Sex & Violence – News Syndication

posted by AndrewW on May 14

Third World.

Well known as ambassadors of reggae, Jamaican veterans Third World have been performing in one form or another since the 1970s. Despite several line-up changes over the years, the group continues to blend reggae, pop and funk for adoring audiences.

Third World has collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder and shared the stage with The Jackson 5 and Bob Marley and the Wailers. Dedicated to the spread of ‘peace, love, and unity’, the band has released 22 albums and garnered numerous awards, including the 1986 United Nations Peace Medal, and received 10 Grammy nominations.

Hear Third World perform a noon set for WXPN at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia.

posted by AndrewW on May 13

Regular season series: Kings win 3-1-2

Oct. 20: Kings 2 at Coyotes 0
Oct. 29: Kings 2 at Coyotes 3 (OT)
Dec. 26: Coyotes 3 at Kings 4
Jan. 5: Coyotes 0 at Kings 1 (OT)
Feb. 16: Coyotes 1 at Kings 0
Feb. 21: Kings 4 at Coyotes 5 (SO)

Key Injuries: Los Angeles — LW Simon Gagne (concussion, injured reserve), LW Scott Parse (hip, day-to-day); Phoenix — none

Snapshot: Once you get past the frisson of excitement created by a pair of unlikely franchises making rare appearances in the conference finals — the second for Los Angeles, first ever for Phoenix — and the glamour of playoff hockey set among the palm trees and cacti, what do you have? A series that’s set to play out like a bellycrawl under a mile of low-slung barbed wire.

If Vegas were to set the nightly line at 1, you couldn’t blame some folks for taking their chances on the under. Defense, and a slavish devotion to it up and down the roster, is what powered the surprising ascent of both the Kings and the Coyotes. It’s the quality that will define what should be a tense, next-goal-wins conflict.

Start with the netminders. Jonathan Quick and Mike Smith give us a dream match-up of the two best stoppers of the postseason, and a possible USA vs. Canada Olympic preview, to boot. Both have all-world numbers: Quick is 8-1 with a 1.55 GAA and .949 save percentage; Smith is 8-3, 1.70 and .948. A bounce and a bit of good fortune will go a lot farther than highlight-reel skill against these two.

Each goalie is guarded by an unheralded but highly competent defense corps led by a young, minute-munching, two-way hot shot (Drew Doughty of the Kings; Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Coyotes) and backed by quietly efficient veterans who clog up the middle and eschew personal safety in exchange for allowing low-risk, high visibility shots from distance.

The only real point of separation might be up front. Both forward groups believe in creating offense from sound defense, but the Kings have a little more flair at their disposal. As a result, they’ve been the more consistent scorers, averaging three goals per game (one reason for that I’ll explain later) to 2.64 by Phoenix. Dustin Brown (6-5-11) has been the most consistent forward in the playoffs and Anze Kopitar finally seems to be embracing his moment. They’ve both been fantastic. Flyers castaways Mike Richards and Jeff Carter have been effective, if not overly so, but they’ve unleashed the kraken in Dustin Penner. If he continues to drive the net with purpose, he’ll cause a mountainous headache for Smith down low.

Meanwhile, the Coyotes have been scoring by committee, getting a surprising turn from deadline acquisition Antoine Vermette ( 5-4-9) and an eye-opening performance full of grit and flash from Mikkel Boedker. Shane Doan was pivotal in the Game 4 and 5 wins against Nashville thanks to his physical presence, but he, Ray Whitney and Martin Hanzal must provide more pop, especially when matched up against Brown’s line.

Spotlight’s on: Kings power play. As the unlikely glory of the 2011 Boston Bruins proved, an aspiring champ needs a clicking power play about as much as it needs a quirky national anthem singer. That the B’s won it all with an abysmal 11.4 percent success rate, the worst by far of any team that advanced past the first round, should help soothe concerns about the anemic 8.5 percent of the time that L.A. has connected with the extra man.

But that doesn’t take the unit off the hook, especially in a series where taking advantage of even a single opportunity might be enough to turn the tide. Going 1-for-21 worked against the Blues’ Brian Elliott because of the ability of the Kings to expose him at five-on-five. Smith won’t be as accommodating at even strength, so getting big bodies down low and looking for deflections and rebounds — not the slick set-up for a pretty one-timer — could turn L.A.’s power play into a difference-maker.

X-Factor for the Coyotes: Radim Vrbata. Not to downplay the role of secondary scoring, but a little more finish from their primary sniper is exactly what the Coyotes need right about now. After leading the team with 35 goals in a breakout regular season, Vrbata has just two through 11 postseason contests. Factor in just two assists and his minus-2 rating and well, if he’s not a passenger, he’s sure not paying for gas.

Vrbata’s always been more effective during the regular season than the playoffs, and it seems likely that he’s fighting through some sort of injury (the lack of pop on his shot suggests it’s his shoulder), but the Coyotes can’t rely on the offensive heroics of Rusty Klesla forever. Vrbata has to make himself a factor.

X-Factor for the Kings: Their fourth line. Both coaches have demonstrated faith in their bottom-six forwards by giving them key minutes at critical junctures through the first two rounds, so reliable depth has been a big part of their early success. Phoenix’s group is more experienced, but the size and youthful energy of the Kings might give their fourth line a noteworthy edge. Their forecheck was effective at keeping the Blues hemmed in their own zone and it created the turnovers that the Kings will need to generate real chances against Smith. They’ve scored some timely goals long the way, too, so don’t be surprised to see coach Darryl Sutter tap them to provide a spark if the frontliners can’t get the power play jumping.

Point To Ponder: The special teams battle could be decided by the club that’s playing a man down. The Kings have four shorthanded goals through their first nine games (two for Brown). The Coyotes have yet to score one.

The Pick: There’s not much to separate the two teams, but the Kings have taken down the west’s top two seeds in convincing fashion. How do you argue against that?

Los Angeles in six.

posted by AndrewW on May 13

Story By: by Missy Shelton

In this photo taken June 14, 2011, a damaged sign for Joplin High School (transformed into “hope” with tape) is seen in front of the school. The school was one of three in the city destroyed by an EF-5 tornado that wiped out much of the community.

Students carry donated supplies to a classroom on the first day of school at a temporary high school in a converted big-box store in Joplin, Mo., last August. School started on time in the district nearly three months after an EF-5 tornado devastated much of the city and killed 161 people.

“It was overwhelming in the beginning. The walls don’t touch the ceiling, so you hear everything,” says Katie Simpson, a senior at the so-called mall school, which is home to juniors and seniors here. The mall school has a modern design that students love, but there are problems.

“It’s loud, it’s noisy, and you can barely concentrate. But you get used to it after a while,” she says.

Students aren’t the only ones adjusting to a noisy environment. Virginia Gormely teaches her English class with soft music in the background as a choral group practices nearby, and she competes for her students’ attention with a very loud teacher next door.

“We joke that we have dual-credit classes,” Gormely says. “He teaches personal finance and there are many times when my kids actually answer the questions that he’s asking his class. If they stumble, they’ll answer.”

Administrators have tried to give students a sense of normalcy. In spite of the troubles, Joplin High School Principal Kerry Sachetta says he hopes it’s been a good year for students.

“We wanted one part of their day to be something that they could remember, especially our seniors,” Sachetta says. “We wanted them to be able to say, ‘You know what, I was in this club, I was in this organization, I was on this team, I was in this concert.’ Not be able to look back and say, ‘This tornado not only destroyed our town but it also wiped out everything I can remember about what was important to me growing up.’ “

One of the buildings that did get wiped out was Irving Elementary. The students and teachers have been in another district facility this year with some classes being held nearby in trailers. Third-grade teacher Shelly Tarter says it’s been a tough year, but she and the students have comforted each other.

“You know, they’re always patting me on the back or giving me hugs and just saying, ‘It’s going to be OK.’ I think they need to see how I’m responding to things and letting my emotions show,” Tarter says. “I think that’s a wonderful lesson for them.”

The year has also provided some lessons not found in textbooks. Gormely says students have learned how to accept what has happened and move on.

“And I told them acceptance is a huge part of life,” she says. “You’re going to plan to be a doctor, and you may not be. It’s all about acceptance and that’s how you move on. And that’s how every day is OK. Because you go, ‘This didn’t work out; this does.’ “

Despite the sometimes emotional moments this year, the school district is looking to the future. In April, voters approved a $62 million bond issue to fund construction of four new schools and storm shelters. Later this month, this year’s graduating class will reflect on the difficult year while listening to an unusually high-profile commencement speaker: President Obama.

posted by AndrewW on May 12

Story By: World Cafe

El Chicano.

On today’s episode of Latin Roots, NPR’s Felix Contreras returns to discuss the Latin Alternative music of the 1970s. Contreras is a connoisseur of Latin music who hosts NPR’s Alt.Latino, reports on jazz, world music and Latin culture for NPR’s Arts Desk, and plays in several Latin and jazz bands. Here, Contreras describes how politics in the 1970s influenced Latin music of the era.

In the ’70s, Latin music was impacted by politics, from Vietnam War protests to the farm workers’ movement. Contreras says that political and social awareness was reflected in the Latin Alternative music of artists like El Chicano and Azteca. He also describes how artists wanted to move away from traditional mariachi and accordion conjunto sounds in favor of a progressive mixture of Afro-Cuban, blues and jazz. After addressing “Chicano bible music” and the way it brought together younger and older generations of Latin musicians, Contreras talks about the Escovedo family and how it impacted Latin music, including his own personal playing style.

Listen to Felix Contreras’ essential ’70s Latin rock playlist on Spotify.

posted by AndrewW on May 11

I have been given a clue to the will-he-won’t-he perennial poser over whether Michael Schumacher is ready to extend his career after his comeback contract runs out at the end of this season. And it stems from no less a trusted authority than his younger brother Ralf.

The German Grand Prix legend has recently revitalised his reputation, particularly with some impressive qualifying shows, albeit with some bad luck in the races, after a pretty dismal last two years.

Question marks have been raised over the 43-year-old’s eagerness to carry on and neither he nor his Mercedes boss Ross Brawn, the mastermind behind all his seven world titles, have indicated which way he will go.

But sibling Ralf, himself a former Grand Prix racer, has opened up on the issue that is intriguing the Formula One paddock.

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posted by AndrewW on May 11

posted by AndrewW on May 10

Dubai: Overturn, bidding to become the tenth horse in history to post back-to-back victories in the Chester Cup was narrowly denied a place in history by his new stablemate Ile De Re.

Formerly based with Ian Williams in Birmingham, the French-bred son of Linamix revelled in the prevailing soft ground to prise out a length and three-quarters victory in the two mile two furlong contest.

Both horses are trained by Donald McCain Jr in Cheshire.

Mark Johnston’s Gulf Of Naples, the joint favourite racing in the colours of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, was third and stablemate Eternal Heart fourth.

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posted by AndrewW on May 10

The music was live, the bands local and the audience loud. The Friday Fridge Live Local Loud sessions have certainly lived up to their name.

After a fantastic few months at Wafi Rooftop, the local music agency has gathered artists old and new for the final instalment of the season tomorrow night.

All performing under the stars at the Pyramids Rooftop Gardens, the mini festival will showcase some of the most promising Dubai musicians. An experimental cellist to folk, rock, smooth jazz and pop singers make up the line-up, which starts from 5pm at the last outdoor event.

tabloid! gives you a run-down of who’s who.  

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5pm: Anita Williams and Samvel — Jazz. A musical duo, this pair will entertain with symphony music, jazz piano, pop songs and more. Tinkling the ivories is a huge understatement. 

5.50pm: Everett & Atkinson — Folk, rock. A two-piece acoustic blues/folk/rock band, featuring guitar, mandolin, percussion and killer harmony vocals, these guys are renowned for getting a party started. Seasoned players, each with long histories in electric and acoustic bands, the duo plays covers and original material. 

6.40pm: Zazous — Gipsy Jazz. An acoustic jazz quartet playing the music of Django Reinhardt and the likes from the 1930s and ’40s swing era, as well as some jazz standard tunes. 

7.30pm: Rachael Calladine & The Everyday People. If a mix of jazz and soul is what you’re looking for, then catch this British jazz/soul singer and songwriter. Her colourful career has gone from nurse to policewoman, to kung fu black belt, to backing vocals for the Spice Girls, jamming with Prince, touring Europe with Us3, writing and recording the dance-hit La La Li, playing major jazz festivals for 60,000 and a top-10 hit on the UAE Virgin charts. 

8.20pm: Kerrie-Anne — Soul, Jazz, R&B. Her talent knows no bounds as this is an artist who takes great care in presenting you with profound, original captivating songs to hook you from the first note. A four-octave range provides impressive soul, R&B, jazz and funk. 

9.10pm: Aaron Kim — Kim is the Middle East’s only jazz cellist. He was 10 when his mother forced him to take classical cello lessons but at the time he was head-banging to Megadeath, so it wasn’t really what he had in mind. He quickly fell in love with jazz, however, and now he ranks with some of the world’s outstanding cellists. 

10pm: Lisa Theunissen and band. Lisa’s career started in musical theatre, making the stage her home from a very young age. Originally from South Africa, she is a singer-songwriter with heart and soul. 

11.50pm — Jam session.

Don’t Miss it

Catch the final Friday Fridge Live Local Loud session at Pyramids Rooftop Gardens at Wafi tomorrow 5pm until midnight. Entry is Dh50. Visit thefridgedubai.com.

posted by AndrewW on May 8

<span class="articleLocation”>(Reuters) – New England Patriots left tackle Matt Light, one of only five players to start in five Super Bowls, officially retired on Monday during a ceremony in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

The retirement of the 33-year-old Light left New England quarterback Tom Brady as the only current Patriot to have been on the team’s roster for each of their three Super Bowl wins and five trips in all to the title game since the 2001 season.

Light, who played 11 NFL seasons, said he wanted to leave the game in good health and spend more time with his children.

“On the field, (Light) was a tenacious competitor who had one of the toughest jobs,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said at the ceremony. “Every week he’s (been) going up against the greatest athlete on the defensive (line) who was coming after our quarterback’s blindside.”

Light, a three-time Pro Bowler chosen by the Patriots in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft out of Purdue, played his entire NFL career with New England.

(Reporting by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by Frank Pingue)

posted by AndrewW on May 7

DUBAI: Bubbly and chirpy, these girls are full of life. Calling themselves as The Racing Divas, the seven girls from the Jumeirah English Speaking School, Jumeirah, are excited about competing in the F1 in Schools national championships to be held from May 6-7.

Preparations are in full swing for the all-girls team (Sophie Ingram, Abi Lomas, Megan Kofteros, Jossie Padgett, Zara Morrison, Alannah McKevitt and Alice Jordan) who emerged clear winners in the JESS finals where four school teams participated. "The girls won hands down," said Rick McIntyre, one of the teachers, who are overseeing the team.

Over 200 students from around 34 schools in the UAE will compete in the national championships at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. "It’s really exciting and we are very happy. This is the first time we are going to be at the F1 in Schools," said Sophie, who is the team manager.

"In the final, our car wasn’t the fastest but we had the best reaction time which probably helped us a lot," Sophie added.

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Not a sport that is usually liked by girls, The Racing Divas have been very impressive outsmarting the other teams consisting mainly of boys. "We like doing different things and not just the girls’ stuff," said Alannah, who is one of the design engineers with the other being Megan. "In the F1 club we were the only girls and we didn’t want to tag with the boys but do it all by ourselves," Megan added.

The initial process was a tiring one and the girls sweated it out to put things together. "We had to send our team and then decide on the name and slogan. We then had to decide on the team jobs and send letters to get possible sponsors.

Abi, the resource manager, added: "We then got our car painted and then chose the colour scheme and logos. It took a real long time, approximately eight weeks, for us to finalise the design of the car."

That meant they had to maintain a perfect balance by not disturbing their studies. "Some of the people in our school have been very supportive. We had to even skip a few classes and our teachers agreed that since we needed more time to be able to represent JESS Jumeirah well in Abu Dhabi," Sophie said.

The team also decided not to tamper with the car considering its performance in the in-house event. "We decided not to change the car. If it was good enough to win the JESS finals, it is good enough to win in Abu Dhabi," said McIntyre adding that the girls were doing well because of their commitment towards their job. "This team are an organised bunch. They have a great team with good leadership qualities. It really has given them an understanding of how to deal with money and things they need to achieve by managing themselves," said McIntyre.

Their slogan reads ‘Always fast…Always first’, apt for a team committed to excel and be the best.

Factfile

Team: The Racing Divas

Members:

Teachers: Rick McIntrye and Colin Thomson