TRUCAJ – “Forrest Gump” (1994) – întâlnirea cu… John Lennon (decedat în… 1980)

ORIGINAL – John Lennon & Yoko Ono în Tony Cox’s Show

TRUCAJ – “Forrest Gump” (1994) – întâlnirea cu… John F. Kennedy (decedat în… 1963)

***

© Alexandru Dan Mitache • 2009

]]> http://factoide.wordpress.com/2009/11/28/acdc-so-paulo-fotos-vdeos-e-infos/ Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:34:24 +0000 Daniel Soares http://factoide.wordpress.com/2009/11/28/acdc-so-paulo-fotos-vdeos-e-infos/ http://jerrybrice.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/lengendary-cross-over-baller-allen-iverson-set-to-retire-from-n-b-a/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:43:59 +0000 jerrybrice http://jerrybrice.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/lengendary-cross-over-baller-allen-iverson-set-to-retire-from-n-b-a/

The AP is reporting that the legendary professional Basketball player Allen Iverson is set to announce his retirement from the N.B.A. Iverson , a former Most Valuable Player for the N.B.A. has been in the league since the 1996 season, in which he was drafted in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Iverson

He played with the Sixers for 10 years. During his tenure he was Rookie of the Year, League MVP, 2x All-Star MVP, and led the league in scoring for four years. After his rookie season, during which he led the 76ers in points, assists and minutes, Iverson was named the 1996 NBA Rookie of the Year and was a member of the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

The 10-time All-Star played three games this season with Memphis before taking a leave of absence to attend to personal matters. He was waived after the two sides agreed to part ways.

The New York Knicks considered signing Iverson last week after he cleared waivers, before deciding he would take too much playing time away from younger players they are trying to develop.

With no apparent interest from any other NBA teams, Allen Iverson is set to retire.

Iverson will always be credited for popularizing the streetball style move called the cross-over, and for his exciting tricky aggressive driving style of play.

He was never the tallest on the floor, just the most dangerous player that always wanted the ball.

Allen Iverson is a sho-in for the Hall of Fame, and I suspect that he can still run with the best of them, given a team that can design their plays to allow Iverson to shoot at will.

I personally enjoyed the years I got to watch him compete in the NBA, and I look forward to seeing what he does in the future.

Thanks for the 100 percent effort Allen Iverson…you were worth watching and you will be missed.

Read the full story here…

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hPZfEWbAiIKgjsNDLhC1jiVSsJZAD9C78M580

Firefighters were called and a woman was taken to hospital on Tuesday after Chemical fumes filtered through an air conditioning
system at the Johnson & Johnson pinewood campus in Crowthorne.

The woman, who is believed to be a member of staff at the Nine Mile Ride medical company, breathed in fumes from
solvents being used by workers on the building’s roof.

She was taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading at about 3pm, where she recovered and went home later that day.

For more information on these events visit www.bracknell.com

Get the latest local, regional and business news for Bracknell and the Royal County of Berkshire from Radio Bracknell Forest on the hour, every hour, with reporters Mark Lynch and Caroline Cook, or access our news website via www.radiobracknellforest.com sponsored by Mark Roach Public Relations.

For detailed stories, please listen in to The Sunday Show with Chris Brant for his weekly round-up, news and interviews plus the events listings for the coming week, sponsored by The Green Machine

Send us your news stories and photographs at news@radiobracknell.com or you can write to Mark at mark@radiobracknell.com or Caroline at caroline@radiobracknell.com

The story of the night

Yeah, so the Raptors were pounded last night in Charlotte. How does that happen, even on the road and in the second of a back-to-back? Well, here’s how: The team just ain’t that good. And what’s this breakout year everyone is talking about Chris Bosh having? The team is 7-9! Not sure if you recall, but last November Bosh had even better numbers than these, then got tired at the end of the month and limped the rest of the way home. If you’re a superstar, CB, then let’s see it. Win some games.

Anyway, that’s my opening rant. I’m probably overreacting, because realistically this is a slightly-better-than .500 team and that’s probably where it’ll end up at the end of the year. Still, last night’s effort in Charlotte was embarrassing. After making an apparent first quarter defensive stand, the Raps let their guard down, allowing the Bobcats — a team that had scored 100-plus three times in 14 games and never more than 104 this season — to score 116 and set franchise-record with a 35-point win. Toronto shot a season-low 34.5% from the field and was out-boarded 49-42.

There isn’t much use going around pointing fingers, since this was just an all-around ugly effort. Jose Calderon had six turnovers, Bosh was held without a field goal until right before halftime, big-time free agent signing Hedo Turkoglu had five points and no rebounds and the bench, aside from Amir Johnson, combined to shoot 4-of-27. Johnson was the only real bright spot, finishing with 13 points, eight boards and three blocks in 23 minutes.

As bad as that was, it may get worse — the Raps are off today but are in Boston to face the Celtics tomorrow. How about this is where you prove you’re a star in this league, CB4?

MC300-MS7 York-Sunbury Historical Society Collection
Description (page 121)

If you are interested in any of these files then please contact the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick.

“The documents in this series were kept by two brothers, William Henry Street and John Ambrose Sherman Street, who were born in Burton, Sunbury County, the sons of Hon. Samuel Deny Street and Abigail Freeman.  They were educated at public schools in Burton and Fredericton.

William Henry Street was born April 11, 1793.  After completing his education, he engaged in the mercantile business in Saint John.  He was twice mayor of Saint John (1835-1836 and 1848-1849) and served in the militia.  In the General Election of 1842, he ran for Saint John City and, after protest, was awarded the seat.  He sat until the dissolution of the House in 1846 when he retired from politics.  W.H. Street was married twice: in 1824 to Mary Bruce, and in 1847 to Sarah Boyd Orr.  He died in Saint John on April 4, 1875.

John Ambrose Sherman Street was born September 22, 1795.  He studied in his father’s law office and was admitted to the New Brunswick Bar on February 22, 1817.  He practiced law at Chatham, Northumberland County, and in 1823 married Jane Isabella Hubbard.  He was elected to the Assembly as a Conservative member for Northumberland County at a by-election in 1833.  He sat in the House almost continuously until his defeat in 1856.  He then moved to Fredericton and unsuccessfully ran for York County in 1861 and 1865.  He was made a member of the Executive Council in 1851, and served as Attorney-General until 1854.  He died in 1865.

The Street Records pertain to the legal and business affairs of the brothers.  The material is catalogued alphabetically according to client’s name.  The types of documents found here include: indentures, deeds, declarations, bonds, assignments, correspondence, and leases.  The material dates from 1812 to 1863.  This series measures 9 centimeters.”

1 Bedell, George A.; Woodstock, 1855-1862.

2 Betts, David and Levi; Newcastle, 1831.

3 Bowman, William, and Daniel Campbell; Liverpool England, 1845.

4 Chisholm, Patrick; Northesk, 1828.

5 Clarke, Alexander; Nelson Parish, 1828-1831.

6 Clarke, Richard Samuel, High Sheriff, for land of William Matchett to Oliver Stringer; James Vye to John, Alexander and James Fraser; Charles McDonald and Ronald Davidson to James McDonald and William Ravinscroft.  Dennis Cochran, Samuel Porter to James D. Berton; William and Elizabeth Murray; and Thomas and Alexandra Wilson; Northumberland County, 1825-1832.

7 Crookshank, Robert W.; Saint John, 1826-1852.

8 Cunard, Henry; Newcastle, 1836.

9 Davidson, Allan, William, John and Phineas; Newcastle Parish, 1824-1847.

10 Hooper, Nehemiah Story; St. Mary’s Parish, 1851-1857.

11 Jardine, Alexander, Robert Jardine and Barnabas Tilton; Saint John City, 1849.

12 Johnson, John M, High Sheriff, for lands of Patrick Flannigan, and Alexander Clarke; Northumberland County, 1841.

13 Kerr, George, of Newcastle, for lands of John Kerr, John Mayes, and Jane Matthew to John Walker; Jeremiah Newman; Alexander Fraser Jr., George McGuigor, and Joseph Saunders; Andrew and James Grant; William Henry Moore; Northumberland County, 1828-1843.

14 Kirk, James; Saint John City, 1847.

15 Matthew, George; Saint John City, 1812-1850.

16 Mersereau, Jacob; Blackville Parish, 1831-1837.

17 Miller, Edward, High Sheriff, and William Grigor for lands of George A. Munro; York County, 1843.

18 Mitchell, Peter and Barbara, and William and Isabella Masson; Newcastle, 1828.

19 Moore, William Henry, and Patrick Keho and Alexander Fraser Jr.; Parish of Chatham, 1824-1826.

20 McDermott, John; Blackville Parish, 1842.

21 McKay, Donald and Zilpah; 1825.

22 McLaggan, Alexander; Blackville, 1850-1862.

23 New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Land Company for lands of George Barrett; Stanley, 1847.

24 Rankin, Alexander, (William Bedell, W.H. Shore, Francis Ferguson, George and John Monroe); Miramichi, 1833-1855.

25 Spencer, John; Ludlow, 1841.

26 Spahn, Justin; 1856.

27 Small, Otis; Saint John, 1845.

28 Street, Louisa Isabella; William Woodbridge Street; Rev. Charles Frederic Street; John Ambrose Street; and George D. Street; Newcastle, 1845.

29 Sutter, Byron, John Connelly, Allan Lyons, and Alexander Davidson; Miramichi, 1839.

30 Walker, John, James Robertson and Mary Green; Saint John, 1840.

31 Worrall, George William; Saint John, 1847.

32 Young, James, Alexander McLean, Alexander McLaggan, and Neil McLean; Nashwaak, 1852.

33 Miscellaneous items; 1847-1863. 

After winning his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup title, its no surprise that Jimmie Johnson’s cards are on fire.

Buscando otras cosas encontré al fondo de las alacenas esta pieza de museo… y casi sin uso!!!

Cada vez me gustan más los teatros de Ópera de Alemania. Allí dado el gran número de representaciones y la variedad de repertorio la Ópera deviene un espectáculo cotidiano. Por nuestros lares hemos de esperar un montón de días para ver algo. Nuestra única conducta a seguir es depositar muchas esperanzas en el futuro que al final un agudo mal dado echa en el traste.

El nivel de la Orquesta y el coro de la Hamburgische Staatsoper sigue sigue siendo espléndido como comprobamos en su visita al Liceu con Gurre-Lieder y Tannhäuser en 1992. A nivel de producciones los resultados son variables pero siempre muy bien ensayados.

Quizás la mayor fluctuación reside a nivel de los cantantes pero se acostumbran a oír voces jóvenes, entusiastas y con futuros prometedores. No olvidemos que es habitual ver en los cartellones a gente como Eva Maria Westbroek, Hans Peter König, Andrej Dunaev, Anja Harteros o Georg Zeppenfeld. Las mismísimas Marilyn Horne o Montserrat Caballé florecieron por aquí.

El primer día asistimos a una representación de Der Freischütz. La puesta en escena de Peter Konwitschny cuenta ya unos cuantos años y es uno de sus grandes logros. A la izquierda del escenario hay un ascensor por donde suben (al mundo puro) o bajan (a los infiernos) los personajes según idiosincrasia. Uno de los mejores logros es la escena de la garganta que el director convierte en una parodia de los filmes de terror y supersticiones.

En el reparto figuraba la soprano de la Isla Mauricio Danielle Halbwachs. Su voz es hermosa y cristalina acompañada de un canto de elegancia mozartiana. En el rol de Max nos reencontramos con el admirado Torsten Kerl que estuvo a gran altura a pesar de algún pequeño traspiés en la emisión.

Un viejo conocido de Barcelona, James Johnson (Amfortas, Jokanaan, etc.), nos presentaba un Kaspar veterano pero de certera intención. El rol de Ännchen fue cantado por la joven Trine W Lund de forma más que notable. El Coro y la Orquesta funcionaron de forma espléndida con una envidiable precisión y musicalidad en los solistas. Nuestro Lawrence Foster realizó una lectura excelente de la partitura. ¡Que maravilla de obra!

El segundo espectáculo visionado fue Un Ballo in Maschera. La producción firmada por Alexander Schulin estaba constituida por unos paneles móviles que se situaban en cada cuadro para reproducir el marco deseado con austero movimiento actoral. A mí personalmente me aburrió un poco pero creo que es de aquellas producciones que el público tradicional etiqueta con el “no molesta”.

Massimiliano Pisapia posee el fraseo adecuado para el rol de Riccardo pero su registro grave es insuficiente y poco atractivo. La brillantez del agudo y la innegable italianidad compensan estas carencias. A su lado la soprano Angela Brown demuestra tener una voz de auténtica spinto verdiana con facilidad en el agudo y unos filados de sonido a lo Price. Para situarnos, mejor que las dos Amelias del amigo Bieito.

El mejor fue sin duda George Petean (1975) al que ya conocíamos en el Liceu de Les Italiens à Paris y un Rodrigue. Se podría argumentar que el color de la voz es algo atenorado pero las notas graves están todas ahí. El fraseo es verdiano, la musicalidad intachable y la dicción inteligible e intencionada. Su Eri tu fue seguido de una gran ovación. Él (vuelve al Liceu en 2012) y Zeliko Lučić son los mejores barítonos verdianos que he oído en los últimos años.

Susan Resmark hizo una Ulrica bien matizada a la que agradeceríamos un ligero aumento en la proyección y Katerina Tretiakova cantó un Oscar correcto con algún pequeño desliz en la afinación.

La dirección orquestal de Karen Kamensek obtuvo un buen rendimiento pero su lectura fue más marcial que emotiva.

El último día asistimos a la nueva producción de Siegfried realizada por Claus Guth en la que podemos encontrar aciertos y despropósitos. Un primer acto cargados de efectos hilarantes sobre todo en lo referido a Mime con un Siegfried que visualmente se parece más a “Papá se va de camping” que a un héroe de leyenda. El segundo acto nos lleva a una sala interior de un zoo donde detrás de un inmenso cristal roto apreciamos el bosque. En el último acto vemos a la sabia Erda como regidora de una inmensa biblioteca, para pasar al despertar de Brünhilde en un lavabo de mala muerte.

Vídeo de StaatsoperHamburg.

Christian Franz, como todo Heldentenor, tiene variedad de rendimiento según su estado de salud. Afortunadamente en esta función la voz estuvo siempre bien colocada y demostró a lo largo de toda la representación una entrega incuestionable que le valió una enorme ovación.

Gran sorpresa con la Brünhilde de Catherine Foster (1975). Voz grande, sabe matizar y agudo espectacular. También obtuvo un gran éxito. Sin duda otro cantante a seguir. Excelente, como siempre, el Wanderer de Falk Struckmann. Muy bien actuado y cantado el Mime de Peter Galliard.

Mención especial para el Alberich (el mejor que he visto) de Wolfgang Koch. Este barítono que cantará el Jokanaan en el Real en Abril 2010 no para de recibir elogios: Intermezzo lo calificó como el mejor Telramund del momento en Múnich junto a Jonas Kaumann.

El rendimiento de la Orquesta fue en esta ocasión fantástico a manos de Simone Young codirectora de las Óperas de Lisboa y Hamburgo.

En resumen un viaje de bajas temperaturas pero agitadas y cálidas emociones operísticas.

Dandini

If you look hard in San Jose, really really hard, behind Dany Heatley, Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Dan Boyle and even Rob Blake, you’ll come across rookie Jason Demers. San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McLellan gave him a chance and boy has the kid run with it. The Dorval, QC. native has a share of the lead in rookie assists with 12 and has 13 points in just 25 games this season. (NHL)

There’s something about a headline that has ‘feel shame’ in it while referring to penalties and the focus of the article is Jared Cowen, of, you guessed it, the Chiefs. Okay, it’s Spokane, but still. (Slam! Sports)

For those that still believe in the power of the mullet, former NHL head coach and TSN analyst Barry Melrose believes the newly departed Nikita Filatov came to the NHL too early. Hard to argue when he has three goals and five points in two games with CSKA Moscow of the KHL. (Russian Hockey Fans)

Not everyone can make an immediate jump to the NHL. For those that can’t, they’re tearing it up in their first year in the American Hockey League. Among them are the likes of Buffalo Sabres prospect Tyler Ennis, Toronto Maple Leafs property and son of a former Charlestown Chief Christian Hanson and a pair of Russians in Sergei Shirokov and Andrei Loktionov. Shout outs to Dustin Tokarski, Zach Boychuk and Logan Couture, all Team Canada WJC alum, as well as Mikael Backlund, who gave Canada fits in last year’s final. (AHL)

Hartford Wolf Pack goaltender Chad ‘Don’t Call Me Ochocinco’ Johnson is expanding his horizons, which originally included Alaska and the mountainous Saskatoon. Good for him. Good for him. (NHL)

Forrest Griffin defeats Tito Ortiz via split decision
Josh Koscheck defeats Anthony Johnson via submission (Rear Naked Choke)
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira defeats Luis Cane via TKO (Strikes)
Amir Sadollah defeats Phil Baroni via unanimous decision
Paulo Thiago defeats Jacob Volkmann via unanimous decision
Ben Saunders defeats Marcus Davis via knockout (knees)
Kendall Grove defeats Jake Rosholt via submission (triangle choke)
Brian Foster defeats Brock Larson via technical knockout (strikes)
Fabricio Camoes vs. Caol Uno declared a majority draw
George Sotiropoulos defeats Jason Dent via submission (armbar)

Tito Ortiz had this to say about the his fight with Forrest Griffin.

“I thought I won the fight. I thought I pulled it off two rounds to one. You know, that third round, I’m very thankful to Dr. William Smith here in Las Vegas for doing the surgery that he did, otherwise I would not have been able to step in against a guy who is ranked fifth in the world. I came in and thought I won the fight. [I didn't reveal my injuries prior because] You gotta sell the fight, right? I had disc C-7 or C-6 pressing on my spinal cord. I was in traction for awhile. Beyond that I came in and put up a fight. I put my heart and soul inside that cage every time I fight. I thought I won the fight. I thought I won. I thought I won…. I thought I won the first round and I thought I won the second round. You see the damage on his face? I got him good. In the third round I was gassed, but after taking 18 months off, I want to see another fighter come in here [and undergoing back surgery] and do what I just did. I gave my heart and soul, man. I entertained the fans. And for me not getting “Fight of the Night,” I’m taken back by it, but it is what it is. I thought I won. The judge called it 30-27, I mean what the fuck, are you blind or something? But hey, it is what it is, I’ll be back. I feel good. I’m sorry I let my fans down. I thought I won…. I’m pissed.”

Anthony Johnson weighs in on Josh Koscheck and his eye poke claim after Johnson’s knee to a downed Koscheck.

“I didn’t hit him in the head, I hit him in the arm. I don’t know why he would act like [that], I guess he was gassing. That’s the only thing I can think of, [him] trying to find some kind of excuse to complain. I know I didn’t hit him in the head. I thought I timed it perfect but I didn’t and that’s my fault. After him poking me in the eye it made a big difference. Then he did it twice and got both eyes the second time because when he swings, he jabs with his open hand and the right didn’t even hit me, it was just the open palm strike and my eyes, my eyes are burning like hell right now. After I hurt him, he needed that, he needed some kind of excuse to recover, but it’s all good.”

Whether you call him “Otis,” “O,” “Noogie,” “Noog-Man,” “Noogie Oogie Oogie,” or “Otizmo Von Noogenhizeimerman” … we choose to simply call him “Good Boy.” We’re THRILLED to have this spunky 3 Year old as a valued member of the Johnson clan. Go Otis!

(Sorry for the poor quality of the pics. He was being playful. But he IS a handsome young gentleman — as opposed to the creepy old man in the second picture with him.)

- - – – – – – – – - - – – – – – – – – - - – – – – – – – – - - – – – -

Whether you choose to call him “Otis,” “O,” “Noogie,” “Noog-Man,” “Noogie Oogie Oogie,” or “Otizmo” … we choose to simply call him “Good Boy.” We’re THRILLED to have this spunky 3 Year old as a valued member of the Johnson clan. Go Otis!

(Sorry for the poor quality of the pics. He was being playful. But he IS a handsome young gentleman — as opposed to the creepy old man in the second picture with him.)

         This inaugural address, at first, describes the current situation of the fractured Union. The Civil War was being won, but there was still blood spilled. A year ago, Lincoln had told the people who the cause of the war was for “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” in his Gettysburg Address. Now, General Sherman was on his infamous March to the Sea, the Mississippi was in Union hands, splitting the South, and General Grant was coming closer to destroying the Army of Northern Virginia at Petersburg. Nevertheless, the counts of dead were steadily increasing. With Lincoln’s election, the North expected revenge on the South for their dead sons and brothers. The President knew that there must be no hatred between former enemies for a lasting peace, and he told the Americans at the end of his Second Inaugural Address, “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right,…” Lincoln’s noble vision of the future would be to welcome the South into the Union, not to forcibly enforce anti-slavery laws.

      Nevertheless, this was not to be. After Lincoln’s assassination, Democratic President Johnson and the Republican Congress opposed each other on every issue. Johnson vetoed every Reconstruction bill in Lincoln’s view. Congress, for payback, overrode other bills that placed increasing restrictions on the South. The result of this “party war” between Congress and the President was Congress’s near-victory at Johnson’s impeachment trial; the major casualty, on the other hand, was the South. Under military rule, their way of life and economy ruined, and their cities destroyed, without government aid, the South would suffer for the next one hundred years.

      Lincoln’s vision may not have applied for the Civil War, but future American presidents would use his ideals. President Wilson based his Fourteen Points at the negotiation for the Treaty of Versailles after World War I on Lincoln’s idea of making friends with the fallen enemy. However, the tremendous loss of life, as well as demagogic politicians, thwarted the Fourteen Points and resulted in World War II. President Truman would uphold Lincoln’s ideals in negotiations during the end of World War II, causing a bond of friendship between Japan, America, and Germany that has lasted until the present day. Despite the ideals presented in Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address never being used for the issue he addressed, they did shape the world as we see it today.

By Joe, www.Bettingexpert.com

Liverpool will want the ball and they will anything just to get it on Tuesday.

The penultimate round of the Champions League group stage will see Liverpool travel to Budapest to face Hungarian champion, Debreceni. The venue is set to be played in the Stadium Puskas Ferenc, Budapest as Debreceni opt to play their Champions League in the biggest stadium in Hungary. Debreceni’s hope of qualifying for the next round and even for the UEFA Europa League have dashed but Liverpool’s chance for the last 16 is on thin ice.

The home side has struggled in their debut year in the Champions League. They are currently sitting firmly at the bottom of Group E with zero points. They have lost all their matches so far and they will be looking to register their first points in the next two matches. The Hungarian champion has let in on an average of 4 goals when hosting a European team, they are hoping that they will be able to improve their defensive record and tighten up the back 4. With only pride to play for, Debreceni will still make Liverpool work for their points.

If Liverpool wants to stay in this competition then they need win against Debreceni while Lyon doing them a favor against Fiorentina. Rafa Benitez has guided Liverpool into the last 16 in five occasions but this is the first time the Merseyside team’s fate is not in their hands. The Spaniard will need all the firepower he can get from his key players like Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson. Both Johnson and Torres were not fit in the weekend 2-2 draw against Manchester City. Liverpool travels to Hungary in hope to escape early elimination with one ear on the score from Florence while playing to win in Budapest. Torres has not traveled with Liverpool to Budapest.

Liverpool are favorites against Debreceni as it is a must win match for them. They could end up playing in the Europa League next year or Champions League and we all know Liverpool would choose the prestige tournament, Champions League, as they are five times winners. Dirk Kuyt scored the only goal in the first ever meeting between Liverpool and Debreceni in Match day 1. The Dutchman will have to find his shooting boots out again if Liverpool stands a chance to qualify.

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Those who follow this blog may notice that we have taken a keen interest in the issue of employer-mandated arbitration as a condition of employment.  It is a practice that has been increasingly widespread amongst large employers in recent years, and the effect may be that employees will have a harder time vindicating their statutory rights in the court system.

Earlier this year, on April 29, 2009, Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) proposed the Arbitration Fairness Act of 2009 (S. 931).  The key phrase in this bill that pertains to employee rights is found in section 402(a), which reads:  “Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, no predispute arbitration agreement shall be valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of an employment…dispute.”

A similar bill (H.R. 1020) was proposed on March 16, 2009, in the House of Representatives by Representative Henry Johnson (D-GA).  While the text is not precisely the same, this House bill similarly prohibits predispute arbitration agreements in the employment context, and goes even further to prohibit arbitration agreements in cases where the dispute arises from a statute intended to protect civil rights.

This legislation is an important step in the right direction in protecting employees’ right to bring their grievances before a judge or jury in a court of law.  Senator Feingold, Representative Johnson, and the bills’ co-sponsors recognize that arbitration agreements were always intended to be a bargain between two parties with equal bargaining power, rather than a unilateral imposition on an employee who has no choice in the matter but to accept or quit her job.  Senator Feingold’s statements on the floor of the Senate at the bill’s introduction can be found here.

For those who are interested in informing themselves about the issues involved and the arguments to be made on this legislation, Cornell University ILR School hosted a web seminar on November 5, 2009, that is available to any who wish to watch.  The registration page for this seminar can be found here.

(PRVegas.com) UFC 106 will be available live on pay-per-view on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, BellTV, Shaw Communications and Viewer’s Choice Canada and live at the Mandalay Bay – Events Center on Sat, Nov 21 2009 at 7:00 PM.

Ortiz-Griffin 2 moves up the card to replace Brock Lesnar’s UFC heavyweight title defense against Shane Carwin, which was postponed until early 2010 due to an illness Lesnar suffered which has kept him out of training camp for nearly a month.

Taking over the main event slot are UFC superstars Ortiz and Griffin. For Ortiz, the bout is an opportunity to make an immediate impact in the 205-pound weight class after an 18 month absence by defeating a fellow former light heavyweight champion. Across the Octagon is Griffin, a fighter looking for redemption against Ortiz after losing a razor thin split decision to “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim on April 15, 2006.

In that bout, Ortiz tore into Griffin at the opening bell, almost finishing the fight with his trademark ground and pound attack. Amazingly, Griffin survived the assault and roared back over the next two rounds, teaming with Ortiz for an instant classic. After 15 minutes, the judges declared Ortiz the winner, but the back and forth nature of the bout made it a natural for a rematch.

In the newly-added co-feature to UFC 106: Ortiz vs Griffin 2, welterweight contenders collide as Josh Koscheck meets Anthony “Rumble” Johnson in one of the most intriguing 170-pound matchups of 2009.

“Koscheck vs. Johnson is a great fight and I give credit to both guys for stepping up and making a fight like this happen,” said White. “The amazing thing about this fight is that both Koscheck and Johnson are world-class wrestlers, but they can also knock you out with one punch. I don’t know where this fight’s gonna go, but wherever it goes, it’s going to be one to remember.”

Winner of the 2001 NCAA Division I National wrestling championship, Josh Koscheck entered MMA strictly as a wrestler, but as he battled his way through the first season of The Ultimate Fighter and up the welterweight ranks, he has evolved into a well-rounded contender with dynamite in his right hand. Owner of UFC wins over the likes of Diego Sanchez, Dustin Hazelett, Chris Lytle, Yoshiyuki Yoshida, and Frank Trigg, Koscheck is well on his way to a world title shot should he get by Anthony Johnson on November 21st.

A junior college National wrestling champion, Anthony Johnson has nonetheless built his reputation in the UFC with his devastating knockout power. Winner of five of his seven Octagon bouts, San Jose’s “Rumble” has ended each of those victories (over Chad Reiner, Tommy Speer, Kevin Burns, Luigi Fioravanti, and Yoshiyuki Yoshida) by way of knockout, making him one of the most feared athletes in the 170-pound weight class.

The hottest ticket in town!!! ‘The Spirit Of London Awards’

With college basketball officially underway, why not a little of the best of Gus Johnson to get us in the mood?  Oh yeah, and everyone should be pumped that he is one of the announcers in NCAA Basketball 10.

­Way back in March I wrote a post that tried to predict England’s World Cup squad for next summer’s tournament in South Africa. In it around 50 or so players were analysed; everyone from certainties like Wayne Rooney to certainly nots like Curtis Davies. With the friendly against Brazil fresh in the mind and only one more international break before the end of the season, there isn’t much time for players to impress if they haven’t already. As before let’s work our way through who’s on the plane through to who won’t be going at all. .

Key men (if England are to reach their usual quarter final):

First name in the squad is the captain John Terry simply as he’s captain. I personally think he gets found against the very best strikers but there’s no chance of him not going. He’s swiftly followed by Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. Rio Ferdinand goes as long as he’s fit, though it’s a concern if he doesn’t make it simply as playing style wise he’s harder to replace than Terry – England don’t have a lot of ball playing centre backs but do have a lot of one paced ones.

Gareth Barry is defensive midfielder of choice though may be usurped by a fit again Owen Hargreaves. They’ll both be on the plane however. Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson are the first choice full backs and are far ahead of their immediate competition. 

Thinking...

On the plane (extra leg room provided):

David Beckham has sorted another loan spell at AC Milan and I’m positive he’ll be going to his 4^th World Cup. He’s very much a bench player these days but still offers great set piece ability as well as experience. Emile Heskey has not been in great form and is no longer in Aston Villa’s starting XI but that said he will still be on the plane. He won’t score but he makes Rooney et al play better so for that reason is picked.

David James is first choice keeper, and despite his age should be able to handle that number of games in a month. Theo Walcott has had a succession of injuries but has done enough in the games he’s played to go as a wide man who can play up front. His pace is a big asset, plus he strikes me as someone who does what he’s told hence Capello likes him.

Matthew Upson and Jermaine Defoe should go as first back-up centre back and striker respectively. Neither are going to win you a World Cup final but they’re the best reserves in their position. Defoe just needs to watch his petulance slightly as there’s no point having a player who is going to miss games after needless red cards..

Looking for their passport (they are going out of Europe after all):

Joe Cole should be a little worried, just as he hasn’t found a way into the Chelsea team after injury, but at the same time he offers dribbling ability and creativity that not many can match. I was quite down on James Milner in my last prediction but did say he had a shot of making it. He seems to be impressing Capello right now and can play in a few positions. I do wonder whether he ultimately misses out due to the competition on the right side, though he has been playing down the left for England so you never know.

Aaron Lennon will be there or thereabouts, possibly in a straight battle with Milner for a spot. Rob Green looks like he’s firmly established as England’s number two while Wes Brown’s versatility of being a right back and centre back should mean he finds his way into the squad. 

Still thinking...

On the fringes (which bits are chopped?):

Wayne Bridge is doing his best to play his way out of the squad. You could argue about whether you really need to take a reserve left back, especially when the likes of Gareth Barry could play there if needed. Barring injury, the first choice defence are going to play every game so specialist reserve left back may be an area to gamble on not taking.

Of the other alternatives Capello has picked during his tenure, Leighton Baines and Steven Warnock don’t strike me as being quite good enough. If Joleon Lescott goes he provides left back cover too but he is quite shaky defensively so I don’t think he does. There is dearth of centre backs though. What price Kieran Gibbs continuing his rapid progress and staking a claim? Of all those players, he’ll be the only one playing Champions League football but a lot depends on whether he can keep Gael Clichy out of the Arsenal side once the Frenchman returns from injury. He appears to have just injured himself too.

I reckon Michael Carrick probably only goes if Barry or Hargreaves are injured and even then he’s shown countless times for Man Utd that he’s not a big game player. Gabriel Agbonlahor offers pace and will find himself with Peter Crouch, Carlton Cole and Darren Bent in the queue for the 4^th striker spot.

Capello has only ever picked seven strikers so it would be a surprise to see him take five of them, not least when Walcott can play up front. Of the four I would say that the Sunderland man had his chance against Brazil and didn’t take it. I think Agbonlahor doesn’t give enough variety when compare to the others – with a 4^th striker you want someone who offers something unique.

In that regard I’d say it will be a close run thing between Crouch and Cole.The former has a good international record (against crap teams at least) and is very tall (though not that good in the air) while the latter is a more complete striker who has pace, power and can play the target man role too. It’s a tough choice to be honest and I think Cole may need to break his international duck in the next round of fixtures if he’s to pip Crouch.

Ashley Young may find himself as number 24 on the list of players though personally I would find a space for him. It does seem like Capello isn’t quite sure of him yet. There aren’t too many options down the left but it does seem like either him or Milner would go but not both.

Still not quite sure...

Too late to make it? (need good form and injuries to others):

Stewart Downing has upgraded clubs but has six months to shine at Aston Villa following serious injury. The same probably goes for Phil Jagielka at Everton. Tom Huddlestone got his first call up against Brazil and while he’s decent player, he’s not yet international standard. Jimmy Bullard? Unlikely but you never know. I see him being a good pundit though. Scott Parker has a very outside chance of being one of the back-up central midfielders; he’s certainly no worse than Carrick in my opinion.

Ben Foster? Joe Hart? Chris Kirkland? Take your pick for the third goalkeeping spot. I doubt it will be the latter though.Of other players we mentioned last time Jack Wilshere isn’t yet getting regular games at Arsenal while Jonathan Woodgate is permanently injured. Dean Ashton has essentially retired.

However Gary Cahill has played well enough at Bolton to come on to the radar as 4^th centre back and has a chance of going if Capello takes eight defenders. Everton’s Jack Rodwell could be a dark horse but I think it is one tournament too soon for him. The same goes for some of the West Ham youngsters like Mark Noble and Jack Collison.

Now thinking "Why are they so useless?"

 .

Providing ITV analysis (or BBC if they’re good):

I had Shaun Wright-Phillips as going six months ago but now I think he misses out as you have Lennon, Walcott and Beckham providing all you need down the right (dribbling/goals/crossing). SWP can do all three but not as well and his poor performance against Brazil has sealed a seat next to Papa Wrighty on the studio sofa.

Jermaine Jenas is another who isn’t particularly defensive or attacking. World Cup squad players need be specialists once you get beyond the first team, there’s no room for these jack of all trades types who provide little. Michael Owen has yet to be picked by Capello and barring injuries to four of the seven strikers we mentioned will not be going to South Africa.

Micah Richards needs to get back in the Man City team before he can think about England – it’s all gone a bit pear shaped for him hasn’t it? He hasn’t been picked in a year; Capello just doesn’t like his terrible positional play. Scott Carson had a shot at being third choice keeper but he won’t be going and neither will Paul Robinson, who you could roll the ball to very slowly from 30 yards and he’d still find a way to let it in.

Sadly, Ledley King can barely handle three games in a month, let alone seven. He would 100% go if he could. David Bentley, Kevin Davies, Anton Ferdinand, Gary Neville – no, no, no and no.

The closest Owen has ever and will ever get to being in Capello's plans.

 .

Possible squad:

James, Green, Foster.

Terry, Ferdinand, A. Cole, Johnson, Upson, Brown, Lescott. 

Gerrard, Lampard, Barry, Hargreaves, Milner, Beckham, Lennon, J. Cole.

Rooney, Heskey, Defoe, C. Cole, Walcott.

.

The three keepers speak for themselves as do the first four defenders. Versatility is the name of the game so to complement Upson you have two centre backs in Brown and Lescott that can cover the two full back slots.

In midfield you have the three main men plus a fit again Hargreaves. Beckham goes for his experience while Lennon and Joe Cole provide the skill and trickery on either wing from the bench.Milner offers the most versatility of the remaining midfield options so gets the eighth spot.

Up front Rooney is a given, as is Heskey due to their partnership. Defoe is the main back up and I think Carlton Cole will play his way into the squad, pipping Peter Crouch whose record of scoring against bad teams is of no use when you only have good teams in the World Cup. Theo Walcott rounds off the squad as a foward player who can play right wing or as striker.

At most risk is Lescott I’d say and possibly Milner too. You may want more cover in central midfield and down the left so perhaps Carrick and Bridge or Gibbs (who could also play left wing) end up going instead.

T.

Former Pro Bowl running back and former Kansas City Chiefs player, Larry Johnson signed today with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Johnson was waived by the Chiefs last week and was suspended for his comments about his head coach Todd Haley via Twitter, signed with the top team in the AFC North.  LJ will most likely be an insurance policy as Cedric Benson came out of  Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a hip injury.

I’ll be the first to say I told ya so, but I for one seen this move coming before the injury to the Bengals feature back.  Look, Benson has had a great season, but the Bengals have been using Benson without any type of back up player to shoulder a little bit of the load.  LJ is another big back that can handle a boat load of carries if need be, and especially if Benson is not 100%, LJ can fill in for a week.

LJ has not been a productive back in the last few years at Kansas City, after two 1700 yard seasons, however with the change of scenery, and back on a contender, watch out for a revived season for LJ.  The Bengals will get the most out of LJ for the remainder of the 2009-2010 season, and LJ may even learn a thing or two about Twitter from Ocho Cinco.

Great pick up, and yes, yes I did call this one.