Los Angeles Times Names Book Prize Winners
To understand the internet you have to be open to change. 
Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne April 30, 2006
Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne April 30, 2006MBN
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EDITORIAL:May day, May 1st has long been associated with those that vowed to destroy our nation.
This May 1st 2006 people that came into our country illegally have vowed to show those that were born in this nation and came into it legaly that they have the power to shut down this nation, to teach all those in this country a valuable lesson as to whom really is in charge.
They demand that they be given special treatment, they will wave their Mexican flags in the face of country, they will speak in Spanish and not English. They have even rewritten our National Anthem and will sing it in Spanish to show the contempt they have for the people of this nation.
My family came to this nation legally. They waited at Ellis Island like so many have before and since then.
My family came from England, Ireland and Germany in search of a better life. They while retaining the heritage they came from strived to become part of this nation. My grandmother from Ireland and my grandfather from Germany did not speak a word of English and worked hard to learn to speak the language of this nation.
Monday the Mayor of The City of Los Angeles will forget that he is the mayor of all the people of the city of Los Angeles and refuse to fire those employees that have walked off their jobs in support of illegally in this country. He will not support suspension those students not showing up for classes thus costing the city money for the day lost.
It is the right to protest but those illegally in this nation are not guaranteed these rights. It is abominable to use children to protest.
Monday May 1st will be a day of contempt for our nation and not a day of social protest that would have made the founders of our country and the writers of our constitution proud.
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
MORE THAN FOUR MONTHS BEFORE My Network TV launches, the Fox O&Os that make up its affiliate core are starting to re-brand to reflect the coming network.
.Making good on a promise made months ago, Warner Home Video has announced the first disc with HD DVD content on one side and standard-DVD content on the other.
Raven Symone Opens First Annual 'School's Out!' Radio Disney Music Festival at Morey's Piers June 17
Carson Kressley, Jai Rodriguez of 'Queer Eye' Join Singer Deborah Gibson & Actors Hal Sparks, Wilson Cruz to Kick Off AIDS Walk/Ft. Lauderdale, April 30th
North Shore Animal League America's Tour for Life 'Grand Finale' Celebrity Event at FAO Schwarz In New York City
Los Angeles Times Names Book Prize Winners
26th Annual Literary Awards Presented April 28 at UCLA's Royce Hall
NEWS 12 NETWORKS ADOPTS SONY'S XDCAM HD PROFESSIONAL DISC SYSTEM FOR ENG
Up-Mobile Announces Exclusive Rights to Offer The 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM) Official Mascot TV Series For Mobile Distribution
SPORTS & AUTOS
Oakland & Dodger baseball
Olympic Accommodation Provider for Media, Sponsors, and National Olympic Committees Debuts in Football 2006
DOD
Diplomacy remains America's choice in dealing with Iran
Civilian Leaders Wowed by USS Ronald Reagan's Capabilities
NEWS from China and news in Spanish
Radio Address by President Bush to the Nation
'Had Enough? Vote Democratic!' Is NOT ENOUGH, Need New Double-Citizenship Party
New Government Report Slams SBA on Oversight of Alaska Native Corporations
VATICAN NEWS
Chinese president meets senior UN officials
Chinese President Hu Jintao met with US Vice President Dick Cheney, Senate President Pro Tempore Ted Stevens and National Security Advisor to President Bush Stephen Hadley respectively in the guesthouse where he stayed.
LA ANTIQUE SHOW & Hamshere Gallery with International Canine Pedigree
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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
MORE THAN FOUR MONTHS BEFORE My Network TV launches, the Fox O&Os that make up its affiliate core are starting to re-brand to reflect the coming network.
.
WWOR in New York, for example, is now "My 9."
WWOR, formerly UPN 9, has placed its newscasts under the "My 9 News" flag and refers to itself in on-air and radio promotions as "My 9."
In Dallas, KDFI is now "My 27." The other stations will gradually take on similar labels throughout the summer.
In February, Fox Television Stations group announced that it would help launch the 12-hour-a-week My Network TV in September to provide programming for its 10 UPN stations that will lose their network affiliation when UPN disbands this fall (UPN and The WB are merging to form The CW). At the time, My Network TV said it would "maintain and strengthen affiliates' community brand recognition with a complete look and feel of a national network that empowers localism."
The Fox-owned My Network stations are in the three largest markets--New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago--and cover 24 percent of the country. The network has since signed up other affiliates, giving it coverage over a wide swath of the country. It's unclear whether the My Network TV stations outside the Fox group such as the 17 owned by the Sinclair Broadcast Group will take on a similar re-brand.
Making good on a promise made months ago, Warner Home Video has announced the first disc with HD DVD content on one side and standard-DVD content on the other.
Rumor Has It… will be in stores May 9, the same day as the regular DVD of the film, a Rob Reiner-helmed romantic comedy starring Jennifer Aniston and Kevin Costner.
The announcement comes exactly one week after the first two HD DVD players, both from Toshiba, arrived in stores, along with just three software titles: Serenity from Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Warner’s The Last Samurai and The Phantom of the Opera.
Steve Nickerson, SVP of market management for Warner, had said several weeks ago that Warner would be releasing a series of “hybrid” discs to ease the transition among consumers from standard to high-def DVD.
“Purchasing a disc now in this format gives consumers the greatest flexibility in viewing options: If they own an HD DVD player, they’ll get all the benefits of HD DVD,” Nickerson said. “If they’re considering a future purchase of an HD DVD player, they can still enjoy the movie [on their existing DVD player] until they upgrade.”
Warner also announced three more titles to be released in the HD DVD format: Goodfellas and Swordfish on May 2 and Training Day on May 9.
They join three previously released HD DVD titles from Warner: Samurai, Phantom and Million Dollar Baby, which had originally been earmarked as part of the April 18 launch package but due to technical issues didn’t arrive in stores until late last week.
Goodfellas, Swordfish and Training Day list for $28.99, while Rumor Has It… will be available at $39.99.
Raven Symone Opens First Annual 'School's Out!' Radio Disney Music Festival at Morey's Piers June 17
Morey's Piers, New Jersey's premier seaside amusement destination, and Radio Disney, the only 24/7 listener driven radio network where kids and families can rock out together, have joined forces to present the first annual "School's Out!" Radio Disney Music Festival. This mega-concert event will feature Raven (formerly credited as Raven-Symone), one of today's hottest young artists, along with two other Radio Disney performances. Morey's Piers is currently promoting the June 17 concert event with advance ticket sales on its website http://www.moreyspiers.com/, and by calling 1-866-MOREYS-1.
Raven is the star of the hit Disney Channel Series, "That's So Raven." She is also best known for her role as Olivia in the long-running hit series, "The Cosby Show." The multi-faceted teen began her successful music career at age five when she released her first hit single "What Little Girls Are Made Of." Her CDs, to date, include "This is My Time," "Undeniable," "Here's to New Dreams" and the soundtrack from "The Cheetah Girls."
"At just 20 years old, Raven has worked alongside Bill Cosby, launched a music career through Radio Disney, and starred in her own TV show on the Disney Channel. We are extremely excited to present Raven at the Radio Disney AM640 School's Out Summer Concert at Morey's Piers," said Elyse Lupin, Promotions Entertainment Manager for Radio Disney.
"Morey's Piers and Radio Disney are the perfect partners to bring fun and first-class family entertainment to kids and families. With Morey's Piers' unique beach location and thrilling attractions, along with the excitement and enthusiasm that Radio Disney generates with its talented young artists, you have the perfect formula for a full family recreation experience," said Will Morey, President of Morey's Piers.
Financial support for the first annual "School's Out!" Radio Disney Music Festival has been provided by the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority.
Tickets for the concert are limited. Tickets purchased in advance are $15 for Festival only (5pm - 7pm) and $30 for Festival and Morey's Piers ride wristband and Waterpark admission, good from noon to midnight. Any remaining tickets purchased the day of the Festival at Morey's Piers are $20 for Festival only and $48 for Festival and Morey's Piers ride wristband and Waterpark admission. All seats are general admission. Go to http://www.moreyspiers.com/ for advance ticket sales, specific concert times and featured artists.
About Radio Disney:
Radio Disney, the number-one family destination on the radio, is available to 97% of the U.S. through broadcast, satellite and cable distribution. Radio Disney has developed a growing and loyal audience of kids, tweens and their families, especially moms. The 24/7 network offers family friendly music and programming as well as superstar promotions. It has won the "Silver Angel Award for Excellence in Programming," "Parenting's Media Excellence Award" and Radio Ink's "Reader's Choice Award" for best full time format. In addition, Radio Disney can be heard internationally and is currently available in the United Kingdom, Japan, and most of South America.
About Morey's Piers:
Morey's Piers is a family owned and operated amusement center established in 1969. It is located in the center of Wildwood New Jersey, a family resort shore community offering beaches, shopping, dining, nightlife and accommodations. Morey's Piers attractions span six beach blocks and include three amusement Piers and two beachfront Waterparks: Surfside Pier at 25th Avenue, Mariner's Landing Pier at Schellenger Avenue, Adventure Pier at Spencer Avenue, Raging Waters Waterpark on Mariner's Landing Pier and Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club on Surfside Pier. Convenient to the major population centers of the northeast but a world apart, Morey's Piers combines the pure joy of an amusement park with the sights and sounds of a classic boardwalk and the rhythm of beach life. Morey's Piers is committed to providing a spectacular family recreation experience in an exceptionally safe, clean, friendly and unique environment. Admission to the Piers is free.
Web site: http://www.moreyspiers.com/
Carson Kressley, Jai Rodriguez of 'Queer Eye' Join Singer Deborah Gibson & Actors Hal Sparks, Wilson Cruz to Kick Off AIDS Walk/Ft. Lauderdale, April 30th
Sponsored by AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Walk Benefits Local HIV/AIDS Service Organizations, Raises Awareness of Broward County's Increasing AIDS Epidemic
what: AIDS Walk/Ft. Lauderdale
when: THIS Sunday, April 30th OPENING CEREMONY BEGINS @ 9:15AM
where: Huizenga Plaza, Downtown Ft. Lauderdale
who: CARSON KRESSLEY, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy JAI RODRIGUEZ, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy DEBORAH GIBSON, Singer HAL SPARKS, Actor (Queer as Folk) WILSON CRUZ, Actor (My So-Called Life, Rent)
contact: Ft. Lauderdale: WILLIAM ARCHER, AIDS Walk/Ft. Lauderdale, 866.883.WALK Los Angeles: LORI YEGHIAYAN, AHF Communications Specialist, 323.860.5527, 323.377.4312 c
In response to the rising incidence of HIV in Broward County, Craig R. Miller, MZA Events and AIDS Healthcare Foundation proudly present AIDS Walk/Ft. Lauderdale this Sunday, April 30th, 2006 starting and ending at Huizenga Plaza in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Carson Kressley and Jai Rodriguez (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy), singer Deborah Gibson, actors Hal Sparks (Queer as Folk, Survival of the Richest) and Wilson Cruz, as well as Jessica Care More (Poet, Author and Activist) and others, will join a diverse crowd of thousands of walkers to raise awareness and funds to fight the AIDS epidemic in Broward County. AIDS Walk/Ft. Lauderdale, the first in Broward County for some years, comes on the heels of a study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cementing South Florida as a major epicenter of the disease in the U.S. with a sizable increase in new AIDS cases in 2004.
Despite updated data showing a small decrease in new AIDS cases in 2005, an increase in new HIV cases in the county indicates that the epidemic is continuing to spread in South Florida.
AIDS Walk/Ft. Lauderdale will focus on funding vital services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Broward, as well as dramatically increasing prevention efforts throughout Broward County. The event benefits AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the nation's largest AIDS organization which operates free AIDS treatment clinics in the US, Africa, Central America and Asia; Minority Development and Empowerment Inc.; Mount Bethel; Mount Olive Development Corp.; and Broward House. All of these organizations' dedicated staff and volunteers provide services to men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Broward County. For more information, to make a donation, or to register as a walk participant go to: www.AIDSWalk.net
"As the rate of HIV cases continues to increase in Broward County, we at AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Positive Healthcare/Florida appreciate this opportunity to bring a renewed awareness to the community to help reverse this alarming trend," said Joey Wynn, AHF Community Affairs Manager, Florida Division. "The AIDS Walk has always been a symbol of collaboration as people come together to fight HIV in their communities and we are grateful to be a benefiting organization of AIDS Walk/Ft. Lauderdale. We look forward to continued collaboration with the communities of South Florida as we seek to address the epidemic head-on, expanding not only our prevention efforts, but also the HIV/AIDS medical services we provide to HIV-positive Floridians who urgently need care."
In addition to operating an HIV/AIDS treatment clinic in Florida, AIDS Healthcare Foundation also runs a Medicaid disease management program serving 10,000 Floridians living with HIV/AIDS. Positive Healthcare/Florida, is the most successful disease management program in the state, as well as the first and only HIV/AIDS disease management program in the United States to have received Full Accreditation by the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). AHF outreach efforts have succeeded in bringing hundreds of untreated HIV-positive Floridians into care who urgently need it.
Source: AIDS Healthcare Foundation
North Shore Animal League America's Tour for Life 'Grand Finale' Celebrity Event at FAO Schwarz In New York City
Today North Shore Animal League America's Tour for Life 'Grande Finale' event will take place at FAO Schwarz' flagship store at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street in New York City from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrities along with homeless puppies and kittens from North Shore Animal League America fill the windows of FAO Schwarz, the world's most famous toy store, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to help save shelter pets. The event, which marks the final stop of the League's annual Tour for Life, continues with pet adoptions in the League's mobile adoption unit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, League supporters are invited to a private shopping hour at FAO Schwarz from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. FAO Schwarz will generously donate 15% of the proceeds from this hour to North Shore Animal League America.
Celebrities in attendance will include: Beth Ostrosky, Edie Falco, Malcolm in the Middle's Erik Per Sullivan, American Idol's Constantine Maroulis, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Jai Rodriguez, Josh Flitter, and Memoirs of a Geisha's Zoe Weizenbaum.
A cooperative initiative with animal shelters across the country, Tour for Life helps save pets across America and reinforces the importance and advantages of adopting shelter cats and dogs. Since its inception in 2001, Tour for Life has placed thousands of needy animals with loving families. Tour for Life commenced on March 29 as two of the League's Mobile Adoption Units began across the country, each on a separate route, helping over 100 shelter and rescue groups across the country find homes for orphaned pets.
FAO Schwarz, the gracious host of this year's grand finale event, join North Shore Animal League America to save lives of numerous pets across the country. For 143 years, FAO Schwarz has enchanted children and adults alike with its unequaled collection of toys and other fine children's products. On April 29th they will help enchant the lives of homeless puppies and kittens by helping them to find loving homes.
Tour for Life is sponsored by Purina(R), Bayer Healthcare(R), LLC Animal Health Division, Fort Dodge Animal Health(R), and Nylabone(R) Products.
If you'd like to attend today's event, please contact Tina Loncaric at 917.892.9350 or Heather Hunter at 516.232.5998
About North Shore Animal League America
North Shore Animal League America, headquartered in Port Washington, NY, is the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world. The League reaches across the country to rescue, nurture and adopt nearly 20,000 pets into happy and loving homes every year. Since being founded in 1944, they have placed closed to 1 million puppies, kittens, cats and dogs into carefully screened homes. One of the first animal rescue agencies on the ground in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the League rescued more than 1000 pets from the region, 790 have been adopted and 22 reunited with their families.
The League is home to the Alex Lewyt Veterinary Medical Center, which provides 24-hour care for the pets sheltered at the League. Every year the medical center takes care of more than 10,000 outpatient visits, administers more than 27,000 vaccinations and performs over 14,000 free spay/neuter procedures for every adopted animal. The League also has a National Shelter Rescue team, and offers a wide variety of programs such as a mobile adoption program, adoption counseling, a Public Education Team and has created a community Pet Outreach Team. For more information on North Shore Animal League
Web site: http://www.nsalamerica.org
Los Angeles Times Names Book Prize Winners
26th Annual Literary Awards Presented April 28 at UCLA's Royce Hall
The Los Angeles Times presented its annual Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement and honored nine Book Prize winners during its 26th annual Book Prizes ceremony, April 28 at UCLA's Royce Hall.
Joan Didion, renowned as a journalist, playwright, essayist and novelist, was presented with the Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement. Born in Sacramento and a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Didion draws much of her writing from her life in California. Her books include "Play It as It Lays," "A Book of Common Prayer," "Slouching Towards Bethlehem," "Democracy: A Novel," "The White Album," and her most recent book, "The Year of Magical Thinking."
The citation noted, "Joan Didion is the voice of contemporary California. From her definitive collections 'Slouching Towards Bethlehem' and 'The White Album' -- which evoke a landscape of dislocation, fragmentation, where the center is not holding -- to her more recent 'Where I Was From' and 'The Year of Magical Thinking,' she has never aspired to anything less than telling us who we are."
The Robert Kirsch Award, presented this year by Tim Rutten, recognizes the body of work by an author who resides in and/or whose work focuses on the Western United States and whose contributions to American letters merit body-of-work recognition. The late Robert Kirsch served as The Times' book critic for more than 25 years before his death in 1980. He was a novelist, editor and teacher as well as one the nation's foremost book critics.
This year's Los Angeles Times Book Prizes honored outstanding literary achievement in nine categories: biography, current interest, fiction, first fiction, history, mystery/thriller, poetry, science and technology, and young adult fiction. Each winner, including Didion, receives a $1,000 cash award.
National Endowment for the Arts Chair Dana Gioia served as the master of ceremonies for the presentation of the Book Prizes.
Book Prizes winners
Biography: Hilary Spurling, "Matisse the Master: A Life of Henri Matisse, the Conquest of Colour," 1909-1954 (Alfred A. Knopf); presented by Blanche Wiesen Cook
Current Interest: Anthony Shadid, "Night Draws Near: Iraq's People in the Shadow of America's War" (Henry Holt); presented by Ronald Brownstein
Fiction: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, "Memories of My Melancholy Whores" [translated from the Spanish by Edith Grossman] (Alfred A. Knopf); presented by Luis J. Rodriguez
Art Seidenbaum Award For First Fiction: Uzodinma Iweala, "Beasts of No Nation: A Novel" (HarperCollins); presented by David L. Ulin
History: Adam Hochschild, "Bury the Chains: Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire's Slaves" (Houghton Mifflin); presented by Leo Braudy
Mystery/Thriller: Robert Littell, "Legends: A Novel of Dissimulation" (Overlook Press); presented by Mary Higgins Clark
Poetry: Jack Gilbert, "Refusing Heaven: Poems" (Alfred A. Knopf); presented by Dana Goodyear
Science and Technology: Diana Preston, "Before the Fallout: From Marie Curie to Hiroshima" (Walker & Company); presented by Robert Lee Hotz
Young Adult Fiction: Per Nilsson, "You & You & You" [translated from the Swedish by Tara Chace] (Front Street/Boyds Mills Press); presented by Adam Gopnik
2005 Book Prize finalists (including winners)
BIOGRAPHY
Andrew Delbanco, "Melville: His World and Work" (Alfred A. Knopf)
Doris Kearns Goodwin, "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" (Simon & Schuster)
Marion Elizabeth Rodgers, "Mencken: The American Iconoclast" (Oxford University Press)
Hilary Spurling, "Matisse the Master: A Life of Henri Matisse, the Conquest of Colour," 1909-1954 (Alfred A. Knopf)
Steven Watts, "The People's Tycoon: Henry Ford and the American Century" (Alfred A. Knopf)
CURRENT INTEREST
Steve Bogira, "Courtroom 302: A Year Behind the Scenes in an American Criminal Courthouse" (Alfred A. Knopf)
Kurt Eichenwald, "Conspiracy of Fools: A True Story" (Broadway Books)
Jonathan Harr, The Lost Painting (Random House)
Anthony Shadid, "Night Draws Near: Iraq's People in the Shadow of America's War" (Henry Holt)
John Updike, "Still Looking: Essays on American Art" (Alfred A. Knopf)
FICTION
E.L. Doctorow, "The March: A Novel" (Random House)
Mary Gaitskill, "Veronica" (Pantheon Books)
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, "Memories of My Melancholy Whores" [translated from the Spanish by Edith Grossman] (Alfred A. Knopf)
Nick Hornby, "A Long Way Down" (Riverhead Books)
Haruki Murakami, "Kafka on the Shore" [translated from the Japanese by Philip Gabriel] (Alfred A. Knopf)
ART SEIDENBAUM AWARD FOR FIRST FICTION
Kirstin Allio, "Garner" (Coffee House Press)
Karen Fisher, "A Sudden Country: A Novel" (Random House)
Olga Grushin, "The Dream Life of Sukhanov" (Marian Wood/G.P. Putnam's Sons)
Uzodinma Iweala, "Beasts of No Nation: A Novel" (HarperCollins)
Marlon James, "John Crow's Devil" (Akashic Books)
HISTORY
Richard J. Evans, "The Third Reich in Power, 1933-1939" (Penguin Press)
Christopher Bayly and Tim Harper, "Forgotten Armies: The Fall of British Asia, 1941-1945" (Belknap Press/Harvard University Press)
Adam Hochschild, "Bury the Chains: Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire's Slaves" (Houghton Mifflin)
Tony Judt, "Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945" (Penguin Press)
Sean Wilentz, "The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln" (W.W. Norton)
MYSTERY/THRILLER
Michael Connelly, "The Lincoln Lawyer: A Novel" (Little, Brown)
James Crumley, "The Right Madness" (Viking)
John Harvey, "Ash & Bone" (Harcourt)
Robert Littell, "Legends: A Novel of Dissimulation" (Overlook Press)
Peter Robinson, "Strange Affair" (William Morrow/HarperCollins)
POETRY
Jack Gilbert, "Refusing Heaven: Poems" (Alfred A. Knopf)
Gail Mazur, "Zeppo's First Wife: New and Selected Poems" (University of Chicago Press)
Marilyn Nelson, "The Cachoeira Tales and Other Poems" (Louisiana State University Press)
Lucia Perillo, "Luck Is Luck: Poems" (Random House)
Donald Revell, "Pennyweight Windows: New & Selected Poems" (Alice James Books)
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Sean B. Carroll, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful: The New Science of Evo Devo and the Making of the Animal Kingdom" (W.W. Norton)
Mariana Gosnell, "Ice: The Nature, the History, and the Uses of an Astonishing Substance" (Alfred A. Knopf)
Brad Matsen, "Descent: The Heroic Discovery of the Abyss" (Pantheon Books)
Chris Mooney, "The Republican War on Science" (Basic Books)
Diana Preston, "Before the Fallout: From Marie Curie to Hiroshima" (Walker & Company)
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
John Green, "Looking for Alaska" (Dutton/Penguin Young Readers Group)
Margo Lanagan, "Black Juice" (Eos/HarperCollins Children's Books)
Per Nilsson, "You & You & You" [translated from the Swedish by Tara Chace] (Front Street/Boyds Mills Press)
Andreas Steinhofel, "The Center of the World" [translated from the German by Alisa Jaffa] (Delacorte Press/Random House Children's Books)
Markus Zusak, "I Am the Messenger" (Alfred A. Knopf/Random House Children's Books)
About the Book Prizes
The Los Angeles Times Book Prizes were established in 1980. Los Angeles Times Book Prizes finalists and winners are selected by eight three-member committees. Fiction category judges also choose the first fiction category finalists and winner. Most of the judges are published authors and serve a two-year term. None of the judges, except for the Kirsch award, are current Los Angeles Times employees.
There is no nationality requirement for author nominees in any category. With the exception of significant new translations of a deceased author's work, all authors should be living at the time of U.S. publication.
The Book Prizes have honored numerous internationally distinguished literary figures including Ray Bradbury, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Allen Ginsberg, Tony Hillerman, Christopher Isherwood, Milan Kundera, Ursula Le Guin, Frank McCourt, David McCullough, Larry McMurtry, Tillie Olsen, Ishmael Reed, Carl Sagan and W.G. Sebald.
Information about the Book Prize awards ceremony and awards program is available at www.latimes.com/bookprizes.
About the Los Angeles Times
The Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country, with a daily readership of nearly 2.4 million and about 3.4 million on Sunday. With its media businesses and affiliates -- including latimes.com, TheEnvelope.com, Times Community Newspapers, Recycler Classifieds, Hoy, and California Community News -- the Los Angeles Times reaches approximately 7.7 million or 59 percent of all adults in the Southern California marketplace every week.
The Los Angeles Times, which this year marks its 125th anniversary covering Southern California, is part of Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) , one of the country's leading media companies with businesses in publishing, the Internet and broadcasting. Additional information about the Los Angeles Times is available at www.latimes.com/mediacenter.
Source: The Los Angeles Times
NEWS 12 NETWORKS ADOPTS SONY'S XDCAM HD PROFESSIONAL DISC SYSTEM FOR ENG
News 12 Networks, a division of Cablevision Systems Corp., is adopting Sony's new XDCAM HD™ Professional Disc™ system for all electronic news gathering (ENG) and news production applications. The group plans to roll-out 90 XDCAM HD camcorders across its channels over the next two years.
News 12 Networks operates seven 24-hour local news channels covering Westchester County, the Hudson Valley, Long Island, the Bronx and Brooklyn in New York; southwestern Connecticut; and 14 counties in New Jersey. The news programs are telecast on cable television systems in each region.
According to Norm Fein, senior vice president for news development at News 12 Networks, the workflow benefits of Sony's optical technology are well-suited to the daily demands of gathering and producing regional news programming.
"Any news organization understands unpredictable schedules and the importance of timeliness, but regional news is unique in that it requires a certain added level of spontaneity," Fein said. "Our crews' shooting assignments vary greatly from day to day, even hour to hour, ranging from local community events and feature profiles to breaking news and emergencies. Our electronic news gathering equipment needs to be equally flexible to keep pace. With Sony's XDCAM HD system, we have found the right technology that can grow with us into an HD future."
Initially, the stations will down-convert recorded content to standard definition. "But the ability to archive an HD master greatly increases the image quality of our file footage for later use, and when our organization is ready to make a full migration to HD, the ENG and production infrastructure will already be in place," said Steve Weinberg, senior vice president of business and news operations for News 12 Networks.
In addition to the benefits of HD resolution images, Weinberg noted that News 12 was attracted by the special advantages of optical disc production, including in-camera editing capabilities, the ability to easily browse footage as thumbnails and preview content on the camcorder's LCD screen, high-speed transfer of proxy A/V and high-resolution data using the MXF file protocol, and immediate random access to data in the field or on the set using the Sony Professional Disc media.
Based on blue-laser technology, the XDCAM system's Professional Disc media enables multi-format flexibility and variable record times. It is also re-writable from 1,000 erase/write/read cycles up to 10,000 erase/write/read cycles in ideal conditions, based on Sony's own testing.
The flexibility possible with XDCAM Professional Disc media allows a production crew to re-use it without experiencing image degradation, providing real budgetary benefits. Professional Disc media is manufactured using Sony's hard coating technology, which results in a disc more resistant to scratches while reducing the static electricity that can attract dust.
The Sony XDCAM HD family of optical products includes two camcorders and two decks, and the same Professional Disc media used in the standard definition version of the XDCAM system is also compatible with the new HD version. As a result, professional users can record up to two hours of high definition content on the versatile optical media, maintaining their workflow continuity by combining HD resolution with the same IT-based benefits made possible by XDCAM technology since its initial launch in 2004.
Up-Mobile Announces Exclusive Rights to Offer The 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM) Official Mascot TV Series For Mobile Distribution
Up-Mobile, Corp., a leading interactive mobile applications and service provider specializing in Hispanic audiences, today announced that it has acquired the exclusive mobile rights to offer Spanish-language content in the U.S. and Latin America featuring the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM) Official Mascot TV Series.
In today's media-driven society, mascots are images fans can identify with. GOLEO VI, the Official Mascot, is a warm-hearted lion and a versatile "living" character together with his sidekick Pille, the strong-minded football; he can dance, talk, sing and make people laugh. It consists of two separate productions, the first being a live-action puppet format with 21 episodes of 40 seconds each, and the second a 3D animation made up of 24 spots of 10 seconds each.
Ready for mobile distribution, Up-Mobile plans to take full advantage of their rights to distribute the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM) Official Mascot TV Series. Up-Mobile's Official Mascot TV Series related packages include video clips from the series, 3D animations capturing the most interesting moments of GOLEO VI's road to the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM), all adapted to view on the go.
"A love of soccer runs deep in the veins of Latino sports fans," said George Rincon, co-founder and COO of Up-Mobile, Corp. "We're thrilled to take part in the momentum surrounding the 2006 FIFA World Cup and are proud to be the exclusive Spanish-language provider of mobile content featuring the 2006 FIFA World Cup Official Mascot TV Series in the U.S. and Latin America."
The Official Mascot TV Series is produced by Creation Club (CC) GmbH, a 100 percent subsidiary of EM.TV AG. For sponsorship opportunities please contact Marcia Grenet-Vidal at Marcia.grenet-vidal@up-mobile.com .
About Up-Mobile
Up-Mobile is a leading interactive mobile content and service provider specializing in Hispanic audiences, providing media companies, wireless carriers and advertisers with innovative value-added and revenue-generating mobile content and premium services enhancing wireless consumers experiences.
Up-Mobile is headquartered in Miami, Florida and has offices in San Diego, Mexico City, and Caracas, with interconnection and product distribution throughout the region. Some of their clients and partners are comprised of major brands and leading music publishers and wireless carriers in the Americas.
Up-Mobile is a subsidiary of Investment Media Group (IMG), a global distributor of Spanish-language television programs and filmed entertainment. For more information about Up-Mobile, visit http://www.up-mobile.com/ .
Source: Up-Mobile, Corp.
SPORTS & AUTOS
Oakland & Dodger baseball
Oakland Rainout
Los Angeles 4, San Diego 2 at PETCO Park
Los Angeles Record: (12-12)
San Diego Record: (8-15)
Winning pitcher - Brett Tomko (3-1)
Losing pitcher - Clay Hensley (1-2)
SV - Danys Baez (8)
LAD HR - N. Garciaparra (2)
SD HR - None
Olympic Accommodation Provider for Media, Sponsors, and National Olympic Committees Debuts in Football 2006
Corporate Concierge, a specialized event accommodation agency, focused on the short- and long-term accommodation needs of sporting, commercial, media and government organisations operating at international events, aims to please with customised habitat solutions at Germany's World Cup 2006.
Corporate Concierge launched accommodation solutions during the Athens (2004) and Turin (2006) Olympic Games. "The accommodation was very welcoming and comfortable," said France Television Sports Logistics Manager, Michel Andichon. "The apartment pre-inspections in Sestriere (Turin, Italy) were efficient and performed in an uncomplicated manner," he said.
The World Cup team of Corporate Concierge boasts members out of 18 countries with service capability to nearly all nations in their mother tongue. The program consists of furnished apartment solutions with quality-controlled standards, hotel options, advanced internet options and transportation.
The offered apartment standards tri-consist of: 'standard', 'business' and 'deluxe' with differences lying in general inventory, location and representative capacity. "CC's focuses on one-stop shopping, supporting the benefits of cost-efficiency and added value, while not compromising on the essential hotel standard service," says Robert Hofmann.
Due to the complexity of a 12-city setup with World Cup, CC has implemented two packages for logical ease: The city package, which offers staying in an apartment in one of the host cities of choice, and the Team Package, which offers an apartment in each host city while following the team of choice.
Corporate Concierge praises their ability to consistently scrutinise their classic service, while simultaneously seeking contemporary solutions. Recent developments include the provision of customised broadband internet solutions either via bundled DSL, S-DSL or internet via satellite.
For examples of our accommodations, please visit: http://www.corporate-concierge.de
Un proveedor de alojamiento olímpico para medios, patrocinadores y comités olímpicos nacionales debuta en 2006 en la categoría de fútbol
Corporate Concierge, a specialized event accommodation agency, focused on the short- and long-term accommodation needs of sporting, commercial, media and government organisations operating at international events, aims to please with customised habitat solutions at Germany's World Cup 2006.
Corporate Concierge launched accommodation solutions during the Athens (2004) and Turin (2006) Olympic Games.Corporate Concierge, una agencia especializada en el alojamiento para eventos, centrada en las necesidades de alojamiento a corto y largo plazo de las organizaciones deportivas, comerciales, de medios y gubernamentales que funciona en los eventos internacionales, se complace al presentar sus soluciones de hospedaje para la Copa del Mundo de Alemania 2006.
Corporate Concierge lanzó sus soluciones de alojamiento durante los Juegos Olímpicos de Atenas (2004) y Turín (2006). "The accommodation was very welcoming and comfortable," said France Television Sports Logistics Manager, Michel Andichon."El alojamiento era muy acogedor y cómodo", afirmó el responsable de logística de France Television Sports, Michel Andichon. "The apartment pre-inspections in Sestriere (Turin, Italy) were efficient and performed in an uncomplicated manner," he said."Las pre-inspecciones del apartamento de Sestriere (Turín, Italia) fueron eficaces, y se realizaron sin ninguna complicación", afirmó.
The World Cup team of Corporate Concierge boasts members out of 18 countries with service capability to nearly all nations in their mother tongue. El equipo del Campeonato del Mundo de Corporate Concierge prestará servicio a 18 países, con una capacidad operativa para casi todos los países en su lengua materna. The program consists of furnished apartment solutions with quality-controlled standards, hotel options, advanced internet options and transportation.El programa está formado por soluciones en forma de apartamentos amueblados con los estándares de control de calidad, opciones de hoteles, opciones avanzadas de Internet y transporte.
The offered apartment standards tri-consist of:Los estándares de los tres tipos de apartamentos ofrecidos están formados por: 'standard', 'business' and 'deluxe' with differences lying in general inventory, location and representative capacity.'estándar', 'negocios' y 'lujo', cuyas diferencias residen en el inventario general, localización y capacidad de representación. "CC's focuses on one-stop shopping, supporting the benefits of cost-efficiency and added value, while not compromising on the essential hotel standard service," says Robert Hofmann."CC se centra en las compras de una sola vez, apoyando los beneficios de la eficacia de costes y de los valores añadidos, al mismo tiempo que no compromete el servicio estándar esencial del hotel", comentó Robert Hofmann.
Due to the complexity of a 12-city setup with World Cup, CC has implemented two packages for logical ease:Debido a la complejidad de la disposición de las 12 ciudades de la Copa del Mundo, CC ha implementado dos paquetes para disponer de una utilización lógica: The city package, which offers staying in an apartment in one of the host cities of choice, and the Team Package, which offers an apartment in each host city while following the team of choice.El paquete de ciudad, que ofrece la estancia en un apartamento en una de las ciudades elegidas, y el paquete de equipo, que ofrece un apartamento en cada una de las ciudades en las que juega el equipo seleccionado.
Corporate Concierge praises their ability to consistently scrutinise their classic service, while simultaneously seeking contemporary solutions. Corporate Concierge alaba la capacidad continuada de escrutinio de su servicio clásico, al mismo tiempo que busca las soluciones contemporáneas. Recent developments include the provision of customised broadband internet solutions either via bundled DSL, S-DSL or internet via satellite.Entre los recientes desarrollos se incluye la provisión de las soluciones personalizadas para Internet de banda ancha, ya sea vía DSL, S-DSL o Internet vía satélite.
For examples of our accommodations, please visit:Si desea ejemplos de nuestros alojamientos, visite: http://www.corporate-concierge.de
DOD
Diplomacy remains America's choice in dealing with Iran
President Bush said today. "We're forming a strong coalition of like-minded countries that believe that the Iranians should not have a nuclear weapon," he said during a White House press conference. "And I've told the American people that diplomacy is my first choice, and it should be the first choice of every American president in order to solve a very difficult problem." "It's very important for the Iranians to understand there's a ... common desire by a lot of nations of this world to convince them, peacefully convince them, that they ought to give up their weapons ambitions," Bush said. The International Atomic Energy Agency said today Iran has ignored calls to suspend uranium fuel enrichment and remains in defiance of the U. N. Security Council, according to news reports. The president distinguished Iran from Iraq. "There are significant differences between Iran and Iraq," Bush said. He noted that Iraq had a history of aggressive acts that included using weapons of mass destruction on its own people, invading its neighbors, and firing at U.S. aircraft. "Iraq went through 16 different Security Council resolutions," Bush said. "There was resolution after resolution." To date, the Security Council has not passed a resolution regarding Iran's desire to acquire nuclear weapons capabilities. Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad reportedly told a rally in northwest Iran today that "those who want to prevent Iranians from obtaining their right, should know that we do not give a damn about such resolutions." Asked if he thought the Iranian president was someone he could work with, Bush replied: "That's going to be his choice eventually, and it's going to be very important for Mr. Ahmadinejad to recognize the world is united in our desire, and it's his choice to make."
Civilian Leaders Wowed by USS Ronald Reagan's Capabilities
Civilian opinion leaders who visited the USS Ronald Reagan today got a taste of what it's like to be the biggest, toughest guy on the block - one whose presence brings comfort to his friends but fear in his enemies. The business, civic, organizational and academic leaders, all participants in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, visited the world's largest aircraft carrier on its maiden deployment to the Persian Gulf. They met the crew, toured the flight and navigation bridges, flight-control deck and flight deck and watched F-18 Hornet and Super Hornet aircraft take off for some of the 30 sorties they fly over Iraq every day. "We believe this is a very worthwhile effort," Rear Adm. Mike Miller, commander of the Ronald Reagan Strike Group, told the group after it flew in from Bahrain. "We believe we are helping preserve the peace and stability of the Arabian Peninsula." Speaking to group members in the "in-port cabin" that's fashioned to look like the Reagan Administration's White House "Red Room," thanks to donations by the Hampton Roads Navy League, Miller said he's convinced the Reagan is making an impact in the region. "We are firmly convinced that we are making life better for the people here," he said. "People here don't say, 'When are you going away?' They say, 'Please don't leave.'" The Reagan, the ninth Nimitz-class carrier, is the Navy's Mighty Hulk, the largest weapon in the entire U.S. arsenal. It's as long as the Empire State Building is tall and boasts 47,000 tons of steel, a 4.5-acre flight deck and the two nuclear reactors that propel it in excess of 30 knots, Miller explained.
That size, speed and capability make a powerful statement, said Command Master Chief Yoshimi Core of the carrier's air wing. "It's a wonderful feeling to (look) at that a mass of steel and mass of power and be able to influence people by our mere presence," he said. "We're able to reassure people that we're out here having a presence," or in other cases, to send a warning. Capt. Terry Kraft, the Reagan's commander, described himself as the mayor of a city of 5,000 people with a nuclear power plant beneath it and an airfield above. But with all its size and power and state-of-the art technology, the $5 billion dollar vessel's greatest attribute, he said, is its sailors. "This is a modern marvel," Kraft said of the carrier, which began its first-ever deployment since its 2003 commissioning. "But the most impressive thing on board are the 5,000 great Americans.
We give these sailors incredible responsibility, and I couldn't be more proud of them." About 80 percent of the Reagan's sorties are in direct support of troops "over the beach" - serving in Iraq, Kraft told the group. Sorties launched from the carrier's flight deck monitor convoy routes to detect IED sites and gather valuable intelligence they pass on to ground troops, he explained. In addition, two shore-based EA-6B Prowlers jam radio frequencies to prevent insurgents from using cell phones and similar devices to activate improvised explosive devices. At the same time, the Reagan crew conducts broader maritime security operations in the Gulf, both with its ships and aircrews. "Our goal is for terrorists not to be able to operate anywhere in the Persian Gulf or off the coast of the Horn of Africa," Kraft said. By making it more difficult for terrorists to operate, the Reagan crew is "changing the battlefield," he said, "and creating a sanctuary for our forces." "Our number one mission is the service we provide for the guys on the ground," said Lt. Cmdr. John Clary, an F-18C pilot aboard Reagan. "We're their eyes and ears, circling overhead and burning holes in the sky." The gratification of the job comes from knowing that he's "one more 18- or 19-year-old kid got there safely," thanks to support from the sky, he said. Earlier in the war, success was measured in bombs drops and targets taken out, Kraft told the group.
Now, it's measured more in terms seconds of disrupted road identified as potential IED sites and actionable intelligence forwarded to the ground. "The bottom line is that we save lives over the beach, not that we drop bombs," he said. While helping save U.S. lives, members of the Reagan crew said they believe they're making a contribution to Iraq and the entire region. "We're supporting the Iraqi people and helping to keep the world safe," said Lt. Cmdr. Paul Crawford, assistant navigator on the carrier's bridge, which he called "the nerve center of the ship." "What we're doing is providing a presence to make sure that things are fair for everyone," he said.
With less than a year in the Navy under her belt, Seaman Ashley Kolbinskie said she's proud of her role supporting U.S. ground troops in harm's way. "We're giving air protection for troops on the ground. Anything they can't handle, we're here for them," she said. But like her fellow crewmates, Kolbinskie said she recognizes the regional implications of her efforts. "It makes me feel happy that we have freedom, and to be able to help other people get it, too," she said. As the JCOC participants watched the F-18 Hornets and Super Hornets roar off the flight deck, even Operations Specialist Marion Cox took pause. "When you see this every day, you sometimes lose sight of how cool it is," she said. But no one within the JCOC group failed to notice just "how cool it is." Ted Sarandis, a freelance sportscaster based in Boston, described watching the planes shoot of the deck as "a complete adrenaline rush." Sarandis turned almost poetic when he described how the Reagan's crews operate on the flight deck. "It's a thing of synchronized beauty, a bit like watching a mechanized ballet," he said. "Awesome!" was how Robert McDonald, senior vice president for 3M Marketing and Sales, described the experience. An engineer, McDonald resisted the urge to peek into every nook and cranny to check out the electronics as he passed through the carrier's departments. "I'm fascinated by all this," he said. "It's absolutely amazing." Larry Oney, chief executive officer for Hammerman & Gainer International, relished the chance to see an aircraft carrier at sea conducting real-life missions. "Not many people get to see it up close like this," he said. "This has got to be the highlight of the trip." For James Schenck, executive vice president and chief operating officer for the Pentagon Federal Credit Union, gave his first exposure to real-life Navy operations two thumbs up.
Schenck called the Reagan "a testament to America" that "really gets your attention" for its power-projection capabilities. "I have to say, this makes me a proud American taxpayer," he said. Participants in the JCOC program are business, civic, community and academic leaders from around the country who are spending the week observing U.S. Central Command at work. This JCOC trip is the first to the Middle East since the Defense Department started the program in 1948 to help educate civilian "movers and shakers" about the military.
NEWS
Radio Address by President Bush to the Nation
The following is a transcript of the radio address by President Bush to the nation:
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Last weekend, the people of Iraq formed a national unity government. This is an important milestone on the road to democracy in Iraq, and it marks the beginning of a new chapter in America's involvement. Last Sunday, I talked to the President, Prime Minister- designate, and Speaker of the new government. And this week, I sent Secretary of State Rice and Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld to Baghdad to meet face-to- face with the new Iraqi leadership. We've all been impressed by the Iraqi leaders' commitment to maintain the unity of their country and effectively represent the Iraqi people.
The new Iraqi government will face many challenges. Iraqi leaders agree that the new government must continue to build up the Iraqi Security Forces to defeat the terrorists and must establish control over militias. They also agree that the new government must rebuild critical infrastructure, strengthen the Iraqi economy, and ensure that all Iraqis benefit as their nation grows in security and prosperity.
During their meetings in Baghdad, Secretaries Rice and Rumsfeld made clear that Iraq will have the continued support of America and our coalition partners, as we begin the new chapter in our relationship. We will help the new Iraqi government assume growing responsibility for the nation's security. And as Iraqis continue to make progress toward a democracy that can govern itself, defend itself, and sustain itself, more of our troops can come home with the honor they have earned.
The terrorists clearly recognize the threat that the new unity government poses to their dark plans for Iraq and the broader Middle East. This week the terrorist Zarqawi, leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, released a video in which he denounced the new government and promised further acts of terrorist violence. Zarqawi lashed out at what he called "this rotten play of democracy" and declared that Iraq's new government will become "a poisoned dagger" in the heart of his plans for the Muslim world.
On Wednesday, Iraq's leaders united to strongly condemn Zarqawi's statements. One Iraqi official declared that the terrorists and insurgents, quote, "are feeling this might be the last chance they have to survive. They're fighting everyone in Iraq -- every Iraqi. I think that shows how weak they are." End quote. A newly appointed first Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi parliament said that Zarqawi fears the new government will unify Shiites and Sunnis and Kurds. He said, quote, "I believe that Zarqawi was caught off guard by the new government taking shape because it will be a very strong one representing all Iraqis." End quote.
The new leaders of Iraq are showing great courage in the face of terrorist threats. In recent weeks, terrorists have assassinated three siblings of top Iraqi politicians -- but the new leaders of Iraq remain determined to lead their nation toward a future of democracy and peace. These brave leaders deserve our continued support -- and I have told them they can count on America to stand with them.
The enemy is resorting to desperate acts of violence because they know the establishment of democracy in Iraq will be a double defeat for them. First, it will deny the terrorists their immediate aim of turning Iraq into what Afghanistan was under the Taliban -- a safe haven where they can plot and plan more attacks against free nations. Second, in the long term, a democratic Iraq will be a major blow to the terrorists' hateful ideology because it will send a powerful message across the region that the future of the Middle East belongs to freedom.
There will be more tough fighting ahead in Iraq and more days of sacrifice and struggle. Yet the enemies of freedom have suffered a real blow in recent days, and we have taken great strides on the march to victory. Iraq's leaders now have laid the foundations for a democratic government of, by, and for the Iraqi people. By helping the Iraqi people build their democracy, America will deal the terrorists a crippling blow and establish a beacon of liberty in the Middle East -- and that will make our Nation and the world more secure.
Thank you for listening.
END
Source: White House Press Office
'Had Enough? Vote Democratic!' Is NOT ENOUGH, Need New Double-Citizenship Party
Robert David Steele Vivas
Robert David STEELE Vivas, CEO of OSS.Net, Inc, a life-long moderate Republican and career intelligence officer who is the #1 Amazon reviewer of non-fiction books about democracy, strategy, intelligence, economics, ecology, war, and peace, has today proposed a new political party focused on electoral reform. He says:
"A really superb Op-Ed by Tim Roemer in the New York Times today (Saturday, 29 April 2006) entitled 'Enough Already,' suggested that all the Democrats need to win in 2006 and 2008 is the simple slogan, 'Had Enough? Vote Democratic!' This worthy gentleman is half-right.
"The Democrats, in my view, cannot beat the Republicans base-on-base or on the issues. Even a character debate will be a toss-up. There is, however, a major opportunity for a lasting revitalization of democracy if the Democrats will match up their most promising unity candidate with a new party, the American Independence Party, and a commitment to a Coalition Cabinet and Coalition Legislature committed to electoral reform.
"This new party would be unique in history in that it would specifically foster the concept of 'dual citizenship' and respect the original political allegiances of the moderate Republicans, the conservative Democrats, the Independents, Libertarians, Greens, Reforms, and the newly mobilized from both the Latin and Asian immigration pool as well as the survivors of the Dean revolution.
"This new party would have 'wings' and leaders from all American political parties, and they would commit to support Democratic *and* Republican legislative incumbents or challengers who agree to dual citizenship in the American Independence Party, and its single reform focus: restoring the vote to *all* Americans. Electoral reform, including instant run-offs, the end of gerrymandering and even physical districts, restoration of multi-party debates, and voting on week-ends so the working poor have a shot at voting without losing work, all need to be part of an American Independence Act of 2007 that will have it greatest effect in 2008. In addition we need to end "party line" voting that forbids our elected representatives from voting for their district instead of their party, and of course end campaign financing while introducing publicly funded campaigns and higher salaries for representatives, teachers, cops, firemen, and preventive health care professionals and other public servants.
"Only one issue can unite all sensible Americans: 'does your vote count?' The answer for most is a resounding 'NO.' If we were to establish a new party and an interim Coalition Cabinet now even before a final candidate for President is chosen, and commit publicly to this single lasting 'fix' on the system, everything else will fall into place including wiser foreign and domestic policy, an end to the double deficit, and a restoration of the moral legitimacy of the Republic. We must restore informed engaged democracy (collective intelligence), honest public policy and moral capitalism, and America the Good instead of America the Idiot Bully.
"In 2006 we demand that incumbents and challengers commit to this unification reform idea. In 2007 we pass the American Independence Act that implements sustainable electoral reform. In 2008 we elect a President and a Coalition Cabinet and Coalition Legislature that restores America the Good, an American Republic that is Of, By, and For We the People."
Web: http://www.oss.net/
New Government Report Slams SBA on Oversight of Alaska Native Corporations
The Government Accountability Office has released a new report detailing a significant lack of oversight by the Small Business Administration in its Alaska Native Corporation 8(a) contracting program. The report states, "SBA lacks adequate data regarding the 8(a) contracting program in general and does not collect any information on ANCs' 8(a) activity." The GAO cited a number of examples where Alaska Native Corporations and their partners were able to take unfair advantage of a program set up to assist small, disadvantaged, women-owned and minority-owned businesses. The SBA is mandated with overseeing the 8(a) contracting program, but one contracting official told GAO that "SBA has 'stepped aside' when it comes to overseeing 8(a) contracts and that it would not occur to her to coordinate ... with SBA." According to the report, ANC 8(a) contracts grew from $265 million in 2000 to over $1 billion in 2004, with a total procurement figure during those years of $2.9 billion.
Special provisions allow the government to make these awards without competition in some instances. In addition, because ANCs are permitted to own an unlimited number of subsidiaries, the actual size of the corporation can be far greater than would be allowed under normal SBA size standards. "The Alaska Native Corporation 8(a) program was designed for abuse and should be abolished immediately," said Lloyd Chapman, President of the American Small Business League. "Most of the benefits go to firms outside of Alaska, many of which are large, white male-owned businesses. This program has allowed billions of dollars to be diverted away from legitimately disadvantaged firms.
Here is yet another example of the types of abuse in small business contracting that the SBA has condoned through its lack of action." Chapman asserted that more than the SBA, he blames the Bush Administration for slashing the agency's resources to the point where it's unable to perform its mission: "This damaging report is another nail in the coffin of the SBA. The Republicans are just itching for an excuse to close the agency and eliminate all Federal contracting programs for small and disadvantaged firms." While SBA told GAO that it has implemented procedures to increase oversight of the ANCs, they failed to provide investigators with any evidence to support this. About the ASBL The American Small Business League was formed to promote and advocate policies that provide the greatest opportunity for small businesses - the 98 percent of U.S. companies with less than 100 employees.
The ASBL is founded on the principle that small businesses, the backbone of a vital American economy, should receive the fair treatment promised by the Small Business Act of 1953. Representing small businesses in all fields and industries throughout the United States, the ASBL monitors existing policies and proposed policy changes by the Small Business Administration and other federal agencies that affect its members.
VATICAN NEWS
DIVINE LAW DOES NOT ELIMINATE HUMAN FREEDOM
Today in the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI received members of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, who have just celebrated their annual plenary session dedicated to the relationship between the Bible and morality. The session was presided over by Cardinal William Joseph Levada, president of the commission.
The Pope greeted the participants, recalling the fact that he knows them personally, having been president of the same commission. He also highlighted the important theme discussed during the plenary session.
''The primordial impulse of human beings'', he said turning to consider the subject of the plenary, ''is their desire for happiness and a fulfilling life. Nevertheless, there are many today who think that such fulfillment must be attained autonomously, with no reference to God or to His law. Some have even suggested the absolute sovereignty of reason and freedom in the field of moral norms. ... The proponents of this 'moral laicism' affirm that human beings, as rational creatures, not only can but must freely decide the value of their own behavior''.
''This false conviction'', he continued, ''is rooted in a supposed conflict between human freedom and any kind of law." However, "the law of God does not mitigate or eliminate human freedom, on the contrary, it guarantees and promotes it. ... Moral law, established by God at the creation and confirmed in the Revelation of the Old Testament, finds its fullness and greatness in Christ. Jesus Christ is the way of perfection, the living and personal synthesis of perfect freedom in His total obedience to the will of God''.
''In revealing the Father and in His own actions, Jesus also reveals the norms for just human behavior. He explicitly underlines this connection when, at the conclusion of His lessons regarding love for one's enemies, He says 'be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect'.''
''The path indicated by Jesus through His teachings is not a rule imposed from the outside. He Himself walks this path and asks no more than that we follow Him. ... In the search for a Christologically inspired ethic, it is always necessary to remember that Christ is the Word Incarnate Who renders us participants in His divine life, and with His grace He sustains us on the path towards true fulfillment.''
''The essence of human beings'', concluded the Pope, ''appears definitively in the Word made man," and "this relationship with Christ defines the highest fulfillment of man's moral actions. ... It is not an act dictated solely by external norms, it proceeds from the vital relationship that unites believers to Christ and to God.''
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PAPAL MESSAGE TO CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS
VATICAN CITY, APR 27, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message from Pope Benedict XVI to Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins C.M.F., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which has just concluded its plenary session.
''From her beginnings", says the Message, "the Church has dedicated great attention to the procedures that elevate Servants of God to the glory of the altars. The causes of saints are considered 'major causes' because of their noble and material impact on the lives of the people of God."
The Pope recalled prior interventions by earlier pontiffs who sought to improve the celebration and study of the causes of saints, quoting, among others, Pope John Paul II who in 1983 promulgated the Apostolic Constitution " Divinus Perfectionis Magister" and the "Normae servandae in inquisitionibus ab Episcopis faciendis in Causis Sanctorum."
"The experience of more than 20 years since this text was published has prompted this congregation to publish an 'Instruction for the procedure of diocesan inquiries into the causes of saints,' which is chiefly addressed to diocesan bishops and constitutes the first theme examined by the plenary," says the Holy Father. The instruction "attempts to facilitate the application of the 'Normae servandae' in order to safeguard the seriousness of investigations", into virtues, causes of martyrdom or possible miracles.
"It is clear", writes the Pope "that a cause of beatification or canonization cannot be initiated in the absence of a proven reputation for holiness, even when dealing with people who have been distinguished for their evangelical coherence and for particular ecclesial or social merits."
Going on to refer to the second theme of the plenary session - "the miracle in the causes of saints" - Benedict XVI recalls that "miracles constitute divine confirmation of a judgement expressed by the ecclesial authorities on [a person's] virtuous life. I hope that the plenary will study this subject deeply in the light of the tradition of the Church, of modern theology, and of the most accredited discoveries of science. It should not be forgotten that in examining purportedly miraculous events the competency of scientists and theologians comes together, although the decisive judgement falls to theology which alone is capable of interpreting miracles in the light of the faith. ... It should also be clearly borne in mind that unbroken Church practice establishes the need for a physical miracle, a moral miracle is not enough."
On the third subject, "martyrdom," the Pope writes: "If the motive that impels [people] to martyrdom remains unaltered, having its source and its model in Christ, what have changed are the cultural contexts of martyrdom and the strategies 'ex parte perscutoris' who seek to give ever less explicit prominence to their aversion to the Christian faith, ... but fake different reasons, for example political or social ones. It is of course necessary to find incontrovertible proof of willingness to suffer martyrdom, ... and of the victim's acceptance thereof. But it is equally necessary that, directly or indirectly but always in a morally certain fashion, the 'odium Fidei' of the persecutor should be apparent. If this element is lacking, there is no real martyrdom in accordance with the perennial theological and juridical doctrine of the Church."
Finally, Benedict XVI referred to indications contained in John Paul II's Apostolic Constitution "Divinus Perfectionis Magister" concerning the need to associate bishops with the Holy See in dealing with the causes of saints. On the basis of these indications, Pope Benedict said, "I have implemented the widespread desire that the substantial difference between the celebration of beatification and that of canonization should be more deeply underlined; and that particular Churches should be more visibly involved in the rite of beatification, it being understood that only the Roman Pontiff may concede veneration to a Servant of God."
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AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HOLY SEE AND BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
On Wednesday, April 19, the first anniversary of the election of Pope Benedict XVI, a Basic Agreement between the Holy See and Bosnia-Herzegovina was signed at the presidential palace in Sarajevo. The agreement confirmed a number of principles and defined certain issues regarding questions of common interest.
The Holy See was represented by Archbishop Alessandro D'Errico, apostolic nuncio to Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Bosnia-Herzegovina by Ivo Miro Jovic, Croatian member of the country's collegial presidency.
According to a communique made public today, the Agreement, "bearing in mind the respective independence and autonomy of State and Church and their willingness to collaborate with each other, establishes the juridical framework for their reciprocal relations. In particular, it regulates the juridical position of the Catholic Church in civil society; her freedom and independence in her apostolic activities and in the regulation of her own affairs; and her freedom of worship and of action in the fields of culture, education, pastoral care, charity and the mass media. The text also makes provision for the running of Catholic schools of all levels; spiritual assistance to the armed forces, and in prisons and hospitals; and the organization of Catholic healthcare and charity structures''.
The Agreement, the communique concludes, ''will come into force following the exchange of the instruments of ratification."
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AUDIENCES
VATICAN CITY, APR 27, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal Camillo Ruini, His Holiness' vicar general for the diocese of Rome and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.
- Cardinal Rosalio Jose Castillo Lara S.D.B., president emeritus of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State.
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IN MEMORIAM
VATICAN CITY, APR 27, 2006 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:
- Archbishop Longinus da Cunha of Ende, Indonesia, on April 6, at the age of 60.
- Bishop Charles Joseph Henderson, former auxiliary of Southwark, England, on April 10, at the age of 81.
- Archbishop Pasquale Macchi, prelate emeritus of Loreto, Italy, on April 5, at the age of 82.
- Archbishop Jose Mendez Asensio, emeritus of Granada, Spain, on April 15, at the age of 85.
- Bishop Andre Nguyen Van Nam, emeritus of My Tho, Vietnam, on March 16, at the age of 84.
- Bishop Sebastian Valloppilly, emeritus of Tellicherry of the Syro-Malabars, India, on April 4, at the age of 94.
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POPE'S TELEGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF ATTACK IN NASSIRIYA
Following is a telegram sent by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, in the name of the Holy Father, to Archbishop Angelo Bagnasco, military ordinary for Italy, regarding the attack of April 27th in Nassiriya, Iraq in which three Italians and one Romanian were killed.
"The Supreme Pontiff received with great sadness news of the attack in Nassiriya in which three Italian members of the armed forces and a Romanian colleague, generously contributing in a mission of peace, lost their lives. The Holy Father expresses his firm condemnation of this new act of violence which, together with other cruel acts perpetrated in Iraq, constitutes yet another obstacle in the path toward harmony and reconstruction in that tormented country."
"His Holiness would like to express his profound spiritual closeness to the families of the victims in the midst of a grave sorrow which also effects the Italian and Romanian armed forces and their respective national communities. The Holy Father also assures his fervent prayers for the young lives cut short, invoking heavenly consolation for those who mourn this tragic loss and he sends to all a special apostolic blessing, thinking in particular about those wounded and those, both civilian and military, who are dedicated to the arduous task of helping the people of Iraq, subjugated to so many difficulties."
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HELP CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO FIND TRUE HAPPINESS
VATICAN CITY, APR 28, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message from the Pope to participants in the 12th plenary session of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, which is being held in the Vatican from April 28 to May 2, on the theme: "Vanishing Youth? Solidarity with Children and Young People in an Age of Turbulence."
Benedict XVI opens his Message by affirming the existence of "two significant and interconnected trends: on the one hand, an increase in life expectancy, and, on the other, a decrease in birth rates."
"This situation is the result of multiple and complex causes - often of an economic, social and cultural character - which you have proposed to study," he adds. "But its ultimate roots can be seen as moral and spiritual; they are linked to a disturbing deficit of faith, hope and, indeed, love. ... Perhaps the lack of such creative and forward-looking love is the reason why many couples today choose not to marry, why so many marriages fail, and why birth rates have significantly diminished."
Often children and young people, "instead of feeling loved and cherished, appear to be merely tolerated. In 'an age of turbulence' they frequently lack adequate moral guidance from the adult world," and many of them "now grow up in a society which is forgetful of God. ... In a world shaped by the accelerating processes of globalization, they are often exposed solely to materialistic visions of the universe, of life and human fulfillment."
"Parents, educators and community leaders ... can never renounce their duty to set before children and young people the task of choosing a life project directed towards authentic happiness, one capable of distinguishing between truth and falsehood, good and evil, justice and injustice, the real world and the world of 'virtual reality'."
Pope Benedict encourages the participants in the plenary to give "due consideration to the question of human freedom, which is "the condition for authentic human growth. Where such freedom is lacking or endangered, young people experience frustration and become incapable of striving generously for the ideals which can give shape to their lives as individuals and as members of society."
Christians, the Holy Father concludes, cannot fail "to be convinced that faith, lived out in the fullness of charity and communicated to new generations, is an essential element in the building of a better future and safeguarding intergenerational solidarity."
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DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS
VATICAN CITY, APR 28, 2006 (VIS)- Today, during a private audience with Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, C.M.F., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the Pope authorized the congregation to promulgate the following decrees:
MIRACLES
- Blessed Filippo Smaldone, Italian, diocesan priest, founder of the Congregation of the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Heart (1848 - 1923).
- Blessed Rafaele Guizar Valencia, Mexican, bishop of Veracruz, Mexico (1878 - 1938).
- Blessed Rosa Venerini, Italian, foundress of the Congregation delle Maestre Pie Venerini (1656 - 1728).
- Blessed Teodora Guerin, ne Anna Teresa, French, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary of the Woods in the United States. (1798 - 1856).
- Venerable Servant of God Basile Antonio Maria Moreau, French, priest and founder of the Congregation of the Holy Cross (1799 - 1873).
- Venerable Servant of God Mariano de la Mata Aparicio, Spanish, priest of the Order of Saint Augustine. (1905 - 1983).
- Venerable Servant of God Margarita Maria Lopez de Maturana, Spanish, foundress of the Institute of the Missionary Sisters of Mercy (1884 - 1934).
MARTYRS
- Servants of God Cruz Laplana y Laguna, Spanish, bishop of Cuenca, Spain (1875 - 1936) and Fernando Espanol Berdie, Spanish, diocesan priest (1875 - 1936).
- Servant of God Narciso Estenaga Echevarria, Spanish, bishop of Ciudad Real, Spain (1882 - 1936).
- Servant of God Libero Gonzalez Nombela, Spanish, diocesan priest (1896 - 1936).
- Servant of God Eusebio del Bambino Gesu, Spanish, professed priest of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites (1888 - 1936).
- Servant of God Felice Echevarria Gorostiaga, Spanish, professed priest of the Order of the Minor Friars (1893 - 1936).
- Servant of God Teodosio Rafael ne Diodoro Lopez Hernandez, Spanish, professed religious in the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian School (1898 - 1936) and three brothers from the same institute.
- Servant of God Sara Salkahazi, Hungarian, of the Institute of the Sisters of the Assistance (1899 - 1944).
HEROIC VIRTUES
- Servant of God Ciriaco Maria Sancha y Hervas, Cardinal of S.R.C., Spanish, archbishop of Toledo, Spain, founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Cardinal Sancha (1833 - 1909).
- Servant of God Vincenza Maria Poloni ne Luigia, Italian, foundress of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona (1802 - 1855).
- Servant of God Maria Bucchi ne Maria Matilde, Italian, foundress of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood of Monza (1812 - 1882).
- Servant of God Esperanza Gonzalez Puig, Spanish, foundress of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (1823 - 1885).
- Servant of God Cataline Coromina Agusti, Spanish, foundress of the Institute Josephine Sisters of Charity (1824 - 1893).
- Servant of God Maria Dolores Marquez Romero de Onoro, Spanish, foundress of the Congregation of the Philippian Daughters of Sorrowful Mary (1817 - 1904).
- Servant of God Maria Rosa Flesch, German, ne Margherita, foundress of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Mary of the Angels (1826 - 1906).
- Giuseppina Nicoli, Italian, of the Society of the daughters of Charity (1863 - 1924).
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CELEBRATIONS PRESIDED BY THE HOLY FATHER: MAY AND JUNE
VATICAN CITY, APR 28, 2006 (VIS) - Today, the Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff published the calendar for the celebrations that the Holy Father will preside from May to June.
MAY
- Monday, 1: At 5:30pm, the Holy Father will visit the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary of Divine Love (close to Rome) and will pray the rosary.
- Saturday 6: At 9:30pm, the Holy Father will celebrate Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, commemorating the five hundredth anniversary of the founding of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
- Sunday 7: The fourth Sunday of Easter, at 9:00am in the Vatican Basilica, the Pope will ordain to the priesthood deacons from the diocese of Rome.
- Thursday 25-Sunday 28: Apostolic trip to Poland.
JUNE:
- Saturday 3: At 8:30pm in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father will preside at the Pentecost Vigil with the participation of various ecclesial movements and the new communities.
- Sunday 4: The Solemnity of Pentecost, Holy Mass will be celebrated at 9:30am in St. Peter's Square.
- Thursday 15: The Solemnity of Corpus Christi. At 7:00pm, Holy Mass in the basilica of Saint John Lateran, procession to the basilica of St. Mary Major and Eucharistic benediction.
- Thursday 29: The Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. Holy Mass will be celebrated at the basilica of St. Peter and will include the imposition of the pallium on metropolitan archbishops.
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HOLY FATHER'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR MAY
VATICAN CITY, APR 28, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father's general prayer intention for May is: "That the abundance of the gifts the Holy Spirit bestows on the Church may contribute to the growth of peace and justice in the world."
His mission intention is: "That in the mission countries those responsible for the public institutions may, with suitable laws, promote and defend human life from its conception to its natural termination."
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AUDIENCES
VATICAN CITY, APR 28, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins C.M.F., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
- Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
- Bishop Robert James Carlson of Saginaw (United States of America).
- Cherie Blair.
He is scheduled to receive this afternoon Archbishop Angelo Amato S.D.B., secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
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NOTE
VATICAN CITY, APR 28, 2006 (VIS) - As previously announced, Monday, May 1, feast of St. Joseph the Worker and a holiday in the Vatican, there will be no VIS service. Transmission will resume on Tuesday, May 2.
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Chinese president meets senior UN officials
Chinese President Hu Jintao met here Friday with the United Nations Human Settlement Program (UN-HABITAT) Executive Director Mrs. Anna Kajumulo Tibaijuka and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) acting Executive Director Shafqat Kakakhel.
Hu said the UN-HABITAT has made positive efforts to promote human residence construction and global sustainable development.
He said the UNEP has played an important role in pushing for the solution of global environmental issues, promoting international cooperation in this regard, and helping developing countries improve environmental protection capability.
He said China has always supported international cooperation in the above-mentioned fields, and will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the two UN programs and continue to support their work.
Tibaijuka said China has many beneficial experiences in human habitat development, which the UN-HABITAT is popularizing in other areas of the world.
The UN-HABITAT values China's assistance to the African people in this regard, she said.
Kakakhel said the UNEP appreciates China's attention to and efforts for environmental protection.
He said China has always firmly supported the UNEP's work, and the cooperation between the two sides has progressed steadily at bilateral, regional and global levels.
The UNEP is expecting to deepen cooperation with the Chinese side to jointly meet the challenge in this regard, he said.
Hu arrived here Thursday on a three-day state visit to Kenya as Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki's guest.
Kenya is the last leg of Hu's five-nation tour which has already taken him to the United States, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Nigeria.
Chinese President Hu Jintao met with US Vice President Dick Cheney, Senate President Pro Tempore Ted Stevens and National Security Advisor to President Bush Stephen Hadley respectively in the guesthouse where he stayed.
When meeting with Cheney, Hu said that this morning he and President Bush held successful talks. Both leaders agreed that China and the US are countries with great influence in the world and share wide strategic interests. Under the new international situation, both sides should strengthen dialogue, expand consensus, increase mutual trust, deepen cooperation, push forward China-US constructive and cooperative relations in the 21st century comprehensively and make new contributions to promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region and the world at large.
Cheney said that the United States and China have established sound, solid and healthy relations. In today's world, the US-China relations are so important that he supports the establishment of US-China strategic relationship.
When meeting with Stevens and other members of the US Senate and House of Representatives, Hu expressed appreciation for their long-term support for the development of China-US relations. He noted that we attach great importance to the exchanges with the US Congress. More and more US parliamentarians have realized the importance of building China-US relations and raised a number of positive suggestions on furthering bilateral economic, trade, cultural and educational exchanges and cooperation. He expressed hope that they would continue to pay attention to China-US relations and contribute more to promoting the non-governmental contacts of the two countries and enhancing the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
Stevens said that 60 years ago as a member of the US 14th Air Force he participated in the battle against Japanese invaders in China. At that time he was the youngest member of the 14th Air Force, but today he is over 80 years old. He felt happy from the bottom of his heart to see China's progress and the development of US-China relations. The US-China relations have global significance, and peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region and the world, to a large extent, depend on the development of US-China relations. The parliamentarians also introduced their opinions on enhancing bilateral cooperation in such fields as energy, environmental protection and aviation to Hu Jintao.
During his meeting with Hu Jintao, Hadley said that President Bush thanks President Hu for his successful visit to the US. The visit has promoted the already existing positive relations between the US and China, demonstrating to the two peoples that to maintain sound relations between the US and China is beneficial to the two countries and their people.
Hu said that through the visit he has got great confidence that under the current international situation China and the US share extensive and important strategic interests. China and the US not only are stakeholders but also should be constructive partners. To strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries not only brings tangible benefits to the two peoples but also is of great importance to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region and the world at large. The healthy and stable progress of China-US relations benefits our two peoples and people of the world as well.
State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan was present at the meetings.
Hamshere Gallery with International Canine Pedigree Discovered at The LA Antique Show
Written by Joyce Chow and William Hoehne
Pet enthusiasts, especially those with an appreciation for art or jewelry need look no further than Hamshere Gallery out of London. Discovered at The Los Angeles Antiques Show, with internationally prominent galleries and art dealers approved by the prestigious Antique Dealer’s Association of California, a mischievous grin caught my eye.
Hamshere Gallery holds the largest collection of antique dog paintings in England and the largest collection of period and antique sport jewelry in the world. Following is an interview with John Hamshere, of Hamshere Gallery, www.hamsheregallery.com
MB: I’m here at the LA Antiques Show and noticed some beautiful antique dog paintings and had to stop. Can you tell me about your company, Hamshere Gallery?
JH: We have the largest collection of dog paintings and dog jewelry probably in the world. There’s nobody that has anything this sort of size, specializing in this way and a large collection of dog painting in England, and everybody has dogs.
MB: Did you know 60% of the population in the U.S. has pets?
I didn’t know that. It’s a very interesting statistic. In England, it’s the second biggest hobby after gardening. I don’t know what it’s like in America. The second biggest hobby after gardening is pets.
MB: They count it as a hobby?
JH: In expenditure terms, how people spend their money. It’s very interesting. My dogs at home aren’t a hobby, they’re members of the family. They’re not pets. They’re the kids, as well as the kids, so we’ve got many kids.
Statistics wise they divide it up into a hobby, or a pursuit if you like, so gardening’s the first, pets are the second biggest. So it doesn’t surprise me the 60%.
MB: We’re at an antiques show, does your company only have antiques or do they have more current things too for animals?
JH: At the moment., we have only antiques. We just started with one fantastic artist, who really is extraordinary. who came upon us because she stood in front and saw the quality of the work and saw the individualism of the work, if you like, and realized that all the paintings you see here, people actually had the dog in front of them, and painted with the dog in front of them. Today people paint, very easily, you can get something very cheaply done or reasonably done through a photograph. These dogs were painted over a day maybe over 2 days, and somebody sat there and went back to the client went back to the customer, and took time painting the dog.
We found somebody like that, who want s it exactly the same, who can see why they all have feeling. They all have realism. They all have life. They all have an understanding. Dog paintings comes in a way whereby often the people that paint dogs, they take many years to specialize in painting dogs. They have a feeling for dogs. They have a feeling for animals. They may have lived on a farm. They may have had horses. They may have had a farm or own a farm. They have lived with nature. They live with animals and perhaps the only way to really make it in dog paintings, is to live with them, and have the dog there and understand the dog, and paint the dog, and know the characteristics of the dog.
MB: Are you a painter or an artist?
JH: I ‘m not a painter. I’d love to have the talent, but I don’t, I can’t. I can take photographs, good photographs. I have an eye. I have an appreciation. The reason you see such wonderful paintings here is I have an eye, to be able to pick, to select the right quality. I can do it through a camera lens but I can’t do it with a brush or a pencil.
MB: You’ve touched on a special artist, can we know their name or is that a secret?
JH: It will be released very soon, very shortly.
MB: Since you work with all these antiques, over time, what makes one dog painting more valuable than another?
JH: It’s a little bit like art really. The problem with art is sometimes it’s fashion, sometimes people chase particular names, sometimes they chase particular dogs. There might be more people chasing Poodles or King Charles Cavaliers. There might be few people chasing Pyrenees Mountain Dogs or Burmese Mountain Dogs. It’s the popularity.
In America there’s an artist called Arthur Wardle and Arthur Wardle is just a sought after artist. There’s an artist called Maldur, she’s a sought after artist, whereas I think her father, George may be equally or might be better., but he’s not sought after as much as Maldur. Maldur, Americans love and is a sought after artist
MB: In the Us do they pay more for the artist or the breed?
JH: It’s the breed, the artist, of course quality. People who look at the paintings. It’s like, why does anything sell or make a certain price? There is a name. There is a breed, there is fashion, but there is quality. The best things, people can see quality and they buy quality.
MB: Do you find the same thing happens in Europe?
JH: It’s the same in Europe and England. Americans are no different. It’s fashion, quality, name, dog, artist. Its’ the same criteria It doesn’t make any difference.
MB: You mentioned you’ve been at other shows, and you’ve mentioned the AKC/Eukanuba nationals in Tampa, where else have you shown?
JH: Westminster of course followed by Crufts. If I keep going on to dog shows, I would go to the European dog show in Helsinki. We probably won’t go to the World Dog Show in Poland, no particular reason we’ve got other commitments.
MB: So you make the big circuit?
JH: We have to make the big circuit. Our clients, people who buy at the antiques shows don’t got to the dog shows, and the dog show people don’t come to the antiques shows, although they might both buy antique dog paintings.
MB: Do you carry other animals other than dogs because I notice a few cats
Basically dogs and some cats. When it comes to the jewelry, you’ll see other fabulous pieces such as this fabulous diamond polo player, a fabulous Victorian diamond horseracing, very English football from 1910, Lalique pendant from 1910. So we specialize in sporting jewelry and dog paintings and some cat paintings.
MB: If you were to advise someone that was starting to collect antiques with dogs in them, what would you advise them to buy?
Buy what you like. Whatever you’re buying in antiques, never buy for investments. Buy because you want to put in on your wall, put that in your cabinet, put it on your dresser or table. You want to sit around an antique table, you want an antique painting. Buy it because you like it never buy it for investment. Nothing ever goes down. Everything gets more expensive. Buy it because you want to enjoy it and you want to have it as a lifestyle Something you want to walk into your home and say, fantastic, that’s beautiful, I remember buying it at this show in 1989 or 2006 or whenever you bought it or whatever that period was.
We’re looking forward to discovering Hamshere Gallery’s artist that caught the eye of owner John Hamshere. Until then, digital pictures will capture the spirit.
(C) MBN 2006 (Pictures by William Hoehne)
