text:
Release Details
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Hewlett-Packard Company (HP), of Palo Alto, Calif., has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $425,000. The settlement agreement (pdf) has been provisionally accepted by the Commission (3-1).
The settlement resolves staff allegations that HP knowingly failed to report immediately to CPSC, as required by federal law, that certain lithium-ion battery packs contained a defect or created an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death. The lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers. The packs were shipped with new HP Notebook computers, sold as accessories or provided as spare parts for various HP models.
CPSC staff alleges that by September 2007, HP knew of about 22 incidents associated with the lithium-ion battery packs. At least two of these incidents resulted in injuries to consumers. HP also was aware that at least one consumer apparently went to the hospital. HP did not receive any information on the consumer's injuries or treatment, if any. CPSC staff also alleges that between March 2007 and April 2007, HP conducted a study, from which it obtained additional information about the lithium-ion battery packs.
HP did not notify the Commission about the incidents or the study until July 25, 2008. By that time, CPSC staff alleges that the firm was aware of at least 31 incidents involving the lithium-ion battery packs.
In October 2008, HP and CPSC announced a recall of about 32,000 lithium-ion battery packs. HP sold notebook computers for between $700 and $3,000 that contained the lithium-ion battery packs, as did computer and electronics stores nationwide and various Web retailers. Lithium-ion battery packs that were sold separately for use with the notebook computers retailed for between $100 and $160.
Federal law requires manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to report to CPSC immediately (within 24 hours) after obtaining information reasonably supporting the conclusion that a product contains a defect which could create a substantial product hazard, creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or fails to comply with any consumer product safety rule or any other rule, regulation, standard, or ban enforced by CPSC.
In agreeing to the settlement, HP denies CPSC staff allegations that the lithium-ion battery packs (or the notebooks with which the packs were used) could create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or that HP violated the reporting requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Act.
- Statement of Chairman Inez Tenenbaum on the Proposed Civil Penalty Settlement for Hewlett-Packard (pdf)
- Statement of Commissioner Robert Adler on the Proposed Civil Penalty Settlement for Hewlett-Packard (pdf)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to help ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals -– contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.
Please use the below phone number for all media requests.
Phone: (301) 504-7908
Spanish: (301) 504-7800


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Out of place in the hot humidity of the Colombian jungle, two American soldiers braved one of the world�s toughest competitions: the Colombian military�s Best Lancero contest.
Out of place in the hot humidity of the Colombian jungle, two American soldiers braved one of the world�s toughest competitions: the Colombian military�s Best Lancero contest.
Master Sgt. Marc Castleberry and Sgt. 1st Class Jon Michael Hooten, both with the U.S. Army�s 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), were the first Americans ever invited.
They competed last month alongside 13 two-person Colombian teams, the �cream of the crop� of the Colombian military, Hooten said.
Over four humid days, with highs in the mid-90s, the pair crossed rope bridges over 200-foot gorges, rappelled off towers, engaged in close-quarter combat, tested their marksmanship and completed strenuous obstacle courses.
See photos from the competition. >>
�It was nonstop physical fitness under extreme heat,� Hooten said. They had been selected to compete with little notice and had little time to acclimate, and the heat proved a formidable foe.
Once, they had to march 15 miles on roads winding through the mountains in combat gear. Half the teams had to drop out.
�That killed a lot of guys out there but was one of our strongest events,� said Castleberry, a 42-year-old who has made running 50-mile races his hobby.
They finished sixth place overall.
�There were times when your mind is telling you one thing and your body is telling you a different thing. You just have to keep pushing, pushing pushing, and not listen to your body,� Hooten said.
The pair were selected because they are certified Lanceros. Years ago, they completed the Colombian military�s Lancero training course, considered the toughest in the world, Castleberry said.
They hadn�t met each other before.
�It�s personally an honor to be given the chance to do it,� said Hooten, who is 30. �Until the day you die, that�s something you can look back on and say, �I did that.� �
Americans� presence a landmark at Colombian competition
While being the first Americans invited to compete alongside some of the Colombian military�s best was a great privilege for the soldiers, it was also a reflection of more than two decades of U.S. presence in the region.
The invitation is a testament to the growing relationship between the U.S. Army�s 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the Colombian government, which have been working hand-in-hand for over two decades, said Maj. Kevin Bowman, Castleberry�s company commander.
Participating helped show Colombians that Americans are willing to take on a physical and mental challenge alongside them, he said.
�These are guys we work with down there and it got our faces out there,� said Castleberry. �It was good for them to see Americans participate in something Colombian-dominant. It showed we notice them, that we really care and want to make this situation work.�
Hooten said he hopes competing becomes a tradition but that future teams will have more time to prepare than they did.
�Eventually I hope someone gets first place.�
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Sage Reinlie at 850-315-4443 or email@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenRnwfdn.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tigers drop home finale, 21-13; look toward district playoffs.
Turnovers and penalties at critical times caused Kirksville to surrender a 13-7 first-half lead and lose to Fulton 21-13 on Senior Night at Spainhower Field Friday night.
The Tigers (3-6, 1-5 North Central Missouri Conference) lost two fumbles in the first half in Fulton territory, one resulting in an 80-yard touchdown by the Hornets' Josh King on the first play in the second quarter. Several penalties in the second half gave Fulton first downs and negated a first down late for the Tigers.
Kirksville coach Jeff Jacques said mistakes his team made were costly.
"Fulton just beat us," he said. "They had no turnovers and very few penalties. We were too aggressive on a lot of our penalties, but we play that way."
Fulton coach Pat Kelley said the breaks finally went the Hornets' (2-7, 2-4) way.
"Earlier this season, that ball on the fumble for a touchdown wouldn't have bounced into our hands," he said. "Josh made a great play on it. It was a great football game and it was going to come down as to which team was going to make the fewest mistakes."
Fulton running back Jeff Allison took advantage of his position in the wildcat formation by throwing touchdown passes to King (24 yards) and Randall Cole (34 yards). The touchdown pass to King gave Fulton a 14-13 lead with 10:06 left in the third quarter.
Jacques said Fulton hurt Kirksville with big plays.
"We had a couple of breakdowns in our secondary," he said. "Other than that, I think we stopped them pretty well. We knew Fulton had great athletes."
Kirksville answered Fulton's early touchdown with a Mitch Kriegshauser touchdown pass to Scott Schwend that covered 49 yards. Quinn Benson's extra point tied the game at seven with 3:20 left to go.
Kirksville took the lead on a Kriegshauser 34-yard touchdown pass to Gunner Western with :17 left in the first half. The extra point was blocked and the Tigers led 13-7 at halftime.
Kriegshauser finished the game completing 9-of-15 passes for 170 yards. Western led the Kirksville receivers with four catches for 74 yards.
Jacques felt Kirksville was prepared offensively and defensively.
"We had a good game plan," he said. "The coaches did a good job."
The Tigers entered the game seeded seventh in the Class 4, District 5 standings. Jacques said it looks like Kirksville will play at St. Dominic Friday night in a District game, but said that final matchups won't be determined until after Hannibal and Helias play Saturday night.
Jacques spoke highly of his 16 seniors after the game and said that things are looking up for Tiger football.
"I'm as proud as heck of those seniors, I'm going to miss them," he said. "All in all, I think the season was a success. It wasn't about the wins or losses for me, but whether the kids improved in each game and I think they did."


text:
The Dean of Students is responsible for advising, counseling, and generally meeting with students on issues relating to their enrollment at the Law School.
Other reasons you may want to visit the dean of students office:
- You have a question, concern, or problem and you are unsure where to go, or with whom to speak.
- You want to find out about services for students with disabilities.
- You need to miss class or an examination due to an illness or another personal problem.
- You need a letter of good standing.
- You want to find out about English-as-a-second-language services.
- You are interested in becoming a visiting student at another law school.
- You want to post a notice in Sargent Hall, on the Law Student daily email newsletter, or set up a table for a school-sponsored activity in the fourth floor commons area.
- You want to publicize a school-sponsored activity in the Law School newsletter or post a notice on the Law School calendar.
- You have a suggestion or idea about improving student life and would like to talk about it.
Other Resources
Counseling, Health and Wellness
Are you feeling stressed or anxious? The Counseling Center can help, both during and after normal business hours.
Trans* Guide to Suffolk
Suffolk University is committed to creating an affirming community for our transgender, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming students, faculty, and staff. For more information, see the Trans* Guide to Suffolk.
Suffolk Law LGBTQ community


text:
Say: um-bih-lih-kul kord
This is the name for the long tube that runs between a mother and her unborn baby. It carries oxygen and nutrients to the baby and waste away from the baby. When the baby is born, the doctor cuts the umbilical cord and a small piece is left attached to the baby. When this piece falls off, you can see the baby's belly button!
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-
Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.


text:
I figured out how to create a clockwork bomb with help from the Dean.. it's a little prone to premature detonation, but I think it'll be fine. Also succeeded at making Lockburst Chalk, and a Blast Patch! The Dean commended me on my skill as an Alchemist, and decided to train me in the specialized art one to one. I can proudly call myself a real student of Artifice!
Still, the pursuit of knowledge never ends, and further power is just in reach. The Headmaster gave me a fair bit of homework to occupy my time here. The first is a classic spell that every accomplished wizard should know.. The Fireball. The second spell is a bit more complex being a Conjuration: Bigby's Icy Grasp. I should have fun mastering these two.
My alchemical studies include Alchemical Silver, Acidic Fire, and a Thunderstone.
I will also spend a fair amount of time in the University's library to study Fell Taints, shapeshifting Goblinoids, and any other strange mysteries we have come upon during our travels.


text:
Plan: Plantation Monticello
- 4 beds
- 3.5 baths
- $407,990 price
- 986481 mls id
- Half Baths: 1
- Square Feet: 3,158 sqft
- Neighborhood: Viridian
Listing Description
No description available at this time.
- New Construction Yes
Subdivision: Viridian
- Price Range $195.9K - $618.9K
- Sqft Range 1,371 - 4,497
- Subdivision StatusActive
- Subdivision StyleMasterPlanned
Subdivision Description
Introducing Viridian – the only mixed-use, environmentally sensitive, master-planned community in Arlington, Texas. Viridian is an exciting, new – 2,083-acre master-planned community, located in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex — and it is the future home of 10,000 people and 3,000 employees.
With stunning architecture, charming atmosphere, Audubon International Gold Standard landscaping, a great location in Dallas/Fort Worth, as well as parks, trails, lakes, and a Town Center, Viridian has everything you are looking for. At Viridian, friends, family, and nature come together – along with new possibilities, only limited by your imagination.
Builders: Cambridge Homes, Castlerock Communities, CB Jeni, Darling Homes, Drees Homes, David Weekley, K. Hovanian, Plantation, and Normandy Homes.
Location, Location, Location, Viridian has it all from schools, shopping, restaurants, football, concerts, roller coasters, regional parks and trails. When you live at Viridian, you'll never be more than a few minutes from everywhere you want to be. With easy access to Green Oaks Boulevard, Trinity Boulevard, and Highways 157, 183, 161, and 360, Viridian will make it easy to stay connected. Plus, the community is only five minutes away from the DFW International Airport, the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Six Flags Amusement Park, Verizon Theater, The Texas Rangers at the Ballpark at Arlington, seven golf courses, five grocery stores, and so much more.
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Gorgeous exterior with wonderful drive-up appeal
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4 beds, 3 baths, 2,698 sqft, $385,900
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4 beds, 3 baths, 2,738 sqft, $393,900
RES-Single Family
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MLS# 13802249 - Built by CastleRock Communities - December completion! ~ Two Story, Westlake floor plan Built by Castle Rock Located on a Park! Large front porch. 4 Bedroom, 4 Full Baths; High Ceilings! Master DownStairs w Big walkin C ; GardenTub & Sep. Shower. Secondary Bedroom DownStairs w...
4221 Peach Blossom Arlington, TX
4 beds, 4 baths, 2,993 sqft, $445,995
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text:
Monty Python's Wafer Thin Mints
"It's only a tiny, little, thin one."
- A little tin filled with tiny little minty mints.
- On the outside is John Cleese as a waiter - offering you a mint!
- A wonderful Monty Python collectible.
Ah, good afternoon, and how are we today? Do you need a bucket? Or everything on the menu? Either way, when your meal is done, and your crates of ale have been quaffed, we have for you a wafer-thin mint. Of course you have room for it - it's so tiny and little! Don't worry; we have a cleaning crew standing by, just in case. We're sure you have room for a couple of Monty Python's Wafer Thin Mints.
Monty Python's Wafer Thin Mints come in a tiny tin. Inside each tiny tin are (you guessed it) tiny mints. A lot of them. Because they are tiny. And minty. Not much more to say about them, really. But the tin's got John Cleese as a waiter on the top. That's something. Monty Python's Wafer Thin Mints - guaranteed not to make you explode after eating (this guarantee is not guaranteed).
For nutrition information, click here.
Monty Python's Wafer Thin Mints
- The perfect end to a big meal. Just take care not to explode.
- Wonderfully minty tin of mints with John Cleese on the top.
- Fully-licensed Monty Python collectible. (The tin is collectable, not the mints. Please, not the mints.)
- Reuse the tin (spare change holder, emergency spider trap, etc.) again and again.
- Net Wt.: 0.4oz (approx. 72 mints per tin).
- Tin Dimensions: approx. 1.75" x 1.75" x 0.6"


text:
The Strong's Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play is the only library and archives devoted solely to collecting and preserving materials that illustrate and document the role of play in human physical, social, and intellectual development and the ways in which play illuminates cultural history. The 187,000-volume research library houses a full spectrum of primary and secondary sources, including scholarly works, professional journals, other periodicals, trade catalogs, children's books, comic books, manuscripts, personal papers, business records, and more.
Learn more about The Strong's key library and archival holdings:
- Library Collections
- Archival Collections Related to Artifacts of Play
- Archival Collections Related to the Study of Play
- Archival Collections Related to Video and Other Electronic Games
Online Access to Library and Archival Materials
The online catalog of the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play provides a window into The Strong's vast collection of books and trade publications. The archives catalog of The Strong contains detailed descriptive information about the archival collections housed in the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play.
On-site Access to the Library and Archives
Scholars, students, collectors, and other researchers are welcome to conduct research on site. To help library and archives staff optimize access to collections, please request an appointment. Appointments may be made via an online form, by phone at 585-410-6349, or by sending an email to email@example.com. Please provide a topic of research, indicate the materials desired, and any special needs.
Library and Archives Hours
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are required.


text:
Modern + Geometric: Dinnerware
The holidays are the time to dust off your china and invest in some new pieces for years to come. One of the latest trends in dishware takes its style cues from the 1960's with geometric patterns and textures. If jumping into a whole geometric place setting is a bit much, go for a nice serving bowl to add a bit of mid-century modern style to your tableware collection.
Top Row from left to right:
1. Nixon Place Setting in Grey by Jonathan Adler, $50
2. Powerstone Dinnerware Collection by Diane Von Furstenberg
3. Castle Peak Place Setting by Kate Spade. $70.00
4. Simple in design and elegant in shape, Juliska $72
5. Paul Smith dinner plate, $135
Bottom Row from left to right:
6. 4 Piece Place Setting, Simplicity Collection by Vera Wang $80.00
7. Colorful Stripes pop off of these plates, Iittala Origo Collection
8. Avenue Square Place Setting by Martha Stewart, $39.00
9. Angular and faceted plates, CB2 $4.95
(Images: as credited above)


text:
Program Rationale
It is the intent of this three hour introductory R.A.D. Awareness Seminar, taught to women only, to empower them through self-awareness and discussions about basic fundamentals of prevention and self-defense.
Program Descriptions
Participants will also be exposed to basic information about crimes that take place on campus, crime prevention methods, and basic self-defense techniques. The emphasis of this seminar will be on the crime of sexual assault.
The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. R.A.D. is not a Martial Arts program. Our courses are taught by nationally certified R.A.D. Instructors and provide each student with a workbook/reference manual. The entire R.A.D. class can also be taught at GVSU and consists of at least 13 hours of instruction.
Intended Outcomes
- To develop and enhance the options of self defense, so they may become viable considerations to woman who is attacked
- Educate participants on risk awareness, risk prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance
- Introduce participants to the basics of hands-on defense training note, this is NOT a martial arts class
- Introduce participants to the local resources for sexual assault survivors
Facility Needs
The ideal location for this program is an area that can accommodate the number of anticipated participants with a minimal number of distractions. Classroom settings work well, if there is sufficient space for demonstrating and practicing physical self-defense techniques. Living center great rooms or community rooms are appropriate in some buildings. It is imperative that these are closed sessions accessible to women only. It should not be possible for men (except for instructors) to intentionally or inadvertently enter or view the training area.
Program request should be made within a minimum of two weeks from the date of the event. Preplanning for events is highly encouraged. Last minute requests may not be accommodated. Advertisement for the program will be the responsibility of those who request the program. Posters, mailbox inserts, and face-to-face invitations are highly encouraged. The advertisement should stress that the class is designed for women only. Organizers of the event should be educated that we will also present self-defense classes in which men would be invited to participate, but R.A.D. presentations are restricted to women only.
Program Themes
- R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Awareness Seminar
- R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense)
- R.A.D (Rape Aggression Defense) PED 180


text:
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All Comments (63)
Fan fuckin tastic Luv the blow job She sux a mean cock
Hooo. . bakN...?? rkas..
cuLos. buenzz.??
What a lovely young pussy!
This girl also does a video in the interview category. Title of the video is .. Casting - Young cutie takes BIG facial cumshot. You will know its the right one if you see. in yellow letters in the vid. "casting.xxx
soo fucking hot!
i wish i was this girl, i would take every guy who looked at me into the bush and suck on his cock ;) my titties would be covered in ten guys crusty cum by the end of the day :D
she are not scared, She SHY!!! =p
does she stink?
This dude is the king of czech streets :D:D
What's his name Martin... what?
Wow she is hootttt
She is Dido Angel
Why do the Czech had all the beautiful porn actresses?
So young, you know a youngster, lack of experience. Don't believe that for a minute.
i fucked my gfs mom mmm
She's professionel her name is actually Lola i think!
beautiful girl
If my girl ever did this, I'd expect my cut and a nut. bitch.
omg her voice wtf is going on
Her name is Lucka. Sch is world greatest cock sucker.
What the name
What an amazing body! But where is part 2 of this video?
Nice tits I wnt to fuck u lucka
Tom@ yaooh
The girls professional name is Lola, I know this because you can find her on such websites as In the crack
The movie end by the fuck??? WTF??? I would like see the fuck.
hahaha i was laughing the whole time.
love small beauty full breas
Ihr Slip duftet so sexy
leave the fucking lomger
She has beautiful nipples.
Dido Angel!
Die braucht einen richtigen Schwanz !!
hes lucky with lucka!
at first i actually bought it, she convinced me she was nervous and shit. But when she started sucking it went all to smooth, and no condom for the fuck? Put a condom on and make her more nervous when sucking and it would be almost real
For obvious reasons..
She was great. I wanted to see her get fucked...
I know that bitch, she does nude modeling all the time. So fake
whoring 101
Any woman want a huge cock.10 inches long and 4 wide is welcome. Caste creed color no bar, but we have to without bars fuck without stoppin. All positions.
@8====e aww i thought this was real and i loved it and you ruined it her names Lucie Nejezchlebova shes professional if i cant have it real no one can.
no fuck -no fun! 1 Star from me!
lovely and so fuckable
shes wet at 7:50 +_+
That guy has a huge... Thumb. No really, the dudes hands are freakish.
Is that real? Or is She a professional??
what a fat cock! he wrecked that tight pussy
hot, if i would have enough mony i would pay for girls like this.... but i must juse youporn to cum...
Jeez that honeys soooo hot ! Made me cum in, like, no time at all ! Fuckin gorgeous !
This girl is cute as hell
That is so hot. She has a boyfriend too. Amazing. It's clear she was turned on seeing the guys cock in front of her. Watch her eyes.
Bah, Wish it would show him fucking her... But I guess not showing that makes him money to do more girls like this... But an extra 5 mins free wouldnt hurt :P
Her name is Lucie Nejezchlebova, and she's a Czech porn actress.
Beautiful girl, perfect breasts, lovely tight pussy
i appreciate the subs lol
we want more of this hot girl named Lucka:D
Download Full Video
No download links available now


text:
Rollerball (UK - BD)
Reviewer Marcus Doidge gets knocked unconscious with Rollerball on Blu-ray
In this Rollerball 2002 remake of the 1975 cult movie of the same name, extreme-sports guy, Jonathan Cross (Chris Klein), is invited by his friend Marcus Ridley (LL Cool J) to join Rollerball, a fictional sport that's popular in Russia and surrounding areas.
Fast cars, lots of money, lots of women and living the superstar sportsman's dream, all they need to do is keep playing in the violent game that not only involves roller skates (hence the ROLLER in Rollerball), but it also has a silly amount of motorbikes, metal balls, and many other ridiculous things. Four months in and Jonathan is the poster boy of the sport and the promoters love him, especially Alexi Petrovich (Jean Reno) and his slimy assistant Sanjay (Naveen Andrews).
However all is not what it seems. After a nasty accident involving a team member and being informed by female team mate and sex buddy, Aurora (Rebecca Romijn - formally Stamos), that the accident wasn't so innocent and was in fact used to boost the game's television ratings, Jonathan's dream life begins to unravel uncovering a much darker underside.
Let's not beat around the bush here. Rollerball is ass. I'll admit I've never seen the original and this is my first watch of the remake, so I'm finally seeing for myself just how deserving of the bad press this movie really is. From the get go, you know this is going nowhere. The opening scenes with the flashy downhill roller sled race is pretty close to the most mind numbingly dull opening to an action movie that I've seen in quite some time. It just feels sloppy with its ridiculous cuts where you can tell that Chris Klein or his rival fell off their sled seconds later but through the magic of the movies and less than clever editing they are miraculously back in the race and to make things worse this is all shoved down your throat with the obligatory metal soundtrack as it struggles to be exciting.
Once you get to the actual sport of Rollerball it just gets worse. Not only is it the most ridiculous sport in movie history (yes, even more ridiculous than Quidditch) with its stupid costumes, bizarre lack of any real rules and just out-right silliness, but you also just find yourself sitting there for about thirty minutes wondering what the hell is actual happening and if this is how the entire movie is going play out. It really is that bad and none of this is helped by the fact that not one character offers up anything to attach to. Chris Klein seems a fairly nice guy, but to call him miscast is an understatement. He's pretty damn vacuous and just seems to bounce around like a pinball no matter what character he's interacting with or what ridiculous situation unfolds in front of him. LL Cool J is little better, doing what LL does in all of his movies for the most part. He's just there. You get a bit of nudity from Rebecca Romijn, which was fun, but once the clothes go back on she joins Klein and LL in the dull camp and the combined trio do almost nothing of note for ninety minutes.
It's all so badly constructed with some down-right bizarre film making. There are some crazy little edits, some equally crazy camera zooms, there's one really weird slow motion shot which was just a response to a question and all of this hokiness is out-hokied by a lengthy car chase that's all filmed in... wait for it... night vision. Seriously a fifteen to twenty minute car/bike/plane chase in the middle of the night, all shot in green screen night vision that at first seems almost arty, but soon becomes just plain weird and to top that, a video quality so bad that even an HD transfer couldn't save it.
What the hell happened to John McTiernan? The guy made Predator and a couple of Die Hard movies for god's sake. He did a decent Jack Ryan movie and a solid remake of the Thomas Crown Affair, but this is a whole mess of bad. It's a movie that just seems to have no soul at all. Everyone's unlikable, after a while everything just looks the same, the closing action scenes are some of the most abstract and unconvincing in the history of the action movie genre and despite the fact there's a feeling that this might be due to the studio cutting back the violence for a lower rating, no amount of blood, gore or graphic detail could have saved this tedious, unfocused, ridiculous mess, could it?
Once you get past what is close to the worst looking Columbia logo ever witnessed, the picture here is initially quite impressive. It's a colourful, well-lit movie that's immediately noticeable as a pretty good HD transfer. This works both for and against the movie. It highlights the pretty good use of bold colours in the costume designs and sets but it also shows off the terrible over-use of make up on Klein's face and even more so, some of the funniest designer stubble after his character spends the whole night running around town, that you'll ever see.
However, as the movie goes on you start noticing the picture's letdowns. Detail is pretty muted, especially with anything in the background. This may be the way the movie was shot, but anything that's not front and centre really suffers and just when you get used to that, the previously mentioned 'night vision' chase arrives and it all goes to pot. Everything is a blurry mess, as you'd expect from what seems to be a standard camcorder night vision function. You can see what's going on, but as I said before, even an HD transfer can't save this one.
Rollerball's audio mix is just loud. It's not subtle, there's nothing clever about it, it's not dynamic—it's just loud. The metal soundtrack overpowers everything in the action scenes and it doesn't sound particularly good in the quieter scenes either. The terrible dialogue is clear enough, there are a few little bits of 5.1 crowd noise that are noticeable, but all in all this is a brash mix with very little going for it, except power.
You get a fairly light hearted commentary from the three main stars, with Romijn leading the way for the most part. She's actually a lot of fun and sparks quite a bit of humour from Klein, but there are a lot of silent moments in the commentary after about the half way point where they scramble for things to talk about. Who could blame them?
Beyond that there's a bunch of trailers for Sony Blu-rays, a Rob Zombie music video (3:20) and a featurette on the stunts of Rollerball (20:55), which is essentially everyone hyping up their stunt work and intercutting with footage from the set.
There's also a BD-Live selection, which I couldn't get working, but by this point I was Rollerball'd out and saw this as a bit of a blessing.
As you may have probably guessed by now, I wasn't Rollerball's biggest fan. It's basically everything I hate about many of the modern action flicks. They can't seem to let the eighties go, but at the same time they don't even get what made that era's action flicks work either. Rollerball had no character, nothing about it seemed fresh or even close to exciting and even for a movie released fairly recently it just feels so out of touch.
There's nothing to take away from this Rollerball release except a pretty good transfer and frankly that's just not enough to counter everything else that's woefully under par about this movie.
Review by Marcus Doidge
Version 1 Member Join Date: January 2006 Location: United States Posts: 238
I seriously think im the only person in the world that Actually enjoyed this movie...and this review just further cemented that!!!
I seriously think im the only person in the world that Actually enjoyed this movie...and this review just further cemented that!!!
Chris Johnson Member Join Date: October 2005 Location: United States Posts: 1,465
I prefer the original.
Lexx-2 Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 114
I've seen both versions, and enjoyed both. I will however qualify that by saying that I was drunk when I watched the remake.
Jeeva Member Join Date: August 2008 Location: Belgium Posts: 24
Version 1 wrote: THIS IS RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROLERBALLLLL!!!
I seriously think im the only person in the world that Actually enjoyed this movie...and this review just further cemented that!!!
I like it too... Even though this film isn't as good as his older stuff, McTiernan's talent en visual style shines through en makes it entertaining. I already sold my DVD-copy, so I will definitely get this one.
Hopefully Medicine Man, Last Action Hero, The 13th Warrior, The Thomas Crown Affair and Basic will get released too, so I can complete my John McTiernan-collection.
I seriously think im the only person in the world that Actually enjoyed this movie...and this review just further cemented that!!!
I like it too... Even though this film isn't as good as his older stuff, McTiernan's talent en visual style shines through en makes it entertaining. I already sold my DVD-copy, so I will definitely get this one.
Hopefully Medicine Man, Last Action Hero, The 13th Warrior, The Thomas Crown Affair and Basic will get released too, so I can complete my John McTiernan-collection.
leigh1975 Contributor Join Date: October 2007 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 318
I like this too, it sits on the same 'dire but fun' shelf as Judge Dredd, Double Team and Biggles: Adventures In Time.
cbundoc Member Join Date: January 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 72
I PAYED to see this in theatres back when it came out and it was HORRIBLE and I agree the night vision scene is annoying and distracting! WORST-MOVIE-EVER
Makman Member Join Date: December 2007 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 111
The original 70's film is much superior - I was surpised at how good the original film was (as I saw the remake first and was extremely disappointed).
rebel-scum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 1,101
I'm not saying it would be improved, but McTiernan shot an R-rated version of Rollerball before Sony decided they wanted a PG-13 rating. I spotted numerous instances of swearing that had clearly been ADR'd over with much cleaner language. The violence also seems toned down.
leigh1975 Contributor Join Date: October 2007 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 318
The UK cut IS R rated.
gridbug Member Join Date: October 2006 Location: United States Posts: 15
The ONLY redeeming factor in this messy, confusing remake is a topless scene by Rebecca Romijn (uncut version, natch).
The original however, though dated, is still brilliant. Too bad, so sad.
The original however, though dated, is still brilliant. Too bad, so sad.
Version 1 Member Join Date: January 2006 Location: United States Posts: 238
Maybe thats why I enoyed this flick,I never seen the orignal!
rebel-scum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 1,101
leigh1975 wrote: The UK cut IS R rated.
LOL!! It's the R-Rated cut I've seen then, and even that's STILL edited down. 'Deleted' would be a better option for this movie.
LOL!! It's the R-Rated cut I've seen then, and even that's STILL edited down. 'Deleted' would be a better option for this movie.
Terminal Member Join Date: March 2005 Location: United States Posts: 288
This was a flinging piece of garbage.
Worst Nightmare Senior Member Join Date: July 2002 Location: Australia Posts: 6,716
Man - are you guys getting spammed or what!!! (Refers above pot...)
My kingdom to be in a Rebecca Romijn sandwich!
My kingdom to be in a Rebecca Romijn sandwich!
Suitable only for persons of 15 years and over
Disc Details
Release Date: 25th August 2008
Discs: 1
Disc Type: Blu-ray Disc
RCE: No
Video: 1080p
Aspect: 2.35:1
Anamorphic: No
Colour: Yes
Audio: Dolby TrueHD 5.1 English, Dolby TrueHD 5.1 French, Dolby Digital 5.1 Russian, Dolby TrueHD 5.1 Spanish
Subtitles: Arabic, Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovene, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish
Extras: Cast Commentary, Featurette, Music Video, Trailers
Easter Egg: No
Feature Details
Director: John McTiernan
Cast: Chris Klein, Jean Reno, LL Cool J, Rebecca Romijn, Naveen Andrews
Genre: Action
Length: 98 minutes
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Transcendental Meditation or TM is a trademarked meditation technique introduced in 1958 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi that involves the mental use of specific sounds, called mantras.[1] According to Maharishi, the technique enables the practitioner's mind to "transcend" to a state of "restful alertness," without the concentration or active thinking of other techniques.[2] The practice is said to have been taught to over 6 million people in a paid course involving about two hours a day over a seven-day period. Research has been done on the effects of this meditation technique on mind and body, ranging from investigating its effects on cardiovascular disease to studying the physiological and psychological correlates of so-called "higher states of consciousness" purported to result from its practice. The Transcendental Meditation technique is one aspect of "Maharishi's Technologies of Consciousness," which are the experiential side of Maharishi Vedic Science. [3]
In 1957, at the end of a festival of "spiritual luminaries" in remembrance of the previous Shankaracharya of the North, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (or simply "Maharishi" to followers) inaugurated a movement to "spiritually regenerate the world." From that point in time, the Transcendental Meditation technique has spread throughout the world.[3] Maharishi's publications during this period include Beacon Light of the Himalayas (1955),[4] Science of Being and Art of Living (1963), a translation of, and commentary on, the first six chapters of the Bhagavad-Gita (1965), and the long devotional poem Love and God (1967). [5]
In the early 1970s, Maharishi launched a "World Plan" to establish one Transcendental Meditation teaching center for each million of the world's population, which at that time would have meant 3,600 TM centers throughout the world. Since 1990, Maharishi has coordinated his global activities from his headquarters in the town of Vlodrop in the municipality of Roerdalen in the Netherlands.
Maharishi founded Maharishi University of Management, which began offering classes in 1973 in California and relocated to Fairfield, Iowa, USA, in 1974. He has also founded a number of schools around the world. He inspired the founding of Maharishi Vedic City in southeast Iowa and the Natural Law Party, a group of political parties in many countries, most of which have been dissolved, the U.S. branch having closed on April 30, 2004.[6]
The movement says that more than 6 million people worldwide have learned the Transcendental Meditation technique since its inauguration,[7] For nearly eight years, Deepak Chopra was one of Maharishi's most prominent spokespersons and promoters of Maharishi Ayurveda or alternative medicine.[8] Political leaders who practice TM include Joaquim Chissano [4], former president of Mozambique.
Procedures and theoryEdit
The Transcendental Meditation technique is practiced for twenty minutes twice a day while one sits with the eyes closed.[9] Jonathan Shear, professor of Philosophy at Maharishi University of Management, writes that a distinguishing feature of this meditation program is its lack of effort as contrasted with techniques involving concentration, or those involving contemplation or active thinking.[10]
Maharishi teaches that the Transcendental Meditation technique comes from the ancient Vedic tradition of India. The simple sound used in the technique, the mantra, is given to the meditator at the time of instruction, a process which requires a fee after introductory presentations ($2,500 as of 2006),[11] and generally takes five to seven days. Paid instruction begins with a puja, which concludes with the presentation of the mantra to the student, and continues with further instruction on the technique and theory.[12][13] The mantra itself is kept private by the organization, which often requires agreement forms to this effect be signed, and emphasizes that the procedure for using the mantra is very important, and can only be learned from an authorized teacher.[How to reference and link to summary or text]
Maharishi has said that Transcendental Consciousness is experienced via dhyana, a Sanskrit term which he equates with Transcendental Meditation.[14] While dhyana is often characterized as involving concentraton or contemplation, Transcendental Meditation instead makes use of the "natural, expansive response of the mind." Maharishi says that concentration is a mistranslation of dhyana and that meditation that uses concentration results in a failure to transcend.[15]
Theory of consciousnessEdit
Maharishi's theory of enlightenmentEdit
According to Maharishi's theory of enlightenment, there are seven major states of consciousness, of which the first three are commonly known. The last three states fulfill the definition of Enlightenment - the ultimate goal of long-term practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique:
- Dreamless sleeping state of consciousness
- Dreaming state of consciousness (REM)
- Waking state of consciousness
- Transcendental Consciousness is said to be a fourth major state of consciousness, distinct from waking, sleeping or dreaming. When the mind settles down during the Transcendental Meditation technique, a state of "restful alertness" is experienced. Thought becomes quieter and quieter, until the mind is no longer bound by thoughts or perceptions but experiences awareness awake to itself alone. This state is an experience of "am-ness", or "Being", the unbounded pure consciousness that is at the source of thoughts and feelings.[16]
- Cosmic Consciousness, the fifth state, is said to be the state of "enlightenment" which results from alternating the experience of Transcendental Consciousness and activity in our daily lives. Through repeated practice, the nonchanging state of Being in TC becomes permanently maintained along with waking, sleeping and dreaming. This all-inclusive state - "cosmic" - is marked by a peaceful, nonchanging restful state inside while one is actively engaged in the constant change which occurs in life.[17]
- God Consciousness is said to be the state where the unbounded awareness of Cosmic Consciousness is accompanied by refined sensory perception during waking, sleeping and dreaming - where the full range and mechanics of creation are appreciated at a sublime, subtle level. This perception leads to a devotion and love for creation and its creator ("God").[18]
- Unity Consciousness, the seventh state, is said to be the perception that all aspects of life are nothing but expressions of Being, or pure consciousness. All of the diversity in life, from the gross to the subtle, is seen as the self-interacting dynamics of Being. The outer and inner realities of life are bridged in Unity Consciousness. One sees the Self in all aspects of creation.[18]
Research on "higher states of consciousness" Edit
A number of studies have been done to identify the physiological correlates of what is referred to as Transcendental Consciousness (TC) experienced during the Transcendental Meditation technique, and also during activity, which is referred to as Cosmic Consciousness (CC). The initial studies of the physiological correlates during the Transcendental Meditation technique were published in the early 1970s in Science, American Journal of Physiology, and Scientific American.[19][20][21] This research found that the Transcendental Meditation technique produces a physiological state called "restful alertness." During the practice of the technique the physiology becomes relaxed, as indicated by significant reductions in respiration, minute ventilation, tidal volume, and blood lactate, and significant increases in basal skin resistance, yet EEG measurements showed that the physiology was alert rather than asleep. These early studies termed the state of Transcendental Consciousness a state of restful alertness. Later studies focused on episodes of "pure" TC during TM practice, and found several common physiological markers for the state, including reduced breath volume or apparent breath suspension, high alpha EEG coherence, and decreased heart rate, as compared to the remainder of a TM meditation period.[22][23][24]
More recently, several studies have been done on individuals who report experiencing Transcendental Consciousness in activity or sleep (CC). A study published in 1997 in the journal "Sleep" found greater alpha and theta EEG power but no difference in delta EEG power in long-term TM meditators reporting episodes of "higher states of consciousness" during sleep compared to controls.[25] A study published in 2002 in Biological Psychology found distinct EEG patterns in the 17 "enlightened" subjects as compared to two matched control groups. In addition, using a measure called choice-contingent negative variation, the researchers found that the subjects' brains responded more efficiently during tasks.[26] A followup study on the same three groups of subjects that used content analysis to characterize and classify their subject experiences found that the group reporting an experience of Transcendental Consciousness during activity had unique subjective experiences. This was characterized by an ongoing experience described as unboundedness. "My self is immeasurably vast . . . on a physical level -- not just restricted to this physical environment," reported one subject. And another said, "It's my Being. There's just a channel underneath that's just underlying everything. It's my essence there and it just doesn't stop where I stop."[27]
Research on the Transcendental Meditation technique Edit
Medical indexes, such as PubMed, show that over 200 studies have been conducted on the Transcendental Meditation technique. The universities and medical centers where this research has taken place include Harvard Medical School, Yale Medical School, Stanford University, Princeton University, MIT, Purdue University, UCLA, UC Irvine, UC Berkeley, the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan Medical School, and the University of Texas.[28]
Range of studiesEdit
A number of studies have reported finding a positive correlation between Transcendental Meditation technique and various health benefits, including reduction of high blood pressure,[29] younger biological age,[30] decreased insomnia,[31] reduction of high cholesterol,[32] reduced illness and medical expenditures,[33] decreased outpatient visits,[34] decreased cigarette smoking,[35] decreased alcohol use,[36] and decreased anxiety.[37]
Some studies indicate that regular practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique leads to significant, cumulative benefits in the areas of mind (Travis, Arenander & DuBois 2004), body (Barnes, Treiber & Davis 2001), behavior (Barnes, Bauza & Treiber 2003). One study showed reduced arterial wall thickness in African-Americans with high blood pressure. (PMID 10700487).
A 1971 survey by Leon Otis found that a significant percentage of those who practice the Transcendental Meditation technique experience adverse effects such as anxiety, confusion, and depression.[38] Other researchers have found that the Transcendental Meditation technique has no side effects.[39]
Research funding from the NIH Edit
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has spent more than $21 million funding research on the effects of the Transcendental Meditation technique on heart disease[5]. In 1999, the NIH awarded a grant of nearly $8 million to Maharishi University of Management to establish the first research center specializing in natural preventive medicine for minorities in the U.S.[40]
The research institute, called the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention, was inaugurated on October 11, 1999, at the University's Department of Physiology and Health in Fairfield, Iowa.[41]
Research in medical journals Edit
Although a paper published in the The Lancet, in 1977, demonstrated that the Transcendental Meditation technique had no effect on blood pressure in patients[42], more recent long term studies indicate that the TM technique does in fact seem to impact the heart and circulatory health in hypertensive patients.
In 2005, the American Journal of Cardiology published a review of two studies that looked at stress reduction with the Transcendental Meditation technique and mortality among patients receiving treatment for high blood pressure[43] This study was a long-term, randomized trial. It evaluated the death rates of 202 men and women, average age 71, who had mildly elevated blood pressure. The study tracked subjects for up to 18 years and found that the group practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique had death rates that were reduced by 23%. The review was funded in part by a grant from NIH's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Also in 2005, the American Journal of Hypertension published the results of a study that found the Transcendental Meditation technique may be useful as an adjunct in the long-term treatment of hypertension among African-Americans.[44]
In 2006 a study published in the American Medical Association's Archives of Internal Medicine found that coronary heart disease patients who practiced the Transcendental Meditation technique for 16 weeks showed improvements in blood pressure, insulin resistance, and autonomic nervous system tone, compared with a control group of patients who received health education. The researchers concluded that the Transcendental Meditation technique may be a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of coronary heart disease.[45]
The American Heart Association has published two studies on the Transcendental Meditation technique. In 2000, the association's journal Stroke published a study that found that on average the subjects engaged in daily practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique reduced the thickening of coronary arteries in hypertensive adults, thereby decreasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. After six to nine months, carotid intima-media thickness decreased in the group that was practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique as compared with matched control subjects.[46]The association's journal Hypertension published the results of a randomized, controlled trial in which the group practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique had reduced blood pressure in a group of older African-Americans.[47]
Also in 2006 a functional MRI study of 24 patients published in NeuroReport found that the long-term practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique may reduce the brain's response to pain.[48]
Effects on the physiologyEdit
Research has suggested that practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique has specific effects on the physiology. During meditation, these changes include decreased respiration rates, blood lactate, and basal skin conductance levels,[49] as well as increased coherence and integration of brain functioning.[50] These changes suggest a restful yet alert state. Studies suggest that this state of physiology promotes regulation of cortisol and other hormones associated with chronic stress, showing reduced baseline cortisol (a hormone associated with stress) and a healthier regulation of serotonin (a neurotransmitter associated with mood).[51]
Research on cognitive function Edit
A paper published in 2001 in the journal Intelligence reported the effects on 362 Taiwanese students of three randomized, controlled trials that used seven standardized tests. The trials measured the effects of the Transcendental Meditation technique, a contemplative meditative technique from the Chinese tradition, and napping, on a wide range of cognitive, emotional and perceptual functions. The three studies ranged in time from six months to one year. Results indicated that taken together the Transcendental Meditation group had significant improvement on all seven measurements compared to the non-treatment and napping control groups. Contemplative meditation showed a significant result in two categories, and napping had no effect. The results included an increase in IQ, creativity, "fluid intelligence, field independence, and practical intelligence.[52]
A paper published in the Journal of Applied Psychology in 1978 found no effect on school grades.[53] In contrast, other studies show improved academic performance, for example, as indicated in the British Journal of Educational Psychology, and Education. [54] [55]
In 2003 a study in the journal Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift reviewed ten randomized, controlled trials that looked at the effect of the Transcendental Meditation technique on cognitive function. Four trials showed a significant effect on cognitive function, while the remaining trials showed mixed results. Study authors Canter and Ernst noted that the four positive trials used subjects whom had already intended to learn the Transcendental Meditation technique and attributed the significant positive results to an expectation effect.[56]
Transcendental Meditation controversiesEdit
Relationship to religion and spiritualityEdit
Controversy exists as to the relationship the Transcendental Meditation technique has to religion. Official Transcendental Meditation websites state that the TM technique is a mental technique for deep rest and for contacting what is described as a field of unlimited potential. These sites state that the TM technique does not require faith, belief, or a change in lifestyle to be effective. [6]
On the other hand, Maharishi calls Transcendental Meditation "a path to God," [57] and in his teaching often makes references to "God" or a creator. [58] Transcendental Meditation program websites seem to indicate Maharishi makes no references to the TM technique as a religious practice, although he does describe himself as a spiritual leader. Kelly Zellers and Pamela Perrewe in their discussion of "The Role of Spirituality in Occupational Stress and Well-Being," in Handbook of Workplace Spirituality and Organizational Performance, delineate religion and spirituality, and describe spirituality as broader than religion, a search for higher power, the sacred, and defined for some as God. They describe meditation, yoga, and the TM technique, one form of meditation mentioned, as spiritual and describe all three as coping strategies people may employ in business and in life in general.[59]
Clergy have opposing views when assessing the compatibility of their religions to the TM technique and programs. Cardinal Sin, Archbishop of Manila, believes as he outlines in his 1984 pastoral statement, that the TM perspective conflicts with Christianity. For example, unlike the Christian idea of God - a personal god caring for every individual – Cardinal Sin understands the inner reality one reaches through the TM technique to be impersonal. Man, as described by TM philosophy, is capable of increasing levels of perfection, but is not considered born in Original sin, a foundation of Christian doctrine. Pain and suffering as redemptive, another foundation of much Christian thought, is lacking in TM theory.[7] Cardinal Sin also noted the belief that mantras used in TM are apparent invocations to deities. No information on mantras exists on official TM web sites, probably because the selection of mantras is private. Information as to which mantras are used in the TM technique is controversial.
At the same time, some clergy find the TM technique to be compatible with their religious teachings and beliefs. These include Rabbi Allan Green who finds Transcendental Meditation and its philosophy to provide insight into his work as a rabbi, [60] and Rabbi Raphael Levine who discovered that TM theory contains many of the same insights found in the teachings of Hebrew Prophets.[8] Father Adrian Smith, a Catholic priest, describes Transcendental Meditation as compatible with any religion because of pertinence to human nature rather than to religious virtue.[61] Father Basil Pennington, a Cistercian monk, believes that the deepest self described by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as the Absolute is known to Christians, and is the same as "our God of love, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit".[62]
An early controversy on the use of the Transcendental Meditation technique in the schools arose in 1979, when the United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court decision in Malnak v. Yogi (592 F.2d 197) that a curriculum in the Science of Creative Intelligence, which included the Transcendental Meditation technique, could not be taught in New Jersey public schools because it violated the Establishment Clause [55] of the First Amendment, which creates a wall of separation between church and state. [56] The lower court, under Judge Meanor, based the ruling in part on the brief puja ceremony involved in Transcendental Meditation instruction and also on the fact that the Science of Creative Intelligence dealt with issues of ultimate concern, truth, and other ideas analogous to those in well-recognized religions. Because the ruling centered around a curriculum in the Science of Creative Intelligence, and because the Wallace v. Jaffree decision in 1986 allows for quiet time/meditation with a secular purpose, instruction in the Transcendental Meditation technique has continued in public charter schools, despite comments like those of sociologist Barry Markovsky, who felt that in teaching the Transcendental Meditation technique in the schools, there might be an undercurrent of religion. He labeled this as "stealth religion." [9] [63][64] Principals of public charter schools, Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse in Detroit and the Fletcher-Johnson School in Washington, D.C., note that in their views the TM technique is not religious. They point out the benefits of the technique, one of which is to help to relieve stress in their students. [10][11]
Cult issues Edit
Critics suggest that the TM technique and related programs display cult–like tendencies. Numerous research studies on Transcendental Meditation have found that human development in practitioners of Transcendental Meditation is directly opposed to cult–like behaviors and tendencies.
Diverse groups such as Catholic groups like The Little Brothers and Sisters of the Sacred Heart, as well as Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Rosicrucian's, the Church of Scientology, and Transcendental Meditation were named as cult/sects in France in 1995, in The Parliamentary Commission on Cults in France generated by the National Assembly of France. By 2005, the Prime Minister of France noted that although the government must remain vigilant in combating so-called cults/sects, the earlier parliamentary report of 1995 was less applicable in part because many small, widely scattered, less identifiable groups had formed. He went on to advise that identification of possible cults/sects not be decided on by referencing lists compiled for identification of cultic deviances, but instead recommended an update of ministerial instructions, and the use of criteria developed in consultation with the Interministerial Commission for Monitoring and Combating Cultic Deviances (MIVILUDES). Finally he noted that labeling a group as a cult/sect stood in opposition to "respect for public freedom and Laïcité (separation of Church and State.)" report unofficial English translation
Literature has been published that discusses Transcendental Meditation and cult-like behaviors, including Michael A. Persinger's 1980 book TM and Cult Mania. [65]. In 1987, an article in the Washington Post noted that the Cult Awareness Network, held a press conference and demonstration in Washington, D.C., charging that Transcendental Meditation is a cult. Steve Hassan, editor of two books on cults and a former follower of the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, is quoted in the article as saying that TM may have cult like tendencies. [66] Both The Cult Observer and The Cultic Journal have published articles on TM. [67].
Researcher David Orme-Johnson,[12] who has authored over 100 studies related to the Transcendental Meditation technique (most of them peer-reviewed), argues that the Transcendental Meditation organization is not a cult. He notes that research shows that the Transcendental Meditation technique itself produces effects in practitioners that are the opposite to those found in people who allegedly become involved in cults. He cites, as examples, dissertations done at York University and at Harvard whose outcomes indicate greater autonomy, independence, and innovative thought, as well as increases in creativity, general intelligence, self-esteem, and moral reasoning to levels that indicate mature, independent, principle-based judgment. Cult followers allegedly operate on the opposite — blind faith, and adherence, usually rigid, to arbitrary rules and authority. Orme–Johnson goes on to note that cults are generally characterized as closed systems, directly opposite to the Transcendental Meditation organization, which submits to the rigors of scientific testing, continues to encourage research by independent universities and research organizations (to date, 209 universities have conducted research on the Transcendental Meditation program), publishes consistently in peer-reviewed journals, and participates actively in scientific conferences worldwide. [13]
Lawsuits Edit
Kropinski v. WPEC
In a civil suit against the World Plan Executive Council filed in 1985,[68] Robert Kropinski claimed fraud, psychological, physical, and emotional harm as a result of the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs. The district court dismissed Kropinski's claims concerning intentional tort and negligent infliction of emotional distress, and referred the claims of fraud and negligent infliction of physical and psychological injuries to a jury trial. The jury awarded Robert Kropinski $137,890 in the fraud and negligence claims. The appellate court overturned the award and dismissed Kropinski's claim alleging psychological damage. The claim of fraud and the claim of a physical injury related to his practice of the TM-Sidhi program were remanded to the lower court for retrial, and the parties then settled these remaining claims out of court.[69]
Butler/Killian vs. MUM
Two lawsuits were filed as a result of a stabbing at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa on March 1, 2004[70] The family of the murdered student and a student who was assaulted earlier in the day have sued MUM and the Maharishi Vedic Education Development Corporation. Their separate suits, filed on Feb. 24, 2006, allege that the twice-daily practice of Transcendental Meditation, which the university requires of all students, can be dangerous for people with psychiatric problems. They also charge the university with failing to call the police or take action to protect students from a violent, mentally ill student.[71][72]
Consciousness and the unified field Edit
Maharishi has taught that the Transcendental Meditation technique allows the mind to contact an underlying field of existence. This underlying field has been characterized by teachers of Transcendental Meditation as being the same as a hypothetical unified field described by physicists.[14] For a short time in the 1980s, the Transcendental Meditation technique was referred to as the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field.
The relationship between the mind and physics is a matter of dispute among physicists. Heinz Pagels, the executive director of the New York Academy of Science, wrote a letter stating that the philosophical claims of the TM organization willfully distort scientific truth.[73]
TM Alternatives Edit
In response to what they feel is a high course fee to learn TM, some former TM teachers offer instruction on their own. They include TM Independent in the UK and Natural Stress Relief (NSR) in Italy and the USA. TM Independent says that it is their goal to make TM available at an affordable price. The Natural Stress Relief web site states that the technique they offer is comparable to, but is not, Transcendental Meditation. It also states that NSR has published two papers showing the effectiveness of transcending in peer-reviewed psychology journals.
- ↑ Shear, Jonathan (2006). The Experience of Meditation, 27-28
- ↑ Transcendental Consciousness
- ↑ Oates, Robert M. (1976)Celebrating the Dawn, New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. ISBN 0-399-11815-2
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ [2]
- ↑ Natural Law Party
- ↑ The Transcendental Meditation Program
- ↑ Chopra, D. (1991)Perfect Health: The Complete Mind/Body Guide, New York: Harmony Books ISBN 0-517-58421-2
- ↑ The Transcendental Meditation Program
- ↑ Shear, Jonathan (2006). The Experience of Meditation, 25, 30-32, 43-44
- ↑ Course Requirements
- ↑ The Seven-Step Course
- ↑ 7 Steps to Learn the TM Technique
- ↑ Enlightenment Online
- ↑ Studies of Advanced Stages of Meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist and Vedic Traditions. I: A Comparison of General Changes, Hethe House, eCAM, 2006 3(4):513-521
- ↑ Transcendental Consciousness: The State of Inner Peace
- ↑ Cosmic Consciousness: A Permanent State of Peace
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 God Consciousness and Unity Consciousness: The Highest States of Peace and Fulfillment
- ↑ Wallace RK. Physiological effects of Transcendental Meditation. Science 1970;167:1751–1754
- ↑ Wallace RK, Benson H, Wilson AF. A wakeful hypometabolic physiologic state. American Journal of Physiology 1971;221:795-799
- ↑ Wallace RK. The Physiology of Meditation. Scientific American 1972;226:84-90
- ↑ Farrow JT, Hebert JR. "Breath suspension during the transcendental meditation technique." Psychosomatic Medicine 1982 May;44(2):133-53
- ↑ Badawi K, Wallace RK, Orme-Johnson D, Rouzere AM. "Electrophysiologic characteristics of respiratory suspension periods occurring during the practice of the Transcendental Meditation Program." Psychosomatic Medicine 1984 May-Jun;46(3):267-76
- ↑ Travis F, Wallace RK. "Autonomic patterns during respiratory suspensions: possible markers of Transcendental Consciousness." Psychophysiology. 1997 Jan;34(1):39-46
- ↑ Mason LI, Alexander CN, Travis FT, Marsh G, Orme-Johnson DW, Gackenbach J, Mason DC, Rainforth M, Walton KG. "Electrophysiological correlates of higher states of consciousness during sleep in long-term practitioners of the Transcendental Meditation program." Sleep. 1997 Feb;20(2):102-10.
- ↑ Travis, F. T., Tecce, J., Arenander, A., & Wallace, R. K. (2002), Patterns of EEG coherence, power, and contingent negative variation characterize the integration of transcendental and waking states. Biological Psychology, 61, 293-319
- ↑ Travis, F., Arenander, A., & DuBois, D. (2004). Psychological and physiological characteristics of a proposed object-referral/self-referral continuum of self-awareness. Consciousness and Cognition, 13, 401-420
- ↑ Scientific Journals
- ↑ Hypertension 26: 820–827, 1995
- ↑ International Journal of Neuroscience 16: 53–58, 1982
- ↑ Journal of Counseling and Development 64: 212–215, 1985
- ↑ Journal of Human Stress 5: 24-27, 1979
- ↑ The American Journal of Managed Care 3: 135–144, 1997
- ↑ The American Journal of Managed Care 3: 135–144, 1997
- ↑ Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly 11: 13–87, 1994
- ↑ Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly 11: 13–87, 1994
- ↑ Journal of Clinical Psychology 45: 957–974, 1989
- ↑ Deane H. Shapiro and Roger N. Walsh, editors, Meditation: Classic and Contemporary Perspectives (New York: Aldine Publishing Co., 1984), p. 207
- ↑ Herron, Robert E., et al: 1996, "Cost-Effective Hypertension Management: Comparison of Drug Therapies with an Alternative Program," The American Journal of Managed Care Vol. 11, No. 4, p. 433
- ↑ Vedic Medicine, Meditation Receive Federal Funds, U.S. Medicine,Matt Pueschel, July 2000
- ↑ NIH Awards $8 Million Grant to Establish Research Center on Natural Medicine
- ↑ Pollack, A. A., Weber, M. A., Case, D. B., Laragh, J. H. "Limitations of Transcendental Meditation in the treatment of essential hypertension." The Lancet, January 8, 1977, 71-73.
- ↑ Schneider RH et al.. Long-Term Effects of Stress Reduction on Mortality in Persons >55 Years of Age With Systemic Hypertension. URL accessed on 2006-09-12.
- ↑ Schneider RH et al.. A randomized controlled trial of stress reduction in African Americans treated for hypertension for over one year. URL accessed on 2006-09-12.
- ↑ Effects of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Transcendental Meditation on Components of the Metabolic Syndrome in Subjects With Coronary Heart Disease, Archives of Internal Medicine, Maura Paul-Labrador et al,, Vol. 166 No. 11, June 12, 2006
- ↑ Stroke. 2000 Mar;31(3):568-73.
- ↑ A Randomized Controlled Trial of Stress Reduction for Hypertension in Older African Americans, Robert H. Schneider et al, Hypertension, 1995, 26: 820-827
- ↑ Orme-Johnson DW et al.. Neuroimaging of meditation's effect on brain reactivity to pain. URL accessed on 2006-9-12.
- ↑ Dillbeck, M.C., and D.W. Orme-Johnson: 1987, "Physiological differences between Transcendental Meditation and rest," American Psychologist 42, pp. 879-881
- ↑ Dillbeck, M.C. and E.C. Bronson: 1981, "Short-term longitudinal effects of the Transcendental Meditation technique on EEG power and coherence," International Journal of Neuroscience 14, pp. 147-151
- ↑ MacLean, C.R.K., et al: 1996, "Effects of the Transcendental Meditation program on adaptive mechanisms: Changes in hormone levels and responses to stress after four months of practice," Psychoendrocrinology 22, pp. 277-295
- ↑ Intelligence (September/October 2001), Vol. 29/5, pp. 419-440
- ↑ Carsello, C. J. and Creaser, J. W. "Does Transcendental Meditation Training Affect Grades?" Journal of Applied Psychology, 1978, 63, 644-645.
- ↑ Nidich, S.I. and Nidich, R.J. Increased academic achievement at Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment: A replication study. Education 109: 302–304, 1989.
- ↑ Kember, P. The Transcendental Meditation technique and postgraduate academic performance. British Journal of Educational Psychology 55: 164–166, 1985.
- ↑ Canter, P., Ernst, E. (2003) The cumulative effects of Transcendental Meditation on cognitive function—a systematic review of randomised controlled trials Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2003 Nov 28;115(21-22):758-766
- ↑ Meditations of Maharishi. p. 59
- ↑ Science of Being and Art of Living, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Rev. Ed. 1967, p. 271
- ↑ Zellers, Kelly L., Perrewe, Pamela. "The Role of Spirituality in Occupational Stress and Well-Being", Handbook of Workplace Spirituality and Organizational Performance, M.E. Sharp, December 2002.
- ↑ Vesely,Carolin, "Its All in Your Mind" Winnipeg Free Press, March 21, 2006.
- ↑ Smith, Adrian B. A Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: A Christian Understanding of Transcendental Meditation. Temple House Books, 1993.
- ↑ Pennington, Basil. "TM and Christian Prayer", Daily We Touch Him: Practical Religious Experiences. Doubleday, 1977:73
- ↑ Man Fails To Fly, Sues Camlot Owner, GTR News Online, Nancy K. Owens
[Markovsky] said the [TM] movement is "a way to hoist an actual religion onto unknowing people and a way to turn a profit."
- ↑ ''Meditation Controversy, The Journal News, Joy Victory, May 18, 2004
- ↑ Michael A. Persinger et al, Christopher Pub House, May 1980, ISBN 0815803923
- ↑ Group Says Movement a Cult, The Washington Post, Phil McCombs, July 2 1987
- ↑ Transcendental Meditation
- ↑ United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Civil Suit #85-2848, 1986
- ↑ Kropinski v. WPEC, 853 F.2d 948
- ↑ Trouble in transcendental paradise as murder rocks the Maharishi University, The Observer, May 2 2004
- ↑ Butler v. Maharishi University of Management, US District Court, Southern District of Iowa, Central Div., Case No. 06-cv-00072
- ↑ Kilian v. Maharishi University of Management, US District Court, Southern District of Iowa
- ↑ Deepak Chopra, The Skeptics Dictionary, Robert Carroll
- Druckman, Daniel & Bjork, Robert, editors, (NRC 1991), In the Mind's Eye: Enhancing Human Performance, Washington, DC: National Academy Press
- Barnes, Vernon A., Bauza & Treiber, Frank A. (2003), "Impact of stress reduction on negative school behavior in adolescents", Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, vol. 1, no. 10
- Barnes, Vernon A., Treiber, Frank A. & Davis, Harry (2001), "Impact of Transcendental Meditation1 on cardiovascular function at rest and during acute stress in adolescents with high normal blood pressure", Journal of Psychosomatic Research, vol. 51, no. 4, p. 597-605
- Hagelin, John S., Rainforth, Maxwell V. & Orme-Johnson, David W., et al. (1999), "Effects of Group Practice of the Transcendental Meditation Program on Preventing Violent Crime in Washington, D.C.: Results of the National Demonstration Project, June—July 1993", Social Indicators Research, vol. 47, no. 2, p. 153-201
- MacLean, Christopher R. K., Walton, Kenneth G. & Wenneberg, Stig R., et al. (1997), "Effects of the Trancendentale Meditation program on adaptive mechanism: changes in hormone levels and responses to stress after 4 months of practice", Psychoneuroendocrinology, vol. 22, no. 4, p. 227-295
- Rabinoff, Robert A., Dillbeck, Michael C. & Deissler, Robert (1981), "Effect of coherent collective consciousness on the weather", Scientific Research On Maharishi's Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi Programme - Collected Papers, vol. 4, paper 324, p. 2564-2565
- Randi, James (1982), "Chapter 5, "The Giggling Guru: A Matter of Levity"" in Flim-Flam! Psychics, ESP, Unicorns, and Other Delusions; [introduction by Isaac Asimov], Buffalo, New York: Prometheus Books, ISBN 0-87975-198-3
- Paul-Labrador, Maura, Polk, Donna & Dwyer, James, et al. (2006), "Effects of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Transcendental Meditation on Components of the Metabolic Syndrome in Subjects With Coronary Heart Disease", Archives of Internal Medicine, vol. 166, p. 1218-1224
- Travis, Frederick, Arenander, Alarik & DuBois, David (2004), "Psychological and physiological characteristics of a proposed object-referral/self-referral continuum of self-awareness", Consciousness and Cognition, vol. 13, p. 401-420
External linksEdit
- Discover the benefits - Link to official TM site, includes some scientific study summaries.
- Truth About TM - A leading researcher on Transcendental Meditation responds to issues.
- American Association of Professionals Practicing the Transcendental Meditation Program
- Stress-Free Schools
- Falling Down the TM Rabbit Hole - How TM Really Works, a Critical Opinion - Criticism of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and TM by a former TM teacher
- Transcendental Meditation - The Religious Movements Homepage Project at The University of Virginia.
- Meditation Information Network - Web site supporting critical examination of Transcendental Meditation and associated programs. Includes archived newsletters of TM-EX, the Transcendental Meditation Ex-Members Support Group (1990 - 1994).
- Behind the TM Facade - Criticizes claims made by the TM organization.
- Research on the Transcendental Meditation Technique
- Transcendental Meditation,Scientia Institute - Discusses TM benefits and TM alternatives.
- Medication or Meditation - A critique of thirty years of TM research.
- MUMBull - "A critical look at the Maharishi University of Management and other enterprises of the Transcendental Meditation movement."
- The Maharishi Caper: Or How to Hoodwink Top Medical Journals, Andrew Skolnick, ScienceWriters: The Newsletter of the National Association of Science Writers, Fall 1991 - Discusses the JAMA article Maharishi Ayur-Veda: Modern Insights Into Ancient Medicine
- Transcendental Meditation -- Links at Steven Hassan's "Freedom of Mind Center"
- Maharishi's Vedic Science: Frequently asked questions -- Questions and answers about Maharishi Vedic Science
Further readingEdit
- Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad-Gita : A New Translation and Commentary, Chapters 1-6
- Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Science of Being and Art of Living : Transcendental Meditation
- The David Lynch Foundation For Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace
- June 16, 2006 Transcendental meditation improves blood pressure, insulin resistance
- Mason, Paul (2005), Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: The Biography of the Man Who Gave Transcendental Meditation to the World, Evolution Publishing, ISBN 0-9550361-0-0
- Persinger, Michael (1980), TM and Cult Mania, Christopher Pub House, ISBN 0-8158-0392-3
- Kropinski v. World Plan Executive Council, 853 F, 2d 948, 956 (D.C. Cir, 1988)
Template:Transcendental Meditation
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International court seeks Ivory Coast suspect
AMSTERDAM (AP) — The International Criminal Court on Tuesday unsealed an arrest warrant for a top aide of the Ivory Coast's former president, accusing him of committing crimes against humanity as commander of youth militias that took part in 2010 post-election violence.
The court's revelation that it has quietly been seeking to arrest 40-year-old Charles Ble Goude since 2011 for alleged murder, rape, persecution and other inhuman acts sets up the prospect of a jurisdictional fight with his home country. Ble Goude is in custody in Ivory Coast, and authorities there have indicated they intend to try him at home.
Pretrial judges at the court in The Hague, Netherlands, say that forces loyal to former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo — who is already in the court's custody — systematically targeted civilians who supported his then-opponent, current President Alassane Ouattara. The court's arrest warrant describes Ble Goude as a member of Gbagbo's "inner circle."
Ble Goude fled his country after Ouattara came to power, and he was arrested in Ghana and extradited to Ivory Coast in January.
Prosecutors say some 3,000 people died in the 2010-2011 postelection violence, with crimes committed on both sides. However, to date the International Criminal Court has only issued arrest warrants for Gbagbo, his wife Simone Gbagbo, and now Ble Goude.
On Tuesday, the Ivory Coast government filed a formal request with the international court to remand Simone Gbagbo's case back to Ivory Coast, arguing the West African country's own justice system is ready to handle it.
ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah said the warrant against Ble Goude revealed Tuesday obliges Ivory Coast to extradite him. The spokesman said the court unsealed it Tuesday because judges thought there was no longer any point of keeping it confidential. Ivory Coast's justice minister mentioned its existence on television last month.
Ivory Coast government representatives could not immediately be reached for comment.
Under war crimes law, a country generally has the right and obligation to try war crimes suspects at home. The International Criminal Court only has jurisdiction in cases where a country that belongs to the court's founding treaty is unwilling or unable to prosecute a criminal.
However, once a suspect has been identified by the international court, a country has to negotiate with it over jurisdiction — an obligation that is at times ignored. The court is currently enmeshed in a similar dispute over Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, who is being held in Libya, despite demands by the ICC that he be extradited in order to receive a fair trial.
Ble Goude's international lawyer, Nick Kaufman, has said he doubts Ble Goude can receive a fair trial in Ivory Coast. Ble Goude is "a man of peace, and he maintains his innocence on the charges," Kaufman said Tuesday. He added that the Ivorian government has not allowed him to visit Ble Goude.
Herve Gouamene, who is defending Ble Goude in Ivory Coast, said he didn't think Ivorian courts or government will surrender Ble Goude. "We are ready to defend our client in Ivory Coast," he said.
Associated Press correspondents Marc-Andre Boisvert and Robbie Corey-Boulet contributed to this story from Abidjan and Dakar, Senegal.


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Taylor Royce From Vh1's "Tough Love" Gets Boo Bopped Outside Night Club While Her Mother Watches! (2 Different Cell Phone Camera Angles)
"Drunk taylor royce was outside of jackrabbit night club in scottsdale az, she was belligerent and got in about 5 different fights with different women. she's the one in the blue getting her hair ripped out , kicked and drugs around. All while her mother watches!" - @nellyxfox.
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RE: Radiohead: Together in the Alone
Thanks for the kind words, Paul! It was fun writing the piece if only because it gave me the chance to revisit the Radiohead catalogue. I wasn't aware Yorke had borrowed from Dante, but the source doesn't surprise me. (Do you remember the passage, by any chance?) I vaguely recall Yorke citing the Tibetan Book of the Dead as an influence on Amnesiac's lyrics in general, if not Pyramid Song specifically, but Dante makes a lot of sense to me -- especially since the album at times sounds like a fiery descent to hell (Pull/Pulk Revolving Doors, for example). Thanks for the heads-up!
RE: What the Presidential Election Reveals About the American Soul
I've come to the party a tad late here, but just wanted to add my two bits. A friend of mine (now a priest) cited Albacete as one of the primary forces behind his conversion. Referring to Albacete, he told me that "to deny Christ would be to deny this man." In some ways that's the logical extension of Hertzberg's comment that he didn't believe in God, but he believed in Albacete. The Msgr's "Good enough" retort is classic, of course, but I think my friend's insight was more profound than Hertzberg's: we encounter Christ in our relationships with others. To deny Christ would be to deny Albacete, and to deny Albacete is to deny his sense of the world, which is joyfully infused by Christ's message.
RE: America: Encounter the Pope
Thanks, Harold! I really appreciate it. You can be sure that I'll be praying for all my fellow spies, as well.
RE: The Pope's Birthday Party
I didn't catch sight of Maher, but there was definitely a small but vocal contingent of demonstrators. I have footage of one poor fellow with a megaphone detailing why Catholics aren't real Christians while sort of aimlessly wandering around an empty patch of grass with nobody listening except for me. Wrong venue, I guess.
RE: America: Encounter the Pope
Ah, thanks mom! Don't worry, the weather's pretty warm out here and I have the sunburn to prove it. (I know, I know, I should've worn sunscreen...) RobertsDavid -- I haven't heard mention of that, though he's obviously not shirking the scandals in the press. The pope is accused of 'empty words' by his detractors, but I don't see why a meeting with victims wouldn't prompt an accusation of 'empty gestures' from the same detractors. If he did meet with them, or some, or even one, would it help with the healing process? I obviously couldn't say. Remember when JPII met with his would-be assassin one-on-one and forgave him? This would almost be like the opposite -- a personal plea for forgiveness by the pope on behalf of the Church. I really don't know how he should handle it, and that makes reason #2,485 on my long list of reasons why I wouldn't want to be pope. It's a tough job.
RE: Close to Benedict at the Basilica
I feel for ya, Panther. Hopefully my coverage will help give you a sense of what it's like to be there, and as RobertsDavid pointed out it's all over the TV! But it's a great honor to be present at the events and participate with everyone giving high-spirited witness to the faith.
RE: Vatican Searching for Next Raphael. Or Roy Lichtenstein?
For Michelangelo, art certainly was a form of prayer. It continues to be a form of prayer for many artists working today, even if their art doesn't resemble Michelangelo's. A painter like Piet Mondrian would use simple colors combined in abstract designs to create an impression of harmony and balance. It was Mondrian's way of expressing, in a style that had the "shock of the new", the underlying unity and beauty of God's creation -- a prayer, in other words, even if a quiet, contemplative, and highly personal prayer. Perhaps the problem is that much contemporary art has made expression of Self the highest good, and this has given rise to much of the 'phony art' that I think Chassup is talking about -- mindless splatters of paint, 'provocative' art that is fundamentally puerile (most any art that involves bodily functions, let's say), or art that exists only to draw attention to the cleverness of the Artist. But it's worth remembering that the Renaissance was part of the development of secular humanism, with the philosophy of Neoplatonism and a fascination with the pagan, Greco-Roman ideal of beauty -- something that appears in Michelangelo's art. Michelangelo was a fervent Catholic, certainly, but he also pushed art forward by making art that challenged the mainstream and abounded with individuality: he even scrawled his signature across the sash of Mary's robe in his beautiful Pieta, that's how much he wanted to get noticed for his talent. This is the privilege and the responsibility of an artist -- to use one's talent and genius (which can include creating art of 'arresting strangeness,' as Harold Bloom put it) in the service of something higher and more powerful: thus, the Sistine Chapel, Mozart's Requiem Mass, or the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins. I hope the Vatican will seek out beautiful examples of Catholic art from innovative painters, sculptors, and stained-glass designers who filter their art through the life and lessons of Christ. Christ's message included paradoxes. Goya and Caravaggio were both hotheaded rebels who got into frequent trouble with the Church, but they produced some of the Church's most enduring masterpieces. If the Church keeps an open mind, I think some wonderful surprises could be in store for the art-loving faithful in the years ahead.
RE: Secrets of storytelling
Beautifully put, Cartesian. Certainly Morricone's music for "The Mission" is a rapturous dialogue with God (though his scores for "Untouchables" and "Once Upon a Time in the West" aren't shabby either). And the films of Peter Weir? Don't get me started on the beauty of "Fearless" or "Picnic at Hanging Rock"....
RE: Funny as Hell
Uh, Larry King also called "De-Lovely" the best musical biography ever made, but that aside... "Religulous" is funny in the way "Borat" is funny (same director): queasy, uncomfortable laughs at the expense of real people that is ultimately more depressing than humorous. In both cases, we laugh because the scenes are painfully awkward. The British version of "The Office" does this kind of humor much better and, I must say, with a much deeper sense of humanity. The funniest bit in "Religulous" was actually a clip from Maher's early stand-up, when he joked about growing up a Catholic-Jew (mom, Jewish; dad, Catholic): "I'd bring my lawyer into the confessional."
RE: Damien Hirst: The Death of Art Explained
Reminds me of Andy Warhol's quote: "Art is what you can get away with." It is now, certainly, as the success of a snake-oil salesman like Hirst proves. His rise is proportional to how low the art world has sunk. As Jacques Barzun has argued, the art world is in a state of full-blown decadence when pranks and provocations are the coin of the realm.