Madison Square Garden has been a special court for St. John's in its return to national prominence.
The latest victory there for the Red Storm — 65-63 over Rutgers in the second round of the Big East tournament on Wednesday — was achieving legendary status within minutes of the game ending.
It wasn't great plays by St. John's that will make this a memorable game. Rather it was two turnovers that weren't called, and this wasn't just the losing team complaining about a tough loss.
Big East Commissioner John Marinatto issued a statement about 40 minutes after the game ended admitting there were two errors made by the veteran officiating crew.
More
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
DeMaurice Smith: “I dare any one of you” to show NFL has “fallen on hard times”
NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith was the last man to speak during a dizzying evening of decertification, deregulation, and some name-calling.
Smith stressed a lack of trust in the negotiations and cited a lack of transparency by NFL ownership as cause for decertifying the union.
"Any business where two parties don't trust each other," Smith said. "Is a business that can never be as successful as it can be."
Smith asked ownership for justification that the players should take a smaller piece of the pie than the last collective bargaining agreement.
Saudi Police Open Fire to Break Up a Protest
BEIRUT, Lebanon — Saudi police officers opened fire at a protest march in a restive, oil-rich province on Thursday, wounding at least three people, according to witnesses and a Saudi government official. The crackdown came a day before a planned "day of rage" throughout the country that officials have said they will not tolerate.
Witnesses described the small protest march in the eastern city of Qatif as peaceful, but an Interior Ministry spokesman said demonstrators had attacked the police before the officers began firing, Reuters reported. The spokesman said that the police fired over the protesters' heads, but that three people were injured in the melee, including a police officer.
What does NFLPA's decertification mean?
* The National Football League Players Association exists only as a trade association able to advise players, but renounced its right to represent them in contract bargaining.More
USC learns that the cost of honor is high
On a strange and sullen Friday in the Pac-10 tournament, the area in front of the USC bench was deathly quiet.
Trojan athletics have rarely sounded stronger.
Among the many empty seats at the Staples Center was one involuntarily vacated by USC Coach Kevin O'Neill, whose rants were squelched when his boss, Pat Haden, once again buffeted "Fight On" with his own two-word chant.
No Fools.
O'Neill embarrassed the university in a Thursday night altercation with an opposing booster, and quicker than you can say new era, he was gone.
He was suspended for the remainder of the tournament even though there was no crime, no cops, no arrests, no lawyers, no charges, and no time for Athletic Director Haden to even sleep on it.
More
Trojan athletics have rarely sounded stronger.
Among the many empty seats at the Staples Center was one involuntarily vacated by USC Coach Kevin O'Neill, whose rants were squelched when his boss, Pat Haden, once again buffeted "Fight On" with his own two-word chant.
No Fools.
O'Neill embarrassed the university in a Thursday night altercation with an opposing booster, and quicker than you can say new era, he was gone.
He was suspended for the remainder of the tournament even though there was no crime, no cops, no arrests, no lawyers, no charges, and no time for Athletic Director Haden to even sleep on it.
More
Quake moved Japan coast 8 feet; shifted Earth's axis
(CNN) -- The powerful earthquake that unleashed a devastating tsunami Friday appears to have moved the main island of Japan by 8 feet (2.4 meters) and shifted the Earth on its axis.
"At this point, we know that one GPS station moved (8 feet), and we have seen a map from GSI (Geospatial Information Authority) in Japan showing the pattern of shift over a large area is consistent with about that much shift of the land mass," said Kenneth Hudnut, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Reports from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Italy estimated the 8.9-magnitude quake shifted the planet on its axis by nearly 4 inches (10 centimeters).
The temblor, which struck Friday afternoon near the east coast of Japan, killed hundreds of people, caused the formation of 30-foot walls of water that swept across rice fields, engulfed entire towns, dragged houses onto highways, and tossed cars and boats like toys. Some waves reached six miles (10 kilometers) inland in Miyagi Prefecture on Japan's east coast.
Japan Declares Emergencies at Nuclear Reactors Following Quake
Japan has declared states of emergency at two nuclear plants damaged by Friday's massive earthquake along the country's northeastern coast.
Officials said the 8.9 magnitude quake and subsequent tsunami knocked power out and caused cooling systems to fail at two plants in Fukushima. They warned of radiation leaks as steam was vented from reactors in an effort to relieve growing pressure.
Japanese officials said Saturday the venting would not pose a major safety risk to the public, although authorities ordered people living around the plants to evacuate.
Read More
Officials said the 8.9 magnitude quake and subsequent tsunami knocked power out and caused cooling systems to fail at two plants in Fukushima. They warned of radiation leaks as steam was vented from reactors in an effort to relieve growing pressure.
Japanese officials said Saturday the venting would not pose a major safety risk to the public, although authorities ordered people living around the plants to evacuate.
Read More
Shedding a tear (or two) for Miami Heat’s CryGate
So I can't, for the life of me, understand why my colleagues in the media are boo-hoing over a few Miami Heat players misting in the locker room after an embarrassing loss. Wait, wait. Maybe I do understand. Maybe CryGate, as the incident is now being called, is not about sports at all — or about game tactics or team preparation or coming through in the clutch — but about masculinity and what we expect from men in public.
CryGate started after the Heat's razor-thin loss to the Chicago Bulls. I didn't watch the game in its entirety but followed it through the shouts and groans wafting from the TV room. (Which, by the way, is its own column. Why do the menfolk in my life get so worked up over a missed jump shot but are completely listless when I talk budgets and help around the house?)
Red Riding Hood' Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need To Know
While Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart continued on with the franchise Catherine Hardwicke launched on the big screen, the director left the "Twilight" series behind in 2008, bouncing from one project to another until finally committing to one: the "Twilight"-esque "Red Riding Hood."
For a while, she'd been attached to Summit Entertainment's "If I Stay" and had been eyeing both an adaptation of "Hamlet" and a teen-focused fantasy pic called "Maximum Ride." But in the end, Hardwicke settled on "Red Riding Hood," with Amanda Seyfried in the title role, as her first post-"Twilight" project.
Tsunami warning issued for at least 50 areas after quake
(CNN) -- The threat of a tsunami prompted the U.S. National Weather Service to issue a warning for at least 50 countries and territories after an 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck Japan Friday.
The wide-ranging list includes Russia and Indonesia, Central American countries like Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica and the U.S. state of Hawaii. The weather service's bulletin is intended "as advice to government agencies."
The quake, which struck near the coast of Honshu, Japan on Friday afternoon, unleashed a wall of water that rushed in toward land, leveling houses and bashing cars in its path.
Some officials feared that the fast-moving waves from a tsunami could be so high that they wash over entire islands in the Pacific, a spokesman for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said Friday.
Asian Markets Plunge on 8.8 Earthquake in Japan
Asian markets plunged Friday. In Japan the Nikkei 225 Index spiraled down 1.7% to 10,254 and in Hong Kong the Hang Seng Index dropped 1.6% to 23,250. China's Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.8% to close at 2,934.
Japan suffered a massive 8.8 earthquake today at 2:46 pm. It's the strongest earthquake to occur in the past century and the sixth largest recorded since record keeping began in 1900, Dr. Roger Musson of the British Geological Survey told the BBC.
More
Japan suffered a massive 8.8 earthquake today at 2:46 pm. It's the strongest earthquake to occur in the past century and the sixth largest recorded since record keeping began in 1900, Dr. Roger Musson of the British Geological Survey told the BBC.
More
Thursday, March 10, 2011
“Zombie” ants fall victim to mind-control fungus
'Zombie ants' may sound like the title of an Ed Wood movie, but, according to National Geographic, they are quite real.
Oddly, there's nothing very zombie-like about the actual ants. It's only when a particular fungus takes over the ant's brain that things get weird.
College basketball: UConn stuns Pitt on last-second shot
Kemba Walker hit the winning basket on a classic stepback jumper at the buzzer, and No. 21 Connecticut stunned third-ranked Pittsburgh 76-74 in the quarterfinals of the Big East tournament in New York on Thursday.
Walker got the ball at the top of the key with 15 seconds left, allowed the clock to melt under five, then made a move toward the basket. He used a crossover and shoulder roll to dump his defender, 6-foot-10 Gary McGhee, right to the ground, then calmly drained the shot to oust the Panthers (27-5).
The Huskies (24-9) will face No. 4 seed Syracuse in the semifinals Friday night.
IPad 2 Sales to Start With Pre-Dawn Online Orders
Apple Inc.'s updated version of its iPad tablet computer will be available in stores Friday afternoon but those who can't wait to say they own the gadget can beat the crowds by ordering one online before the sun rises.
The Cupertino company is opening online sales of the iPad 2 at 1 a.m. PST, hours before they will be available in stores nationwide at 5 p.m. local time.
It's hard to predict if many enthusiasts will camp out at Apple stores to be the first to get their hands on the new iPad as they have for previous launches of Apple gadgets.
When the original version of the iPad went on sale in April, Apple said it sold more than 300,000 in the first day. It ended up selling more than 15 million in its first nine months on sale, including 7.3 million to holiday shoppers during the October-December quarter.
Qaddafi's Forces Have Momentum in Libya War on Rebels, U.S. Officials Say
Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi's better-equipped forces have gained momentum against the rebels trying to drive him from power, senior U.S. intelligence officials said.
Appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said that Qaddafi's forces have superior logistics and that the "regime will prevail" if the war goes on for a long time. Clapper said this was his personal assessment and not that of the U.S. government, adding that Qaddafi has shown he's "in this for the long haul."
After Clapper completed his testimony on Capitol Hill, President Barack Obama's national security adviser and his press secretary said that the intelligence chief was giving an analysis of the current situation and that steps being taken by the U.S. and its allies would change the dynamic in Libya.
Japan hit by massive earthquake
A powerful earthquake has struck off Japan's north-eastern coast, shaking buildings in Tokyo and forcing people out of their homes, witnesses said.
Japan issued its most serious tsunami warning, saying a wave as high as 6m (20ft) could strike the coast near Miyagi prefecture.
US officials said the 8.8-magnitude quake struck about 250 miles (400km) from Tokyo at a depth of 20 miles.
Police search home of actor Charlie Sheen
(Reuters) - Los Angeles police searched the home of Charlie Sheen on Thursday looking for firearms in what they characterized as a check linked to a stay away order issued against the troubled actor last week.
Los Angeles Police Department spokeswoman Officer Norma Eisenman said no arrests had been made, but the search was still ongoing Thursday night.
Police arrived at Sheen's home to "investigate a possible violation of a temporary restraining order," Eisenman said.
"Part of the conditions of the temporary restraining order are that you can't have weapons or ammunition, so we're just making sure there are no weapons in the home," she said.
Photos of Hitler’s Wife Stir the Web
Adolf Hitler is one of the darkest figures of the 20th century. But less is known about his girlfriend, Eva Braun, who he kept secret from Nazi Germany for years.
Pictures of the girlfriend and then wife have recently surfaced through Life Magazine, brought to light through collector and curator Reinhard Schulz.
The cache of photos from the young model's personal album was confiscated in 1945 by the American army. The newly released pictures have caused searches on the Web for "eva braun" to rise over 300% in one day.
Heat snap 5-game slide, top Lakers 94-88
MIAMI – Less than 2 minutes to go, tie game, Kobe Bryant with the basketball and staring down Dwyane Wade.
Bryant's move was good.
Wade's reaction was better.
And in that moment, Miami's epic run of blown opportunities late in games started coming to an end.
Wade's steal set up LeBron James for the dunk that put Miami ahead to stay with 1:27 left, Chris Bosh scored 24 points in his first outing after saying he wanted more shots, and the Heat beat the Los Angeles Lakers 94-88 on Thursday night to end a five-game losing streak and hand the two-time defending NBA champions their first loss in nine games.
"We had everything riding on this game, really, to be honest with you," Bosh said.
Will March 19 'Supermoon' Trigger Natural Disasters?
On March 19, the moon will swing around Earth more closely than it has in the past 18 years, lighting up the night sky from just 221,567 miles (356,577 kilometers) away. On top of that, it will be full. And one astrologer believes it could inflict massive damage on the planet.
Richard Nolle, a noted astrologer who runs the website astropro.com, has famously termed the upcoming full moon at lunar perigee (the closest approach during its orbit) an "extreme supermoon."
When the moon goes super-extreme, Nolle says, chaos will ensue: Huge storms, earthquakes, volcanoes and other natural disasters can be expected to wreak havoc on Earth. (It should be noted that astrology is not a real science, but merely makes connections between astronomical and mystical events.)
But do we really need to start stocking survival shelters in preparation for the supermoon? [Photos: Our Changing Moon]
The question is not actually so crazy. In fact scientists have studied related scenarios for decades. Even under normal conditions, the moon is close enough to Earth to make its weighty presence felt: It causes the ebb and flow of the ocean tides.
Eliminating $1 Bills Could Save Billions
Washington has come down with a case of fiscal fever as the Obama administration proposes everything from spending freezes on domestic programs to selling off unused government property to bring the budget back in line. Now, one study argues that the government can save billions of dollars simply
Earlier this month, the U.S. Government Accountability Office issued a formal proposal to the Treasury and Federal Reserve noting that if it eliminated the $1 bill and replaced it with the $1 coin, the country could save roughly $5.5 billion during the next 30 years. The reason, according to the agency's report, is that dollar bills have a shorter lifespan than dollar coins because they wear much faster, which in turn requires the government to spend more to print new bills.
More
Earlier this month, the U.S. Government Accountability Office issued a formal proposal to the Treasury and Federal Reserve noting that if it eliminated the $1 bill and replaced it with the $1 coin, the country could save roughly $5.5 billion during the next 30 years. The reason, according to the agency's report, is that dollar bills have a shorter lifespan than dollar coins because they wear much faster, which in turn requires the government to spend more to print new bills.
More
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
'American Idol' Top 13 Night: Idols Cover Their Idols
Wednesday's "American Idol" show marked the first coed competition of the season, and the stakes were high. Universal Records toughie Jimmy Iovine was in the house to "keep an eye on the contestants" (according to a melodramatic Ryan Seacrest); superstar producers like Don Was, Rodney Jerkins, Jim Jonsin, Rock Mafia, and Ron Fair mentored during rehearsals; gospel choirs appeared out of nowhere to heighten the drama; and, just to add to the pressure, the contestants were required to sing songs by their own personal idols (i.e., their favorite artists of all time). That was a lot to live up to, but hey, that's what separates the true Idols from the boys. And girls.
For the most part, the contestants fared well. Only a couple singers seriously stumbled--notably (and surprisingly) Karen Rodriguez, who tried way too hard to impress her beloved J.Lo. Sadly, Karen's efforts backfired, and I therefore predict she'll be the one to go Thursday night.
Here's how everyone did....
Read more
Kadhafi says West after Libya's oil as rebels hit
Moamer Kadhafi accused the West of wanting to seize Libya's oil and warned that a no-fly zone would backfire as his forces pounded rebel lines, setting a string of oil facilities ablaze.
The boss of Libya's state oil firm said the damage to infrastructure was minor but acknowledged that oil output was down more than two-thirds, as the price for London's main contract jumped to $116.50 per barrel.
"The colonialist countries are hatching a plot to humiliate the Libyan people, reduce them to slavery and control the oil," Kadhafi said on state television.
Advertisement: Story continues below
He again accused Al-Qaeda of being behind the insurrection that began on February 15 and called on inhabitants of Benghazi, the rebels' main base, to "liberate" Libya's second city.
His government offered a $410,000 bounty for the capture of Mustafa Abdel Jalil, head of the rebel national council that declared itself the North African country's sole representative in Benghazi on Saturday.
'Spider-Man' Postponed; Taymor out as Director
Julie Taymor, the Tony Award winning director of "The Lion King," will no longer direct Broadway's troubled "Spider-Man" musical as producers announced a new creative team and postponed the show's official opening to summer.
Taymor, who also co-wrote the book for "Spider Man: Turn Off the Dark," will remain a part of the new team, lead producers Michael Cohl and Jeremiah J. Harris said Wednesday, in announcing an unprecedented sixth delay for the musical.
"Julie Taymor is not leaving the creative team. Her vision has been at the heart of this production since its inception and will continue to be so," the producers said in a statement. "Julie's previous commitments mean that past March 15, she cannot work the 24/7 necessary to make the changes in the production in order to be ready for our opening."
Carlos Slim Tops Forbes List of Billionaires for Second Year
Carlos Slim remained the world's richest person for a second year with estimated assets of $74 billion, according to Forbes magazine's annual global ranking of billionaires.
The net worth of Mexico's Slim, 71, whose holdings include the largest mobile phone operator in the Americas, rose $20.5 billion. Bill Gates, 55, chairman of Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), was second again as his net worth rose $3 billion to $56 billion. Warren Buffett, 80, chief executive officer of Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK/A), held on to third place with $50 billion.
The Buzz: Union, NFL continue sparring
Players' union leader DeMaurice Smith (below) indicated Wednesday that NFL owners have lowered from $1 billion to $800 million the amount of additional revenues they want to take off the top of their $9 billion business.
He also was clear he considers the lower figure still too high, because the league is not offering to turn over enough financial information.
"Has it gotten everything it wants? Evidently not. Have we offered to provide more? Absolutely," NFL lead negotiator Jeff Pash said.
In Minneapolis, meanwhile, the NFL Players Association asked a federal judge who ruled in its favor in a case involving TV contracts to release information that the NFL wants kept confidential.
Big problems for Celtics
Those hoping to see a live Blake Griffin dunk had to settle for one, very late. That's because DeAndre Jordan had seven flushes last night at the Garden.
The Clippers center, generally thought to be offensively challenged, even back-tipped the ball through the cylinder off Kevin Garnett's block of Randy Foye in the third quarter.
Until further notice, consider that a poster moment. The Celtics [team stats], with Shaquille O'Neal and Glen Davis in the doctor's office and Kendrick Perkins [stats] in Oklahoma City, can now be had by a big team.
Government: Uganda Post-Election Protesters ‘Hooligans’
The spokesperson for Uganda's government describes anti-government protesters demonstrating against alleged rigging by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in last month's presidential and parliamentary elections as hooligans and property destroyers.
Kabakumba Labwoni Masiko says the protesters defied the country's law by refusing to inform the police about the demonstration. Police fired tear gas Wednesday to disperse the protesters after accusing them of attacking people in Kampala's Kisekka market and made eight arrests.
"There are mechanisms to resolve [disputes] for those who are not happy about the [election] in courts of law. And, of course, our constitution allows peaceful demonstration, but the way they organized the [protest], they did not follow the laid down regulations and laws," said Masiko.
Jamwa sentenced to 12 years in jail
THE Anti-Corruption Court yesterday meted out a 12-year imprisonment sentence to former NSSF managing director David Chandi Jamwa who was last week convicted of causing a financial loss of sh3b to the fund.
His lawyer, David Mpanga, tried to plead for a lenient sentence in vain. Anne Mugisa and Edward Anyoli were in court and recorded the proceedings.
Mpanga: My Lord, I would like you to consider four matters. The first one is the personal circumstances of the accused; second concerns the need for the punishment to fit the crime; third, the issue of rehabilitation of the accused and the fourth, I pray that you consider the issue of public interest.
The accused is a 40-year-old man of good character and had no previous criminal convictions. He is a certified public accountant, and a certified stock broker and, until recently, one of the youngest and most successful heads of public institutions as the youngest MD of NSSF with a good career by the age of 40.
The accused is married with six children and 4 dependants. The wife has been here in court. His mother and father are here.
Second, the nature of this offence and punishment: There was no evidence adduced here that the accused was in any way actuated by a motive of personal gain. There was no evidence that he was motivated by anything other than intention to implement the new investment policy of NSSF management.
More
His lawyer, David Mpanga, tried to plead for a lenient sentence in vain. Anne Mugisa and Edward Anyoli were in court and recorded the proceedings.
Mpanga: My Lord, I would like you to consider four matters. The first one is the personal circumstances of the accused; second concerns the need for the punishment to fit the crime; third, the issue of rehabilitation of the accused and the fourth, I pray that you consider the issue of public interest.
The accused is a 40-year-old man of good character and had no previous criminal convictions. He is a certified public accountant, and a certified stock broker and, until recently, one of the youngest and most successful heads of public institutions as the youngest MD of NSSF with a good career by the age of 40.
The accused is married with six children and 4 dependants. The wife has been here in court. His mother and father are here.
Second, the nature of this offence and punishment: There was no evidence adduced here that the accused was in any way actuated by a motive of personal gain. There was no evidence that he was motivated by anything other than intention to implement the new investment policy of NSSF management.
More
Dalai Lama ready to give up political power
(CNN) -- The Dalai Lama announced Thursday his plan to retire as political head of the Tibetan exile movement, according to his website.
"Tibetans need a leader, elected freely by the Tibetan people, to whom I can devolve power," the exiled spiritual leader said in a statement. "Now, we have clearly reached the time to put this into effect."
The Dalai Lama remains the head of state for now, according to Tempa Tshering, his representative in India, and will remain the group's spiritual leader.
"On March 14th, parliament will meet in Dharamsala (India) and decide whether to approve his request," he said. "He wants to make a change. He has always believed in democracy and He wasn't elected as head of state."
Wisconsin Republicans cut collective bargaining
Republicans in Wisconsin's state senate have pushed through the most severe sssault on trade union rights for a generation, taking opponents by surprise and rushing a measure that sharply curtails collective bargaining for public sector workers in barely 30 minutes.
The procedural ruse by the Republicans hands victory to the new right-wing governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker, in his three week stand-off with the state's Democratic senators. All 14 Democratic members of the chamber had fled to Illinois where they have been in virtual hiding in order to frustrate the governor's plans by preventing a vote on the proposed measure.
Under the state senate's rules, any bill that was budgetary in nature has to have a quorum of at least 20 senators. That meant the 19 Republican senators needed at least one Democrat present to move to a vote.
But in a shock move, the Republicans unhooked the overtly financial clauses from the bill, and pushed the rest through in record time, arguing that because it was no longer related to the budget it required no quorum.
A’level performance improves
CANDIDATES who sat for Senior Six examinations last year registered an improved performance compared to those of the previous year.
The results, which were released yesterday by the education minister, show that there was a slight improvement in performance.
More students qualified for the award of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education certificates this time, accounting for 98.8% of those who sat for the examinations, compared to 98.6% in 2009.
The results were handed over to the education ministry by the Uganda National Examination Board's (UNEB), Secretary Mathew Bukenya, and chairman Prof. Lutalo Bbosa. They were flanked by Bukenya's deputy, Dan Odong, and education ministry section directors.
However, the improvement in performance was overshadowed by the fact that less than 20% of candidates had taken on science courses. The minister described this situation as a 'risk' to the nation.
The arts (humanities) combinations, which were dominated by girls, took a lion's share. This implies that fewer students, especially girls, will compete for science courses, since the Government only sponsors science courses in public universities.
Bitamazire, in her address, said: "The Government is considering reviewing the science syllabus at A'level and the subject combinations, to make the A'level course focused and practically-oriented for better application of knowledge and skills."
More
The results, which were released yesterday by the education minister, show that there was a slight improvement in performance.
More students qualified for the award of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education certificates this time, accounting for 98.8% of those who sat for the examinations, compared to 98.6% in 2009.
The results were handed over to the education ministry by the Uganda National Examination Board's (UNEB), Secretary Mathew Bukenya, and chairman Prof. Lutalo Bbosa. They were flanked by Bukenya's deputy, Dan Odong, and education ministry section directors.
However, the improvement in performance was overshadowed by the fact that less than 20% of candidates had taken on science courses. The minister described this situation as a 'risk' to the nation.
The arts (humanities) combinations, which were dominated by girls, took a lion's share. This implies that fewer students, especially girls, will compete for science courses, since the Government only sponsors science courses in public universities.
Bitamazire, in her address, said: "The Government is considering reviewing the science syllabus at A'level and the subject combinations, to make the A'level course focused and practically-oriented for better application of knowledge and skills."
More
Facebook Teams Up With Warner Bros. to Stream Movies
In its march to become a portal to the entire internet, Facebook has signed a deal with Warner Brothers to test out whether its 600-plus million users will be willing to pay to stream new movies from within the social networking site's virtual walls.
Warner Brothers will start the trial with The Dark Knight, the 2008 Batman movie from Christoper Nolan, and Facebook users will have to pay 30 Facebook credits (about $3) to watch the movie. To rent the movie, Facebook users in the United States have to visit the movie's Facebook page, and start watching the movie from there. The rental period lasts for 48 hours — twice the standard from other streaming services — and users can post comments and do the typical Facebook things at the same time, including updating their status.
The studio says that additional titles will be coming soon and that it was a no-brainer to start offering video streaming rentals through Facebook.
'King's Speech' Producer Learns Why You Don't Give Your Oscar to an Infant
Dont you Just love Kids
To win an Academy Award is the dream of most everyone in the filmmaking community, that golden statuette confirmation of the diligence, craftsmanship and artistry that went into your labor of love. That's certainly the case for the producers of Best Picture-winner "The King's Speech," who had to fight to find financing and then had to stage a rather dramatic come-from-behind victory to emerge as the big winner Oscar night on February 27. So in the euphoria after their triumph, you can understand why they'd be a little careless. But, seriously, who gives an Oscar to a 15-month-old to hold?
More
To win an Academy Award is the dream of most everyone in the filmmaking community, that golden statuette confirmation of the diligence, craftsmanship and artistry that went into your labor of love. That's certainly the case for the producers of Best Picture-winner "The King's Speech," who had to fight to find financing and then had to stage a rather dramatic come-from-behind victory to emerge as the big winner Oscar night on February 27. So in the euphoria after their triumph, you can understand why they'd be a little careless. But, seriously, who gives an Oscar to a 15-month-old to hold?
More
Gadhafi says Libyans will fight no-fly zone
TRIPOLI, Libya – Moammar Gadhafi said in an interview broadcast Wednesday that Libyans would fight back if Western nations impose a no-fly zone to prevent the regime from using its air force to bomb government opponents staging a rebellion.
He said imposing the restrictions would prove the West's real intention was to seize his country's oil wealth.
Gadhafi made his remarks in an interview aired Wednesday by Turkey's state-run TRT Turk television. The interview was conducted late at night when Gadhafi made a surprise appearance at a hotel where foreign journalists are staying in Tripoli and gave a few interviews.
In separate remarks, Gadhafi called on Libyans in the rebel-held east of the country to take back control from the opposition leaders who have seized the territory.
La Liga Preview: Racing Santander vs. Real Madrid
On Sunday, Real Madrid will celebrate 109 years of awesomeness and a multitude of success to go with it. To celebrate their 109th Anniversary, Los Blancos will travel to Cantabria, where they will face off against Racing Santander in El Sardinero, with the buoyancy of coming away with all three points. The away team's infirmary is becoming slightly over crowded, with no less than seven key players out injured. As such, three youth teamers were called up to fill out the 19 man squad list; Morata, Álex and Casado.
More
More
Hercules vs Almería Preview La Liga Football Spain 06/03/2011
Hercules vs Almería Preview La Liga Football Spain 06/03/2011
Hercules - Almería matck kick off time 17:00 CET 16:00 UK at the Estadio José Rico Pérez Alicante, Basement Boys' Almeria visit Alicante to lock horns with Hercules, who stands at the 16th position only four points above the bottom line. A vital six-pointer for the relegation fight between two squads going through the hardest of times.
The Andalusian squad misses Pablo PIatti for the next two weeks, a vital player for Almeria to break through the opposite defense. Esteban Vigo's Hercules have been unable to celebrate a single victory in the last three games, and a positive result is mandatory to face Real Madrid next week in the best possible form.
More
Hercules - Almería matck kick off time 17:00 CET 16:00 UK at the Estadio José Rico Pérez Alicante, Basement Boys' Almeria visit Alicante to lock horns with Hercules, who stands at the 16th position only four points above the bottom line. A vital six-pointer for the relegation fight between two squads going through the hardest of times.
The Andalusian squad misses Pablo PIatti for the next two weeks, a vital player for Almeria to break through the opposite defense. Esteban Vigo's Hercules have been unable to celebrate a single victory in the last three games, and a positive result is mandatory to face Real Madrid next week in the best possible form.
More
Barcelona 1-0 Zaragoza: First-half Keita strike means Guardiola's side warm-up for Arsenal clash with narrow victory
A first-half effort from Seydou Keita was enough to secure three points for Barcelona against a resolute Real Zaragoza, sending Pep Guardiola's side 10 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.
Eric Abidal, Andres Iniesta and David Villa all started on the bench as Guardiola rested one key man from each department ahead of Barcelona's Champions League second-leg tie with Arsenal next week.
An out-of-favour Gabriel Milito partnered Gerard Pique at centre-back. Argentine Javier Mascherano was handed a rare start in the centre of midfield, while Bojan was given 65 minutes to argue his case for a first-team place before being hauled off for Villa.
More
Eric Abidal, Andres Iniesta and David Villa all started on the bench as Guardiola rested one key man from each department ahead of Barcelona's Champions League second-leg tie with Arsenal next week.
An out-of-favour Gabriel Milito partnered Gerard Pique at centre-back. Argentine Javier Mascherano was handed a rare start in the centre of midfield, while Bojan was given 65 minutes to argue his case for a first-team place before being hauled off for Villa.
More
Daily Game Mar 09 - Go Go Sunshine
Bring sunshine to the people by jumping on the rain clouds.
Go Go Sunshine is powered by dailygame.org
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
UPDATE 2-Strong quake hits N. Japan, tsunami warning issued
Tsunami advisory up to 50 cm issued for northeastern Japan
* No impact on nuclear plants (Adds details, quote)
TOKYO, March 9 (Reuters) - A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.2 hit off the coast of northeastern Japan on Wednesday, the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) said, but there were so far no reports of damage from the quake.
Lakers stay hot as they get ready for Heat
ATLANTA – The Boston Celtics are reorganizing after a blockbuster trade the Lakers previously would not make. The San Antonio Spurs were given a historic beating, never trailing by 28 points at home at halftime until the Lakers showed up Sunday.
Now the much-heralded Miami Heat is in the Lakers' sights.
Around the NBA: Miami Heat falls again, this time to Portland Trail Blazers
Coach Erik Spoelstra vowed to keep the Miami Heat fighting. Chris Bosh acknowledged he needs to do more and lobbied to get more opportunities. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade insisted their confidence remains high.
The Heat script hasn't changed much lately.
Nor have the results, as Miami's free fall continues.
LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 points, Gerald Wallace scored 22 -- easily his best game since joining Portland last month -- and the Trail Blazers survived a 38-point effort by Wade in beating the host Heat 105-96 on Tuesday night, sending Miami to its fifth straight loss overall and sixth in eight games since the All-Star break.
Former Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr dies
CNN) -- Mike Starr, the former Alice in Chains bassist whose battle with drugs was chronicled on the reality TV show "Celebrity Rehab," was found dead in Salt Lake City, officials said.
He was 44.
Police said they responded to a call Tuesday of a possible death at a residence. The cause and manner of death were not immediately available.
Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney, Starr's former Alice in Chains bandmates, released a statement, offering their support for his family. The band's original singer, Layne Staley, died from a drug overdose in 2002.
Facebook's 'Dark Knight' may be Netflix's dark day
A major Hollywood studio began streaming the film "The Dark Knight" directly through Facebook on Tuesday in an experiment that literally opens up a new theater in an escalating battle over online entertainment.
Analysts viewed the test by Warner Bros. Digital Distribution as a shot across the bow of Los Gatos' Netflix Inc., which is shifting its business away from mailing DVDs to delivering movies and TV shows over the Internet.
MoreJim Tressel suspended after Ohio State football memorabilia sales
Jim Tressel has been suspended from Ohio State after the university learned that Tressel, the football team's head coach, had withheld information about players violating NCAA rules and continuing to let them play. Jim Tressel issued an apology.
It started in April 2010, when the NCAA was made aware of possible violations by some Ohio State players.
Several players sold Ohio State football memorabilia to tattoo parlor owner, Edward Rife. In exchange for memorabilia such as jerseys and championship rings the players received cash and discounts on tattoos.
OPEC mulls a boost in output
LONDON - Oil prices fell sharply yesterday, with Brent crude dropping more than US$2 a barrel after Kuwait's Oil Minister said OPEC was considering boosting production for the first time in more than two years.
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has yet to change its production policy officially, even though it has been boosting supply informally for months and Saudi Arabia has offered to help make up for the loss of around two-thirds of Libya's output.
An official increase in OPEC output would signal the group's determination to put a cap on prices after uprisings and unrest across North Africa and the Middle East sent oil to its highest in more than two and a half years.
Fighting in Libya has idled around 1 million barrels per day (bpd), with the key Libyan oil ports of Ras Lanuf and Brega in the east of the country closed, and consumers have been looking for a response from OPEC.
At one point, US light crude futures were US$1.45 lower at US$103.99. Brent crude dropped to a low of US$112.23 per barrel, down US$2.81, by midnight (Singapore time). On Feb 24, Brent hit US$119.79, its highest since 2008, when it reached an all-time high of US$147.50.
More
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has yet to change its production policy officially, even though it has been boosting supply informally for months and Saudi Arabia has offered to help make up for the loss of around two-thirds of Libya's output.
An official increase in OPEC output would signal the group's determination to put a cap on prices after uprisings and unrest across North Africa and the Middle East sent oil to its highest in more than two and a half years.
Fighting in Libya has idled around 1 million barrels per day (bpd), with the key Libyan oil ports of Ras Lanuf and Brega in the east of the country closed, and consumers have been looking for a response from OPEC.
At one point, US light crude futures were US$1.45 lower at US$103.99. Brent crude dropped to a low of US$112.23 per barrel, down US$2.81, by midnight (Singapore time). On Feb 24, Brent hit US$119.79, its highest since 2008, when it reached an all-time high of US$147.50.
More
Last Chance to Spot Shuttle Discovery in the Night Sky ... Ever
With NASA's space shuttle Discovery now headed home from the International Space Station, skywatchers across much of the United States and southern Canada are in for a real two-day treat: the last chance to see Discovery in space with their own eyes.
Discovery left the space station today (March 7) and is due to land in Florida on Wednesday. This means that — weather permitting — there are opportunities to see both Discovery and the space station flying across the sky from many locations.
Tiger Woods moving into swank new home, practice range
Good news for Tiger Woods: He's finally getting his own place!
On his blog Monday, Woods broke the news that he'll soon be moving into his new Jupiter, Fla., home, which you might be able to spot in the photograph above. As previous reports have indicated, the home includes a 6,400-square-foot gym/media room/bar, an elevator, a reflecting pond and a lap pool.
Gaddafi renews attack on rebels
Forces loyal to Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi have launched further air strikes on the rebel-held oil port of Ras Lanuf, in a renewed offensive.
Warplanes have dropped missiles near rebel positions in the desert east of Ras Lanuf, witnessed by reporters for the AP and AFP news agencies.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Rebels fighting to oust Col Gaddafi after 41 years in power took Ras Lanuf on Friday.
Meanwhile, a rebel spokesman said a representative for Col Gaddafi had offered to hold talks on the Libyan leader's exit.
The rebels rejected the offer, the spokesman said.
'Significant gains'There has been no comment from Col Gaddafi's government on the rebels' statement, but the Libyan leader has refused to cede power in the past.
He argues that he has no official position, and therefore it is impossible for him to resign.
The BBC's Wyre Davies, in Tripoli, says Col Gaddafi's side believe they are making significant military gains, consolidating their hold on western Libya.
Scientists Grow Parts For Kids With Urinary Damage
For going on 30 years, scientists have been trying to grow replacement parts for diseased, defective or damaged tissues and organs. They've had more disappointments than successes. But now and again, they come up with results that rekindle the flame.
The latest involves five Mexican boys between 10 and 14 who suffered terrible damage to their urinary tracts from auto accidents. They were unable to urinate normally.
"When they first came in, they had a leg bag that drains urine, and they have to carry this bag everywhere they go," says Dr. Anthony Atala of Wake Forest University in North Carolina. "It's uncomfortable and painful. So these children were mostly sitting or bed-bound."
Atala and his colleagues, including doctors at Metropolitan Autonomous University in Mexico City, figured out a way to grow these children new urethras, the tube that empties urine from the bladder.
The first thing they did was remove a small patch of each boy's bladder.
"The piece of tissue we take is very small -– less than half the size of a postage stamp," Atala says. The tissue contains two types of cells –- muscle cells and endothelial cells, which form the lining of the urethra and other hollow tubes in the body, such as blood vessels.
The researchers multiplied these cells in the lab until there were 100 million of them. Then they used the cells to "seed" a cylinder made out of biodegradable material. A week or so later, the cells covered the cylinder, creating a tube of tissue about as long as a deck of cards, with a diameter a little bigger than a soda straw.
The researchers stitched these made-to-order tissue tubes into the gaps in the boys' urinary systems. Eventually, the biodegradable "scaffolding" melts away.
That was as long as six years ago. Today, in every case, the boys' re-engineered urinary tracts are functioning normally, the researchers say.
The unusually long follow-up is perhaps the most important aspect of the new report, which appears online in the British journal The Lancet.
No smiles at the gas pump, as prices surge again
Here we go again. Gasoline prices in Massachusetts have surged 14 cents in the last week, and 31 cents over the last two weeks. Whatever has affected the global oil supply, there was no shortage of strong opinions in Danvers Square yesterday about this latest round of high prices, who is to blame and what should happen next. More
With playoff win, team plays tribute to fallen player on the court
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/US/03/08/michigan.basketball.death/(CNN) -- Wes Leonard's teammates charged into the gym Monday night, wearing T-shirts emblazoned with his number -- 35 -- and the phrase, "Never forgotten." Fans erupted in a standing ovation and wiped away tears during a moment of silence before the tipoff.
On the night before mourners gather for Leonard's funeral, teammates paid tribute to the 16-year-old Michigan student who died last week shortly after scoring a winning shot. The shot clinched an undefeated season for the Fennville High School Blackhawks.
More
On the night before mourners gather for Leonard's funeral, teammates paid tribute to the 16-year-old Michigan student who died last week shortly after scoring a winning shot. The shot clinched an undefeated season for the Fennville High School Blackhawks.
More
Celebrate International Women's Day with our book offer
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, we are offering Extra members the chance to buy a copy of Women of the Revolution, edited by Guardian journalist Kira Cochrane for £9.50 (RRP £18.99) from the Guardian Bookshop.
More
More
Celebrity Justice Charlie Sheen: I Have a Michael J. Fox Clause!
Sources connected with Charlie tell us ... Charlie has what they call a "Michael J. Fox" clause in his contract. When Fox was doing "Spin City," his contract provided that he would keep getting paid as long as the show was in production, even if he left the show. Ironically, when Charlie took over for Michael, Michael kept drawing his salary. More
Daily Game Mar 08 - ShellShock Live v1.0+
Create an account and shoot other players online in a tank versus tank battle.
ShellShock Live v1.0+ is powered by dailygame.org
Pressure mounts for Libya intervention
Pressure is growing for the international community to intervene in the escalating civil war in Libya.
Calls for a no-fly zone to be imposed gained momentum today, with the six Gulf Arab states expressing their backing for such a move.
Britain and France are understood to be working on a draft UN resolution, though there are questions over whether such a motion would have any chance of being approved.
UK foreign secretary William Hague says several key conditions would have to be met before such a resolution was put to the council.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Miami Heat players moved to tears after another close loss
It's safe to say the Miami Heat took Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bulls harder than some of their noted fair-weather fans. According to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, several Miami players were reduced to tears following the team's 87-86 loss to the Bulls. The defeat marked their third close loss to Chicago this season, and it tops off a frustrating week that started last Sunday with the squad's tough defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks. The Heat now have lost four in a row.
More
More
Daily Game Mar 07 - Snow White 2: Back To Life
Continue Snow White's journey to the wicked queen's castle and take your revenge!
Snow White 2: Back To Life is powered by dailygame.org
Spurned by stars, Bulls sweep Heat
Another final-second opportunity slipped away from the Miami Heat, and the Chicago Bulls — spurned last summer in their bids to land Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh — swept all three regular-season meetings from the team that signed them.
The Big 3? They're No. 3 in the Eastern Conference, after Derrick Rose scored 27 points, Luol Deng capped an 18-point effort with two free throws on a debated play with 15.9 seconds remaining, and the Bulls beat Miami yesterday, 87-86, to hand the host Heat their fourth straight loss.
"The Miami Heat are exactly what everyone wanted, losing games,'' said Wade, who scored 20 points. "The world is better now because the Heat is losing.''
Chicago became the fourth team since Feb. 24 to erase a double-digit deficit against the Heat.
Spurned by stars, Bulls sweep Heat
Columbus, Ohio — No matter which team wins the upcoming Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament, any lingering doubt regarding the identity of the league's best overall team was removed Sunday afternoon.
There were 18,809 witnesses in the Value City Arena seats and a proud contingent of players and coaches from Wisconsin who can attest that team is No. 1-ranked Ohio State, particularly after the Buckeyes' latest remarkable performance.
"A dismantling," UW junior guard Jordan Taylor said afterward. "Hats off to them . . . They were far and away the better team today."
The Buckeyes were nearly 30 points better than the 10th-ranked Badgers. Led by white-hot senior forward Jon Diebler, the Buckeyes hit shots from every spot on the floor and routed UW, 93-65, in the regular-season finale for both teams.
The loss was the second-worst in regular-season play and third-worst overall for UW under coach Bo Ryan. The worst loss was a 32-point decision (80-48) on Jan. 23, 2002, at Illinois.
Lakers' Andrew Bynum just might make the rest of the NBA quit
When the young center plays defense as he did Sunday in a rout of San Antonio, the Lakers are almost unbeatable.
Folks awoke here Sunday morning to shocking news.The front-page headline in the San Antonio Express-News read, "Alamo Falls at Dawn!''
Forget the fact news travels slowly here in backwater country, as the day would only get worse for the locals. Their favorite sons, the San Antonio Spurs, would get wiped out by the Lakers playing at their season best.
More
Romney, novice no more, focuses on Obama, economy
This time, Mitt Romney has a clear pitch: I'm the strongest Republican to challenge President Barack Obama on the country's single biggest issue _ the economy.
"He created a deeper recession, and delayed the recovery," Romney said Saturday, previewing his campaign message before Republicans in this influential early nominating state.
"The consequence is soaring numbers of Americans enduring unemployment, foreclosures and bankruptcies. This is the Obama Misery Index, and it is at a record high."
UN appoints special envoy as Libya conflict threatens 'more carnage'
Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- As deadly clashes in Libya continue with no clear end in sight, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed a new special envoy to Libya to discuss the crisis with officials in Tripoli, the United Nations said in a statement Monday.
Abdelilah Al-Khatib, a former foreign minister of Jordan, was appointed to "undertake urgent consultations with the authorities in Tripoli and in the region on the immediate humanitarian situation as well as the wider dimensions of the crisis," according to the U.N. statement.
"The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the fighting in western Libya, which is claiming large numbers of lives and threatens even more carnage in the days ahead," the statement said. "He notes that civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence, and calls for an immediate halt to the Government's disproportionate use of force and indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets."
On Sunday, opposition forces in Libya claimed a major victory, managing to block an onslaught by Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's troops and maintain control of the key city of Misrata, an eyewitness said.
U.S. weighs need to use oil reserve
William Daley, President Obama's chief of staff, said Sunday that the administration was looking at all options, including using the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, to ensure that rising oil prices resulting from turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa do not threaten the U.S. economy.
More
Concern that the unrest will spread to major oil-producing countries has created uncertainty in markets, Daley said on NBC's Meet the Press. With the recovery gaining momentum, the administration is looking at steps to ease the effect if crude oil, now at its highest price since 2008, keeps surging.
The Obama administration faces increased pressure from some congressional Democrats to draw on the domestic-reserve program as consumers pay higher gasoline prices. - Bloomberg News
Fugitive program to be eliminated
CLEVELAND - A spokesman for the U.S. Marshals Service said a nationwide program that allows fugitives to safely surrender at churches has been eliminated.More
Northeastern Pa. bus crash kills 1, injures others
SCRANTON, Pa.—A tour bus struck a disabled car on an interstate highway during an ice storm in northeastern Pennsylvania, killing a man who was apparently standing next to the vehicle and injuring an unknown number of other people, officials said Monday.
The crash involving a Martz bus occurred after 11 p.m. Sunday along Interstate 380 in Clifton Township, near Scranton, Lackawanna County 911 Supervisor Michael Kelechowa said.
Kelechowa said there were multiple injuries, but the exact number and severity weren't known.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Prep star hits game-winning shot for perfect season, falls and dies
Tragedy struck Western Michigan on Thursday night when Fennville (Mich.) High basketball star Wes Leonard hit a game-winning shot in a 57-55, overtime victory over Bridgman (Mich.) High, then collapsed on the court while celebrating the victory and was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly thereafter.
Salesforce Product Links Firms, Customers On Social Networks
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Salesforce.com Inc. (CRM) Chief Executive Marc Benioff announced Thursday a product that will enable clients to more easily engage with their customers through Facebook, Twitter and other social networks.
The product, dubbed Service Cloud 3, is part of the San Francisco company's broader push to make its software-as-a-service technology more of a social experience. Salesforce's service cloud, which has more than 15,000 customers, aims to aggregate pools of information across the Internet and provide a platform for customer service.
"The world is going social," Benioff said Thursday at a conference at New York City's Javits Center. "I want to know why all enterprise software isn't more like Facebook. If it can be this powerful in the consumer world, why can't it be the same for the enterprise world?" Benioff also criticized rivals that he says aren't incorporating the social atmosphere in their products.
Cloud 3 lets businesses monitor and respond to customer feedback appearing on social-networking sites. Salesforce says its product will enable companies to monitor all that data in a more efficient manner.
Salesforce has been investing heavily recently in making its products more social. Chatter, with its Facebook-like interface, is a prime example; the company advertised the product during the Super Bowl. Thursday, Benioff touted Chatter's growth, noting more than 85% of the company's 92,300 total paying customers have deployed Chatter since its release in June.
"It's been our most successful product ever," he said, noting the decision to implement social elements into Salesforce's business model wasn't a difficult one to make, especially as consumers have flocked to Facebook and Twitter. "We're seeing wall-to-wall adoption with Chatter at a rate that we've never seen before."
The unveiling of Service Cloud 3 comes as Salesforce has made some acquisitions and released a slew of new features in recent months. Salesforce announced earlier this year that it acquired messaging and screen-sharing company Dimdim for about $31 million, building on Chatter's rapid adoption. In December, Salesforce unveiled Database.com, a database-as-a-service product that competes in a market estimated to be worth more than $20 billion.
Tar Heels rule ACC with 81-67 win over No. 4 Duke
North Carolina finished off its fiercest rival and the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season race with one strong performance.
Harrison Barnes scored 18 points to help No. 13 North Carolina beat No. 4 Duke 81-67 on Saturday night, clinching the ACC championship and the top seed in next week's league tournament.
Kendall Marshall had 15 points and 11 assists as the Tar Heels (24-6, 14-2) ended a three-game losing streak to their fierce rival and earned the top seed in next week's ACC tournament. North Carolina also avenged last month's loss at Cameron Indoor Stadium in which the Tar Heels blew a 16-point lead in the first half.
Once again, the Tar Heels built a big lead in the first half, this time 14 points. But Barnes and the Tar Heels protected that margin Saturday and stayed in control the entire night in a game that had tension and energy befitting a postseason game.
Why Buganda voted Museveni
Kampala
Even after clipping Kabaka Ronald Mutebi's wings, President Museveni still managed to win in all the 24 districts of Buganda Kingdom in an election State House described as a "referendum" that officially turned the tables on Mengo administration.
With at least 62.7 per cent of the valid votes cast, central region, including Kampala City where Mr Museveni has never won before in an election surprisingly tilted in the favour of the incumbent. The main opposition challenger, Dr Kizza Besigye of the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) only managed 31.7 per cent —a result that substantially made the Buganda factor immaterial in determining the winner.
While the Leader of Opposition Prof. Ogenga Latigo insists that President Museveni "bought success in this election", analysts say the NRM's "impressive" performance in Buganda will help President Museveni turn the tide in a love-and-hate relationship with the Buganda Kingdom—making him a "frontrunner" and the people of Mengo the "vagabonds" in the periods to come.
"This was not a genuine win. President Museveni used public money to bribe voters in this election," Kawempe South MP Richard Ssebuliba Mutumba said. "What has changed to justify Museveni's win when poverty is increasing, corruption is at its best and unemployment is seen everywhere in Buganda? This means there is something wrong with his victory."
But latest figures show that President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for 25 years, his political clout in Buganda Kingdom, a cosmopolitan region with the biggest number of voters estimated at three million, only grew by a 0.9 per cent, a negligible performance in a region that appears to have failed to play a kingmaker's role as expected.
Over the years, analysts say Mr Museveni has succeeded in isolating Buganda Kingdom, with an in-your-face frankness and nonstop aggressiveness that appears to have angered the Buganda but that did not stop him from winning. But why even with such aggressiveness, did Mr Museveni still managed to have his way? "Museveni didn't win in Buganda," Mr Medard Ssegona, the MP-elect Busiro East and a former deputy information minister in Kabaka's government said. "He manipulated his way. He set his exams and excelled in it. Museveni answered his questions to perfection and everybody knows this including the international community."
"Paper success cannot be transformed into reality and the people of Buganda didn't vote for him. The results you see were as a result of his rigging machinery and bribery. He used public resources to buy votes in Buganda and other areas. He donated boda-bodas, cars and bicycles all in the name of bribing voters under the guise of presidential donations.
Central Uganda, home to the Kingdom of Buganda and the capital city, Kampala, was traditionally the home turf of the Democratic Party. But since 2001, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has also made serious inroads. While this time the NRM dominated the region, Kampala has over the years overwhelmingly voted for the opposition.
Referendum
In 2006, the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairman, Dr Badru Kiggundu, said results from 1,050 of the 1,083 polling stations in Kampala District gave Dr Besigye 238,535 votes representing 56.89 per cent, while Mr Museveni bagged 164,789 votes, representing 39.31 in the city. But in last week's elections, President Museveni did not only managed to take Kampala Central and East seats from the opposition, he also nailed Dr Besigye to a draw-- each getting 46 per cent.
"This election was a referendum in which the people of Buganda voted in favour of the government in power," President Museveni's Private Secretary on Political Affairs at State House, Mr David Mafabi said. "The people of Buganda love their Kabaka but they have moved on and voted a President who restored their Kabaka.
"There was no bribery. By concentrating on bread and butter issues in his campaign, President Museveni genuinely won the hearts of the Baganda. President Museveni is not like the opposition candidates who were opportunistically promising Buganda a federal status. The people of Buganda have realised that President Museveni is not an enemy to Buganda and that's why they voted for him in big numbers."
Buganda grievances
By forcing through the Land (Amendments) Bill 2007, stopping the Kabaka from visiting Bugerere County in Kayunga District, which is one of the areas of Buganda Kingdom, that resulted into the September 2009 riots in which 27 people died, the closure of the kingdom's radio, CBS FM for almost one year and later the passing of the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Bill, 2010, President Museveni provoked acrimony among the Banganda.
However, by refusing to appear on CBS FM during his campaigns, analysts say President Museveni never wanted to swallow his pride, a gamble that worked for him in the process. But Kampala mayoral aspirant and MP Kampala Central Erias Lukwago, said: "It would have been shameful for Museveni to appear on a radio he illegally closed. The people of Buganda were too annoyed with Museveni to vote for him. Unfortunately, Museveni knew he was going to win this election even in hostile areas because of the money."
Tabled on December 17, 2009, the Cultural Leaders Bill passed in the middle of the campaigns and now pending Museveni's endorsement before it becomes a law, seeks among others to ban traditional and cultural leaders from engaging in partisan politics. The Bill, however, described as unconstitutional and targeting the Kabaka of Buganda, kicked off a storm with protests most vocal from Buganda Kingdom.
Faced with unresolved Buganda question—the return of Ebyaffe among others, the quest for a federal status and the return of the 9,000 square miles of land-- including the 18 counties, political pundits had projected a difficult election for Mr Museveni especially in Buganda. But like the case in other perennial difficult regions for Museveni, such as in northern Uganda-- the NRM leader easily swept Buganda in an election, the opposition leaders have described as corrupt, fraudulent and sham.
Money factor
By asking voters to take NRM money and vote against the regime, analysts believe the opposition shot itself in the foot as many voters in rural areas opted for NRM for fear that the government might know how they voted even with a secret ballot.
But analysts such as Dr Sallie Ssimba of Makerere University Faculty of Social Sciences said that district politics helped Mr Museveni cruise to the victory in some areas including Buganda. Dr Simba said in all the new districts in Buganda and in other areas, the NRM leader performed well but was guarded to describe Mr Museveni's 68.38 per cent win as increased popularity.
Dr Tanga Odoi, a historian from Makerere University said: "Buganda is a complicated constituency with diverse interests as the nature of the population. The people in rural areas respect the Kabaka and vote Museveni because anti-government messengers live in towns.
With money powered in areas of Buganda, there was no way the opposition would win. The people of Buganda voted to maintain the status-quo. They did not want to go back to uncertainty and the opposition did not have the machinery to match Mr Museveni."
However, the government chief whip, Daudi Migereko who was on President Museveni's campaign taskforce said: "NRM didn't bribe voters, we worked for our victory. We have improved service delivery and we had a clear and consistent message to the voters based on the NRM manifesto. This is why we won by a landslide in all regions."
No rest for weary Miami Heat
SAN ANTONIO -- Friday was the Heat's worst defeat of the season. But unfortunately, there is no time for rest and reflection.
On the heels of a 125-95 loss to the Spurs, the Heat plays one of its most important games left on the regular-season schedule Sunday. The matinee against the Bulls is on ABC and at stake is second place in the Eastern Conference.
"We're still a confident bunch," Heat forward LeBron James said. "We know this is a tough stretch for us right now. We've lost three in a row but I feel like all it takes is one win. We've got a really, really good Chicago team coming into our building on Sunday, so hopefully we bounce back."
Something needs to change. The Heat (43-19) appears to be in a tailspin, falling fast amid the most important stretch of its regular season. A frustrating 1-4 since losing to Chicago on Feb. 24, the Heat has seven consecutive games against playoff-caliber teams after Sunday's home game.
Heart Attack Grill Spokesman Dies at 29
The 'Heart Attack Grill' spokesman died Tuesday possibly from contracting pneumonia after a bout with the flu.
Blair River, who was 29, gained some fame as the spokesman for the Phoenix-area restaurant 'Heart Attack Grill.' River, who weighed 575 pounds, touted the restaurant's unhealthy, high-calorie menu.
The menu consisted of huge hamburgers, milkshakes and fries cooked in lard. Restaurant founder Jon Basso said that River was more than the larger-than-life caricature he portrayed to the world.
"Cynical people might think this (River's death) is funny," Basso told the Arizona Republic. "But people who knew him are crying their eyes out. There is a lot of mourning going on around here. You couldn't have found a better person."
Recap: San Francisco vs. Pepperdine
Rashad Green's double-double of 23 points and 10 boards helped lift the third-seeded San Francisco Dons over the sixth- seeded Pepperdine Waves, 76-59, in a West Coast Conference Tournament quarterfinal matchup from Orleans Arena.
San Francisco (17-13), which will advance to face second-seeded Gonzaga in a semifinal bout, received 14 points from Michael Williams, 11 points from Marko Petrovic and 10 points from Moustapha Diarra.
Pepperdine (12-21) was paced by Lorne Jackson's 18 points, while Joshua Lowery and Mychel Thompson contributed 15 and 11 points, respectively and Taylor Darby grabbed 10 boards.
Heavy machinegun fire rocks Libyan capital Tripoli
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Libyan troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi launched counter-strikes on Sunday to try to take back strategic towns from rebel forces, while intense automatic gunfire reverberated around the capital.
The resilience of Gaddafi's forces in the face of the widespread insurrection and their ability to counter-attack will increase fears that Libya is heading for a protracted civil war.
While Gaddafi's troops attacked and heavy fighting ensued, a government spokesman claimed a series of swift victories.
Shooting erupted in Tripoli just before daybreak, with machinegun volleys, some of them heavy caliber, echoing across the city of 2 million people, followed by the sound of ambulance sirens, pro-Gaddafi chants, and a cacophony of car horns.
"These are celebrations because government forces have taken control of all areas to Benghazi and are in the process of taking control of Benghazi," Ibrahim said, referring to Libya's rebel-controlled second largest city situated in the far east.
Illegal immigration bill passes House
Georgia's much-debated law aiming to crack down on illegal immigrants -- and those who hire and harbor them -- passed the Georgia House on Thursday.
House Bill 87 passed by a vote of 113-56. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City.
According to the Associated Press, Ramsey feels the most important part of the bill is the requirement that Georgia employers use the federal E-Verify system to make sure that new hires are eligible to work in the United States.
Woeful Hawkeyes looking for strong finish
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The Iowa Hawkeyes don't need to be reminded of the importance of a strong finish. Or the ramifications of a weak one.
Last season, Iowa lost on the road to Wisconsin by 27 points and were thumped at Minnesota, 88-53, in its final two games before the Big Ten tournament.
Though the Hawkeyes hung close before falling to Michigan in the conference tourney, that lackluster road swing seemed to be the final straw for coach Todd Lickliter's tenure in Iowa City.
The Hawkeyes (10-19, 3-14 Big Ten) faded badly Wednesday night in an 85-66 loss at Michigan State, the same team it beat by 20 a month ago.
Lakers facing a long, hard week on the road
A four-game trip that begins Sunday could be their most challenging stretch of the season, taking them to San Antonio, Atlanta, Miami and Dallas. The Spurs, Heat and Mavericks are considered title contenders, and the Hawks aren't bad either.
The Lakers are about to embark on perhaps the most important week of their regular season.They will play four playoff-bound teams over the next seven days on the road, teams that are talented and competitive.
Three of the teams are among the NBA elite, teams that many believe have a legitimate chance at winning the championship. Two of the teams are ahead of them in the Western Conference and in the race for best record in the NBA, and another is just a half-game behind them for the fifth-best record in the league. More
Louisiana town cleans up after deadly tornado
(CNN) -- Utility companies will return Sunday to restore power in parts of Rayne, Louisiana, after a tornado pummeled the region, killing at least one person.
A Louisiana mother who died sheltering her child during the tornado was identified early Sunday as Jalisa Granger, a sheriff's office official said.
The 21-year-old's body was found by "a family member who lived nearby" who went to check on her, said Maxine Trahan, a spokeswoman for the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office in Rayne, Louisiana, adding that the "child was OK."
Trahan was killed when a tree fell on her house in the storm.
Eleven people were injured, she said.
"There's a lot of damage out there," Trahan said. "Most residents were evacuated, leaving for other relatives' homes. About 20 (who were) evacuated didn't have somewhere to go, but were taken to the local fire department."
Utility companies will be returning to the area Sunday morning to help restore power, she said.
The storm that killed Granger was one of at least two twisters tied to a weather system that has caused major damage in the state and wreaked havoc on Mardi Gras festivities.
In brig, WikiLeaks suspect Bradley Manning ordered to sleep without clothing
Military jailers are forcing Bradley Manning, the 23-year-old soldier accused of passing classified documents to WikiLeaks.org, to strip naked in his cell at night and sleep without clothing, a requirement his attorney says was imposed after Manning made a "sarcastic quip" about his confinement.
For most of the past eight months, Manning has been required to sleep wearing only boxer shorts, because of his status as a detainee under "prevention of injury watch," said 1st Lt. Brian Villiard, a spokesman for the military detention facility, or "brig," in Quantico. Beginning Wednesday night, the facility commander ordered that Manning turn over his boxers, too.
"The intention is not to cause any sort of humiliation or embarrassment," Villiard said. "The intention is to ensure the safety and security of the detainee and make sure he is able to stand trial."
Libyan Rebels Battle Qaddafi’s Forces for Control of Cities
(Updates with Sirte battle in second paragraph, Tripoli in seventh. See EXTRA and MET for more on the regional turmoil.)
March 6 (Bloomberg) -- Libyan rebels fought troops loyal to Muammar Qaddafi in several cities as they advanced on the leader's hometown of Sirte, 230 miles east of Tripoli.
Opposition fighters closing on the loyalist stronghold battled with Qaddafi's troops today, said Khaled el-Sayeh, a coordinator between the opposition's military forces and its interim ruling council in Benghazi. The rebel column was targeted by warplanes as it approached Sirte, the Associated Press said. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Reports on state television that Qaddafi's troops had recaptured the central oil port of Ras Lanuf overnight were false and designed to "bring down the morale of the youths," el-Sayeh said. The rebels were in control of the oil port early today, the AP and Al Arabiya television reported.
Daily Game Mar 06 - Sushi Cat 2
Continue the tale of Sushi Cat as he eats his way to get back his love.
Sushi Cat 2 is powered by dailygame.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)