Vasz Books, is proud to present to you all, the most waited book in the history of the Universe, the best seller in Spain and Latin America is now in English. Here is the video that will start off a series of videos, that will present the introduction to the most waited book in the history of the Law of Attraction. This book will change your life, forever!

With live music from The Answer and Oppenhiemer.

14th December 20090

Tracklisting:

And So I Watch You From Afar – S is for Salamander (Small Town America)
Nakatomi Tower – Let It Snow
In Case of Fire – The Cleansing
The Answer – Tonight (Albert)
=The Answer at the Ulster Hall=
Steven Rainey talks to lead singer Cormac Neeson live from the Ulster Hall.
Strait Laces – Where the Wolf Roam (ATL Acoustic Session)
David Holmes – I Heard Wonders (Universal)
Jane Bradfords – Judical Duel
Spring Cities – Glass
Modest Mouse – Dashboard (BMG)
Soulwax – Krack (Pias)
Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition (Infectious)
The Dangerfields – Merry Christmas Everyone
Rocky O’Reilly talks to Rigsy about the end of Oppenheimer.
=Oppenhiemer Live at Belfast City Hall=
Adebisi Shank – Walking In The Air
=The Answer at the Ulster Hall=
Steven Rainey is joined by Swanee River at the Ulster Hall.

Caught this band at a dingy pub in Portsmouth, review after the jump -

Don’t let the small venue fool you – Hold Fast have a big sound, and they truly show it tonight with a short, but sweet, set of dark, ethereal pop.

Having supported bands such as The Joy Formidable and alt-rock giants White Lies, Hold Fast move onto the stage as headliners and definitely bring a large sound with them.

The band open with a soft, timid number (in line with the darker, La Mer-esque side of one of their influences, Nine Inch Nails) but that isn’t representative of the whole set. They truly turn up the tempo with new single ‘Jaws’ and ‘The Curse’, whose chorus will be in your head for days to come.

Not everything is quite as catchy though due to a few predictable and clichéd guitar fills mid-song.

It’s unfortunate that the set is so short and, despite the encore, it feels like it ends very abruptly. However, as this band continues on their path to musical stardom, it is evident that they will conjure up more material to play. As part of the listening audience, that can only be a good thing.

———————————————————–

Tried to review The Answer at Portsmouth Pyramids the next day, and wasn’t on guestlist! Looked like a complete tool in front of everyone. Walking into the venue, getting rejected and then doing the walk of shame back. Booo. Next review is Set Your Goals on the 15th, then thats me done reviewing for 2009. Roll on 2010!

What a happy kid...

What’s this? Allen Iverson joining a team and not making it better? Yep, the man formerly known as The Answer returned to Philly last night and as expected, there’s still plenty of questions in the air. Iverson scored 11 points and the Sixers lost their 10th straight game, 93-83 to the Nuggets, coincidentally the team that dumped A.I. early last year and got considerably better.

I didn’t actually see this game, so I guess my opinion that Iverson still sucks and makes them worse is a bit premature. Still, his stat line didn’t exactly jump out in his “debut” — his 11 came on 4-of-11 shooting in 37 minutes, though he chipped in five boards and six assists. Andre Iguodala, who took on much of the scoring load when Iverson left in 2006, scored 31 points.

Of course, A.I. back in Philly promises to get waaaaaay more interesting in a couple months when Louis Williams comes back from a broken jaw. Stay tuned — I’m betting Iverson finds a way to screw this up and ostracize even more people on his way out of the league.

AWESOME game between the favs. Yeah I wish the 76ers won for A.I.’s homecoming…but they couldn’t have lost to a better team. It’s official, it’s going to be a great season. Iverson must be a good luck charm for Iguodala. He killed it in quarters one through three.

I’d like to thank “God” for making it rain today so there was HELLA traffic on the way home from work/school. Luckily I am the “master lane changer” (as I’ve dubbed myself) so I had no problem getting home to get my front row seat. Only 1 year and 364 days and 5 minutes to see him back in that jersey…he’s looking mighty fine out there. But you already knew that because you aren’t blind. Unless someone is reading this posting for you…then your missing out. It’s time for The Answer.

I don’t give a fuck if you like basketball….you should love Allen Iverson.

I hate family friendly bullshit athletes. Like Shaq and Howard playing out a superman theme.  I hate sportswriters more than any other writers. I hate hearing men in their mid 30s that can’t even run in a straight line talk shit on professional athletes that don’t subscribe or fit the mold of what they deem as acceptable for “the game”, the game in which many times they didn’t even have the guts to play themselves.

I can’t say I am the biggest NBA fan, but as of late I have really taken to the league, the personality and entertainment it provides, the aesthetic alone that basketball represents is like no other sport.

What sparks this rant? Allen Iverson. I have heard shitty sportswriter after shitty sportswriter speak of what Iverson “owes the game” and hearing that phrase exemplifies why I hate sports writers, sports journalists, the majority of assholes on ESPN (not Hannah Storm or Sage Steele, guts would be cut) and pretty much every other idiot at a fucking sports bar speaking of what they think the game is.

Everyone is an expert. Everyone so quick to talk shit. Iverson gets injured, returns, has some bench time and mentions how difficult it is for him to come of the bench, how difficult it is to play limited minutes during a game. In the midst of all this he compliments bench players, saying he “admires” them for coming off the bench and being able to produce, he mentions yet again how difficult that is for him, this leading to retirement talk.

Retirement? Going out on top? But Iverson owes the game right? That is what the sport community seems to think. Forget that he is barely 6′1 and maybe weighs 160 but came to play every night. Forget the fact that if he happened to be 6″4 even, that you might not talk as much about MJ, LJ, or maybe Kobe as much. Well you would talk about Kobe as much, but I imagine you understand my point.

In any case I hope to hear Iverson praised for his return. The main issue is the sporting world and the media that follows it has ruined sports and tarnished the game itself, not the player. Any small opportunity that the media has to ridicule athletes they will most definitely do so. The individuals that attack them will be the same that once were in their corner, like Phelps, Vick,  Barkley, Tiger, Kobe and Iveron alike.

Is it jealousy possibly? Do we idolize these athletes to the point of envy? Is this why the idea of the role model has been carried on for generations? Then, once our role models make a slip, or say something that the media doesn’t tend to agree with they are attacked and judged. I understand that is part of the price you pay, private life isn’t private, but for fuck sake.

All I am really saying is welcome back a.i., do the damn thing.

Iverson and the Sixers take on Denver tonight, read more here.

r.

After years of poor drafting and signing mediocre players with bloated contracts, the New York Knicks, one of the NBA’s marquee names, have fallen into a deep abyss of losing and playoff-less seasons.

So while waiting for the 2010-11 season to come around and with nothing to offer their fans this year except the league’s highest ticker prices (second to the Los Angeles Lakers), logic would dictate that the Knicks would jump all over an opportunity to add one of the league’s most talented and exciting players to their roster.

The Knicks had this chance….and passed.

Ten-time all star, owner of four scoring titles and former MVP, Allen “The Answer” Iverson signed a free-agent contract with Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, three years after their acrimonious split led to his trade and seemingly ended any chance of his return. Iverson’s brief retirement is over and he’s expected to make his debut Monday at home against Denver.

It seemed like a natural move for the Knicks to add the electrifying scorer to their backcourt, giving the team a lift and boosting ticket sales and marketing efforts. With all of the current Knicks possessing no national name recognition (and barely any locally), Iverson’s presence would at least give the New York fans, media and overall sports scene a much needed buzz.

So what was the problem?

Well, along with a killer cross-over move and an uncanny ability to put the ball in the hoop; Iverson carries a tremendous amount of baggage and a reputation as an extremely selfish player (even by today’s standards) and a detriment to team chemistry and a winning team structure.

His off the court “antics”, including gambling issues and run-ins with the police, are well-known. But Iverson’s attitude as a player can be best summed up with one statement he made during a press conference following a disappointing 2002 playoff series loss while with the Philadelphia 76ers. Iverson was asked about the critical comments head coach Larry Brown had made regarding the guard’s efforts and dedication towards practice.

Now along with attempting to clean up the mess with their roster, the Knicks have also been cleaning up an overall public relations mess. Since the departure of Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing 10 years ago, the Knicks have suffered both on the court and off.

Long story short, poor decisions by upper management have caused a number of embarrassing off-the-court episodes that have been played out in the media for the rest of the sports world to see.

So with their eyes on the bigger picture, the Knicks broke from the recent tradition and put the long term strength and health of the organization’s brand above the instant gratification of a few more wins and a few more tickets sold.

Although Iverson would have most likely made the team better in the short run, the Knicks management understood the public relations risk he posed and decided it wasn’t worth it.

When evaluating players in today’s age of professional sports, organizations have much more to consider than just talent and ability. Teams have to also recognize the public relations impact a high profile athlete will make on their community and organization.

By not signing Iverson, the Knicks demonstrated a strong concern for brand and image. Of course, the bottom line with any professional sports team is winning. But it’s about building a champion, not collecting talented malcontents to compete for third place.

All real winners and championship teams represent well on the court and off. And the Knicks seem to be headed in that direction.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

I am hoping the 76ers will win because if they lose (it will be the 10^th in a row) I’m sure the haters will come out of the woodworks saying my man has lost his touch. I have a feeling the Nuggets will win because they KICK ASS right about now…and Philly is sucking it like a hooker. At 4:00 (EST) I won’t give a damn. It feels like a birthday when you are a kid right about now. And my two favorite teams? Fuugetaboutit. Another reason to give thanks (other than A.I. saving my 76ers) is for our brave troops. Just because it isn’t Veteran’s or Thanksgiving Day doesn’t mean we stop thinking about the poor troops fighting for…umm…. well, fighting. I found this cool website where you can personalize a post card and they will send it over seas. It only takes a minute. Old softie over here…

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html 

My Answer has been submitted!

What if we all were to keep our mouths closed and had our focus on our own bodies of water. I would love to posses the humility that exists no matter how small I seemed to be to someone else and humbled by my mistakes without anyone seeing me trip.

I challenge not only my facebook friends but myself to put down the “i tripped but you fell mentality” and wear the hat of another human.

Endorse your own mistake with your peers when they need another human’s support in their time of flaw.

It is a human quality  and it is defined as understanding. I endorse understanding, because your mistakes would most likely be my mistakes if I were in your shoes. In-fact your mistakes are probably my mistakes and I barely know who you are.

It boils down to this my friends – If you are concerned with how your kids are being influenced by the Tiger Woods and Jay-Z’s of the world because of their stature or accomplishments–Learn how to teach without persecution.

Keep your mouth off business that is not yours and you will avoid looking hypocritical.

Trust yourself as someone who is enough to be heard and study your Bible.

The truth will prevail and the righteous will be rewarded.

I see I’m not the only one crying tears of joy. Hey Allen, more talk about you and less about the wife OK? I can’t wait until Monday…

(Video is from ESPN so sorry about the commercial but you’ll live.)

Day 75 – The Answer rock Wolves: This is Mickey Waters, bassist with Northern Ireland’s finest band – The Answer.  Tonight they played Wolverhampton’s Wulfrun Hall and I was there to cover it for Birmingham Live and to chat to Mickey for the Daily Dust.  The band put on a great show and it surely won’t be long before they’re huge.  Mickey was a top bloke as well – happy days!

Hell to the yes!!!! I am not going to go into how exciting this news is to me because it is becoming hard to type though my happy tears…

It's time for The Answer. I missed you the most in case there is a contest...

Dust off the No. 3 jersey.  Allen Iverson is with the 76ers again. Team president Ed Stefanski announced the signing Wednesday on the team’s Web site. Iverson is expected to make his debut Monday at home against the Denver Nuggets. (Fox Sports)

December 2, 2009 by Ares-mma.com staff

Coming off a dominate unanimous decision victory over Sean Sherk at UFC 98, Frankie Edgar added his name to the list of serious contenders for BJ Penn’s UFC lightweight title. This Saturday, Edgar will attempt to maintain that status when he fights undefeated (11-0) lightweight Matt Veach. Veach has one victory in the UFC – a technical knockout victory over Matt Grice last February. With an impressive victory over Veach this Saturday, Edgar may be next in line at a shot at the winner of Penn vs. Sanchez at UFC 107 on December 12 – pending the outcome of the fight between Gray Maynard and Nick Diaz on January 11. Edgar’s only loss was by unanimous decision to Maynard in April of 2008.

This fortnight’s Hot Press is on the stands now so here’s a reprint of the previous issue’s NI bands column!

News

Words: Edwin McFee

On November 30, one of NI’s most promising acts the Beat Poets release their new EP ‘The Making’ via all major download sites and their official online store (www.thebeatpoets.com). The four track opus is currently played by U105fm and sees the four-piece from Warrenpoint showcase a softer side than we’ve seen before, opting to take their foot off gas for just a moment. The title track is a corker with the (slight) change in direction a welcome one and we heartily recommend you pick it up. The boys are also gearing up for the release of the debut album which comes out next year and features Greg (Manic Street Preachers) Haver, Dave (Foo Fighters, Stevie Wonder) Way and Neal (The Answer, Fighting with Wire) Calderwood on knob twiddling duties and this writer for one can’t wait. On December 3 the band will also headline a special, one off showcase at the Spring and Airbrake in Belfast that aims to promote the best of the Newry/Warrenpoint music scene and the lineup features Ozzmium, Forgetting June, Indy Artworx, This Year’s Black and LTR and admission is only £6 so make sure you head down to support them all. Rumours of free Friar Tuck’s snack boxes and Timoney’s ice cream for those who turn up wearing Beat Poets t shirts have yet to be confirmed from the organisers at the time of going to press…

 Fancy the chance to support the high kings of indie synth pop Oppenheimer for their all ages show at the Spring and Airbrake this December 19? Well, all you have to do is email supportoppenheimer@googlemail.com with your band’s details and some MP3’s before November 30 and you could be the lucky winner. The only stipulation Oppenheimer have put in place is that your group must be in their teens, so if you’re in your 30s we advise that you shave off those beards, buy some guy-liner and pretend you’ve had a tough life. Don’t worry, Hot Press has your back. The winner will be announced on December 1 so good luck.

Congrats to local rockers Swanee River who have bagged the much coveted support slot for the Answer’s Ulster Hall gig on December 14. The band kicked more ass than Jean Claude Van Damme at this year’s Glasgowbury so if you’re planning to go to the show make sure you get down early to see them. Tickets for the Answer’s homecoming gig are selling fast, but there are still a few left and you can get your mitts on one for £17 courtesy of Ticketmaster. We’re already dusting down our leather jacket in anticipation.

HURRY UP AND “NEGOTIATE” THE FINER POINTS!!! This girl…I mean, the 76ers need him BAD!! Oh, and sorry about the lame commercial before the video. I hope you can all wait that loooong 15 seconds to hear the hopeful news.

Ric Bucher On Allen Iverson’s Future – ESPN Video

What what?? My favorite piece of eye candy met with the 76ers today before the Dallas game. I’ve never wanted the Mavericks to win so badly in my life. As I see it, the worse Philly does the more the owners will want to throw a one-year contract at Iverson. I think I am hyperventilating…must get brown bag.

Thank you ESPN for giving me this early Hanukkah gift…

The prospect of a reunion between franchise icon Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers became more tangible Monday when Iverson and his representatives met for two hours in Dallas with Sixers coach Eddie Jordan and general manager Ed Stefanski. The face-to-face meeting with Iverson, agent Leon Rose and Iverson’s longtime business manager, Gary Moore, took place hours before the Sixers’ game Monday night against the Dallas Mavericks.

 “All of us liked what he talked about today. I’m not going to share that,” Jordan said. “He’s a charming individual. It was really good, really intriguing.” Sixers assistant general manager Tony DiLeo and assistant coach Aaron McKie — one of Iverson’s favorite former teammates — were also present at the sitdown, which was considered a must if the Sixers decide to go ahead with bringing the franchise icon back in the wake of Lou Williams’ broken jaw.

But no firm decision on signing Iverson has been reached and none was expected before the game Monday night, according to sources close to the situation. Stefanski said in a statement that both parties remained noncommittal the team would “continue to discuss internally whether or not to pursue this course.”

 PS- He is more than “charming” Eddie Jordan.

Lou Williams is out for 8 weeks with a broken jaw.  Allen Iverson isn’t busy for the next 8 weeks. Maybe dreams can come true.

For those of you that were hoping the Jazz would sign Allen Iverson for whatever reason; it’s not looking good.  Stephen A. Smith with Fox Sports announced that Philadelphia could possibly be bringing Iverson back to the city where it all began for him.

The 10-time NBA all-star would undeniably bring some much needed excitement and heart to a struggling Sixers franchise. It seems, despite the conflicts between Iverson and the Sixers organization in the past, AI could be “the Answer” the Sixers are looking for.  Iverson’s return would, at least, boost ticket sales.  Philadelphia ranks 29 out of 30 in attendance this year.

Smith quotes a team source as saying, “We’re very, very boring right now. We have absolutely nothing to lose by bringing Iverson back. Nothing at all.”

READ MORE:

AP Source: Iverson retirement may be brief [Associated Press]

Sixers appear ready to bring back Iverson [Fox Sports]

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

So “The Answer” is retiring and I have yet to figure out what the question was. 

Maybe it was “what self-serving player is going out exactly as he deserves, unwanted?”  Or “What supremely talented player never won anything in the NBA?”

Then there’s “what knucklehead couldn’t be bothered to see that actually practicing helps the whole team included himself?”.   Maybe it’s “who’s blowing a chance to redefine his career by refusing to accept that he might win a title by accepting a lesser role now that he’s 107 years old?”

But ultimately, if I had to put big money on it, I think the question is “who is too much of a pain in the ass to be worth it anymore?”

Ahhh. Yes.  That easily could be Allen Iverson.

Iverson is not exactly Stephon Marbury, but he’s learning a similar tough lesson.  In life or at least in NBA life, people will put up with you if you’re a difficult personality so long as you’ve got the talent that makes it worth dealing with your baggage.

When the lowly Grizzlies and desperate Knicks decide that Allen Iverson is no longer worth it, that’s the answer  that only A.I. can answer for.