Signs and symptoms.

Early symptoms are easily overlooked, sometimes mistaken for the normal changes of aging or attributed to noise exposure earlier in life, often delaying diagnosis. The most prevalent symptoms in patients suffering from vestibular schwannoma is hearing loss (94%), tinnitus (83%) and vertigo (49%).

Hearing loss.

The first symptom in 90% of those with an acoustic neuroma is unexplained unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, meaning there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. It involves a reduction in sound level, speech understanding and hearing clarity. In about 70 percent of cases there is a high frequency pattern of loss. The loss of hearing is usually subtle and worsens slowly, although occasionally a sudden loss of hearing may occur(i.e. sudden deafness). Hearing loss can vary from mild hearing loss to complete deafness.

Tinnitus.

Unilateral tinnitus (ringing or hissing in the ears) is also a hallmark symptom of acoustic neuroma. Not all patients with tinnitus have acoustic neuroma and not all AN patients have tinnitus. Most of them do however, both before and after treatment.

Balance.

Since the balance portion of the eighth nerve is where the tumor arises, unsteadiness and balance problems or even vertigo (the feeling like the world is spinning), may occur during the growth of the tumor. The remainder of the balance system sometimes compensates for this loss, and, in some cases, no imbalance will be noticed. Balance or vertigo is the third most common symptom in patients with acoustic neuromas (50% incidence). The onset of these may be subtle, like disorientation in dark hallways, and be dismissed as age related decline. These symptoms tend to occur later in the development of the tumor.

Pressure in the ear.

Vestibular schwannoma patients sometimes complain of a feeling that their ear is plugged or "full".

Facial weakness or paralysis.

Larger tumors can press on the trigeminal nerve (CN V), causing facial numbness and tingling - constantly or intermittently. The facial nerve (CN VII) is rarely affected in the same way; however, due to its proximity to some structures of the inner and middle ear, it can be damaged during radiological treatment or surgical removal of the tumor, particularly in the case of large growths.  At the time some people learn they have an acoustic neuroma, they are also told that this tumor may involve the nerve that controls facial movement. However, it is much more common for treatment, rather than the tumor itself, to damage this nerve, leading to weakness or paralysis of the face. Taste, a sensation that reflects accurately sweet, sour, bitter and bland, is also a function of the facial nerve. Should any of the cranial nerves be damaged or need to be cut during surgery, it is sometimes possible for a neurosurgeon to microsuture the ends together; however, this is a new and very delicate specialist procedure, where long recovery times, incomplete healing and some permanent loss of function are to be expected.

Headache.

Recurring headaches are an uncommon symptom, also tending to occur only in cases of larger tumors.

Advanced symptoms.

Large tumors may cause disabling and life-threatening symptoms.  Large tumors that compress the adjacent brainstem may affect other local cranial nerves. The glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves are uncommonly involved, but their involvement may lead to altered gag or swallowing reflexes.  Larger tumors may lead to increased intracranial pressure, with its associated symptoms such as headache, vomiting, clumsy gait and mental confusion. This can be a life-threatening complication requiring urgent treatment.

Cause.

The cause of acoustic neuromas is usually unknown; however there is a growing body of evidence that sporadic defects in tumor suppressor genes may give rise to these tumors in some individuals. In particular, loss or mutation of a tumor suppressor gene on the long arm of chromosome 22 is strongly associated with vestibular schwannomas. Other studies have hinted at exposure to loud noise on a consistent basis. One study has shown a relationship between acoustic neuromas and prior exposure to head and neck radiation, and a concomitant history of having had a parathyroid adenoma (tumor found in proximity to the thyroid gland controlling calcium metabolism). There are even controversies on hand held cellular phones. Whether or not the radiofrequency radiation has anything to do with acoustic neuroma formation, remains to be seen. To date, no environmental factor (such as cell phones or diet) has been scientifically proven to cause these tumors. The Acoustic Neuroma Association (ANA) does recommend that frequent cellular phone users use a hands free device to enable separation of the device from the head.  Although there is an inheritable condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) which can lead to acoustic neuroma formation in some people, most acoustic neuromas occur spontaneously without any evidence of family history (95%). NF2 occurs with a frequency of 1 in 30,000 to 1 in 50,000 births. The hallmark of this disorder is bilateral acoustic neuromas (an acoustic neuroma on both sides) usually developing in late childhood or early adulthood, frequently associated with other brain and spinal cord tumors.

Pathophysiology.

Acoustic neuromas (ARs), the common term for vestibular schwannomas, are neither "acoustic" nor neuromas, since they do not arise from nerve tissue itself - ARs develop from an overproduction of non-neuronal glial (Schwann) cells that support and protect the vestibular (balance) portion of the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII). ARs are slow-growing local, benign and non-invasive. Progression to malignancy in this kind of tumor is rare. They normally develop gradually over a period of years, expanding at their site of origin roughly 1–2 mm each year; however, up to 50% of such tumors do not grow at all, at least for many years after diagnosis. Tumor growth may be erratic, alternating between periods of relative dormancy or very slow growth and rapid growth. Tumors are typically described as small (less than 1.5 cm), medium (1.5 cm to 2.5 cm), large (2.5 cm to 4 cm), or giant (greater than 4 cm). Tumors are described by a combination of their location and size. An intracanalicular tumor is small and in the internal auditory canal. A cisternal tumor extends outside the auditory canal. A compressive tumor infringes upon the cerebellum or brainstem. Very large tumors may obstruct cerebrospinal fluid drainage.  The tumor may develop within the auditory canal, where the vestibulocochlear nerve which supplies the inner ear penetrates the skull (intracanalicular neuroma) or outside the canal (extra-canalicular neuroma). The vestibulocochlear nerve has two components, the auditory and vestibular portions. Most schwannomas start out as intracanalicular, and growth compresses the nerve against the bony canal, so the first symptoms of the tumor are unilateral sensorineural hearing loss or disturbances in balance. It may also compress the labyrinthine artery (main artery supplying the vestibular apparatus and cochlea of the inner ear) which passes through the auditory canal, resulting in ischemia or infarction ('heart attack' of the ear, resulting in death of the supplied tissue).  As intracanalicular tumors grow, they tend to expand into the cerebellopontine angle (CPA), leading to their characteristic "ice-cream-cone like" appearance on a radiograph. When the tumor expands extracanalicularly, the growth rate often increases, since it is no longer confined by the bony auditory canal. As the schwannoma expands into the CPA, it may infringe on cranial nerve V (controls facial sensation, chewing and swallowing) and cranial nerve VII (controls facial expression and taste). Cranial nerve VIII, along with these two nerves, also passes through the CPA, so more serious or complete hearing loss and episodes of vertigo may occur as the tumor infringes on it there. When a schwannoma becomes large, it can displace normal brain tissue. The brain is not invaded by the tumor, but the tumor pushes the brain as it enlarges. Vital functions to sustain life can be threatened when large tumors cause severe pressure on the brainstem and cerebellum.  Very large tumors may compress or distort the spinal fluid spaces, resulting in hydrocephalus, with symptoms of headaches, vomiting, nausea, sleepiness and eventually coma.

Diagnosis.

The Gold Standard for diagnosis of vestibular schwannoma is without doubt enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) yet several examinations may arise suspicion of vestibular schwannomas.  Routine auditory tests may reveal a loss of hearing and speech discrimination (the patient may hear sounds in that ear, but cannot comprehend what is being said). Pure tone audiometry should be performed to effectively evaluate hearing in both ears. In some clinics the clinical criteria for follow up testing for AN is a 15 dB differential in thresholds between ears for three consecutive frequencies.  An auditory brainstem response test (a.k.a. ABR) is a much more cost effective screening alternative to MRI for those at low risk of AN. This test provides information on the passage of an electrical impulse along the circuit from the inner ear to the brainstem pathways. An acoustic neuroma can interfere with the passage of this electrical impulse through the hearing nerve at the site of tumor growth in the internal auditory canal, even when hearing is still essentially normal. This implies the possible diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma when the test result is abnormal. An abnormal auditory brainstem response test should be followed by an MRI. The sensitivity of this test is proportional to the tumor size - the smaller the tumor, the more likely is a false negative result; small tumors within the auditory canal will often be missed. However, since these tumors would usually be watched rather than treated, the clinical significance of overlooking them may be negligible. Advances in scanning and testing have made possible the identification of small acoustic neuromas (those still confined to the internal auditory canal). MRI using as an enhancing contrast material is the preferred diagnostic test for identifying acoustic neuromas. The image formed clearly defines an acoustic neuroma if it is present and this technique can identify tumors measuring down to 5 millimeters in diameter (the scan spacing).  When an MRI is not available or cannot be performed, a computerized tomography scan (CT scan) with contrast is suggested for patients in whom an acoustic neuroma is suspected. The combination of CT scan and audiogram approach the reliability of MRI in making the diagnosis of acoustic neuroma.

Treatment.

There are three treatment options available to a patient. These options are observation, microsurgical removal and radiation (radiosurgery or radiotherapy). Determining which treatment to choose involves consideration of many factors including the size of the tumor, its location, the patient's age, physical health and current symptoms. About 25% of all acoustic neuromas are treated with medical management consisting of a periodic monitoring of the patient's neurological status, serial imaging studies, and the use of hearing aids when appropriate. One of the last great obstacles in the management of acoustic neuromas is hearing preservation and/or rehabilitation after hearing loss. Hearing loss is both a symptom and concomitant risk, regardless of the treatment option chosen. Treatment does not restore hearing already lost, though there are a few rare cases of hearing recovery reported.  A diagnosis of NF2 related bilateral acoustic neuromas creates the possibility of complete deafness if the tumors are left to grow unchecked. Preventing or treating the complete deafness that may befall individuals with NF2 requires complex decision making. The trend at most academic U.S. medical centers is to recommend treatment for the smallest tumor which has the best chance of preserving hearing. If this goal is successful, then treatment can also be offered for the remaining tumor. If hearing is not preserved at the initial treatment, then usually the second tumor, in the only-hearing ear, is just observed. If it shows continued growth and becomes life-threatening, or if the hearing is lost over time as the tumor grows, then treatment is undertaken. This strategy has the highest chance of preserving hearing for the longest time possible.

Observation.

Since acoustic neuromas tend to be slow-growing and are benign tumors, careful observation over a period of time may be appropriate for some patients. When a small tumor is discovered in an older patient, observation to determine the growth rate of the tumor may be indicated if serious symptoms are not present. There is now good evidence from large observational studies that suggest many small tumors in older individuals do not grow, thus allowing tumors with no growth to be observed successfully. If the tumor grows, treatment may become necessary. Another example of a group of patients for whom observation may be indicated includes patients with a tumor in their only hearing or better hearing ear, particularly when the tumor is of a size that hearing preservation with treatment would be unlikely. In this group of patients, MRI is used to follow the growth pattern. Treatment is recommended if either the hearing is lost or the tumor size becomes life-threatening, thus allowing the patient to retain hearing for as long as possible.  Current studies suggest surgeons should observe small acoustic neuromas (those 1.5 cm or less).  Over a period of 10 years of observation with no treatment, 45% of patients with small tumors (and therefore minimal symptoms) lose functional hearing on the affected side; this percentage is considerably higher than that for patients actively treated with hearing-preserving microsurgery or radiosurgery.

Surgery.

The goals of surgery are to control the tumor, and preserve function of the involved nerves (i.e. those involved in facial musculature and hearing). Preservation of hearing is an important goal for patients who present with functional hearing. Surgery cannot restore hearing already lost.  Microsurgical tumor removal can be done at one of three levels: subtotal removal, near total removal or total tumor removal. Many tumors can be entirely removed by surgery. Microsurgical techniques and instruments, along with the operating microscope, have greatly reduced the surgical risks of total tumor removal. Subtotal removal is indicated when anything further risks life or neurological function. In these cases the residual tumor should be followed for risk of growth (approximately 35%). If the residual grows further, treatment will likely be required. Periodic MRI studies are important to follow the potential growth rate of any tumor. Near total tumor removal is used when small areas of the tumor are so adherent to the facial nerve that total removal would result in facial weakness. The piece left is generally less than 1% of the original and poses a risk of regrowth of approximately 3%.  There are three main surgical approaches for the removal of an acoustic neuroma: translabyrinthine, retrosigmoid/sub-occipital and middle fossa. The approach used for each individual person is based on several factors such as tumor size, location, skill and experience of the surgeon, and whether hearing preservation is a goal. Each of the surgical approaches has advantages and disadvantages in terms of ease of tumor removal, likelihood of preservation of facial nerve function and hearing, and post-operative complications.  During surgery, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring of the facial, acoustic and lower cranial nerves can reduce the risk of injury. In particular, following the 1991 NIH National institutes of Health Acoustic Neuroma Consensus Panel, the use of facial nerve monitoring has become a standard practice in the United States to reduce the risk of facial paralysis.  With massive tumors that compress the brainstem and cerebellum, staged surgical approaches or subtotal surgical resection followed by stereotactic radiosurgery may reduce the risks to life, brain and cranial nerves.

Translabyrinthine approach.

The translabyrinthine approach may be preferred by the surgical team when the patient has no useful hearing, or when an attempt to preserve hearing would be impractical. The incision for this approach is located behind the ear and allows excellent exposure of the internal auditory canal and tumor. Since the incision goes directly through the inner ear, this results in permanent and complete hearing loss in that ear. Many patients with medium to large ANs have no functional hearing in the ear anyway, so this may not be an issue. The surgeon has the advantage of knowing the location of the facial nerve prior to tumor dissection and removal. Any size tumor can be removed with this approach and this approach affords the least likelihood of long-term postoperative headaches.

Retrosigmoid/sub-occipital approach.

The incision for this approach is located in a slightly different location. This approach creates an opening in the skull behind the mastoid part of the ear, near the back of the head on the side of the tumor. The surgeon exposes the tumor from its posterior (back) surface, thereby getting a very good view of the tumor in relation to the brainstem. When removing large tumors through this approach, the facial nerve can be exposed by early opening of the internal auditory canal. Any size tumor can be removed with this approach. One of the main advantages of the retrosigmoid approach is the possibility of preserving hearing. For small tumors, a disadvantage lies in the risk of long-term postoperative headache.

Middle fossa approach.

This approach is in a slightly different incision location and is utilized primarily for the purpose of hearing preservation in patients with small tumors, typically confined to the internal auditory canal. A small window of bone is removed above the ear canal to allow exposure of the tumor from the upper surface of the internal auditory canal, preserving the inner ear structures.

Complications due to surgery.

Cancers (radiotherapy).

There are documented incidences of new malignant gliomas and malignant progression of ANs after focused radiotherapy using either SRS or FRT for benign intracranial lesions.

Tinnitus.

Most patients present with tinnitus before treatment, and also have it after treatment. About one in 5 patients without tinnitus acquire it, and for about 2 in 5 with tinnitus it resolves or decreases.

Hearing loss.

While formerly, preservation of hearing during treatment was very unlikely, the newer techniques of microsurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy have enabled the preservation of functional hearing in the majority of cases. Overall, 60-66% of persons treated for AR preserve their hearing. Likelihood of preserving hearing is correlated with better hearing pre-treatment, and smaller size of tumor. If preservation of hearing is an important goal, the choice of surgical approach may be different. Even in those with functional hearing following surgery or radiotherapy, hearing may decline for years afterward.

Tumor regrowth.

Tumor regrowth occurs in 1-3% of cases treated surgically, and 14% in cases treated with radiation. Likelihood of regrowth is proportional to the bulk of tumor remaining in case of surgery, and inversely proportional to radiation dose in case of radiotherapy. In case retreatment with surgery following radiation was required, the rate of complications was from 19.4% to 27% in two different studies, because the tumor tends to fuse to the nerve.

Facial nerve damage.

In the 2012 Acoustic Neuroma Association patient survey, 29% of the respondents reported facial weakness or paralysis, some of which were pre- and some were post-treatment. This represents a significant improvement from the 1998 Acoustic Neuroma Association patient survey of post-treatment acoustic neuroma patients, which revealed that at the time they completed the survey, only 59% were satisfied with the appearance of their face. Treatment for an acoustic neuroma may damage the facial nerve – either with surgery or radiation. It is usually possible, however, to preserve some degree of facial function even in cases where the nerve is extensively involved. For those with partial nerve regeneration, in whom some facial weakness remains, non-surgical facial rehabilitation therapies also may be beneficial.

Taste disturbance and mouth dryness.

Taste disturbance and mouth dryness are frequent for a few weeks following surgery. In a few patients this disturbance is longer or permanent.

Headaches.

Head pain is expected in most patients immediately after acoustic neuroma surgery (acute phase) because of the incision, variations in cerebrospinal fluid pressure, muscle pain, or even meningitic pain. It typically responds to appropriate medications and resolves within several weeks. Headache that persists for months or even years after surgery (chronic phase) can be debilitating and may be an under-appreciated complication of acoustic neuroma treatment. In patients who experience chronic headaches, the pain often persists for prolonged periods of time, and does not always respond well to various medical and surgical treatments. The exact prevalence and causes of chronic postoperative headache (POH) are elusive. After surgical treatment of acoustic neuroma, the reported incidence of headache in the 2012 Acoustic Neuroma Association patient survey has ranged from 0% to 35% depending on the type of surgical approach, technique used and reporting interval since surgery. Frequent and severe post-operative headaches have been more often associated with the sub-occipital/retrosigmoid approach than the translabyrinthine or middle fossa approaches.

Balance.

Essentially everyone who has been treated for an acoustic neuroma experiences difficulty with balance and/or dizziness to some degree. For some, this instability may be mild and noticeable only in certain circumstances, such as ambulating with head movements, or walking in the dark. For others, there may be difficulty returning to work, or even performing regular daily activities such as driving, shopping, house work and even working on a computer.

Paralysis and death.

In rare cases where large tumors infringe on the brainstem which controls motor nerves, with or without surgery, paralysis or death can result. This occurs in less than 1% of large tumors.

Radiation.

Another treatment option for an acoustic neuroma is radiation. Stereotactic radiation can be delivered as single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or as multi-session fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSR). Both techniques are performed in the outpatient setting, not requiring general anesthesia or a hospital stay. The purpose of these techniques is to arrest the growth of the tumor. This treatment has not been well studied and thus it is unclear if it is better than observation or surgery.  All types of radiation therapy for acoustic neuromas may result in "tumor control" in which the tumor cells die and necrosis occurs. Tumor control means that the tumor growth may slow or stop and, in some cases, the tumor may shrink in size. Acoustic neuroma tumors have been completely eliminated by radiation treatments in almost no cases. In other words, radiation cannot remove the tumor like microsurgery would. Tumors under 2.5 - 3.0 cm, without significant involvement of the brainstem, are more favorable for radiation treatment. Side effects can occur when the brainstem is irradiated and in some cases of large tumors, radiation is suggested against.  In single dose treatments, hundreds of small beams of radiation are aimed at the tumor. This results in a concentrated dose of radiation to the tumor and avoids exposure of surrounding brain tissues to the radiation. Many patients have been successfully treated this way. Facial weakness or numbness, in the hands of experienced radiation physicians, occurs in only a small percent of cases. Hearing can be preserved in some cases.  The multi-dose treatment, FSR, delivers smaller doses of radiation over a period of time, requiring the patient to return to the treatment location on a daily basis, from 3 to 30 times, generally over several weeks. Each visit lasts a few minutes and most patients are free to go about their daily business before and after each treatment session. Early data indicates that FSR may result in better hearing preservation when compared to single-session SRS.  Radiated patients require lifetime follow-up with MRI scans. Follow-up after SRS and FSR typically involves an MRI scan and audiogram at six months, one year, then yearly for several years, then every second or third year indefinitely to make sure the tumor does not start to grow again. Patients should understand there have been rare reports of malignant degeneration (a benign tumor becoming malignant) after radiotherapy. In some cases the tumor does not die and continues to grow. In those instances, another treatment is necessary - either microsurgery or sometimes another dose of radiation.  Studies are beginning to appear for the other modalities. All of the techniques use computers to create three dimensional models of the tumor and surrounding neural structures. Radiation physicists then create dosimetry maps showing the level of radiation to be received by the tumor and the normal tissues. Surgeons, radiation therapists and physicists then modify the dosimetry to maximize tumor doses and minimize radiation toxicity to surrounding normal tissues. Treatments generally last 30–60 minutes. Just like for surgery, the experience of the team in treating acoustic neuromas with all modalities (surgery and radiation) can affect outcomes.  There are a multitude of studies supporting short-term (<5 yrs.) and longer-term (over 10 yrs.) tumor control with radiation. Unfortunately, as is the case with microsurgical studies, most have inconsistent follow-up to draw definitive conclusions.

Epidemiology.

Vestibular schwannoma is a rare condition: incident rate in the U.S. in 2010 was 11/1,000,000 persons, mean age 53. Occurrence was equally distributed versus age, gender and laterality. In patients with unilateral hearing loss, only about 1 in 1000 has acoustic neuroma.

Notable people.

American actor, director, humanitarian, social activist and film producer Mark Ruffalo was diagnosed with vestibular schwannoma in 2001 which resulted in a period of partial facial paralysis. He recovered from the paralysis; however, he became deaf in his left ear as a result of the tumor.  Guitarist/composer/producer David Torn was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma in 1992. It required intricate surgery that left him deaf in the right ear and burdened by many other health obstacles.  American actress and designer Tara Subkoff was diagnosed with schwannoma in 2009. Successfully underwent surgery, but was left with permanent nerve damage and deafness in right ear.  Tionne Watkins, better known under her stage name T-Boz, R&B singer from the R&B/Hip Hop group TLC was diagnosed with a strawberry-sized acoustic neuroma on her vestibular nerve in 2006. Many physicians refused to remove the tumor due to her sickle-cell-related complications, leaving her alternatives grim. Ultimately, she underwent surgery at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

A vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign primary intracranial tumor of the myelin-forming cells of the vestibulocochlear nerve (8th cranial nerve). A type of schwannoma, this tumor arises from the Schwann cells responsible for the myelin sheath that helps keep peripheral nerves insulated. Although it is also called an acoustic neuroma, this is a misnomer for two reasons. First, the tumor usually arises from the vestibular division of the vestibulocochlear nerve, rather than the cochlear division. Second, it is derived from the Schwann cells of the associated nerve, rather than the actual neurons (neuromas).

Vestibulární schwannom nebo také neurinon akustiku, neurilemom akustiku, či nádor mostomozečkového koutu nebo intrakraniální schwannom, je vzácný benigní nádor vycházející z buněk Schwannovy pochvy vestibulární části n. vestibulocochlearis (n. statoacusticus) v místě spojení centrálního a periferního myelinu. Vyskytuje se v 11 případech na 1 milion obyvatel, průměrný věk pacientů je 53 let.


Background.

After releasing a number of well-received recordings on the smaller psychedelia-focused Bomp! Records label, The Brian Jonestown Massacre were signed to a multi-record deal with TVT.

Recording and content.

Matt Hollywood contributed more to this record due to Anton Newcombe being incapable of writing as many songs as he was addicted to heroin at the time.  The album is named after a lyric from the David Bowie song "Ashes to Ashes".  "Wisdom" is a re-recording of the same song that originally appeared on the band's second album, "Methodrone". "Dawn" is also a re-recording, with the original version appearing on "Take It from the Man!". "Spun" is also a re-recording of the same song that appears on the band's album "Thank God for Mental Illness".

Musical style.

AllMusic's Jason Ankeny writes, "Settling into a blissfully psychedelic drift, the album opts not for the Stones-inspired raunch of before but for Byrds-like guitars, muffled drums and pulsating Hammond organ lines, all topped off by Anton Newcombe's half-stoned, half-shamanic vocals".

Release.

The recording didn't sell as many records as TVT had hoped, and they later mutually dissolved their remaining contractual obligations.  "Love" was released as a CD single, with a demo of "Wasting Away" as a B-side on TVT Records in 1998. "Love" and "Nothing to Lose" was also released as a double A-side single independently in 1997. The release featured "Let's Pretend It's Summer", "I've Been Waiting", "The Devil May Care (Mom & Dad Don't)" and an alternate version of "I've Been Waiting" as B-sides.

Critical reception.

AllMusic praised the album, calling it "their least immediate, most restrained record to date [...] "Strung Out in Heaven" proves as engaging as their past efforts, with a focus and cohesiveness often lacking from their more visceral work", also calling it "the BJM's most mature outing yet". Head Heritage described it as "BJM's most easily accessible and truly genius album thus far."

Legacy.

The song "Going to Hell" is featured in the "Faith, Hope & Trick" episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Strung Out in Heaven is the seventh full-length album by American psychedelic rock band The Brian Jonestown Massacre. It was released in June 1998 and was the band's first and only recording with the large independent label, TVT Records.

Strung Out in Heaven je sedmá dlouhohrající deska americké psychedelicko-rockové skupiny The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Byla vydána v červnu roku 1998 a byla první a také jedinou deskou, která vyšla u velkého nezávislého vydavatelství TVT Records.


Recording career.

Terry was asked to perform on Culture Club's debut album, "Kissing to Be Clever", after lead singer Boy George met her at a London club. Her soulful vocals became a key element of the Culture Club sound on the group's debut album and its follow-up, "Colour by Numbers". She is featured in several of the band's videos, including "Time (Clock of the Heart)", "Church of the Poison Mind", "It's a Miracle", "Black Money", "That's the Way", "Victims", and often appeared on television with them.  Her solo career began in 1984 on Culture Club's label Virgin with the single "Love Lies Lost" (which she wrote in collaboration with group members Boy George and Roy Hay). The single went to No. 34 in the UK, reached the same position in Australia, and was a No. 28 hit in Ireland. That year she also co-wrote and recorded "Now You're Mine" with producer Giorgio Moroder for the soundtrack to the film, "Electric Dreams", and released the single "Stuttering".  In 1985, she recorded "Take That Look Off Your Face" for the multi-artist tribute album "Performance - The Very Best Of Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber". She also guested on backing vocals on the track "Take Me Home" on Phil Collins' "No Jacket Required".  Terry's album "Blue Notes" was released in 1986, and was produced by Don Was with contributions from Stewart Levine and Christopher Neil. It spawned three singles, "Stuttering", "Act Of Mercy" and "Come On And Find Me".  Also in 1986 she recorded "One Summer Day/Duelling Bikes" with Ray Parker Jr for the 1986 Kevin Bacon movie "Quicksilver".  Her involvement with Culture Club was minimal after 1985, although she made a guest appearance during Boy George's 1987 UK solo tour and would appear on background vocals on various Boy George projects up until 1990's "The Martyr Mantras".  In 1989, after signing to Parlophone, she released an EP, "Fortunate Fool", featuring three new songs. Two of these, "Fortunate Fool" and "Lessons in Loneliness", were also released as singles, but differences with her record company led to a deadlock over plans for an album and she abandoned the contract.  "Blue Notes" has been re-released as a remastered limited edition CD with bonus tracks in 2009.  Terry contributed all the backing vocals to the track "Whole New Way" on the 2010 Scissor Sisters album "Night Work".

Media production career.

After she stopped singing professionally, Helen Terry moved into film and television production, beginning as a children's TV researcher in 1990, has worked as a producer for the BRIT Awards TV broadcast since 2001, becoming the executive producer in 2005. The 2008 broadcast attracted 6.1 million viewers.

Discography.

Album.

Track listing  Bonus tracks

Helen Terry (born 25 May 1956) is a British singer, known for her backing vocal work with Culture Club. As a solo performer, she scored a Top 40 hit single in 1984 with "Love Lies Lost", and released one album in 1986, "Blue Notes".

Helen Terry (* 25. května 1956) je britská zpěvačka. Jako doprovodná vokalistka spolupracovala například se skupinou Culture Club, a to již od prvního alba "Kissing to Be Clever" z roku 1982 (zpívala například i v hitu s názvem „Time (Clock of the Heart)“). Svou sólovou kariéru zahájila v roce 1984 singlem „Love Lies Lost“ pro vydavatelství Virgin Records. Své první a jediné sólové album nazvané "Blue Notes" vydala v roce 1986 a vedle jiných písní se na něm nachází coververze skladby „Close Watch“ od velšského hudebníka a skladatele Johna Calea. Později působila jako filmová a televizní producentka.


Background.

"National Treasures" includes most of the band's singles from 1991's "Motown Junk" to 2011's "This Is the Day". Despite the "complete singles" title, "National Treasures" does not contain every Manic Street Preachers single. Notable omissions are the band's very first single, "Suicide Alley" (1989), "Strip It Down" from the "New Art Riot" EP (1990), for which the band's first promotional video was made, and "You Love Us (Heavenly Version)" (1991). For singles originally released as double-A sides, only one song is included: therefore from "Love's Sweet Exile/Repeat" (1992) and "Faster/P.C.P." (1994), only "Love's Sweet Exile" and "Faster" are included.  The collection also excludes singles that were not chart-eligible, such as the fanzine-only single "UK Channel Boredom" (1990), singles released in other territories such as the Japanese only singles Further Away (1996) and Nobody Loved You (1998), and singles released only as limited-edition vinyl, CDs and downloads (1991's "Feminine Is Beautiful", 2005's "God Save the Manics" EP, 2007's "Underdogs" and "The Ghosts of Christmas", and 2008's "Umbrella"). In addition, "National Treasures" contains nothing from the Manics' ninth studio album, "Journal for Plague Lovers" (2009) because officially, no singles were released from that album (although the track "Jackie Collins Existential Question Time" did receive airplay). For a feature article in the 4 October 2011 issue of the "NME", to promote "National Treasures", Manic Street Preachers James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire, and Sean Moore were asked to rank a list of 40 of their singles: the 38 tracks from "National Treasures" plus "Suicide Alley" and the "New Art Riot" EP track, "Strip It Down".

Release.

"National Treasures" was released in three formats: a standard 2CD edition, a deluxe 2CD/1DVD edition, and a Super Deluxe edition. The Super Deluxe edition contains 7" reproductions of each of these singles, as well as "New Art Riot". A 14 track ""Selected Singles"" sampler was also released as a vinyl with Q Magazine containing an exclusive track, a cover of John Cale's "The Endless Plain of Fortune".  The album is certified Gold in the UK, it also charted in Ireland, Spain and in Japan. The album was promoted with a show at the O Arena.

Reception.

The album received a highly favourable response from critics and it was seen as a unique opportunity to hear all the band's singles and see their history. On Metacritic the album has a score of 95 out of 100, based on 8 critics, which indicates "universal acclaim".  AllMusic awarded the album with a rating of 4.5 out of 5, saying that: "Arriving roughly ten years after their first hits compilation, 2002’s Forever Delayed, 2011’s National Treasures: The Complete Singles has another decade to cover so it’s perfectly sensible that the collection spans two discs as it diligently marches through almost every single Manic Street Preachers released during their first 20 years." (...) "but it’s the first disc, containing the songs they recorded with Richey Edwards and the music they made immediately after his disappearance, that makes the strongest case for their legacy." Q and Uncut gave the album a rating of 5 out of 5. DigitalSpy also gave the album a perfect score and said that: "Against all odds, Manic Street Preachers are British pop's ultimate survivors. Proof that in the long run it's far better to be ridiculed by some than meekly accepted by all. They've been laughed at, battered, bruised, indulged, celebrated, diminished, reborn, accepted, mocked, hated and loved all over again. Iconoclasts become pop superstars. Misfits turned national treasures."

Recognition.

The album was voted by "NME" magazine as the best re issue of 2011, beating Nirvana's deluxe and super deluxe edition of "Nevermind" to the top spot.

Live.

On 17 December 2011, the group performed 'A Night of National Treasures' at O Arena in London to celebrate the bands 25 years to date, and enter into a period of hiatus where the eleventh album was written. The band performed all the 38 singles in one show, with around 20.000 people attending the show. It featured guests, like Nina Persson from The Cardigans who sings with the band on the single Your Love Alone Is Not Enough and Gruff Rhys from Super Furry Animals who sang with the band that night on the track Let Robeson Sing. The Guardian reviewed the show, giving it a score of 5 out of 5, and stated that: "That the Manics can sell out an arena gig at which they perform all 38 of their singles (as compiled on the recent album National Treasures) proves they were right about one thing all along: they really are a stadium band."  A DVD featuring the music videos to the tracks featured on the album is available in the deluxe edition. It also contains extra bonus content including alternate videos for You Love Us and Autumnsong and the video for "Jackie Collins Existential Question Time".

National Treasures – The Complete Singles is a compilation album by the Welsh alternative rock band Manic Street Preachers, released on 31 October 2011. It is the band's third compilation album, after "Forever Delayed: Manic Street Preachers, The Greatest Hits" (2002), and the B-sides/rarities collection "Lipstick Traces (A Secret History of Manic Street Preachers)" (2003). The compilation features one new recording, a cover of The The's "This Is the Day", which was issued as a single on 18 September 2011. The compilation reached number 10 on the UK Album Chart in November 2011.

National Treasures: The Complete Singles je kompilační album velšské rockové skupiny Manic Street Preachers. Vydáno bylo v roce 2011 a obsahuje nahrávky z let 1991 až 2011. Nejstarší je singl „Motown Junk“. V hitparádě UK Albums Chart se umístilo na desáté příčce. Ve Spojeném království bylo album oceněno zlatou deskou. Album vyšlo v několika různých verzích. Kromě nich vyšla také speciální gramofonová deska nazvaná "Selected Singles", která byla prodávána s časopisem "Q". K té byla doplněna coververze písně „“ od velšského hudebníka a skladatele Johna Calea (původně vyšla na albu "Paris 1919" v roce 1973).


History.

After the great floods of the second part of the 19th century (the last in 1882), defense of the city of Verona from Adige floods was deemed urgent. Using an idea already established in the 18th century, Venice's Water Magistrate proposed constructing a diversion tunnel to Lake Garda that would alleviate flooding by conveying that part of the Adige's flow exceeding the river's carrying capacity. The lake's surface area, equal to about 142 square miles (370 km2), would allow the diversion of huge volumes of river water with only a modest increase in the lake's level. The most appropriate solution was considered to be a tunnel originating on the right bank of the Adige near Ravazzone (a subdivision of Mori) and terminating at Lake Garda to the south of Torbole. The depth of the lake at that location would allow solid material that might be transported by the water to be deposited without damage. Construction began under the fascist government in March 1939, was suspended for the war in 1943, then resumed in 1954 to finish in May 1959.  The construction of the tunnel caused the death of Lake Loppio, due to the diversion of the springs that fed it.

Features.

The electromechanical equipment that supports the Adige-Garda Tunnel consists of grilles, watertight doors and gates with associated control panels, and controls housed in special rooms. The gates are positioned on four intake windows. Each gate has a width of 31 feet (9.50 m) and is made up of two overlapping panels. The lower of the two panels is 10 feet (3 m) high and the upper one 16 feet (5 m) high.

The Mori–Torbole Tunnel (Italian: "Galleria Adige–Garda") is a diversion tunnel completed in 1959 between the Italian towns of Mori and Nago-Torbole to connect the Adige river with Lake Garda.

Vodní tunel Adiže-Garda (italsky: "Galleria Adige-Garda") byl dokončen v roce 1959 a spojuje řeku Adiže s Gardským jezerem mezi italskými městy Mori a Nago-Torbole.


Life and career.

Cahn was born Samuel Cohen in the Lower East Side of New York City, the only son (he had four sisters) of Abraham and Elka Reiss Cohen, who were Jewish immigrants from Galicia, then ruled by Austria-Hungary. His sisters, Sadye, Pearl, Florence, and Evelyn, all studied the piano. His mother did not approve of Sammy studying it though, feeling that the piano was a woman's instrument, so he took violin lessons. After three lessons and following his bar mitzvah, he joined a small dixieland band called Pals of Harmony, which toured the Catskill Mountains in the summer and also played at private parties. This new dream of Cahn's destroyed any hopes his parents had for him to be a professional man.  Some of the side jobs he had were playing violin in a theater-pit orchestra, working at a meat-packing plant, serving as a movie-house usher, tinsmith, freight-elevator operator, restaurant cashier, and porter at a bindery. At age 16, he was watching vaudeville, of which he had been a fan since the age of 10, and he witnessed Jack Osterman singing a ballad Osterman had written. Cahn was inspired and, on his way home from the theater, wrote his first lyric, which was titled "Like Niagara Falls, I'm Falling for You – Baby." Years later he would say "I think a sense of vaudeville is very strong in anything I do, anything I write. They even call it 'a vaudeville finish,' and it comes through in many of my songs. Just sing the end of 'All the Way' or 'Three Coins in the Fountain'—'Make it mine, make it mine, MAKE IT MINE!' If you let people know they should applaud, they will applaud."  Much of Cahn's early work was written in partnership with Saul Chaplin. They first met when Cahn invited Chaplin to audition for him at the Henry Street Settlement. Cahn said, "I'd learned a few chords on the piano, maybe two, so I'd already tried to write a song. Something I called 'Shake Your Head from Side to Side.'" Billed simply as "Cahn and Chaplin" (in the manner of "Rodgers and Hart"), they composed witty special material for Warner Brothers' musical short subjects, filmed at Warners' Vitaphone studio in Brooklyn, New York.  "There was a legendary outfit on West 46th Street, Beckman and Pransky... they were the MCA, the William Morris of the Borscht Belt. I got a room in their offices, and we started writing special material. For anybody who'd have us—at whatever price." They did not make much money, but they did work with up-and-comers Milton Berle, Danny Kaye, Phil Silvers, and Bob Hope.  One of his childhood friends was Lou Levy, who had gone from neighborhood bum to blackface dancer with the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra.Lyric writing has always been a thrilling adventure for me, and something I've done with the kind of ease that only comes with joy! From the beginning the fates have conspired to help my career. Lou Levy, the eminent music publisher, lived around the corner and we met the day I was leaving my first music publisher's office. This led to a partnership that has lasted many years. Lou and I wrote "Rhythm is Our Business," material for Jimmie Lunceford's orchestra, which became my "first" ASCAP copyright. I'd been churning out "special lyrics" for special occasions for years and this helped facilitate my tremendous speed with lyric writing. Many might have written these lyrics better—but none faster! Glen Gray and Tommy Dorsey became regular customers and through Tommy came the enduring and perhaps most satisfying relationship of my lyric writing career – Frank Sinatra. The song became the Orchestra's signature song. The duo then worked for Glen Gray's Casa Loma Orchestra and their premiere at Paramount Theatre. They also worked for Andy Kirk and his Clouds of Joy and they wrote "Until the Real Thing Comes Along".  Cahn wrote the lyrics to "Love and Marriage," which was used as the theme song for the FOX TV show "Married... with Children". The song originally debuted in a 1955 television production of "Our Town", and won an Emmy Award in 1956. This was only one of many songs that Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen wrote for Frank Sinatra. They were "almost considered to be his personal songwriters."  Cahn contributed lyrics for two otherwise unrelated films about the Land of Oz, "Journey Back to Oz" (1971) and "The Wizard of Oz" (1982). The former were composed with Van Heusen, the latter with Allen Byrns, Joe Hisaishi, and Yuichiro Oda.  Cahn became a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972. He later took over the presidency of that organization from his friend Johnny Mercer when Mercer became ill.

Personal life.

Cahn died on January 15, 1993, at the age of 79 in Los Angeles, California from heart failure. His remains were interred in the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.  He changed his last name from Cohen to Kahn to avoid confusion with comic and MGM actor Sammy Cohen and again from Kahn to Cahn to avoid confusion with lyricist Gus Kahn.  He was married twice: first in 1945 to vocalist and former Goldwyn girl Gloria Delson with whom he had two children. They divorced after 18 years of marriage. In 1965, she re-married world class tennis player, Mike Franks. In 1970, he married Virginia (Tita) Curtis, a former fashion coordinator for the clothes designer Donald Brooks. He was the father of Laurie Cahn and jazz/fusion guitarist Steve Khan who, early in his career, changed the spelling of his last name to Khan in order to "create a separate identity from [his] famous father" and because he was "so hurt and angry with him for so many childhood things."  Composer Garrison Hintz exchanged numerous letters with Cahn regarding musical composition and credits Cahn with teaching him the craft of lyric writing.

Honors, awards and legacy.

Over the course of his career, he was nominated for 31 Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, and an Emmy Award. He also received a Grammy Award nomination, with Van Heusen, for Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Show for the film "Robin and the 7 Hoods". He has won the Christopher Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the Theatre World Award (for Best Newcomer to Broadway).  In 1988, the Sammy Film Music Awards (the "Sammy"), an annual award for movie songs and scores, was started in his honor. When notified by Roger Lee Hall, Cahn said he was "flattered and honored" that these awards were named after him. He was chosen because he had received more Academy Award nominations than any other songwriter, and also because he received four Oscars for his song lyrics.  In 1993, taking up the sentiments expressed in the song, "High Hopes," the Cahn estate established the "High Hopes Fund" at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. The former Joslin patient and songwriter's goal was to provide hope and encouragement to kids with diabetes while supporting research into the causes of the disease.  The lyrics he wrote for Sinatra are the subject of a chapter in Gilbert Gigliotti's "A Storied Singer: Frank Sinatra as Literary Conceit", "Come [Fly, Dance, and Waltz with] Us on Equal Terms": The Whitmanesque Sinatra of Sammy Cahn," published by Greenwood Press in 2002.

Music.

Cahn wrote lyrics for many songs, including:  Lyrics for film musicals include "Journey Back to Oz" (1971) (music by Van Heusen) and "The Wizard of Oz" (1982) (music by Joe Hisaishi).

Stage.

Cahn wrote the lyrics for the following Broadway musicals:

Sammy Cahn (June 18, 1913 – January 15, 1993) was an American lyricist, songwriter and musician. He is best known for his romantic lyrics to films and Broadway songs, as well as stand-alone songs premiered by recording companies in the Greater Los Angeles Area. He and his collaborators had a series of hit recordings with Frank Sinatra during the singer's tenure at Capitol Records, but also enjoyed hits with Dean Martin, Doris Day and many others. He played the piano and violin. He won an Oscar four times for his songs, including the popular song "Three Coins in the Fountain".

Sammy Cahn, rodným jménem Samuel Cohen, (18. června 1913 – 15. ledna 1993) byl americký textař. Narodil se v New Yorku jako jediný syn židovských přistěhovalců z Haliče. Je autortem textů k muzikálu "Walking Happy" (hudbu složil Jimmy Van Heusen), který byl roku 1966 představen na Broadwayi. V roce 1983 byl uveden do Songwriters Hall of Fame. Zemřel na srdeční selhání ve věku 79 let. Pohřben byl na Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery. Jeho synem byl kytarista Steve Khan.


Early life and career.

Jarreau was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 12, 1940, the fifth of six children. His father was a Seventh-day Adventist Church minister and singer, and his mother was a church pianist. Jarreau and his family sang together in church concerts and in benefits, and Jarreau and his mother performed at PTA meetings.  Jarreau was student council president and Badger Boys State delegate for Lincoln High School. At Boys State, he was elected governor. Jarreau went on to attend Ripon College, where he also sang with a group called the Indigos. He graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. Two years later, in 1964, he earned a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Iowa. Jarreau also worked as a rehabilitation counselor in San Francisco, and moonlighted with a jazz trio headed by George Duke. In 1967, he joined forces with acoustic guitarist Julio Martinez. The duo became the star attraction at a small Sausalito night club called Gatsby's. This success contributed to Jarreau's decision to make professional singing his life and full-time career.

Career.

In 1968, Jarreau made jazz his primary occupation. In 1969, he and Martinez headed south, where Jarreau appeared at Dino's, The Troubadour, and Bitter End West. Television exposure came from Johnny Carson, Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin, Dinah Shore, and David Frost. He expanded his nightclub appearances, performing at The Improv between the acts of such rising stars as Bette Midler, Jimmie Walker, and John Belushi. During this period, he became involved with the United Church of Religious Science and the Church of Scientology. Also, roughly at the same time, he began writing his own lyrics, finding that his Christian spirituality began to influence his work.  In 1975, Jarreau was working with pianist Tom Canning when he was spotted by Warner Bros. Records. On Valentine's Day 1976 he sang on the 13th episode of NBC's "Saturday Night Live", that week hosted by Peter Boyle. Soon he released his critically acclaimed debut album, "We Got By", which catapulted him to international fame and won an Echo Award (the German equivalent of the Grammys in the United States). A second Echo Award would follow with the release of his second album, "Glow." In 1978, he won his first Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for his album, "Look to the Rainbow".  One of Jarreau's most commercially successful albums is "Breakin' Away" (1981), which includes the hit song "We're in This Love Together". He won the 1982 Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Breakin' Away". In 1984, his single "After All" reached 69 on the US Hot 100 chart and number 26 on the R&B chart. It was especially popular in the Philippines. His last big hit was the Grammy-nominated theme to the 1980s American television show "Moonlighting", for which he wrote the lyrics. Among other things, he was well known for his extensive use of scat singing (for which he was called "Acrobat of Scat"), and vocal percussion. He was also a featured vocalist on USA for Africa's "We Are the World" in which he sang the line, "...and so we all must lend a helping hand." Another charitable media event, HBO's Comic Relief, featured him in a duet with Natalie Cole singing the song "Mr. President", written by Joe Sterling, Mike Loveless, and Ray Reach.  Jarreau took an extended break from recording in the 1990s. As he explained in an interview with "Jazz Review": "I was still touring, in fact, I toured more than I ever had in the past, so I kept in touch with my audience. I got my symphony program under way, which included my music and that of other people too, and I performed on the Broadway production of "Grease". I was busier than ever! For the most part, I was doing what I have always done...perform live. I was shopping for a record deal and was letting people know that there is a new album coming. I was just waiting for the right label (Verve), but I toured more than ever." In 2003, Jarreau and conductor Larry Baird collaborated on symphony shows around the United States, with Baird arranging additional orchestral material for Jarreau's shows.  Jarreau toured and performed with Joe Sample, Chick Corea, Kathleen Battle, Gregor Praecht, Miles Davis, George Duke, David Sanborn Rick Braun, and George Benson. He also performed the role of the Teen Angel in a 1996 Broadway production of "Grease." On March 6, 2001, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue. In 2006, Jarreau appeared in a duet with "American Idol" finalist Paris Bennett during the Season 5 finale and on "Celebrity Duets" singing with actor Cheech Marin. In 2010, Jarreau was a guest on a Eumir Deodato album, with the song "Double Face" written by Jarreau, Deodato, and Nicolosi. The song was produced by the Italian company Nicolosi Productions. On February 16, 2012, Jarreau was invited to the famous Italian Festival di Sanremo to sing with the Italian group Matia Bazar.

Personal life.

Jarreau was married twice. Jarreau and Phyllis Hall were married from 1964 until their divorce in 1968. Jarreau's second wife Susan Elaine Player was fourteen years his junior. They were married from 1977 until his death in 2017 and had a son. In 2009, children's author Carmen Rubin published the story "Ashti Meets Birdman Al", inspired by Jarreau's music.

Illness and death.

It was reported on July 23, 2010, that Jarreau was critically ill at a hospital in France, after performing in Barcelonnette, and was being treated for respiratory problems and cardiac arrhythmias. He was conscious, in a stable condition and in the cardiology unit of La Timone hospital in Marseille, the Marseille Hospital Authority said, and he remained there for about a week for tests.  In June 2012, Jarreau was diagnosed with pneumonia, which caused him to cancel several concerts in France. Jarreau made a full recovery and continued to tour extensively for the next five years until February 2017.  On February 8, 2017, after being hospitalized for exhaustion in Los Angeles, Jarreau cancelled his remaining 2017 tour dates. On that date, the Montreux Jazz Academy, part of the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, announced that Jarreau would not return as a mentor to ten young artists, as he had done in 2015.  On February 12, 2017, Jarreau died of respiratory failure, at the age of 76, just two days after announcing his retirement, and one month before his 77th birthday.  He is interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills), not far from George Duke.

Alwin Lopez Jarreau (March 12, 1940 – February 12, 2017) was an American singer and musician. He received a total of seven Grammy Awards and was nominated for over a dozen more. He is perhaps best known for his 1981 album "Breakin' Away". Jarreau also sang the theme song of the 1980s television series "Moonlighting", and was among the performers on the 1985 charity song "We Are the World."

Alwin Lopez „Al“ Jarreau (12. března 1940, Milwaukee – 12. února 2017, Los Angeles) byl americký jazzový zpěvák. Narodil se jako pátý ze šesti sourozenců do hudební rodiny (otec zpíval a matka hrála na klavír v kostele). Své první album nazvané "We Got By" vydal v roce 1975. Později vydal řadu dalších alb. Byl také jedním ze zpěváků písně „We Are the World“ (1985). Během své kariéry spolupracoval s mnoha hudebníky, mezi něž patřili například Dean Parks, Christian McBride, Quincy Jones, Larry Goldings a Chick Corea. Byl držitelem sedmi cen Grammy.


Playing career.

Barber was drafted by the Flyers, seventh overall, in the first round of the 1972 draft. He was called up after 11 games in the AHL with the Richmond Robins. In his first season with the Flyers, Barber scored 30 goals and 34 assists and was a contender for the Calder Memorial Trophy for rookie of the year.  Barber was converted to left wing by coach Fred Shero. He scored at least 20 goals every season. His best season was 50 goals and 62 assists in the 1975–76 season. In the Flyers' successful 1974 and 1975 Stanley Cup playoffs campaigns, Barber contributed three and six goals respectively. Barber also contributed another six goals in an unsuccessful 1976 playoff run. In addition to his respectable scoring abilities, Barber was also a well rounded player. On the power play he was equally valuable for setting up the play as he was for pulling the trigger, and if forced into a defensive role, he was capable.  In the 1976 Canada Cup, Barber scored one of his most famous goals while playing for Team Canada. Behind in the final against Czechoslovakia, Barber scored to send the game into overtime, and an eventual Team Canada victory.  He was a team leader for the next decade. In 1979–80, the Flyers had their record 35-game unbeaten streak, and Barber was in the centre of it all. He helped the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup finals in the spring of 1980 with a number of key playoffs goals against the NY Rangers and Minnesota North Stars.  Barber captained the Flyers in the 1981–82 season and part of 1982–83. As of the end of the 2012–13 season, he still holds the Flyers regular season career scoring record with 420 goals. He is tied for the lead for Flyers career playoffs goals with Rick MacLeish; both have 53 playoffs tallies.  Barber was forced to retire as a player after the 1984–85 season after being unable to return from reconstructive knee surgery in the spring of 1984. The Flyers retired his number 7, on October 7, 1990, just after he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.  On January 14, 2017, Barber played before a sold out crowd of over 19,000 at the Wells Fargo Center in the Flyers' 50th anniversary alumni game against the alumni of the Pittsburgh Penguins, here he played alongside his longtime linemates, Bobby Clarke and Reggie Leach, and which ended in a 3–3 tie. Before to the game Barber announced that it would be his last alumni game.

Coaching and executive career.

After his playing career, Barber started coaching. He coached the Hershey Bears for 16 games in 1985. He was the Flyers assistant coach between 1985–1988. After coaching the Flyers farm team (Phantoms) for four years where he won his and team's first Calder Cup in 1998. He then was the Flyers' head coach from December 2000 until April 2002, winning the Jack Adams Trophy after 2000–01.  Barber was the director of player personnel for the Tampa Bay Lightning, a position he held from August 2002 to June 2008. Barber's name was added to the Stanley Cup for a third time in 2004 with Tampa Bay. On October 13, 2008, he returned to the Flyers organization when he was named a scouting consultant.

Personal life.

Barber and his late wife, Jenny have two children. Jenny Barber died from lung cancer in 2001.  On September 25, 2010, the Bill Barber Sports Complex was opened in his honour in his hometown Callander.

William Charles Barber (born July 11, 1952) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey forward who played twelve seasons for the Philadelphia Flyers in the National Hockey League (NHL). As part of the famed LCB (Leach, Clarke, Barber) line, Barber helped lead the Flyers to the franchise's two Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990. He is currently a scouting consultant with the Flyers.

Bill Barber, rodným jménem William Charles Barber, (* 11. července 1952) je bývalý kanadský lední hokejista. Po dobu dvanácti sezón působil jako útočník klubu Philadelphia Flyers (první byla sezóna 1972/1973). Účastnil se také Kanadského poháru v roce 1976, včetně finálového zápasu proti Československu. Aktivní kariéru ukončil v roce 1984 kvůli operaci kolene. Následujícího roku působil jako trenér týmu Hershey Bears.


Early life and career.

Barber was born John William Barber in Hornell, New York in 1920. He started playing tuba in high school and studied at the Juilliard School of Music. After graduating, he travelled west to Kansas City, Missouri, where he played with the Kansas City Philharmonic and various ballet and theatre orchestras.

Jazz musician.

He joined the United States Army in 1942 and played in Patton's 7th army band for three years. Bill is quoted as often telling his family "I never killed anybody with my tuba". After the war, he started playing jazz, joining Claude Thornhill's big band where he became friends with trombonist Al Langstaff, pianist Gil Evans and saxophone player Gerry Mulligan in 1947. Barber was one of the first tuba players to play in a modern jazz style, playing solos and participating in intricate ensemble pieces.  Barber became a founding member of Miles Davis's nonet in 1949 in what became known as the "Birth of the Cool" recording sessions. He then worked in the theatre pit orchestras of The King and I, Paradiso and the City Center Ballet. He joined up with Davis and Gil Evans in the late 1950s to record the albums "Sketches of Spain", "Miles Ahead" and "Porgy and Bess". Barber also played tuba on John Coltrane's album "Africa/Brass" released in 1961.

Later career.

Barber completed a master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music and became an elementary school music teacher at Copiague, New York. He continued to play where possible including with the Goldman Band. In 1992, he recorded and toured with a nonet led by Gerry Mulligan, reworking material from "Birth of the Cool". From 1998 to 2004 he was part of The Seatbelts, New York musicians who played the music of the Japanese anime Cowboy Bebop. He died of heart failure in June 2007 in Bronxville, New York.  His granddaughter is filmmaker Stephanie Barber.

Discography.

With Art Blakey With Bob Brookmeyer With Kenny Burrell With John Coltrane With Miles Davis With Gil Evans With Urbie Green With Gigi Gryce With Slide Hampton With Pete Rugolo

John William Barber (May 21, 1920 – June 18, 2007), known as Bill Barber or Billy Barber, is considered by many to be the first person to play tuba in modern jazz. He is best known for his work with Miles Davis on albums such as "Birth of the Cool", "Sketches of Spain" and "Miles Ahead".

Bill Barber, rodným jménem John William Barber, (21. května 1920 – 18. června 2007) byl americký jazzový tubista. Na tubu začal hrát na střední škole a následně jí studoval na Juilliard School. Po dokončení školy odešel do Kansas City v Missouri, kde se věnoval klasické hudbě. V roce 1949 se stal členem kapely trumpetisty Milese Davise. Během své kariéry spolupracoval s mnoha dalšími hudebníky, mezi něž patří například Art Blakey, Kenny Burrell, Slide Hampton, Bob Brookmeyer a John Coltrane.


Biography.

Early career.

From 1994 to April 1995, Sheremet was the anchor and producer of "Prospekt", a weekly news and analysis program on Belarus state television. The program was banned by Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko one week before a referendum to increase the president's powers.  Sheremet then became editor-in-chief of the Belarusian newspaper "Belorusskaya Delovaya Gazeta". The same year, he also began working for the Russian public television company ORT, and was named its Minsk bureau chief in 1996. Because of increasing control of Belarusian media by the Lukashenko government, Russian television was often the primary resource of Belarusian citizens for alternative news.

Border-crossing incident.

On 22 July 1997, Sheremet, along with an ORT cameraman and their drivers, filmed himself crossing illegally from Belarus to Lithuania and back again to show the ease with which smugglers could cross the border. Lukashenko's government was in the midst of an anti-smuggling initiative, and had only recently ordered new troops to the borders. Sheremet and his companions were detained by a border patrol after jumping a fence to film unguarded areas. Sheremet and one crew member, Dmitry Zavadsky, were later charged with illegal border crossing, "exceeding their professional rights as journalists", and participating in a conspiracy.  Russian authorities protested the arrests, which led to what BBC News called a "public row" between the two nations. Yeltsin canceled a planned trip for Lukashenko to visit Moscow after he was already on his way; his plane was denied entry into Russian airspace. On 18 January 1998, Sheremet and Zavadsky were sentenced to two years' imprisonment and 18 months' imprisonment, respectively, but given suspended sentences and a "nominal" fine of $15 USD.

Further journalistic career.

In November 1997, Sheremet was one of the signatories of Charter Ninety-Seven, a pro-democracy manifesto demanding an end to "the infringement of basic human rights and liberties by the administration of President Alexander Lukashenko". Sheremet also acted as the movement's spokesman.  In 1999, he conducted a rare television interview with Naina Yeltsina, which "The New York Times" criticized as "indulgent" and "[doing] its best to present Mrs. Yeltsin in a sympathetic light"; Sheremet's station ORT was largely controlled by oligarch Boris A. Berezovsky, a Yeltsin ally.  Sheremet's partner and former co-defendant Dmitry Zavadsky disappeared on 7 July 2000, failing to arrive for a meeting at the Minsk airport with Sheremet. Sheremet accused the Belarusian authorities of having arranged his forced disappearance in retaliation for his reporting, later alleging that he had been informed of government "death squads" by former Belarusian General Prosecutor Oleg Bazhelko. Zavadsky was declared legally dead in 2003.  In 2012 Sheremet started working at the Internet newspaper "Ukrayinska Pravda" (Ukrainian Truth), where he launched a journalistis blog. In 2015 he led a programme Ukrainian radio programme, first on weekends in the program "Show of Pavel Sheremet», and then on weekdays in the "Morning of Pavel Sheremet".  Sheremet resigned from the Public Television of Russia (OTR) in July 2014, saying that journalists who didn't follow the "style of Kremlin propaganda" while covering the ongoing crisis in Ukraine were "hounded".  He was a critic of Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko, of Russian President Vladimir Putin and, later, of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, as well as a personal friend of assassinated Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov. He publicly criticized the Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and the Russian military intervention in Ukraine. In his last blog post, on 17 July 2016, he worried that today's Ukrainian politicians who are former members of Ukrainian volunteer battalions could attempt a coup in Ukraine, and accused them of being above the law and having alliances with crime syndicates.

Personal life.

Sheremet was married with two children, a son and a daughter. In his final years he lived with Olena Prytula in Kyiv.

Death.

Sheremet died in a car explosion in downtown of Kyiv (Shevchenko Raion), on 20 July 2016. Several reports refer to the explosion as a car bomb, and Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko described it as a murder. He was in a red Subaru XV that belonged to his common-law wife and partner, the former editor-in-chief of "Ukrayinska Pravda", Olena Prytula. She was not in the car at the time. According to "Novaya Gazeta", Sheremet and Prytula had recently told friends they were under surveillance. Immediately following his death, an official from Ukraine's Ministry of Internal Affairs said "We cannot rule out the possible participation of the Russian special services in this crime".  Sheremet was buried in Minsk on 23 July 2016. The day before a procession through Kyiv was held for him attended by friends, colleagues, lawmakers, and government officials—among them President Petro Poroshenko. An independent investigation by journalists which was published as online documentary has revealed severe shortcomings in the official investigation and has implicated involvement of the Security Service of Ukraine.

Reaction.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called Sheremet's death a "terrible tragedy". Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman called the death of Sheremet "terrible news" in a statement on Facebook.

Arrests in 2019.

Since 2016, Ukrainian and international organizations repeatedly urged for the progress in the investigation of Pavel Sheremet’s murder. The National Police classified all court decisions in Sheremet’s case since July 24, 2017 for security reasons.. On July 23, 2019, Head of the National Police Serhiy Knyazev told that the murder of Pavel Sheremet still remained unsolved, and newly elected President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky told that those responsible for the murder of Pavel Sheremet would be found. In December 2019 five War in Donbass veterans were arrested on the suspicion of killing Sheremet.. On 12 December 2019 Ukrainian mass-media broadcast a televised press-conference by Ministry of Internal Affairs (Ukraine), with the presence of top officials including President Volodymyr Zelensky, reporting the “successful finalizing of the investigation of Pavel Sheremet’ murder”. Reporters without borders point to the fact that Minister of Interior Mr Avakov has had a personal reason to be in haste with this. According to Ukrainian authorities the aim for the murder was "to destabilise the political situation in Ukraine". Authorities also claimed that another War in Donbass veteran,, was to be the next victim. On December 13, 2019, two of the suspects, namely Mr Andrii Antonenko, a Donbass war veteran and rock-musician, and Dr Yulia Kuzmenko, civil volunteer and pediatric surgeon, were remanded in custody until February 8, 2020. Ukrainian journalists were sceptical about the evidence that was disclosed and the alleged motive. As the investigation in Ukraine unveils, January 10th, 2020 Reporters Without Borders have expressed their concern over “inconsistencies in the evidence for the Ukrainian authorities’ claim to have solved (...) editor Pavel Sheremet’s 2016 murder”, and pointed toward “a series of revelations (...) that has cast further doubt on the investigation”.  On January 30, 2020, Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Ruslan Ryaboshapka admitted that prosecution has not enough evidence needed for the murder case of journalist Pavel Sheremet to go to trial. "The volume of compiled evidence isn't enough," he told the Interfax news agency in an interview. Previously William Taylor, the former U.S. charge d'affaires in Ukraine, has suggested Interior Minister Arsen Avakov isn't certain that the people who were charged with the murder are guilty. RSF, a France-based media watchdog, has called the probe a "flawed three-and-a-half-year investigation.". Despite of appeals for more clement preventive measure (i.e. home arrest, or bail), and of guarantees from esteemed citizens, in subsequent court sessions the term of pre-trial remand in custody for Dr Kuzmenko and Mr Antonenko was extended until May 30, 2020.

Awards and recognition.

In 1995, the Belarus PEN Center gave Sheremet its Adamovich Prize, naming him the best television reporter in Belarus.  In November 1998, Sheremet was awarded the International Press Freedom Award of the Committee to Protect Journalists, "an annual recognition of courageous journalism". Because Sheremet was denied permission to travel to New York City to attend the scheduled ceremony with fellow winners Ruth Simon, Goenawan Mohamad, Gustavo Gorriti, and Grémah Boucar, the CPJ held a special ceremony in Minsk on 8 December to present his award.  On 22 April 2002, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly announced Sheremet as the winner of its 2002 Prize for Journalism and Democracy, which he would share with Austrian television journalist Friedrich Orter, cited for his human rights reporting in the Balkans and Afghanistan. The award cited the pair as having "promoted OSCE principles on human rights, democracy and the unimpeded flow of information". The two split a $20,000 USD prize.

Legacy.

In 2016 Pavel Sheremet Award was established by the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum in order to recognize courage in journalism and outstanding achievement in the cause of media freedom in Eastern Europe.

Pavel Grigorievich Sheremet (,, 28 November 1971 – 20 July 2016) was a Belarusian-born Russian and Ukrainian journalist who was imprisoned by the government of Belarus in 1997, sparking an international incident between Belarus and Russia. "The New York Times" has described him as "known for his crusading reports about political abuses in Belarus" and "a thorn in the side of Lukashenko's autocratic government". He was awarded the Committee to Protect Journalists' International Press Freedom Award in 1999 and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's Prize for Journalism and Democracy in 2002.

Pavel Grigorjevič Šeremet (, – "Pavel Ryhoravič Šaramet", – "Pavlo Hryhorovyč Šeremet", 28. listopadu 1971 Minsk – 20. července 2016 Kyjev) byl ruský novinář.


Early life.

David Briggs was born in Douglas, Wyoming. Briggs left Wyoming in 1962 to hitchhike his way to Los Angeles and Canada, then finally settled in California, the place he would call home for the rest of his life. In the mid-sixties, Briggs began producing in the music business working on Bill Cosby's label, Tetragrammaton Records. One of the first albums he produced was for comedian Murray Roman. According to Briggs, this was the first album ever released with the word "fuck" on it. Working on Cosby's label led Briggs into doing his own production work with people such as Alice Cooper, Quatrain, Spirit, Nils Lofgren and his band, Grin, and Jerry Lynn Williams.

Career.

In 1968, after picking up a hitchhiking Neil Young, Briggs went on to produce the singer/songwriter's first solo album, entitled "Neil Young" (1968). This led to a lifelong friendship between the two men, with Briggs co-producing over a dozen of Young's albums including "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere" and "After the Gold Rush". Young's "Sleeps with Angels" album (1994) is the last work that Briggs produced before his death in 1995. Other than producing with Young, Briggs worked on albums with many successful artists such as Spirit, Tom Rush, Nils Lofgren, Steve Young, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Royal Trux.

Personal life.

David had one son, Lincoln, with artist Shannon Forbes in 1969. In 1988, Briggs married Bettina Linnenberg. Bettina would soon be noted as the production coordinator on many of the projects that Briggs produced in the 1990s. These projects included Nick Cave, 13 Engines, Sidewinder, and Royal Trux. She also helped him on projects that would never be released, including work with John Eddie and Blind Melon. Briggs was a spiritual atheist.

Death and posthumous projects.

David Briggs died on November 26, 1995, after a battle with lung cancer. He was 51 years old. Before his death, he was still working with Joel Bernstein on the "Neil Young Archives" project. This project had been underway for five years before his death and there could be anywhere from three to twenty albums worth of unreleased material.  After Briggs' death Neil Young and Crazy Horse went on to record material such as "Broken Arrow", released in 1996 and "Year of the Horse", released in 1997. They have recorded sporadically in the new millennium, releasing the studio albums "Greendale" (2003), and "Psychedelic Pill" (2012).  The band The Low & Sweet Orchestra was working with David Briggs at the time of his death. Their album "Goodbye To All That" was released in 1996, and featured 9 out of 12 tracks produced by Briggs.

Critical views.

Briggs' work was not universally acclaimed. Neal Smith of the Alice Cooper group later said "David hated our music and us. I recall the term that he used, referring to our music, was 'psychedelic shit'." I think "Easy Action" sounded too dry, more like a TV or radio commercial and he did not help with song arrangement or positive input in any way." His sessions with Nick Cave were also acrimonious, which led to Cave remixing the album "Henry's Dream".

David Briggs (February 29, 1944 – November 26, 1995) was an American record producer best known for his work with Neil Young and his band Crazy Horse.

David Briggs (29. února 1944 – 26. listopadu 1995) byl americký hudební producent. Narodil se ve Wyomingu, ale v šedesátých letech se usadil v Kalifornii, kde prožil většinu svého života. V roce 1968 potkal kanadského hudebníka Neila Younga a ještě téhož roku produkoval jeho první sólové album. Dvojice spolu spolupracovala až do Briggsovy smrti. V roce 1992 Briggs produkoval album "Henry's Dream" australské skupiny Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Během své kariéry produkoval nahrávky mnoha dalších hudebníků, mezi něž patří například Nils Lofgren, Alice Cooper a Tom Rush nebo skupina Spirit. Zemřel na karcinom plic ve věku 51 let.


Life and works.

Chongzhi's ancestry was from modern Baoding, Hebei. To flee from the ravage of war, Zu's grandfather Zu Chang moved to the Yangtze, as part of the massive population movement during the Eastern Jin. Zu Chang () at one point held the position of Chief Minister for the Palace Buildings () within the Liu Song and was in charge of government construction projects. Zu's father, Zu Shuozhi () also served the court and was greatly respected for his erudition.  Zu was born in Jiankang. His family had historically been involved in astronomy research, and from childhood Zu was exposed to both astronomy and mathematics. When he was only a youth his talent earned him much repute. When Emperor Xiaowu of Liu Song heard of him, he was sent to an Academy, the Hualin Xuesheng (), and later at the Imperial Nanjing University (Zongmingguan) to perform research. In 461 in Nanxu (today Zhenjiang, Jiangsu), he was engaged in work at the office of the local governor.  Zu Chongzhi, along with his son Zu Gengzhi wrote a mathematical text entitled "Zhui Shu" (; ""Methods for Interpolation""). It is said that the treatise contains formulas for the volume of the sphere, cubic equations and an accurate value of pi. This book has not survived, but has been lost since the Song Dynasty.  His mathematical achievements included:

Astronomy.

Zu was an accomplished astronomer who calculated the time values with unprecedented precision. His methods of interpolationg and the use of integration were far ahead of his time. Even the results of the astronomer Yi Xing (who was beginning to utilize foreign knowledge) were not comparable. The Sung dynasty calendar was backwards to the "Northern barbarians" because they were implementing their daily lives with the "Da Ming Li". It is said that his methods of calculation were so advanced, the scholars of the Sung dynasty and Indo influence astronomers of the Tang dynasty found it confusing.

Mathematics.

The majority of Zu's great mathematical works are recorded in his lost text the "Zhui Shu". Most schools argue about his complexity since traditionally the Chinese had developed mathematics as algebraic and equational. Logically, scholars assume that the "Zhui Shu" yields methods of cubic equations. His works on the accurate value of pi describe the lengthy calculations involved. Zu used the Liu Hui's algorithm described earlier by Liu Hui to inscribe a 12,288-gon. Zu's value of pi is precise to six decimal places and for a thousand years thereafter no subsequent mathematician computed a value this precise. Zu also worked on deducing the formula for the volume of a sphere.

Inventions and innovations.

Hammer mills.

In 488, Zu Chongzhi was responsible for erecting water powered trip hammer mills which was inspected by Emperor Wu of Southern Qi during the early 490s.

Paddle steamer.

Zu is also credited with inventing Chinese paddle steamers or Qianli chuan in the late 5th century AD during the Southern Qi Dynasty. The boats made sailing a more reliable form of transportation and based on the shipbuilding technology of its day, numerous paddle wheel ships were constructed during the Tang era as the boats were able to cruise at faster speeds than the existing vessels at the time as well as being able to cover hundreds of kilometers of distance without the aid of wind.

South pointing chariot.

The south-pointing chariot device was first invented by the Chinese mechanical engineer Ma Jun (c. 200–265 AD). It was a wheeled vehicle that incorporated an early use of differential gears to operate a fixed figurine that would constantly point south, hence enabling one to accurately measure their directional bearings. This effect was achieved not by magnetics (like in a compass), but through intricate mechanics, the same design that allows equal amounts of torque applied to wheels rotating at different speeds for the modern automobile. After the Three Kingdoms period, the device fell out of use temporarily. However, it was Zu Chongzhi who successfully re-invented it in 478, as described in the texts of the "Book of Song" and the "Book of Qi", with a passage from the latter below: When Emperor Wu of Liu Song subdued Guanzhong he obtained the south-pointing carriage of Yao Xing, but it was only the shell with no machinery inside. Whenever it moved it had to have a man inside to turn (the figure). In the Sheng-Ming reign period, Gao Di commissioned Zi Zu Chongzhi to reconstruct it according to the ancient rules. He accordingly made new machinery of bronze, which would turn round about without a hitch and indicate the direction with uniformity. Since Ma Jun's time such a thing had not been.

Literature.

Zu's paradoxographical work "Accounts of Strange Things" [] survives.

Zu Chongzhi (; 429–500 AD), courtesy name Wenyuan (), was a Chinese astronomer, mathematician, politician, inventor, and writer during the Liu Song and Southern Qi dynasties. He was most notable for calculating pi as between 3.1415926 and 3.1415927, a record which would not be surpassed for 800 years.

Cu Čchung-č’ (, 429–500), zdvořilostním jménem Wen-jüan () byl čínský matematik a astronom za éry dynastií Liou Sung a Jižní Čchi.


History.

The company attempted to stage an IPO on the London Stock Exchange in May 2011, but failed to fill the order book at the expected valuation of $2 billion.  In 2011 Russian Helicopters and the Italian company AgustaWestland agreed to establish HeliVert, a joint company, in order to start production in Russia of the AW139 twin-engine multipurpose helicopter. The production plant is located in Tomilino, Moscow Region.  In 2016 the company delivered 189 aircraft to customers in 13 countries. In the same year, it ended a partnership with the Ukraine-based engine maker Motor Sich.  In 2017 the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) formed a consortium comprising leading Middle Eastern funds and finalized a deal to acquire a minority stake in Russian Helicopters (part of the Rostec State Corporation). Russian Helicopters valuation was estimated at $2.35 billion. No details have been revealed about the identity of the Middle Eastern investors.  The transaction consists of two stages. The first stage involves the sale of a 12% stake and an investment of $300 million, as well as an agreed-upon subsequent potential increase in investment to $600 million. The deal will increase the authorized capital of the holding company. This will accumulate a significant amount of funds within the Company. These funds are necessary for the implementation of the Company’s strategy and business plan, including the development of new types of helicopters. In addition, these funds will help implement the investment program of the holding company, as well as finance possible M&A activities aimed at increasing the holding’s value and finance capital programs.

Products.

Russian Helicopters' products include:  A fifth generation helicopter is currently under development.

Minoga naval helicopter project.

In 2006 the Russian defense ministry awarded Russian Helicopters a R&D contract for a naval helicopter conducting antisubmarine warfare among other tasks, following the coaxials Kamov Ka-15, Ka-25, and Ka-27. The resulting Minoga project has been wind-tunnel tested since, the Russian Navy will inspect a mockup in early 2019 and its maiden flight is planned for 2020. It may be coaxial and could be based on the early 2000s Ka-92 concept competing with the Mil Mi-X1 for a high-speed civilian helicopter halted in 2015.  Powered by two 380 kg (772 lb) Klimov TV7-117V turboshafts developing 3,500-3,750 hp in emergencies, 2,500-3,000 at maximum takeoff weight, and 1,650 hp in cruise; they are interchangeable with their VK-2500 predecessor, indicating a larger rotorcraft than in 2015, powered by NPO Saturn RD-600V. It has to be compact enough to store two in a ship hangar housing a single 12 tons Ka-27: Kamov studied a lightweight deck helicopters from four-five to seven-eight metric tons. The Kamov Ka-52K Katran is in flight tests but is limited to electronic reconnaissance and airstrike.

Structure.

The following entities are part of the company:

See also.

Comparable major helicopter manufacturers:

JSC Russian Helicopters ( "Vertolety Rossii") is a helicopter design and manufacturing company headquartered in Moscow, Russia. The company designs and manufactures civilian and military helicopters. The company's principal shareholder is Rostec. It is the world's 24th-largest defence contractor measured by 2012 defence revenues, and the second-largest based in Russia (after Almaz-Antey).

Ruské vrtulníky (rusky "Вертолёты России", anglicky "Russian Helicopters") je ruský státní holding, sjednocující všechny ruské výrobce vrtulníků. V roce 2015 byly Ruské vrtulníky co do tržeb 23. největší zbrojařskou firmou světa, v samotném Rusku se umístily na 3. místě za koncerny Almaz-Antej a Sjednocená letecká korporace.


History.

In May 2016, following the relocation of the Springfield Falcons to Tucson, Arizona, after the team was sold to the Arizona Coyotes, the AHL's Portland Pirates were sold to a Springfield-based group who intended to relocate the franchise to Springfield for the 2016–17 season.  The new owners were a consortium of local business interests seeking to keep hockey in Springfield, and included Paul Picknelly, owner of the Springfield Marriott and member of the family owning Peter Pan Bus Lines, as well as several local hotel owners. A team from Springfield has taken the ice in the AHL and its predecessors for all but seven years since 1926, and in every season since 1954.  The Thunderbirds inherited the Florida Panthers' affiliation with the Pirates. The Panthers assigned their assistant general manager, Eric Joyce, to be Springfield's general manager and named Geordie Kinnear as the new head coach. The Thunderbirds also named Bruce Landon, the Falcons' and Indians' longtime president and general manager, as a consultant, while hiring AHL executive Nathan Costa as their executive vice-president in charge of business operations. The team's new name was announced at a press conference on June 15, 2016. Team management explained that Thunderbirds invokes both the mythological Thunderbird and the United States Air Force presence in the region, such as the Barnes and Westover Air Reserve Bases.  The Thunderbirds played their first game on October 15, 2016, a 4–2 loss to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Anthony Greco scored the first goal in team history. On October 22, 2016, the Thunderbirds played their home opener, a 5–4 win, against the St. John's IceCaps. Dryden Hunt scored the first goal on home ice, and MacKenzie Weegar scored the game winning goal in overtime in front of a sellout crowd of 6,793. While the inaugural season did not result in a playoff berth, average attendance rose from 3,108 in the Falcons' last season to 4,618 and including three sellouts.  On February 17, 2018, it was announced that the Springfield Thunderbirds and the MassMutual Center would host the 2019 AHL All-Star Classic and Skills contest, to take place on January 27–28, 2019. This marked the first AHL All-Star Game in Springfield since 1959. MGM Springfield served as the host of the event. The Western Conference was victorious in the skills competition, while the Central Division defeated the Atlantic Division in the championship game of the round robin event. Both events were sold out.  On March 6, 2020, the Springfield Thunderbirds announced a five-year affiliation deal with the St. Louis Blues of the NHL starting from the 2020–21 season. The 4 year affiliation with Florida did not result in a single playoff birth for the Thunderbirds. However, players such as Josh Brown, Jayce Hawryluk, Dryden Hunt, Jared McCann, Ian McCoshen, Sam Montembeault, and Mackenzie Weegar developed in Springfield and went on to play with the Panthers. The team has seen attendance rise in each of its 4 seasons.  The market was previously home to:

Players.

Current roster.

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Retired numbers.

"Note: Shore's number was retired by the Springfield Indians, and Murray's by the Springfield Falcons; the Thunderbirds continue to honor both numbers. Former AHL President Jack Butterfield and Vice-President Gordie Anziano, longtime Springfield residents, former Indians general manager and Falcons founder Bruce Landon, and Willie O'Ree, the first African American to play in the AHL, have been honored with banners raised with the retired numbers."

Team records.

As of 2019-20 season.

The Springfield Thunderbirds are a minor league professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League that began play for the 2016–17 season. They are the affiliate of the National Hockey League's St Louis Blues. Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Thunderbirds play their home games at the MassMutual Center.

Springfield Thunderbirds je profesionální americký klub ledního hokeje, který sídlí ve Springfieldu ve státě Massachusetts. Do AHL vstoupil v ročníku 2016/17 a hraje v Atlantické divizi v rámci Východní konference. Klubové barvy jsou červená, námořnická modř, nebeská modř, bílá a zlatá.