Saturday, October 31, 2009

Halloween in US and UK

Halloween is celebrated both in US and the UK. Children dress in special clothes to try to look frightening, for example as ghosts or witches, and people make jack o´lanterns by cutting faces in pumpkins and putting a light inside. Children go trick-or-treating (they go from house to house, dressed as witches, ghosts, etc. knocking on doors and saying “trick or treat!”). The people in the houses must then either give the children a “treat” (usually sweets) or the children will play a trick on them.


Children and older people sometimes go to Halloween parties, where they play games such as “bobbing for apples”, when they try to catch an apple floating in water by using their teeth. Food at these parties is usually made to look weird, for example by making it a strange colour or by making it in the shape of a witch, as ghost or a bat. Many of these Halloween traditions originally come from the US, but they are now also common in the UK.

Horror Fiction by British Writers

There are many horror stories in English written by British writers.
  • Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was written by the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson.
  • Frankenstein was written by the English writer Mary Shelley.
  • Dracula was written by the Irish writer Bram Stoker.

Superstition: Lucky Charms

Some people think that it is lucky to find a four-leaved clover or to pick up a penny that you have found on the ground. Other people carry a rabbit's foot, or hang a horseshoe above the door to have good luck. In the UK people say that it is lucky if a black cat walks across your path, but in the US this is considered unlucky.

The trouble with Hallowe'en... even with Christopher Lee

I never "celebrated" Hallowe'en as a child. We knew the date and that it was something to do with bad spirits but that was it. The only traditions we had were bobbing for apples and marshmallows on a string - all done without hands, of course. You'd end up wet and sticky. I think we'd play conkers as well

Come October our thoughts were on "Guy Fawkes night" also known as bonfire night. Sure kids would go around with homemade effigies of Guy Fawkes and chant "Penny for the Guy?" As an English Catholic I was always dubious about the emphasis on the Catholic plot to destroy Parliament but I would celebrate it because I could see that change needed to be within the law. Always felt sorry for the chap. The bonfire and fireworks were something different, to light up cold November evenings. Writing our names with sparklers and watching fireworks that went off. Even the ones that failed were entertaining. And the guy's were always a source of amusement, being pushed around in prams or dragged on go-karts.

Traditionally we'd eat baked potatoes and black peas, toffee, toffee apples and "Parkin".

"Cop calling" was another tradition where we lived in Manchester. Children would knock on the door - with or without a Guy and start singing Guy Fawkes rhymes usually "We come a cop calling this Bonfire night..." There was more but I can't remember it - possibly because they were never allowed to get past the first line at our house. "You had the feeling they never got past the first line sometimes as the next line, if sung, was frequently mumbled. I've tried looking it up but can only find this rhyme.

Sadly I was reading today, this custom in in decline being replaced by the American custom's of Hallowe'en. I never went to a Hallowe'en party until the early nineties when I was nearly 30! "Trick or treating" being the most dubious in my mind. We, as a family, never encouraged cop calling because it was seen as begging but there was no harm done if you said no. The idea that it's OK to go around begging for treats and, if none are received, it's OK to threaten to play a trick on someone is immoral! It's begging with menaces! The idea that it is OK to scare people. What does that teach young minds? I know many an elderly person who feels threatened in their own homes at this time of year. My main gripe is that it's an American import, it's just not British! If we must import from America I'm sure there are more worthy imports.

I think I'm turning into a grumpy old woman...

So, drawings wise. In spite of what I've said against Hallowe'en it seems churlish not to do something relevant! Especially when Christopher Lee was knighted only yesterday. So, despite his request not to be so addressed....Here's Sir Christopher in what can only be described as a Hammer Horror classic image.

Christopher Lee 001

OK, it may not be Hammer but I love the association.

It's another quick sketch, the lines didn't go quite where I wanted them but I think it works.

I've also had a few cracks at Robbie Williams. No cigar yet. I'm getting cramp in my drawing hand so I think I'll call it a day now.

Oops...sound of sirens... GRUMPY OLD WOMAN ALERT!

the Parabot


Richmonder Robert Bess has built a ghost catching machine called the Parabot -- short for paranormal containment chamber. And now the only thing he has to do is test it by catching the ghost. On live national television.

To be precise on,The Travel Channel's live Halloween broadcast.

We got a sneak peek before Bess heads to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia to test the Parabot on national TV. With the help of hosts from "Ghost Adventues LIVE," he'll try to catch a ghost during a seven-hour paranormal investigation on Oct. 30, 2009.

London Girl : The Invisible

Invisible: Alexa Ray Joel


Alexa Ray Joel she's been learning the ropes as a singer-songwriter from past few years, now she is ready to be a superstar.

Her new single, "Invisible," though, seems ready to step her into the spotlight. The piano-driven ballad, which she recently debuted on "The Wendy Williams Show," about a bad breakup, gives her a chance to proove her powerful, distinctive voice as well as her songwriting abilities.

To make the most of it, Joel teamed up with Tommy Byrnes, Billy Joel's longtime guitarist, to produce "Invisible," which will likely be on her upcoming album. The song, which she is giving away on her Web site, alexarayjoel.com, is so strong and moves in such a pop-leaning direction that Joel may find herself in the midst of the major-label frenzy that she has tried to avoid so far.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Amazing Johnathan


The Amazing Johnathan is an Famous comic magician whose bizarre humor and unscripted antics have earned him widespread recognition as one of the most original and unique stage performers today. His DVD Wrong On Every Level is the latest example to prove this point.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal has given Amazing Johnathan much praise, by including him on the coveted "Best of Las Vegas" list in the "Best Show" category, and he also won "Best Comedian of the Year" for 2002 and got nominated in 2003. Most recently, Amazing Johnathan was recognized as "Best Local Villain" by the Las Vegas Weekly Reader's Choice Awards in 2004 and 2005. He is also a two-time winner of the International Magic Award for "Best Comedy Magician."

weezer snuggie


"Wuggie," as it's affectionately being referred to Weezer Snuggie ie weezer+snuggie = wuggie

With the Nov. 3 release of Raditude looming, Weezer have declared a handful of tour dates scheduled for this December, in addition to the New York City and Los Angeles shows previously announced for the end of this month.Schedule with All dates are below.

In addition, the band have also announced that they will be the musical guest on The Late Show With David Letterman on Oct. 29 and 30; but most importantly, Nov. 3 will also serve as the release date for the long-anticipated Weezer Snuggie, or "Wuggie," as it's affectionately being referred to. There's still no word on what exactly will make the Snuggie a Wuggie, but we'll keep you posted.

10/24/2009 - Los Angeles, CA - Palladium
10/31/2009 - New York, NY - Hammerstein Ballroom
12/1/2009 - Chicago, IL - Aragon Ballroom
12/3/2009 - Milwaukee, WI - Eagles Ballroom
12/5/2009 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Center
12/7/2009 - Boston, MA - Agganis Arena
12/9/2009 - Baltimore, MD - UMBC Fieldhouse
12/10/2009 - Philadelphia, PA - Susquehanna Center

SEPTA strike-update

Update-03.11.2009 Excerpts from Septa site to help during strike-

What SEPTA Service Will Run?

Regional Rail
Train service will be the best choice for travel in and around Philadelphia

Suburban Transit
Bus, Trolley, and Norristown High Speed Lines will not be affected, except Route 116, which will be temporarily discontinued. Route service will change for those buses that normally travel into the City. Contract routes 204, 205, 306, and 314 will continue to operate

LUCY (Loop through University City)
Green and Gold Loop service will operate regular routing from 30th Street Station to selected University City destinations

CCT Connect
Regular service will operate for registered ADA and Shared Ride customers. There may be some delays due to increased demand and local street traffic

- What SEPTA Service Will Not Run?

Market-Frankford Line
No service between 69th Street Terminal and Frankford Transportation Center

Broad Street Line/Broad Ridge Spur
No service between Fern Rock Transportation Center and Pattison Avenue, Chinatown or 8th & Market

All City Transit Bus, Trolley, and Trackless Trolley Routes
No service on bus routes 1 through 89, all lettered bus routes, Owl Service, and trolley routes 10, 11, 13, 15, 34, and 36

Frontier Bus Routes
No service on bus routes 90 through 99, 124, 127-132, 134, 139, 150, 201, 206, and 304

Update - Governor Rendell was successful to delay the SEPTA strike while the World Series was in town by ordering SEPTA management and union officials to discuss at the bargaining table. But Unfortunately, Rendell wasn't able to hold the strike off entirely. As of on 3 a.m. this morning, members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 started the strike and have walked off the job.

SUBURBAN TRANSIT

TEMPORARY CHANGES

Route 105 - 69th Street Terminal to Ardmore and Paoli
  • Operate current schedule
  • All trips will bypass Overbrook Park using Victory Ave, West Chester Pike, Lynn Blvd, Township Line Rd, City Ave
  • Service to 63rd & Malvern discontinued
Route 106 - 69th Street Terminal to Ardmore
  • Operate current schedule
  • All trips will bypass Overbrook Park using Victory Ave, West Chester Pike, Lynn Blvd, Township Line Rd, City Ave
Route 108 - 69th Street Terminal to PHL or UPS
  • Operate current route between 69th St and Yeadon
  • All service to Paschall, Elmwood, and Eastwick discontinued
  • Express routing to serve Airport Business Center, PHL and UPS via Darby
  • Bus will stop at the Route 102 – Sharon Hill Trolley Station
Route 115 – Ardmore to PHL or Airport Business Center
  • Customers traveling to PHL or Airport Business Center should take Route 115 and transfer at Sharon Hill Trolley Station for Route 108
  • All southbound service will end at Folcroft East Industrial Park
  • Northbound service will not serve PHL or Airport Business Center
Route 125 - Villanova Station to King of Prussia & Valley Forge
  • Service to Center City, 30th St Station and Wissahickon Transportation Center discontinued
  • All service will begin/end at Villanova Station – Paoli/Thorndale (R5) Line
Route 310 - Horsham Breeze
  • All service will begin/end at Jenkintown Station
  • 30 minute service AM/PM peaks to meet connecting Lansdale/Doylestown (R5) trains; 60 minute service midday and evenings

A 12:01 a.m. strike deadline has gone.

SEPTA and its largest union, negotiations are continued early this morning.

Gov. Rendell and Mayor Nutter reached at the Holiday Inn in Center City just before 1 a.m. hoping to reach a settlement overnight.

A strike - which Mayor Nutter had said "was pretty unimaginable" and which the union leadership had presented as very possible - can still be called at any time by Local 234 of the Transport Workers Union.


SEPTA employees have been working without a contract since March. After several months of negotiations with management, SEPTA's largest union, Transport Workers Union Local 234, voted earlier today to authorize a strike if a contract cannot be reached by the end of the week - meaning that the strike would begin just as the Phillies start playing home World Series games. Yikes.

Kathy Gloddy unsolved murder

Kathy Gloddy- She was just thirteen-year-old girl when she was raped, beaten, and brutally killed in 1971. The case is still unsolved after all these years later. Now 20/20 is set to do a show spotlighting the murder.

The ABC News magazine 20/20 is going to highlight the late November 1971 unsolved murder of Kathy Lynn Gloddy, the 13-year-old girl who was beaten, raped, hit over the head, and run over by a car at least four times and left dead on a logging road.
On the last night of Kathy Lynn's life, the young athlete, poet, and conservationist took her German Shepherd out for a walk and stopped on a variety store for ice cream and a can of potato sticks —those were her favorites. She never came back to her home. Only her dog returned.
After the Gloddys sister spent months testifying in both the state Senate and the N.H. House of Representatives, Gov. John D. Lynch signed the New Hampshire Cold Case unit into law in the Governor and Council's room with the family invited as special guests.

The murder investigation has gone through a number of twists and turns recently, when elderly Florida resident Ernest Dukette went into a police department and said he believed he was with Kathy Lynn when she died but could not remember if he had raped her.

Although Dukette later recanted his statements, saying he was ill and confused from various medications he was taking,
Dukette died in August at Old Town, Fla., and never spoke another public word about Kathy Lynn and what he may have known about her murder

Kathy Gloddys murder devastated her family. Her mother, Lucille, committed suicide 20 years after her death, mentioning in a suicide note that she wanted "to be with Kathy."

"20/20" is anchored by Elizabeth Vargas. David Sloan is executive producer.



Ghost Adventures

Ghost Adventures Live runs until 3 a.m. Saturday morning. If you would like to see what is going on inside the trans allegheny lunatic asylum hospital click on the link below.

Related Links:
- Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures Live

Down, down, deeper and down.

I started the day on a downer wondering what I should do and procrastinating like mad. So I decided.

Time for some positive thinking!

In the next 24 hours I'm would

1. Finalise craft fair table booking details.

2. Submit BAFA form

3. Complete painting on my third entry for BAFA entry!

Check, check and check! Feeling much better now.

OK, so doing another caricature was not on that list, so none today.

switchback railway

switchback railway


One can think the roots of the American roller coaster would have sprouted in New York City, perhaps Coney Island. Or maybe Lakemont Park in Altoona Pennsylvania. its wrong Although, PA is the right state.

The first "gravityride" was built in the small Eastern Pennsylvania town of Mauch Chunk in the heart of the Pocono mountains. Mauch Chunk is not on the map, the town was later renamed as Jim Thorpe.


More of a mine train ride, for good reason, than today's thrill rides the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway was a short railroad line built to haul coal from the top of Mount Pisgah to a canal below. Empty cars were pulled up the mountain by mules, the coal was loaded and then the train and the mules coasted downhill to the canal. This operation lasted until the mine closed in the early
1870s.


While it's not known if the mules enjoyed the ride, some folks thought that people might. So, the old mine train reopened as a Pleasure Railroad with new passenger friendly cars. The mules were replaced with steam engines and the new railway used the same tracks as the mine train route. The cars were equipped with low booster wheels to assist in pushing them up some of the steep slopes.

There were plenty of sites along the route like a mine that had been burning since 1832. Riders were also attracted by lots of beautiful scenic views.


The Mauch Chunk Railway was a huge success, in 1873 35,000 visitors paid a nickel each for the experience. The railway ran until 1938, when the Central Railroad cancelled all further runs.

Surprising remains of the Switchback Railway can still be found in the woods near Jim Thorpe today.

Britney Spears' "3" Video: Watch it

Halloween Quotes

A. On Hallowe'en the thing
you must do
Is pretend that nothing
can frighten you
An' if somethin' scares you
and you want to run
Jus' let on like
it's Hallowe'en fun.
- - - from an old Nineteenth Century Halloween Postcard



B. One need not be a chamber to be haunted;
One need not be a house;
The brain has corridors surpassing
Material place.
- - - by Emily Dickinson



C. 'Tis the night - the night
Of the grave's delight,
And the warlocks are at their play;
Ye think that without
The wild winds shout,
But no, it is they - it is they.
- - - by Arthur Cleveland Coxe



D. If a man harbors any sort of fear, it makes him landlord to a ghost.
- - - by Lloyd Douglas



E. Shadows of a thousand years rise again unseen,
Voices whisper in the trees, "Tonight is Halloween!"
- - - by Dexter Kozen



F. Fear is nature's warning signal to get busy.
- - - by Henry C. Link



G. The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.
- - -by H. P. Lovecraft



H. Be wary then; best safety lies in fear.
- - - by Shakespeare "Hamlet"



I. Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble.
- - -by Shakespeare "Macbeth"



J. Hark! Hark to the wind! 'Tis the night, they say,
When all souls come back from the far away-
The dead, forgotten this many a day!
- - -by Virna Sheard



K. From ghoulies and ghosties and long leggety beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!
- - -by Scottish saying



L. Men say that in this midnight hour,
The disembodièd have power
To wander as it liketh them,
By wizard oak and fairy stream.
- - -by William Motherwell



M. At first cock-crow the ghosts must go
Back to their quiet graves below.
- - -by Theodosia Garrison



N. 'Tis now the very witching time of night, When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
Contagion to this world.
- - -by William Shakespeare



O. Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark; and as that natural fear in children is
increased with tales, so is the other.
- - -by Sir Francis Bacon, Essays [1625], "Of Death"



P. To suffering there is a limit; to fearing, none.
- - -by Sir Francis Bacon, Essays [1625], "Of Seditions and Troubles



Q. Ghosts, like ladies, never speak till spoke to.
- - -byRichard Harris Barham



R. For as children tremble and fear everything in the blind darkness, so we in the light
sometimes fear what is no more to be feared than the things children in the dark hold in
terror and imagine will come true.
- - -by Titus Lucretius Carus [99-55 B.C.], De Rerum Natura, bk. III, l. 87



S. Where there is no imagination there is no horror.
- - -by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle



T. There is a sacred HORROR about everything grand. It is easy to admire mediocrity and hills;
but whatever is too lofty, a genius as well as a mountain, an assembly as well as a
masterpiece, seen too near, is appalling.
- - -by Victor Hugo



U. The dream reveals the reality which conception lags behind. That is the horror of life—the
terror of art.
- - -by One of the best quotes by Franz Kafka



V. From ghoulish and ghosties and long leggety beasties and things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
- - -by Scottish saying



W. Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder's fork, and blind-worm's
sting, Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth
boil and bubble.
- - -by William Shakespeare (a quote from "Macbeth")



X What fearful shapes and shadows beset his path, amidst the dim and ghastly glare of a snowy
night! With what wistful look did he eye every trembling ray of light streaming across the
waste fields from some distant window! How often was he appalled by some shrub covered with
snow, which, like a sheeted specter, beset his very path! How often did he shrink with
curdling awe at the sound of his own steps on the frosty crust beneath his feet; and dread
to look over his shoulder, lest he should behold some uncouth being tramping close behind
him! and how often was he thrown into complete dismay by some rushing blast, howling among
the trees, in the idea that it was the Galloping Hessian on one of his nightly scouring!
- - -by Washington Irving (a quote from "The Legend of Sleep Hollow")



Y. Bring forth the raisins and the nuts- Tonight All-Hallows' Specter struts Along the moonlit
way.
- - -by John Kendrick Bangs

THIS IS IT grosses $7.4 million on first day


Sony's much-hyped Michael Jackson last released documentary THIS IS IT moonwalked to an upbeat $7.4 million in estimated first-day boxoffice on Wednesday.Pre-release forecasts had projected that the pic would open upward of $40 million through Sunday

"This Is It" bowed simultaneously in 97 foreign territories, which outperformed U.S. and Canadian grosses by ringing up $12.7 million on Wednesday. That made for a first-day worldwide boxoffice of $20.1 million.

"This Is It" at 9 p.m. PDT Tuesday, but the studio included those grosses -- totaling $2.2 million -- in its Wednesday tally. Sony acquired worldwide distribution rights to the pic for a reported $60 million.

Dress for Success

The Hasson Co. Realtors' through their five metro-area offices will collect professional clothing next week, starting Monday, for Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization that provides interview-appropriate attire to low-income women seeking employment.

The Suit Week drive seeks new or gently used suits, skirts, slacks, blouses and jackets. The items should be clean and ready to wear to a professional job interview.

Other than suits, donations of winter coats, umbrellas and accessories like shoes, belts, handbags, scarves, jewelry and unused pantyhose also would be appreciated.

Hasson's Portland office is at 2173 N.E. Broadway. For other locations, go to www.hasson.com.

Donors will receive a tax deduction receipt.

The Vampire Diaries Season 1 Episode 7 S01E07 "Haunted : video

Thursday, October 29, 2009

WE MOVED!

We have moved our blog to another website! Please visit us now at yjhr.wordpress.com

Ronan Keating!

I've finally started my last entry for the BAFA competition - just over 2 weeks to go, nothing like leaving things to the last minute, huh! I spent a lovely couple of hours trying to create a face from self levelling gel which was supposed to be blood red. It's more shocking pink than blood red, trouble is, until it dries I won't know if it's right! Hopefully it is.

I did a sketch of the living room, inspired by watching Ewan pelt down the stairs. He sits at the top of the stairs with his legs and body stiff but flexed at the hips, arms held behind him, regulating his speed. Down he goes, again and again and again! Noticed that the view I had was very interesting, there is a hint of Ewan on the stairs in the picture, but not much.

Livinh Room sketch

I'm now off to do some more caricaturing, which I'll hopefully be able to post it later.

Here's my 4th attempt at a quick sketch of Ronan Keating. The first one had the best likeness but the body was a mess. The rest had some major flaws, well to my mind anyway.

Ronan Keating

Wow! I've just realised this is my 300th post. Never thought I'd keep the blogging up quite as well as I have. I'm now on twitter as well, need to work out how to link the 2.

New Book 'Nine Dragons' Similar to Ani Ashekian's case


New Book 'Nine Dragons' Similar to Ani Ashekian's case
Michael Connelly's authored new book Nine Dragons is a crime fiction, but now it's becoming more real than ever. The author was promoting the novel last year when he came across a true story that bears eerie similarities to the one he penned: the case of a missing woman named Ani Ashekian.

In an article for CNN, Connelly explains the premise of his made-up story. A detective is working on a murder case in LA when he hears that his daughter has gone missing in Hong Kong. He flies across the globe, determined to find her. According to the website FindAni.com, 31-year-old Ashekian actually disappeared in Hong Kong about a year ago. The details of her story are different, but the premise is the same.
New Book 'Nine Dragons' Similar to Ani Ashekian's case
And as it turns out, Connelly and Ashekian were both in the city just days before she went missing. He was researching for his novel while she was traveling on her own, and no one has seen or heard from her since November 10, 2008.

Career Builder: Scary Bosses for Halloween Characters

Scary Bosses for Halloween Characters

According to the CareerBuilder’s Halloween survey conducted on more than 4,000 workers, nearly one-in-five (18 percent) workers describe their workplace as scary.

Some workers told that their workplace is scary because their bosses bear a strong resemblance to famous Halloween characters. When asked which popular characters best reflect their boss’s behavior, workers said the following:

* Glenda the Good Witch, liked and respected by all - 20 percent

* The Wolf Man, is fine one minute, howling the next - 11 percent

* The Invisible Man, never around - 10 percent

* Casper the Friendly Ghost, eager to help, but often misunderstood - 9 percent

* Dracula, constantly sucking the life right out of you - 6 percent

* Wicked Witch of the West, always acting conniving and sending out minions to do his/her dirty work - 5 percent

* The Mummy, slow-moving and has an ancient thought process - 4 percent

* Grim Reaper, constantly delivers bad news and inspires fear among workers - 3 percent

* Frankenstein, green with envy - 1 percent


In addition to spooky bosses, when asked what the scariest part of their job was, workers reported the following fear-inducing activities:

* Workload - 18 percent

* Performance reviews - 9 percent

* Tight deadlines - 9 percent

* Hours worked - 8 percent

* Their boss or supervisor - 7 percent

* Sitting through meetings - 6 percent

Princess Diana Death Photos


The latest version of death photos of Princess Diana presented in a new style. ‘Female Force: Princess Diana’ is the new comic book consisting photos of Princess of Wales Diana as well as other Royal Family members. The book publisher is Bluewater Comics and writer is Chris Arrant.
A legend in her own Diana Frances Spencer, the Princess of Wales who died in an extremely controversial manner at the age of just 36 years and left behind many unfolded stories that may remain mysteries forever now, has encouraged famous author Chris Arrant to adapt her life in his new comic book entitled as Female Force: Princess Diana.
There are a countless illustrated images made available in the book, of the first wife of Wales’ Prince Charles along with the Queen, Prince William, Prince Harry as well as of Camilla Parker and many more. The main focus of the book remains around some unforgettable moments and highly memorable proceedings and events that occurred during the short but lively life of Diana.
The events include the announcement of her engagement to Charles, their wedding in 1981, a prestigious meeting between Dian and the US President Ronald Regan, Diana’s happy moments while at dance with legendary John Travolta, etc. The author hasn’t missed the boyfriend Dodi Al-Fayed and then the series of subsequent unforgettable moments up to the ultimate; the tunnel, the accident and the dead Princess.

Darren Davis of Bluewater considered it appropriate to mention that the book is not all about the small kids’ interests rather contains a lot for the young females in particular as well to learn a lot about Lady Diana. According to Davis, it’s a must read book for everyone as it’s about a person that influenced the world outside Britain too.
Another significant feature about the book is the inclusion of the famous ‘Camillagate’ tapes in shape of reports alongside the illustrations of the Duchess of Cornwall comprising of her ‘x-rated’ considered chat with the heir. Diana Frances Spencer has been honored with the title of ‘modern British icon’ in the Female Force series book. So much in the little book still it costs mere $3.99.

Michael Jackson autopsy photo holder gave Princess’ Diana’s accident pics earlier


Rumors are circulating that someone has illegally clicked Michael Jackson autopsy photos while his body was at the L.A. Coroner’s Office. The person supposedly holding information about the alleged photos previously also once helped a journalist to track down Princess Diana death scene photos after she died in a horrific car crash.

According to Gerald Posner at the Daily Beast, he received a phone call last week from someone claiming to have knowledge of an illegally obtained Michael Jackson autopsy photo. This is, allegedly, the same person that once helped Posner track down rumored photos from Princess’ Diana’s fatal car accident. Those photos turned out to be real.
As for the alleged Michael Jackson autopsy photos, its not clear whether they exist or not. Posner attempted to track them down, but ran into a wall when the restaurant owner who supposedly has them broke off contact with him.
If such a photo does exist, it would likely garner $1 million or more for publishing rights.

“Smart on Crime: A Career Prosecutor’s Plan to Make Us Safe," by Kamala Harris



How rehabilitation of prisoners can be done successfully? Can law enforcement agencies better use technology to solve crimes? A new book “Smart on Crime: A Career Prosecutor’s Plan to Make Us Safe," by San Francisco’s District Attorney Kamala Harris — who has been called “the female Barack Obama” — explores new, unconvential ideas on how our society can recorrect our broken criminal justice system. Read an excerpt:

Getting back on track
Responding to violent crimes and supporting victims is the everyday work of a district attorney. Like our colleagues in a wide array of emergency services, we are primed for a twenty-four-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week response to the threats against our community and the questfor justice for victims. But there is another dimension to the way I have come to view my responsibility that is also important. Twice a year there is an event that I and many others in my office attend after the courts close. As the clock ticks on through the day, we all cross our fingers that the fates spare us an emergency call for at least a few hours. Because if the essential and sometimes grim business of prosecuting offenders and defending the rights of crime victims is what occupies the bulk of our days, this event is a unique chance to hope. It’s evidence that we have found a new way to get tough on the underlying dynamics of a huge category of crime that is bursting the seams of our system.

college board sat scores


You now can get your October College Board (CollegeBoard) SAT Scores online! Yep, the College Board had released the SAT scores on collegeboard.com this week for October 2009.

Armuchee High School has been declared the 7-AA Region champion in the Governor’s Cup Challenge, which is based on gains in SAT scores. Armuchee also got third position in the state among AA schools for the state championship and had the highest score in AA, according to Floyd County Schools officials.

Armuchee High’s 2009 total score for math and reading was 1588. The school’s average increase for the past three years was 27 points.

“We’re excited to be recognized for something like that,” said Armuchee High Principal J.C. Burris.

He said the school has been putting a lot of attention on preparing students for the Scholastic Aptitude Test with advanced placement classes and online preparation courses. He said many students have been benifitted by the online programs even outside of the classroom.

The Governor’s Cup Challenge calculates average three-year gains made by schools on their most recent SAT in reading and math. Three years’ worth of scores are used to promote ongoing improvement in student performance on the SAT.

Armuchee High will be given a $1,000 grant to continue SAT improvement, a trophy for being named the region champion and a plaque recognizing AHS as the highest scoring school in Class AA.

“We stress to our students the importance of challenging themselves for success in life or a test like the SAT,” told Burris. “Our students have accepted the challenge by taking more demanding courses from advanced placement to our honors prep track.”

Cristiano Ronaldo injury update

Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid

The player must remain inactive until he undergoes another examination in one week’s time

www.realmadrid.com

Following an MRI on Wednesday to monitor the evolution of Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury, the pathology report shows that the soft tissues (joint synovitis, tenosynovitis and sprained internal lateral ligament) are healing favorably and that swelling of the bone edema has decreased. Despite this improvement, a minor bone edema has been found in the center of his right ankle. The player must remain inactive until he undergoes another examination in one week’s time.

Michael Jackson autopsy photos Leaked


The hot Report of the day that a Michael Jackson autopsy death picture has been leaked. The Michael Jackson autopsy death photo was leaked leaked by a “high ranking police friend” to a Los Angeles Famous restaurant owner who has now stored it in his BlackBerry, is the allegation.

Why a restaurant owner has the purported photo, and who he is, is unclear. Moreover how a “police friend” got access to the photo remains , mystery surrounds all over.

The details are mentioned in a report this week that an online writer received a telephone tip about the photo’s owner. What does the photo show?

First, the claim is the photo was taken professionally, Its not a cellphone pic. “[It's] not a cellphone picture …. [they] quality was far too good.”

Second, the allegation is that photo shows Jackson, shaven head, eyes open, eyebrows tattooed, skin ashen in color, lips flat without makeup, showing a scar on left cheek, makeup removed, lying on his back.

Third, the angle the alleged position of the cameraman is 30 degrees to the left. Beyond the telephone tip, a British tabloid editor says the photo estimated to demand at least a $1 million sale price.

Capt. Paul Watson, The Sea Shepherd


Knight of the high seas
Sea Shepherd Capt. Paul Watson saving whales and the world.
The Sea Shepard Conservation Society IS a nonprofit conservation organization that focuses on ending the destruction and slaughter of marine wildlife,VERY recently they unveiled a new vessel that will be utilised to combat Japanese whalers in Antarctica.

In December, the new ship—the Ady Gil—will accompany the society’s flagship, Steve Irwin, from Australia to the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, where the ships and volunteers will intervene on illegal whaling.

Capt. Paul Watson, the society’s president and founder, will utilise the new vessel, which have the maximum speed of up to 50 knots, to physically block harpoon ships from illegally slaughtering whales.

“We are very optimistic that with these two ships, and some other surprises, we will shut down whaling in the Antarctic whale sanctuary,” Watson said in a recent statement.

Keni Thomas

The latest honor to make it to Keni Thomas’s career portfolio was getting to sing the American national anthem, God Bless America, for the fifth time in the last five years at the Yankees Stadium during course of the regular season.

In an eleventh hour announcement, Keni Thomas made his way to the stage. According to sources, the initial plan was to have the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys duo to perform the act. However they were rescheduled to present the national anthem at a later night.

A former US Army Ranger, he served in the military through the 90s.

MOONCALF



moon·calf (mōōn'kāf', -käf') defined as

A fool.

A freak.

moon⋅calf

 (second meaning)
–noun, plural -calves.
a.a congenitally grossly deformed and mentally defective person.
b.a foolish person.
c.a person who spends time idly daydreaming.

Whaling War! Sea Shepherd Captain Shot by Japanese?

Whale Wars


Famous Animal Planet TV show Whale Wars
watchers and followers will be ecstatic to hear that the Sea Shepherd crew are not alone now, finally they have another ally accompaning them in their war against commercial whaling on the high seas. This past week, it was announced that New Zealand’s Earthrace crew will be joining the fight, making their combined effort quite the ominous force to be reckoned with.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Meet me on the Equinox

Lily Allen

I decided to try again with Lily. The first picture was bugging me. This is better, I think. Another quick sketch.

Lily Allen

I'm procrastinating again. I've one last piece to do for the art competition, but just can't bring myself to start. I keep planning and changing my mind. Maybe I'm over thinking again. I found a book in WH Smiths for "People who think too much" it may even had been Women. Anyway, I thought, that's me. I'd get so much more done if I stopped thinking so much and just got down to it. I'll try that now!

Lion Food Sweet Deal for Haloween

Lion Food Sweet Deal for Haloween

Some of the sweet deals at the lionfood grocery store this Halloween week.

Deals will expire Tuesday except those at Aldi, which expire Monday:

A. Buy one package of six cupcakes, get one free at Food Lion and Lowes Foods.

B.Lowes foods is also doubling manufacturers’ coupons up to 99 cents.

C.Brach’s candy is 99 cents at Compare Foods.

D.Party goods including pumpkin lights and Halloween paper are $2 at Harris Teeter, which is also doubling manufacturers’ coupons up to 99 cents.

E.Buy two Hershey’s bags of candy, get one free at Food Lion.

F.12-ounce bags of semi-sweet chocolate baking chips are $1.49 at Aldi.

G.Hershey’s snakc-size candy is $2.99 at Compare Foods.

H.Trick or Treat buckets are 99 cents at Food Lion.

I.A “scary cat” cake is $6.99 at Harris Teeter.

Susannah Feldman To Divorce Corey Feldman


Susannah Feldman is going to divorce Corey Feldman,as reported by the Associated Press. They’re reporting that divorce has been recently filed by Susannah Feldman for divorce from the former child star, Corey Feldman because of irreconcilable differences.

Their marriage is seven years old,and they have a 5 year old son. Corey’s claim to fame rose mostly in the 80’s when he starred in “The Goonies,” “Stand By Me,” and “The Lost Boys.”

Susannah will be seeking sole custody of their son, with visitation rights for Corey. She’s also looking to get an unknown amount of child support. Corey Feldman’s representative have yet to make a statement on the matter.

Jeanne Merrill and Mike Merrill died


Death of Jeanne Merrill 42(Booz Allen Hamilton) and Mike Merrill47. Jeanne Merrill and Mike (Michael) Merrill died on Saturday reported the local press today; the couple’s three children, ages 13, 3, and 1 have survived in the accident and been released from a local area hospital.

There was a fatal accident on Saturday at the Fairfax County Parkway in Springfield.


As per the Investigators, a 2005 Toyota Corolla lost control while heading northbound at 5 pm on the Parkway toward Rolling Road. The vehicle collided with the Merrill’s 2004 Honda Pilot heading the same direction. Both vehicles afterwards crossed the median and hit two vehicles heading south, one a Toyota Tacoma.

Police say weather may be the cause. Friends say the Merrills were on back from dinner at Bertucci’s.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.