American Teen is a 2008 documentary film directed by Nanette Burstein (On the Ropes, The Kid Stays in the Picture). It competed in the Documentary Competition at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the Directing Award: Documentary.
The movie was filmed at Warsaw Community High School in Warsaw, Indiana.
American Teen is set in Warsaw, Indiana, and focuses on graduating high school seniors struggling through school and life.
It's rated PG-13 for some strong language, sexual material, some drinking and brief smoking-all involving teens.
Starring Hannah Bailey, Colin Clemens, Megan Krizmanich, Mitch Reinholt, and Jake Tusing
AMERICAN TEEN is the touching and hilarious Sundance hit that follows the lives of four teenagers - a jock, a popular girl, a heartthrob, an artsy girl and a geek – in one small town in Indiana through their senior year of high school. We see the insecurities, the cliques, the jealousies, the first loves and heartbreaks, and the struggle to make profound decisions about the future.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Make a donation
A charitable fund has been set up to assist the family of a slain federal agent who was shot outside a Pembroke Pines post office.
Authorities say if you'd like to contribute to the Pettit family, make your contribution to:
The Pettit Family Charitable Fund
c/o Broad and Cassel
P.O. Box 14010
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302
Authorities say if you'd like to contribute to the Pettit family, make your contribution to:
The Pettit Family Charitable Fund
c/o Broad and Cassel
P.O. Box 14010
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Meet the mascots
Bebei Beibei, the fish, represents the blue Olympic ring, prosperity and the sea. Fish and water symbolize prosperity in traditional Chinese culture. A fish also represents surplus in harvest. The lines of the wave designs in her headdress are based on Chinese paintings of the past. Beibei, who is said to be "gentle and pure," is strong in water sports.
Jingjing Jingjing, the panda, represents the black Olympic ring, happiness and the forest. He is said to be "charmingly naïve and optimistic," to make children smile and be noted for strength. The lotus designs in his headdress are baced on paintings from the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1234) and symbolize "the lush forest and the harmonious relationship between man and nature."
Huanhuan Huanhuan, the Olympic Flame, represents the red ring, passion and fire. He is considered the big brother among the Fuwa and stands in the center "as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit... He inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger." The designs on his head ornament are based on the Dunhuang murals and include aspects of traditionally lucky Chinese designs. Huanhuan, who is "outgoing and enthusiastic," is strong at ball games.
Yingying Yingying, the Tibetan antelope, represents the yellow ring, health and earth (particularly the vastness of China's landscape). The species, which is unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, was one of the first animals put under protection in China and its selection here is meant to reflect Beijing's commitment to a Green Olympics. Yingying's head ornament incorporates design elements from the Qinghai-Tibet and Sinkiang cultures, as well as the traditions of Western China. He is quick-witted, fast and agille, excelling in track and field events.
Nini Nini, the swallow, represents the green ring, good luck and the sky. The golden-winged swallow is one of the most popular designs on kites flown by Beijing's children in spring and summer and her design is based on these kites. Swallow is also pronounced "yan" in Chinese, and Beijing was called Yanjing as an ancient capital city. Nini, who is "innocent and joyful" excels at gymnastics.
By Joe Battaglia, NBCOlympics.com
The 2008 Olympic mascots were unveiled in Beijing on November 11, 2005 - 1,000 days before the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing Games. The five "Fuwa" - one to represent each of the Olympic Rings - carry a unifying message of friendship and peace, particularly aimed at the world's children. They were designed to convey the Olympic spirit and to express the playful qualities of a young group of close friends. Their mission is to help Beijing 2008 spread its theme (One World, One Dream) to every continent. Fuwa translates to good luck dolls or children carrying blessings.
Each of the Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name, which in China is a way of expressing affection towards children. Four of China' most popular animals are represented, along with the Olympic Flame. The five Fuwa are Beibei (a fish), Jingjing (a panda), Huanhuan (the Olympic Flame), Yingying (a Tibetan antelope) and Nini (a swallow). When you put the five names together - Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni - the phrase means "Beijing Welcomes You."
There is a long Chinese tradition of spreading good wishes through symbols and each of the Fuwa represents a different blessing (prosperity, happiness, passion, health and good luck). Each of the Fuwa also symbolizes one of five elements of nature - sea, forest, fire, earth and sky - with designs based on Chinese folk art and ornamentation
The mascots were initially called the "Friendlies" in English, but were later renamed Fuwa, which matches the Chinese pronunciation. "The reason to change the English name to the pinyin form is that Fuwa is more accessible and easy to remember," said a BOCOG official. It was also reported that the word could lead to confusion in several ways: because the word "friendlies" could too easily be confused with "friendless," because it can be broken down into the words "friend" and "lies," and because "friendly" also means a scrimmage, or a game played for practice.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Skimp or splurge
Should you skimp . . . or splurge?
Some purchases should last a lifetime; others don't need to survive a summer trend. Here is how to choose between cheap and steep.
By Emma Johnson, MSN Money
In my hall closet are around 10 coats and jackets. On one end of the spectrum is a meadow-green coat of indeterminate fabric that I picked up at H&M a couple of years ago for, if I remember, $59.
On the other end is a black cashmere classic I inherited from my mom, who bought it about 35 years ago at the Marshall Field's department store in Chicago. She paid $280 for it -- the equivalent of two payments on her burnt-orange Plymouth Duster. At the time she was supporting herself on a fifth-grade teacher's salary of $8,000 per year.
What makes a good coat?
Despite similar styles -- button front, knee length, cinched waist -- the two coats couldn't be more different. While the green one is already nappy, slouchy and yearning to be retired to Goodwill, its black sister is still soft and gorgeous. It looks as though I bought it at a high-end department store recently for, let's say, $1,346 -- what $280 would be today, adjusted for inflation.
The difference between my mother's generation and my own hangs in that closet. In a relatively short amount of time, experts have watched our nation swap the practice of investing in quality, long-lasting merchandise for the consumption of large quantities of mass-produced, highly designed merchandise.
"Something you use every day"
Part of the issue is in the market itself, with the spread of mass production and wide availability of consumer credit. But consumers are also less knowledgeable, explains Paco Underhill, president and CEO of market research consultancy Envirosell and author of "Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping."
Americans in their 20s and 30s are now at least one generation removed from the era of homemade clothing and hand-crafted wood furniture, Underhill says. "In the 1950s, 90% of homes had sewing machines, which means women knew something about how clothes were put together. They could look at something in the store and tell if was of good construction or crappy construction," he says. "In my office, I don't know anyone who has bought a custom suit. They don't know the difference between off-the-rack and custom."
How good is this table?
You don't have to buy quality all the time -- and probably can't afford to -- but it's important to know when to shell out for the good stuff. A few examples of times to skimp -- or splurge:
Mattress: SPLURGE. You sit, sleep and God knows what else on this item. Get a good one.
Men's dress shirt: SKIMP. If your suit is well-tailored and the tie spectacular, the shirt will be an afterthought.
Chef's knife: SPLURGE. One 8-inch chef's knife is all you need.
Why a chef's knife is so important
Women's shirts: SKIMP. Cute tops from H&M will go out of style before they fall apart.
Overcoat: SPLURGE. First impressions mean a lot.
Accent chair: SKIMP. If it's cool and rarely supports a rear, quality can come after design.
Table linens: SKIMP. Choose inexpensive table cloths and napkins to keep your tabletop trendy.
Read more.
Some purchases should last a lifetime; others don't need to survive a summer trend. Here is how to choose between cheap and steep.
By Emma Johnson, MSN Money
In my hall closet are around 10 coats and jackets. On one end of the spectrum is a meadow-green coat of indeterminate fabric that I picked up at H&M a couple of years ago for, if I remember, $59.
On the other end is a black cashmere classic I inherited from my mom, who bought it about 35 years ago at the Marshall Field's department store in Chicago. She paid $280 for it -- the equivalent of two payments on her burnt-orange Plymouth Duster. At the time she was supporting herself on a fifth-grade teacher's salary of $8,000 per year.
What makes a good coat?
Despite similar styles -- button front, knee length, cinched waist -- the two coats couldn't be more different. While the green one is already nappy, slouchy and yearning to be retired to Goodwill, its black sister is still soft and gorgeous. It looks as though I bought it at a high-end department store recently for, let's say, $1,346 -- what $280 would be today, adjusted for inflation.
The difference between my mother's generation and my own hangs in that closet. In a relatively short amount of time, experts have watched our nation swap the practice of investing in quality, long-lasting merchandise for the consumption of large quantities of mass-produced, highly designed merchandise.
"Something you use every day"
Part of the issue is in the market itself, with the spread of mass production and wide availability of consumer credit. But consumers are also less knowledgeable, explains Paco Underhill, president and CEO of market research consultancy Envirosell and author of "Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping."
Americans in their 20s and 30s are now at least one generation removed from the era of homemade clothing and hand-crafted wood furniture, Underhill says. "In the 1950s, 90% of homes had sewing machines, which means women knew something about how clothes were put together. They could look at something in the store and tell if was of good construction or crappy construction," he says. "In my office, I don't know anyone who has bought a custom suit. They don't know the difference between off-the-rack and custom."
How good is this table?
You don't have to buy quality all the time -- and probably can't afford to -- but it's important to know when to shell out for the good stuff. A few examples of times to skimp -- or splurge:
Mattress: SPLURGE. You sit, sleep and God knows what else on this item. Get a good one.
Men's dress shirt: SKIMP. If your suit is well-tailored and the tie spectacular, the shirt will be an afterthought.
Chef's knife: SPLURGE. One 8-inch chef's knife is all you need.
Why a chef's knife is so important
Women's shirts: SKIMP. Cute tops from H&M will go out of style before they fall apart.
Overcoat: SPLURGE. First impressions mean a lot.
Accent chair: SKIMP. If it's cool and rarely supports a rear, quality can come after design.
Table linens: SKIMP. Choose inexpensive table cloths and napkins to keep your tabletop trendy.
Read more.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
National Night Out-Dade
THE CITY OF MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT
Community Relations Section
Cordially Invites You To Attend
Miami Stands Out Against Crime!
Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
Bayfront Park
5:00pm-10:00pm
301 N. Biscayne Blvd.
For more information call the Miami Police Dept.Community Relations Section @ (305) 579-6184or e-mail aileen.rodriguez@miami-police.org.
*FREE INFORMATION ON:•Crime Watch Program•Fingerprint/DNA processing for kids•Gun Safety Tips•Door Lock Information•(Cancer & HIV) Health Awareness•Citizens on Patrol•Citizen Police Academy•Crime Prevention Literature andDemonstrations•Miami Police Athletic•Do The Right Thing•Police and Fire Demonstrations•Poison Control (Anti Venom)•Music, Food and Much More!Participants:
Hey Dade County, feel free to e-mail me information on any National Night Out events in Miami-Dade county. I'll post it for ya.
Community Relations Section
Cordially Invites You To Attend
Miami Stands Out Against Crime!
Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
Bayfront Park
5:00pm-10:00pm
301 N. Biscayne Blvd.
For more information call the Miami Police Dept.Community Relations Section @ (305) 579-6184or e-mail aileen.rodriguez@miami-police.org.
*FREE INFORMATION ON:•Crime Watch Program•Fingerprint/DNA processing for kids•Gun Safety Tips•Door Lock Information•(Cancer & HIV) Health Awareness•Citizens on Patrol•Citizen Police Academy•Crime Prevention Literature andDemonstrations•Miami Police Athletic•Do The Right Thing•Police and Fire Demonstrations•Poison Control (Anti Venom)•Music, Food and Much More!Participants:
Hey Dade County, feel free to e-mail me information on any National Night Out events in Miami-Dade county. I'll post it for ya.
National Night Out-Broward
From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Broward County National Night Out events
Dania Beach: Refreshments and a classic car show, 6:30-10 p.m., Dania Beach City Hall, 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd. Call 954-926-3287.
Deerfield Beach: Demonstrations, law enforcement equipment, free paper shredding to prevent identity theft, 6-9 p.m., Quiet Waters Park, Pavilion 10, 401 S. Powerline Road. Call 954-420-5554.
Fort Lauderdale: Vehicles and horses, a firearms simulator booth, a fake raid on a crack house and a staged rescue of a car-crash victim, free parking, 5-8 p.m., Holiday Park, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. Call 954-822-4727.
Crime prevention information, entertainment and refreshments, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Rev. Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW Sixth St. Call 954-791-1036.
Hallandale Beach: Vehicle displays, K-9 demonstrations, free child IDs from Memorial Healthcare System, artists, 6:30-9:30 p.m., O.B. Johnson Park, 745 NW Ninth St. Free round-trip shuttle service, 5:30-10 p.m. from Hallandale Beach Cultural Community Center, 410 SE Third St. Call 954-457-1644.
Hollywood: Multiple block parties with McGruff the Crime Dog. 6-8 p.m., Stan Goldman Park, 800 Knights Road; 6-8 p.m., Charnow Park, 300 Connecticut St.; 6-8 p.m., Hollywood Hills, 530 N. Rainbow Drive; 6-9 p.m., Washington Park Recreation Center, 5199 Pembroke Road; 6-9 p.m., McNichol Recreation Center, 1411 S. 28th Ave.; 5:30-8 p.m., Liberia Network Center, 2207 Raleigh St.; 6-8 p.m., Highland Gardens Civic Association, 24th Avenue and Adams Street; 6:30-8 p.m., Emerald Hills, 3711 N. 54th Ave.; 6-9 p.m., Boys & Girls Club, 1111 N. 69th Way; 5:30-8:30 p.m., Driftwood, 7300 block of Cody Street; 5:30-9:30 p.m., North Central, 2633 Cleveland St.; 6:30-8:30 p.m., Northwest Business, Garfield Street between 64th and 65th avenues; 6-8 p.m., Wesleyan Church, 6095 Funston St.
Lauderdale Lakes: Demonstrations, displays, giveaways, 6-9 p.m. at Vincent Torres Memorial Park, 4331 NW 36th St. Call 954-497-1692.
Margate: K-9 demonstrations, the presidential limo, police vehicle displays, antique police cars, live entertainment and free food, 7-10 p.m., Sports Complex, 1755 Banks Road. Call 954-972-1232.
North Lauderdale: DJ, bounce houses, clowns, face painting, BSO motorcycles and displays, Duncan the Robot, free food, 6-9 p.m. at North Lauderdale City Hall, 701 SW 71st Ave. (Rock Island Road). Call 954-724-7060.
Parkland: Representatives from SWAT, mounted patrol, K-9 and fire rescue, child safety and crime prevention literature, 6-8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Broward Sheriff's Office, 6650 University Drive. Call 954-753-5050.
Pompano Beach: A mile walking procession escorted by Broward Sheriff's deputies at 6 p.m. leaves Pompano Beach Highlands Park, 1650 NE 50th Court, winds through the Highlands and returns to the park for presentations and children's programs. Call 954-933-6393.
Sunrise: Helicopters on display, military equipment, a K-9 demonstration and a cookout, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Sunrise Civic Center, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Call 954-746-3392.
Tamarac: Displays, fire rescue units, safety information, DJ, free food and drinks, rides and a clown. Free child ID kit for fingerprinting, 6-9 p.m., Broward Sheriff's District Office, 7515 N. Pine Island Road. Call 954-720-2225.
Weston: Car seat checks, VIN etching, displays, 5-8 p.m. at Weston Police Services Center, 17300 Royal Palm Blvd. Call 954-389-2010, ext. 232.
Wilton Manors: Police officers visit registered block parties from 7-10 p.m. Residents may register by calling 954-390-2150.
Broward County National Night Out events
Dania Beach: Refreshments and a classic car show, 6:30-10 p.m., Dania Beach City Hall, 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd. Call 954-926-3287.
Deerfield Beach: Demonstrations, law enforcement equipment, free paper shredding to prevent identity theft, 6-9 p.m., Quiet Waters Park, Pavilion 10, 401 S. Powerline Road. Call 954-420-5554.
Fort Lauderdale: Vehicles and horses, a firearms simulator booth, a fake raid on a crack house and a staged rescue of a car-crash victim, free parking, 5-8 p.m., Holiday Park, 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd. Call 954-822-4727.
Crime prevention information, entertainment and refreshments, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Rev. Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park, 2520 NW Sixth St. Call 954-791-1036.
Hallandale Beach: Vehicle displays, K-9 demonstrations, free child IDs from Memorial Healthcare System, artists, 6:30-9:30 p.m., O.B. Johnson Park, 745 NW Ninth St. Free round-trip shuttle service, 5:30-10 p.m. from Hallandale Beach Cultural Community Center, 410 SE Third St. Call 954-457-1644.
Hollywood: Multiple block parties with McGruff the Crime Dog. 6-8 p.m., Stan Goldman Park, 800 Knights Road; 6-8 p.m., Charnow Park, 300 Connecticut St.; 6-8 p.m., Hollywood Hills, 530 N. Rainbow Drive; 6-9 p.m., Washington Park Recreation Center, 5199 Pembroke Road; 6-9 p.m., McNichol Recreation Center, 1411 S. 28th Ave.; 5:30-8 p.m., Liberia Network Center, 2207 Raleigh St.; 6-8 p.m., Highland Gardens Civic Association, 24th Avenue and Adams Street; 6:30-8 p.m., Emerald Hills, 3711 N. 54th Ave.; 6-9 p.m., Boys & Girls Club, 1111 N. 69th Way; 5:30-8:30 p.m., Driftwood, 7300 block of Cody Street; 5:30-9:30 p.m., North Central, 2633 Cleveland St.; 6:30-8:30 p.m., Northwest Business, Garfield Street between 64th and 65th avenues; 6-8 p.m., Wesleyan Church, 6095 Funston St.
Lauderdale Lakes: Demonstrations, displays, giveaways, 6-9 p.m. at Vincent Torres Memorial Park, 4331 NW 36th St. Call 954-497-1692.
Margate: K-9 demonstrations, the presidential limo, police vehicle displays, antique police cars, live entertainment and free food, 7-10 p.m., Sports Complex, 1755 Banks Road. Call 954-972-1232.
North Lauderdale: DJ, bounce houses, clowns, face painting, BSO motorcycles and displays, Duncan the Robot, free food, 6-9 p.m. at North Lauderdale City Hall, 701 SW 71st Ave. (Rock Island Road). Call 954-724-7060.
Parkland: Representatives from SWAT, mounted patrol, K-9 and fire rescue, child safety and crime prevention literature, 6-8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Broward Sheriff's Office, 6650 University Drive. Call 954-753-5050.
Pompano Beach: A mile walking procession escorted by Broward Sheriff's deputies at 6 p.m. leaves Pompano Beach Highlands Park, 1650 NE 50th Court, winds through the Highlands and returns to the park for presentations and children's programs. Call 954-933-6393.
Sunrise: Helicopters on display, military equipment, a K-9 demonstration and a cookout, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Sunrise Civic Center, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd. Call 954-746-3392.
Tamarac: Displays, fire rescue units, safety information, DJ, free food and drinks, rides and a clown. Free child ID kit for fingerprinting, 6-9 p.m., Broward Sheriff's District Office, 7515 N. Pine Island Road. Call 954-720-2225.
Weston: Car seat checks, VIN etching, displays, 5-8 p.m. at Weston Police Services Center, 17300 Royal Palm Blvd. Call 954-389-2010, ext. 232.
Wilton Manors: Police officers visit registered block parties from 7-10 p.m. Residents may register by calling 954-390-2150.
Morgan get-well
Morgan Freeman is nursing a broken arm, broken elbow and minor shoulder damage after a car accident in Mississippi. His publicist says he's "in good spirits."
If you wanna send a get-well message, you can send it to:
PO Box 16548
Encino, CA 01416
Or on the'Net:
Blog site for Freeman wishes: Just click here.
Morgan Freeman (born June 1, 1937) is an Academy Award-winning American actor, film director and narrator. Noted for his reserved demeanor and authoritative speaking voice, Freeman has become one of Hollywood's most popular and respected actors.
Although his first credited film appearance was in 1971's Who Says I Can't Ride a Rainbow?, Freeman first became known in the American media through roles on the soap opera Another World and the PBS kids' show The Electric Company,[4] (notably as Easy Reader and Vincent the Vegetable Vampire) which he claimed he should have left earlier than he did.
Beginning in the mid-1980s, Freeman began playing prominent supporting roles in many feature films, earning him a reputation for depicting wise and fatherly characters.[4] As he gained fame, he went on to bigger roles in films such as the chauffeur Hoke in Driving Miss Daisy, and Sergeant Major Rawlins in Glory (both in 1989).[4] In 1994 he portrayed Red, the redeemed convict in the acclaimed The Shawshank Redemption. His star power was already confirmed as he starred in some of the biggest films of the 1990s, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Se7en, and Deep Impact. In 1997, Freeman, together with Lori McCreary, founded the movie production company Revelations Entertainment, and the two co-head its sister online movie distribution company ClickStar. Freeman also hosts the channel Our Space on ClickStar, with specially crafted film clips in which he shares his love for the sciences, especially space exploration and aeronautics.
After three previous nominations – a supporting actor nomination for Street Smart (1987), and leading actor nominations for Driving Miss Daisy (1989), and The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Million Dollar Baby at the 77th Academy Awards.[4] Freeman is recognized for his distinctive voice, making him a frequent choice for narration. In 2005 alone, he provided narration for two of the most successful films of the year, War of the Worlds and the Academy Award-winning documentary film March of the Penguins.
In 1991, Morgan Freeman was offered a lead role in Jurassic Park. Unsure that dinosaurs could make for interesting co-stars, Freeman traveled to the Museum of Natural History to see the “damn beasts” in person. In a 2007 interview with Atlanta Radio Correspondent Veronica Waters, Freeman revealed that he was stunned when he learned that birds descended from dinosaurs. While he turned down the role, Freeman spent the next summer reading books on Ornithology. This would later lead to his desire to narrate the documentary March of the Penguins.
Freeman has recently been well known for his role as God in the hit movie Bruce Almighty and its sequel, Evan Almighty, as well as his role as Lucius Fox in the critical and commercial success Batman Begins and its 2008 sequel, The Dark Knight. He starred in Rob Reiner's 2007 film The Bucket List, opposite Jack Nicholson, playing terminal cancer patients who must fulfill their lists of goals. He teams with Christopher Walken and William H. Macy in the comedy The Lonely Maiden, due out in late 2008. In April 2008, Freeman returned to Broadway to co-star with Frances McDormand and Peter Gallagher for a limited engagement of Clifford Odets's play, The Country Girl, directed by Mike Nichols.
If you wanna send a get-well message, you can send it to:
PO Box 16548
Encino, CA 01416
Or on the'Net:
Blog site for Freeman wishes: Just click here.
Morgan Freeman (born June 1, 1937) is an Academy Award-winning American actor, film director and narrator. Noted for his reserved demeanor and authoritative speaking voice, Freeman has become one of Hollywood's most popular and respected actors.
Although his first credited film appearance was in 1971's Who Says I Can't Ride a Rainbow?, Freeman first became known in the American media through roles on the soap opera Another World and the PBS kids' show The Electric Company,[4] (notably as Easy Reader and Vincent the Vegetable Vampire) which he claimed he should have left earlier than he did.
Beginning in the mid-1980s, Freeman began playing prominent supporting roles in many feature films, earning him a reputation for depicting wise and fatherly characters.[4] As he gained fame, he went on to bigger roles in films such as the chauffeur Hoke in Driving Miss Daisy, and Sergeant Major Rawlins in Glory (both in 1989).[4] In 1994 he portrayed Red, the redeemed convict in the acclaimed The Shawshank Redemption. His star power was already confirmed as he starred in some of the biggest films of the 1990s, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Se7en, and Deep Impact. In 1997, Freeman, together with Lori McCreary, founded the movie production company Revelations Entertainment, and the two co-head its sister online movie distribution company ClickStar. Freeman also hosts the channel Our Space on ClickStar, with specially crafted film clips in which he shares his love for the sciences, especially space exploration and aeronautics.
After three previous nominations – a supporting actor nomination for Street Smart (1987), and leading actor nominations for Driving Miss Daisy (1989), and The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Million Dollar Baby at the 77th Academy Awards.[4] Freeman is recognized for his distinctive voice, making him a frequent choice for narration. In 2005 alone, he provided narration for two of the most successful films of the year, War of the Worlds and the Academy Award-winning documentary film March of the Penguins.
In 1991, Morgan Freeman was offered a lead role in Jurassic Park. Unsure that dinosaurs could make for interesting co-stars, Freeman traveled to the Museum of Natural History to see the “damn beasts” in person. In a 2007 interview with Atlanta Radio Correspondent Veronica Waters, Freeman revealed that he was stunned when he learned that birds descended from dinosaurs. While he turned down the role, Freeman spent the next summer reading books on Ornithology. This would later lead to his desire to narrate the documentary March of the Penguins.
Freeman has recently been well known for his role as God in the hit movie Bruce Almighty and its sequel, Evan Almighty, as well as his role as Lucius Fox in the critical and commercial success Batman Begins and its 2008 sequel, The Dark Knight. He starred in Rob Reiner's 2007 film The Bucket List, opposite Jack Nicholson, playing terminal cancer patients who must fulfill their lists of goals. He teams with Christopher Walken and William H. Macy in the comedy The Lonely Maiden, due out in late 2008. In April 2008, Freeman returned to Broadway to co-star with Frances McDormand and Peter Gallagher for a limited engagement of Clifford Odets's play, The Country Girl, directed by Mike Nichols.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Happy study
Age takes glow off women's happiness: study
(Reuters life!)
Young women are happier than their male peers, but as the years roll by and they become less able to achieve lasting love and financial goals, women often end up the sadder sex, according to an international study.
The research, by Anke Plagnol of the University of Cambridge in England and University of Southern California economist Richard Easterlin, used data spanning several decades about U.S. men and women to examine the role of unfulfilled desires.
The study found that when it comes to family and finances, women are, on average, happier than men in early adulthood, but after the age of 48, men's overall happiness exceeds women's happiness.
"In later life it is men who come closer to fulfilling their aspirations, are more satisfied with their family lives and financial situations, and are the happier of the two," said Plagnol.
Women and men have similar life goals when it comes to love, with nine out of 10 people of both genders wanting a happy marriage, revealed the study that is to be published in the Journal of Happiness Studies.
"Differences between men and women in aspirations for marriage and children are fairly small," said Plagnol. "Gender differences in satisfaction depend largely on attainment."
The saddest period of the average man's life -- his 20s -- is also the period when he is most likely to be single.
Young men are also more dissatisfied than young women with their financial situations, not because they are worse off, but because they want more, the researchers explained.
But, after the age of 34, men are more likely to be married than women, and the gap only widens with age. Men also become more satisfied with their financial situations over time, as they are able to buy luxury items such as cars and vacation homes due to increased spending power.
"Of course, one doesn't have to be married to be happy, but if that's something you really want - and it is for most people - then the failure to attain it can have an impact on your overall happiness," Plagnol said, adding that those in a relationship also tend to be in a stronger financial position.
(Reuters life!)
Young women are happier than their male peers, but as the years roll by and they become less able to achieve lasting love and financial goals, women often end up the sadder sex, according to an international study.
The research, by Anke Plagnol of the University of Cambridge in England and University of Southern California economist Richard Easterlin, used data spanning several decades about U.S. men and women to examine the role of unfulfilled desires.
The study found that when it comes to family and finances, women are, on average, happier than men in early adulthood, but after the age of 48, men's overall happiness exceeds women's happiness.
"In later life it is men who come closer to fulfilling their aspirations, are more satisfied with their family lives and financial situations, and are the happier of the two," said Plagnol.
Women and men have similar life goals when it comes to love, with nine out of 10 people of both genders wanting a happy marriage, revealed the study that is to be published in the Journal of Happiness Studies.
"Differences between men and women in aspirations for marriage and children are fairly small," said Plagnol. "Gender differences in satisfaction depend largely on attainment."
The saddest period of the average man's life -- his 20s -- is also the period when he is most likely to be single.
Young men are also more dissatisfied than young women with their financial situations, not because they are worse off, but because they want more, the researchers explained.
But, after the age of 34, men are more likely to be married than women, and the gap only widens with age. Men also become more satisfied with their financial situations over time, as they are able to buy luxury items such as cars and vacation homes due to increased spending power.
"Of course, one doesn't have to be married to be happy, but if that's something you really want - and it is for most people - then the failure to attain it can have an impact on your overall happiness," Plagnol said, adding that those in a relationship also tend to be in a stronger financial position.
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