DUBAI — The conflict in Libya has swept small but wealthy Qatar into the diplomatic and military spotlight in the absence of traditional Arab heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Egypt, analysts said on Wednesday.
Qatar last week became the first Arab state to take part in Western-led military operations against the regime of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
It has since scored another regional first by recognising the transitional council of the rebels battling Gaddafi as legitimate representatives of the Libyan people.
On Tuesday, leaders at an international conference held in London on the Libya crisis appointed gas-rich Qatar to host the first meeting of a follow-up Contact Group.
“This all confirms Qatar’s ambition to play a role as leader of the Arab world in the absence of the region’s traditional heavyweights such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt,” said London-based analyst Abdelwahad BadraKhan.
Qatari Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassem Al-Thani said in the British capital that the conflict in Libya was an Arab affair in which regional states should become more involved.
Qatar’s high-profile role “shows the determination of its leaders to put their small country on the regional political map,” just like they are on the sporting calendar as host of the 2022 football World Cup, said BadraKhan.
“With a stable regime and reassured by a large US air base in Qatar”, the emir, Hamad bin Hamad Al-Thani, has been taking the initiative “in consultation with” Washington and Riyadh, according to BadraKhan.
And Egypt is only just emerging from the February revolution which toppled its longtime president Hosni Mubarak.
Eclipsed since independence by “big brother” Saudi Arabia, Qatar has turned into a player in its own right, with help from Doha-based news channel Al-Jazeera and its blanket coverage of the so-called “Arab spring” of revolts.
Doha has played the role of mediator in complex regional crises in Lebanon, Yemen and Sudan, with varying degrees of success.
Ibrahim Sharqieh, deputy head of Brookings Doha Center, said a new order was being put in place.
“Qatar has a role to play in all this with its financial muscle, a moderate political vision and opening, and expertise it has gained from being involved in resolving regional crises,” he said.
Sharqieh pointed out the country has good ties with the United States and arch-foe Iran, and has had political contacts as well as trading with Israel.
Mohamed Mesfer, a university lecturer in Doha, said the low profile kept by Syria and Algeria was also serving to boost Qatar, which apart from the United Arab Emirates has been the only Arab state untouched by unrest popping up across the region since January.
On the domestic front, Qatar has lined up legislative elections without being forced to bow to street protests.
Libyan rebels say the Gulf state has signed a contract to market oil from the rebel-held east of the country, and it to host and help launch a rebel television station.
Wednesday 30 March 2011
Long loving international spotlight
Shane Long's hunger to learn his trade has only been increased by his emergence as a genuine international footballer.
The Republic of Ireland striker scored his sixth goal in 19 senior appearances for his country in Tuesday night's 3-2 friendly defeat by World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay, and was also instrumental in winning the penalty which led to his side's second.
Long said: "They came fourth in the World Cup, so they are a very good side. One of the lads said nine of the players who started in the semi-final played again on Tuesday night, so they are obviously a quality side. They had two good centre-backs, so it was a big learning curve for me."
Manager Giovanni Trapattoni employed the 24-year-old frontman as a lone striker after being impressed by his performance as a replacement for the injured Kevin Doyle in Saturday's 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifying victory over Macedonia, and was again delighted with his efforts.
Long admits he has benefited from being a regular in the Reading starting line-up this season, and his 18 npower Championship goals to date are testament to his blossoming potency.
The former Cork City player is learning by the week, and his brush with Uruguay was an opportunity to test just how far he has come.
Long added: "I am learning every day and 90 minutes every week is helping me progress. Tuesday's game is only going to add to that.
"They were good defenders. They knew what they were doing and could buy a foul as well, so it was a bit tough up there.
"But I gave as good as I got and I would like to think I caused them a bit of trouble."
The Republic of Ireland striker scored his sixth goal in 19 senior appearances for his country in Tuesday night's 3-2 friendly defeat by World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay, and was also instrumental in winning the penalty which led to his side's second.
Long said: "They came fourth in the World Cup, so they are a very good side. One of the lads said nine of the players who started in the semi-final played again on Tuesday night, so they are obviously a quality side. They had two good centre-backs, so it was a big learning curve for me."
Manager Giovanni Trapattoni employed the 24-year-old frontman as a lone striker after being impressed by his performance as a replacement for the injured Kevin Doyle in Saturday's 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifying victory over Macedonia, and was again delighted with his efforts.
Long admits he has benefited from being a regular in the Reading starting line-up this season, and his 18 npower Championship goals to date are testament to his blossoming potency.
The former Cork City player is learning by the week, and his brush with Uruguay was an opportunity to test just how far he has come.
Long added: "I am learning every day and 90 minutes every week is helping me progress. Tuesday's game is only going to add to that.
"They were good defenders. They knew what they were doing and could buy a foul as well, so it was a bit tough up there.
"But I gave as good as I got and I would like to think I caused them a bit of trouble."
Monday 28 March 2011
Coronial inquest puts rafting under spotlight
THE language barrier between two Greek tourists and their Australian kayaking guides may have led to a tragic drowning in a treacherous stretch of the Russell River, a coronial inquest has heard.
A police officer who investigated the 2008 death of Georgina Hatzidimitriadis, 50, has alleged the guides did not adequately gauge whether the woman and her nephew understood instructions before allowing them on the water.
The Cairns Coroner’s Court also heard paramedics were sent “nowhere near where the incident occurred” after receiving the emergency call from tour company Foaming Fury on July 30, 2008.
The inquest into Mrs Hatzidimitriadis’ drowning began yesterday and is the second of four to be held examining the deaths of five people on commercial white water rafting tours in the region between July, 2007 and February, 2009.
The court heard Mrs Hatzidimitriadis and her nephew Dimitrios Eremeidis pushed away from the shore out of turn, ignoring or not understanding instructions to wait for a whistle to sound.
Former Babinda police officer Sen-Sgt Kevin Mathieson said witnesses reported Mr Eremeidis became confused after the pair’s two-person kayak drifted off course and he began paddling the wrong way.
The court was told trip leader Dean Priest yelled instructions to Mr Eremeidis, but he continued to paddle backward while Mrs Hatzidimitriadis paddled forward, inhibiting the kayak’s ability to move away from the current.
After the kayak capsized, the force of the water trapped Mrs Hatzidimitriadis underneath the surface on the front of a large rock.
She was found seven to eight minutes later and pulled from the water.
Sen-Sgt Mathieson said paramedics were sent to the wrong section of the river after a “mix-up” with Foaming Fury, but he did not think it contributed to Mrs Hatzidimitriadis’ death.
He said he was more concerned there was no procedure to check tourists’ understanding of instructions given during demonstrations.
Sen-Sgt Mathieson said he did not think the dangers of the Russell River, in particular the section dubbed Three Ways where the tourists were kayaking, were properly explained and the rapids were no place for the inexperienced.
Foaming Fury general manager Alan Carrette told the court the company now had a more rigorous way of assessing tourists’ command of the English language.
A police officer who investigated the 2008 death of Georgina Hatzidimitriadis, 50, has alleged the guides did not adequately gauge whether the woman and her nephew understood instructions before allowing them on the water.
The Cairns Coroner’s Court also heard paramedics were sent “nowhere near where the incident occurred” after receiving the emergency call from tour company Foaming Fury on July 30, 2008.
The inquest into Mrs Hatzidimitriadis’ drowning began yesterday and is the second of four to be held examining the deaths of five people on commercial white water rafting tours in the region between July, 2007 and February, 2009.
The court heard Mrs Hatzidimitriadis and her nephew Dimitrios Eremeidis pushed away from the shore out of turn, ignoring or not understanding instructions to wait for a whistle to sound.
Former Babinda police officer Sen-Sgt Kevin Mathieson said witnesses reported Mr Eremeidis became confused after the pair’s two-person kayak drifted off course and he began paddling the wrong way.
The court was told trip leader Dean Priest yelled instructions to Mr Eremeidis, but he continued to paddle backward while Mrs Hatzidimitriadis paddled forward, inhibiting the kayak’s ability to move away from the current.
After the kayak capsized, the force of the water trapped Mrs Hatzidimitriadis underneath the surface on the front of a large rock.
She was found seven to eight minutes later and pulled from the water.
Sen-Sgt Mathieson said paramedics were sent to the wrong section of the river after a “mix-up” with Foaming Fury, but he did not think it contributed to Mrs Hatzidimitriadis’ death.
He said he was more concerned there was no procedure to check tourists’ understanding of instructions given during demonstrations.
Sen-Sgt Mathieson said he did not think the dangers of the Russell River, in particular the section dubbed Three Ways where the tourists were kayaking, were properly explained and the rapids were no place for the inexperienced.
Foaming Fury general manager Alan Carrette told the court the company now had a more rigorous way of assessing tourists’ command of the English language.
Wednesday 23 March 2011
Howard returns to spotlight for Butler as a changed player
Ask anyone on Butler about Matt Howard and you'll walk away thinking there was one small flaw with the way he corralled a crucial free-throw miss, drew attention to Nasir Robinson's reach-in and calmly sank the subsequent foul shot to beat No. 1 seed Pitt.
Howard did it all himself, creating a rare instance where the humble senior couldn't immediately credit someone else.
Unlike last Thursday, when frontcourt partner Andrew Smith helped create the mayhem that led to Howard's uncontested putback at the buzzer that took out Old Dominion, Saturday's three-part play was a solo act. It also cast a fitting spotlight on Howard, who two years after being the best player on a No. 9 seed Butler squad, has re-emerged as the program's unwitting star.
"Matt's been consistent his whole career. He's been a guy of few words, but he shows it a lot with his leadership through his actions," sophomore guard Chase Stigall said after Saturday's pulsating 71-70 win over the Panthers. "A lot of people think this was a great thing Matt did tonight, but he does it every day. He does it in practice, he does it in games."
That kind of constant, quiet leadership can get overlooked when what the public sees is a changing of the guard. Few recall that Howard was the Horizon League Player of the Year in 2009, leading a 26-5 Butler team into the NCAAs as the top scorer and rebounder. The more lasting image is last season's Howard, relegated to a distant third offensive option by the star turns of then-sophomores Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack as the Bulldogs fell inches short of a national title. Howard was memorable more for his general awkwardness, a reckless propensity for fouling and the concussion that left him a game-time decision for the title game against Duke.
Howard did it all himself, creating a rare instance where the humble senior couldn't immediately credit someone else.
Unlike last Thursday, when frontcourt partner Andrew Smith helped create the mayhem that led to Howard's uncontested putback at the buzzer that took out Old Dominion, Saturday's three-part play was a solo act. It also cast a fitting spotlight on Howard, who two years after being the best player on a No. 9 seed Butler squad, has re-emerged as the program's unwitting star.
"Matt's been consistent his whole career. He's been a guy of few words, but he shows it a lot with his leadership through his actions," sophomore guard Chase Stigall said after Saturday's pulsating 71-70 win over the Panthers. "A lot of people think this was a great thing Matt did tonight, but he does it every day. He does it in practice, he does it in games."
That kind of constant, quiet leadership can get overlooked when what the public sees is a changing of the guard. Few recall that Howard was the Horizon League Player of the Year in 2009, leading a 26-5 Butler team into the NCAAs as the top scorer and rebounder. The more lasting image is last season's Howard, relegated to a distant third offensive option by the star turns of then-sophomores Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack as the Bulldogs fell inches short of a national title. Howard was memorable more for his general awkwardness, a reckless propensity for fouling and the concussion that left him a game-time decision for the title game against Duke.
Wednesday 16 March 2011
City Councilman Charles Barron-led yells
Gov. Cuomo speech drowned out with City Councilman Charles Barron-led yells of 'Tax the rich!'
Gov. Cuomo's speech on Sunday night to the Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators was interrupted with chants of "Tax the rich!" led by City Councilman Charles Barron.
Cuomo received a warm welcome as he began to address the group, but within moments Barron (D-Brooklyn) did a Kanye West and stole the spotlight.
"Shame on you," Barron yelled at Cuomo after walking from the back of the Albany Convention Center to the front.
"Stop the cuts," Barron said.
"How are you tonight, Charles?" Cuomo said to Barron after the interruption. "I can't see who it is, but I know who it is."
Barron, a known rabble-rouser, seized the moment, yelling, "Tax the rich!"
Soon the chant caught on with a small but vocal group in the crowd of more than 500.
Cuomo's budget calls for deep cuts to education and health care spending to close the state's $10 billion deficit. He also opposes extension of the state's so-called millionaire's tax, which expires at the end of the year.
Gov. Cuomo's speech on Sunday night to the Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators was interrupted with chants of "Tax the rich!" led by City Councilman Charles Barron.
Cuomo received a warm welcome as he began to address the group, but within moments Barron (D-Brooklyn) did a Kanye West and stole the spotlight.
"Shame on you," Barron yelled at Cuomo after walking from the back of the Albany Convention Center to the front.
"Stop the cuts," Barron said.
"How are you tonight, Charles?" Cuomo said to Barron after the interruption. "I can't see who it is, but I know who it is."
Barron, a known rabble-rouser, seized the moment, yelling, "Tax the rich!"
Soon the chant caught on with a small but vocal group in the crowd of more than 500.
Cuomo's budget calls for deep cuts to education and health care spending to close the state's $10 billion deficit. He also opposes extension of the state's so-called millionaire's tax, which expires at the end of the year.
Tuesday 15 March 2011
Shorecrest Boys Soccer Again in the Spotlight
The Shorecrest boys soccer program is used to having the spotlight on it.
In 2010, the Scots started the year 20-0 and were in the running for a national title before a suprising loss to Camas in the 3A state quarterfinals ended their season.
The 2011 season is shaping up to be more of the same.
Shorecrest is again nationally ranked, starting the year 8th in the ESPN Fab 50 poll and appears to be one of the favorites to capture the 3A state title. The Scots won it all in 2009, before last years falter.
Head coach Drew Thompson said last years loss to Camas taught his team a valuable lesson in terms of records not meaning anything once the game begins.
"The lesson in that is that there's always somebody out there that's as good as you, and maybe even better than you," Thompson said. "If you don't go out and play well, they're going to beat you."
Thompson's squad will try to rebound following relatively high turnover rate in the starting lineup - five of eleven starters will be new this year - including the loss of Michael Harris, a 2010 second-team All-American who now plays at the University of Washington
"About half of our starting lineup is going to be new," Thompson said. "New, team, probably going to have a bit of a new style."
But the team still has Oregon State-signee Glenn Paden. The senior forward has led the team in goals the last two years and is expected to do so again in 2011.
"It's awful hard to top what he's accomplished already," Thompson said of Paden. "I suspect Glen for sure will be a major component in our success."
Paden will be joined by some varsity newcomers on the 2011 team.. Thompson said freshman Henry Wingo, whose brother played on the 2005 state title team could make an impact, as well as junior midfielder Callum Wijelath to contribute.
"I look for him to probably be a very good player for us this year," Thompson said of Wijelath.
At the helm is Thomspson, who is in his sixth year as the head coach. Thompson described the experience of coaching such a high-profile squad as a "fun" experience.
"We've been lucky to have many talented kids come through here," Thompson said. "It's been a fun ride. We've got a state championship, we've had a lot of kids earn state honors which has been neat to see that...It's all about the kids."
It is not often that public school is able to put together a run of success in one sport like Shorecrest has over the past decade. The Scots have won two of the past six 3A state titles and seem to be one of the favorites to win each season. Thompson said a run of success like that can make it harder to motivate players year-to-year.
"One of the things we have to work on all the time is becoming complacent, not thinking just because we're putting the jersey on that says 'Shorecrest' on it, that we're automatically going to win," Thompson said. "You have to instill in each team every year that everybody has worked for everything they have achieved in previous years, so we have to work for it again too. That's going to be a big challenge for us this year."
Shorecrest will be challenged in-conference this year by defending 3A state champion Glacier Peak and a re-tooled Shorewood squad.
"There's always a sleeper out there," Thompson said of the league. "I look for it be a competitive league, I don't expect to run away with it."
2010 ended short of what Shorecrest had hoped for. 2011 should provide it another chance to finish at the top.
In 2010, the Scots started the year 20-0 and were in the running for a national title before a suprising loss to Camas in the 3A state quarterfinals ended their season.
The 2011 season is shaping up to be more of the same.
Shorecrest is again nationally ranked, starting the year 8th in the ESPN Fab 50 poll and appears to be one of the favorites to capture the 3A state title. The Scots won it all in 2009, before last years falter.
Head coach Drew Thompson said last years loss to Camas taught his team a valuable lesson in terms of records not meaning anything once the game begins.
"The lesson in that is that there's always somebody out there that's as good as you, and maybe even better than you," Thompson said. "If you don't go out and play well, they're going to beat you."
Thompson's squad will try to rebound following relatively high turnover rate in the starting lineup - five of eleven starters will be new this year - including the loss of Michael Harris, a 2010 second-team All-American who now plays at the University of Washington
"About half of our starting lineup is going to be new," Thompson said. "New, team, probably going to have a bit of a new style."
But the team still has Oregon State-signee Glenn Paden. The senior forward has led the team in goals the last two years and is expected to do so again in 2011.
"It's awful hard to top what he's accomplished already," Thompson said of Paden. "I suspect Glen for sure will be a major component in our success."
Paden will be joined by some varsity newcomers on the 2011 team.. Thompson said freshman Henry Wingo, whose brother played on the 2005 state title team could make an impact, as well as junior midfielder Callum Wijelath to contribute.
"I look for him to probably be a very good player for us this year," Thompson said of Wijelath.
At the helm is Thomspson, who is in his sixth year as the head coach. Thompson described the experience of coaching such a high-profile squad as a "fun" experience.
"We've been lucky to have many talented kids come through here," Thompson said. "It's been a fun ride. We've got a state championship, we've had a lot of kids earn state honors which has been neat to see that...It's all about the kids."
It is not often that public school is able to put together a run of success in one sport like Shorecrest has over the past decade. The Scots have won two of the past six 3A state titles and seem to be one of the favorites to win each season. Thompson said a run of success like that can make it harder to motivate players year-to-year.
"One of the things we have to work on all the time is becoming complacent, not thinking just because we're putting the jersey on that says 'Shorecrest' on it, that we're automatically going to win," Thompson said. "You have to instill in each team every year that everybody has worked for everything they have achieved in previous years, so we have to work for it again too. That's going to be a big challenge for us this year."
Shorecrest will be challenged in-conference this year by defending 3A state champion Glacier Peak and a re-tooled Shorewood squad.
"There's always a sleeper out there," Thompson said of the league. "I look for it be a competitive league, I don't expect to run away with it."
2010 ended short of what Shorecrest had hoped for. 2011 should provide it another chance to finish at the top.
Monday 14 March 2011
Wikileaks puts Martinelli back in world spotlight .
Wikileaks puts Martinelli back in world spotlight .
Wikileaks has put Panama and President Ricardo Martinelli back in the world spotlight after reveations that he tried to create a bloc against supporters of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez.
Wikileaks released a message sent by the U.S. Embassy in San José, Costa Rica, to Washington talking of a a brief dialogue during Martinellis nauguration on July 1, 2009 with the then President Oscar Arias Costa Rica and Colombia's Alvaro Uribe.
The secret conversation is part of more than 800 confidential cables provided to The Nation . It noted that "a source who was present said Martinelli spoke to Arias on the need for a CPC (Colombia-Panama-Costa Rica) bloc against Chávez.''
Arias, who was president 2006-2010 period, had had friction with President Chavez, but sought to calm the situation for fear of economic retaliation from the Venezuelan government that has an aluminum plant in Costa Rica.
San Jose was also looking to reap the benefits of PetroCaribe, a regional agreement to buy Venezuelan oil at a discount. Uribe had also had disgreements with the Venezuelan leader.
El Siglo commented: “This is not the first time the controversial Wikileaks website puts the spotlight onbthe Panamanian leader. On December 25, 2010, the Spanish newspaper El Pais published a cable revealing that President Martinelli asked U.S.ambassador Barbara Stephenson for help in wiretapping political opponents.
“Martinelli’s message sent through his Blackberry said: 'I need help with wiretapping'.”
“The cable revealed that a secret intelligence report that Stephenson sent the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on August 22, 2009, about his request to use the Drug Enforecment Agency (DEA), to combat insecurity and spy on rival politicians.
“One of the strong criticisms made by the diplomat against the Panamanian leader was: 'His tendency to harassment and blackmail may have led to stardom in the world of supermarkets, but has done little for him as a statesman.
The director of the School of International Relations at the University of Panama, Fermín Gondola, said “The President cannot be promoting, creating blocs or goading Venezuela, just because he does not like the style of Chavez.”
The Wikipedia revelations come only a 48 hours after Venezuela’s Vice President claimed that Colombia’s former head of secret police, who was given refuge in Panama after she came under investigation, was meeting with Venezuelan exiles in Panama to plot destabilizing actions against the Chavez Government.
Wikileaks has put Panama and President Ricardo Martinelli back in the world spotlight after reveations that he tried to create a bloc against supporters of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez.
Wikileaks released a message sent by the U.S. Embassy in San José, Costa Rica, to Washington talking of a a brief dialogue during Martinellis nauguration on July 1, 2009 with the then President Oscar Arias Costa Rica and Colombia's Alvaro Uribe.
The secret conversation is part of more than 800 confidential cables provided to The Nation . It noted that "a source who was present said Martinelli spoke to Arias on the need for a CPC (Colombia-Panama-Costa Rica) bloc against Chávez.''
Arias, who was president 2006-2010 period, had had friction with President Chavez, but sought to calm the situation for fear of economic retaliation from the Venezuelan government that has an aluminum plant in Costa Rica.
San Jose was also looking to reap the benefits of PetroCaribe, a regional agreement to buy Venezuelan oil at a discount. Uribe had also had disgreements with the Venezuelan leader.
El Siglo commented: “This is not the first time the controversial Wikileaks website puts the spotlight onbthe Panamanian leader. On December 25, 2010, the Spanish newspaper El Pais published a cable revealing that President Martinelli asked U.S.ambassador Barbara Stephenson for help in wiretapping political opponents.
“Martinelli’s message sent through his Blackberry said: 'I need help with wiretapping'.”
“The cable revealed that a secret intelligence report that Stephenson sent the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on August 22, 2009, about his request to use the Drug Enforecment Agency (DEA), to combat insecurity and spy on rival politicians.
“One of the strong criticisms made by the diplomat against the Panamanian leader was: 'His tendency to harassment and blackmail may have led to stardom in the world of supermarkets, but has done little for him as a statesman.
The director of the School of International Relations at the University of Panama, Fermín Gondola, said “The President cannot be promoting, creating blocs or goading Venezuela, just because he does not like the style of Chavez.”
The Wikipedia revelations come only a 48 hours after Venezuela’s Vice President claimed that Colombia’s former head of secret police, who was given refuge in Panama after she came under investigation, was meeting with Venezuelan exiles in Panama to plot destabilizing actions against the Chavez Government.
Tribeca Film Fest Unveils Full Slate
The Tribeca Film Festival on Monday announced the 44 films selected for its Spotlight and Cinemania sections, led by the directorial debut of Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga, as well as documentaries about Ozzy Osbourne, Carol Channing and the infamous Limelight nightclub, and new efforts from filmmakers Michael Winterbottom, Alex Gibney and Tsui Hark.
An image from Billy Corben's documentary 'Limelight,' about the fabled Manhattan nightclub. The film will screen at the Tribeca Film Festival.
.The festival, now in its 10th year, also announced a number of special screenings, as well as its ESPN Sports Film Festival sidebar.
"We've got a good mix of different kinds of movies," said David Kwok, the director of programming for the festival, which will run from April 20 to May 1 in the city. "We've been trying for that every year, and this year it's really come together. We want to show what's happening now in cinema from the United States and abroad."
A likely highlight is "Higher Ground," which Ms. Farmiga ("Up in the Air," "The Departed") stars in and directed. Adapted from a memoir by Carolyn S. Briggs, the film examines the awakening of a woman in a fundamentalist community amid the social upheaval of the 1960s. In another drama with a religious theme, Kathleen Turner stars in "A Perfect Family" as a woman vying for "Catholic Woman of the Year" whose brood must pass muster with the church's idea of family values.
Comic excursions include Mr. Winterbottom's "The Trip," with British actors Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon playing themselves on a drive through the British countryside; and "A Good Old-Fashioned Orgy," an ensemble piece about a Hamptons party that goes awry.
Brooklyn-based actor Alessandro Nivola stars in "Janie Jones," playing a rock musician who goes on a road trip with the teenage daughter (Abigail Breslin) he's only just met. The film is one of several to be distributed by Tribeca Films. Other marquee names expected on the red carpet are Orlando Bloom ("The Good Doctor"), Keira Knightley ("Last Night"), and Hong Kong legend Chow Yun-Fat ("Let the Bullets Fly").
The documentary selection feature a number of New York stories. Billy Corben's "Limelight" traces the wild life and times of nightclub impresario Peter Gatien, owner of two fabled Manhattan discos. "Carol Channing: Larger Than Life" profiles the still vibrant 90-year-old Broadway legend. And actor Michael Raporport follows a crew of 1990s New York hip-hop heroes in "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest."
Elsewhere, Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney returns with "Catching Hell," the story of cursed Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman. The film the gala selection for the ESPN Sports Film Festival sidebar, which includes five other films featured in the Spotlight section. The films will have their final screenings in an all-day marathon on April 30.
Last week, the festival announced that the world premiere of Cameron Crowe's documentary "The Union" will open the event, with a free performance by the film's subject, Elton John, to follow the film. The outdoor screening is scheduled for April 20 at the North Cove at the World Financial Plaza.
Founded by Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the festival aims to bolster the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan.
An image from Billy Corben's documentary 'Limelight,' about the fabled Manhattan nightclub. The film will screen at the Tribeca Film Festival.
.The festival, now in its 10th year, also announced a number of special screenings, as well as its ESPN Sports Film Festival sidebar.
"We've got a good mix of different kinds of movies," said David Kwok, the director of programming for the festival, which will run from April 20 to May 1 in the city. "We've been trying for that every year, and this year it's really come together. We want to show what's happening now in cinema from the United States and abroad."
A likely highlight is "Higher Ground," which Ms. Farmiga ("Up in the Air," "The Departed") stars in and directed. Adapted from a memoir by Carolyn S. Briggs, the film examines the awakening of a woman in a fundamentalist community amid the social upheaval of the 1960s. In another drama with a religious theme, Kathleen Turner stars in "A Perfect Family" as a woman vying for "Catholic Woman of the Year" whose brood must pass muster with the church's idea of family values.
Comic excursions include Mr. Winterbottom's "The Trip," with British actors Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon playing themselves on a drive through the British countryside; and "A Good Old-Fashioned Orgy," an ensemble piece about a Hamptons party that goes awry.
Brooklyn-based actor Alessandro Nivola stars in "Janie Jones," playing a rock musician who goes on a road trip with the teenage daughter (Abigail Breslin) he's only just met. The film is one of several to be distributed by Tribeca Films. Other marquee names expected on the red carpet are Orlando Bloom ("The Good Doctor"), Keira Knightley ("Last Night"), and Hong Kong legend Chow Yun-Fat ("Let the Bullets Fly").
The documentary selection feature a number of New York stories. Billy Corben's "Limelight" traces the wild life and times of nightclub impresario Peter Gatien, owner of two fabled Manhattan discos. "Carol Channing: Larger Than Life" profiles the still vibrant 90-year-old Broadway legend. And actor Michael Raporport follows a crew of 1990s New York hip-hop heroes in "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest."
Elsewhere, Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney returns with "Catching Hell," the story of cursed Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman. The film the gala selection for the ESPN Sports Film Festival sidebar, which includes five other films featured in the Spotlight section. The films will have their final screenings in an all-day marathon on April 30.
Last week, the festival announced that the world premiere of Cameron Crowe's documentary "The Union" will open the event, with a free performance by the film's subject, Elton John, to follow the film. The outdoor screening is scheduled for April 20 at the North Cove at the World Financial Plaza.
Founded by Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the festival aims to bolster the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan.
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Finding Cheap Outdoor Ceiling Fans
So you've decided to add a ceiling fan to that back porch overhang or gazebo, but now you're wondering how much all of this is going to cost. So before dashing off to the local discount home improvement center for some serious bargain hunting let's take a moment to make sure you understand what you're getting into.
An outdoor ceiling fan is a great thing to have to keep the mosquitoes at bay and otherwise keep you cool during those hot days and sultry evening. But remember to put safety first! You first have to make sure you're getting a fan that's actually made to be installed outdoors. Outdoor ceiling fans come in 2 types: Damp-rated for covered porches and other places where the fan will be sheltered from direct rain, and wet-rated fans which are designed to be exposed directly to the elements, including direct rain.
Determine which type you need, based on the installation location, then get out your tape measure and a paper and pencil. You need to make sure that the fan isn't too low or too wide. Keeping in mind that a standard ceiling is 8 ft high, measure the clearance from the floor to the mounting point.
- Ceilings lower than 8 ft will require a low profile, flush-mount fan to avoid interference issue with hats, big hair and heads.
- Ceilings higher than 8 ft are not a problem, but do offer choices. You may want to add a droprod to lower the fan closer to the 8 ft level, and you may need to purchase an angled mounting kit if the ceiling is sloped.
Also check the minimum clearance from the mounting point to the closest wall surface. Most manufacturers have a recommended clearance, usually 2 inches less than the minimum distance to the wall.
Next check out the available power. If there's an existing light you're all set, and if there's an existing light switch, you're in even better shape. Most low-cost fans can be controlled with separate pull chains for fan and lights. An existing wall switch allows you to control the fan and light ON/OFF from the wall, and the use the pull chains to control fan sped and lighting options (ON/OFF, how many bulbs are on with each pull, etc.)
So now that you've identified the type of ceiling fan you need to buy, the size and mounting height requirements and the available power situation, its time to head off to the discount home improvement center to find the best fan and the best price.
An outdoor ceiling fan is a great thing to have to keep the mosquitoes at bay and otherwise keep you cool during those hot days and sultry evening. But remember to put safety first! You first have to make sure you're getting a fan that's actually made to be installed outdoors. Outdoor ceiling fans come in 2 types: Damp-rated for covered porches and other places where the fan will be sheltered from direct rain, and wet-rated fans which are designed to be exposed directly to the elements, including direct rain.
Determine which type you need, based on the installation location, then get out your tape measure and a paper and pencil. You need to make sure that the fan isn't too low or too wide. Keeping in mind that a standard ceiling is 8 ft high, measure the clearance from the floor to the mounting point.
- Ceilings lower than 8 ft will require a low profile, flush-mount fan to avoid interference issue with hats, big hair and heads.
- Ceilings higher than 8 ft are not a problem, but do offer choices. You may want to add a droprod to lower the fan closer to the 8 ft level, and you may need to purchase an angled mounting kit if the ceiling is sloped.
Also check the minimum clearance from the mounting point to the closest wall surface. Most manufacturers have a recommended clearance, usually 2 inches less than the minimum distance to the wall.
Next check out the available power. If there's an existing light you're all set, and if there's an existing light switch, you're in even better shape. Most low-cost fans can be controlled with separate pull chains for fan and lights. An existing wall switch allows you to control the fan and light ON/OFF from the wall, and the use the pull chains to control fan sped and lighting options (ON/OFF, how many bulbs are on with each pull, etc.)
So now that you've identified the type of ceiling fan you need to buy, the size and mounting height requirements and the available power situation, its time to head off to the discount home improvement center to find the best fan and the best price.
Monday 7 March 2011
Do You Require Special LED Lamps for LED Bulbs?
No one is surprised to hear that money makes the world go round, but some of the ways people try to make money can be shocking. So, here is the scoop on LED lamps and the need to retrofit or change out fixtures in order to use LED bulbs.
The only time you would need to switch out fixtures is if you are searching for new options in commercial lighting or you want to use the new LED tube bulbs in an old fluorescent tube fixture. To use the new 2 pin replacements you would need to remove or bypass the old ballast and starter in the fixture - a simple enough job.
Selecting Bulbs for your Lamps
Switching to LED bulbs is no more difficult than switching a light bulb. The key issue is getting the right replacement bulb when you go shopping. Fewer manufacturers are placing wattage upon their packaging; instead you will start seeing things marked with lumens, or labeled as "replaces 40W." Check labels carefully, and make sure you are getting LED bulbs, not CFL bulbs which are similarly packaged.
To replace a 25 watt bulb, look for about 250 lumens. A 40 watt replacement LED should generate 400-500 lumens. A 60 watt alternative should run about 800 lumens and a 100 watt replacement ought to be rated for 1400-1700 lumens.
The Advantages of LEDs
First and foremost you will save a tremendous amount of electricity. On average LED bulbs use 80%-90% less energy to deliver the same light as comparable incandescent bulbs. When compared to CFL bulbs, they are almost 50% more efficient. That's a lot of juice when you take in to account your whole home.
LED bulbs don't require a warm up time, they contain no mercury and many of them can be used with dimmer switches. Your average LED bulb will last 20 years or more, even with constant use. They generate nearly no heat, making them easy to change. Finally, they don't contain mercury, which all fluorescent bulbs do.
While the initial cost with LED lamps is higher, the overall cost will be significantly lower. Consider starting small, with a hard to reach fixture - it won't be long before you join the movement to safer, more environmentally sound lighting choices.
The only time you would need to switch out fixtures is if you are searching for new options in commercial lighting or you want to use the new LED tube bulbs in an old fluorescent tube fixture. To use the new 2 pin replacements you would need to remove or bypass the old ballast and starter in the fixture - a simple enough job.
Selecting Bulbs for your Lamps
Switching to LED bulbs is no more difficult than switching a light bulb. The key issue is getting the right replacement bulb when you go shopping. Fewer manufacturers are placing wattage upon their packaging; instead you will start seeing things marked with lumens, or labeled as "replaces 40W." Check labels carefully, and make sure you are getting LED bulbs, not CFL bulbs which are similarly packaged.
To replace a 25 watt bulb, look for about 250 lumens. A 40 watt replacement LED should generate 400-500 lumens. A 60 watt alternative should run about 800 lumens and a 100 watt replacement ought to be rated for 1400-1700 lumens.
The Advantages of LEDs
First and foremost you will save a tremendous amount of electricity. On average LED bulbs use 80%-90% less energy to deliver the same light as comparable incandescent bulbs. When compared to CFL bulbs, they are almost 50% more efficient. That's a lot of juice when you take in to account your whole home.
LED bulbs don't require a warm up time, they contain no mercury and many of them can be used with dimmer switches. Your average LED bulb will last 20 years or more, even with constant use. They generate nearly no heat, making them easy to change. Finally, they don't contain mercury, which all fluorescent bulbs do.
While the initial cost with LED lamps is higher, the overall cost will be significantly lower. Consider starting small, with a hard to reach fixture - it won't be long before you join the movement to safer, more environmentally sound lighting choices.
Thursday 3 March 2011
LED Lighting - A Bright Idea
My wife and I have lived in this neighbourhood for almost twenty years. We were a young couple when we first moved in, our kids grew up in this house and our neighbours have been like family.
It's always been a safe neighbourhood without ever any instances of burglaries or even disturbances. However recently all that changed when our good friend and neighbour, Frances was attacked as she was putting out the bins one night.
Her husband was away at a golf-retreat with his buddies, when Frances was knocked on the head and robbed of a few measly possessions: none of which were very valuable to her.
Suffice to say the incident shook the neighbourhood and the culprits are yet to be apprehended.
It was then that we set up a neighbourhood watch we decided we needed to take more precaution. For some of us this meant locking the doors at night. For others, like myself, it meant getting some warning lights.
We were recommended to get some LED lighting installed around the perimeter of our house. We soon discovered there were a whole range of LED lights to choose from. Did we want the LED Spotlight or the LED super ultra bright 50,000 hour's energy efficient light bulbs? What a mouthful! We also knew that we needed to get energy efficient light bulbs so as not to waste energy.
There were so many models, makes, watts, shapes and sizes to choose form that we spent over an hour talking trying to learn about all the varieties on offer. Deciding that we were never going to learn all the ins and outs of LED lights, we kept it simple. We purchased a LED Flood light for our back garden along with a LED spotlight, which we installed near our front door. This ensured that along with the alarm system, if anyone was seen creeping around our house, they wouldn't be able to do so without being well illuminated.
It's always been a safe neighbourhood without ever any instances of burglaries or even disturbances. However recently all that changed when our good friend and neighbour, Frances was attacked as she was putting out the bins one night.
Her husband was away at a golf-retreat with his buddies, when Frances was knocked on the head and robbed of a few measly possessions: none of which were very valuable to her.
Suffice to say the incident shook the neighbourhood and the culprits are yet to be apprehended.
It was then that we set up a neighbourhood watch we decided we needed to take more precaution. For some of us this meant locking the doors at night. For others, like myself, it meant getting some warning lights.
We were recommended to get some LED lighting installed around the perimeter of our house. We soon discovered there were a whole range of LED lights to choose from. Did we want the LED Spotlight or the LED super ultra bright 50,000 hour's energy efficient light bulbs? What a mouthful! We also knew that we needed to get energy efficient light bulbs so as not to waste energy.
There were so many models, makes, watts, shapes and sizes to choose form that we spent over an hour talking trying to learn about all the varieties on offer. Deciding that we were never going to learn all the ins and outs of LED lights, we kept it simple. We purchased a LED Flood light for our back garden along with a LED spotlight, which we installed near our front door. This ensured that along with the alarm system, if anyone was seen creeping around our house, they wouldn't be able to do so without being well illuminated.
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