‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ actor James Avery dead at 65 |
- ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ actor James Avery dead at 65
- What if the 21st century actually begins this year? — David Brin
- Murray’s new year starts with setback, Nadal through
- Obama wishes ailing first lady Barbara Bush well
- Do not disregard need for deterrence when discussing crime — Dudley Au
- Solskjaer watches Cardiff amid job reports
| ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ actor James Avery dead at 65 Posted: 01 Jan 2014 04:57 PM PST
Avery's death was confirmed to CNN by his publicist, and more widely in a Twitter message yesterday by one of the actor's TV co-stars, Alfonso Ribeiro, who played his son, Carlton, on "Fresh Prince." "I'm deeply saddened to say that James Avery has passed away. He was a second father to me. I will miss him greatly," Ribeiro said in a tweet. According to the celebrity website TMZ, Avery died on Tuesday, New Year's Eve, from complications he suffered after recent open-heart surgery. Avery's voice was heard in many animated TV series, including "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and "Iron Man," and he guest-starred on "That '70s Show" as a police officer. But the Atlantic City, New Jersey native gained fame on television playing family patriarch Uncle Philip Banks on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," which starred Will Smith as a young rap artist from a tough Philadelphia neighbourhood who ends up living with well-heeled relatives in the affluent Bel-Air section of Los Angeles. The sitcom, which ran on NBC for six years, was built largely around the clash of cultures between the refined lifestyle of Banks and his household and the brash, freewheeling attitudes of his nephew. The show, a launching pad for Smith's own acting career, ended with a series finale in which Uncle Philip puts his mansion up for sale and it is bought by George and Louise Jefferson - actors Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford – of "The Jeffersons." More recently, Avery had a recurring role as a deputy medical examiner on the cable drama series "The Closer." His last screen credit, according to the Internet Movie Database website was the 2013 TV comedy movie "Go, Bolivia, Go!" ― Reuters  |
| What if the 21st century actually begins this year? — David Brin Posted: 01 Jan 2014 04:51 PM PST
This what-if isn't technological, social, political or even science-fictional. Rather, it's a bit of wholly unscientific, superstitious pattern-recognition. The last two centuries (and possibly more) didn't "start" at their official point, the turning of a calendar from 00 to 01. That wasn't when they began in essence, nor when they first bent the arc of history. No. Each century effectively began in its 14th year. Think about it. The first decade of the 20th century was filled with hope and a kind of can-do optimism that was never seen again—not after the horrific events of 1914 shattered any vision that a new and better age would arrive without pain. Yet until almost the start of World War I, 19th-century progress seemed unstoppable and ever-accelerating. Consider the world of 1913, when regular middle-class folks in the US, UK, France, Germany and so on were acquiring unexpected wonders: clothes-washing machines, gas stoves, gas and then electric lighting, indoor plumbing, refrigeration, vaccinations, telephones, radios, motor cars. Stepping outside you would see and hear human beings flying through the sky—with a looming confidence that soon you would get a chance to join them. Science was pouring forth what seemed unalloyed goodness. New dyes and industrial textile methods doubled a working family's access to fresh and beautiful clothes. Cheap iron bedsteads kept cheap spring mattresses clean, making sleep both healthier and far more comfortable.
Nations were banning child labor and providing free schooling. Astronomers discovered what galaxies were. Physicists were pushing their pure and harmless science to fantastic frontiers. And the Haber-Bosch process brought cheap fertilizers that tripled crops, as chemistry proved itself to be everybody's friend. Think our era is similarly fast-changing? Just compare the kitchen of today with a kitchen of 1950. Sure, everything nowadays is shinier, smarter. Still, a person from 1950 could use our apparatus with fluid familiarity. But the drudgery- saddled housewife of 1880 would blink in bedazzlement at what her daughter used in 1913. Life itself was changing at a pace never-before seen, and mostly for the better. Yes, all of those techno-advances continued after World War I. Social changes such as women getting the vote were harbingers of more to come. But after 1914, the naivete was gone. People realized that the 20th century would be one of harsh struggle accompanying every step of advancement. And along the way to hard-won better times, the age would spiral downward first, into the deepest pit that humanity ever knew, before our parents (or grandparents) clawed their way out of the nadir of 1944 -- the focal year of a century that truly began in 1914. All right, that's just one data point. Is there another? Well, look at 1814, the beginning of the Congress of Vienna and the so-called Concert of Europe that made possible the continent's longest extended period of overall peace, as the great powers turned from fighting bloody wars to perfecting their colonial empires. Those two years -- 1814 and 1914 –- each marked a dramatic shift in tone and theme (in the West, that is), so much so that they represented the real beginnings of the 19th and 20th centuries. Suppose the pattern holds—and remember this is just a thought experiment—what might it mean about the true 21st century? What theme will typify or represent its arc? First, let's dismiss one parochial notion—that the terrorist attacks of September 2001 were the major break point between centuries. Nonsense. We were engaged in the same struggle before and after. The U.S. shrugged off more damage during any month of World War II. Indeed, nothing could be more "twen-cen" or 20th century than the overwrought focus that some (not all) Americans apply to Sept. 11. Much of the world assigns no particular relevance to that date. Oh, we are still in the 20th. Consider the pervading doom and gloom we see around us, right now. Post-apocalyptic tales and dystopias fill our fiction, films and politics, especially the Young Adult genre where today's teens seem terminally allergic to stories containing hope. How very '60s. And '70s. And so on. There was a similar sense of apocalypse in 1813 Europe, but at least there were good reasons, after decades of ferocious struggle that seemed poised to last forever. What excuse do we have, in a time when per capita violence has been plummeting for decades? When the fraction of kids—worldwide—who are well- fed and in school is higher than ever? Sure, the planet faces dire problems. But the things keeping us from addressing pollution, oppression, climate change and all of that are political inanities. The War on Science that has hobbled innovation, for example, can be won if we do one thing—tell the gloomcasters of both left and right to get out of our way and let us get back to problem-solving. Indeed, the only real obstruction we seem to face is a dullard-sickness of attitude, dismally ignoring every staggering accomplishment since 1945. Hence the question: Is it possible that a new theme for our 21st century requires only that we snap out of our present funk? If only. That would truly be the Dawning of an Age of Aquarius, forecast by hippies long before the old 20th was anywhere near done with us, but arriving at last. You shake your heads, but it could happen. We can still choose our own fate. Next year, we might decide to cheer up and rediscover the can-do optimism that was crushed by the czar and kaiser and a small group of insipid, inbred aristocrats, exactly 100 years ago. We could choose to become problem-solvers, in part, because (let's imagine) someone in 2014 discovers a simple, cheap and safe IQ-boosting pill. Or politicians decide to get over their self-serving snits and resume the adult craft of negotiation. Or some cable news owner decides to rediscover citizenship. Or some brave director releases an inspiring film that astounds people with an unexpected idea called hope. Or else go ahead and wallow in the obvious notion that 2014 will see a violent ruction of its own. A phase transition into a century whose theme we'll all regret. Or we'll see a continuing retreat from confident civilization, a turning away from the Enlightenment Dream, relapsing into fearful obeisance to a leader, or New Lords, or some simplistic ideal. That, too, could take place. In which case, please don't give me any prediction points. All I did was spot a pattern. I don't want respect from a people who would allow something like that to happen. — Bloomberg * David Brin is a scientist, futurist and author whose novels include The Postman, Earth and, most recently, Existence. His nonfiction book about the information age, The Transparent Society, won the Freedom of Speech Award of the American Library Association. ** This is the personal opinion of the columnist. |
| Murray’s new year starts with setback, Nadal through Posted: 01 Jan 2014 04:32 PM PST
Murray led by a set and 3-0 and yet lost 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 to Florian Mayer, the world number 40 from Germany, who seemed more surprised than anyone at how the contest turned around. It was only Murray's second match on the tour after a back operation and a four-month absence, but for about an hour his lack of match practice had hardly seemed a problem as he took charge. Then Mayer attacked more, Murray tired, and everything changed. "It was amazing," said Mayer. "To be honest in my mind the match was finished. I don't know how I came back. I played fantastic tennis. In the third set maybe he was injured, but I played well." Murray however admitted to no injuries during the one hour 51-minute encounter, and whatever his physical discomfort it did not prevent him playing doubles later in the day. "I am stiff and sore but that's to be expected," he claimed. "It's more the joints rather than muscles. I have to get used to changing direction and playing at this level. "I didn't have high expectations because I have not had many matches. I was playing well and moving well at the beginning." It was nevertheless "a good day", Murray concluded. "I lost two matches but got through without any niggles or injuries." Mayer, a former top 20 player, slowly imposed himself on the match as Murray became more defensive, and after letting slip two break points for a 4-2 second-set lead, the Scot hurled down his racket and flung away his sweat bands. He then served a double fault and dropped serve at the start of the third set and was never close to breaking Mayer after that. "It's normal - you can't be a hundred percent, you have to play some matches," the German graciously said. "I am sure he will improve round by round in Melbourne." However, the loss of court time in preparation for the Australian Open, which starts in little more than two weeks, may prove to be the most significant aspect of the setback for Murray. There were early season uncertainties elsewhere too, as David Ferrer, the second-seeded Spaniard, his compatriot Fernando Verdasco, the eighth seed, and Philipp Kohlschreiber, the sixth-seeded German, all lost. That trio were beaten by Daniel Brands of Germany, Victor Hanescu of Romania and Peter Gojowczyk of Germany respectively. A day of considerable German success continued when Dustin Brown, a qualifier, saved four match points in a 28-point second set tie-breaker to win 3-6, 7-6 (15-13), 6-4 against Ivo Karlovic, the Croatian who had ousted fourth seed Tomas Berdych a day earlier. For a while it seemed the biggest upset of all was possible, with world number one Rafael Nadal taken to three sets against another German in Tobias Kamke. The qualifier played well before going down 6-3, 6-7(3-7), 6-3 against the legendary Spaniard. "He took risks and played very well," said Nadal. "But I had a lot of chances with my return and hope to make a few more tomorrow (Thursday). "I don't know if I can win the tournament. Yesterday (against Lukas Rosol) was tough, today was tough, and it is difficult to think about winning titles when you are in the quarter-finals. But I am very happy to be there." Nadal, who has never won this title in five attempts, next faces Ernests Gulbis, the seventh-seeded Latvian. They are the only seeds remaining after fifth seed Richard Gasquet, struggling with a back strain, lost 6-2, 7-5 to his French compatriot Gael Monfils, a former finalist in Doha, in yesterday's last match. — AFP |
| Obama wishes ailing first lady Barbara Bush well Posted: 01 Jan 2014 04:30 PM PST
The 88-year-old was admitted to a Texas hospital Monday for a "respiratory-related" issue, according to the office of her husband, former president George H.W. Bush. It said she was in "great spirits" as she recovered at Methodist Hospital in Houston's Texas Medical Centre. "Michelle and I send our best wishes to Mrs Bush for a speedy recovery," Obama said in a statement. "Barbara is blessed to have both a loving, supportive family by her side and a vibrant spirit that we hope will have her feeling better soon. "I know I speak for Americans everywhere when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and her family on this New Year's Day," he added. Bush was first lady from 1989 to 1993. She is also the mother of former president George W. Bush, who was in the White House between 2001 and 2009. In a brief update, Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath told AFP the high-profile patient "had a wonderful day" and was continuing to respond to treatment. McGrath did not rule out a possible case of pneumonia, but said she was not on a respirator. On New Year's Eve, Bush watched American football with her husband, who also visited his wife's bedside Wednesday afternoon, McGrath said. Former president Bill Clinton also sent his best, tweeting "I'll be rooting for Barbara Bush's full recovery." Bush was admitted to the same hospital in 2008 and underwent surgery for a perforated ulcer. The following year, she had open-heart surgery due to narrowing of her main heart valve. In 2010, Bush received treatment for a mild relapse of Graves disease, a thyroid condition for which she was treated in 1989. ― AFP |
| Do not disregard need for deterrence when discussing crime — Dudley Au Posted: 01 Jan 2014 04:25 PM PST JAN 2 — The commentary "Little India riot: The dog that did not bark" (Dec 31) contended that we should not treat the symptoms and disregard the causes. While I agree the causes are important, we should not disregard the need for det The object of deterrence is to make the certainty and severity of punishment so great that it inhibits potential criminal actions. Sociologists have disagreed with deterrence, arguing that many crimes were committed without any consideration for consequences. It was argued that urbanisation, density, poverty, age, race and other demographic factors exerted greater effect on crime rates than did the characteristics of the legal system. However, studies challenge this view. Sociologist Jack Gibbs studied criminal homicide rates and related them to the certainty and severity of imprisonment. The certainty of imprisonment ranged between 21 per cent in South Carolina and South Dakota and 87 per cent in Utah. The severity of imprisonment ranged from a low of 24 months in Nevada to a high of 132 in North Dakota. His conclusions were that states with above median-certainty and median-severity rates had lower homicide rates than states below the median. The homicide rate for low-certainty and low-severity states was three times greater than the average rate for high-certainty and high-severity states. It was possible that the certainty of imprisonment could be more important than the severity of punishment in determining homicide rates, as there was conflicting evidence as to which of these variables was more influential. However, both in synergy reduced homicide rates even after controlling all other demographic variables. Economists, in general, confirmed the findings whereby their general premise was if you increase the cost of something (crime), less of it will be consumed (less crime). Economist Gordon Tullock dismissed the idea that crimes of passion are not affected — it boils down to the cost to be paid for the product. The point I wish to convey is: Make all the arrangements for a better life, but make it clear that the crime, in this case, rioting, will not be ameliorated or given any form of immunity because of poverty, hardship or emotional influence. — Today * This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online. |
| Solskjaer watches Cardiff amid job reports Posted: 01 Jan 2014 04:25 PM PST
Solskjaer, the current coach of Norwegian club Molde, watched the game from the stands at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in north London alongside Cardiff owner Vincent Tan. Cardiff, promoted from the Championship last season, have been without a manager since Malky Mackay was sacked on December 27 after his relationship with Tan broke down. Cardiff caretaker manager David Kerslake, formerly Mackay's assistant, said that the players were unaware of Solskjaer's presence. "I'm not even sure how much the players knew. They are very professional boys and gave it their best," he said. "I have 100 percent belief this squad is good enough to stay in the Premier League." Premier League leaders Arsenal prevailed through late goals from Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott to leave Cardiff one place and one point above the relegation zone. Solskjaer, 40, spent 11 years at United after signing from Molde in 1996, notably scoring a famous injury-time winner against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final in Barcelona. He joined United's coaching staff after retiring in 2007 and was appointed manager of Molde in 2010, leading the club to glory in the Norwegian top flight in 2011 and 2012 and the Norwegian Cup in 2013. — AFP |
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