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Battle For Libya
Aired February 23, 2011 - 22:00 ET
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: Tonight, the battle for Libya is coming down for a battle for Tripoli. Libya's dictator, Moammar Gadhafi, now using not just foreign mercenaries to hang onto power, but arming teenagers, thugs, encouraging prisoners and anyone else he can get on to the streets. We have talked to a number of people in Tripoli today and you're going to hear from them and all say the same thing. They have seen a dramatic change for the worse on the streets today, more dangerous, more deadly than ever. We have new video tonight of what Tripoli looked like 48 hours ago, before Gadhafi made that rambling speech yesterday threatening to execute those who opposed him. Take a look. Two days ago, crowds of anti-government protesters felt safe enough to gather in Tripoli's Green Square in the heart of the capital, lighting fires. Tonight, those crowds are in hiding, armed thugs, young and old, roaming the streets, hunting rebel opponents and anyone who looks like a journalist, anyone with a camera or anyone suspected of trying to tell the world what is happening. But you're going to hear from a woman who is risking her life to tell the world what's happening in a moment. In the city's main cemetery, they are ready for a bloodbath, new video showing today row after row of fresh graves being dug, people expecting the worse, with reports of mercenaries aiming anti-aircraft guns at those on the ground, cemeteries filling up fast. A new look as well at what the government thugs have been doing. Take a look. This is newly released video from Benghazi when it was still in the control of Libyan government forces. The men in yellow, sort of yellow hats, are reportedly mercenaries swarming through the streets, sticks in hand, beating whomever they can find. That city now has been liberated from Gadhafi -- from pro-Gadhafi forces, but the beatings in Tripoli continue. Some of these mercenaries are getting killed. We also have very graphic images tonight of a dead man described as a mercenary. We cannot independently confirm when this video was taken or where it was taken. We're blurring some of it. The man's passport shows he's from Niger, which is in West Africa. Other mercenaries reportedly coming from Chad and elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are also getting new video of dead Libyan soldiers, this video purporting to show rows of dead soldiers. You can see their hands are bound behind their backs. We cannot again independently confirm this. These soldiers were reportedly killed for refusing to fire on Libyan civilians. Right now, Americans are on board a chartered ferry waiting for weather to clear, so they can leave Tripoli for Malta. We don't know how many Americans are on board. The ferry was supposed to have left hours ago, but bad weather, we're told, has made that impossible. At the White House, President Obama spoke out against the violence today and spoke up for the Libyan people. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The suffering and bloodshed is outrageous, and it is unacceptable. So are threats and orders to shoot peaceful protesters and further punish the people of Libya. These actions violate international norms, and every standard of common decency. This violence must stop. The change that is taking place across the region is being driven by the people of the region. This change doesn't represent the work of the United States or any foreign power. It represents the aspirations of people who are seeking a better life. As one Libyan said, "We just want to be able to live like human beings." "We just want to be able to live like human beings" -- it is the most basic of aspirations that is driving this change. And throughout this time of transition the United States will continue to stand up for freedom, stand up for justice and stand up for the dignity of all people. (END VIDEO CLIP) COOPER: President Obama today. But "Keeping Them Honest," the U.S. and Europe has a lot to answer for in its willingness to turn a blind eye to what Gadhafi has done to his people over the years. Mr. Obama is the ninth to face the colonel. Ronald Reagan called him mad dog of the Middle East and bombed Libya. President George W. Bush took Libya off the list of states supporting terror after Gadhafi gave up his nuclear weapons program. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, JANUARY 2004) GEORGE W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Colonel Gadhafi correctly judged that his country would be better off and far more secure without weapons of mass murder. (APPLAUSE) (END VIDEO CLIP) COOPER: Yet, after that victory, the U.S. did little in Libya to push for reform and in fact did a lot to legitimize Gadhafi. Here's former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Colonel Gadhafi -- well, that was Hillary Clinton and one of Gadhafi's sons, obviously. But Condoleezza Rice was the first secretary of state to visit Colonel Gadhafi in Libya. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the colonel as well. There's Condoleezza Rice when she visited Gadhafi. That's Tony Blair and Colonel Gadhafi. And here's Gadhafi with Silvio Berlusconi, Italy's current prime minister. Back in 2009, one of Gadhafi's sons was a welcome guest at the State Department. You just saw the video. Here's what Hillary Clinton said back then. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: I am very pleased to welcome Minister Gadhafi here to the State Department. We deeply value the relationship between the United States and Libya. We have many opportunities to deepen and broaden our cooperation. And I'm very much looking forward to building on this relationship. (END VIDEO CLIP) COOPER: Well, Europe -- Europe and the U.S. receive oil from Libya, of course, but it's not just politicians who have been friendly to the Gadhafis. A number of American celebrities have received big bucks from the Gadhafi family. Take a look. Here's Lionel Richie in 2006 performing in Tripoli. If that backdrop looks familiar, you're not seeing things. It's Gadhafi's bombed-out house, the one he spoke in front of yesterday. Richie was performing at what the Libyans call the Festival of Freedom and Peace to mark the 20th anniversary of that airstrike. They also showed a film called "The Resistance to the Attack" and gave a conference on the theme -- and I'm quoting -- "the U.S. attack, its consequences and the right of Libyans to compensation and an apology." Lionel Richie isn't the only celebrity to have performed for the Gadhafis for money. So did Beyonce. This is video from YouTube of her private concert on the island of St. Barts, a lavish party last year for Gadhafi's son, Mutassim. She performed. So did Usher, according to State Department cables published on WikiLeaks. And the year before that, Mariah Carey reportedly was paid a million dollars to perform for Mutassim and perhaps another, Saif. He's the one who promised this weekend to unleash a river of blood on Libyans. We contacted all of their representatives for a comment about why they would perform for Gadhafi's son and whether they had any plans to return the millions. No reply from Carey, Usher, or Lionel Richie. We did get a no comment from Beyonce's representatives. Back in Libya, those sons who were once partying on St. Barts, they're not partying anymore. They and their father are terrorizing Tripoli. Once again tonight, ordinary Libyans are trying to get the message out, even at great risk to their lives. We are not giving this woman's name, but we would be honored to meet her when all this is over. And we hope that is soon. We spoke a short time ago. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) COOPER: How dangerous are the streets right now? UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Now Tripoli is a ghost town. I will assure you that. It's a ghost town. There's nobody walking in the street. Nobody is trying to get out even to look through from window. It's a little scary. It's not a little bit. It's a lot. It is scary. COOPER: You're afraid right now? UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Honestly, yes. COOPER: And you don't go near the windows; you don't want to go outside; you don't want anyone to see you, right? UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Actually, I have been trying to keep my identity hidden, especially that there are reports that been coming out recently of reported kidnaps happening in homes for anybody who tries, who -- anybody who is credible, let me assure you, from anybody credible that is talking to the media and giving them the truth about what's happening in Tripoli or what's happening in Libya in general. COOPER: Other cities obviously are now in the hands of anti- Gadhafi forces. Do you think Gadhafi can hold on in Tripoli? UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No. COOPER: What makes you say that? UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's because he is using last resorts. He's falling, and he's falling fast. Everybody is waiting for him to fall. He's trying to discourage people. He's trying to do his best to make everybody give up. He's even trying to use the weakest point of the West, which is al Qaeda, and giving out that al Qaeda will be running this country just (INAUDIBLE). That will never happen. Libya is a very moderated, very peaceful, very desperate country and nation who' just waiting for a chance to be out, to have a democracy, to have an actual law, to have a constitution, to have... COOPER: Gadhafi... (CROSSTALK) COOPER: Gadhafi has told civilians, citizens in Tripoli to arm themselves, to wear green bandanas to show that they support him. Do you worry that they are going to start hunting for people who are talking to the media or hunting for people who they feel are against Gadhafi? UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I will tell you one thing I'm sure of. Two people were kidnapped at 7:00 p.m. today, because they were trying to leak information and leak videos to the media outside. They're trying to send footage and send pictures to media. It's becoming a very dangerous game. COOPER: Why do you continue to report? UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Because I would rather die reporting than see this -- see him staying and give up about this war happening. It's him against the world. It's not him against this country. But I will tell you something. The Libyan public are angry from the statement was given by President Obama today. Everybody was disappointed. COOPER: You feel he didn't go for enough? UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No. I was expecting him commenting about the aids army troops are giving this -- the regime about the black people and the European, Eastern European people recruited to contribute in this massacre. It's nonsense. I thought that he's going to give even threats or warning for this to stop. I expected more, to be honest. I expected to read between the lines from his speech. I did not see that. I was very disappointed, not me alone. Everybody was disappointed. We want America to support us. COOPER: If you are hiding in your home and the streets are not safe to go out on, how are you able to hold onto hope? UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm hopeful because from the response from the people I see. I have been trying to see who is interested to flee out of the country. I'm talking about people whose lives are at risk. Nobody wants to flee out of the country, although media has been reporting people trying to cross borders between Libya and Tunisia and Libya and Egypt. COOPER: Yes. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Nobody wants to flee, nobody. Everybody is staying home. Everybody -- some are even staying out. They're just trying to do whatever they can for him to end this as soon as it's possible. COOPER: Please stay safe. Thank you for talking to us. We will check in with you again. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you. Bye. (END VIDEOTAPE) COOPER: Coming up, we're going to talk to Tom Friedman from "The New York Times," also in just a moment Brian Flynn, whose brother was killed in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, an attack carried out by Libyan intelligence and new claims today that it was actually carried out at the direct request of Moammar Gadhafi. We will also talk with Fouad Ajami and Jill Dougherty on the boat lift out of Tripoli that we're still waiting to get word on when that is actually taking off. First, though, the very latest from inside Libya. CNN's Ben Wedeman, first Western journalist not only inside Libya, but to make it to the liberated city of Benghazi, the second largest city. Ben, what was it like when you arrived in Benghazi today? BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, it blew our minds, Anderson. We arrived in the mid-afternoon, and we showed up sort of at the center of town, where there were thousands of people already demonstrating. When they saw us arrive, they just exploded with cheers and clapping, people saying, thank you, thank you in English, throwing candy and dates inside the car. I mean, the only thing I can really think of, or I thought of at the time, was it was like being the first American soldier in a jeep driving into Paris after the fall in 1944. It was just this incredible welcome that really drove home the point that these people are desperate for the world's attention, desperate to get their stories out. I mean, every Libyan you talk to just talks your ear off, telling you what it's been like for the last few days, what they have gone through under Moammar Gadhafi, and how desperately they need the world to help them to end this 42-year reign of Moammar Gadhafi. It's incredible. I was in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein. I was in Afghanistan after the rout of the Taliban. But the emotions that we're seeing here are several times more intense than that experience -- Anderson. COOPER: Ben, if Gadhafi is able to hold onto Tripoli and not just hold onto the streets, but then reorganize and launch an attack against Benghazi, can that city defend itself? WEDEMAN: At the moment, its defenses are fairly weak. I mean, what we're seeing on the streets is that it's just teenage boys, men in their 20s, with shotguns, AK-47s, clubs, machetes, hunting knives. They certainly aren't lacking in enthusiasm, in serious dedication to defending their city. What they're lacking is the sort of things that Moammar Gadhafi's forces have, tanks, anti-aircraft guns, aircraft, warships. They simply don't have that. Now, I was speaking -- we were speaking with one member of (INAUDIBLE) ad hoc government here in Benghazi. And they say they are talking with the military, the military that has switched sides, defected to the anti-Gadhafi forces, about putting up some sort of serious defenses. But it's early days, and we have already seen that Moammar Gadhafi will stop at nothing to put down this rebellion. So people are very worried here -- Anderson. COOPER: And do you know how organized the military that's gone over to the protesters' side, that's now against Gadhafi, do we know how organized it is, how many of them there are, what kind of weapons they have? WEDEMAN: Numbers are not clear. They -- we -- actually, what happened was that after the civilians took over the city, there were a lot of people who basically treated themselves with contents of the army's arsenals. And we watched today as several young men brought in some fairly heavy machine guns and were surrendering them to this ad hoc government. It's not at all clear how much hardware is still available to the people here. There were several large bases in the area, and they do seem to have taken control of all of them. But it's not clear. We haven't seen any tanks in the street. We haven't seen any aircraft that they have. So it's not clear really how much they can really -- they can get their hands on -- Anderson. COOPER: Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Ben Wedeman, appreciate the reporting. Thank you. Please stay safe. Joining the live chat right now at AC360.com. Coming up, we can't talk about Libya and the entire region without talking about oil. Tom Friedman of "The New York Times" talks about an addiction to oil. Keep it coming and keep it cheap and the world will turn a blind eye to whatever else is going on in the region. That's what he said what our policy basically has been over these years. We will talk to him coming up. Also, more insight on Libya's uprising from Professor Fouad Ajami, Jill Dougherty on the evacuation of Americans, and we will talk to Brian Flynn, a man whose brother was killed on Pan Am Flight 103 22 years ago, an attack carried out by Libya. Plus, Isha Sesay is following other headlines for us -- Isha. ISHA SESAY, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Anderson, the fight for equal rights for gays and lesbians got a boost today from President Obama. While some are calling the latest move by the president a victory for civil rights, others are far from impressed. I will explain what's going on. That and more just ahead. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) COOPER: Well, we're continuing to follow developments with the ferry that's waiting to leave Tripoli with Americans on board. The greatest concern involves all the Libyans of course trapped inside their homes right now, thugs roaming the streets, mercenaries as well in Tripoli. Throughout it, all the regime has been trying to blame outsiders, especially America, for the uprising. Just moments ago, we got a chilling statement to that effect from Libya's interior ministry, calling on people to turn in their weapons and tell them who gave them hallucinatory pills. Gadhafi says American drugs are being used to poison Libyan minds. The ministry is promising anyone who gives themselves up will not be harmed. Joining us now is Brian Flynn, who lost his brother John Patrick on Pan Am 103. We should say his brother was killed on Pan Am 103. Also Professor Fouad Ajami of Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and the Hoover Institution, and Jill Dougherty at the State Department. Jill, first of all, this ferry was supposed to depart hours ago. There's been bad weather. Do we know the status of it? JILL DOUGHERTY, CNN FOREIGN AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT: Yes, I just made a phone call recently. And the latest is, the capacity we know, 575 places. But we don't know exactly how many people are on that. Of course, the majority would be Americans, but there are other third national -- people from other countries on there. It will be -- they expect that it will be going out tomorrow morning, but that's really unclear. It all depends upon the weather. COOPER: It has got to be scary for those folks who are sitting -- I assume they're sitting on the ferry at this point. DOUGHERTY: Yes. COOPER: Fouad, we have heard the strongest word yet from President Obama. Was he strong enough today? FOUAD AJAMI, PROFESSOR OF MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES, JOHNS HOPKINS SCHOOL OF ADVANCED INTERNATIONAL STUDIES: Well, I don't think they're very strong. I think, if I were Moammar Gadhafi in a bombed-out bunker in Tripoli, I would think this is not a bad day for me, because in the end, what the president hasn't yet said and hasn't yet expressed fully and forcefully, as Angela Merkel has, is to declare the Libyan regime illegitimate and to make it clear to the functionaries of the regime that we are watching them and we will hold them responsible for the crimes they have committed. By the way, Senator John Kerry from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has made a statement along the same line. We must consider the Libyan regime at war with its own people and we must tell the functionaries of the regime the crimes that they committed will not go unpunished. That is something that the president has not yet done and it's something that the events may call for. COOPER: Brian, since this began, I have been wondering what you and your family has thought about all of this, because we have had you on the show numerous times over the years to talk about this guy, Moammar Gadhafi, and the blood that he has on his hands. What do you make of what's going on now? Because this basically just verifies all the things you have been saying about this regime for years. BRIAN FLYNN, BROTHER KILLED IN PAN AM FLIGHT 103 BOMBING: Yes, for the last two decades, we have been saying that Gadhafi is illegitimate, that he's a brutal dictator and any effort to normalize relations or in the case of the U.K. to free -- fraudulently free Megrahi from prison, every time we do something like that, we have blood on our hands today, because you've seen that fact that that regime that we legitimized, we even fortified it by establishing closer relations with them, they're in fact brutalizing their people today. And I think we're partly responsible for that. COOPER: Fouad, why have we had this policy to them? Yes, they gave up their weapons of mass destruction or attempt to build weapons of mass destruction. Is that just the bargain we made? AJAMI: Well, in fact, that giving up of the weapons of mass destruction was such a great fraud. It was made at the very low point in the Bush administration. You will remember that basically this is when the hunt for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq had run aground. And the president, President Bush at the time, was about to announce that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. So both President Bush and Prime Minister Blair made a deal with the devil. They made a deal with Moammar Gadhafi, and they made it seem that the Iraq war has paid dividends. I say this with a heavy heart, because I was a supporter of President Bush, and I think his diplomacy of freedom was on the mark. But I think that was in error. And then came further years of indulging this man, this terrible man, Moammar Gadhafi. And we now see the harvest of the bargain we have made with this character. COOPER: It's interesting, Fouad, because with Mubarak, the Bush administration had this sort of name and shame policy where they were publicly -- Condoleezza Rice made a public declaration in Cairo critical of the regime, and yet there you see her meeting with Gadhafi in Libya, the first secretary of state to ever do that. AJAMI: Yes. Well, I think we go back to what we just were talking about, that low point in 2004, during which these Western leaders who waged the Iraq war, President Bush and Prime Minister Blair, had decided that they would give a waiver, they would give a plea bargain to Moammar Gadhafi. And let's remember something about Gadhafi. He's a murderer and a hyena, but he's also a cunning fox. Your don't rule a country for 42 years without being a very, very clever man. He got the message, by the way, Anderson, in 2003, when the 101st Airborne killed the two murderous sons of Saddam in Mosul. It was then when that Gadhafi and his family decided it's time now to make a bargain with the West. And they have made -- he's made his bargains with England, he's made his bargains with Italy, he's made his bargains with Spain. He's been able to in many ways blackmail Europe. He's the one that made the famous statement that, unless he's indulged, he would turn Europe black, he would unleash on Europe floods of African immigrants. So, this man has played the game to perfection. Let's not forget that. FLYNN: And I think there's an important distinction between Mubarak or Saddam Hussein. The fact is Libya has and Gadhafi has killed Americans and attacked Americans and attacked British soil. And I think that makes a big distinction on how he should be treated and needs to be addressed now. COOPER: It's got to outrage you to hear these Libyan diplomats now, the U.S. ambassador -- the Libyan ambassador to the U.S., and representatives at the U.N., now all of a sudden saying we're with the people, we're not with Gadhafi any longer, this man is torturing, he's doing terrible things, when for -- up until last week, they were apologists for his regime. And his sons have been parading around in silk suits having parties with Beyonce and Usher and Mariah Carey, paying them millions of dollars. FLYNN: Right. And we have been saying, is anyone paying attention to this? Why doesn't anyone realizing who they're dealing with? And it didn't seem that anyone had any shame or recognition of that fact. And I think what we were talking about earlier tonight about the regime now and the fact that the -- both the sons have now said there's going to be rivers of blood flowing in the streets, these are guys that we were hosting at the State Department months ago. COOPER: Jill, at this point, though, in terms of U.S. options on the table, what are they? DOUGHERTY: Well, Hillary Clinton says everything is on the table. But they're not really defining it very well. I mean, number one would be, of course, economic sanctions. The idea, the concept of having a no-fly zone apparently has been raised. They're not talking much about that. But that's very problematical. Then you could have asset freezes; you could have travel bans. They're doing that to the Iranians. And that's something to watch, too. Iran is constantly coming up almost as a parallel in this story, a statement on that today. But those are about the things that they're discussing. But what they want to do it is with the international community. And that's why you're seeing Hillary Clinton sent off by President Obama next Monday to Geneva. And she's going to be meeting with foreign ministers at the Human Rights Council of the United Nations. And they will be discussing a lot of this. COOPER: Fouad, we have seen these pictures now from Benghazi when it was still in Gadhafi's hands of thugs going through the streets just beating people. Basically, that's the scene now taking place we understand on the streets in Tripoli, where mercenaries and young people have just been armed to go out and try to, I guess, hunt down anybody who they believe is against the regime. Can this work? I mean, can Gadhafi hold on to Tripoli and basically kind of clean up the streets, keep people in their homes, and then, I guess, perhaps launch an attack against Benghazi down the road? AJAMI: That's the nightmare scenario. You hold your breath for these Libyan people. You hold your breath for their courage and their moral clarity. And sometimes when I listen to these people who trust you and call, these orderly people, the anonymous woman from Libya, and you compare and contrast her moral clarity with the delirium and the barbarism of Gadhafi and his son with the Ph.D. and the shiny suit, and you compare and contrast, you wonder why we don't trust the Libyans with their freedom, why we're afraid. We should not fear the Libyans. We should not fall for the legend that an Islamic emirate is going to come to Benghazi. These people are not fighting for an Islamic emirate. They're fighting to end a barbarous regime. So there in the streets of Benghazi, in the streets of Tripoli is a fight for the Arab future. And sometimes history is unforgiving. Go back and look at what he did in Rwanda, the abdication in Rwanda. It came to pass later on that President Clinton said this was a great abdication and a great moral failure, what happened in Rwanda on his watch. Go back to Srebrenica in 1995, when 7,000 people were taken and murdered by the Serbian militias and the Serbian killer squads, and then we concluded that this too was unforgivable. It is this moment now in Arab history. This is the springtime, if you will, of the Arab people. Will they be defeated? And will this battle turn against these decent people and in favor of this barbarous man and his killer squads and his mercenaries? COOPER: And I was in Rwanda during the genocide. I was with the Rwandan Patriotic Front, and the difference between that and now is there are cell-phone cameras, and there are brave people who are getting the story out, not -- not just Ben Wedeman in Benghazi, but as you pointed out, Libyans themselves who are risking their lives to tell us and show us the images of what is happening. So the world can't say that "We don't know what's happening in Libya," because we know and we're documenting it every single day. And that is not -- it wasn't the case so clearly in Rwanda, though certainly, many people did know what was going on. FLYNN: And I think the people of Libya are showing much more courage right now than we are, and more moral clarity than the president showed tonight. I think that some of his statements, although perhaps tempered because of the situation with the Americans not getting out, what I was looking for was for him to say, "We will not tolerate it. We will stop this." Not that it's outrageous but go a step further and say, "We will do what it takes. We, the western world, will help the Libyan people to become free." We owe it to them, because I think we helped legitimize and fortify the Gadhafi regime by turning a blind eye for so many years. COOPER: Every night on this story, every night as I've gone to bed, I've thought about people in Libya cowering in their homes right now, afraid to go outside. You know, when it's the state itself, which has turned against you, it's not just some thugs out on the street. It is the state itself which is trying to kill you. And just imagine that fear where no place is safe. Even in your own home, the doors can be broken down, thugs can come in. And no one would ever hear whatever happened to you. Brian, appreciate you coming in. We'll continue to have you on. Fouad, as well. Jill Dougherty, thank you very much. Coming up, "New York Times'" Tom Friedman says what's happening in the Arab world is the mother of all wakeup calls for the United States, for all of us, about ending an addiction to oil. That story is next. And we'll talk to Tom, an extensive conversation. And later, the death toll rises from that devastating earthquake in New Zealand. We're going to hear from a former U.S. senator who is there with his wife for a conference. His wife came very close to losing her life. An extraordinary story when we continue. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) COOPER: Isn't Professor Fouad Ajami great? I'm so glad he agrees to be on our program every night. I learn something from him every night. We talked a little bit about oil at the top of the program. The price today briefly hitting $100 a barrel on news out of Libya. As Tom Friedman of "The New York Times" might put it, we're all as jumpy as an addict who doesn't know where his next fix will be coming from. We spoke earlier, Tom Friedman and I, about addiction, oil, and how the Libyan revolution may end. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) COOPER: Tom, just looking at Libya first, knowing what you do about Gadhafi, do you think he's going to be able to hold onto power? TOM FRIEDMAN, "NEW YORK TIMES": Well, that's really hard to predict, Anderson. But one thing we do know about these kinds of regimes, and his in particular, they're a whole group of cronies, a whole group of military officers that are deeply invested in this regime, have deeply benefited from it, and they will fight to preserve it and probably some of them fight to the death. Others obviously have not benefited or don't want to be part of it any more and have joined the other side, but there is a hard core that really has been the beneficiary of his rule. And I don't think they will go quietly into this good night. COOPER: It also seems as long as they're willing to use helicopter gun ships against their own people, that this thing could drag on for a while, unless someone in that inner circle decides to make a change and kill Gadhafi or somehow get him out. FRIEDMAN: Yes, I mean, you just really can't predict. I think these kind of regimes, when they break, they tend to break from the top, from the inner, inner core. And certainly, you know, that was -- that's always a possibility here. I guess it would be, certainly, the speediest and one would hope the most peaceful. But it's impossible to predict. The whole thing's so opaque. COOPER: You write about what we're watching in many of these countries as it should be a giant wakeup call for all of us. How so? FRIEDMAN: Well, you know, I think as I wrote today. We're like a person who has built their home at the foot of a volcano. And the volcano is now spewing lava and rumbling as if the top is going to blow. In this case, the volcano we've built our home next to is our total dependence on oil to drive our economy, our addiction to oil as it was first called by President Bush. And if we continue to maintain this addiction, we will be actually hostaging our economy to what is going to be not just this week, Anderson, not just next month, but I think for years the most unstable region of the world. COOPER: You don't think this is just kind of a flare-up, that these regimes will change and then it will be smooth sailing? FRIEDMAN: Oh, no. You know, all of these regimes have huge pent-up issues that actually are the reasons that drove this spate of revolts to begin with. And this is basically a part of the world that's been living outside of history for the last 50 years, insulated first by the Cold War and all the aid these dictators in regimes got from the United States or the Soviet Union. And then by oil. And as a result, inside, they are deeply ossified countries, lacking in real institutions, any what we call civil society. So you crack these regimes, and a lot of instability is going to flow out. It's going to be a long time before they find their footing. COOPER: It's incredible when you look at all the money that Gadhafi has made from oil, and yet he spent very, very little on his people. There's only 6 million people or something in Libya, and yet their education system is a joke. FRIEDMAN: Yes. I mean, even Egypt, you know, you have somewhere around 30 percent illiteracy in Egypt, which we consider a modern country and a leader of the Arab word. So these were all kleptocratic regimes. I think, you know, 30 years from now, Anderson, historians will look back and say, "How did we put up with this group of kleptocrats for so long as we did?" They have complete impoverished their people, as I wrote about in the Arab Human Development Report, which was -- came out in 2002. It said it, as startling as can be. This region is plagued by a deficit of freedom, a deficit of education, and a deficit of women's empowerment. So they have so much catching up to do. Your heart aches for what's going to have to happen here, but it's not going to be a smooth -- smooth ride from the revolution. COOPER: And yet, this notion that we seem to kind of rely on and maybe help us sleep at night, this notion that, well, at least these regimes are stable. I mean, now we see what a lie that was. I mean, these were never stable. It wasn't real stability. It was -- it was oppression and, you know, torturing of their own people, but it wasn't real stability. FRIEDMAN: You know, Anderson, it was actually worse than repression, in my view. It was regimes that did not give their people anywhere near the tools they needed to thrive or survive in the 21st century. And so it isn't just that they stole money, that they tortured and put people in jail. That would be awful enough. But they actually stole something much worse. They actually stole 30 years of their life and opportunity in a really fast-moving world. So you look at a country like Egypt, I mean you were there -- I was there. It's not just 30 years behind. It's actually 60 years behind. You know, they missed 30 years of growth, you know, and while the rest of the world was going ahead. So the catch-up is going to be enormous. COOPER: And -- and in terms of the -- the bargain that all of us kind of have made in order for oil and that the U.S. government has made and successive administrations has made, was essentially you write about treating these places as gas stations, and anything else they were free to do whatever they wanted. FRIEDMAN: Yes, we basically had the same bargain with all these regimes. And what we essentially said to them was, "Guys" -- there's only guys we talk to -- "Guys, here's the deal. Keep your pumps open, your oil prices low, and don't bother the Israelis to much, and you can do whatever you want out back. You can deprive your people of whatever civil rights you want, preach whatever intolerance you want from your mosque, write whatever conspiracy theories in newspapers that you like. Keep your people as backward as you want, no problem. Just keep your pumps open, your prices low, and be nice to the Israelis." (END VIDEOTAPE) COOPER: We're going to have part two of my interview with the remarkable Tom Friedman just ahead. Plus, remember polygamist cult leader Warren Jeffs, the one behind bars awaiting his next trial? He's been busy in his jail cell. He's now scored a surprising victory. We'll have that story ahead, as well. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) COOPER: Before the break, you heard "New York Times" columnist Tom Friedman say the chaos and regime changes across the Middle East and North Africa should be a wakeup call to the U.S., a call to break our addiction to oil. The Egyptians, Libyans, Bahrainians and others are risking their lives right now to topple their oppressors. It's not about oil, though; it's about a lot more. That's where part two of my interview with Tom Friedman picks up. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) COOPER: The thing I keep thinking about and haunted by is the sound the demonstrators in the square made when they were under attack, direct attack. And they had made these metal barricades, and they had sticks, and they had stones. And they were banging them all through the night, you know, this message, kind of sending the message to Mubarak and to their attackers that "We're strong, and we're not afraid, and we're not going to be defeated." And -- and we keep hearing this phrase over and over again, and I found it in your column today again, as well, the idea that fear has been defeated. And a man I talked to in Libya just over the last couple days kept saying that to me. And last night insisted that we show his face, because he wanted to send the message that he is no longer afraid. I find that such a powerful idea, the notion that fear has been defeated, and that there is no turning back. FRIEDMAN: You know, I saw your interview last night, and I was struck by the same thing. I was struck in Tahrir Square the number of people I'd be interviewing. I would say, what's your name? And they'd say, "It's Mohammed with two 'M's'." OK? COOPER: Right. FRIEDMAN: "It's Mohammed Abdul Fatel (ph), you know. Get my name down. I want to be in the newspaper." You know, there's two very powerful, I think, voices or themes you heard coming out of these revolutions. One is "We're not afraid anymore, because we have so little to lose. The regime has stripped us of that." And the other you hear, and I believe that Libyans said it last night, as well -- I heard this in Egypt many times -- "I'm now proud to say I'm a Libyan, I'm an Egyptian." These people were ashamed. They had been humiliated by their regimes. Because they looked out at the world. They saw the world going by. And literally one Egyptian said to me, "I was ashamed to show my passport." So it's very clear the deep, really kind of human impulse that's been on display here, that's been coming out. What I weep for and what I worry about is just the amount of catching up they have to do. Anderson, I went to school in Cairo in the summer of 1974, studied Arabic at the American University in Tahrir Square. The skyline of Cairo today is almost identical to the skyline of the Cairo I studied in, in 1974. I can't think of a major city in the world, any city of the world, basically, I can say that about. COOPER: Yes, I've been getting e-mails from viewers and tweets from some viewers saying, "You know what? I'm interested in what's happening, but I'm tired of all this coverage going on in the Middle East. There's things happening here in America." I believe this is one of the greatest stories of our time and, certainly, of this decade. This is -- I mean, this is -- do you agree with that, that this is hugely important? FRIEDMAN: Oh, absolutely. I was on book leave, and I dropped everything to be able to go to the Middle East and try to see this and understand it firsthand. As I said, we're dealing with a region, 350 million people that have basically been living outside of history, and they're coming into history now, and this story, I believe, is going to unfold. It is going to be a drama that's going to dominate our news and our life, I think, for a long, long time. COOPER: Tom Friedman, appreciate it. Thank you, Tom. (END VIDEOTAPE) COOPER: "New York Times" columnist Tom Friedman. Up next, Christchurch in New Zealand, a city in ruins, hundreds missing right now in the rubble. We have an eyewitness account of a massive earthquake from Indiana Senator Evan Bayh and his wife. They were there when it happened. His wife had a very close call. She'll explain ahead. And what Tea Partier Christine O'Donnell has done to get back on tonight's "RidicuList." It's not what you think. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) COOPER: Ahead, see why we're adding former Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell to our "RidicuList," and it has something to do with "Dancing with the Stars." But first, Isha Sesay is back with a "360 News & Business Bulletin" -- Isha. ISHA SESAY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Anderson, at least 76 people are dead after a massive 6.3 earthquake hit New Zealand, and more bodies are being recovered. Two of the lucky ones who survived unscathed, former Indiana Senator Evan Bayh and his wife, who were in Christchurch for a conference when the quake hit. Today, he told us what it was like. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) EVAN BAYH (D), FORMER ILLINOIS SENATOR: The closer you got to the center of the city where Susan was, the worse and worse things got. The roads were cracked open, water flooding here, no electricity, multiple injuries, that kind of thing. So it really was like -- it was like a scene of a disaster movie, and you kept thinking, "I'm going to wake up and this is not going to be real," but unfortunately, it was. (END VIDEO CLIP) SESAY: President Obama has ordered the Justice Department to stop defending the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. Now, the act defines marriage as only between a man and a woman. Attorney General Eric Holder says the president has concluded that classifications based on sexual orientation should be scrutinized with higher standards. Jailed polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs is back in charge of his church. That's because another man has stepped down, and Jeffs signed papers, putting him back in control of his followers. Jeffs is facing a trial in Texas, where he's accused of bigamy and sexual assault. The charges stem from an alleged spiritual marriage of a 12- year-old girl. Nearly 144,000 Ford F-150 pickup trucks are being recalled because of a potential airbag problem. The trucks are at least five years old. And Anderson, a judge warned actress Lindsay Lohan today that the only way she can avoid prison is if she's acquitted in a trial; a plea deal won't cut it. Lohan is accused of stealing a necklace worth $2,500 from an L.A. Jewelry store. She's pleaded "not guilty" to the charge. Anderson, the drama goes on and on. COOPER: I'm done. I'm done with her. I can't listen to another thing. Time now for "The RidicuList." Tonight, we're adding someone who has actually been on "The RidicuList" before, a distinction held by only two other people. Can you name them? Charlie Sheen and the fountain lady. So congratulations, Christine O'Donnell. You are now a two-timer on "The RidicuList." O'Donnell is on the list tonight not for something she's done but for something she's considering not doing. See, O'Donnell posted this on her Facebook page: "I just got the official 'ask' from 'Dancing with the Stars'" Exclamation point. "Although I'm utterly flattered, my initial thought was to decline, as my 2-year-old nephew has more rhythm than me and my two left feet. However, Eileen thinks I should do it. What do you think?" I'll tell you what I think. I think it's ridiculous that you're even asking. Of course you should be on "Dancing with the Stars." It would be ridiculous of you not to be on "Dancing with the Stars." I don't know who Eileen is, but listen to her. No. 1, everybody knows the requirements for being on "Dancing with the Stars" do not include being a good dancer. Thank you, Billy Ray Cyrus. You taught us that. No. 2, you don't even have to be a star. Thank you, Steve Wozniak, who taught us that. Come on, Christine O'Donnell. You have to do it. O'Donnell writes on Facebook she has two left feet. On that point, I think she could take a lesson from Eugene Levy and Catharine O'Hara in "Best in Show." (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) EUGENE LEVY, ACTOR: I can't dance; I can't dance. I've got two left feet. I've got two left feet. CATHARINE O'HARA, ACTRESS: I thought he was kidding. LEVY: But I wasn't. I was born where two left feet, and they had a nickname for me. They used to call me Loopy, because, you know, I would walk in little loops. With some therapy, I learned how to walk a straight line. O'HARA: And dance. And dance. LEVY: And dance. (END VIDEO CLIP) COOPER: I rest my case. O'Donnell also writes that her 2-year-old nephew has more rhythm than she does. I wouldn't worry about that either. It is a scientific fact 2-year-olds have amazing rhythm. Why else would so many of them play drums in online videos? Come on, Christine O'Donnell, don't listen to the hundreds of -- hundreds and hundreds of naysayers on your Facebook page. Don't listen to scores of people who are writing things like, "You have no dignity," and "You'll never be taken seriously as a political candidate," and "You should be on 'Dancing with the Has-beens'." Haters. What do they know? By the way, who really uses their Facebook comments to make major life decisions, anyway? Clearly, that's a job for Twitter or for a close group of trusted friends such as might be found in a coven, hypothetically. I mean, look at your Facebook profile picture. You barely even have to change it. It already has a star on it. Just take off "United States Senate," write "Dancing Competition" and you're set. Simple. You've got to do it, Christine. And for hesitating for even one minute about this, you've cha-chaed your way right onto tonight's "RidicuList." Serious stuff at the top of the hour. Of course, the latest from Tripoli. We'll be right back.


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If you're familiar with All About Jazz, you know that we've dedicated over two decades to supporting jazz as an art form, and more importantly, the creative musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made All About Jazz one of the most culturally important websites of its kind in the world reaching hundreds of thousands of readers every month. However, to expand our offerings and develop new means to foster jazz discovery we need your help.
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Track Listing: Bird Food; Blue Subtext; Baraka Sasa; Infant Eyes; Heard; Never Let Me Go; Cada Gota De Mar; Hackensack; Bait And Switch.
Personnel: Steve Khan: guitar; Ruben Rodriguez: electric bass, baby bass; Dennis Chambers; drums; Marc Quinones: timbal, bongo, percussion; Bobby Allende: conga, bongo (1); Randy Brecker: flugelhorn (1); Rob Mounsey: keyboards (2, 5); orchestrations (3, 4, 6, 7), coro (7); Gil Goldstein: accordion (7); Mariana Ingold: vocals (7).
Title: Subtext | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Tone Center
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subset: commoncrawl


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do yourself a favor; buy one.
Your review: no need to stabilize; stays put on any surface. the board sort of 'grabs' your knife as you cut, no slipping - fastest board i've ever worked on. can't imagine it warping or dishing, so every cut is through and even. cleans easily.


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Latest News
Miami mom's Pedro Pan novel
There is a moment in Christina Diaz Gonzalez's debut novel, The Red Umbrella, (Knopf, $16.99, ages 10-up) that will strike some readers as too frightening to be plausible. The parents of two children, ages 7 and 14, announce that the kids are going to a foreign country -- alone -- to meet someone they don't know who they will live with for an undetermined amount of time.
Implausible except that scenarios like this happened thousands of times during Operation Pedro Pan, the airlift of about 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban children to the United States between 1960 and 1962. Gonzalez's parents were among them.
''It is terrifying to think that there were parents who feared so much for their children's safety that it was better to send them blindly away that to let them stay in Cuba," Gonzalez said. "It's unthinkable, but it happened."
Gonzalez, who lives in Miami with her husband and two sons, mined family history to create her main character, Lucia. The 14-year-old girl left Puerto Mijares with her little brother, Frankie, when it became clear that her father had been targeted for persecution.
Because the idea sprang from material she knew well, Gonzalez had the outlines of the story in her head long before she put pen to paper. She wrote it first as a short story, titled Flight from Neverland, but got the same suggestion from everyone she showed it to.
"Everyone said, 'This is a novel,' but I hadn't written a novel before, and I wasn't sure I could do it," Gonzalez said.
Eventually, she realized she had to try. She had signed up for a critique from Nancy Siscoe, an editor at Random House, at a Society of Children's Book Writer and Illustrators conference. She remade her short story into the first 15 pages of a novel, and gave the editor the first 10 pages to read.
''It was clear from those first pages that Christina was an accomplished writer. Her prose was clean and spare - it was just effortless to read. But she also managed to convey a lot of emotion," Siscoe said. ''And on top of that, this great writer had a wonderful story to tell. It's a fascinating piece of history and a story that speaks so directly to kids. You can't help but imagine yourself in Lucia's shoes."
Gonzalez recalls that the first thing Siscoe said to her when they met was that Random House would like to buy her manuscript. Stunned, she fumbled Siscoe's first question -- "Are you almost done?"
"Before I could think, the words were out of my mouth," Gonzalez said. "I told her 'Yes, almost.' I had written 15 pages!''
Time to get busy.
It was June, so Gonzalez lined up camps for her sons and enlisted her parents, Delfin and Esperanza Diaz, to baby-sit. By August she had a finished draft; by the end of the month, she had an offer from Random House.
She launched the book at a May 8 party at Books & Books with more than 300 in attendance.
"We were packed to rafters," said Debra Linn, the bookstore's event coordinator. ''And they bought books by the armful. One person buying seven copies was not uncommon. There was so much joy in the room. Everyone was so genuinely happy for [Gonzalez], proud of her, and proud of having their story told, and told in such an artful and emotionally accurate way."
HOT DIGGITY FOR ANOTHER WRITERDespite the old wisdom that those who care for law or sausage should not watch either being made, Miami writer Adrienne Sylver, an avowed lover of the ballpark frank, dove headlong (footlong?) into research for her first book: Hot Diggity Dog: A History of the Hot Dog (Dutton, $16.99, ages 5 to 8). Every conceivable question you might have about the wiener is answered within including, did Homer really mention sausages in the Odyssey?He did!
What about Neil Armstrong? Was he really the first man to eat a hot dog in space? He was!
And where did the name "hot dog" come from anyway? Alas, no one is certain but one theory is that German vendors noted the similarity in shape to dachshunds and their sales pitch to passersby – "Get your red hot dachshund sausages!" – was shortened over time.
Adrienne Sylver will celebrate the publication of her first book at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 22, at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. There will, of course, be refreshments and those refreshments will, of course, be hot dogs.


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This is one of those pics that I've had for ages and never really had the right stash or idea to scrap it but today it all fell into place :) The photo was very old and discoloured but a little scan and tweak has brought it back to life. Lulu was probably about 18 months old here and still at that lovely stage where she thought her reflection was another baby in the mirror that she needed to kiss ...bless xx
I've used my typewriter to add a tiny bit of journalling 'Lulu, kissing the baby in the mirror"
The papers are the divine Pink Paislee 'London Market' , I bought them at the GoGo Getaway recently and I've been itching to use them ...the charm and alpha are from other GoGo Kits ...
A few little Papermania flowers and some Websters Tulle trim look gorgeous here with a little run of my Stampin' Up! musical notes stamp...love that so much !
Hope you like my little contribution to National Scrapbooking Day :)
See you all soon,


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Recent Posts
We returned to Bali. This time, we directed out trusty and not so trusty motorbikes inland and headed for the peaks. Actually, it was already quite dark, so we did not see the peak of Mount Agung volcano, but we … Continue reading
Bali might as well be a different country from Indonesia. Minutes after arrival you notice the differences. Everything is a lot cleaner than in Java. Carvings, statues, and ornate gates are all over the place. Literally, almost every house has … Continue reading
Normally, when I think monkeys, I think of playful creatures frolicking around, doing monkey things, eating bananas, and being cute. I was wrong. Our first monkey adventure was in Malaysia. We hopped on motorbikes in Kuching and drove for over … Continue reading


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**Bossip Exclusive** Antonia Carter Talks Love, Wayne, and Baby Mama Drama
Bossip had the pleasure of chopping it up with new reality star, Antonia Carter, and she filled us in on everything from her new relationship, to getting ready for Wayne's departure and what to expect on the new season of Tiny and Toya.
Bossip: Are you still with James Hardy? People said you made tweets that made them think y'all weren't together?
James is a Great person:)
Bossip: You say that you don't like drama and get along with all of Wayne's baby mommas. Has it always been that way, and what was your first reaction to them?
Dwayne has not always had "Babymamas" this is something new for me …but we are making a conscious effort to change the stereotype of babymamas. We get a long Great! We don't have any reason not to. It's about the kids at this point and I love all of them:)
Bossip: Anymore kids for you soon?
I would love to have another kid but not in the near future.
You care a lot about your image. Now that you're in the spotlight more, how hard is it to balance being a mother and a reality star?
I won't pretend it's easy. Being in the Spotlight now, I have found that my motherly skills are getting stronger. I can see more clearly now the things I need to protect her from and prepare her for. Reginae and I have a great relationship. We spend lots of time together.
Do you wear a weave? If so, ladies want to know what kind?
Yes I do. My stylist uses these links to put my weave in so a lot of my real hair is out. That's why people always ask me is that your hair? Because it always look so natural… No it's good ol Indian mixed with mine.
Bossip: On the new season of Tiny and Toya, what can we expect? When does it air? Are y'all taping now?
Expect to see continued growth and forward movement…I think it airs in February…we start taping this week.
Bossip: What happened to the book?
I'm still working on it
Bossip: We saw your struggle with your mom on the show, how is she?
My mom is Great! She's doing much better..Anita loves everybody and everybody loves Anita:)
Bossip: What's your favorite drink and why?
My preferred drink of choice is white wine..but I'm not a big drinker
Bossip:For some reason, we don't believe you Toya, you need more people.
Bossip: There is a video out with you dancing at a Halloween party looking a little scandalous… how did that happen?
I'm not a scandalous person and I don't pretend to be square. I go out and have fun like most people my age…I'm at a Growth stage in my life and right now I'm learning that people would try to twist the truth until it looks like something else…it was Halloween and I was just having fun!
Bossip: With Wayne facing a substantial amount of jail time for gun charges, how are you preparing yourself and your daughter for that situation?
The situation saddens me but we are preparing our daughter for it and we are there for each other as always.
More Stories From Bossip
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text: For Expecting Parents Home > Preschool > For Expecting Parents Are you a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and expecting a new little blessing in your family? We would love to hear about it! Please fill out the following form to submit your announcement to our church staff and the Little Blessings Ministry. Parents' Names: What is the parents' age range? Choose... 20's 30's 40's+ Phone Number: Home Address: Are you expecting a single or multiples? Baby's Gender: What is your due date? Siblings names and ages. Are you a member of Immanuel Baptist Church? Choose... Yes No Name of Bible Study Community Department (if enrolled): Thank you for sharing your newest blessing with us. Please let us know when your little one arrives. Fill out a Birth Announcement by clicking on the corresponding link in the left-hand menu.


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Gorilla, My Love
Marxism and "The Lesson" College
As wealth inequality reached its zenith at the beginning of the 20th century, Marxist concepts such as social injustice and economic inequality became a major subject of discussion in western literature. With the death of Karl Marx in 1883 and the spread of Communism to Russia in 1914, literature became an important front for socialist writers looking to spread their ideas. This is especially true in the United States, where centuries of black oppression had created extreme wealth inequality between white and black Americans. In Toni Cade Bambara's "The Lesson," the character of Ms. Moore reveals to a group of black children the level of disparity between their lives and those of the white upper classes. As the story develops, a group of children undergo a process socialist awakening as they are made class consciousness by the vulgar extravagances of the upper classes. "The Lesson" serves as a metaphor for the awakening of the ignorant worker class into the socialist revolutionary movement, as they are confronted with the harsh reality of their suffering created by the oppressive bourgeois class.
Before being able to understand the revolutionary and classist undertones in "The Lesson," we must have a solid understanding of...
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A short introduction to PUBLIC_
Although being a fairly new PR agency (since 2010), PUBLIC_ 's team consists of highly experienced and seasoned professionals with their own specific backgrounds in PR, fashion, retail, design, sportswear, sales, education, media and more. This combined with a great network and a good work ethic, makes PUBLIC_ a strong and agile PR agency with a great understanding of the marketplace and a clear vision on things to come.
PUBLIC_ has a proven track record in using credibility and creativity in order to achieve good PR for the carefully selected brands that are currently been represented by PUBLIC_.


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Jay Hanson is fruitcake-in-chief of the peak oil die-off movement. He is founder of the website "dieoff.org", and is well known for his theory that we are all going to die from peak oil because human beings are genetically stupid. Jay has been on the cutting edge of peak oil for years, and, like the true-blue American he is, is now advocating that we forget about "rights", and install a military dictatorship in the U.S.:
Peak oil is a hall of mirrors, isn't it? On the one hand, you can join up with Dick Cheney and the cynical status quo crowd who want to run the country as a military dictatorship. Or you can join up with the hip, green, counterculture peak oil people like Hanson, who want to run the country as a military dictatorship.
I would like to engage as many of you as possible in a FRIENDLY analytical
discussion about "realpolitik" (practical politics). In order for this
discussion to bear fruit, posters are going to have to set aside
"ideologies" and beliefs about "rights". We might as well start thinking
about life without current ideologies and rights, because sooner-or-later
they will be replaced by a military dictatorship -- it's just a matter of
From a strictly analytical standpoint, our society has the potential to feed
and water it's people on a tiny fraction of the recourses is presently
requires. For example, the food sector of our society tries to fatten
people up, while the medical sector tries to deal with the health problems.
Why not simply eliminate restaurants and advertising by the food sector?
The US today is composed of a hundreds-of-thousands-of-special-interests all
burning resources trying to pull society in different directions.
While a drastic (by a factor of 1000?) reduction is resource consumption can
not eliminate an inevitable world war sometime in the future, it could delay
that war by decades. Moreover, if a military dictatorship is inevitable
anyway, I believe that the sooner the better.
Consider the following two basic types of political systems: "process"
politics and "systems" politics.
As the name implies, process politics emphasizes the adequacy and fairness
of the rules governing the process of politics. If the process is fair,
then, as in a trial conducted according to due process, the outcome is
assumed to be just -- or at least the best the system can achieve. By
contrast, systems politics is concerned primarily with desired outcomes;
means are subordinated to predetermined ends.
The time has come to replace our current system of "process" politics with a
new "systems" politics. It must be administered by most-qualified entity we
have: the Joint Chiefs (and obviously many more details I haven't considered
Considering the alternatives, what do the rest of you think of this idea?
(Remember to be PRACTICAL. Forget about "rights" and "ideologies".)


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Susan's Body of Work
I have been in the acting business for more than 25 years. I have worked in NYC, LA, and IL acting, coaching, and public speaking, for TV, film, and theater. My credits include Star Trek: Next Generation, Murder One, Profiler, Roseanne Barr Movie of the Week, Saved By the Bell, Saved By the Bell: The College Years, Murder She Wrote, and many others.
I have assisted with casting and have worked for two different management companies, submitting actors for auditions. I have been trained in many different acting approaches, from Method to cutting edge Hollywood techniques.
Let's just say, I've been around the block.
Six years ago, I decided to apply my skills and experience to help actors jump start their careers. What I give to new actors is what I wished I had when I started out: instant knowledge of how the industry works and a guiding hand.
As a coach I have helped people find their voice, land jobs, and achieve their goals. I'd like to help you do the same. Give me a call and we can discuss your ambition and needs. The initial 30-minute consultation is free.


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This piece from the 1930s shows scientists trying to come up with antigravity — now it's more than 50 years later and we're still waiting on hoverpads and floating grav-lifts. This poster is part of a series of ">eight that all showcase futures we should have had by now, like fish bowl swimming pools, flapwing flycars, and mining on the moon. In fact, the only two futuristic things depicted here that we actually got are the electronic home library, and robot warehouses where the bots fetch your orders. Sometimes futurism is more hopeful than predictive.
Arthur Radebaugh was a futurist and illustrator who came up with many of the "world of tomorrow!" style of ads that you'd see gracing the inside pages of magazines like Motor, Esquire, Fortune and Advertising Agency throughout the 1930s. He even coined the term "imagineering" back in 1947, and Disney tried to gank it in 1962. Sadly, they were partially successful, since most people automatically think of the Mouse House when they hear that word.
There's an amazing online exhibit of Radebaugh's art at the Palace of Culture called "The Future We Were Promised," which is just a short mouse click away.


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Captain America: Civil War - DVD Review
Review by Rob Carnevale
THIRTEEN films in and Marvel continue to find new ways to dazzle and amaze as they expand their superhero universe. Captain America: Civil War may have a lot to cram in but Joe and Anthony Russo, picking up where they left off with Winter Soldier, have delivered a movie that could just standout as the pinnacle of Marvel's achievements to date.
Clocking in at a seemingly patience-testing two and a half hours, and built around the somewhat beleaguered concept of yet another superhero smack-down, Civil War deftly finds ways to seem fresh and exciting, fun yet serious-minded and even emotionally involving.
It's an event movie that has everything and one that leaves you breathlessly anticipating what may still lie in store. And it's certainly a film that demands repeat viewing.
Unlike a certain other superhero tussle (are you paying attention, Batman vs Superman), Civil War sets good guy against ultra good guy in coherent, believable fashion. And while doing so, it leaves you torn between who should win, even expanding its remit to real world concerns that lend the film a surprising contemporary resonance.
Picking up in the wake of the fallout from Avengers: Age of Ultron, the film starts out in Lagos as Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) leads an ill-fated mission against another former nemesis that results in a catastrophic intervention from Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), causing more civilian deaths.
With calls for the Avengers to be held more accountable for their actions, a political summit is set up in Vienna which Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr) is keen to get behind. But the proposed treaty is unthinkable to Rogers, who fears for the lack of autonomy that will surely follow.
As both men come to loggerheads trying to win their argument, a new blow is dealt by the detonation of a bomb at the Vienna summit, the apparent blame for which lies with The Winter Soldier, aka Rogers' former friend and ally Bucky (Sebastian Stan).
Hence, while Rogers and his team go rogue attempting to find and prove Bucky's innocence, Stark and his warriors unite to try and apprehend The Winter Soldier, while in the shadows a mysterious German doctor (Daniel Bruhl) sets into play his own plan for all parties concerned.
One of the most striking things about Civil War is the way in which it expertly juggles so many elements so successfully. It's intelligent in the way that it uses its central moral dilemma (when and how to use superheroes) as an allegory for the current debate surrounding drones and the collateral damage they cause; it's suitably serious and involving when dealing with the emotional complexity of the superhero guilt that follows each mission and the subsequent strains it places on long-term friendships; but it's also immense fun in the way that it draws on humour – some of it laugh-out-loud – to punctuate proceedings every so often.
And it's sure to balance the often stunning action with worthwhile insights into the various characters, whether furthering the nuances in both the Rogers and Stark characters, or introducing new ones in the form of Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther and Tom Holland's Spider-Man – both of whom make huge first impressions.
Sure, some characters do get a little left behind, such as Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye (fun, but under-used), but it's a small price to pay given how well everything else is handled.
And the Russo brothers do deserve a huge amount of credit for the way in which they restore faith in the superhero genre given the manner in which they find new ways to keep you entertained and even overcome the limitations of so many like-minded films.
For while this is most certainly about a smack-down between two superhero titans, the humanity at play almost makes Civil War feel the least superhero-like movie of the Marvel back catalogue to date. For the most part, scenes of city-wide devastation are kept to a minimum, making this feel surprisingly intimate and yet still big.
When it comes, the long-awaited six-on-six battle is something to marvel over. It's ingenuity is staggering. There's brilliant use of the Spider-Man and Ant-Man characters, comedy and tragedy jostling for position with one another, and surprising turns of events that keep viewers on their toes. It's an exhilarating high-point of a film not short on them in the first place.
But even then the Russo's aren't done. There's a sting in the tale that leads to a heart-breaking final act… one that brings closure of sorts to this particular story, while setting up fascinating new possibilities for future instalments.
And therein lies another of the movie's master-strokes – to leave you thirsting for more at a time when fatigue could [and maybe even should] have long set in.
Captain America: Civil War is therefore a stunning achievement: one that far exceeds expectations to deliver one of the most thrilling superhero experiences you are ever likely to see.
Certificate: 12A
Running time: 2hrs 26mins
UK Blu-ray & DVD Release: September 5, 2016


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Posted on December 11, 2009 in Arab American Institute
The Arab American Institute celebrates its Silver Anniversary this year. For a quarter century we've been your primary resource for information on policies and issues, candidates and officials, leaders and visionaries — the things that impact our daily lives, and the lives of our families and friends overseas.
We couldn't have achieved this landmark without your trust, your support, and your continued involvement. So on behalf of everyone here at AAI, thank you.
Celebrate AAI's 25th Anniversary by looking back at our first 25 years!
Below are some of the landmark moments of our first five years. Check back soon as we update our timeline.
For 25 years, AAI members have been our voice, our face, our support—our raison d'être. Use our interactive gallery below to take a look at the members who have helped us reach this landmark. Click here to share your own story and memories of our first quarter century.


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Favorite Finds | 22 | For The Sun
Monday, April 29, 2013
The end of April is already here and so is the sunshine around these parts. Over the weekend I actually got a sunburn and this week we are suppose to be in the 80's. I am wondering if this is a sign that we may actually get a hot summer this year. While I am hoping we do I am also realizing that my wardrobe is not prepared for any weather where leggings won't work.
Don't let this round-up fool you though - I am not a swimsuit girl. I love looking at swimsuits much more than I love wearing them. We have a pool however so I am always forced to wear one, but I think my vintage one-piece saw it's last swim last summer and I need a new one. I am so happy that one-pieces and high-waist bikinis are back in fashion, I may actually find a new one this year. In fact I may even have trouble deciding on which one to buy!
Hope everyone had a great weekend. My yard sale was a success and everything that didn't sale was donated. I am so happy that the lengthy process of my purging is finally over. Which means it's time to buy new things, right?
13 comments:
I love swimsuits too, and they aren't the best look for me. The vintage styles that have been cropping up of late are so dear, aren't they. We broke down and joined a pool this year (Neel was opposed for forever because it was called "club" and it's so not a club...just a neighborhood pool, but whatever!), so I fear my swimsuit days are many. I should start looking.ReplyDeleteReplies
totally not the best look for me either ; ) personally i think black leggings and a long top is my best look but probably not for swimming. my pool is shared with my neighbors as well, if it weren't i could care less but it's kind of weird when your neighbors suddenly see you almost naked. one, one-piece please.Delete
I love one-pieces with a passion. I'm so happy the retro style is back. I clicked over to that gorgeous cover-up and am just a little heartbroken it's $600! Just a smidge out of my budget ;) My brother has a pool in his backyard that my nieces are anxiously waiting to open for the season, so I'm sure I'll have to don my J.Crew one-piece and get my swim on. I did just buy a straw bag from J.Crew, too. And a big floppy sun hat. Apparently I'm getting ready for the sun even though I don't like it? Weird!ReplyDeleteReplies
I know, I am sorry! I am much more likely to buy a car for $600 than a bathing suit cover-up but after finding that one I couldn't resist. I love the summer because it doesn't rain here so much. We have pretty dry summers so I am sure that helps, humidity in the city is the worst.Delete
I love the third one, I've never seen such an interesting design how it cuts straight across. I hope you are enjoying those lovely temperatures.ReplyDelete
I'm not a fan of swimsuits either! These are so cute though...and I LOVE that coverup! Adorable!ReplyDelete
Gasp! Those bathing suits! I love how those two pieces hug the hips! And yay for a successful yard sale!ReplyDelete
I'm a fan of all the retro bathing suits too! They're all so cute. I'm especially loving this wonderful summery roundup you put together. And that cover up! Oh, to be somewhere tropical right now.ReplyDelete
Congratulations on a successful yard sale and the culmination of your purge! I think you've definitely earned yourself some kind of reward; Something new, for certain. ;)
The Sam Edelman sandals are beautiful! I hardly wear heels during the summer.ReplyDelete
I like retro looking swim suits, and love the striped version. Hope you find one that you love! :)/MadisonReplyDelete
Jealous of your weather! It's turned cold here in London again (apparently parts of Europe are still experiencing snow)! But I am so looking forward to my trip to France, where hopefully I can break out a swimsuit or 2! I also clicked on that cover-up because it is GORGEOUS but yikes, the price made me weep! So glad your yard sale went well!ReplyDelete
Congratulations on the purging success! Definitely time for shopping. There are a lot of really nice one piece suits out there. I've never seen anything like #3.ReplyDelete
That coverup is so cute. And yes, that's what I take the end of purging to mean as well. Yay for new things!ReplyDelete
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A teenager is gearing up for his first Great North Run.
Tom Davison will join thousands of others on the start line on Sunday and the 17-year-old, from Whitley Bay, will be among those raising money for children's charity Barnardo's.
Tom, an A-Level student at Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College, has been doing weekly voluntary shifts since last November at the Whitley Bay Barnardo's charity shop, as part of his Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Tom said: "I have never run a half-marathon before, but I have had an interest in running since early high school, where I would frequently do cross-country runs."
Visit www.justgiving.com/Tom-Davison2
Tom added: "I've already fundraised for Barnardo's before with a 175ft bungee jump over the River Tyne and decided to use the Great North Run as an opportunity to raise further funds."
Javed Khan, chief executive of Barnardo's said: "I wish all the runners taking part in this year's Great North Run good luck.
"It's not an easy course with lots of hills – but hopefully knowing they will be raising money to support the most vulnerable children in the UK will spur them on.
"A massive thank you to our runners for choosing to support Barnardo's this year."
Tom has been fundraising through a car boot sale, coffee morning and a tombola.


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I was the defender and went for some nice ploughed fields.
My first PIP roll of a one meant those fields were rough terrain.
Action quickly developed on my right.
And on my left.
It was a bit back and forth
As the main battle line of the Athenians started to close,
my forces on the flanks started to make progress.
And when the clash of spears commenced,
although pushed back, the Thessalian line held.
The Athenian wings had however crumpled.
This was only my third DBA 3.0 game and I'm still coming to grips with them. Some of my rule adjudications possibly reverted to DBA 2.2 due to the excitement of this simple, little but very elegant game.


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Not being a big American sports fan I have not seen a lot of sport in my two and a half weeks in Hawaii, but I was there for the Super Bowl. My daughter and I went to a bar on Maui and watched the game from just before half time. While being seated by the manager I enquired as to whom I should be supporting and I was assured I should be on the Seahawks. The bar seemed to be evenly divided between the Denver fans, who were very quiet and the Seattle fans who were a little more excited with plenty of Sea-Hawk chants. I enjoyed the game, however, the advertisements and the entertainment seemed to go for a lot longer than the actual playing time. My daughter also enjoyed the game and the advertisements! I think the game was an endorsement for the maxim that a good defence will usually defeat a good offence.
My other sporting observation from my time in Hawaii was the saturation coverage of basketball. It did not seem to matter what time of the day it was, if you went into a bar or restaurant and they had sport on the television, it was usually the NBA or college basketball and that included the time leading up to the Super Bowl.
Since being back in Australia I have been disappointed to see the Essendon supplements saga rear its head again. I guess it is not going to go away until such time as ASADA have closed their file. This could go on for years!
A good start to the Test series in South Africa, but I am starting to get a little concerned about Michael Clarke's ongoing form lapse. Having scored 100's in the first two Ashes tests he has not passed fifty since. I have been happy with the continued good form of Steve Smith, who in the same period has made three centuries. With Shane Watson missing from the line-up I hope we won't be found to be a bowler short.
Have a great weekend everyone.


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Despite the fact that I am from Fife, 'The Home of Golf', I am by no means a golfer. Even a round of crazy golf or putting usually ends in some sort of incident. Take the last time I played crazy golf in Blackpool, not only did I lose by a huge margin, I fell in the decorative river – twice – whilst setting up my shot. So why on Earth was I voluntarily going along to a driving range in Greenwich? Basically, I hate being defeated especially by something that everyone else seems to be good at, so thought this might be a good opportunity to speak to an expert and work out what I was doing so wrong.
Located at North Greenwich I had an easy on bus journey, until someone passed out into my arms; getting over the mild medical emergency, and after waiting for the ambulance to arrive, I made the short walk to N1Golf at GreenwichPeninsula Driving Range where I was greeted by the lovely Gemma from Talented Talkers along with a much needed glass of prosecco.
One thing about all the drama overshadowed my usual pre-event anxiety and I settled in quickly, chatting away to blogging buddies old and new. Also if any of you follow me on social media you may be interested to know that this was also the day that #squibbink went from a hashtag to a real life meeting between myself and Haydy.
Heading up to the second floor of the driving range we surrounded golfing professional Mark as he walked us through the basics before we were trusted with our very own club, and headed off to our bays in small groups. I was sharing with Hannah who was much more successful than me at mastering her swing, saying that, I do feel like my skills improved as I was actually able to hit the ball by the end of our time-slot.
N1 is an amazing location right on the Thames; sandwiched between Canary Wharf and the O2 it is a postcard style view to enjoy whilst the sun set. Looking across the river at the shiny sky scrapers I couldn't help thinking that repeatedly hitting a ball after a hard day at the office would be a great stress reliever.
The reason why Monarch gathered a gaggle of bloggers in such a location was to celebrate their flights to golfing destinations. Another surprising fact about me is that I have been to a few holiday resorts aimed at golfers, such as Golf del Sur in Tenerife, and though I never picked up a club I did enjoy the surrounding benefits of a golfing hotel including great pubs, quiet days around the pool (because everyone else is golfing) and of course a little sunshine. Seeing the twinkling lights of planes flying across the skyline on their way to London City airport, I was very tempted to book another one of these relaxing breaks.
Shaken awake from travel day dreaming by the announcement we were to gather to see who could hit the longest shot (the winner came in at a massive 144 yards). I did not take part and instead opted to hit a few more balls, drink wine and chat with some fellow bloggers.
After burning at least a few calories, and feeling a little chilly, we made our way down to Vinothec Compass restaurant where were were treated to tapas style sharing food (with vegetarian versions for me) paired with a Spanish beer and wine tasting.
Each dish devised by Basque head chef Idoia Guzman is inspired by Iberia, light, made from fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients and deigned to be paired perfectly with the wine and beer – which was expertly selected by the restaurant's founders: wine connoisseur Keith Lyon and founder of Bedales wine bars, Arnaud Compas.
Barley, Quinoa, Boston Hearts, Pomegranate Salad
Baked Devon Crab, Basque Style
Rib Eye, Béarnaise, Seasonal Vegetables
Sea Bream, Bilbao Style
Grilled Tuna, Cavolo Nero, Ginger, Soy
Roasted Vegetables
Neal's Yard Cheeseboard
and, finally, Dark Chocolate Cake.
These were just a few of the dishes we got to sample but I feel they show the diversity of food which was on offer.
As we dined Keith talked us though a selection of Spanish wines and beers.
Unfortunately, I could not take full advantage of the tasting as I had an early start the next day, however just returning from Spain I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about their locally sourced alcohol.
If this was a taste of what a golfing holiday has to offer I might seriously consider practicing my swing and booking myself a trip.
Are any of you keen golfers or would you prefer relaxing with a glass of wine and tapas?
*I was invited along to this event and provided food and drink complements of Monarch via Talented Talkers however as always all opinions are honest and my own.


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- It's like Paris!
- Don't miss the Tsutenkaku Tower
- There are many underground idols at Tustenkaku!
- The retro street, "Jan Jan Yokocho".
- A sacred place for young couples!
- "Biriken", The god of Shinsekai, is a New Yorker!
- There are 5 theaters along the street!
- There's a spiritual area in the middle of Shinsekai !
- Map
It's like Paris!
Have you heard about Shinsekai, or "The new world in Osaka"? It's a mixture of the essence of New York and Paris. The amusement park in Shinsekai, Luna Park was modeled after Coney Island in New York. The symbol of Shinsekai, "Tsutenkaku", was built in 1912, modeling the Eiffel Tower. It was the tallest tower in Asia at the time and the road around it is exactly the same as the one in Paris.
Don't miss the Tsutenkaku Tower
The symbol of Shinsekai is the Tsutenkaku Tower!
You can check it out in our previous article (URL:http://tadaimajp.com/2014/07/tsutenkaku/).
You can view the whole city of Osaka from the top!
There are many underground idols at Tustenkaku!
Do you know the group, Osaka's Oba-chan? They are middle aged women dressed in gaudy leopard clothing and average 63 years of age. They sing on the stage at STUDIO210 once a month and their energetic spirit is invigorating!
The West Japan Hamburger girls are a young girls' idol group.
The retro street, "Jan Jan Yokocho".
Jan Jan Yokocho is a shopping street that started in 1930. It's name comes from the sound of the shamisen and shamisen players used to perform at many of the local bars. Kushikatsu (pork skewers) shops and bars are lined up along this street and they remind us of the good old days in Japan. Shamisen music can also be heard at the entrance of these shops.
You can check for popular Kushikatsu shops here:(ULR:http://tadaimajp.com/2015/07/kushikatsu-darma/)
A sacred place for young couples!
There are two large hearts at Jan Jan Yokocho, where you can wish for everlasting love.
"Biriken", The god of Shinsekai, is a New Yorker!
The artist Florenz Flipp from New York saw a god in his dream, and created a statue of Biriken from it. His feet extend outward from his body and he can't scratch his feet, because he can't cross his legs while sitting! It is said that, if you scratch his feett gently, he will be pleased and will bring you good fortune. It is also believed that he will bring you luck for major exams and romance. His face looks so calm.
There are 5 theaters along the street!
Osaka is said to be the most famous place for "Taishu engeki", or a general theatre production. There are 5 theaters in Shinsekai and the Naniwa Club is an old theater that was established in 1931, when the second Tsutenkaku tower was built. You can watch theatrical productions for 1000 yen, lasting up to three hours long!
This Taishu engeki theatre is also very popular. It first started as a movie theatre in 1910, but was eventually converted into a performance theatre. It accommodates around 200 guests, and you can even watch Kabuki here too.
There's a spiritual area in the middle of Shinsekai !
Shinsekai Inari Shrine was built to bring good luck for the businesses on Shinsekai street. Oracles are usually picked from a box, but this one is designed much like a roulette wheel! You spin the stone wheel and see what number comes up. You then check number on the board behind it. It's very different and kind of comical.
Shinsekai is so empowering and very fun! If you want to get a little crazy please visit, and afterwards take a walk around Osaka.
●Eating walking (URL:http://jp.tadaimajp.com/2015/07/recommended-route-osaka/)
●Cultural walking (URL:http://jp.tadaimajp.com/2015/07/recommended-route-osaka2/)
1 -18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka


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This weeks single review is an interesting one as, technically, it's not even a single. "All Binds Fall Undone" is the first recorded tune from Bangor based three piece In An Instant, A group so underground they hadn't even played a single gig or recorded any prior material when the track was released. This is what makes there air play on one of the countries most prominent music shows even more remarkable.
As "All Binds Fall Undone" fades into life the ambient soundscape that greets you creates an immediate tone. The perfect balance between ethereal guitar and synth riffs and haunting melodies which follows, give the song a genuine touch, with a vocal that you can't help but compare to a young Gary Lightbody dancing delicately over it all. The upbeat nature of the song gives it a dancy appeal,but the very nature of the lyrics ensure it stays very much in "alternative" territory.
80's style synths grow more prominent as the song progresses, layered between verses in a way perfected by the likes of Keane. It adds a dynamism that allows the song to continue to flow nicely.
With a heartfelt and yearning vocal delivery, the emotional depths of the song are made evident. Despite the echo induced nature occasionally making it difficult to understand every lyric.
The chorus gives the tune its distinct triumphant feel, the synergy between passionate lyrics ("Hold me in your arms, I can see") and explosive melody producing a joyous celebratory feel, that you can't help but smile about.
"All Binds Fall Undone" would certainly not look out of place on a Snow Patrol setlist and with its bouncy, hedonistic back bone nor would it on the dancefloor of a bar in Belfast on a Saturday night.
An extremely exciting start for a band who may be destined for great things.
Review by Taylor Johnson.
Listen to "All Binds Fall Undone" here ~ http://www.supajam.com/comp/benicassim-2013/entry/In-An-Instant
Check out the offical Facebook Page here ~ https://www.facebook.com/InAnInstantNI?fref=ts
If you like: Snow Patrol, Los Campesinos!, Keane ~ You'll love In An Instant


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They are generally thought to be anomalies, the answer to a trivia question: Who was the last player selected in the NHL entry draft in any particular year?
You might have thought you'd never heard of them.
Think again.
The last player picked in the 1994 draft — 286th overall by the New York Rangers — was defenceman Kim Johnsson. He's played 739 games in his career, amassing 67 goals and 217 assists for four NHL teams. That includes eight games with the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks this season.
He's played more NHL games than 18 players chosen in the first round in 1994. Three of those first-rounders never made it to the NHL. Johnsson was arguably the second-best defenceman chosen in the draft that year. some would argue that Ed Jovanovski, who was taken first overall, was the best. Others might want to throw third-rounder Sheldon Souray into that argument.
"You think getting drafted last is a sad-sack type of thing and maybe that motivates that last pick more than the guy that was drafted right in front of him," said E.J. McGuire, the head of the NHL's Central Scouting bureau.
"Some never give up on their dreams. And some teams don't give up on their picks."
You don't have to go back to 1994 to find last-pick diamonds in the rough, though.
• The Detroit Red Wings got current roster player Jonathan Ericsson in the last round of the 2002 draft, 291st overall.
• The Nashville Predators selected winger Patric Hornqvist last — 230th overall — in 2005. He scored 30 goals in his sophomore year this season and is outscoring 16 players selected in the first round that year, with four of them having failed to make it yet to the NHL.
Back in the Soviet era, teams had a habit of drafting Russians in the late rounds in the hope they might defect.
The Calgary Flames got 46 games out of Sergei Pryakhin, picked 252nd overall in 1988. Pryakhin was the first member of their national hockey team that the then-Soviet government allowed to play in the NHL.
The Edmonton Oilers used Igor Vyazmikin for four games in the 1990-91 season after taking him last overall in 1987.
Other anomalies:
• Former Maple Leafs head coach Paul Maurice, now coaching Carolina, never made it to the NHL as a player after the Flyers picked him last overall in 1985.
• Andy Brickley bounced around five NHL teams, eking out a 385-game career over a decade after the Flyers took him last — 280th — in 1980.
• Back in 1978 — when the NHL draft went on for as long as any team felt like picking — the draft went 22 rounds. Montreal was the only team picking for the last five. Doug Robb, the player who went last (234th), never made it. But Montreal hit paydirt wth No. 233, Louis Sleigher, who had a decent career with Quebec and Boston, and with 231st pick Chris Nilan, whose 688-game career included a Stanley Cup ring in 1986.
• Gerry Meehan, the last player taken from the very first amateur draft in 1964, went on to a 670-game career. Meehan, taken by the Leafs from the Neil McNeil Maroons, went 21st overall, a spot that would make him a first-round pick these days. It was more of a supplemental draft given most players in that era had been signed as teenagers.
"I love the storybook thing that these picks might be more motivated — 'I'm the last player taken and damn it, I'm going to show them,'" said McGuire. "They have a bit of a glow about them."


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- Creative
- Animation
- Film Production
- Fine Art
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Music Production
- Photography
- UI/UX Design
- Writing
Hello everyone!
So, today I have started this course and I am really excited of what I will come up in the end.
Now is the end of May, and summer is coming so I could not come up with better idea for brainstorming than 'Surfing'. I have never tried it to be honest, but I am going to Israel and Indonesia later this year, so it will be a motivation for me to get started as well.
This is how I have tried to expand this idea and find some associations to make this concept more full.
After that I have lookef through Pinterest in order to find some inspirational photos, colors and graphics. Some of them I have managed to make into the collages that are below.
Looks so bright! Love it:)
Next step was to create some rough sketches based on what inspires me. I have a little experience with sketching and drawing so don't be judgemental. I have tried to come up with some basic and not only symbols that can be put into the pattern or illustration later on.
Due to poor lightning and low quality iPhone camera, sketches look not so appealing, but you got the idea:)
After lots of thoughts I have chosen several sketches that I want to include un my pattern. I have taken a photo of it and then vectorised it using imae trace + blob brush tool.
In order to get them coloured, I have used my moodboard and blend options to create some imilar colours. This is the end result:
Following step I have added some textures and patterns to the shapes.
Next lesson was to learn some repeats methods. These what I came up with (just for practice purposes)
Here are my final results:


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ST. PETERSBURG — A century-old home once marked for destruction as the site of a condo high-rise will see new life under the developer behind downtown's buzzy Birchwood hotel.
Chuck Prather bought the Mansion by the Bay late last month for $2 million, property records show, with plans to restore it as an annex half a block from his boutique Beach Drive hotel.
So what will Prather get for his money? About 18 parking spaces, an office and storage for everything his five-floor hotel, restaurant and rooftop lounge can't hold.
For Prather, it is an expensive vote of confidence in his 2-month-old hotel, the cash flow of which he said will fund the home's restoration.
But Prather said it's just the cost of doing business in downtown's blossoming but built-out nightlife district.
"(The high cost) was silly, but that's downtown St. Petersburg. It's doing so well that that's what we had to do," Prather said. "There's no more dirt down here."
The Queen Anne-style home at 145 Fourth Ave. NE was built at the turn of the 20th century for A.T. "Bert" Blocker, an early father of the "Sunshine City" and its mayor in 1910.
His Blocker Transfer Co. drove teams of horses to train stops to transport baggage, mail and building materials. It also hauled the city's first telephone poles; the company's phone number was 1.
Blocker's home served as a clubhouse, nursing home, dance school, wedding venue and Russian cafe before developer Lee Allen bought the land in 2010 for $525,000.
Allen planned to raze the home and build Silhouette, a 14-story high-rise of 16 luxury condos selling for $700,000 and up.
But real estate agents said the $2 million offer — more even than Prather spent to buy the foreclosed hotel that became the Birchwood — was too sweet to pass up.
Though crews next month will begin sweeping for termites, vermin and rotting wood, Prather said he plans to preserve the home's historic grandeur.
Said Prather: "We'll begin to put the old girl back in shape again."
Drew Harwell can be reached at (727) 893-8252 or [email protected]