Fraud In Other Movies

Stop by your local video store, grab a bucket of popcorn and study these films about fraud and fraud deterrence. Get the books at your local library or bookseller to discover even more details about the fraudsters and investigators.

Movies – New Listings Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room The Prime Gig The Inspector General Scroll down for the movie and book summaries, and more alphabetical listings

1. Catch Me If You Can (Film released 2002, VHS 2003, DVD 2003)Based on the bestselling book, this is the autobiographical story of Frank Abagnale Jr. Pursued by the FBI, Abagnale spent four years of his life impersonating an airline pilot, doctor, and attorney – all before he was 21. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Martin Sheen, Christopher Walken, James Brolin, and Jennifer Garner. Frank W. Abagnale Jr. appears in the movie as a French policeman. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Studio: Dreamworks Book: New York Times bestseller. “Catch Me If You Can: The Amazing Story of the Youngest and Most Daring Con Man in the History of Fun and Profit” by Frank W. Abagnale. Hardback, 1980. Hardback, publisher Mainstream, 2001. Paperback, publisher Broadway, 2000. Audio cassette, Audio CD, and e-book also available. 2. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (Film April 2005, DVD January 2006)) An excellent documentary about the fraudulent, fast growth of Houston-based Enron Corporation into the seventh largest US company and its rapid destruction. It was worshiped by investors and feared by rivals. The leaders were lauded as visionaries. Major banks, brokerage firms, politicians, and auditors at Arthur Anderson were caught up in the frenzy. It seems like an entertaining fairytale, but it changes into a catastrophic shocker as more facts are revealed. The movie includes videos from the energy company’s meetings and television coverage, arrogant phone conversations, internal memos, and document shredding. Oddly-named schemes like “Mark-to-Market,” “Raptor,” “Death Star Transactions,” “Ricochet Purchasing,” “Get Shorty,” and “Rolling Blackouts” are explained. The movie shows how greedy executives like Kenneth Lay, Jeff Skilling, Andrew Fastow, and Lou Pai were involved in the schemes. The executives reaped millions of dollars in compensation and left the employees,  pensions , and the State of California in a financial crisis. Obviously, Enron did not follow one of its own mottos – “Ask Why.” The film includes interviews with whistleblower Sherron Watkins and the authors of the book. Directed by Alex Gibney Studio: HDNet Films/Magnolia Pictures The movie is based on the best-selling book “The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron.” It was written by Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind, senior writers for Fortune magazine. McLean also wrote “Is Enron Overpriced?” for the March 2001 issue. Hardcover, 2003, Penguin Group (USA). Paperback, 2004, Portfolio.

3. The Prime Gig(Film 2000, VHS 2002, DVD 2002) Pendleton “Penny” Wise is a gifted telemarketer who can sell almost anything over the phone. He works for a small-time operator who goes bust and doesn’t pay Penny his sales commissions. Broke and out of a job, Penny is approached by Caitlin Carlson, who is recruiting telephone salesmen for Kelly Grant. Grant is a legend in the telemarketing industry, but not always for positive reasons; one of his previous operations landed him in jail, and Penny isn’t sure if Grant’s latest scheme — selling shares in a gold mine — is on the level. Greed, distrust, and betrayal are at the core of this drama of high-pressure boiler room operations. Starring Vince Vaughn, Julia Ormond, Ed Harris,  George Wendt, and Wallace Shawn. Directed by Gregory Mosher. Studio: New Line Home Video

4. The Inspector General(Film released 1949, VHS 2004, DVD 2004) An illiterate stooge is fired from a traveling gypsy medicine show. He wanders into a Russian village begging for food and is picked up on a vagrancy charge. The villagers and corrupt officials mistake him for the inspector general, they think is traveling in disguise. Fearing he will discover they’ve been pocketing tax money, they make several bungled attempts to bribe and kill him. He falls in love with the only honest person in the village. This is a hilarious view of loyalty, deception, mistaken identity, and friendship. The film was also released under the title “Happy Times.” It is included in several boxed sets of comedy classics. Starring Danny Kaye, Walter Slezak, Barbara Bates, Elsa Lanchester, Alan Hale, Alan Hale Jr., Gene Lockhart, and John Carradine. Music by Johnny Mercer and Sylvia Fine Directed by Henry Koster. Studio: Warner Brothers   The film was based on the Russian masterpiece “The Government Inspector” by Nikolai Gogol (1809 – 1852). When the satirical play was first performed in 1836, Gogol was driven into exile. Student edition, paperback, 2003, Methuen Publishing. The Government Inspector has been translated 17 times by other publishers. A new paperback will be available in April 2006.

Movies – Alphabetical Boiler Room Catch Me If You Can Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Eight Men Out The Emperor’s New Clothes Fargo The Flim-Flam Man The Freshman The Grifters Matchstick Men The Music Man Quiz Show The Scam (Afera) Shattered Glass Six Degrees of Separation The Sting The Sting II Traveller Waking Ned Devine The Yards Scroll down for the movie and book summaries.

5. Boiler Room (Film released 2001, VHS 2002, DVD 2002) In this morality tale, a college dropout abandons his illicit casino to please his father who is a judge. He joins a low-end stock brokerage firm which turns out to be a bigger scam. High-pressure salesmanship is used to bilk families out of their life savings. Starring Ben Affleck, Giovanni Ribisi, Nia Long and Vin Diesel. Directed by Ben Younger. Studio: New Line Studios

6. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Film released 1988, VHS 2002, DVD 2003) Two international con artists cross paths as they ply their trade on gullible wealthy women up and down the Riviera. Freddy Benson (Steve Martin) is a loud crass American. His competitor, Laurence Jameson (Michael Caine), is a suave European. The two are forced into a rivalry which results in a wager to see who can be the first to bilk an American heiress out of $50,000. The winner gets to stay in the area to continue his schemes and the loser has to leave. Is there honor among thieves? Starring Steve Martin, Michael Caine, and Glenne Headly. Directed by Frank Oz Studio: MGM/United Artists This hilarious comedy is a remake of the film farce “Bedtime Story” starring Marlon Brando, David Niven, and Shirley Jones  (Film released 1963, VHS 1994). A musical adaptation of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” premiered in 2004 at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego. It moved to Broadway in March 2005 and stars John Lithgow, Norbert Leo Butz, and Joanna Gleason.

7. The Emperor’s New Clothes (Film 1987, VHS 1993) A funny satirical tale by Hans Christian Anderson about vanity, incompetence, corruption, and lies. It interweaves schemes by the Emperor’s court and tailors to deceive him. Two swindlers persuade the emperor that their magical cloth can’t be seen by any person who is foolish or incompetent. Only one young lad dares to tell him the truth. Starring Sid Caesar, Clive Revill, and Robert Morse. Original music by Sid Caesar. Directed by David Irving. Studio: MGM/United Artists   8. Eight Men Out (Film released 1988, VHS 1999, DVD 2001) Based on the 1977 book, “Eight Men Out: The Black Sox and the 1919 World Series” by Eliot Asinof. A historical portrayal of bickering baseball team owners, famous crooks, lowlife gangsters, and the low-paid baseball players of the Chicago White Sox. It details the conspiracies, payoffs, scandals and trial of the team that won the pennant and intentionally lost the World Series. Starring D. B. Sweeney, John Mahoney, Charlie Sheen, John Cusack, Studs Terkel, and Christopher Lloyd Directed by John Sayles. Studio: MGM/United Artists Book: “Eight Men Out: The Black Sox and the 1919 World Series” by Eliot Asinof. Hardcover, publisher Henry Holt, 1977. Paperback, publisher Henry Holt, 2000. Audio download also available.

9. Fargo Film release 1996, VHS 2003, DVD 2003) A dark, funny thriller about a rural  Minnesota car salesman who scams General Motors and he’s about to get caught. In desperation, he orchestrates the kidnapping of his own wife for ransom and things go horribly awry. A very pregnant sheriff runs across the scheme while trying to solve multiple murders in the middle of a snowy winter. Starring Frances McDormand (who won the Academy Award with this performance), William H. Macy, Harve Presnell, Jose Feliciano, and Steve Buscemi. Directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen Studio: MGM/UA Video Awards: Academy Award for Best Screenplay

10. The Flim-Flam Man (Film released 1967, VHS 1997) A comedy-drama about Mordecai Jones with his quicksilver tongue, the hands of a grifter, and a heart full of pure larceny. It follows the scams of Jones and his apprentice Curley Treadaway on their train-hopping travels in North Carolina. Starring George C. Scott, Harry Morgan, Jack Albertson, Alice Ghostley, and Slim Pickens Directed by Irvin Kershner Studio: 20th Century Fox   Book: “Ballad of the Flim-Flam Man” by Guy Owen. Hardcover, publisher AMS Press, 1965. Paperback, publisher Coastal Carolina Press, 2000.

11. The Freshman (Film released 1990, VHS 1991, DVD 1998 and 2002) Carmine Sabatini is a powerful New York importer, who bears a funny resemblance to Don Corleone in “The Godfather.” Clark Kellogg is a naive film student who is short on cash and accepts a job working for Sabatini. His misadventures involve lost luggage, the boss’s beautiful daughter, contraband, and an organized crime family. As if he is trapped in a comic nightmare, Clark finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into an ingenious scam involving an endangered Komodo Dragon and an illegal gourmet club.  When the FBI asks Clark to snitch on his colorful employer, he discovers a strange loyalty to this wry and wise fatherly figure. Starring Matthew Broderick, Marlon Brando, Bruno Kirby, Penelope Anne Miller, and Bert Parks. Directed by Andrew Bergman. Studio: Columbia Tristar

12. The Grifters (Film released 1991, VHS 2002, DVD 2002) Based on the novel by Jim Thompson. The story of a mother, her son, and his girlfriend who are con artists caught in a world of ropers, suckers, grifters, and squares at the race tracks, bars, and the streets in between. Starring John Cusack, Anjelica Huston, Annette Benning, Sandy Baron, Pat Hingle, Jeremy Piven, J. T. Walsh, and Martin Scorsese Directed by Stephen Frears Studio: Miramax   Book: “The Grifters” by Jim Thompson. Paperback, publisher Vintage, 1990. Audio cassette also available.

13. Matchstick Men (Film released 2003, VHS 2004, DVD 2004) There is no honor among thieves – or is there? This is a dramatic comedy that centers on Roy, a divorcee whose career as a master con artist or matchstick man is complicated by his ongoing struggle with obsessive compulsive disorder with various quirks and rituals and his distrust of banks. He and his partner swindle elderly people out of money by posing as telephone marketers who promise trucks, package vacations, and other fabulous prizes which they never get. For a quick buck, they follow up with schemes using money couriers, overhyped water filteration systems, rescams and mutilated lottery tickets. His wily partner Frank has criminal ambitions that are greater than Roy suspects. They are on the verge of a lucrative swindle involving money laundering and a Jamaican switch when a punky 14-year-old girl arrives claiming to be the daughter Roy has never known. It turns out that she has a knack for dad’s profession. Starring Nicholas Cage, Sam Rockwell, and Alison Lohman, and Bruce Altman. Directed by Ridley Scott Studio: Warner Home Video   Book: “Matchstick Men” by Eric Garcia. Hardback, 2002, Random House. Audio book, 2003, read by Stanley Tucci, HarperCollins Publishers.

14. The Music Man (Film released 1962, VHS 1998 and 2000, DVD 1999 and 2004) This musical is based on Meredith Wilson’s 1957 Broadway hit. A fast-talking traveling salesman, Professor Harold Hill, goes from town to town selling citizens on starting a boys band. He extracts money from them to order instruments and uniforms, with the promise that he will reduce crime and teach the kids to be musicians. After collecting his bankroll, he usually skips town. Marian the librarian in River City considers him a fraud when he promotes The Think System of learning music. This is a masterpiece of con games, romance, and fun. Starring Robert Preston, Shirley Jones, Buddy Hackett, Paul Ford, Hermione Gingold, Pert Kelton, Mary Wickes, and Ron Howard. Directed by Morton Da Costa. Studio: Warner Home Video Awards: Academy Award for best adapted screenplay. Golden Globe Award for Best Picture – Musical.

15. Quiz Show (Film released 1994, VHS 1998, DVD 1999) An entertaining thriller based on true stories of the 1950s game show scandals, when TV shows were rigged to attract higher ratings and lucrative sponsorships. The story focuses on the Congressional investigation of the quiz show “Twenty-One.” Popular contestant Charles Van Doren agrees to win by using answers supplied by the show’s producers. They even coached him on his facial expressions, so that he appeared to be struggling with difficult questions. The reigning champion Herb Stempel is unfairly beaten and blows the whistle on the scam to deceive the players and the TV viewers. Starring John Turturro, Ralph Feines, Rob Morrow, Paul Scofield, Hank Azaria, Mira Sorvino, Martin Scorsese, Calista Flockhart, Ethan Hawke, and Barry Levinson. Directed by Robert Redford Studio: Hollywood Pictures Awards: Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Director. Golden Globe nomination for Best Director.

16. The Scam (Afera) (Film released 2001, VHS 1993, DVD 2004) Successful businessman and former physicist Andrei Davydov plots an unprecedented scam aimed at causing the downfall of the world’s financial markets. He has no doubts that he will succeed, but speculating on an ecological catastrophe is a dangerous gamble. Especially when love interferes with his carefully thought out scheme of operation. Starring Mariya Globkina, Alexander Lazarev, Jr., Emmanuil Vitorgan, and Vladimir Siminov. Directed by Yevgeny Lavrentyev Studio: Image Entertainment / Alchemy-Film Russian with subtitles in Russian, English, French, Spanish, and German.

17. Shattered Glass (Film released 2003, VHS 2004, DVD 2004)This drama is the true story of a fallen journalist and pathological liar Stephen Glass. It demonstrates how Glass could single-handedly betray the trust of vigilant editors, writers, fact-checkers, and copy editors. He falsified 27 praised articles for The New Republic, a weekly political magazine in the late 1990s. Glass gets caught when a writer for the online Forbes magazine tries to research the sources in the articles and no one can trace them. The revelations of fraud had a profound effect on the ethics and operations of the publishing business. The disclosures were as shocking as those about Janet Cooke at the Washington Post and Jayson Blair at the New York Times. Starring Hayden Christensen, Peter Sarsgaard, and Hank Azaria. Directed by Billy Ray. Studio: Lions Gate Home Entertainment   Book: “The Fabulist” is a novel by Stephan Glass. Hardback, Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group, 2003.

18. Six Degrees of Separation (Film released 1993, VHS 2000, DVD 2000) Based on John Guare’s hit Broadway play about an Upper East Side New York couple that gets bilked by a charming young black man who claims to be Sidney Poitier’s son. Inspired by a true story, it reveals that art dealers and wealthy people have scams as well. Starring Will Smith, Donald Sutherland, Stockard Channing, Ian McKellan, Mary Beth Hurt, Bruce Davison, Anthony Michael Hall, and Peter Duchin Directed by Fred Schepisi Studio: MGM/United Artists   Book: “Six Degrees of Separation” by John Guare. Paperback, publisher Vintage, 1990. Hardcover, publisher Bt Bound, 2001. Audio cassette, Audio CD, and Audio download also available.

The Sting (Film released 1973, VHS 1998 and 2001, DVD 1998) Winner of 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture. Set in 1936, a bogus bookie joint is set up to run a variety of cons with lots of twists in Chicago. It’s a high-stakes game of small time grifters played against the police and the master of all cheating mobsters. Starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Ray Walston, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning, Eileen Brennan, Harold Gould, and Leonard Barr Directed by George Roy Hill Studio: Universal Studios

19. The Sting II (Film released 1983, VHS 1998) The sequel to The Sting. Starring Jackie Gleason, Mac Davis, Teri Garr, Karl Malden, Oliver Reed, and Harry James Director: Jeremy Paul Kagan Studio: Universal Studios

20 Traveller (Film released 1996, VHS 1998, DVD 2000) A gypsy-like clan of Irish con artists sells defective trailers and runs construction scams in the southern United States. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Bill Paxton, Julianna Margulies, and Jo Ann Pflug Directed by Jack N. Green Studio: Hallmark Home Entertainment

21. Waking Ned Devine (Film released 1998, VHS 2001, DVD 2003) A clever comedy about 51 inhabitants of a village in Ireland who devise schemes to deceive lottery officials and share the new wealth of  Ned Devine, who died of shock when he discovered he had a winning ticket worth 7 million pounds. Starring Jackie O’Shea, Michael O’Sullivan, David Kelly, Ian Bannen, and Jimmy Keough Directed by Kirk Jones III Studio: Twentieth Century FoxBook: “Waking Ned Devine: An Original Screenplay” by Kirk Jones, Danny Boyle and Andrew MacDonald. Paperback, publisher Screenpress Books, 1999. Includes deleted scenes.

22. The Yards (Film Released 2000, DVD 2001) Leo is a young, poorly educated ex-con who is out on parole for a crime he didn’t commit. He seeks an honest job from his relatives, so he can support his ailing mother. Soon he discovers his uncle’s business and family loyalties are not what he expected. The dark gritty business of repairing New York City subway trains involves bribery, racketeering, sabotage, political corruption, contract rigging, a conspiracy of silence, and revenge. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Joaquin Phoenix, Charlize Theron, James Caan, Ellen Burstyn, Faye Dunaway, Tony Musante, and Steve Lawrence. Directed by James Gray Studio: Miramax

Notes: DVD – Digital Video Disc, a five inch optic disc that has more storage capacity than a compact disc (CD). DVDs were introduced in 1996. VHS – Video Home System, a half inch wide video tape format, packaged in a plastic cassette and introduced by JVC in 1976.by Larry C. Adams

With the official launch of Windows 7 currently underway around the globe, Microsoft has released four new advertisements to market Windows 7. This round of advertisements is very simplistic and dubbed “7 Second Demos”. Check them out below and let me know what you think.

For more please visit:

www.windows7.com

http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/10/22/microsoft-releases-4-new-windows-7-commercials

Verfasst von Edgar

Bekanntermaßen gibt es auf der Virtual Console von Nintendos Wii genügend alte Retro-Klassiker.  Wer dann noch richtig nostalgisch werden will, der hat die Möglickeit sich für 19,99€ den Wii Classic Controller zu kaufen, der an das Gamepad des SNES erinnert. Dieses sei  aber nicht allzu komfortabel, wenn es nach einigen Spielern geht. Doch bald gibt es Abhilfe.

Seit einiger Zeit dürfen sich die Japaner mit dem Classic Controller Pro begnügen, der insbesondere durch bessere Handhabung überzeugt. Nun kommt das gute Stück auch endlich nach Europa und dürfte alle Virtual Console Nutzer, die mit dem normalen Classic Controller unzufrieden sind, aufmuntern. Der Preis bleibt bei ca. 19,99€ und ab dem 20.November dieses Jahres dürfte euch damit das Herz aufgehen.

Einziges Makel: Das Pad wird bei uns leider ausschließlich in schwarz erhältlich sein, pünktlich zum Release der schwarzen Wii, so müssen Besitzer der weißen Konsole, zu einem Import greifen, wenn es denn trotzdem ein weißer Controller sein soll.

However, this movie does not.

I’m not sure what I was expecting, well that’s not true, I knew exactly what to expect. What I was “hoping” for a was a movie to, for once, surpass the expectations I had going in. This film would not do that.

The premise in and of itself is shaky. Essentially, it centers around a group of friends that are in different stages of their relationships. One couple is happily married (or so they think), one couple is married but interested in seeing other people, one couple is considering divorce and another is already divorced.

Jason Bateman and Kristin Bell are the couple that prompts the others to head to “Eden”. A seemingly perfect paradise getaway. With one catch, mandatory couples counseling. After a bit of prodding and poking, the other couples decide to come along on a “group rate”.

After reaching paradise, the couples realize it is much more strict and rigid than they had anticipated. With only, Jason and Cynthia really enjoying the agenda set out for them.

The film struggles to stay a comedy as it continues to look at the problems in each couple’s relationship. There are several scenes that are laugh out loud funny as a result of the “counseling” sessions, however some of the other jokes miss the mark or just seem out of place.

In one instance a very scantly clad male yoga instructor conducts some very inappropriate yoga positions on the females and males alike. Despite the awkward situation and hilarity this gag achieves, it stretches far longer than is necessary and becomes somewhat pointless. We get it, he’s yoga is sexually suggestive and inappropriate, no need to insult our intelligence by stretching that fact out for several minutes. Move on. I should have, in regards to the film.

While it attempts to take a serious look at the failing relationships, it struggles as it is a comedy. The potential to really dive in to the gritty reality of the messed up relationship dynamic should be left for more a serious script and set of actors. The film seems to realize this towards the end as it wraps up like many popular  “romantic” comedies recently/

All in all, it is in many ways a normal comedy film. It delivers a few laughs, nothing spectacular, but it isn’t a complete waste of time. As a date movie, I would say you are safe to bring the significant other, just be aware that she won’t like the “romantic” side of it and you may not enjoy the “comedy” side of it enough to make it worth while. If you are a Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau and Jason Bateman fan-boy then maybe this film is for you. Otherwise avoid this film, there are better ways to spend your afternoons.

i submitted the poster i made for “RealEase” to a Facebook fan page, Definitely Filipino. the submission is for the site’s “Definitely Creative!” artwork collection. fortunately, the poster passed the screening and it’s now being featured in the site. beginner’s luck?

the poster can be viewed here.

the ReaLease poster in the "Definitely Creative!" artwork collection of Facebook's Definitely Filipino fan page

Ayer 19 de mayo del 2009 fue publicada la versión final de Drools 5.0.1. (un regalo de cumpleaños atrasado)

Los invito a descargarla y a empezar a jugar con ella. Como veran, voy a empezar a postear ejemplos ( algunos posts utiles: post1, post2, post3, post4) que hagan uso de cada uno de sus módulos y un poco de teoría como para que la gente que no conoce el framework pueda ir metiendo mano.

Les dejo el link de la pagina actualizada:

http://www.drools.org

Y el link directo para la descarga:

http://jboss.org/drools/downloads.html

Se agradecen comentarios, sobre las primeras impresiones del framework, tanto sobre mejoras como criticas constructivas para mejorar las experiencia de usuario.

Actualizacion:

Recien hoy (22 de mayo 2009) se hizo la publicación oficial. Les dejo algunos links de interes:

The Drools 5.0 Release Notes
http://downloads.jboss.com/drools/docs/5.0.1.26597.FINAL/drools-introduction/html/ch02.html#d0e29

Home Page
http://www.jboss.org/drools

Blog
http://blog.athico.com/

Drools Boot Camp – San Francisco 1-7 of June
http://blog.athico.com/2009/03/drools-boot-camp-san-francisco-june.html

PD: grep -i “salaboy” * -R | wc -l en los source da 49! y viene mucho mas!

Das nächste highlight steht bevor. Noch vor dem Release des dritten und vorerst letzten Colorways des Air Yeezy released Supra am 17. Mai weltweit den Supra Society. Hoffentlich auch in Hamburg. Ich nehme übrigens die Purple-Version.

Quelle: suprafootwear.com

What sort of structure would help the team function innovatively? The purpose of any structure is to make sure that certain essential tasks, especially repetitive tasks, get done. Structure need not be incompatible with creativity if it realeases time and energy for creative work rather than blocking creativity with excessive rules, specialization, centralization, etc. What, therefore, needs to be done is to make an inventory of tasks that must be performed more or less repitively, and allocate these tasks to individuals within or outside the team.

 However, the roles of team members should not be defined only in terms of these tasks;  there are only minimum elements of their roles. It is important to define roles broadly and not too strictly. Some ambiguity helps interaction and role clarification, not by the leader but by the situation. Indeed, it heps to have versatile team members, i.e., persons who can double for others should the need arise. Periodic interchange of roles within the team can help develop this verstality. Researchers have indicated some specific roles in innovative teams beyond those for effective teams. The creative scientist/engineer/idea man is one role. The entrepreneur (vis-à-vis the outer world) and the intrapreneur (vis-à-vis the team members) are further roles. The entrepreneur seeks new missions for the group. The intrapreneur seeks new activities within the broad mission for group members. The protector-defender-sponsor is a fourth role, whose function is to get the team the resources it needs for innovative work from the larger system of which it may be a part, and also to defend the team from external pressures or attacks. The gatekeeper is a fifth role, that of bringing to the team essential market, technical, or political intelligence from outside that can become the basis for meaningful divergent thinking. These roles need not be played by different individuals. The important point is that they should get played.

 My Consultancy–Asif J. Mir - Management Consultant–transforms organizations where people have the freedom to be creative, a place that brings out the best in everybody–an open, fair place where people have a sense that what they do matters. For details please visit www.asifjmir.com, Line of Sight

Bow Wizzy zeigte an seiner Album-Release-Party seine Hühnerbrust, damit das Publikum wusste was für ein “krasser Typ” er ist. Wie auch sein Album “New Jack City II” zeigt, ist Bow Wow nun Erwachsen und ein richtig böser Junge! HIER findet Ihr noch mer Bilder!

Quelle: Bossip.com

28 January 2009

In this moment, I awaken to the full realisation of who I am in this magnificent life. The One Intelligence of the Universe created me out of Itself, and from this same Consciousness I too create my experience in unity with all. I am One with God, all are One with God; therefore “We” are all One.

In this perfect knowledge, darkness fades, conflict disappears, and sadness and worry must flee. I now know that they have no reality in which to stand. Former perplexing problems are now wide-open opportunities, awaiting the direction of my imagination; I am free to express who I am with clarity of purpose, and intent in ways I never before conceived.

I now see that with the cleansing of my soul through the Steps ahead of me, the totality of life opens up before me. I shall see the Presence of God more clearly in all people and in every circumstance. Wherever I go and whatever I choose to experience, I am bathed in the Light of a Higher Unity.

My heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude for this revelation of the Reality of who I am and who “We” are in God. I release all aspects of my life to Universal Spirit, knowing it is done as I believe.

And, so it is.

Jim Ross talks about a number of topics this week from his blog but the most newsworthy piece was Ross giving new details on Lance Cade’s WWE release. Here’s what Ross said:

“Lance Cade had his WWE contract terminated a few days ago which completely caught me off guard. As I wrote a few days ago, I was and still am a fan of Lance’s and was shocked when I heard news of his dismissal. I feel confident that Lance will rebound from this misstep and find the success that many feel he deserves. Nonetheless, for some to compare Lance’s incident where he had a seizure on an airplane that necessitated an emergency trip to a hospital with Jeff Hardy being asked to leave a plane because it was perceived that he was allegedly intoxicated seems like a stretch to me. Neither individual was on the right side of the equation of their respective issues but Lance, unfortunately, came too close for comfort by incurring a life threatening seizure and put the WWE in a position to make a really tough call. Could this matter have been handled better? I have no idea as I was not in the loop, thankfully, but I do feel that at some point in the future, and this is simply my opinion, after enough water has gone under the bridge that both parties could well do business again with each other.”

Source: JRsBarBQ.com

Its a deffinite possiblity!

The national enguirer writes the David Archuleta is “up for grabs”.

At this moment im not sure if he will be appearing in hsm3 or not.

He has been very busy lately and his role would have taken at leats a couple weeks to film.

All i can say right now is to wait until october 24th when the movie hits the big screens.

Gerade erst haben Travis mit ihrer EP “J. Smith” die Herzen erwärmt, da kommt schon die Meldung einer weiteren Single und das Releasedatum des Albums.
“Something Anything” wird die Single heißen und am 15 September in den Läden stehen. Mit einer 12 tägigen UK Tour wird die Band wie es sich gehört das dazugehörige Album “Ode To J. Smith” vorstellen, das am 29. September dem Singlerelease folgt und wie die Singles auch auf dem Bandeigenen Label “Red Telephone Box” erscheint.
Man kann sich schon mal auf ähnlich energiegeladene Konzerte und eine elektrisierte Atmosphäre wie im Herbst des vergangenen Jahres freuen, denn wie gemunkelt wird, soll eine Deutschlandtour nicht weit sein!

Foto: Pressefreigabe

Ariane WhiteTapes

Frida Öhrn sjunger Release Me i “Så ska det låta”: