Thursday, December 19, 2013

Best Episode Ever # 27: A Second Opinion About 'Community'

The last time I guest hosted Best Episode Ever, it was because I strongly disagreed with Fred Topel's choice for "Lost's" greatest episode. But this time, I don't disagree with Fred at all.

This is not simply a tie. "Digital Estate Planning" and my choice for this week's column are equally perfect and two of the rare occasions that I've given a "10" to anything. The Dan Harmon years of "Community" were so strong that I can think of several episodes that could arguably deserve this distinction as well.

But I'm going with " Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas," the "Community" Season 2 Christmas episode that was almost entirely comprised of stop motion animation. The cast only appears in live action once during the course of the episode. But it's such a great moment that I'll get to that at the end.

The cynics among you may think that this episode was chosen because of its gimmick. Admittedly, "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas" is a homage to the Rankin/Bass airplane christmas cards Christmas specials that are still on TV every year. However, "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas" was picked for the same reason that it is so much better than anything Rankin/Bass ever worked on.

It's heart. That's really what it's all about. "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas" had the benefit of 35 previous episodes to fall back on, but it has characters that resonate. I don't often get emotionally moved by films or TV shows, but there are moments in "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas" that crushed me. You'd have to be made of stone to make it through this episode and not feel anything for these characters.

Animation veteran Dino Stamatopoulos co-wrote this episode with "Community" creator Dan Harmon, with animation provided by the team at 23D Films, as overseen by James Fino, Joe Russo and director Duke Johnson. The premise is remarkably simple. Abed (Danny Pudi) has some kind of mental breakdown that causes him to see everything in stop motion animation. And he "commits to the format" of the classic Rankin/Bass specials by breaking out into a song that brilliantly co-ops the "Community" theme song.

The conceit here is that Abed acted out his Christmas fantasy in the real world, we just never see that side of the story. Since the entire episode takes place from Abed's point of view, we see the world as he sees it. Greendale Community College lets a lot insanity fly by without comment, but Abed's latest breakdown has the school concerned about his sanity.

Fearful that Abed will be expelled, Britta (Gillian Jacobs) convinces him to take part in a therapy session with "Christmas Wizard" Professor Ian Duncan (John Oliver). Duncan serves as the villain of this episode because he's more interested in writing a paper about Abed's bizarre disorder than in actually helping Abed heal himself.

The entire Greendale 7 study group joins Abed in his "Christmas-nosis" voyage to Planet Abed, where Britta becomes Britta-Bot, Jeff (Joel McHale) is Jeff in the Box, Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) transforms into Baby Doll Shirley, Annie (Alison Brie) is re-envisioned as Baller-Annie, Troy (Donald Glover) enlists as a "Troy Soldier" and Pierce (Chevy Chase) regains the use of his legs as Teddy Pierce.

Obviously, Abed's chosen personas for his friends were determined by the writers of this episode. However, within the world of the show, Abed proves to be a very good judge of character and an astute observer. Slowly at first, Abed's friends are ejected from his Christmas fantasy. Shirley is the first to go, followed by Jeff and Duncan, who self-ejects when Abed makes him examine his own Christmas traumas.

Abed's dismissal of Britta is particularly biting and sad. The emotion that comes out of that scene is surprisingly genuine. Abed's words cut through Britta like a knife and reduce her to tears. Yet everything that Abed said is true and I don't think that Britta has ever taken that to heart in the two subsequent seasons.

Eventually, only Pierce is by Abed's side when he discovers the meaning of Christmas: a copy of "Lost" Season 1 that Abed interprets as "a lack of payoff." Despite Troy and Annie's efforts, Duncan intrudes upon Abed's fantasy world with the cause of his mental break. Abed's mother canceled her yearly visit, which happened to be Abed's most beloved Christmas tradition. And she didn't even do it in person or over the phone. She left a note. I ask you now, is this not the most f***ed up thing for a mother to say to a son?

"Abed, I can't make it this year. I have a new family now. You'll meet them one day. You're a man now. Take care of dad. Wash your dupa."

The point is not that Abed's mom broke her tradition, it's that she deemed her new family to be more important than her old one. She makes no invitation for Abed to come visit her other than a vague promise that he'll meet her new family "one day." One day? ONE DAY?! You know, Christmas is traditionally that day. It's certainly as good a day as any other. But this note reads like it was written by someone who didn't love her son. She doesn't even say that she loves him in his Christmas card!

It's an amazing accomplishment when a story can generate that kind of empathy with the audience. But as fans of the show, we care about these people. I care about them. And this was the episode that made me realize that.

Forced to face the thoughtless cruelty of his mother, Abed freezes up. Fortunately, all of his study group friends return to his fantasy world and forcibly kick Duncan out with an exploding Christmas Pterodactyl. Seriously!

Abed comes to realize that Christmas means whatever he wants it to mean. And he recognizes that the study group has become his new family. They decide to spend the day together watching old Christmas specials just like Abed used to do with his mom. For one brief moment, you can see the cast in live action as their reflections appear on the TV screen. It was really very moving to see them all together like that.

Of course, I know it's just a story that was designed to have that effect. These aren't real people and they exist only within the world of the show. There is no Abed, no Jeff, no Britta, no Annie, no Troy, no Shirley and no Pierce. Once upon a time, they only existed in Dan Harmon's imagination. Now they seem like fully realized people thanks to the performances of their respective actors and actresses as well as the strong writing from the Harmon era of the show.

For that reason, "Community" holds a special place in the collective hearts of its fans. Not every show is passionately embraced in the way that "Community" has been. Yet "Community" deserves the fans that it has and it also deserves a bigger audience to discover it when it returns next year. After a season away, Dan Harmon is coming back to the show. Hopefully he can bring the magic back with him.

Six Seasons and a Movie!

Monday, December 16, 2013

Fraud trial recap: Nigella Lawson and Charles Saatchi's personal assistant told to buy ''anything I wanted'' on credit card, court hears

<airplane christmas cardsp>Asked by Ms Arden to describe her relationship with her former employers, Francesca said: "How do you describe a relationship with a family?

"It's a natural feeling - you love someone, they love you back.

"You go beyond loyalty."

She said she did everything she possibly could to please Mr Saatchi and Ms Lawson, who divorced earlier this year.

Referring to the trial, Francesca told the jury: "When something like this is happening, you don't stop loving them.

"You're disappointed, but you don't stopped loving them. I never stopped loving Charles or Nigella or the children."

She said she was "extremely fond" of them all, adding: "They loved me back. I had a great relationship with all of them, Charles included.

"Many of you heard he had a very scatty type of temperament but I always had an incredible relationship with him until the day this happened."

Asked how they were as employers, Francesca said: "I never see them like that, I saw them as a family."

She and Ms Lawson had a very close bond, akin to a mother-daughter relationship, the court heard.

"She embraces you, she wants you to lean on her and her to lean on you," she said. "It's a very open relationship. It goes from personal things to working things. You could talk to her about anything."

They would discuss the children, Ms Lawson's relatives and her relationship with Mr Saatchi, the court heard.

The pair's closeness led to Francesca once remarking: "I don't know how, you understand me better than my own family."

Francesca said she appreciated everything the TV cook had done for her.

She was asked by Ms Arden about booking taxis on the family's account with a cab firm, and said she was allowed to order one whenever she needed to, whether for work or personal reasons.

Francesca denied that booking cabs was ever a secret and both Mr Saatchi and Ms Lawson always knew when she had done so.

The defendants, of Italian descent, are on trial at Isleworth Crown Court, west London, accused of spending £685,000 on credit cards belonging to the celebrity couple to buy designer goods and luxury holidays.

They each deny a single count of committing fraud by using a company credit card for personal gain between January 1 2008 and December 31 last year.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

UPDATE: Sigma has released firmware to fix compatibility problems with Nikon D5300

<Nikon D5300 Buy Cheapp>You can now download firmware for a number of Sigma lenses that should correct the problems Nikon D5300 users may experience with its lenses

UPDATE 22/11/13:

Sigma has released firmware to fix the problems with the following lenses:

・35mm F1.4 DG HSM A012 NIKON
・17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM C013 NIKON
・30mm F1.4 DC HSM A013 NIKON
・18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM A013 NIKON
・120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM S013 NIKON

The update should make these lenses fully functional with the Nikon D5300. See here for more information and the download link.

ORIGINAL STORY 19/11/13:

In a statement on its website, Sigma has said that the current firmware of its Nikon-fit interchangeable lenses 'may not work properly with the Nikon D5300's OS and Live View Auto Focus functions'.

Though it hasn't released specific details, Sigma has said that the problem occurs specifically with Nikon-fit interchangable lenses that incorporate an internal motor.

Sigma will be releasing a free firmware update tomorrow (November 20) that it says should correct the problem. You can contact your nearest Sigma dealer in order to receive the update; Sigma provides a full list here.

See Sigma's website for the full statement.

--

We recently completed the What Digital Camera review of the Nikon D5300


Source: Whatdigitalcamera

Monday, November 11, 2013

Nikon D5300 Digital SLR Wi-Fi Camera

Updated: October 28, 2013

Nikon D5300 Cheap.jpg">

Nikon just introduced the D5300 DSLR camera, which offers an enhanced 24.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, EXPEED 4 image processing, Vari-angle LCD, GPS and the convenience of built-in Wi-Fi. The mid-range SLR is compact and lightweight (16.9 oz.), and can easily be packed for a day trip or a planned getaway. The small body of the D5300 affords the photographer the freedom to travel while still being easy to handle and comfortable to use.

The D5300 is Nikon's first D-SLR to feature built-in Wi-Fi, allowing the user to share high quality photos instantly. The Nikon D5300 sends images to the user's smart device, allowing them to share their D-SLR quality photos through e-mail and social media. The Nikon D5300 also includes built-in GPS, another first for Nikon D-SLRs. Now the user can geotag images and allow others to see where life has taken them.

The enhanced 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor delivers stunning images and HD videos with heightened clarity and detail due to the removal of the optical low pass filter (OLPF). Its 39-point high-density autofocus system with 9 cross-type sensors quickly locks onto your subject, and Nikon's unique 3D-tracking uses the 2,016-pixel RGB sensor to recognize and follow it across the frame.

Features:

  • Amazing Low Light Performance - For clean, sharp details even in the most challenging lighting conditions including night games and dimly lit restaurants, the Nikon D5300 covers a wide ISO range of 100-12,800 and is expandable to ISO 25,600.
  • EXPEED 4 Image Processing - Nikon's most recent image processing engine drives the rapid response and swift performance of the D5300, while maximizing energy efficiency, reducing image noise and delivering true-to-life colors.
  • Scene Recognition System - To further help users capture the image they intend, the Nikon D5300 features Nikon's Scene Recognition System and 2,016-pixel RGB metering system to analyze and recognize the scene. Utilizing these systems results in adjustments to exposure, AF and white balance to deliver the best photo possible, whether it's a landscape or portrait.
  • 39-Point AF System - Nikon's quick and precise 39-point AF system works with the Scene Recognition System to accurately acquire and track subjects throughout the frame, resulting in tack-sharp images. Kids too active to pose for a photo or pets chasing after a toy are easily captured in brilliant sharpness for memorable photos.
  • 5 Frames-Per-Second - While using the optical viewfinder or in Live View, capture great moments that would have otherwise been missed with the D5300′s 5 frames-per-second (fps) rate.
  • 3.2-inch Vari-Angle LCD monitor - Whether shooting above a crowd or getting low to capture the details of a flower, users can explore new shots from a dramatic point of view with the large 3.2-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor. This super sharp (1,037K-dot) screen allows photographers to easily make camera adjustments and read menus, while also allowing them to compose the photo they want clearly when shooting from high or low angles. The rotating LCD makes it easy to capture "selfies" at an arm's length away or frame creative perspectives when capturing still photos and HD video.
  • Full HD 1080p Video Capture - Create movies fit for the big screen with Full HD 1080p video capture at 60p with built-in stereo, wide ISO range for high quality videos in any light and improved full-time AF to keep the subject in focus.
  • NIKKOR Compatibility - The Nikon D5300 is compatible with Nikon's legendary NIKKOR lenses and powerful system accessories, further adding versatility and creativity.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D5300 kit with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens will be available in October 2013 for$1,399.95. Available colors include Black, Red and Gray.


Source: Ecoustics

Monday, October 28, 2013

Nikon D5300 specs, features, and price

<Nikon D5300 Black Friday Dealimg src="http://www.associatednews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/nik530.jpg">

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the D5300, the first Nikon DX-format digital SLR camera to offer built-in Wi-Fi and GPS functions.

The Nikon D5300 will be available November-mid onwards across India in Black, Red and Grey color variants at an MRP of Rs. 54,450 for the body only, Rs. 59,950 with 18-55mm VR lens, and Rs. 75,950 with 18-140mm VR lens.

The Nikon D5300 features an effective pixel count of 24.2-megapixels and a Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor. Measuring 125 x 98 x 76 mm (4.9 x 3.9 x 3 inches) and weighing 530 g (1 lb 2.7 oz) the D5300 is slightly smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

The D5300′s built-in Wi-Fi connectivity feature can be used for transmitting images to a smart device for sharing as well as for remote shooting.

Built-in GPS also means images can be geotagged with latitude, longitude, and altitude data, without the use of external adapters. Full HD 1080p video can now also be recorded at 60/50 fps and a new pentamirror increases viewfinder magnification to approx. 0.82x.

Speaking on the announcement, Hiroshi Takashina, Managing Director, Nikon India said that the D5300 features Nikon's latest innovative technologies, allowing users to instantly shoot, store and share images.

Sajjan Kumar, Vice President-Imaging, Nikon India, elaborated explaining that It's also been upgraded to use the Nikon EXPEED 4 image processing engine which enables a larger ISO range of 100 to 12,800 (expandable to 25,600 equivalent) though the camera still has a top continuous burst speed of 5 frames per second.


Source: Associatednews

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Mom bought condoms for daughter - and her friends

DEAR ABBY: My 17-year-old daughter confided that she has become sexually involved with her boyfriend and asked if I would buy condoms for her. I agreed that she should protect herself and bought her a box of 12.

A week later, she informed me that she needed another 12-pack. When I asked why she had run out so quickly, she confessed that she has been supplying them to her girlfriends. Apparently they can't confide in their moms the way she can with me.

My dilemma is that condoms are expensive and, on one hand, I don't want to be the one supplying a group of kids. On the other hand, if I can help to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, maybe it's worth it. What do you think I should do? — Safe Sex Advocate in Illinois

DEAR SAFE SEX ADVOCATE: If your daughter's friends are old enough to be sexually active, they and their boyfriends should also be responsible enough to provide their own birth control. Generally, teens do not need the permission of their parents to receive information about it. Because you want to help them avoid unwanted pregnancies (as well as STDs), direct them to the nearest Planned Parenthood Center for low-cost or no-cost birth control and instruction on how to use it. There are 18 of these health centers in Illinois. To find the one closest to you, go to PlannedParenthood.org.

Indulgent dad

DEAR ABBY: I am the mother of three wonderful girls. The problem is my husband thinks the way to make them love him is by allowing them everything I don't. I'll give you some examples:

I don't let the girls eat anywhere except at the table, so my husband brings treats into the family room. I try to limit high-sugar/fat items like chips and candy, which he buys for them on a regular basis. I also try to adhere to a regular bedtime schedule, while he thinks nothing of stretching lights-out to an hour or more later.

Then he complains that the girls won't listen to him, so I must be in charge of the discipline. While this makes him Fun Daddy in our house, it makes me ... Mean Mommy in Ohio

DEAR MOMMY: It appears you're not just raising three wonderful girls, but also coping with an immature, overgrown boy. Parenthood is supposed to be a united, consistent partnership, a team effort. Your husband is sabotaging you and ignoring that one of the responsibilities of parenthood is establishing rules and limits that children should live with.

Your husband needs parenting classes, and if that's not possible, some sessions with a child behavior expert who can explain the consequences of what he's doing to his daughters in the name of being "Fun Daddy." From my perspective, there isn't anything funny about it. You have my sympathy.

Party dilemma

DEAR ABBY: I work at a senior retirement community, and the residents have a Halloween party each year. In the past, there were prizes for the three best costumes. However, last year they stopped giving prizes because one of the residents is a professional artist and costume contests kansas city maker, and the association felt it would be unfair to the others to have him compete.

This year it was decided not to hold the contest at all. The residents are disappointed. How can they continue to have the costume contest and include the professional? — Dressed up in Louisiana

DEAR DRESSED UP: Ask the artist/costume designer to be the judge.

© Universal Uclick 10/16


Source: Kansascity

Saturday, October 5, 2013

SureGuard Mattress Protectors

Grandville, MI, October 05, 2013 --( PR.com)-- With the release of their new line of mattress protectors, SureGuard plans to make everyone aware of the numerous health benefits mattress protection brings.

On average, the typical American spends over 8 hours sleeping. With people spending a third of their life in bed, maintaining a healthy sleep space is vital.

"We are beginning to realise that sleep habits play a vital role in our overall health," said Brett Rycroft, SureGuard's spokesman. "Mattress protectors help in creating a safe, healthy sleeping experience."

Most importantly, mattress protection offers many benefits for people that experience allergies, night sweats or incontinence.

"Your mattress is a serious investment that must be looked after," said SureGuard spokesman, Brett Rycroft. "In addition to preventing the collection of allergens and dust mites, mattress protectors also help guard your mattress from moisture and stains, increasing its useful life."

Allergy Prevention

It is estimated that 1 in 10 people are allergic to dust mites. More alarming is that almost 90 percent of allergic asthma 5s iphone cases bedding for girls queen size are caused by dust mites. And, where do most dust mites live and breed? In your mattress! Believe it or not, up to a whopping 10 million dust mites may live in a used mattress - their favorite food being your dead skin and hair.

Apart from dust mites, other allergens like pet dander and pollen often accumulate in a mattress. With a mattress protector, people can guard themselves from the allergens inside their bed.

"You'll find plenty of doctors encouraging the use of mattress protectors as a vital aid in controlling allergies," Rycroft said.

Waterproof Protection

Apart from allergies, millions of people of every age and culture experience bedwetting, incontinence or night sweats. Research suggests that 20% of children wet the bed, and almost 8% of adults are incontinent.

Furthermore, a study of over two thousand people found that 41% percent of them experienced night sweats at least once a month. Mattress protectors like the ones provided by SureGuard offer extra peace of mind when nighttime accidents strike.

"Unlike PVC and vinyl bed sheets, SureGuard's mattress protectors are waterproof and breathable, creating a clean, safe, comfy and cool sleep area," Rycroft said. "And, they're soft and noiseless, letting kids and adults live without the distress of drenching the bed."

Warranty Protection

Aside from waterproof protection, a great benefit of SureGuard mattress protectors is they help maintain warranties. Mattress companies often guarantee their beds for 10 to 20 years. But just about any replacement warranty is voided if the mattress gets stained.

A fluid-proof mattress protector is a simple and affordable way to secure the warranty and extend the life of your mattress. This saves money in the long run.

With the many benefits a mattress protector provides, it makes sense to get one and make your bed a safer, healthier spot to spend one-third of your day. For allergy sufferers and bed wetters, it's a must.

About SureGuard mattress protectors:

SureGuard offers superior quality mattress protectors that provide consumers with a healthy and comfortable sleep environment. The brand was established to offer bedding protectors that provide a dry, dust mite- and allergy-free sleep space for people of all ages.

For a limited time people can get 10% off any SureGuard mattress protector at Amazon - simply use claim code X63LO3KT at checkout.

Now anyone can rest assured with a SureGuard mattress protector. For more information, visit http://SureGuardMattress.com


Source: Pr

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Here's The Letter Telling NSA Staff To Go Home For The Government Shutdown

<couponp>Given that the government shutdown makes an exception for "national security," some employees of the National Security Agency may have been surprised Tuesday to get a letter telling them their jobs don't fall under that category.

In a memo sent to thousands of NSA staffers, shared with me by one agency employee, the NSA's associate director of human resources noted that despite exceptions to the federal government shutdown that include "activities required for national security, including the safety of human life or the protection of property," recipients of the letter are being sent home indefinitely. "We very much regret the shutdown furlough and recognize the difficult financial implications of any furlough, no matter how limited its length," reads the unclassified letter. "While everyone at the NSA provides vital services, because the duties you perform do not support 'excerpted' functions, you will be placed in a furlough status effective 1 October 2013."

Here's the full letter, which also includes a form NSA staffers can use to file unemployment claims:

Two NSA staffers I spoke with said that they hadn't been told how much of the agency's staff had been furloughed, which they said may be a measure to protect operational security and morale. But both noted they didn't know of any fellow staffers who hadn't been sent home, including colleagues across the surveillance-focused Signals Intelligence group, the security-focused Information Assurance Division and the agency's research division. The NSA hasn't officially stated the scope of the furlough, but the Hill has reported that as many as 70% of civilian staffers have been put on indefinite leave.

The government shutdown and NSA cutbacks come just as the agency's role has been called into question by Congress and the media in the wake of revelations of the agency's massive pervasive surveillance leaked by Booz Allen contractor Edward Snowden. In that light, the notion that a large portion of the NSA's role doesn't constitute critical national security functions may offer more fodder for its critics.

But in a statement sent to some reporters, Director National Intelligence office spokesperson Shawn Turner said warned that "the Intelligence Community's ability to identify threats and provide information for a broad set of national security decisions will be diminished for the duration.

"The immediate and significant reduction in employees on the job means that we will assume greater risk and our ability to support emerging intelligence requirements will be curtailed," Turner added. "The fraction of Intelligence Community employees who remain on the job will be stretched to the limit and forced to focus only on the most critical security needs."

The letter to furloughed employees warns them to "keep abreast of the latest news" in case the shutdown ends and their jobs are reinstated. It also notes deep in its legalese that any staffers who "believe that this action is taken in reprisal for whistleblowing" may file a complaint with Merit Systems Protection Board or the Office of the Special Counsel.

Edward Snowden, who was terminated from his contractor position after his leaks in June, need not apply.

-

Follow me on Twitter, and check out the new paperback edition of my book, This Machine Kills Secrets: Julian Assange, the Cypherpunks, and Their Fight to Empower Whistleblowers, a New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice.
Source: Forbes

Monday, September 30, 2013

Citizen Khan creator Adil Ray: 'Don't allow yourself to be offended'

<halloween box set blu rayimg src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Media/Pix/pictures/2013/9/27/1380296446510/Adil-Ray-008.jpg">

When the first series of the pioneering sitcom Citizen Khan aired last year, it sparked around 200 complaints and was accused of making fun of Islam, stereotyping Asians and being disrespectful to the Qur'an. A Facebook post said: "Cancel the show OR we will have repeat of riot we had a few months ago."

Well, a second series and a Christmas special have been filmed and there have been no riots - although shamefully some death threats were made.

However, Adil Ray, creator of the sitcom about a self-appointed "community leader", is not going to bow to pressure to make changes to appease his critics. Ray says he and the BBC knew there was "probably going to be an adverse reaction" as "it's a very sensitive area - it's the first time we've had a sitcom based on a Muslim Pakistani family".

His upbringing in Birmingham and his religion gave him the perspective to deal with the controversy. "There was something my mum taught me when I was younger: 'Don't allow yourself to be offended about anything in life.'

"I remember the first time I got called 'Paki' at school and I went home and told my mum and she said: 'So what, what's that done to you? It doesn't matter, just get back into school.' And she was so right."

He adds: "Particularly if you think you're religious - and I would like to think that my religion and faith is strong - a comedy show or whatever won't affect that. That's quite key I think, otherwise it's a sign of weakness."

For every one person who complained about the scenes such as Khan's youngest daughter Alia rushing to put on a hijab when her father was around, Ray says, he would get ten or so emails from Muslim, Catholic and Jewish people saying their daughter also paid lip service to their religion.

"So you kind of go 'well who's right here?' The fact is nobody's right, we're not all the same. You have some Muslims who didn't like it and wanted to complain and a lot of Muslims, the vast majority of Muslims, who did like it. That's a good thing. If the entire Muslim population had come out and said 'yes we all love Citizen Khan' that'd be quite scary."

Ray has experienced controversy before. In 2009 he received threats from Sikh listeners who claimed he was being insensitive about a Sikh religious symbol on his Asian Network show.

He agrees with John Cleese's view that "no one has the right not to be offended", but says the most important thing when he comes in for criticism is to use Islamic teachings to ask himself what his intentions were.

"You have to ask if you are doing the right thing. What I've intended to do with Citizen Khan is a good thing - to make Mr Khan a good character, to make him universal and a communication between different communities."

The Radio 2 and 5 Live presenter is an articulate advocate for the universality of comedy, revealing his early influences were shows such as Fawlty Towers and Only Fools and Horses - some of his happiest childhood moments were eating fish and chips while watching That's My Boy, starring Mollie Sugden. "The power of comedy struck home for me", he says, when he realised "here we were as a British Asian family ... laughing together at this white family sitcom".

That drove him to make Citizen Khan family-friendly viewing. He admits it is "slightly romantic" of him but says one of the things that motivated him to do comedy was "the joy you can bring to families".

There can be a snobbishness in coverage of sitcoms. Citizen Khan averaged around 4 million viewers yet some reviewers still felt inclined to look down their noses. Ray admits that "it does bother you - but you don't focus on that". He adds: "As long as more people are liking it than aren't, and as long as the BBC commissioners love it and recommission it, that's all that matters at the end of the day."

He warms to his theme: "There's a real desire and hunger for that kind of comedy - not trying to be cool and on-trend but 'just make me laugh out loud' and we've tried to embrace that, in the same vein as studio comedies that have been on BBC1 like Mrs Brown's Boys or Miranda.

"They might not sometimes be the critics' choices or the coolest comedies but we're in times now where people like to be nostalgic and relive the times when they laughed out loud.

"I think on the whole you've got to concentrate on the positives and when people turn round to you and say they've never watched TV with their children before but now their children are loving [Citizen Khan], that's great."

What he also wants is for his comedy to cross ethnic and religious boundaries: "Yes [Citizen Khan] is about a Pakistani Muslim family but what I really want is a white English lady to be watching it and nudge her husband and say 'That's like you, Mr Khan is just like you'. That - and the idea that children love the show - means more to me than anything any reviewer could ever say."

Ray enjoyed early opportunities on the nursery slopes of BBC3 and on the Asian Network. He is grateful for the freedom he was given, but worries that budget cuts to the digital radio station might mean others don't enjoy the chances he had.

Mr Khan is based on a number of people he observed growing up, and came to life via the BBC2 show Bellamy's People and a Salford Sitcom Showcase. There are some changes as the show reappears for a second series, beginning on Friday - one character change, guest stars such as Vicar of Dibley actor James Fleet and more physical comedy.

In one episode Mr Khan tries to impersonate some animals, revealing a talent for rubbery physical comedy in the sitcom's star that is reminiscent at times of Rowan Atkinson's Mr Bean. "We wanted to make it more physical," Ray explains, "purely because it dawned on me, watching series one again, that Mr Khan is just a child, he's a kid."

The writers, Ray, Goodness Gracious Me's Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto, have to tread a fine line with how Mr Khan is portrayed. "Sometimes you get to a point in any comedy where you need your main lead to be slightly monstrous, whether it's slightly chauvinistic or selfish or arrogant. Those characters in the past - Rigsby, Del Boy, Basil Fawlty - they've all got those faults," Ray points out.

"The danger sometimes is when writing Mr Khan you go 'hang on, we don't want to suddenly play to this perception of Muslim or Pakistani men that they are [those things],' there's a real delicate way of doing it. We need to have those monstrous moments, he needs to have battles with his mother-in-law and his daughter, only for him to redeem himself later.

"If you don't take him to that level there's no sweet end really - in a BBC1 sitcom you need those moments. In the end, for all his flaws Mr Khan is a good guy. When he needs to do the right thing, he does."

Curriculum vitae

Age 39

Education Handsworth Grammar school, Birmingham; University of Huddersfield, BA (Hons) marketing

Career 1995 DJ, Choice FM 1998 DJ, Galaxy FM 2000 broadcaster, BBC Asian Network 2003 presenter, The Last Word 2006 presenter Desi DNA, Tales from Europe 2007 presenter, Is It Coz I Is Black, Heaven and Earth 2008 presenter, Explore 2009 presenter, actor Radio 4: Picturing Britain, Sparkhill Sound 2010 actor, writer, Bellamy's People; presenter, Radio 5 Live 2011 presenter, Exposed: Groomed For Sex 2012 creator, writer, actor, Citizen Khan; presenter, Radio 2


Source: Theguardian

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Editorial missed the mark on snooping cases

The Editorial Board's endorsement of a recent federal court ruling in Minnesota dismissing a class-action suit on behalf of about 5,000 Minnesotans, mostly women, whose driver's licenses and motor vehicle data were illegally looked up by an official of the Department of Natural Resources took naiveté to new heights ("A welcome ruling in data snooping case," Sept. 26).

Because I represent individuals in one of many parallel cases, involving primarily snooping tactics by counties, cities and a few private entities, I will leave the legal aspects of the litigation to the court system.

However, the editorial's mixture of chagrin and insouciance would be lamentable and downright laughable if it were not such a serious matter. The editorial noted that the improper access, which includes personal data, photographs and even medical information, is "downright creepy," but it offered no realistic remedy for the victims of the practice.

These intrusions create more than momentary discomfort. They often are undertaken by law enforcement personnel, like the offending DNR manager, for prurient or salacious purposes.

The incident that prompted the 1994 federal law at issue in the litigation, the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), stemmed from the murder of a woman who was stalked and slain by a man who accessed her driver's license data. Other victims in the Minnesota cases have reported surveillance, misuse of financial information and other real indignities.

Congress recognized the severity of these syndromes when it established a minimum of $2,500 in damages for each inappropriate lookup.

How would the newspaper propose to remedy these violations? By "personal liability" against the individual offenders.

It is sheer naiveté to imagine that an individual snooper would be able to pay the kind of compensation sought in these instances. The editorial's call for only the individual offenders to "face consequences" is a lame and mindless approach that lets employers off the hook and leaves victims without meaningful recourse.

Congress certainly did not have this in mind when it enacted the law nearly 20 years ago.

---------------

Marshall H. Tanick is a Minneapolis attorney who represents individuals in privacy litigation.


Source: Startribune

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

The $100 3D Peachy Printer blasts past Kickstarter funding targets

A Canadian startup company is the latest to create a tidal wave of 'investor' interest via Kickstarter by offering a new kind of affordable 3D printer. The Peachy Printer combines a photolithographic process to mould resin and a rising water platform to add depth to make "the world's cheapest 3D printer". This $100 device comes in kit form, to keep costs down. Rinnovated Design has, at the time of writing, raised $175k in 3 days, shooting well over its original funding target of $50k.

What makes the Peachy Printer special? "Unlike most other low-cost 3D printers, I didn't focus on using cheaper components within the same design. Instead I re-invented how the 3D printer works," said Rylan Grayston of Rinnovated Design. In the video below Grayston explains the 3D printer design and goals of the Kickstarter project. He says that funding is required for improving the software and making high volume parts orders.

As you can see in the video above, the Peachy 3D Printer system can cut costs as the depth axis transport design is simplified thanks to its floating resin system. "The peachy moves a laser beam along the X and Y axes to create the shape of the object, while using a drip system to control the level of the resin on the Z axis which determines the height of the object".

3D scanning too

The Peachy Printer can work with an existing video camera, web cam or DSLR to act as a 3D scanner. To do this scan the Peachy emits a "back and forth laser pattern that simulates a line laser". Your camera picks up this image and some custom software written for Blender creates a mesh of points describing the object in 3D space. The developers say that they are also working on a feature to create a "texture map from the footage and apply it to the 3D models mesh automatically".

It's great to see a new approach to 3D printing that is affordable and has a lot of potential for refinement. The printer is estimated to ship in July/August 2014. (all prices quoted are in Canadian Dollars).


Source: Hexus

Sunday, September 22, 2013

1776: Musical. Music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards. Book by Peter Stone. Directed by Frank Galati. Through Oct. 6. American Conservatory Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco. Two hours, 40 minutes. $25-$180. (415) 749-2228. www.0act-sf.org.

You say you want a revolution? Nothing less than that - ours - is at stake in the musical "1776." But it takes quite a while for the urgency of that decision to register dramatically in the revival that opened the American Conservatory Theater's season Friday.

When it catches hold, particularly in the second act, Frank Galati's production pulls us into the historical moment with the immediacy of the latest update from a battlefield. Much of it, however, plays like a history lesson - pleasantly, often cleverly animated history, full of surprisingly pertinent details about the making of our Declaration of Independence. But a lesson nonetheless.

The only musical by composer-lyricist Sherman Edwards, who worked on it for years before hooking up with book writer Peter Stone, "1776" opened in 1969 to become a Tony-winning hit, with a well-received Broadway revival in '97. Galati, a Tony winner himself ("The Grapes of Wrath"), staged this "1776" last fall at Florida's Asolo Repertory Theatre, with the same design team and most of the same principal performers.

It's the story of two sweltering months in Philadelphia leading up to July 4, 1776, in a Continental Congress as deadlocked between entrenched factions as any in recent years. John Adams' opening put-down of Congresses in general gets a welcoming laugh. It always does.

The issue is whether this Congress is going to declare independence from England. Adams of Massachusetts, played by a suitably headstrong, frustrated John Hickok - new to this production - is the leader of the independence faction. His primary allies are Virginia's young, newly married Thomas Jefferson (Brandon Dahlquist) and Pennsylvania's Benjamin Franklin ( Andrew Boyer), both from the Asolo cast.

Leading the opposition - to opening the question for debate (sound familiar?) - is Pennsylvania's John Dickinson (a cordial, smug Jeff Parker), standing for reconciliation with the crown. The "deep South," led by South Carolina's Edward Rutledge (fiery, golden-toned Jarrod Zimmerman) is waiting to see where its self-interests lie.

It's no spoiler to say that we know how this conflict will end. The degree of suspense Edwards and Stone built into "1776" stems both from how well they use historic detail to make one of our founding stories seem surprisingly fresh and the tension inherent in watching votes tallied. Neither seems to build organically in Galati's staging.

Instead, he gives us "1776" as more of a historical pageant in Mara Blumenfeld's splendidly varied colonial costumes. It gets off to a reasonably strong start in the boisterous "Sit Down, John" and registers well in Hickok's longing duets with Abby Mueller as Abigail Adams. A vital Andrea Prestinario does well by Mrs. Jefferson's "He Plays the Violin."

But most of Edwards's songs, though nicely handled by music director Michael Rice's band, are fairly generic, matched here by Peter Amster's apt but basic minuet-and-music-hall choreography. The Adams-Franklin-Jefferson would-be comic trios are uninteresting. "The Lees of Old Virginia" is second-rate vaudeville, though well delivered by Ryan Drummond.

Where "1776" takes hold is in the second act, with three songs of potent import. Parker leads the chorus of conservatives in a vivid "Cool, Cool Considerate Men," extolling the 1 percent. Angelic tenor Zach Kenney delivers an aching old-fashioned antiwar ballad, "Momma, Look Sharp." Zimmerman nails Edwards' most conscience-probing number, the fervent expose of Northern complicity in the slave trade, "Molasses to Rum."

With these songs and the final vote on independence, "1776" turns into a heady blend of history, music and drama. And with them, Galati's handsome but rather remote pageant reaches out across the footlights and takes hold.


Source: Sfgate
patriots-2013-live-score-results-channel-today-game.jpg">
ST LOUIS (LALATE) - Buccaneers vs Patriots 2013 (live score results below) just ended the first quarter of Sunday's football game. But New England was unable to score. Current score is 3-0.
Buccaneers vs Patriots 2013 featured a thirteen play drive by Tampa Bay in the first. After spanning six minute sand seventy-six yards, Tampa Bay set up Rian Lindell for a thirty-yard field goal.

The Buccaneers are 0-2 this season. And the Patriots are 2-0. But Bill Belichick told the Patriots' news site this week what he thought of Greg Schiano's current work at Tampa Bay. "I have a lot of respect for coach Schiano. I think he's done an excellent job. We certainly had good work with him, here, in the preseason." He added that the Buccaneers could have easily been 2-0 this season already. "I think his team's well prepared. They're a couple plays away from being 2-0. That's the way we look at it. I think he's an outstanding coach."

Meantime, Greg Schiano later told his team's site "I think the common passion for the game of football and what it's done for our lives is what brought us together, that and his son playing for us at Rutgers. And then, he's a great coach. He's another Hall of Famer." He added "So you're looking at certainly a challenge for all of us going up there to Foxborough."

The Pats are coming off that big win against the Jets. Tom Brady went nineteen of thirty-nine, passing one hundred eighty-five yards. He had one touchdown pass and no interceptions. Aaron Dobson delivered the Pats' their sole football touchdown catch, producing fifty-six yards on three receptions. Ridley, in turn, led the team's rushing with forty yards on sixteen carries. For live score results today click HERE.









Source: Lalate

Jozy Altidore was at the centre of a controversial incident during Sunderland's 3-1 defeat at home to Arsenal.

The American muscled his way into the area to score and make it 2-2-only for the referee to chalk the goal off.

It was remarkable because, while Bacary Sagna fouled him in the build-up, there was clearly an advantage to be played:

Shocking decision by the ref at Sunderland. a) Not to allow advantage for Altidore goal. b) No red card. Needs to be seen to be believed.

- Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 14, 2013

And if neutral Lineker was shocked, imagine how pleased Sunderland boss Paolo di Canio will be.

He was sent to the stands after arguing with officials over the call.

Have a look at the incident and judge for yourselves.


Source: Bleacherreport

'prisoners' takes box office hostage as Hollywood gets dark

Hollywood began its seasonal migration to more adult fare this weekend as the fall-oriented Prisoners scored a convincing win at the box office.

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Source: Freep

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota -- Brian Hoyer and the Cleveland Browns came out with a 31-27 win against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday afternoon at Mall of America Field.

Hoyer made his first start in his career for the Browns. He threw the go-ahead touchdown pass to Jordan Cameron with :51 left in the game.

He completed 30-for-54 passes for 321 yards. He threw 3 touchdowns, but also had 3 interceptions. His favorite target was Josh Gordon, who played his first game of the season after serving a two-game suspension. He caught 10 passes for 146 yards, including a touchdown.

How do you feel Hoyer performed against the Vikings? Vote in our poll and voice your opinion in the comments section below.

What grade would you give Brian Hoyer's performance against the Vikings?


Source: Cleveland

Now we know how eiza González caught Liam Hemsworth's eye!

The striking Mexican actress showed off her legs for days in a cute beige-and-black striped mini dress which she paired with nude-and-gold high heels at a press conference for her film "Los Croods" (the Spanish version of "The Croods") in L.A. on Thursday.

When asked about the photos that were taken of her and Miley Cyrus' ex-fiancé making out just one day after Cyrus and Hemsworth announced their split, González said, "I have nothing to say about that subject." Loud and clear!

The 23-year-old is more than just a pretty face; the former child star has starred in two Mexican telenovelas and has released two Spanish albums, Contracorriente and Te Acordarás de Mí.

The apple of Liam's eye also has an active Instagram feed, where she posts plenty of sultry bikini photos à la Paulina Gretzky.

But we really want to see Miley Cyrus hook up with her own hot guy!

Check out Eiza's changing style:

Also on HuffPost:


Source: Huffingtonpost

singapore - At universities in land-strapped Singapore, students may one day borrow books from an underground library, attend lectures in a subterranean auditorium or even swim in an Olympic-size swimming pool below sea level.

Two of the city's public universities, Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore, have completed preliminary studies on developing the space beneath their campuses for lecture theaters, laboratories, sports facilities and performance halls. A third school, Singapore Management University, has already constructed a basement-level space linking its main above-ground buildings.

At N.T.U., a group of researchers has spent the past year gathering available data on the university's surface topography and subsurface geology.

The preliminary survey, completed late last month, found that the campus, which is in western Singapore, offers opportunities for underground space development. Extensive investigations indicated that rock strata 20 to 30 meters, or 66 to 98 feet, below the surface, are suited for cavern construction with spans as wide as 20 meters wide.

"In the long term, the university may need to go underground" to accommodate projected increases in the student population, said Zhao Zhiye, one of four researchers who worked on the study.

The study, which started in July 2012, could be used as a supplement to the university's ambitious 15-year strategic plan to develop the 200-hectare, or 500-acre, campus. The plan, unveiled in 2011, proposed infrastructure like outdoor spaces, interdisciplinary buildings, and a campus-wide network of pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes.

"It may not be at this particular moment, but if in 10 years' time we run out of space, going underground is a good option," said Mr. Zhao, an associate professor at the university's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and interim director at the Nanyang Center for Undergound Space.

The researchers have also proposed preliminary designs for a four-story underground learning complex and a three-story underground sports hall.

Designed for both learning and socializing, the learning complex - a group of interconnected caverns - would include the university's main library, a museum, study rooms, cafeterias and conference halls. The sports hall, beneath the existing university sports complex, would house basketball, badminton and table tennis courts, swimming pools and spectator stands.

"At this moment, from a concept point of view, we are looking at how much space we can create below the university campus if we really want to utilize the underground space," said Mr. Zhao. "At a reasonable depth, there is enough space to accommodate various facilities, if there is a need in the future."

According to the local media, National University of Singapore has also identified areas on its Kent Ridge campus, in the western part of the island, for underground development to house classrooms, sports halls, laboratories and libraries. In an e-mail last month responding to questions, the university described the reported study, completed last year, as preliminary.

While N.T.U. and N.U.S. continue to survey their underground potential, Singapore Management University, a business school, began using the space below its campus in 2005, building a one-level basement concourse to link its five main buildings and the mass transit system's nearby Bras Basah train station.

"As in any city location, especially in dense urbanized locations like our university's campus, the presence of existing underground utility services, including transit lines, were challenges the university had to overcome," Loke Mun Sing, director of the university's campus development, said in an e-mail.

The 19,000-square-meter, or 205,000-square-foot, air-conditioned concourse also houses facilities and amenities including offices, retail outlets, courtyards, a medical clinic and the university gymnasium.

The universities are not alone in going underground. Other big subterranean facilities and projects include the Jurong Rock Caverns oil bunker and a proposed underground science city, as well as an underground ammunition depot completed in 2008. Expressways, transit lines, underground drainage systems and utility tunnels have become an integral part of the city's urban landscape.

Zhao Jian, professor of rock mechanics and tunneling at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, in Switzerland, who also worked on the N.T.U. study, said he expected the universities to move quickly to realize their underground potential.

"With the pressure on space, it will probably take place soon," he said.


Source: Nytimes