www.aspca.org
Thursday, July 9, 2009
It Happened On Long Island
Defendant: Colin Ferguson
Crimes Charged: Murder, attempted murder
Chief Defense Lawyers: Colin Ferguson, Alton Rose
Chief Prosecutor: George Peck
Judge: Donald Belfi
Place: Mineola, New York
Date of Trial: January 26-February 17, 1995
Verdict: Guilty on 68 of 93 counts, including murder, attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment, weapons possession
Sentence: 6 consecutive 25-years-to-life terms for the murder conviction; 19 additional 25-year
In a nationally publicized trial involving a defense that could only be described as bizarre, Colin Ferguson, acting as his own attorney, questioned his alleged victims on the witness stand in an attempt to prove that someone else had committed the crimes.
On December 7, 1993, the daily 5:13 P.M. Long Island Rail Road train left Penn Station in New York City for Hicksville, New York, carrying commuters home. As the train raced into neighboring Nassau County, one of the passengers rose and walked calmly down the aisle, shooting everyone he passed with a 9mm handgun. When the shooter paused to reload, terrified passengers wrestled him down. By then, six people lay dead or dying. Nineteen more were seriously wounded.
An adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy "Macbeth," MEN OF RESPECT is set in the New York underworld, where Michael Battaglia (John Turturro) is a fearless mobster who wins the respect of his powerful Godfather. But the prodding of his ambitious wife and the prophecy of a ghetto gypsy convinces Battaglia to murder the Godfather and claim his crown.
Sam Giancaca is the head of the mob that runs Las Vegas. When he meets and falls for the lead singer of a group `the McGuire sisters' he begins to drift from his day to day duties and finds his leadership compromised as the Grand Jury looms nearer.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
The parking field 4/ Air Force One
Inspired by Long Island’s Jones Beach, 6.5 miles of coast line that is just an hour from New York City and a summer landmark for those in the region, the new Air Force 1 take in all of the beach’s beauty, from the cream colored sand to the grassy dunes around it. Dominated by a canvas upper in the same cream colored tone as the beach sand. Twill-like texture signifies the grainy consistency of the sand itself. A leather side panel is embossed with images of picket fences and grassy dunes that dotted around the beach. Silhouette of the iconic 231-foot Jones Beach Water Tower is imprinted on the tongue. In addition, the coordinates, in longitude and latitude are etched on the rear tab of the shoe. Finally, everything is build on top of a transparent light blue sole feature the outline of Long Island as a whole.
But still, we know who this shoe is really for....
Look at the bottom of my shoe, it's the last thing your gonna see when i'm stomping ya head!
Check it.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/78029/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-long-island-wants-to-secede
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Big day in Tennis history
Feds grand slam win record:
Australian Open W (2004, 2006, 2007)
French Open W (2009)
Wimbledon W (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009)
US Open W (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
Took the record held by Pete Sampras of most grand slam titles in history.
Pistol Petes grand slam win record:
Australian Open W (1994, 1997)
French Open SF (1996)
Wimbledon W (1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000)
US Open W (1990, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2002)
Good job Roddick
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Whaling on Long Island
Native Americans on Long Island were the islands first whalers. They often used whales that washed up on the shoreline for the oil, bone and flesh. The whale oil was an important resource to Europeans who early on hired the Native Americans to hunt whales in return for goods. Eventually this business came to be dominated by the whites who resented the high prices paid to the Native Americans.
Whaling had been popular in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and when settlers from Massachusetts moved to Long Island in the 1640's they made whaling a regular business. Many whaling companies were formed on the Island such as the East Hampton Company and South Hampton Company.
The first step in whaling was to have a lookout where whales could be seen. The person at the lookout would yell, "Whale off" or "There she blows", when a whale was spotted. It was then time to board the boats in 6 man crews and go after the whales.
It was a long and hard struggle by the crew to catch a whale. After a whale was caught they were hauled up on shore and the bone and blubber (the fat of the whale) were cut out. The blubber was then "tried out" which means boiled down to oil in big iron trypots. The boiling caused such a stink, the town of Southampton had to pass a law limiting the amount of oil that could be boiled. However, the stink caused by the boiling didn't bother the whalers. The oil produced by this method could then be sold by the whalers for large amounts of money. People purchased whale oil for use in lamps and candles. Whale oil was so important to Long Islanders that it was used to pay their debts and taxes. To the children of Long Island, whale oil had a special meaning. Many schools on Long Island would be closed during whaling season, from December until April.
Some whale hunts would take a long time. On these hunts the whalers had a great deal of time to pass. One way they did this was by an art known as scrimshaw. Scrimshaw was an art in which whalers carved pictures on to whale teeth. The teeth of these whales were made of ivory and beautiful works of art could be made from them. The whalers greatly enjoyed this pastime and could also make a small profit by selling their artwork.
Whaling continued to grow during the 1700's. By the 1800's large ships containing huge crews and advanced weapons were being used to hunt whales. Two of the great whaling towns of the time were Cold Spring Harbor and Sag Harbor. So great was the amount of whaling taking place in Sag Harbor, that George Washington declared it a port of entry in 1797. The Custom House (a place where they collect taxes) there still stands. Over 500 whale voyages were made from Sag Harbor between 1790 and 1870 and great profits were made. However, in the early 1850's the whaling industry began to decline due to increased industrialization.
Fishing was also a large industry on the north and south forks of Long Island's East End. For centuries Long Island baymen (fishermen) earned their living harvesting shellfish. Some of the big fishing towns were Montauk, Sag Harbor, and the Hamptons. In recent times there has been a major decline in commercial (for profit) fishing. Pollution, greed, inadequate regulation, poor management, and natural factors have combined to reduce the clam harvest by seventy percent since 1976. The one hundred million dollar industry of the 1970's has shrunk to less than forty million dollars. Thousands of baymen whose families have worked Long Island waters for generations have been forced to leave. The problems of these people was captured by Long Island's Billy Joel in his song the "Downeaster Alexa."
Another factor which is contributing to the decline of the fishing industry is that sport fishing has become more popular. Baymen have developed ill feelings towards the sport fishermen because of the striped bass, which is a fish that both parties hunt and need.
Overall, commercial fishing is not as profitable, popular, or widespread as it used to be. As a result, Long Island is not the center of whaling and fishing like it was in the early 1800's. Still many Long Islanders enjoy fishing and rely on the seas for their source of living and the waters around Long Island, particularly the Long Island Sound, have actually gotten cleaner is recent years. This is a good sign and means that more fish are able to live off our shores.
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum
www.cshwhalingmuseum.org
Sag Harbor Whaling Museum
www.sagharborwhalingmuseum.org
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Baraka 1992
Baraka is an incredible nonverbal film containing images of 24 countries from 6 continents, created by Ron Fricke and Mark Magidson, with music from Michael Stearns and others. The film has no plot, contains no actors and has no script. Instead, high quality 70mm images show some of the best, and worse, parts of nature and human life. Timelapse is used heavily to show everyday life from a different perspective.
Baraka is often considered a spiritual film.Baraka is an ancient Sufi word, which can be translated as "a blessing, or as the breath, or essence of life from which the evolutionary process unfolds." For many people Baraka is the definitive film in this style. Breathtaking shots from around the world show the beauty and destruction of nature and humans. Coupled with an incredible soundtrack including on site recordings of The Monks Of The Dip Tse Chok Ling Monastery.
Baraka is evidence of a huge global project fueled by a personal passion for the world and visual art. Working on a reported US$4 million budget, Ron Fricke and Mark Magidson, with a three-person crew, swept through 24 countries in 14 months to make this stunning film.
One of the very last films shot in the expensive TODD-AO 70mm format, Ron Fricke developed a computer-controlled camera for the incredible time-lapse shots, including New York's Park Avenue rush hour traffic and the crowded Tokyo subway platforms.
Some people find the lack of context in Baraka occasionally frustrating, not knowing where a section was filmed, or the meaning of the ritual taking place. However, the DVD version includes a short behind-the-scenes featurette in which cinematographer Ron Fricke explains that the effect was intentional. "It's not where you are that's important, it's what's there."
The DVD also includes behind the scenes footage, including scenes of the grueling shoot at Ayer's Rock in Australia, when a plague of flies of Biblical proportions made it impossible to film until they rigged up a vacuum to suck the bugs away from the lens.
Trainspotting
Ewan Bremner
Despite the fact that his excrement-flinging moment of glory in director Danny Boyle's flamboyant adaptation of the Irvine Welsh novel -Trainspotting would forever leave an impression on adventurous filmgoers, and regardless of subsequent appearances alongside such Hollywood heavies as Ben Affleck in high-profile Hollywood releases like Pearl Harbor, actor Ewen Bremner has yet to achieve the level of success of Trainspotting cohorts Ewan McGregor and Robert Carlyle. An Edinburgh native whose art teacher parents actively supported his creative pursuits, Bremner first received widespread exposure when, at age 17, the theater workshop play in which he appeared transferred from Scotland to London's Royal Court. Subsequently making his feature debut with the U.K. television drama Heavenly Pursuits (1985), Bremner would take on supporting roles in Prince of Jutland (1994) and Judge Dredd (1995) before being catapulted into the international limelight as the hapless "Spud" in Trainspotting. Despite having essayed the lead as Renton in the popular stage adaptation of -Trainspotting, Bremner no doubt made quite an impression with audiences in the key supporting role, his alternately pathetic and sympathetic put-upon character offering some of the film's finest comic moments. The following year, Bremner attempted to bypass the hype by taking some time off and pondering his future as an actor. Though such subsequent films as The Life of Stuff (1997) and The Acid House (1998, again adapted from the works of Welsh) contained Trainspotting's edgy humor, their attempts to be "hip" were notably strained, and neither film fared well at the box office. Bremner's role as the titular character in eccentric wonder-boy director Harmony Korine's Julien Donkey-Boy found him again overlooked when the film failed to click with critics and audiences, but the undaunted Bremner would soon crack up audiences with his supporting role as "Mullet" in Guy Ritchie's stylized follow-up to Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch (2000). With his role in director Michael Bay's high-profile 2001 war film Pearl Harbor, the talented actor proved his versatility once and for all by essaying the role of a wholeheartedly patriotic American soldier fighting in WWII. When Bremner stepped back into fatigues the very next year for a supporting role in Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down, it appeared as if he might finally be achieving the success that had previously eluded him. The next year, he appeared as none other than legendary surrealist Salvador Dali in the U.K. television drama Surrealissimo: The Trial of Salvador Dali, and in the following few years, he would balance such high-profile Hollywood releases as The Rundown (2003) and Around the World in 80 Days (also 2003) with such foreign gems as the Swedish film Sweet Dreams.
Robert Carlyle/Jonny Lee Miller
Born April 14, 1961, in Glasgow, Carlyle was raised by his father after his mother walked out when the actor was four years old. The elder Carlyle was, according to his son, a disciple of the tune in, turn on, drop out mentality, and the younger Carlyle led an itinerant bohemian existence. Carlyle dropped out of school at 16, and according to his own accounts, had a fairly disastrous stay in England before returning to Glasgow. It was there that he enrolled in acting classes at the Glasgow Arts Centre after finding inspiration in Arthur Miller's +The Crucible. This led to a stint at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where he studied for a term before becoming disenchanted with the institution. He found work in various television and stage productions, winning a coveted Actor's Equity card with his turn as Oberon in The Royal Scottish Orchestra's production of +A Midsummer Night's Dream. Film audiences first became aware of the actor in Ken Loach's Riff Raff (1991), the story of the trials and tribulations of a group of construction workers. Carlyle won favorable notices, which in turn led to more work, first in the 1993 film Safe and then in 1994's Priest, the critically acclaimed and very controversial story of the moral struggles of a gay priest, in which he played the priest's lover. He went on to a very different role in the next year's Go Now, in which he played a man suffering from multiple sclerosis. The same year, he also found a place in the hearts of many a Scottish TV viewer with his portrayal of the title character on Hamish MacBeth. The show, which cast him as a kindhearted Highlands police constable, made him something of a star in his native country.
Ironically, it was his turn as a character of a completely different stripe that won Carlyle international attention. As the drunken, raving psychotic Begbie in Trainspotting (1996), Carlyle was one of the more disturbing aspects of a relentlessly disturbing film, as he invested in Begbie the type of rage that made many filmgoers unable to separate the character from the actor who gave him life. The film was the object of both critical adulation and controversy, and made a star out of at least one of its actors, the charmingly rough-edged Ewan McGregor.
In 2007, just as The Scotsman reported that the entire Trainspotting cast would be reuniting for the Boyle-directed sequel Porno, Carlyle would be reunited with Gunpowder, Treason & Plot co-star Catherine McCormack in 28 Weeks Later -- director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's sequel to 2002 horror hit 28 Days Later (directed by none other than Danny Boyle).
Robert Carlyle would love to star in the Trainspotting sequel Porno, so he would be more than happy to see that Ewan McGregor and director Danny Boyle try to settle their feud.
The sequel plans for Trainspotting have been shelved after director Danny Boyle and actor Ewan McGregor had some clash over Leo DiCaprio's part in The Beach.
Jonny Lee Miller (sometimes credited with an H) was born on November 15, 1972, in Kingston, England, UK. After appearing in many high school plays at his selective state grammar school, Johnny dropped out at 17, to pursue acting full time. Although he was reportedly quiet and shy in high school, he certainly expresses himself well in all his films. His very first popular film was Hackers (1995), alongside Angelina Jolie and Matthew Lillard. Later his co-star Angelina became his wife. They were divorced 4 years later. Interesting fact is that his entire family is well into acting, all the way back to his grandparents. He has a partnership in the production company, Natural Nylon, which also includes Ewan McGregor and Jude Law.
Ewan Mcgregor
Ewan Gordon McGregor (pronounced /ˌjuːən məˈɡrɛɡər/; born 31 March 1971)[1] is a Scottish actor, singer, and adventurer who has had success in mainstream, indie and art house films. He is perhaps best known for Danny Boyle's 1996 film Trainspotting, his portrayal of the young Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, his role as the romantic penniless writer Christian in the 2001 film Moulin Rouge!, his role opposite Renée Zellweger in Down with Love (2003) and his motorcycle adventures with friend Charley Boorman in Long Way Round and Long Way Down.
He is due to appear in the upcoming films I Love You Phillip Morris and Amelia and portrayed the Camerlengo Patrick McKenna in the film adaption of Angels & Demons, released in May 2009. Aside from his film work, McGregor has starred in theatre productions of Guys and Dolls. He also appeared in television series such as The Scarlet and the Black, Lipstick On Your Collar, Tales from the Crypt, and ER.
Director: Danny Boyle
Boyle made his feature film directorial debut with Shallow Grave.[7] The film was the most commercially successful British film of 1995[8] and led to the production of Trainspotting, based on the novel by Irvine Welsh.[9] Working with writer John Hodge and producer Andrew Macdonald, Shallow Grave earned Boyle the Best Newcomer Award from the 1996 London Film Critics Circle.[8] Shallow Grave and Trainspotting were two films that revitalised British cinema.[7] Andrew Macdonald, producer of Trainspotting, said:
"Boyle takes a subject that you've often seen portrayed realistically, in a politically correct way, whether it's junkies or slum orphans, and he has managed to make it realistic but also incredibly uplifting and joyful."[7]
He then moved to Hollywood and sought a production deal with a major US studio. He declined an offer to direct the fourth film of the Alien franchise, instead making A Life Less Ordinary using British finance.[citation needed]
Boyle's next project was an adaptation of the cult novel The Beach. Filmed in Thailand with Leonardo DiCaprio in a starring role, casting of the film led to a feud with Ewan McGregor, star of his first two films.[7] He then collaborated with author Alex Garland on the post-apocalyptic horror film 28 Days Later.[10]
He also directed a short film Alien Love Triangle (starring Kenneth Branagh), and was intended to be one of three shorts within a feature film. However the project was cancelled after the two other shorts were made into feature films: Mimic starring Mira Sorvino and Impostor starring Gary Sinise.[11]
In 2004 Boyle directed Millions,[3], scripted by Frank Cottrell Boyce.[citation needed] His next collaboration with Alex Garland[3] was the science-fiction film Sunshine, starring 28 Days Later star Cillian Murphy, was released in 2007.[citation needed]
Boyle at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival
In 2008 he directed Slumdog Millionaire, the story of an impoverished child (Dev Patel) on the streets of Mumbai who competes on India's variant of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, for which Boyle won an Academy Award. The film won eight Academy Awards in total.[12]
"To be a film-maker...you have to lead. You have to be psychotic in your desire to do something. People always like the easy route. You have to push very hard to get something unusual, something different."[7]
Boyle is to direct Ponte Tower, about a girl moving into South Africa's famed fifty-four story skyscraper near the end of the apartheid-era only to fall under the influence of a drug lord, as well as the film Solomon Grundy, about a baby who experiences an entire lifetime in just 6 days.
Written by: Irvine Welsh
Irvine Welsh was born in the great city of Edinburgh, Scotland. He can't quite recall if it was Simpson's or Elsie Inglis maternity pavilions. In fact he remembers little of the birth, though his mother assured him later that it was fairly routine. This selective memory at key points in his life would continue. What he seems quite certain of is that his family moved from their tenement home in Leith, to the prefabs in West Pilton, and then onto Muirhouse's maisonette flats.
Welsh left Ainslie Park Secondary School when he was sixteen and had various jobs, but didn't really like work any more than he did school. However, he was very fortunate to meet some exceptionally decent people at both, most of whom tolerated him. London called in the late seventies and he tried to catch up on some of education he'd missed on while daydreaming about more interesting things, as enjoyed the London punk scene. The jobs got better and he got on the property ladder and made some money, but in the good Scots tradition, he managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Cleaning up his act, and, in keeping with another great tradition, 'finding a nice lassie and settling doon', Welsh eventually returned to Edinburgh where he worked for the city council in the housing department. He went on to study for an MBA at Heriot Watt University.
Welsh regards himself as very fortunate to be back in his home town when Kevin Williamson, Duncan McLean, Barry Graham, Alan Warner, Paul Reekie and Rodney Relax were all doing their thing. Energised by the rave scene, he started to write and his paths crossed with the above. Digging out some old diaries, Welsh did a draft of what would become Trainspotting. Welsh published parts this from 1991 onwards in DOG, the West Coast Magazine, and New Writing Scotland. Duncan McLean published parts of the novel in two Clocktower pamphlets, A Parcel of Rogues and Past Tense: Four Stories from a Novel. Meanwhile Kevin Williamson, a member of Duncan McLean’s Muirhouse writers’ group, published sections of Trainspotting in the literary magazine Rebel Inc. Duncan McLean recommended Welsh to Robin Robertson, then editorial director of Secker & Warburg, who decided to publish Trainspotting, despite believing that it was unlikely to sell.
When Trainspotting was published in 1993 Irvine Welsh shot to fame. According to Lord Gowrie, the chairman of the panel, the novel was rejected for the Booker Prize shortlist after offending the sensibilities of two female judges. Despite this unease from the critical establishment, Welsh’s novel received as many good reviews as ones swathed in disgust and outrage - establishing a tradition that continues to this day. Harry Gibson’s stage adaptation of the novel was premiered at the Glasgow Mayfest in April 1994 and went on to be staged at the Edinburgh Festival and in London before touring the UK. In August 1995, Irvine Welsh gave up his day job.
Since Danny Boyle’s film adaptation of Trainspotting was released in February 1996 Irvine Welsh has remained a controversial figure, whose novels, stage and screen plays, novellas and short stories have proved difficult for literary critics to assimilate, a difficulty made only more noticeable by Welsh’s continued commercial success. More books have followed, Ecstasy becoming the first paperback original to go straight in at No1 on the Sunday Times best-sellers list, a feat emulated by Filth, which became Welsh's highest selling book after Trainspotting. His first novel has now sold almost 1 million copies in the UK alone and is a worldwide phenomenon. Books such as Glue, Porno and recent The Bedroom Secrets of the Master Chefs have seen him increase his profile in America and Canada.
He has recently branched into film and is a partner in two film production companies. He joined Four Ways films, which was founded by Antonia Bird, Robert Carlyle and Mark Cousins, and has recently set up Jawbone films with his screenwriting partner Dean Cavanagh, and Phil John and Jon Lewis Owen.
Despite the fact that his excrement-flinging moment of glory in director Danny Boyle's flamboyant adaptation of the Irvine Welsh novel -Trainspotting would forever leave an impression on adventurous filmgoers, and regardless of subsequent appearances alongside such Hollywood heavies as Ben Affleck in high-profile Hollywood releases like Pearl Harbor, actor Ewen Bremner has yet to achieve the level of success of Trainspotting cohorts Ewan McGregor and Robert Carlyle. An Edinburgh native whose art teacher parents actively supported his creative pursuits, Bremner first received widespread exposure when, at age 17, the theater workshop play in which he appeared transferred from Scotland to London's Royal Court. Subsequently making his feature debut with the U.K. television drama Heavenly Pursuits (1985), Bremner would take on supporting roles in Prince of Jutland (1994) and Judge Dredd (1995) before being catapulted into the international limelight as the hapless "Spud" in Trainspotting. Despite having essayed the lead as Renton in the popular stage adaptation of -Trainspotting, Bremner no doubt made quite an impression with audiences in the key supporting role, his alternately pathetic and sympathetic put-upon character offering some of the film's finest comic moments. The following year, Bremner attempted to bypass the hype by taking some time off and pondering his future as an actor. Though such subsequent films as The Life of Stuff (1997) and The Acid House (1998, again adapted from the works of Welsh) contained Trainspotting's edgy humor, their attempts to be "hip" were notably strained, and neither film fared well at the box office. Bremner's role as the titular character in eccentric wonder-boy director Harmony Korine's Julien Donkey-Boy found him again overlooked when the film failed to click with critics and audiences, but the undaunted Bremner would soon crack up audiences with his supporting role as "Mullet" in Guy Ritchie's stylized follow-up to Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch (2000). With his role in director Michael Bay's high-profile 2001 war film Pearl Harbor, the talented actor proved his versatility once and for all by essaying the role of a wholeheartedly patriotic American soldier fighting in WWII. When Bremner stepped back into fatigues the very next year for a supporting role in Ridley Scott's Black Hawk Down, it appeared as if he might finally be achieving the success that had previously eluded him. The next year, he appeared as none other than legendary surrealist Salvador Dali in the U.K. television drama Surrealissimo: The Trial of Salvador Dali, and in the following few years, he would balance such high-profile Hollywood releases as The Rundown (2003) and Around the World in 80 Days (also 2003) with such foreign gems as the Swedish film Sweet Dreams.
Robert Carlyle/Jonny Lee Miller
Born April 14, 1961, in Glasgow, Carlyle was raised by his father after his mother walked out when the actor was four years old. The elder Carlyle was, according to his son, a disciple of the tune in, turn on, drop out mentality, and the younger Carlyle led an itinerant bohemian existence. Carlyle dropped out of school at 16, and according to his own accounts, had a fairly disastrous stay in England before returning to Glasgow. It was there that he enrolled in acting classes at the Glasgow Arts Centre after finding inspiration in Arthur Miller's +The Crucible. This led to a stint at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where he studied for a term before becoming disenchanted with the institution. He found work in various television and stage productions, winning a coveted Actor's Equity card with his turn as Oberon in The Royal Scottish Orchestra's production of +A Midsummer Night's Dream. Film audiences first became aware of the actor in Ken Loach's Riff Raff (1991), the story of the trials and tribulations of a group of construction workers. Carlyle won favorable notices, which in turn led to more work, first in the 1993 film Safe and then in 1994's Priest, the critically acclaimed and very controversial story of the moral struggles of a gay priest, in which he played the priest's lover. He went on to a very different role in the next year's Go Now, in which he played a man suffering from multiple sclerosis. The same year, he also found a place in the hearts of many a Scottish TV viewer with his portrayal of the title character on Hamish MacBeth. The show, which cast him as a kindhearted Highlands police constable, made him something of a star in his native country.
Ironically, it was his turn as a character of a completely different stripe that won Carlyle international attention. As the drunken, raving psychotic Begbie in Trainspotting (1996), Carlyle was one of the more disturbing aspects of a relentlessly disturbing film, as he invested in Begbie the type of rage that made many filmgoers unable to separate the character from the actor who gave him life. The film was the object of both critical adulation and controversy, and made a star out of at least one of its actors, the charmingly rough-edged Ewan McGregor.
In 2007, just as The Scotsman reported that the entire Trainspotting cast would be reuniting for the Boyle-directed sequel Porno, Carlyle would be reunited with Gunpowder, Treason & Plot co-star Catherine McCormack in 28 Weeks Later -- director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's sequel to 2002 horror hit 28 Days Later (directed by none other than Danny Boyle).
Robert Carlyle would love to star in the Trainspotting sequel Porno, so he would be more than happy to see that Ewan McGregor and director Danny Boyle try to settle their feud.
The sequel plans for Trainspotting have been shelved after director Danny Boyle and actor Ewan McGregor had some clash over Leo DiCaprio's part in The Beach.
Jonny Lee Miller (sometimes credited with an H) was born on November 15, 1972, in Kingston, England, UK. After appearing in many high school plays at his selective state grammar school, Johnny dropped out at 17, to pursue acting full time. Although he was reportedly quiet and shy in high school, he certainly expresses himself well in all his films. His very first popular film was Hackers (1995), alongside Angelina Jolie and Matthew Lillard. Later his co-star Angelina became his wife. They were divorced 4 years later. Interesting fact is that his entire family is well into acting, all the way back to his grandparents. He has a partnership in the production company, Natural Nylon, which also includes Ewan McGregor and Jude Law.
Ewan Mcgregor
Ewan Gordon McGregor (pronounced /ˌjuːən məˈɡrɛɡər/; born 31 March 1971)[1] is a Scottish actor, singer, and adventurer who has had success in mainstream, indie and art house films. He is perhaps best known for Danny Boyle's 1996 film Trainspotting, his portrayal of the young Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, his role as the romantic penniless writer Christian in the 2001 film Moulin Rouge!, his role opposite Renée Zellweger in Down with Love (2003) and his motorcycle adventures with friend Charley Boorman in Long Way Round and Long Way Down.
He is due to appear in the upcoming films I Love You Phillip Morris and Amelia and portrayed the Camerlengo Patrick McKenna in the film adaption of Angels & Demons, released in May 2009. Aside from his film work, McGregor has starred in theatre productions of Guys and Dolls. He also appeared in television series such as The Scarlet and the Black, Lipstick On Your Collar, Tales from the Crypt, and ER.
Director: Danny Boyle
Boyle made his feature film directorial debut with Shallow Grave.[7] The film was the most commercially successful British film of 1995[8] and led to the production of Trainspotting, based on the novel by Irvine Welsh.[9] Working with writer John Hodge and producer Andrew Macdonald, Shallow Grave earned Boyle the Best Newcomer Award from the 1996 London Film Critics Circle.[8] Shallow Grave and Trainspotting were two films that revitalised British cinema.[7] Andrew Macdonald, producer of Trainspotting, said:
"Boyle takes a subject that you've often seen portrayed realistically, in a politically correct way, whether it's junkies or slum orphans, and he has managed to make it realistic but also incredibly uplifting and joyful."[7]
He then moved to Hollywood and sought a production deal with a major US studio. He declined an offer to direct the fourth film of the Alien franchise, instead making A Life Less Ordinary using British finance.[citation needed]
Boyle's next project was an adaptation of the cult novel The Beach. Filmed in Thailand with Leonardo DiCaprio in a starring role, casting of the film led to a feud with Ewan McGregor, star of his first two films.[7] He then collaborated with author Alex Garland on the post-apocalyptic horror film 28 Days Later.[10]
He also directed a short film Alien Love Triangle (starring Kenneth Branagh), and was intended to be one of three shorts within a feature film. However the project was cancelled after the two other shorts were made into feature films: Mimic starring Mira Sorvino and Impostor starring Gary Sinise.[11]
In 2004 Boyle directed Millions,[3], scripted by Frank Cottrell Boyce.[citation needed] His next collaboration with Alex Garland[3] was the science-fiction film Sunshine, starring 28 Days Later star Cillian Murphy, was released in 2007.[citation needed]
Boyle at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival
In 2008 he directed Slumdog Millionaire, the story of an impoverished child (Dev Patel) on the streets of Mumbai who competes on India's variant of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, for which Boyle won an Academy Award. The film won eight Academy Awards in total.[12]
"To be a film-maker...you have to lead. You have to be psychotic in your desire to do something. People always like the easy route. You have to push very hard to get something unusual, something different."[7]
Boyle is to direct Ponte Tower, about a girl moving into South Africa's famed fifty-four story skyscraper near the end of the apartheid-era only to fall under the influence of a drug lord, as well as the film Solomon Grundy, about a baby who experiences an entire lifetime in just 6 days.
Written by: Irvine Welsh
Irvine Welsh was born in the great city of Edinburgh, Scotland. He can't quite recall if it was Simpson's or Elsie Inglis maternity pavilions. In fact he remembers little of the birth, though his mother assured him later that it was fairly routine. This selective memory at key points in his life would continue. What he seems quite certain of is that his family moved from their tenement home in Leith, to the prefabs in West Pilton, and then onto Muirhouse's maisonette flats.
Welsh left Ainslie Park Secondary School when he was sixteen and had various jobs, but didn't really like work any more than he did school. However, he was very fortunate to meet some exceptionally decent people at both, most of whom tolerated him. London called in the late seventies and he tried to catch up on some of education he'd missed on while daydreaming about more interesting things, as enjoyed the London punk scene. The jobs got better and he got on the property ladder and made some money, but in the good Scots tradition, he managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Cleaning up his act, and, in keeping with another great tradition, 'finding a nice lassie and settling doon', Welsh eventually returned to Edinburgh where he worked for the city council in the housing department. He went on to study for an MBA at Heriot Watt University.
Welsh regards himself as very fortunate to be back in his home town when Kevin Williamson, Duncan McLean, Barry Graham, Alan Warner, Paul Reekie and Rodney Relax were all doing their thing. Energised by the rave scene, he started to write and his paths crossed with the above. Digging out some old diaries, Welsh did a draft of what would become Trainspotting. Welsh published parts this from 1991 onwards in DOG, the West Coast Magazine, and New Writing Scotland. Duncan McLean published parts of the novel in two Clocktower pamphlets, A Parcel of Rogues and Past Tense: Four Stories from a Novel. Meanwhile Kevin Williamson, a member of Duncan McLean’s Muirhouse writers’ group, published sections of Trainspotting in the literary magazine Rebel Inc. Duncan McLean recommended Welsh to Robin Robertson, then editorial director of Secker & Warburg, who decided to publish Trainspotting, despite believing that it was unlikely to sell.
When Trainspotting was published in 1993 Irvine Welsh shot to fame. According to Lord Gowrie, the chairman of the panel, the novel was rejected for the Booker Prize shortlist after offending the sensibilities of two female judges. Despite this unease from the critical establishment, Welsh’s novel received as many good reviews as ones swathed in disgust and outrage - establishing a tradition that continues to this day. Harry Gibson’s stage adaptation of the novel was premiered at the Glasgow Mayfest in April 1994 and went on to be staged at the Edinburgh Festival and in London before touring the UK. In August 1995, Irvine Welsh gave up his day job.
Since Danny Boyle’s film adaptation of Trainspotting was released in February 1996 Irvine Welsh has remained a controversial figure, whose novels, stage and screen plays, novellas and short stories have proved difficult for literary critics to assimilate, a difficulty made only more noticeable by Welsh’s continued commercial success. More books have followed, Ecstasy becoming the first paperback original to go straight in at No1 on the Sunday Times best-sellers list, a feat emulated by Filth, which became Welsh's highest selling book after Trainspotting. His first novel has now sold almost 1 million copies in the UK alone and is a worldwide phenomenon. Books such as Glue, Porno and recent The Bedroom Secrets of the Master Chefs have seen him increase his profile in America and Canada.
He has recently branched into film and is a partner in two film production companies. He joined Four Ways films, which was founded by Antonia Bird, Robert Carlyle and Mark Cousins, and has recently set up Jawbone films with his screenwriting partner Dean Cavanagh, and Phil John and Jon Lewis Owen.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Good Rides
Massapequa Preserve bike path
Beginning at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale and heads south through the Massapequa alongside Bethpage state pkwy, ends at Brady Park, in Massapequa Park.
One entrance is located at Northwest Drive in South Farmingdale.
Caumsett State Park Bike Path
A newcomer to the roster of Long Island State Parks obtained by the state in 1961.
This is an entry level ride more for touring.
Located in the Loyd Harbor section of Huntington, Long Island.
Its an easy ride around an old estate, but I would still recommend you have a "fat tire" mountain bike (not a hybrid). Mostly the ride is on wide dirt roads riding past a barn, horse stable and up to the main house on the hill with a gorgeous view out over the water. Then down a paved section and off onto a dirt road trough the woods. Later on the dirt road has a steep but short downhill to the water to a beautiful secluded beach, and finally a slow but long moderate climb back up to the farm. Total distance is about 4-5 miles should take 2 maybe 3 hrs total for a leisurely ride.
Eisenhower Park
A large Nassau County Park mostly dedicated to golfing.
Bike paths are paved and well maintained.
Paths explore every corner from Salisbury Lake, the Veterans Memorial, safety town, on through pass the pool complex, around the golf courses and lovely views of the Nassau County correctional facility.
Heckscher State Park
This is an extremely easy ride and pleasant run through a copse of woods and open fields to broad beaches on Great South Bay. Swimming facilities are provided at Overlook and West beaches and in the Overlookpool. Interesting small sailing craft are launched from the beach adjacent to the pool and are fun to watch. At the east end of the park is the southern terminus of the Suffolk County Greenbelt..
Hempstead Lake State Park
This park was developed around Hempstead Lake and several smaller ponds and provides facilities for picnicking, soccer, baseball, tennis, and archery. The bike path encircles Hempstead Lake, paralleling an exercise course and equestrian path. On the east side of the path runs for a pleasant mile through a dense stand of woods.
Huntington/Lloyd Neck
Huntington and Lloyd Neck make up one of the several peninsulas that jut into Long Island Sound on Long Islands north shore. It is a charming and picaresque area that is rich in colonial history and architecture while offering superb water views. The ride heads north from Huntington Village toward Huntington Harbor. From West Shore Road we get a continuous view of the harbor and, in the early morning its extra buttery.
Jones Beach bike path
This is the premier bike path on Long Island. It runs south from Merrick Road for 5 miles on islands and over channels of the bays that separate the barrier beach from Long Island proper, and it provides the best bicycling experience available for this kind of terrain. Best of all, it terminates at Jones Beach, which itself is an unmatched oceanfront park with golf course, ball fields, skating rink, etc.The path ends at the Nikon Jones Beach Theater.
Long Beach/Atlantic Beach boardwalks
These boardwalks are great a leisurely ride, especially during hot summer months. Both have clearly marked, broad bicycle lanes and direct access to the beach. The shore side is lined with hotel, condos, and cabanas. The Long Beach facility is large and more active than Atlantic Beach and at several locations features snack bars and restaurants. Cycling is allowed year-round.
Wildwood State Park
Wildwood is a beautiful woodland park located on high bluffs overlooking Long Island Sound. Its main facilities are devoted to tent or trailer camping, and it features a fine bathing beach on the Sound. It is a relatively large park with an extensive array of roads and trails running through heavily wooded terrain. The roads winding around the camping and general recreation areas are paved, but in other areas you'll find a more rugged off road vibe.
Wildwood State Park is located near Long Island Sound, on the north shore of Long Island, in Suffolk County.
Westhampton Beach
Westhampton Beach and Quogue are the most westerly of the Long Island south shore communities that are strung along the Atlantic beachfront and known collectively as the Hamptons. From here east to Montauk the vacationing is of a special kind, usually associated with substantial wealth and gracious living, but the automobile and road systems available to all have democratized the summer crowd.
Wading River
Long Island was shaped by ancient glaciers that scoured New England and scraped out Long Island Sound. The most visible remains of this action are the sand bluffs bordering the Sound from Port Jefferson to Orient Point and the hilly moraines that line the island along with its north shore and middle. The hills provided the most attractive areas for settlements, and their loamy soil proved excellent for kx 250's.
Many side trails exist which could link to various communities along the way. It also allows people to get to the Rocky Point (RCA) state preserve and it's extensive mountain biking trail system. There is sufficient room for a crushed stone or asphalt paved type path, as well as room for a mountain bike dirt path, along most of the route
Shelter Island
Shelter Island is a 4-by-6 mile, randomly shaped plug located between Long Island's north and south forks, almost connecting the two. It faces Peconic Bay to the west and Gardiners Bay to the east, with narrow channels separating it from Greenport on the north and North Haven on the south. It is generally hilly but contains beautiful wooded areas, beaches and superb water views.
Sag Harbor North Haven
Sag Harbor was Long Island's center of whaling for half a century during the early and mid-1800s. After a crude start on the beaches of Southampton and Easthampton, where whales are often beached and were thus easily taken, residents of Long Island's eastern end went to sea from Sag Harbor and joined the great American whaling fleet. With Nantucket, New Bedford, and New London, Sag Harbor prospered lovely.
Orient Beach State Park
Orient Beach State Park lies at the tip of the North Fork and provides a run through a narrow deck of wooded land stretching far out into Gardiner's Bay. It is short but very pleasant ride on a well-paved path providing beautiful water views and the opportunity to observe water fowl (terns and ospreys) that are plentiful in the marshes and hillocks of the area.
Montauk
Montauk is the easternmost extremity of the south fork, reaching 120 miles into the Atlantic from New York City. It is a narrow peninsula, hilly in places, with a constant sea breeze and clear, clean air. The Atlantic beats along its beaches on its southern edge, and Block Island Sound intrudes in several bays and inlets along its northshore. It's developed areas include Montauk Beach.
Hampton Bays/Shinnecock Canal
Hampton Bays is one of the liveliest of the summer communities of Long Island's east end. Just west of the Shinnecock Canal-the narrow channel separating the Montauk peninsula from the rest of Long island-it is in a sense the gateway to the summer playgrounds of the south fork. This ride explores this popular vacation area and the ocean beaches to which it is connected.
Beginning at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale and heads south through the Massapequa alongside Bethpage state pkwy, ends at Brady Park, in Massapequa Park.
One entrance is located at Northwest Drive in South Farmingdale.
Caumsett State Park Bike Path
A newcomer to the roster of Long Island State Parks obtained by the state in 1961.
This is an entry level ride more for touring.
Located in the Loyd Harbor section of Huntington, Long Island.
Its an easy ride around an old estate, but I would still recommend you have a "fat tire" mountain bike (not a hybrid). Mostly the ride is on wide dirt roads riding past a barn, horse stable and up to the main house on the hill with a gorgeous view out over the water. Then down a paved section and off onto a dirt road trough the woods. Later on the dirt road has a steep but short downhill to the water to a beautiful secluded beach, and finally a slow but long moderate climb back up to the farm. Total distance is about 4-5 miles should take 2 maybe 3 hrs total for a leisurely ride.
Eisenhower Park
A large Nassau County Park mostly dedicated to golfing.
Bike paths are paved and well maintained.
Paths explore every corner from Salisbury Lake, the Veterans Memorial, safety town, on through pass the pool complex, around the golf courses and lovely views of the Nassau County correctional facility.
Heckscher State Park
This is an extremely easy ride and pleasant run through a copse of woods and open fields to broad beaches on Great South Bay. Swimming facilities are provided at Overlook and West beaches and in the Overlookpool. Interesting small sailing craft are launched from the beach adjacent to the pool and are fun to watch. At the east end of the park is the southern terminus of the Suffolk County Greenbelt..
Hempstead Lake State Park
This park was developed around Hempstead Lake and several smaller ponds and provides facilities for picnicking, soccer, baseball, tennis, and archery. The bike path encircles Hempstead Lake, paralleling an exercise course and equestrian path. On the east side of the path runs for a pleasant mile through a dense stand of woods.
Huntington/Lloyd Neck
Huntington and Lloyd Neck make up one of the several peninsulas that jut into Long Island Sound on Long Islands north shore. It is a charming and picaresque area that is rich in colonial history and architecture while offering superb water views. The ride heads north from Huntington Village toward Huntington Harbor. From West Shore Road we get a continuous view of the harbor and, in the early morning its extra buttery.
Jones Beach bike path
This is the premier bike path on Long Island. It runs south from Merrick Road for 5 miles on islands and over channels of the bays that separate the barrier beach from Long Island proper, and it provides the best bicycling experience available for this kind of terrain. Best of all, it terminates at Jones Beach, which itself is an unmatched oceanfront park with golf course, ball fields, skating rink, etc.The path ends at the Nikon Jones Beach Theater.
Long Beach/Atlantic Beach boardwalks
These boardwalks are great a leisurely ride, especially during hot summer months. Both have clearly marked, broad bicycle lanes and direct access to the beach. The shore side is lined with hotel, condos, and cabanas. The Long Beach facility is large and more active than Atlantic Beach and at several locations features snack bars and restaurants. Cycling is allowed year-round.
Wildwood State Park
Wildwood is a beautiful woodland park located on high bluffs overlooking Long Island Sound. Its main facilities are devoted to tent or trailer camping, and it features a fine bathing beach on the Sound. It is a relatively large park with an extensive array of roads and trails running through heavily wooded terrain. The roads winding around the camping and general recreation areas are paved, but in other areas you'll find a more rugged off road vibe.
Wildwood State Park is located near Long Island Sound, on the north shore of Long Island, in Suffolk County.
Westhampton Beach
Westhampton Beach and Quogue are the most westerly of the Long Island south shore communities that are strung along the Atlantic beachfront and known collectively as the Hamptons. From here east to Montauk the vacationing is of a special kind, usually associated with substantial wealth and gracious living, but the automobile and road systems available to all have democratized the summer crowd.
Wading River
Long Island was shaped by ancient glaciers that scoured New England and scraped out Long Island Sound. The most visible remains of this action are the sand bluffs bordering the Sound from Port Jefferson to Orient Point and the hilly moraines that line the island along with its north shore and middle. The hills provided the most attractive areas for settlements, and their loamy soil proved excellent for kx 250's.
Many side trails exist which could link to various communities along the way. It also allows people to get to the Rocky Point (RCA) state preserve and it's extensive mountain biking trail system. There is sufficient room for a crushed stone or asphalt paved type path, as well as room for a mountain bike dirt path, along most of the route
Shelter Island
Shelter Island is a 4-by-6 mile, randomly shaped plug located between Long Island's north and south forks, almost connecting the two. It faces Peconic Bay to the west and Gardiners Bay to the east, with narrow channels separating it from Greenport on the north and North Haven on the south. It is generally hilly but contains beautiful wooded areas, beaches and superb water views.
Sag Harbor North Haven
Sag Harbor was Long Island's center of whaling for half a century during the early and mid-1800s. After a crude start on the beaches of Southampton and Easthampton, where whales are often beached and were thus easily taken, residents of Long Island's eastern end went to sea from Sag Harbor and joined the great American whaling fleet. With Nantucket, New Bedford, and New London, Sag Harbor prospered lovely.
Orient Beach State Park
Orient Beach State Park lies at the tip of the North Fork and provides a run through a narrow deck of wooded land stretching far out into Gardiner's Bay. It is short but very pleasant ride on a well-paved path providing beautiful water views and the opportunity to observe water fowl (terns and ospreys) that are plentiful in the marshes and hillocks of the area.
Montauk
Montauk is the easternmost extremity of the south fork, reaching 120 miles into the Atlantic from New York City. It is a narrow peninsula, hilly in places, with a constant sea breeze and clear, clean air. The Atlantic beats along its beaches on its southern edge, and Block Island Sound intrudes in several bays and inlets along its northshore. It's developed areas include Montauk Beach.
Hampton Bays/Shinnecock Canal
Hampton Bays is one of the liveliest of the summer communities of Long Island's east end. Just west of the Shinnecock Canal-the narrow channel separating the Montauk peninsula from the rest of Long island-it is in a sense the gateway to the summer playgrounds of the south fork. This ride explores this popular vacation area and the ocean beaches to which it is connected.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The WORST arena in the United States
Host of the worst skateboarding event in the United States.
Swatch Impact Tour 1988
THE LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT
The Lighthouse at Long Island Top Ten Facts
1. The Lighthouse project will transform the 150-acres at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum site and the surrounding area into Long Island’s signature destination.
2. The Lighthouse is approximately 5.5 million square feet of new mixed-use development and will be designed and developed to be Long Island’s largest LEED, environmentally friendly, project.
3. The Coliseum will be transformed into a state-of-the-art arena providing a premier entertainment experience. With additional and expanded concourses, all new restrooms, VIP suites, larger seats, and first class concessions and restaurants, the arena will comfortably accommodate 17,500 for hockey, 18,500 for basketball and 20,000 fans for concerts.
4. The Sports Complex will be the region’s preferred sports and entertainment facility. It will house four sheets of ice for local teams and clubs, as well as be capable of hosting regional and national events. The facility will also include basketball courts and a state-of-the-art health club.
5. The Lighthouse’s central landscaped park, Celebration Plaza, will be larger than New York City’s Bryant Park, and will soon become Long Island’s favorite meeting place for family concerts, or just relaxing with a friend.
6. The project’s 2,300 residences will include next generation, luxury, active adult and multi-family housing types. There will be a mix of lofts, condominiums, and town houses set amidst quiet neighborhoods or above vibrant retail streetscapes.
7. Long Island’s first five-star hotel will contain 300 rooms, meeting and banquet facilities, and luxury full-service condominiums.
8. The project will have more than 250,000 square feet of Convention, Conference and Exhibition space and will establish Long Island as a preferred destination for national and international programs while giving local companies a place to host their events.
9. One million square feet of new class A office space, including a sports technology center, will attract new industries and create jobs and career opportunities as well as allow local companies to expand in the heart of Nassau County.
10. The project’s approximately 500,000 square feet of complementary retail, restaurants, and cafes will provide great places to dine and shop for residents and visitors alike.
The Lighthouse’s Big Seven Benefits to Long Islanders
1. Increased Tax Revenues
2. New jobs and career opportunities
3. Ability to keep existing and attract new businesses
4. Attractive housing alternatives for Long Islanders
5. Increased property values
6. Creates a destination on Long Island
7. Keeps the NY Islanders on Long Island
How old is the Coliseum?
The Coliseum opened in 1972, and was originally built for 12,900 people. Today the building services over 16,000 people, but has never had any significant improvements to the infrastructure since opening day.
Why aren't there more events at the Coliseum?
The Coliseum's outdated facilities are inadequate for many of today's acts, which rely on modern infrastructure and facilities. Fans often complain that the tight concourse, lack of restrooms and unappealing food choices do not produce the entertainment experience of modern arenas. The proposed improvements will make the arena significantly more attractive to performers, fans and visitors.
What is the build-out time for the project?
The first phase of the project will include the transformation of the Coliseum and the project's infrastructure. It is expected that the Coliseum construction will take two years. The total project will be completed in 8-10 years.
How many jobs will the Lighthouse project create?
Approximately 50,000 construction and construction related jobs will be created during the 8-to-10 year build-out. In addition, many new businesses will be formed to support and service the Lighthouse project, creating many more opportunities for the Long Island workforce. By the completion of the project, approximately 20,000 permanent jobs will be created both on and off the site.
What kind of residential housing will there be at the Lighthouse?
The project's residences will include a mix of lofts, luxury residences, and town houses set in quiet landscaped neighborhoods or above vibrant retail streetscapes. Young professionals, families, and empty nesters will all find a home at the Lighthouse. Landscaped roof gardens and decks will mask below-grade parking, making the Lighthouse green as any manicured suburb.
Will there be hotels at the Lighthouse?
Long Island's first 5-star hotel will be at the Lighthouse and will be fully complemented with the amenities of a 5-star hotel such as exquisite dining options and spa treatments. The Long Island Marriott, which currently is the top hotel on Long Island, is currently undergoing a $40 million capital improvement in anticipation of the project.
February 12, 2009
In six years, if billionaire Charles Wang remains unhappy with the Nassau County digs for his New York Islanders, Queens would make an excellent home for the hockey team, the borough's chamber of commerce said. Team officials, however, say they aren't interested. Jack Friedman, executive vice president of the Queens Chambers of Commerce, said the team could benefit from the $3-billion redevelopment project planned for the Willets Point area near Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. But Wang can't easily pick up and move. The team's lease with Nassau County prohibits moving until 2015. The agreement says the team cannot play any home games during the regular season anywhere but Nassau Coliseum, which the county owns. County officials said they won't allow Wang out of the agreement. Since 2006, Nassau County has received $2.5 million in revenue generated from the Islanders' admissions and advertisement sales alone.
ISLANDERS SUGGEST A MOVE IS POSSIBLE
March 5, 2009
East Hempstead, N.Y. - When it comes to threatening to move the Islanders if he doesn't get a new arena, team owner Charles Wang says told town officials to approve the $3 billion Lighthouse project or the Islanders are gone.
The threat is tucked deep into the 6,000-page draft environmental impact statement the Lighthouse developers delivered to the Town of Hempstead on Feb. 24. Section 7.0 deals with the economic impact to the town, Nassau County and Long Island if the Lighthouse is not approved by the town.
"The transformation of the Coliseum, including the sports complex and associated parking," the developers' report states, "is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars [and] is essential if the New York Islanders are to remain. In order to absorb the cost of this transformation, it is necessary to develop the remainder of the components of the Lighthouse. Thus, if the Lighthouse is not approved and developed in a manner that can financially support the transformation of the Coliseum, the New York Islanders will leave this venue."
Wang has long maintained he needs more than just a new or rebuilt arena to keep the Islanders on Long Island.
Nassau County spokesman, Bruce Nyman, said: "This isn't the first time we've heard this. As a matter of fact, it's in the dictionary under the phrase Ôworst-kept secret.' There's no reason for us to even go there. The point has been made and everyone in town and county government understands the importance of moving this forward."
Wang has already received offers from politicians in Queens and Brooklyn to facilitate a move to those boroughs, and the Islanders are planning on playing exhibition games before next season in NHL-hungry Kansas City and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. (Newsday)
WANG EXPRESSES REGRET FOR BUYING ISLANDERS
May 7, 2009
Uniondale, N.Y. - If Charles Wang could get a do-over, he wouldnÕt have purchased the Islanders. The financial losses and struggles to upgrade the teamÕs arena and create a new development on Long Island have been too much.
Audited financial reports reviewed by Newsday show Wang has spent $208.8 million - an average of $23 million per year Ð to keep the NHL franchise operating since his purchase. That's after spending $74.2 million to buy the team and assuming $97 million in existing liabilities. This year alone, Wang has provided $33.5 million in 12 payments, said a document provided to Newsday by Islanders chief financial officer Art McCarthy. There's still two months left on their July 1 to June 30 calendar, but McCarthy hopes the incoming season ticket deposits for next season are enough to push back Wang's next payment until the fall.
Wang said he knew going in that he was going to lose money, but he is proud that he was able to save the Islanders from leaving Long Island nine years ago, and that it was important to him that the sports team got a legitimate shot to succeed. Before Wang's purchase of the team, many area public figures asked him to step in Ð an action that the financial documents show has cost him close to $300 million.
After buying the Islanders, Wang said he assumed - wrongly, it turned out - that Nassau Coliseum would either be refurbished or replaced within a few years. He says he wouldn't ever have envisioned entering his second decade as the Islanders owner with home games still taking place at the aging arena on Hempstead Turnpike.
Wang initially thought Nassau County government would subsidize the redeveloped arena. But after County Executive Thomas Suozzi told him that wasn't possible because of the county's financial state, Wang said they came up with the plan to privately develop the 70 acres of land surrounding the arena.
The Lighthouse Project - a $3.7 billion joint venture with RXR Realty chief Scott Rechler - has Suozzi's backing and is currently under review by the Town of Hempstead, where Wang says it is being held up.
He hopes the issues will be resolved soon and while he hasnÕt threatened to move the team, he does say heÕll keep all options open, including considering a new arena in Kansas City that is awaiting a pro team. Queens officials are also interested in hosting the team in a new building. The teamÕs lease expires in 2015.
Season Total Capacity Change
1992-93 486,341 73% 21.1%
1993-94 499,823 75% 2.8%
1994-95 301,764 77% -39.6%
1995-96 465,596 70% 54.3%
1996-97 512,279 77% 10%
1997-98 493,023 74% -3.8%
1998-99 461,576 69% -6.4%
1999-00 399,671 60% -13.4%
2000-01 464,627 69.5% 16.2%
2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05
596,498 612,154 551,711 None
2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09
516,973 528,331 559,247 564,697
1994-1995 - Attendance for 24 games due to NHL lockout
2004-2005 - NHL lockout
Championships..
1st 1980
2nd 1981
3rd 1982
4th 1983
Retired Numbers ## Al Arbour
## Bill Torey
#5 Denis Potvin
#9 Clark Gillies
#19 Bryan Trottier
#22 Mike Bossy
#23 Bob Nystrom
#31 Billy Smith
#99 Wayne Gretzky?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
CROSS SOUND FERRYS
MARY ELLEN
The Mary Ellen was put into service in June 2003.
It has a capacity of 85 vehicles and 675 passengers.
One of the swiftest in the fleet with service speeds of 15 knots.
SUSAN ANNE
The Susan Ann was Built in 1964 as the vessel Prince Nova.
Previously operated between Caribou, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Cross sound Ferry purchased the Prince Nova in 1998 and the vessel underwent a complete rebuild at Thames Shipyard and repair company in New London Connecticut.
Cruise speed of 15 knots.
One hour and fifteen minute trip between Orient Point and New London.
Third largest in the fleet.
Accommodates 80 autos and 840 passengers.
CAPE HENLOPEN
The Cape Henlopen was built as a world war 2 landing craft (LST 510)in Jeffersonville, Indiana and participated in the D-day invasion at Normandy.
In 1966 it was converted to a passenger and auto ferry and served on the Lewes, Delaware-Cape May, New Jersey route.
Purchased in 1983 by Cross Sound Ferry and underwent a total refurbishment.
Repowered during the winter in 1995 with EMD 12-645 deisel engines.
JOHN H
The John H was built in in 1989 by Eastern Marine Shipyard in Panama City, Florida exclusively for Cross Sound Ferry.
The largest ferry in operation to be classed under the US Coast Guard's subchapter T regulations.
Features...
Duel level auto deck
Entertainment area
Lounge
snack bar
Movie Theater cabin
Elevator for passengers with disability.
Along with the Cape Henlopen it is the largest in the fleet.
NEW LONDON
The New London was built in New London, Connecticut by Thames Shipyard and Repair Co.
in 1979.
In 1992 an upper cabin was added for increased passenger accommodations.
The fastest auto carrier in the Cross Sound fleet it was repowered in 1994 with state of the art Cummins KTA38-m2 diesel engines.
NORTH STAR
The North Star was built in Morgan City, Louisiana as an offshore supply vessel.
Purchased by Cross Sound Ferry in 1984 and converted to an auto/passenger ferry by Eastern Marine Shipyard in Panama City, Florida.
SEA JET 1
Launched in 1995, the 400 passenger vessel has cut the travel time between Orient Point and New London in half making the 16 mile crossing in just 40 minutes.
Capable of cruising at speeds in excess of 30 knots(35mph).
Catamaran design along with maritime dynamics ride controll system, ensures a high level of passenger comfort in all sea conditions.
Built by Nichols Brothers Shipyard in the state of Washington.
Features satellite television viewing with eight television screens on both the main interior cabin and upper level cabin.
The old paint scheme on the vessel represented the flag of Hawaii where the vessel once served as part of an inter-island commuter service and dinner cruise boat.
Prior to operating in Hawaii the Sea Jet ran between Boston and Nantucket Island.
After its stint in Hawaii, the vessel operated betweewn San Diego, Dana Point, and Catalina Island, California.
The Mary Ellen was put into service in June 2003.
It has a capacity of 85 vehicles and 675 passengers.
One of the swiftest in the fleet with service speeds of 15 knots.
SUSAN ANNE
The Susan Ann was Built in 1964 as the vessel Prince Nova.
Previously operated between Caribou, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Cross sound Ferry purchased the Prince Nova in 1998 and the vessel underwent a complete rebuild at Thames Shipyard and repair company in New London Connecticut.
Cruise speed of 15 knots.
One hour and fifteen minute trip between Orient Point and New London.
Third largest in the fleet.
Accommodates 80 autos and 840 passengers.
CAPE HENLOPEN
The Cape Henlopen was built as a world war 2 landing craft (LST 510)in Jeffersonville, Indiana and participated in the D-day invasion at Normandy.
In 1966 it was converted to a passenger and auto ferry and served on the Lewes, Delaware-Cape May, New Jersey route.
Purchased in 1983 by Cross Sound Ferry and underwent a total refurbishment.
Repowered during the winter in 1995 with EMD 12-645 deisel engines.
JOHN H
The John H was built in in 1989 by Eastern Marine Shipyard in Panama City, Florida exclusively for Cross Sound Ferry.
The largest ferry in operation to be classed under the US Coast Guard's subchapter T regulations.
Features...
Duel level auto deck
Entertainment area
Lounge
snack bar
Movie Theater cabin
Elevator for passengers with disability.
Along with the Cape Henlopen it is the largest in the fleet.
NEW LONDON
The New London was built in New London, Connecticut by Thames Shipyard and Repair Co.
in 1979.
In 1992 an upper cabin was added for increased passenger accommodations.
The fastest auto carrier in the Cross Sound fleet it was repowered in 1994 with state of the art Cummins KTA38-m2 diesel engines.
NORTH STAR
The North Star was built in Morgan City, Louisiana as an offshore supply vessel.
Purchased by Cross Sound Ferry in 1984 and converted to an auto/passenger ferry by Eastern Marine Shipyard in Panama City, Florida.
SEA JET 1
Launched in 1995, the 400 passenger vessel has cut the travel time between Orient Point and New London in half making the 16 mile crossing in just 40 minutes.
Capable of cruising at speeds in excess of 30 knots(35mph).
Catamaran design along with maritime dynamics ride controll system, ensures a high level of passenger comfort in all sea conditions.
Built by Nichols Brothers Shipyard in the state of Washington.
Features satellite television viewing with eight television screens on both the main interior cabin and upper level cabin.
The old paint scheme on the vessel represented the flag of Hawaii where the vessel once served as part of an inter-island commuter service and dinner cruise boat.
Prior to operating in Hawaii the Sea Jet ran between Boston and Nantucket Island.
After its stint in Hawaii, the vessel operated betweewn San Diego, Dana Point, and Catalina Island, California.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Witchhunt in East Hampton
A Long Island farmer's wife is accused of witchcraft three decades before the trials in Salem
One Friday in early February, 1657, 16-year-old Elizabeth Gardiner Howell lay feverish and delirious in her bed in the small, isolated village of East Hampton. Elizabeth's infant daughter had just been taken from her breast after feeding, and she crooned a psalm at the departing child. Suddenly, the teenage mother stiffened and shrieked:
``A witch! A witch! Now you are come to torture me because I spoke two or three words against you!''
Elizabeth's father, Lion Gardiner, the leading citizen of the community, was summoned from his home across the street.
``What did you see?'' asked Gardiner.
``A black thing at the bed's feet,'' cried Elizabeth, violently flailing her arms to strike at what she saw.
By Sunday evening, Elizabeth Howell was dead. So began a chain of events that led to one of the first witchcraft trials in the American colonies, more than three decades before Salem, Mass., would be forever marked by the sign of the witch.
The accused was Goody Garlick, a woman in her 50s who lived just down the street. Her actual name was Elizabeth, the wife of Joshua Garlick, a farmer who had once worked for Gardiner on his nearby island - first called the Isle of Wight but later renamed Gardiners Island. Goody was a shortened form of Goodwife: Goodman and Goodwife were not names, but terms of address for a married person who was not of high rank - similar to Mr. or Mrs. - but also not lower class.
The death of young Elizabeth Howell got the little rural community of 33 families buzzing. Goody Simons told the local magistrates that as Elizabeth lay dying she told her that Goody Garlick was responsible. This led the justices, John Mulford, John Hand and Thomas Baker, to hold three weeks of hearings, where depositions were taken from 13 witnesses. All the direct quotations used in this account are copied verbatim from these depositions, which are in the Town of East Hampton archives.
On Saturday, Lion Gardiner's wife, Mary, who was ill herself, left her bed to visit her daughter. Elizabeth, who was the first English child to be born in New York State, put out her hand to her mother and began crying. ``Oh, mother, mother,'' she said. ``I am bewitched.''
``I asked her who she saw,'' said Mary Gardiner. ``And she said, `Goody Garlick in the further corner and a black thing at the hither corner, both at the feet of the bed.'''
Goodwife Simons testified that Elizabeth had once gotten terribly upset with Joshua Garlick for being sharp-tongued with her when she went to his farm to look for her husband, Arthur, who was there threshing. On the second night of her sickness, Elizabeth told Goody Simons, who was staying with her, to go and get Goody Garlick.
``I could tear her in pieces,'' Elizabeth told Goody Simons. ``She is a double-tongued woman! Did you not see her last night stand by the bed side ready to pull me in pieces? And she pricked me with pins.''
A number of residents told the justices stories about Goody Garlick that hurt her case. Goody Edwards said that once Goody Garlick had requested that Edwards' daughter, who had recently given birth, provide her with some breast milk, which she did. The child immediately got sick. Edwards later told this story to Goody Davis, the wife of Foulk Davis. Goody Davis told Edwards that Goody Garlick had once made the same request of her own daughter, whose child quickly died.
Here is more of the testimony:
Thomas Tallmage said that he had once been at the house of Goody Davis: [She was] speaking unto me about some accidents that had fallen out among them at the Island [Wight] as concerning the death of her child in what manner it was taken away and of an ox that had his leg broke and having reference in her speech concerning Goody Garlick as if she were a witch.
Richard Stratton said that, years earlier, he heard Goody Davis say that her own child died strangely at the Island. ``She thought it was bewitched and she said she did not know of any one on the Island that could do it unless it were Goody Garlick.''
Goody Birdsall heard Davis say that she had dressed her child in clean linen at the Island. ``Goody Garlick came in and said how pretty the child doth look. And so soon as she had spoken Goody Garlick said the child is not well for it groaneth and Goody Davis said her heart did rise and Goody Davis said when she took the child from Goody Garlick she said she saw death in the face of it. And her child sickened presently upon it and lay five days and five nights and never opened the eyes nor cried till it died.''
One person who did not testify, for whatever reason, was Goody Davis, who at one time lived on the Isle of Wight, as did the Garlicks. And as the testimony went on, it became increasingly apparent that it was this same Goody Davis who seemed to be Goody Garlick's chief accuser. Through the testimony of others, Davis accused Goody Garlick of having caused a catalog of unexplained happenings on the Island: a child that was ``taken away in a strange manner,'' a man that was dead, a fat and lusty sow and her piglets that died during the birth, an ox with a broken leg.
By the end of the hearing, the focus seemed to have shifted to Goody Davis. Jeremiah Vaile, who lived next door to the Garlicks but who had once worked for Gardiner on the island, said that Gardiner was once asked if he thought that Davis' child had been bewitched. Gardiner, who didn't testify but whose word counted for something in the town, replied testily that ``Goody Davis had taken an Indian child to nurse and for lucre of a little wampum had merely starved her own child.''
In his 1996 book, ``Imagining the Past,'' historian Timothy H. Breen took a close look at East Hampton history. He concluded that the Goody Garlick case was one of many instances of the East Hamptonites trying to establish a pecking order in their new little town.
``The investigation into witchcraft had uncovered no witch; rather, it had exposed once again a pattern of slander and defamation,'' Breen writes. ``Discontented people in East Hampton who had come to this isolated extension of New England culture looking for a fresh start and some possible bettering of their lives had in their ambition turned on each other. As the witnesses poignantly revealed, no one in East Hampton seems to have experienced more disappointment than did Mrs. Foulk Davis.''
Unable to make a decision, the three judges sent the case to Hartford, Conn., for a trial on charges of witchcraft. But for Joshua Garlick, the testimony was convincing enough. On behalf of his wife, he immediately entered an action of defamation against Goody Davis. There is no evidence that the defamation suit was ever tried.
The Hartford trial was held on May 5, in the Particular Court of Connecticut, with a panel of magistrates headed by the governor, John Winthrop. But it was anticlimactic. There may have been testimony, but the official record mentions none, although the East Hampton depositions were available.
The indictment shows how strongly the idea of a woman possessed by the devil, a witch, was embedded in the Puritan belief system:
Thou art indicted by the name of Elizabeth Garlick the wife of Joshua Garlick of East Hampton, that not having the fear of God before thine eyes thou has entertained familiarity with Satan the great enemy of God & mankind & by his help since the year 1650 hath done works above the course of nature to the loss of lives of several persons (with several other sorceries) & in particular the wife of Arthur Howell of East Hampton, for which both according to the laws of God & the established law of this commonwealth thou deservest to die.
The jury found Elizabeth Garlick not guilty, and she and her husband went home to East Hampton. They seemed to have lived peaceably, well into their 90s. Their chief nemesis, Goody Davis, appears to have died soon after the Hartford trial.
Witches Brew 311 Hempstead Tpke. West Hempstead N.Y. 11552
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