr. Dre and producer Suge Knight, who was jailed at the time.
"It was impossible," Mackey said about efforts to have Knight attend the proceedings.
The trial will include testimony by other high-profile attorneys about the propriety of the agreement between Spector and Shapiro.
Among those expected to testify is Leslie Abramson, who also defended Spector before resigning.
Spector is known for his work with musicians such as The Beatles, The Righteous Brothers and The Ronettes.
Spector will still be a star witness in the case but will instead appear via a videotaped deposition.
His attorney Michael Dempsey said he expects the footage to be shown near the conclusion of Spector's civil case claiming breach of contract against Shapiro.
Dempsey said at a pretrial hearing that he was advised by prison officials that his client would not be moved for the trial scheduled to begin March 7.
Spector was convicted of the second-degree murder of actress Lana Clarkson and is serving a sentence of 19 years to life at Corcoran State Prison.
He has battled Shapiro for years, contending the lawyer took advantage of him after he was arrested in 2003. Shapiro represented Spector for a year, securing his release on bail.
Shapiro's attorneys deny any wrongdoing and say the producer knew he was paying to have exclusive rights to the lawyer who also helped defend O.J. Simpson at his murder trial.
Lawyer Joel Klevens, who represents Shapiro, argued that it was essential to have Spector in court to cross-examine him.
The producer's deposition is several years old and will have to be edited to exclude issues that won't be presented to the jury.
Superior Court Judge Malcolm said he had a similar problem when handling a case involving rapper Dr. Dre and producer Suge Knight, who was jailed at the time.
"It was impossible," Mackey said about efforts to have Knight attend the proceedings.
The trial will include testimony by other high-profile attorneys about the propriety of the agreement between Spector and Shapiro.
Among those expected to testify is Leslie Abramson, who also defended Spector before resigning.
Spector is known for his work with musicians such as The Beatles, The Righteous Brothers and The Ronettes.
License body waives music charge for royal wedding
Reuters, LONDON: Royal revelers at street parties will be able to listen to their top tunes for free when Prince William weds Kate Middleton on April 29, after the PRS group waived charges normally levied on the public use of music.
PRS for Music, which ensures that songwriters, composers and music publishers are paid when their music is played, performed or reproduced, announced the waiver on Friday.
"We want to help the nation enjoy this special event and not have to worry about getting a License for this one-off period," said Keith Gilbert, director of public performance sales.
The License waiver comes into effect between April 22 and May 6, 2011, and applies to not-for-profit events organized by unpaid volunteers where less than 300 people are present.
Britain has a tradition of holding street parties to mark major royal events.
PRS for Music, which ensures that songwriters, composers and music publishers are paid when their music is played, performed or reproduced, announced the waiver on Friday.
"We want to help the nation enjoy this special event and not have to worry about getting a License for this one-off period," said Keith Gilbert, director of public performance sales.
The License waiver comes into effect between April 22 and May 6, 2011, and applies to not-for-profit events organized by unpaid volunteers where less than 300 people are present.
Britain has a tradition of holding street parties to mark major royal events.
Oscar producers promise Shrek, sun, short speeches
AP, LOS ANGELES: A giant green ogre will be part of Sunday's Academy Awards.
Oscar producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer said Friday that awards for animated feature and animated short will be presented at the kingdom of Far Far Away from "Shrek," which won the inaugural animated-feature Oscar 10 years ago.
The telecast will use technology to take viewers to various destinations during the show that help create context for the awards being presented, producers said.
They also revealed that the first two awards of the night, and the first two to be presented in one of these settings, will be art direction and cinematography.
Cohen said he personally called each of the nominees in those two categories to warn them their awards were up first, and to encourage them to craft meaningful acceptance speeches free of long lists of names.
"The idea was to encourage them to give short, moving, funny, beautiful speeches, since they would be the first speeches the whole world hears," he said.
Academy president Tom Sherak said producers have taken steps to ensure no winner will read a list on stage.
"They have done away with the metal detectors, and they are going to have paper detectors," he joked. "So before (winners) come up, they're going to walk through a scan that will make sure they have no paper in their pockets."
The president also promised that it wouldn't rain on Oscar Sunday. He said he made a special arrangement after producers invited him to appear on the show.
"That night, I went to sleep, and I looked up at the ceiling, and I said to my mother and father, 'Get everybody ready, I'm speaking on the show,'" he said. "They wouldn't dare let it rain."
Oscar producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer said Friday that awards for animated feature and animated short will be presented at the kingdom of Far Far Away from "Shrek," which won the inaugural animated-feature Oscar 10 years ago.
The telecast will use technology to take viewers to various destinations during the show that help create context for the awards being presented, producers said.
They also revealed that the first two awards of the night, and the first two to be presented in one of these settings, will be art direction and cinematography.
Cohen said he personally called each of the nominees in those two categories to warn them their awards were up first, and to encourage them to craft meaningful acceptance speeches free of long lists of names.
"The idea was to encourage them to give short, moving, funny, beautiful speeches, since they would be the first speeches the whole world hears," he said.
Academy president Tom Sherak said producers have taken steps to ensure no winner will read a list on stage.
"They have done away with the metal detectors, and they are going to have paper detectors," he joked. "So before (winners) come up, they're going to walk through a scan that will make sure they have no paper in their pockets."
The president also promised that it wouldn't rain on Oscar Sunday. He said he made a special arrangement after producers invited him to appear on the show.
"That night, I went to sleep, and I looked up at the ceiling, and I said to my mother and father, 'Get everybody ready, I'm speaking on the show,'" he said. "They wouldn't dare let it rain."
The bumpy budget road to Oscars glory
AFP, HOLLYWOOD: Winning an Oscar will taste even sweeter for some films up for Hollywood's highest honors Sunday -- many less commercial movies struggle to get financed, and will savor success all the more intensely.
"Investing in independent films are financially very speculative, and generally anybody with a modicum of sanity stays away from them," said Jeffrey Levy-Hinte, producer of "The Kids are All Right."
The lesbian parenting film is on the 10-strong shortlist for best picture Oscar -- at least half of which, including frontrunner "The King's Speech," had to battle financially just to get off the ground.
The British historical drama, in the running for 12 Oscars, only made it because the powerful Weinstein brothers took a shine to the film's screenplay, about the stammering George VI.
The same goes for boxing movie "The Fighter," which was saved when mini-major Relativity Media put $25 million on the table after the initial investor Paramount pulled out, as did many of the original actors.
Films like Facebook movie "The Social Network" -- vying to edge out frontrunner "The King's Speech" at the Academy Awards -- were always expected to be box office hits, but for others prospects were less clear.
"The financing of 'Kids' was a long and winding road. Over the years studio divisions were interested, but ultimately none of them would greenlight the movie," recalled Levy-Hinte.
"In 2005 we entered preproduction only to have our financing evaporate. Ultimately, we brought in Celine Rattray who worked with us to bring in UGC-PH, Gilbert Films, and a dozen other equity investors to finance the movie."
The producer acknowledged that without the major league cast -- Julianne Moore, Annette Bening and Mark Ruffalo -- the film could never have been financed.
"Without a first rate and recognizable cast there would be no possibility of financing the film, and even after we assembled our incomparable cast, we were only able to raise about 5 million dollars," he added.
In the end they had to make the movie in 23 days.
"At this breakneck schedule .. we had to greatly simplify the production of the film. The performances were never compromised, but we did not have the luxury of creating a more elevated, cinematic approach to the film," he said.
"We are looking forward to the next film where I anticipate more ample resources."
Meanwhile, "Black Swan," the disturbing ballet thriller for which Natalie Portman is tipped to win best actress Oscar, faced a similarly bumpy path when trying to get off the ground.
"We thought that we had a deal with somebody and they fell out at the last minute," said producer Mike Medavoy, recalling how investors Cross Creek came in the last minute.
"As usual in this kind of movie, it's really hard to put the financing together."
Even having director Darren Aronofsky -- who made the Oscar-nominated "The Wrestler" with Mickey Rourke in 2008 -- did not especially help.
"Nobody could have said that Aronofsky was about to do a movie that has done over 205 million dollars at this moment. Nobody in his right mind would have said that," said Medavoy.
He said films with medium-sized budgets -- around $20 millions -- "are always more difficult, because there is so much money to be spent on advertising and marketing.
"It's usually ten times the amount that you spend on making the movie. You really have to thread the needle. In this case, 'Black Swan' is a perfect example of a movie that threads the needle," he added.
Levy-Hinte lamented: "Every year it seems that financing is getting more difficult, and 'Kids' was by far the most difficult film that I have tried to finance.
"My hope is that we have reached the low point and the next one will be easier. That said I am not interested in making formulaic films that fit into the financiers preconceptions, and thus it probably will never be that easy."
Medavoy added: "I'm on my 214th movie and it's always difficult. There's always been a balance between the business and the artistic part of it.
"I'm never surprised in this business. It has always been difficult. If you look at almost every film that has won the Academy award, whether it's 'Amadeus,' 'Platoon,' 'Rocky,' 'Cuckoo's Nest,' they are all difficult films."
"Investing in independent films are financially very speculative, and generally anybody with a modicum of sanity stays away from them," said Jeffrey Levy-Hinte, producer of "The Kids are All Right."
The lesbian parenting film is on the 10-strong shortlist for best picture Oscar -- at least half of which, including frontrunner "The King's Speech," had to battle financially just to get off the ground.
The British historical drama, in the running for 12 Oscars, only made it because the powerful Weinstein brothers took a shine to the film's screenplay, about the stammering George VI.
The same goes for boxing movie "The Fighter," which was saved when mini-major Relativity Media put $25 million on the table after the initial investor Paramount pulled out, as did many of the original actors.
Films like Facebook movie "The Social Network" -- vying to edge out frontrunner "The King's Speech" at the Academy Awards -- were always expected to be box office hits, but for others prospects were less clear.
"The financing of 'Kids' was a long and winding road. Over the years studio divisions were interested, but ultimately none of them would greenlight the movie," recalled Levy-Hinte.
"In 2005 we entered preproduction only to have our financing evaporate. Ultimately, we brought in Celine Rattray who worked with us to bring in UGC-PH, Gilbert Films, and a dozen other equity investors to finance the movie."
The producer acknowledged that without the major league cast -- Julianne Moore, Annette Bening and Mark Ruffalo -- the film could never have been financed.
"Without a first rate and recognizable cast there would be no possibility of financing the film, and even after we assembled our incomparable cast, we were only able to raise about 5 million dollars," he added.
In the end they had to make the movie in 23 days.
"At this breakneck schedule .. we had to greatly simplify the production of the film. The performances were never compromised, but we did not have the luxury of creating a more elevated, cinematic approach to the film," he said.
"We are looking forward to the next film where I anticipate more ample resources."
Meanwhile, "Black Swan," the disturbing ballet thriller for which Natalie Portman is tipped to win best actress Oscar, faced a similarly bumpy path when trying to get off the ground.
"We thought that we had a deal with somebody and they fell out at the last minute," said producer Mike Medavoy, recalling how investors Cross Creek came in the last minute.
"As usual in this kind of movie, it's really hard to put the financing together."
Even having director Darren Aronofsky -- who made the Oscar-nominated "The Wrestler" with Mickey Rourke in 2008 -- did not especially help.
"Nobody could have said that Aronofsky was about to do a movie that has done over 205 million dollars at this moment. Nobody in his right mind would have said that," said Medavoy.
He said films with medium-sized budgets -- around $20 millions -- "are always more difficult, because there is so much money to be spent on advertising and marketing.
"It's usually ten times the amount that you spend on making the movie. You really have to thread the needle. In this case, 'Black Swan' is a perfect example of a movie that threads the needle," he added.
Levy-Hinte lamented: "Every year it seems that financing is getting more difficult, and 'Kids' was by far the most difficult film that I have tried to finance.
"My hope is that we have reached the low point and the next one will be easier. That said I am not interested in making formulaic films that fit into the financiers preconceptions, and thus it probably will never be that easy."
Medavoy added: "I'm on my 214th movie and it's always difficult. There's always been a balance between the business and the artistic part of it.
"I'm never surprised in this business. It has always been difficult. If you look at almost every film that has won the Academy award, whether it's 'Amadeus,' 'Platoon,' 'Rocky,' 'Cuckoo's Nest,' they are all difficult films."
Kelsey Grammer marries for fourth time - on Broadway
Reuters, NEW YORK: Former "Frasier" star Kelsey Grammer married his fourth wife, Kayte Walsh, on Friday in a colorful ceremony at a Broadway theater where his new bride arrived wearing a white robe.
Grammer, 56, exchanged vows with British flight attendant Walsh on the stage at The Longacre Theater on Broadway, where he has just finished a Tony-nominated run in the musical, "La Cage Aux Folles."
A video on TMZ.com and pictures on various celebrity websites showed the couple arriving for their reception at The Plaza Hotel with Walsh dressed in a white, lace, sleeveless wedding gown.
A spokesman for Grammer said the pair were married "at a private ceremony for family and friends."
People magazine reported that Grammer's former "Frasier" co-star David Hyde Pierce and actor Alan Arkin were in attendance. The New York Post said Grammer and Walsh were married by Terry Lavell, who plays a drag queen in "La Cage" and is licensed to officiate weddings.
Grammer, an Emmy winner, rose to fame playing psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane in the sitcoms "Cheers" and "Frasier," which aired from 1993 to 2004. His career includes TV shows, movies and numerous stage roles.
He finalized his divorce with third wife, Camille Donatacci Grammer, just two weeks ago. They broke up in 2010 when Grammer began seeing Walsh, 29, who in October suffered a miscarriage with her and Grammer's baby. She is the daughter of former English soccer player Alan Walsh.
Grammer, 56, exchanged vows with British flight attendant Walsh on the stage at The Longacre Theater on Broadway, where he has just finished a Tony-nominated run in the musical, "La Cage Aux Folles."
A video on TMZ.com and pictures on various celebrity websites showed the couple arriving for their reception at The Plaza Hotel with Walsh dressed in a white, lace, sleeveless wedding gown.
A spokesman for Grammer said the pair were married "at a private ceremony for family and friends."
People magazine reported that Grammer's former "Frasier" co-star David Hyde Pierce and actor Alan Arkin were in attendance. The New York Post said Grammer and Walsh were married by Terry Lavell, who plays a drag queen in "La Cage" and is licensed to officiate weddings.
Grammer, an Emmy winner, rose to fame playing psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane in the sitcoms "Cheers" and "Frasier," which aired from 1993 to 2004. His career includes TV shows, movies and numerous stage roles.
He finalized his divorce with third wife, Camille Donatacci Grammer, just two weeks ago. They broke up in 2010 when Grammer began seeing Walsh, 29, who in October suffered a miscarriage with her and Grammer's baby. She is the daughter of former English soccer player Alan Walsh.
Charlie Sheen's rants put his career in doubt
Reuters, LOS ANGELES: Hollywood appeared to be distancing itself from "Two and a Half Men" star Charlie Sheen Friday after days of erratic behavior and insults put the future of his top-rated TV comedy in jeopardy.
Sheen, on vacation in the Bahamas after a month of "rehab" at his Los Angeles home, sent off more angry messages to the U.S. media Friday insisting he was sober but calling his bosses "Nazis," "hypocrites" and "clowns" for pulling the plug on his CBS TV show for the remainder of this season.
Speculation was rife about the long term future of "Two and a Half Men" -- or at least Sheen's lead role in it as a womanizing bachelor.
Some TV writers wondered if the 45 year-old actor committed "career suicide" with his expletive-filled attacks on the show's producer and co-creator. Dozens of fans slammed Sheen on Twitter and the Internet and hoped the show would go on next season without him. But whether it will was anybody's guess.
"CBS and makers Warner Bros Television may very well decide to call it a day on 'Two and a Half Men' because the hassle is not worth it," said Michael Schneider of TV Guide Magazine.
TV industry sources said a deal was already in place for a 9th season of the comedy, but they declined to speculate whether Sheen would be in it.
"Two and a Half Men" has been a major cash cow for CBS and Warner Bros Television, pulling in millions of dollars in advertising revenue and syndication deals.
But a CBS executive said the decision to cancel the remaining eight shows of the season would have "no material impact in the short term on a company the size of CBS."
Barclays Capital said that the network's Monday night line-up might suffer in the ratings, but "the financial impact to CBS will be difficult to quantify in the short-term."
"Two and a Half Men," now in its 8th season, gets about 15 million weekly viewers. But repeat telecasts bring a robust 10 million -- higher than many other TV shows -- and healthy ad revenue for the network, industry sources said.
Schneider said that with eight seasons of "Men" under their belts, the TV show would continue to do well in syndication for Warner Bros. The Hollywood Reporter estimated Warner Bros makes up to $250 million in domestic syndication deals on the show.
But it is also costly to make. Sheen is the highest paid actor on U.S. television with a reported annual salary of $27.5 million. Neither he nor the rest of the cast and crew will be paid for the eight lost episodes.
If "Two and a Half Men," does not continue, there were questions in Hollywood about how much damage Sheen had done to his career. Before the sitcom made it to TV in 2003, Sheen had starred in dozens of movies including "Platoon," "Wall Street" and the "Major League" baseball movies.
He had been in line to make a third "Major League" film, but producer James G. Robinson told TMZ.com Friday he would not risk using Sheen if he doesn't clean up his act.
"When an actor doesn't show up for work, you can lose half a million dollars a day paying the 250 other people there for the shoot and the costs for the set," Robinson said Friday.
Cable channel HBO tersely refuted claims by Sheen that he was in talks for a new program of his own that would land him a whopping $5 million an episode.
Sheen was persuaded to seek help in January after a cocaine-fueled 36-hour party, months of rabble rousing with porn stars and a conviction for assaulting his now ex-wife.
Friday, he was compared in U.S. media to fallen actor Mel Gibson and starlet Lindsay Lohan, whose careers have tumbled in recent years as each battled substance abuse.
Schneider said he doubted Sheen's Hollywood career was over, but added; "It will require him really cleaning up and doing a little bit of a mea culpa tour.
"But this is Hollywood. Everyone can reinvent themselves."
Sheen, on vacation in the Bahamas after a month of "rehab" at his Los Angeles home, sent off more angry messages to the U.S. media Friday insisting he was sober but calling his bosses "Nazis," "hypocrites" and "clowns" for pulling the plug on his CBS TV show for the remainder of this season.
Speculation was rife about the long term future of "Two and a Half Men" -- or at least Sheen's lead role in it as a womanizing bachelor.
Some TV writers wondered if the 45 year-old actor committed "career suicide" with his expletive-filled attacks on the show's producer and co-creator. Dozens of fans slammed Sheen on Twitter and the Internet and hoped the show would go on next season without him. But whether it will was anybody's guess.
"CBS and makers Warner Bros Television may very well decide to call it a day on 'Two and a Half Men' because the hassle is not worth it," said Michael Schneider of TV Guide Magazine.
TV industry sources said a deal was already in place for a 9th season of the comedy, but they declined to speculate whether Sheen would be in it.
"Two and a Half Men" has been a major cash cow for CBS and Warner Bros Television, pulling in millions of dollars in advertising revenue and syndication deals.
But a CBS executive said the decision to cancel the remaining eight shows of the season would have "no material impact in the short term on a company the size of CBS."
Barclays Capital said that the network's Monday night line-up might suffer in the ratings, but "the financial impact to CBS will be difficult to quantify in the short-term."
"Two and a Half Men," now in its 8th season, gets about 15 million weekly viewers. But repeat telecasts bring a robust 10 million -- higher than many other TV shows -- and healthy ad revenue for the network, industry sources said.
Schneider said that with eight seasons of "Men" under their belts, the TV show would continue to do well in syndication for Warner Bros. The Hollywood Reporter estimated Warner Bros makes up to $250 million in domestic syndication deals on the show.
But it is also costly to make. Sheen is the highest paid actor on U.S. television with a reported annual salary of $27.5 million. Neither he nor the rest of the cast and crew will be paid for the eight lost episodes.
If "Two and a Half Men," does not continue, there were questions in Hollywood about how much damage Sheen had done to his career. Before the sitcom made it to TV in 2003, Sheen had starred in dozens of movies including "Platoon," "Wall Street" and the "Major League" baseball movies.
He had been in line to make a third "Major League" film, but producer James G. Robinson told TMZ.com Friday he would not risk using Sheen if he doesn't clean up his act.
"When an actor doesn't show up for work, you can lose half a million dollars a day paying the 250 other people there for the shoot and the costs for the set," Robinson said Friday.
Cable channel HBO tersely refuted claims by Sheen that he was in talks for a new program of his own that would land him a whopping $5 million an episode.
Sheen was persuaded to seek help in January after a cocaine-fueled 36-hour party, months of rabble rousing with porn stars and a conviction for assaulting his now ex-wife.
Friday, he was compared in U.S. media to fallen actor Mel Gibson and starlet Lindsay Lohan, whose careers have tumbled in recent years as each battled substance abuse.
Schneider said he doubted Sheen's Hollywood career was over, but added; "It will require him really cleaning up and doing a little bit of a mea culpa tour.
"But this is Hollywood. Everyone can reinvent themselves."
Coastal Carolina reported basketball allegations
AP, COLUMBIA, S.C: Coastal Carolina reported violations regarding its men's basketball team to the NCAA last summer.
A statement from the university to The Associated Press on Friday said the allegations were brought to the school's attention before the season began and President David DeCenzo ordered them turned over to the NCAA.
The New York Times reported the focus of the NCAA's investigation is possible illegal benefits that former player Marcus Macellari said were given to other players.
Coastal Carolina's leading scorer, Desmond Holloway, was indefinitely suspended this month while the NCAA looked into his eligibility. The Chanticleers (25-4) close the regular season at Charleston Southern on Saturday.
A statement from the university to The Associated Press on Friday said the allegations were brought to the school's attention before the season began and President David DeCenzo ordered them turned over to the NCAA.
The New York Times reported the focus of the NCAA's investigation is possible illegal benefits that former player Marcus Macellari said were given to other players.
Coastal Carolina's leading scorer, Desmond Holloway, was indefinitely suspended this month while the NCAA looked into his eligibility. The Chanticleers (25-4) close the regular season at Charleston Southern on Saturday.
Pitt releases Graham's first schedule
AP, PITTSBURGH: The Pitt Panthers will play eight home games in coach Todd Graham's first season, including a date with Notre Dame on Sept. 24.
Pitt, also in non-conference play, will travel to Iowa on Sept. 17, and welcome Utah to Heinz Field on Oct. 15.
The Graham era begins Sept. 3 at home vs. Buffalo, and will feature seven Big East games. They will play at Rutgers, Louisville and West Virginia in conference play. And they will play host to South Florida, UConn, Cincinnati and Syracuse in Pittsburgh.
"This is a very challenging schedule," Graham said, "but also a schedule that will provide us with great opportunity to achieve special things."
Pitt went 8-5 (5-2 Big East) last season under former coach Dave Wannstedt.
Pitt, also in non-conference play, will travel to Iowa on Sept. 17, and welcome Utah to Heinz Field on Oct. 15.
The Graham era begins Sept. 3 at home vs. Buffalo, and will feature seven Big East games. They will play at Rutgers, Louisville and West Virginia in conference play. And they will play host to South Florida, UConn, Cincinnati and Syracuse in Pittsburgh.
"This is a very challenging schedule," Graham said, "but also a schedule that will provide us with great opportunity to achieve special things."
Pitt went 8-5 (5-2 Big East) last season under former coach Dave Wannstedt.
St. Joseph's center Todd O'Brien rejoins Hawks
AP, PHILADELPHIA: Saint Joseph's center Todd O'Brien has joined the team following the completion of the university's judicial process.
O'Brien had been sitting out because of a failure to comply with the university's community standards. He joined the Hawks for Friday's practice. O'Brien averaged 1.2 points for the Hawks.
Coach Phil Martelli called it a school issue that he was made aware of last week, and has otherwise declined comment.
O'Brien had been sitting out because of a failure to comply with the university's community standards. He joined the Hawks for Friday's practice. O'Brien averaged 1.2 points for the Hawks.
Coach Phil Martelli called it a school issue that he was made aware of last week, and has otherwise declined comment.
The Other Georgetown: Hoyas women want own trophy
AP, WASHINGTON: There are more than 100 trophies, plaques, statues and other mementos won by various Georgetown sports teams in the John Thompson Lobby at McDonough Memorial Gymnasium, including awards earned by the baseball, soccer, golf, track and field and cross-country teams.
And, of course, rows upon rows are dedicated to men's basketball, including nets that have been cut down after the biggest wins, most of them overseen by the longtime Hall of Fame coach whose name is part of a mural near the lobby's ceiling.
Not a single item in any of the trophy cases was won by the women's basketball team.
"I've got two more years. We're going to get something in there," sophomore Sugar Rodgers said. "Even if I've got to put one of my trophies in there."
It still might be news to some people, but, yes, Georgetown has a women's basketball team. They play in 2,000-seat McDonough, not the 20,000-seat Verizon Center that hosts the men's games. They're a casual, accessible bunch who sit for interviews perched on an equipment room window, unlike the formal settings preferred by the "Hoya paranoia" men.
"It was bad to be a coach and work just as hard every day and have somebody say, 'You play at Georgetown? I didn't know they had a women's team,'" coach Terri Williams-Flournoy said. "Now all of the air is absolutely sucked out of you."
The identity crisis is on the wane. A year ago, the Hoyas broke into The Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 1993 and for only the second time in school history. Now they are a mainstay in the polls, sitting at No. 18 this week with a 21-7 record heading into Saturday's home game against No. 1 Connecticut.
"Now we don't get the question: 'You've got women's basketball at Georgetown?'" Williams-Flournoy said. "Now they ask you, 'Hey, where are you ranked?' 'What's your record?' 'We saw you on TV last night.'"
Senior Monica McNutt said she was sheepish to even admit she played for the women's team when she was a freshman.
"Some of the dissension I remember my freshman year has been weeded out," McNutt said. "Women's basketball at Georgetown is now relevant."
The turnabout can be summed up in two words: speed and Sugar.
"My first three years, we were boring," Williams-Flournoy said. "They were boring to me. Let's walk the ball up the court. Let's set up the offense. Oh, my God, it's so boring."
After scratching out a WNIT bid in 2009, Williams-Flournoy called together her assistants and said that's not the way she ever envisioned coaching. The style was going to change. Press full-court, half-court. Pressure for 40 minutes. Run in transition the whole game. Enough of the set plays: If the players work hard on defense, then everybody gets the green light on offense. She got advice from Thompson, who told her to expect balls to go flying into the stands — because playing fast is hard.
"It's great when it works. It is awful when it's not," McNutt said. "High-risk, high-reward."
It's entertaining but maddening at the same time. When the Hoyas beat then-No. 8 West Virginia last month, the teams combined for more turnovers (51) than made field goals (40).
To make it work, Williams-Flournoy had to have athletes. It's a scheme that works only if everyone is in tiptop shape. The prize recruit is Rodgers, who has been called Sugar practically since birth and was a very good golfer by the time she was 12 before discovering her talent for basketball.
Rodgers played in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia for Williams-Flournoy's brother and renowned AAU coach Boo Williams and would have her game critiqued by the person she lovingly calls "Momma Boo" — Terri and Boo's mother. With that kind of comfort level, it was an easy choice to spurn the offers from more established women's programs and head to Georgetown.
Rodgers was a five-time Big East rookie of the week last season and has been conference player of the week twice this season. She's the type of star who can draw bigger crowds to McDonough and, perhaps one day, get the women a game at the Verizon Center as part of a doubleheader with the men.
Should that ever happen, it would be easier for Williams-Flournoy and the current men's coach, John Thompson III, to exchange pregame best wishes. The two coaches were hired in the same year — 2004 — and they often text each other to offer congratulations or compare notes. Williams-Flournoy even runs one backdoor play Thompson taught her from his Princeton offense, a rare crossover between their two distinct styles of play.
"JT3 is a great coach. I would be absolutely stupid not to be able to sit down and talk with him, not to be able to go over stuff with him," Williams-Flournoy said.
The payoff will come on the day the women have something to put in one of those trophy cases.
"We're the hidden treasure, right?" McNutt said. "Now, to our credit, you step inside our gym, you have our banner, when we returned to the (NCAA) tournament last year. It's a little lonely over there, but it's there. ... Achieving something is one thing, but maintaining that success is a whole 'nother thing. Going forward, that's going to be the trick to this program."
And, of course, rows upon rows are dedicated to men's basketball, including nets that have been cut down after the biggest wins, most of them overseen by the longtime Hall of Fame coach whose name is part of a mural near the lobby's ceiling.
Not a single item in any of the trophy cases was won by the women's basketball team.
"I've got two more years. We're going to get something in there," sophomore Sugar Rodgers said. "Even if I've got to put one of my trophies in there."
It still might be news to some people, but, yes, Georgetown has a women's basketball team. They play in 2,000-seat McDonough, not the 20,000-seat Verizon Center that hosts the men's games. They're a casual, accessible bunch who sit for interviews perched on an equipment room window, unlike the formal settings preferred by the "Hoya paranoia" men.
"It was bad to be a coach and work just as hard every day and have somebody say, 'You play at Georgetown? I didn't know they had a women's team,'" coach Terri Williams-Flournoy said. "Now all of the air is absolutely sucked out of you."
The identity crisis is on the wane. A year ago, the Hoyas broke into The Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 1993 and for only the second time in school history. Now they are a mainstay in the polls, sitting at No. 18 this week with a 21-7 record heading into Saturday's home game against No. 1 Connecticut.
"Now we don't get the question: 'You've got women's basketball at Georgetown?'" Williams-Flournoy said. "Now they ask you, 'Hey, where are you ranked?' 'What's your record?' 'We saw you on TV last night.'"
Senior Monica McNutt said she was sheepish to even admit she played for the women's team when she was a freshman.
"Some of the dissension I remember my freshman year has been weeded out," McNutt said. "Women's basketball at Georgetown is now relevant."
The turnabout can be summed up in two words: speed and Sugar.
"My first three years, we were boring," Williams-Flournoy said. "They were boring to me. Let's walk the ball up the court. Let's set up the offense. Oh, my God, it's so boring."
After scratching out a WNIT bid in 2009, Williams-Flournoy called together her assistants and said that's not the way she ever envisioned coaching. The style was going to change. Press full-court, half-court. Pressure for 40 minutes. Run in transition the whole game. Enough of the set plays: If the players work hard on defense, then everybody gets the green light on offense. She got advice from Thompson, who told her to expect balls to go flying into the stands — because playing fast is hard.
"It's great when it works. It is awful when it's not," McNutt said. "High-risk, high-reward."
It's entertaining but maddening at the same time. When the Hoyas beat then-No. 8 West Virginia last month, the teams combined for more turnovers (51) than made field goals (40).
To make it work, Williams-Flournoy had to have athletes. It's a scheme that works only if everyone is in tiptop shape. The prize recruit is Rodgers, who has been called Sugar practically since birth and was a very good golfer by the time she was 12 before discovering her talent for basketball.
Rodgers played in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia for Williams-Flournoy's brother and renowned AAU coach Boo Williams and would have her game critiqued by the person she lovingly calls "Momma Boo" — Terri and Boo's mother. With that kind of comfort level, it was an easy choice to spurn the offers from more established women's programs and head to Georgetown.
Rodgers was a five-time Big East rookie of the week last season and has been conference player of the week twice this season. She's the type of star who can draw bigger crowds to McDonough and, perhaps one day, get the women a game at the Verizon Center as part of a doubleheader with the men.
Should that ever happen, it would be easier for Williams-Flournoy and the current men's coach, John Thompson III, to exchange pregame best wishes. The two coaches were hired in the same year — 2004 — and they often text each other to offer congratulations or compare notes. Williams-Flournoy even runs one backdoor play Thompson taught her from his Princeton offense, a rare crossover between their two distinct styles of play.
"JT3 is a great coach. I would be absolutely stupid not to be able to sit down and talk with him, not to be able to go over stuff with him," Williams-Flournoy said.
The payoff will come on the day the women have something to put in one of those trophy cases.
"We're the hidden treasure, right?" McNutt said. "Now, to our credit, you step inside our gym, you have our banner, when we returned to the (NCAA) tournament last year. It's a little lonely over there, but it's there. ... Achieving something is one thing, but maintaining that success is a whole 'nother thing. Going forward, that's going to be the trick to this program."
SEC champion to be crowned in Atlanta through 2017
AP, ATLANTA: The Southeastern Conference has agreed to keep its football championship game at the Georgia Dome through the 2017 season.
SEC Commissioner Mike Slive announced the deal Friday, adding two years to the existing five-year contract.
The game was held for two years in Birmingham, Ala., before moving to Atlanta since 1994. All but one of the games held at the 70,000-seat Georgia Dome has been a sellout, and the last five conference champions have gone on to win the national title.
The NFL Atlanta Falcons are working to build a new outdoor stadium near the Georgia Dome, but officials have stressed that the indoor facility must remain open to host events such as the SEC championship and basketball's Final Four.
SEC Commissioner Mike Slive announced the deal Friday, adding two years to the existing five-year contract.
The game was held for two years in Birmingham, Ala., before moving to Atlanta since 1994. All but one of the games held at the 70,000-seat Georgia Dome has been a sellout, and the last five conference champions have gone on to win the national title.
The NFL Atlanta Falcons are working to build a new outdoor stadium near the Georgia Dome, but officials have stressed that the indoor facility must remain open to host events such as the SEC championship and basketball's Final Four.
Florida paying nearly $3M to assistant coaches
AP, GAINESVILLE, Fla: Florida is spending more on assistants than it is on first-year head coach Will Muschamp.
The Gators have committed $2.93 million to Muschamp's nine-man coaching staff in 2011, according to contracts released Friday.
Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis signed a three-year deal worth $2.495 million. He will earn $765,000 in 2011, then $865,000 the next two years. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn signed a two-year deal worth $1 million. He will get $490,000 in 2011, then $510,000 the following year.
Muschamp agreed to a five-year deal worth $13.5 million, or $2.7 million annually. He assembled a staff with lots of NFL experience. He also paid them accordingly.
The staff will make about $300,000 more than last year's assistants.
Nonetheless, the Gators are actually saving money since former coach Urban Meyer was making $4 million annually.
Aside from Muschamp's two coordinators, assistant salaries range from $190,000 to $290,000, based on experience.
Tight ends coach Derek Lewis, defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson and receivers coach/recruiting coordinator Aubrey Hill all signed one-year deals. Lewis will earn $190,000. Robinson and Hill will make $230,000 each.
Defensive line coach Bryant Young signed a two-year deal worth $230,000 annually. Offensive line coach Frank Verducci signed a two-year deal worth $290,000 annually.
Linebacker coach/special teams coordinator D.J. Durkin and running backs coach Brian White, both retained from Meyer's staff, are making $265,000 and $240,000, respectively. Durkin received a $25,000 raise. Durkin and White are in the final year of two-year contracts signed under Meyer.
Muschamp grew up in Gainesville, played at Georgia and coached at Auburn, LSU and with the NFL's Miami Dolphins. He jumped at a chance to return to Florida and the Southeastern Conference, even though it meant leaving his head coach-in-waiting spot at Texas.
A defensive guru whose units were among the best in the nation during his time at LSU and Auburn, Muschamp surrounded himself with experienced assistants, some guys with NFL ties and others with working knowledge about Florida's traditions and ways.
The staff will get its first on-field work during spring practice, which begins March 16.
(This version CORRECTS Corrects staff total to $2.93 million and Weis' deal to $2.495 million)
The Gators have committed $2.93 million to Muschamp's nine-man coaching staff in 2011, according to contracts released Friday.
Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis signed a three-year deal worth $2.495 million. He will earn $765,000 in 2011, then $865,000 the next two years. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn signed a two-year deal worth $1 million. He will get $490,000 in 2011, then $510,000 the following year.
Muschamp agreed to a five-year deal worth $13.5 million, or $2.7 million annually. He assembled a staff with lots of NFL experience. He also paid them accordingly.
The staff will make about $300,000 more than last year's assistants.
Nonetheless, the Gators are actually saving money since former coach Urban Meyer was making $4 million annually.
Aside from Muschamp's two coordinators, assistant salaries range from $190,000 to $290,000, based on experience.
Tight ends coach Derek Lewis, defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson and receivers coach/recruiting coordinator Aubrey Hill all signed one-year deals. Lewis will earn $190,000. Robinson and Hill will make $230,000 each.
Defensive line coach Bryant Young signed a two-year deal worth $230,000 annually. Offensive line coach Frank Verducci signed a two-year deal worth $290,000 annually.
Linebacker coach/special teams coordinator D.J. Durkin and running backs coach Brian White, both retained from Meyer's staff, are making $265,000 and $240,000, respectively. Durkin received a $25,000 raise. Durkin and White are in the final year of two-year contracts signed under Meyer.
Muschamp grew up in Gainesville, played at Georgia and coached at Auburn, LSU and with the NFL's Miami Dolphins. He jumped at a chance to return to Florida and the Southeastern Conference, even though it meant leaving his head coach-in-waiting spot at Texas.
A defensive guru whose units were among the best in the nation during his time at LSU and Auburn, Muschamp surrounded himself with experienced assistants, some guys with NFL ties and others with working knowledge about Florida's traditions and ways.
The staff will get its first on-field work during spring practice, which begins March 16.
(This version CORRECTS Corrects staff total to $2.93 million and Weis' deal to $2.495 million)
Calhoun on violations: 'Buck stops with me'
AP, Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun took responsibility Friday for recruiting violations committed under his watch, apologizing to the university and his current players in a lengthy statement issued by his representative.
Calhoun acknowledged his staff made mistakes but declined to address the specific findings or sanctions released by the NCAA earlier this week. UConn was spared a postseason ban, but Calhoun was cited for failure to create an atmosphere of compliance within the program.
"As the leader of the Connecticut basketball program and an ambassador of the university, the buck stops with me. No qualifications, no exceptions," Calhoun said in the statement. "I fully acknowledge that we, as a staff, made mistakes and would like to apologize."
Along with three years' probation, the school also received scholarship reductions for three academic years, recruiting restrictions, and is forced to dissociate with a booster not named in the NCAA's report. The school will not be able to accept financial contributions, recruiting assistance or provide that individual with any benefits or privileges.
Calhoun, who has turned UConn into one of the nation's most successful programs, was also given a three-game suspension he will serve at the start of the 2011-12 Big East season.
His lawyer, Scott Tompsett, said Calhoun has not decided whether he will appeal.
"Throughout my 39-year career, my intentions have been, and will continue to be, on doing things the right way," Calhoun said, "in full compliance with the rules of my profession, and more importantly, with a moral and ethical standard that has been at the center of who I strive to be as a person. I remain committed to doing my job with integrity."
This was the first time the program had received a letter from the NCAA accusing the school of major violations. UConn will be on probation from Feb. 22, 2011, through Feb. 21, 2014.
The NCAA and the school had been investigating the program since shortly after a report by Yahoo! Sports in March 2009 that former team manager Josh Nochimson helped guide recruit Nate Miles to Connecticut, giving him lodging, transportation, meals and representation.
As a former team manager, Nochimson was considered a representative of UConn's athletic interests by the NCAA and prohibited from giving Miles anything of value.
The school said it found the basketball staff exchanged more than 1,400 calls and 1,100 text messages with Nochimson between June 2005 and December 2008. Members of the coaching staff also provided 32 impermissible complimentary tickets to individuals responsible for teaching or directing activities with prospective student-athletes.
Miles was expelled from UConn in October 2008 without ever playing for the Huskies, while Nochimson was attempting to become an NBA agent.
Calhoun said he regretted the attention the sanctions have placed on his current team, which has lost five of its last eight games. The 14th-ranked Huskies (20-7, 8-7) lost 74-67 in overtime to Marquette on Thursday night to fall into a tie for ninth in the Big East; the top eight schools get a bye during the conference tournament starting March 8 in New York City.
Calhoun missed the game to be with his family in New Hampshire following the death of his sister-in-law on Monday. Associate head coach George Blaney replaced him on the bench.
The 68-year-old Calhoun plans to be back with the Huskies for their game against Cincinnati on Sunday. They finish the regular season against West Virginia on Wednesday and ninth-ranked Notre Dame next Saturday, before opening the Big East tournament at Madison Square Garden.
"My personal feelings about this situation and the NCAA's findings will remain private and I will not have any further public comment on this matter," Calhoun said. "I am energized and excited about the remainder of the regular season and what the postseason may hold, and our program remains committed to making UConn and all associated with it proud of what we do."
Calhoun acknowledged his staff made mistakes but declined to address the specific findings or sanctions released by the NCAA earlier this week. UConn was spared a postseason ban, but Calhoun was cited for failure to create an atmosphere of compliance within the program.
"As the leader of the Connecticut basketball program and an ambassador of the university, the buck stops with me. No qualifications, no exceptions," Calhoun said in the statement. "I fully acknowledge that we, as a staff, made mistakes and would like to apologize."
Along with three years' probation, the school also received scholarship reductions for three academic years, recruiting restrictions, and is forced to dissociate with a booster not named in the NCAA's report. The school will not be able to accept financial contributions, recruiting assistance or provide that individual with any benefits or privileges.
Calhoun, who has turned UConn into one of the nation's most successful programs, was also given a three-game suspension he will serve at the start of the 2011-12 Big East season.
His lawyer, Scott Tompsett, said Calhoun has not decided whether he will appeal.
"Throughout my 39-year career, my intentions have been, and will continue to be, on doing things the right way," Calhoun said, "in full compliance with the rules of my profession, and more importantly, with a moral and ethical standard that has been at the center of who I strive to be as a person. I remain committed to doing my job with integrity."
This was the first time the program had received a letter from the NCAA accusing the school of major violations. UConn will be on probation from Feb. 22, 2011, through Feb. 21, 2014.
The NCAA and the school had been investigating the program since shortly after a report by Yahoo! Sports in March 2009 that former team manager Josh Nochimson helped guide recruit Nate Miles to Connecticut, giving him lodging, transportation, meals and representation.
As a former team manager, Nochimson was considered a representative of UConn's athletic interests by the NCAA and prohibited from giving Miles anything of value.
The school said it found the basketball staff exchanged more than 1,400 calls and 1,100 text messages with Nochimson between June 2005 and December 2008. Members of the coaching staff also provided 32 impermissible complimentary tickets to individuals responsible for teaching or directing activities with prospective student-athletes.
Miles was expelled from UConn in October 2008 without ever playing for the Huskies, while Nochimson was attempting to become an NBA agent.
Calhoun said he regretted the attention the sanctions have placed on his current team, which has lost five of its last eight games. The 14th-ranked Huskies (20-7, 8-7) lost 74-67 in overtime to Marquette on Thursday night to fall into a tie for ninth in the Big East; the top eight schools get a bye during the conference tournament starting March 8 in New York City.
Calhoun missed the game to be with his family in New Hampshire following the death of his sister-in-law on Monday. Associate head coach George Blaney replaced him on the bench.
The 68-year-old Calhoun plans to be back with the Huskies for their game against Cincinnati on Sunday. They finish the regular season against West Virginia on Wednesday and ninth-ranked Notre Dame next Saturday, before opening the Big East tournament at Madison Square Garden.
"My personal feelings about this situation and the NCAA's findings will remain private and I will not have any further public comment on this matter," Calhoun said. "I am energized and excited about the remainder of the regular season and what the postseason may hold, and our program remains committed to making UConn and all associated with it proud of what we do."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)