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A few years back, I ordered the Alliance Modelworks FAMO mit Flak 88 conversion kit. It's been sitting on my workbench since then, calling my name so sweetly. Well, I finally listened and busted it out.
This conversion kit takes the Tamiya FAMO (#35329) and the Dragon's 8.8cm Flak37 (#6287) and reworks with resin and photoetch. At $150 USD, it's a pricey kit for a big vehicle.
I have mixed feelings about this kit. At first glance, the instructions are clear, the resin parts have crisp details, and the photoetch was nicely done. And the subject was an interesting one, so I was excited looking at the parts and instructions to get started.
Like so many conversion kits, however, it's the details that matter. While the instructions are some of the best for conversion kits I've seen, they are still lacking in a number of ways, in a number of places. Even a few notes along the way from someone who'd built the kit would have made these world class instructions. Locating the support rails for the real platform (front to back, as well as right to left) was confusing. A few lines of text from someone who'd built the kit would have made this incredibly easy. As it was, I had to build and test-fit to figure out the right position. I also had to google for images constantly to figure out how pieces went together. And I'm pretty certain I've completely missed the mark on the real platform. If Alliance Modelworks had done a few simple things, we builders would have had a much happier experience:
- Add explanation text to accompany the images
- Add more images… A couple extra pages of build detail wouldn't have been a major effort for the creators
- Provide HIGH QUALITY LARGE images of the official build model on the web site so we builders can see clearly where pieces go. Why oh why would the company only put up smaller version of their fantastic photos??
- Add a tips and tricks collection as feedback comes in from builders to the product page on their site
In real life, this was a low production, war's end vehicle with very little surviving documentation. We need all the help we can get. Unlike a Tiger I, I can't go to the library and find 43 books on every detail, or pop by a museum to see one in person.
On to the parts… First the good: the photoetch. Multiple frets of various thicknesses are designed perfectly for each part. The thick front armor plate, for instance, is quite thick. As it should be. Smaller details were on thinner frets. I only had one instance of the thin parts breaking during folding.
Now on to the bad…. The resin. While the surface details were pretty impressive in most cases, it's generally been a nightmare. I had to email Alliance twice to get replacements for the cab floor part, as the first was insanely warped, the second was broken and warped, and the third was just slightly less warped. I gave up and tried to heat and bend into shape. My resin bending skills are marginal, so I just opted to close the doors.
Except as I write this review, I'm struggling through making the doors fit properly. I'm seriously considering tossing them and building replacements that I know I can get to fit easier. You have to cut out the braces from the single piece cab, but knowing where the lines between part and brace are extremely hard to find. Fine edges for the overhangs above the doors are so thin, one side was broken on arrival and the other was snapped off with a minor, minor errant knife slice. And the way the roof hatches are casts, I ended up shaving off the necessary lips on accident. And of course, warpage was a huge problem on more than just the cab floor.
I am going to replace the fold down benches because there is so much flash between the bench slats, it's nearly impossible to clean up without damaging the slats.
I'm also working on replacing the stabilizers because of poor detail and warpage of the resin parts.
With conversion kits, I feel like there's a three legged stool of:
- Quality – how is the material itself? Is there flash? Are the instructions clear? Where are the knock outs/fret connections/casting plugs?
- Cost – is the price point reasonable for what you're getting?
- Love – yes, I said it… Is there an attention to detail that shows you that the manufacturer put the time in to make something great? Did they do their research to get it right, or include details/accessories that make the kit sing?
These three need to work together to make a great kit. Quality could be marginal, and cost could be standard, but that extra bit of love makes a great kit overall. Or if cost is too grand, the love and quality might not be able to make up for it.
With this kit, cost is prohibitive against the other two categories. It's a great kit, overall and certainly in context of how many truly awful conversion kits are out there. But at $150, the resin should have been top notch, or the experience overall should have been much tighter with better instructions, and web based images and tips to help put it together. Be ready to do some work on the resin, but it shapes up in a pretty impressive build.


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Another podcast episode is out NOW! For this week, we talked with singer/songwriter Roya from Saudi Arabia to tell us about her upcoming EP that is to be released this summer. The singer tells us about her musical inspirations, influences and more. We talk about the music scene in Saudi and Roya also sings us … Continue reading Roya sings us a tune
Category: Youtube
Ramadan 2020 with Days of Eid
While this Ramadan is a bit different, Reem Sayes, the founder of Days of Eid comes on the show to tell us all about how this is the Ramadan everyone is going to remember. The entrepreneur tells us about the 2016 start up of Days of Eid, the inspiration behind many of her products, and … Continue reading Ramadan 2020 with Days of Eid
We're Back, Let's Catch Up!
After taking a few months off from the show and website, The Veils of America is back and ready to crank out episodes for you to enjoy again! In this episode, we discuss what has gone on in our lives over the past few months, Coronavirus, life announcements and more. Check us out on Instagram … Continue reading We're Back, Let's Catch Up!
Can you forgive a racist?
HAPPY EPISODE 5 PART 2 DAY! We have a talk with each other about what racism is, if it is forgivable and situations that may possibly be forgiven. I don't want to say too much here, check out the episode below! As always, YouTube and Spotify. Comment what you think, can you forgive a racist? … Continue reading Can you forgive a racist?
Episode 5 part 1
Hey everyone! Welcome back to another episode of The Veils of America! We had such a great discussion here that we decided to split the episode in half. This is part one of episode five where we rip on each other and tell funny stories about stereotypes we fall into. We played a game that … Continue reading Episode 5 part 1
Episode 3
Hi everyone! It has been a minuet for sure! We at She Speaks Diversity have been excited to get another episode to you! This episode centers around fall and modest fashion. Oula also gives us a bit of a lesson on how to choose which brands to support. We also played our very first … Continue reading Episode 3
She Speaks Diversity: The Veils of America episode 2
We are back with another episode for you! We hope you enjoy the new one. We are on Spotify and YouTube. Check us out below! Like Comment Share and Subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqDKj0DUUks&feature=youtu.be
Episode 01 She Speaks Diversity: Veils Of America
Welcome to Season two of She Speaks Diversity and the first premiering episode of She Speaks Diversity: The Veils Of America. A talk show hosted by five American Muslim women who are pursuing degrees in arts and media, while finding their opportunity to voice their opinions and spread insight on what brown women face in … Continue reading Episode 01 She Speaks Diversity: Veils Of America

subset: commoncrawl


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The game in 100 words (or less): Is there any doubt that Atlanta's Designated Player signings have paid off? They certainly did on Saturday with all three of the club's DPs notching goals in the win for Tata Martino's group. It was a brilliant return for Josef Martinez, who scored his sixth goal of the season with a blast from a tight angle, while Miguel Almiron continues to impress up front for Atlanta. Yamil Asad is quietly becoming one of the top playmaker's in MLS as well, adding his eighth assist of the year. The victory puts Atlanta into the sixth and final playoff spot in the East.
Three moments that mattered
16′ — Villalba fires hosts in front — The defensive miscues continue for the Crew and Hector Villalba made the visitors pay big time. Side note: That's Yamil Asad's EIGHTH assist of the season…
26′ — Crew equalize through Higuain — Scrappy does it sometimes and Federico Higuain was in the right place at the right time for this one.
67′ — Almiron puts Atlanta back on top — So cool. So casual. Miguel Almiron makes everything look way too easy.
88′ — Martinez with an absolute scorcher — It's been awhile since we've seen a goal from this man, but wow! Just wow!
Man of the match: Miguel Almiron
Goalscorers: Hector Villalba (16′), Federico Higuain (26′), Miguel Almiron (67′), Josef Martinez (88′)
The game in 100 words (or less): The Chicago Fire are the hottest team in MLS and Nemanja Nikolic is looking like a legitimate MVP candidate. The Fire striker has 13 goals on the season now after adding another on Saturday, while also tallying the game-winning assist with just under a half hour remaining. For the Revs, it's the club's first loss at home of the season, snapping a seven-game perfect run to start 2017.
Three moments that mattered
18′ — Nikolic just keeps on scoring — Is there a better signing this winter than Nemanja Nikolic? I'll wait… That's 13 goals now for the Fire striker.
61′ — Solignac doubles the lead — That's some touch from Nikolic to get it into his partner's path for the finish. 2-0 Fire.
70′ — Delamea gives the Revs a glimmer of hope — He took a shot winning this header but still gave the Revs a chance at a point with 20 minutes left.
[ FOLLOW: All of PST's MLS coverage | Standings | Stats | Schedule ]
Man of the match: Nemanja Nikolic
Goalscorers: Nemanja Nikolic (18′), Luis Solignac (61′), Antonio Mlinar Delamea (70′)Follow @MattReedFutbol


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Celebrate the gift of reading - give a Sundog Gift Certificate!
Cost will be based on amount.
*Only certain denominations are given on the website. However, gift certificates are available in any
denomination. If you'd prefer an amount not available, drop us a line - we'll be happy to help you out!


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This weekend, the focus of American sports shifts from Los Angeles, my former home (Lakers!!)….to my current home.
As a volunteer at the 2000 US Open in Pebble Beach, (note the official uniform below), I had a cushy job in the player hospitality area. This provided perks like mingling with the players up close and personal….
…..plus free tickets. Sitting in the bleachers at the 18th green, we were close enough to take this picture of Tiger as he kissed the trophy. (Feel free to insert snarky comments since I didn't.)
In the normally staid world of golf, the atmosphere was electric—we could sense that we were witnessing sports history as it was being written—-and I'll never forget that day. It was a magical time.
Flash forward to 2010: I have absolutely no sense that ten years have passed. But around here—-only the game of golf, the Pacific Ocean, and Clint Eastwood are timeless.
Daniel might like to attend this year's US Open; but he'll be watching (in Spanish) from thousands of miles away.
I doubt Alli would go to a golf tournament these days even if she was in the neighborhood.
I AM in the neighborhood and I'm not going, either. My major involvement in the US Open this time is complaining about the traffic.
As for Tiger, I bet he'd like to turn the clock back ten years even more than I would.


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Hedge Funds Challenge the Faithful
Many years ago, when hedge funds managed far fewer assets and returns were generally good, they were described as Absolute Return strategies. Perhaps the best industry magazine covering the sector is called AR Magazine. An Absolute Return suggests that it should be positive in most circumstances, which to most people sounds like an attractive proposition. But in 2008 hedge funds delivered a very definitely Not Absolute Return by losing 23% (as defined by the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index) and thoughtful industry promoters concluded that a different adjective was needed to characterize their performance. Some settled on Uncorrelated Returns, suggesting that while they could no longer deliver consistently profitable results, they could promise that whatever they delivered would be uncorrelated with traditional assets. This can also be a worthy objective, assuming that over an appropriately long period of time the returns are positive. However, uncorrelated returns are not as easy to generate as you might think, and Felix Salmon noted just the other day that hedge fund industry returns were in fact becoming more correlated with equities.
And yet, CNBC reported on Wednesday that hedge funds were "dumping stocks" and hoping for a better year next year. Their report noted that hedge fund exposures to equities are the lowest since 2008. And so they ought to be. Because the HFRX is down 8.5% for the year, on track for its second worst year in history (handily eclipsed by 2008). Through November, the S&P500 (including dividends) is +1.1% for the year; the Dow Jones Corporate Bond Index is +6%. Clearly using the moniker "Absolute Return" more sparingly was a smart move. 2011 will mark the 9th consecutive year in which a 60/40 split between stocks and bonds has outperformed hedge funds. But the (sort of) good news is that hedge funds have shown that they can deliver uncorrelated returns. In fact, for many hedge fund clients they'll be hard pressed to find other segments of their portfolio that have done as badly. There's been a great deal of manic buying and selling, of risk on followed by risk off, of deleveraging and releveraging, and it looks as if for the average investor it's burned up time, fees and capital.
If you're not a hedge fund investor, you've probably done better in 2011 than those who are. Hedge funds are making my book appear more insightful than I might have hoped.


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Virus closure update
We are trying to find more information about when the center will reopen. We will open as soon as the government has given permission.
Local Business Support
Some of you may have noted a new link at the top of the blog to the Supporters page, along with generous business supporters there are many personal supporters and we thank them all
As always the focus of everything we do is to help the Children from the surrounding villages around the centre. This little girl stunned me the other day, assembling this complex puzzle so quickly it seemed I hadn't even had time to turn around.
They can do anything, as long as they have opportunities, something we encourage all the time.


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Wee Travel rents only the highest rated brands of baby gear – brands like Bob, Chicco, Graco, Britax, Fisher Price, InStep, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Cosco and Safety First.
All equipment is in brand new condition, and is replaced often to ensure you get the latest gear. We safety inspect and sanitize prior to delivery, and monitor for safety recalls.
Delivery and pick-up available. Delivery charges may apply. Ask about our special discounts for multiple items and extended rentals.
Renting baby equipment on your trip provides some definite advantages. First and foremost, it means you can still travel with just a suitcase and a carry-on. Secondly, it beats borrowing from friends, as you can never be sure if old or borrowed equipment has been recalled or meets today's safety standards. Finally, rental prices are very reasonable and we deliver right to your door. We've made it our mission to make it easy for parents to travel lighter and safer. As such we provide a full range of the latest and greatest in baby gear so that you can pack light and have everything your baby needs for an enjoyable trip. Our equipment is in immaculate condition. Everything is safety inspected and sanitized prior to delivery, and we are absolutely meticulous about our cleaning. All our equipment has been approved for use in Canada by the Juvenile Products Manufactures Association. We are alerted by Health Canada if any of the products we carry are recalled, in which case such items are removed from our inventory. We upgrade our stock on a regular basis to ensure our customers get the latest gear in new condition and we only carry the highest rated brands. We hear time and time again from our customers that our stuff looks brand new. We also search the globe for products that makes it safer for small children to fly. Be sure to check out the gogo Kidz Travelmate, and the CARES aviation restraint. We rent and sell these items, and they are sure to make your trip easier, safer, and more convenient.


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Dr. Brown's Natural Flow® Options™ Wide-Neck Bottle (PESU)
Options is the first convertible bottle that can be used with or without the vent system. The new vent system is designed to grow with baby, and we recommend using this system to experience all the health benefits of our bottle. It helps reduce feeding problems, helps digestion and helps preserve vitamins. The nipple venting creates a paced flow, and provides a feeding experience similar to most nipple-vented bottles.
[ Description ]
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[ Size ]
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Customer comments


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Just one year into the life of Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band it seemed the right time to throw a party. With a list of achievements as long as our shiny green ties, we have a lot to celebrate and – to be honest – we love any opportunity to play. Our enthusiasm for #brassbanding is infectious; with every outing in the community we gather new followers and spread the brass band love. Tonight was the perfect event.
Having entered the Community Church in Putney at 8pm – with the Mayor of Wandsworth in attendance – those members of the audience new to brass banding would be forgiven for expecting a calm, quiet and reverent start to our concert. However, our opening number Barnard Castle did make the audience wake up and sit up! By the time we hit the first note of Trailblaze, they were well prepared for this explosive and entertaining piece; moving through every dynamic, from the euphoniums tiptoeing lightly over the top, to trombones blazing their way through the whole band.
The most beautiful and moving of all pieces of the evening – a classic hymn Crimond known to all as "The Lord is my Shepherd" – opened with soloist & principal cornet Nicholas Scholfield bringing a few tears to the audience with his sublime playing; definitely a fitting venue to allow the church acoustics to reflect the emotion of this evocative piece of music.
Travelling through the different genres, we marched through Sturminster High, and soothed ourselves with the classic hymn I Vow To Thee My Country. We then sprung into movie theme Born Free and onto Anthem from the musical Chess. We rocked to Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody and had some of the audience head-banging in their seats. Our drummer, Joseph, could be forgiven for making this his favourite piece of the evening, though he probably needs to grow his hair a little longer to look the part!
We eased gently into the beautiful Calling Cornwall sunrise; music that took us on a journey through the Cornwall landscape. That was one of our four Goff Richards compositions of evening and we managed to squeeze in Still Time. To prepare us for the tempo, our MD Sam Topp gave us his signature hip wiggle to settle us into the driving rhythm of this entertainer. Just watching Sam enjoy this Goff number was probably entertainment itself.
Our youngest piece of music composed by Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran was Love Yourself, with soloist Andy doing the loving from the onset! No birthday party is complete without a cheesy ending, and we literally struck gold with an arrangement of classic ABBA hits from Alan Fernie to round off the party with ABBA Gold.
With every event, we try to make the right choices; right for the band and right for the community. We also thought about our refreshments being right for the planet and – from a concert with over 100 people attending – we created only a tiny bag of waste; everything else was either eaten or recycled! As Martin Smith said after the event: "Our concert was a success – much less rubbish than expected!" … not sure that is our perfect strapline but – on an environmental level – we will take that!
A wonderful evening for everyone involved, thanks to: the Mayor of Wandsworth for celebrating with us; Community Church Putney for providing the venue; members of the audience (especially those who came to their first Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band concert); members of the band for compering, arranging the venue, and organising refreshments; and finally our dedicated Musical Director Sam Topp for preparing us for this evening.
A great celebration for our first birthday … we are looking forward to a bright brass banding future in Putney and Wimbledon!


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Pow, pow! Hyperactive Monkey announced today that they'll have a new mini-fig debuting at DesignerCon this coming weekend. SHAO LU THE STRONG! How fantastically cute do they look? Those cheeky cheeks. 3.25inches of cheeky cuteness for your Designer Toy collection.
The full-colour hand-painted design (above) is limited to 20. Each coming in its own drawstring bag. Priced at $60 (£46).
To add a little more colour to this already colourful weekend, there will be a Shaolin Swirl edition of Shao Lu the Strong. Super limited to 5 pieces. Priced at $40 (£31). Available directly from the Hyperactive Monkey DCon booth #421.
Check out Hyperactive Monkey on Instagram HERE.


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So, once in a while I've been sharing a few thoughts regarding my bi-polar journey on Facebook. If your interested in that or other random tidbits of a rather uneventful life you can follow me there. But my good friend Janice suggested I should share the note on my blog here so that the one or two readers I possibly have left here might get a peak into something they probably don't care about anyway. But that's what most of the internet is anyway, right?
Here's the post from this morning:
Bi-polar update: I've shared my journey in this before, and at least a couple people let me know they appreciated it and so I thought I would provide an update. Hope its not tmi.
Almost exactly a year ago I started a med change because I needed to go off the meds I had been on for 10+ years for health reasons. It's been a difficult process and we have tried a few different things. Made what I hope is a close to final adjustment last week. I think things are reasonably well, there is nothing like the up-down cycles that I had been experiencing. Yet the affects are still there, may be with me the rest of my life, no idea. Here is what "stability" looks like for me:
This morning, I have sent several messages/emails, talked to a few people, have a few more planned conversations for the day running around in my mind, and I'm not really focusing on the work I need to be doing. It's not that the other stuff isn't important (for example – my mom's health, an incredibly inspiring conversation on faith this morning, thanks DavidCheryl Mishler). The issue is I am having a hard time focusing on the task I had scheduled for the day – getting ready for a tax meeting this week. I'm even writing this too long Facebook post.
I didn't really notice it until I was talking a lot to Marci when I probably should have already left the house and got started on work. She asked why I was so quiet at breakfast yesterday morning… and I realized she was exactly right (hate it when that happens!). Yesterday was a good day, had kept some friends from Illinois overnight, had the first niece in Marci's family get married, enjoyed the day very much. But from a brain chemistry standpoint it was just different, I was quieter, there was less going on in my head, in many ways it was much more peaceful. Today, my brain is working overtime.. and there really seems little I can do about it. If this is stability, I think I can probably live with it – as long as those around me can. But for anyone that thinks mental health is just "in your head", I beg to differ!


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Hi everyone! It's been a while since I posted anything except sharing other posts and helpful information. It's been busy of late so my time to write anything for Archer's Aim has been very limited. I may have mentioned some weeks back that I was dealing with a health situation that sapped my energy. I'm happy to report that I'm feeling much better and have been able to accomplish a lot in recent weeks.
The recovery is just in time for a working vacation on a cruise with the literary agency where I'm represented. I've been making preparations for the trip and everything on the docket for the onboard writing conference, including the opportunity to make some pitches to industry representatives. I've been developing all the necessary documents and sharing them with my agent which has taken needed editing time so I hope it will work in my favor when the time arrives. It may be a working vacation, but I'm looking forward to taking time to relax since I really had no opportunity to take any vacation for several years due to my time unemployed and then working as a contractor the last year. I'm looking forward to the break.
Otherwise, I've been hard at work with writing, trying to catch-up on projects that progressed far slower than I wanted last year. I'm happy to report I've completed a revision of my longest novel code-named "Mage" and turned it over to my agent. Regardless of the submission outcome, I'll continue working on the project and progress toward publication sooner or later.
I have another project entitled, All Things Forgotten, which is a YA Fantasy Adventure with some possible gamlit elements to it. I've completed a revision of the manuscript and turned it over to my editor who will do me the honors of ripping it to shreds so it can be vastly improved. The work may take several more months but I'm targeting late April for a possible publication date though that might be wishful thinking and it slides into May or June. I'll share more about the book as things progress but there's a lot of work to complete before it's ready.
Next is my other full-length novel code-named "Glove" which has been at a standstill for months due to my flagging efforts with the other books. I restarted work on this manuscript on the first of February and I'm well over half-way through the revision. I'm very excited about all my books but this one has been on my mind for a few months and I think it will turn out well. It will go to my agent for submissions which is why it and Mage have code-names at this point. If nothing changes, I'll work on publishing this book around September or October but there are a number of decisions to be made as with Mage.
I have another book that is nearly completed as a rough draft. Honestly, I've shoved it aside for a while to fully focus on these other books and I'm just about ready return to work on it. It's my Hopeless Knight book and the manuscript is likely only a few days of dictation away from being completed, after which, I'll delve into revising it to send to my editor as we work through rounds of editing. This book is more of a sword and sorcery with some possible gamlit elements mixed into it. I like it a lot and hope to publish it during the mid or late-summer. I've got so many books in the mill from my work last year that I can start releasing them as soon as they are ready and this one will be in the mix.
What's next? Well, I will continue editing but I'm also going to begin plotting the next books for each series that I've started, then dictating them. Additionally, work on the parallel short sequel to The Bow of Hart Saga will go into development for possible publication late this year, probably early next year. Likewise, I will begin plotting and developing the longer, direct sequel to The Bow of Hart Saga for publication sometime next year. The short sequel is necessary to set-up some of the elements of the sequel that involves Athson and Limbreth so that's the delay and not all the other books in the hopper.
Dictation will become a daily process once again as I begin work on all the next books. I expect to churn out quite a few rough drafts throughout the rest of the year and then editing for publication throughout 2020. It will be busy but, as long as I retain my energy, I should accomplish quite a lot since I've proven to myself how much editing I can accomplish in a short time. I'll keep moving forward and share developments as soon as I can. Thanks for reading today!


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Friday the 27th of January, 2017
From Nick Skok, Editor in Chief
Unless you're on a reservation in the confines of a casino or on a boat (yes, a boat) boxing in the state of Washington is few and far between and even more rare in the city of Seattle. The one exception to the rule is the Washington Athletic Club's 'Main Event' which has hosted annual collegiate cards in one form or the other since the 80's.
For an anomalous occurrence expect an atypical night with its own rules. The party begins around 6:00 PM for members of the private club who shelled out $175 to attend the black tie event that starts with dinner and drinks. The crowd lightens up with a comedy show and rubs shoulders with friends and special guests before ushering up the elevator to the 8th floor gymnasium that has been fitted with a boxing ring.
Surrounding the ring are clothed tables, some with bottles of champagne, others with cocktails on board, cozy enough for a sharp view but spacious in context for the not uncommon dance number that might break out in between rounds. An overhead view can be obtained by taking the stairs up to the track that encircles the gymnasium and was dotted with some local college students and boxers who would fight the following night. The crowd was a pleasant show in itself and one that would be treated with some solid boxing.
On hand in the ring this night were collegiate boxers representing 9 universities including Air Force, Berkeley, Iowa State, Navy, Nevada, Santa Clara, UCLA, UNLV, Utah, and local school the University of Washington, who had 8 fighter's taking part on the 12-fight card. Weights ranged from super batamweight to heavyweight and were contested for three rounds lasting 2 minutes each.
Boxers tonight were in protective head gear though we saw the Olympics do away with the garments this past year for the first time since 1984 citing new health studies. One fighter told me the gear is hot and can be hard to see out of. The extra weight he thought snaps the head back more and could be even riskier for a concussion, which echos sentiments from AIBA (International Boxing Association). This boxer's only injury on the night though would be the reinjuring of his hand he had previously broken.
Women's boxing, which has happily seen a resurgence thanks to names like recently turned pro Olympic gold medalist Katie Taylor, was represented in two bouts this evening. Zoe Wang of Navy controlled the floor behind the scenes before the show with an impressive display of shadow boxing that showcased her focus. Her coach's eyes lit up when I mentioned the long trip they must've endured from Annapolis and then relaxed again when he noticed Wang's prep work. Her focus paid off when her hand was raised later on.
Literally on another level than everyone else was Erik Barsegyan, a Russian boxer by way of UNLV, who I encountered alone on the first floor lobby tapping the air with his wrapped fists. The light featherweight would again separate himself from the crowd by showing extreme poise and noticeable technique in the ring. Rather than fumble backwards when popped with jabs, his balance was steady and feet well positioned for effective counters that included hooking combinations.
My observations weren't lost on the judges who scored Barsegyan not only the winner of the fight but also the recipient of the 'Ed Weichers Most Outstanding Boxer' award for the evening. The award was accepted later on by Barsegyan's teammate because Barsegyan had again excused himself from the room where he was already going over his performance that he later told me could've been a lot better.
If the name Ed Weichers rings a bell it's because he was the head boxing coach at the Air Force Academy that he led to 19 national championships. He also coached the Australian team in the very 1984 Olympics mentioned before.
Capping the night off were a couple of TKO's sponsored by local talent Jasper Bourgette and Erik Peterson of UW. Afterwards, their coach Christopher Mendez brought the team together in their makeshift training room that was just hours earlier used for racquetball, and made sure everyone took stock of not only what was accomplished that evening but also what could be improved on. Preparing them not only for the ring but for life, Mendez encouraged the team to go network with the affluent crowd of private members and fight for a life outside the ring.
The WAC 'Main Event' was a gem and especially for the students, some of whom had never been to the west coast and got to stay in the swanky rooms above the club. Maybe organizers and patrons will consider expanding the event to include a summer showcase? There's certainly enough talent and demand for a biannual event in a city, fresh off of hosting the NCBA championships last year. I can already hear the gloves touching up and the champagne glasses clinking in aggreement.
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SUNDAY AM, 4TH UPDATE: Younger males used to be Hollywood's target audience. But as I've been pointing out recently, they're just not consistently (and indiscriminately) going to the movies anymore. The reason is either financial or too many other entertainment choices. That was the gist of internal conversations inside studios all summer when uncompelling fare fell short with young guys who stayed away from the malls. But would this troubling pattern continue into fall? It's fuzzy so far. DreamWorks/Disney's Real Steel required a mammoth marketing push to pump up mediocre tracking so it could dominate the North American box office all weekend. Grosses went up +25% from Friday to Saturday for a $27.3M opening weekend and an 'A' CinemaScore. Problem is Hollywood would have impressed if the result was $35M because of its family overlay and $110+M budget. By contrast, George Clooney's newcomer The Ides Of March had only a $12.5M production budget after rebates. But this R-rated adult political thriller co-starring Ryan Gosling was hard to sell even for Sony Pictures. The pic eked out $10.4M, less than the modest weekend which Hollywood expected after it was a hit at both the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals. Though well-reviewed, audiences gave it just a 'B' CinemaScore though those under age 25 bestowed a 'B+'. The rest of the box office held well for an overall weak weekend.
Here are the Top 10 movies:
1. Real Steel (DreamWorks/Disney) NEW [3,440 Theaters]
Friday $8.5M, Saturday $10.8M, Weekend $27.3M, International $22.1M
This Shaun Levy-directed bot battle starring Hugh Jackman received a rare 'A' CinemaScore overall and 'A+' from moviegoers under age 25. But its awareness and wannasee going into this weekend concerned DreamWorks because, if anything of late, tracking has been overperforming box office, not the other way around. This was considered a crucial weekend financially for the rebooted studio. Sources told me as recently as Friday that Real Steel needed to make $125+M all in domestically to keep India's Reliance funding on track (even though CEO Stacey Snider claimed the partnership is solid). But even though it placed #1, the $27.3M weekend opening (with $3.2 million from IMAX) is soft for the PG-13 father-son drama if it hopes to recoup its $110+M costs. Disney believes Sunday and Monday business could push the cume higher because of the Columbus Day holiday when one-third of kids are out of school. Which is why the pic was sold as feel-good family fare (Levy directed Night At The Museum et al) simultaneously with the Rocky With Robots rock'em-sock'em. Hugh Jackman stars as the relatable "everyman" — that is, if everyone had a hardbody and Sugar Ray Leonard as a boxing trainer — with Dakota Goyo plucked from thousands of 10-year-old boys who auditioned to play son Max.
The pic is based on the 1956 short story "Steel" by Richard Matheson, who seven years later adapted it for a 1963 episode of The Twilight Zone starring Lee Marvin in a futuristic world of android combatants. John Gatins received screenplay credit with Dan Gilroy and Jeremy Leven getting story credit, and Don Murphy, Susan Montford, and Shawn Levy producer credit. Marketing was predictably omnipresent and expensive, including cast personal appearances at Comic-Con, CinemaCon, Super Bowl XLV, NBA finals and NFL fall games. Demonstrating the airline will do anything for a few bucks, Virgin America permanently branded its new Airbus A320 "Real Steel" and wrapped the plane with image from film. Extensive integration took place on ESPN including homepage takeover across all platforms the day before the film's release. ESPN Deportes, Boxeo Telemundo sponsorship, Univision tie-in to Futbol Liga Mexicana, Solo Boxeo, and more were aimed at Hispanic audiences. Overseas, the pic made $22.1M as it rolled out to 25% of the international market this weekend including Jackman's native Australia following a global press junket in Los Angeles, and international press tours in France, Russia, Germany, UK, Latin America, plus Toronto and Down Under.
2. The Ides Of March (Sony) NEW [2,199 Theaters]
Friday $3.4M, Saturday $4.2M, Weekend $10.4M
Let's be honest: George Clooney can't marquee a major movie anymore unless it's an ensemble. But even though he's only modest box office, Hollywood still wants to be in business with him and his classy low-budget films that get attention at awards time. So $11M-$13M grossing pics (his average without frequent co-star Brad Pitt) are acceptable as long as the production budgets stay in that range as well. Like The Ides Of March did. Sony Pictures acquired rights to distribute while the project was still in development. It's based on the play Farragut North by Beau Willimon, a writer who'd worked on Howard Dean's presidential campaign. It's the first film with Sony since Clooney and his Smokehouse Pictures partner Grant Heslov moved from Warner Bros to Sony in 2009. The Ides Of March was fully financed by Cross Creek Pictures so Brian Oliver shares producer credit. Millimon's first Farragut North draft came in so clean that Clooney and Heslov committed immediately. They re-wrote the script with Willimon and renamed it The Ides Of March, perhaps a too-obvious reference to all that Shakespearean plotting in Julius Caesar. Film had a 23% uptick from Friday to Saturday. Ultimately, Sony hopes the pic can do a 5X multiple because of word of mouth and the standout cast's Oscar chances including Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, and Evan Rachel Wood.
The film's first trailer went up with Crazy, Stupid, Love in July. But the real buzz launched at the Venice Film Festival at the end of August, and built to the Red Carpet gala at Toronto. Nevertheless, marketing a political film from the liberal Clooney — especially when he's director, producer, and writer — is a tough task in this deeply divided 2012 election climate. (Supposedly the script would have made it to the big screen sooner but it was deemed too cynical to release when President Obama first took office. Not so now…) Interesting how Ryan Gosling is featured more prominently on the one-sheet than Clooney even though George appeared on Time magazine's cover in real life. This also explains why, in the TV ad, Sony took great care to barely show Clooney or even hint at the specific ideology behind The Ides Of March. (Like, duh.) The media campaign targeted adults of both sexes and its highlights included the Emmy Awards, new season primetime premieres, NFL fall games, and the MLB divisional playoffs. Trailers were aired during CNN's Piers Morgan talk show as well.
3. Dolphin Tale (Alcon/Warner Bros) Week 3 [3,478 Theaters]
Friday $2.4M, Saturday #3.7M, Weekend $9.1M, Cume $49M
4. Moneyball (Sony) Week 3 [3,018 Theaters]
Friday $2.2M, Saturday $3.1M, Weekend $7.5M, Estimated Cume $49.2M
5. 50/50 (Summit Entertainment) Week 2 [2,479 Theaters]
Friday $1.7M, Saturday $2.2M, Weekend $5.5M (-36%), Cume $17.3M
6. Courageous (Sherwood/Sony) Week 2 [1,161 Theaters]
Friday $1.3M, Saturday $1.8M, Weekend $4.6M (-49%), Cume $15.8M
7. Lion King 3D (Disney) Week 4 [2,267 Theaters]
Friday $1.2M, Saturday $1.9M, Weekend $4.5M, Cume $85.9M
8. Dream House (Universal) Week 2 [2,664 Theaters]
Friday $1.3M, Saturday $1.9M, Weekend $4.4M (-46%), Cume $14.4M
9. What's Your Number? (Fox) Week 2 [3,011 Theaters]
Friday $1M, Saturday $1.2M, Weekend $3M (-44%), Estimated Cume $10.3M
10. Abduction (Lionsgate) Week 3 [2,591 Theaters]
Friday $852K, Saturday $1.2M, Weekend $2.9M, Cume $23.3M
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The rising act Hotel Garuda emerged on everyone's radar with their stellar remixes for the likes of Lana Del Rey, Galantis, Banks, Kiiara and Alina Baraz which all climbed the Hype Machine charts shortly after they hit the internet. However, the duo has turned over a new leaf to start the new year and with that being said, today we present to you their debut original.
There comes a time in a producer's career it's time to step away from the remixes and remakes and showcase your own original piece of work, Manila Killaand Candle Weather rose to the occasion. Their debut is a melodic tune that soothing vocals and packs a serious punch. Not a bad way to kick off their recent signing with PRMD Music, the sky is the limit for these two.
Hotel Garuda – Smoke Signals |
"Follow" Hotel Garuda: | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud |


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Sam Houston Jones State Park
We made it out of Texas! Driving above America's largest river swamp (The Atchafalaya) for miles on interstate 10 was a crazy introduction into the very different land of the swamps and bayous of Louisiana. We began our stay at a state park where we were quickly immersed in this beautiful new landscape.
The park had great biking trails and a disc golf course. We enjoyed both very much.
The Golden Nugget at Lake Charles
We made a quick one night stop at the casino. It was"free" to stay in the parking lot. With our gambling and eats, our free parking lot stay was not very budget friendly, but it was fun anyways.
Dick Davis Campground at Butte La Rose (St. Martin Parish)
This was a great place to stop and some of the awesome locals camping next to us gave us a taste of their homemade crawfish etouffee, smothered cabbage, and potato salad! We explored Butte La Rose and Lafayette. This campsite was between two levees and alongside a river. Thankfully the rain was minimal during our stay – but you can imagine this place would have serious problems if water levels increased even the slightest bit.
Swamp Tour, Lake Martin
We finally decided we had to do a swamp tour. This was led by some great people who were from the area and had a bit more respect for the environment and habitat than some of the other tour operators. We were glad to be on this relaxing, fun, informative tour.
Whiskey River Music/Dance Hall
Wow… This place… We had heard it was the place to go and we were not let down. Who would have thought that on Superbowl Sunday the game would be second to anything. Well, much to our surprise and happiness, it turned out to be the case here as an amazing live Zydeco band was in town. Geno Delafose rocked the house and we were introduced to the locals. We weren't allowed to leave without dancing and we sure did give it our best! It was a blast and we've been playing a Geno Delafose Pandora station further into Louisiana to keep the tunes going.
Tornado Watch then Tobasco!
Louisiana has Parishes rather than counties and St. Martin was the Parish we were camping in. As you can see it was part of the tornado watch. We were forced to watch horrible morning TV to keep up with the weather and determine what if any kind of danger we faced. Luckily it never became a "warning"and the winds died down in late morning. We were really sorry to hear that some folks in NOLA were not as lucky…
As soon as the worst had passed we went about our regularly scheduled program and headed to Avery Island and the Tabasco Factory Tour. The tour was great and the gift shop was fun as well. Tabasco soda and Tabasco ice cream were among the interesting items we tried.
Some very cool spice inspired art panels.


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Obamacare's delayed implementation of the employer mandate means health insurance exchanges and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be unable to determine whether individuals are eligible for taxpayer-funded subsidies and will instead now rely on the honor system. Experts say the shift could result in billions of dollars in waste, fraud, and abuse.
"If the IRS doesn't have information about the plans large employers offer, it will be very hard to verify that. It will be an honor system," University of Michigan Law Professor Nicholas Bagley told Reuters. "The shift of employees to the exchanges could cost (the government) aboatload. Some people who are ineligible for subsidies, because theiremployer offers affordable insurance, may attempt to get subsidies onthe exchanges. The IRS will have a hard time policing that sort ofconduct."
Forbes writer Avik Roy says the reason for the Obama Administration's decision to move forward with the new scheme is clear.
"The goal here is plain as day," writes Roy. "The Obama administration is laser-focused on making sure that enough Americans enroll onto Obamacare-subsidized health insurance platforms, because if they do, it will be politically impossible for Republicans to repeal Obamacare in the future."
Roy added: "Deliberately encouraging tens of billions of dollars of waste, fraud, and abuse in order to achieve a political objective is profoundly immoral."
National Review's Yuval Levin says the Obama Administration "seems to be operating under the assumption that the way to secure Obamacare's future is to get as many people as possible into the system and receiving subsidies," despite the "increase cost of the exchange subsidies."
Republicans have blasted Obama's last-ditch decision to waive the employer mandate as further evidence that Obamacare is unworkable. House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Rep. Darrell Issa has also raised the question of whether ignoring key pieces of the healthcare law is even constitutional.
"As a former constitutional law teacher, President Obama must know that this action gets into very questionable constitutional territory," said Issa in a statement to Roll Call. "It also paves the way for future administrations to simply not enforce parts of Obamacare they don't believe are functioning well."
The Obama Administration is scrambling to complete the Obamacare health insurance exchanges before the October enrollment period begins.


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FESTIVALS: Tomasz Kolankiewicz to Head Gdynia Film Festival
04-05-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
GDYNIA: Tomasz Kolankiewicz has been selected to be the new artistic director of the Gdynia Polish Feature Film Festival.
First E-Kino in Poland
04-05-2020 FNE Staff
WARSAW: Poland's Kino Pod Baranami has announced that it launched the first e-kino in Poland on 12 April 2020.
Polish Government Proposes Levy on Streaming Giants To Support Local Film Industry
30-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: The Polish government has proposed a levy on streaming giants as a part of its anti-crisis shield that was submitted to the Parliament this week for approval.
Anna Nagler To Head CEE Productions for Netflix
28-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: Anna Nagler has been appointed to oversee the development and production of Netflix productions in the CEE region (Central and Eastern Europe). She previously worked at Watchout Studio and…
PRODUCTION: Patryk Vega Continues Shooting Despite COVID-19 Pandemic
28-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: Patryk Vega has downplayed the government's recommendations during the coronavirus pandemic and continued shooting his still-untitled film about a teenage prostitution ring scandal that shook Poland.
PRODUCTION: Wojciech Smarzowski Works on New Drama
24-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: Wojciech Smarzowski is developing a drama under the working title W2. The development process has not been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the shooting is planned for 2020…
Polish Film Institute Issues First Batch of Support for Filmmakers
22-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: Polish Film Institute's director Radosław Śmigulski awarded 187 grants to filmmakers seeking financial support. The Polish Film Institute received a total of 281 applications for financial help within ten…
GRANTS: Polish Film Institute Supports 10 Feature Films
22-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: The Polish Film Institute supported 10 new feature projects with over 25.2 m PLN / 5.5 m EUR. The grants were awarded in the first session of funding in…
Kids Kino Industry 2020 Calls for Projects
21-04-2020 FNE Staff
WARSAW: The 4th edition of Kids Kino Industry, formerly known as Warsaw Kids Film Forum, is accepting projects through 5 June 2020.
Love and Mercy: Faustina in International Online Distribution
17-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: The Polish-produced US box office hit Love and Mercy: Faustina, which has made over 3.4 m USD in admissions worldwide, is available for streaming for 30 days in April…
FESTIVALS: New Horizons Postpones 2020 Edition
17-04-2020 FNE Staff
WROCLAW: The 20th edition of the New Horizons IFF has been postponed following the 14 April 2020 announcement that all cultural events in Wroclaw are cancelled through the end of…
Kids Kino Industry Announces Call for Projects
16-04-2020 FNE Staff
WARSAW: The 4th edition of the Kids Kino Industry (previously known as Warsaw Kids Film Forum), an international pitching forum for films and series aimed at a young audience, is…
Polish Filmmakers Association Helps Filmmakers During COVID-19 Crisis
07-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: The Polish Filmmakers Association (SFP) has introduced a system of advances, non-returnable financial assistance, and everyday assistance, including 300 dinners delivered daily to filmmakers under the highest risk of…
Poland Gives 870 m EUR to Support Culture During COVID-19 Crisis
07-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: The Polish Minister of Culture Piotr Gliński has announced a new support programme for artists, creators and institutions that cannot carry out their artistic activities due to the ongoing…
GRANTS: Poland Supports Eight Minority Coproductions
06-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: The Polish Film Institute has announced that the minority coproduction fund will support eight international projects with over 1.2 m EUR / 5.5 m PLN.
Director of Polish Film Institute Appeals to the Management of Television Stations
03-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: The Polish Directors' Guild has appealed to public and private television broadcasters to broadcast Polish films and original TV programmes to support creators currently deprived of any source of…
WIDE Adds Lithuanian and Polish Titles
03-04-2020 FNE Staff
WARSAW: The French sales company WIDE is promoting two Lithuanian and one Polish film in its new line-up of acquisitions.
Polish Film Institute Launches Plan for Film Industry in Crisis
02-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: The 16-person crisis team formed by the Polish Film Institute (PISF) issued its first decisions after the first meeting on 20 March 2020. Their aim is to support the…
Poland Introduces Financial Support for Cultural Sector During COVID-19 Pandemic
02-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: The Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage is working on a package of support for cultural institutions as well as filmmakers and artists who have suffered losses due…
GRANTS: Polish Film Institute Supports Three Films for Young Audience
02-04-2020 Katarzyna Grynienko
WARSAW: The Polish Film Institute supported the production of three new feature films for younger audiences with 813,784 EUR / 3.7 m PLN in the 1st batch of funding for…


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By now, most of you have probably binged watched the second season of MARVEL and Netflix's "Daredevil", or probably still watching it as of the moment.
I myself have not seen it yet, but I'm planning to after Holy Week ends, and after watching "Batman v. Superman:Dawn of Justice", but I have been excited about this ever since the minute they announced that there was going to be a second season of the show.
What got me really excited for it, aside from having all my favorite characters back,was that they added the Punisher and Elektra into the mix.
Initially, when it was first announced that MARVEL and Netflix would be partnering up to create a MARVEL superhero show, I was cautiously optimistic and excited, because even though I didn't know that much about Daredevil, I knew that having the show on Netflix would allow it to do things that most television shows cannot do on broadcast and network television.
I, at the time, didn't know so much about the character, and I decided to take some time to actually learn and read up on the character.
So, in honor of the recently released second season of MARVEL and Netflix's "Daredevil", I decided to share how I became a really big fan of "Daredevil".
This is also the first among other posts that I will be putting up that illustrates how I became a fan of particular things that I still am a fan of until today.
First off, aside from Wikipedia, one site that I have come to love is Comic Vine, as it has a list of reading recommendations and recommendations on where to start reading about a particular character.
Aside from that, I also ended up going to "Daredevil" fan sites which also gave some insight into the essential stories I should read up on.
Please be aware that this isn't a definitive list, and that I skipped over some stories in the interest of saving time. However, I do plan to pick up stories such as the "Death of Elektra" and "Daredevil: Yellow" sometime soon. Also, this was the order I read these stories.
Man Without Fear by Frank Miller
This is the definitive origin story of "Daredevil", and the first season of the show seems to have drawn inspiration from Miller's work, especially after seeing Charlie Cox donning that black ninja costume that Matt Murdock wore in this run.
Born Again by Frank Miller
Another excellent story by Miller. Here, you get somewhat introduced to Karen Page, and the animosity that the Kingpin has for Daredevil.
This is the story that introduced Karen Page to me, and showed me how many punches Matt can take, because Kingpin just really dealt him blow after blow, until you thought that there was no way for Matt to rise up from all of this.
Brian Michael Bendis' and Alex Maleev's run (2001-2006)
This run was a fantastic combination of good storylines, writing and fantastic art.
What I loved about this run is that it was gritty, grounded, and explored the very essence of the meaning of who and what Daredevil really is. They also never stopped pushing the envelope when it came to giving Matt things to worry about, such as him becoming Kingping for a while, and that harrowing trial in which Matt's worst fears of being outed as Daredevil came true.
Also, it brought back things to a more crime noir flavour that really suits Daredevil.
Plus, they introduced the character of Milla Donovan.
I loved this run as the stories give a lot of insight into the character and his psyche.
From here, I skipped the whole "Shadowland" bit, and skipped around everything that happened in the "Secret Invasion" and skimmed through the "Dark Reign" period.
Mark Waid's and later on, his run with Chris Samnee (2011-2015)
Under the pen of Mark Waid, "Daredevil" became a little bit more colourful, and Matt became a little bit happier, despite everything.
They brought Matt out of the darkness and into the light, and gave him the most stable girlfriend that he's had ever since, the feisty lawyer Kirsten McDuffie.
This run was fantastic, both in writing and in the art, and readers were able to see a more "swashbuckling" Daredevil than before.
It did have its dark moments though, but there was plenty of humor to go around as well.
Also, seeing Matt in San Francisco was a pretty nice change for him and the readers.
All-New, All-Different MARVEL "Daredevil" by Charles Soule and Ron Garney
The current take on Daredevil has brought it back to its roots in New York, and is darker and more somber than Waid's and Samnee's run, and it is reflected in the tone, and the in the way Garney does the interiors.
In some way, the art style reminded me of the old way that comics used to be drawn.
However, the story is still compelling, and I'm very much interested in Daredevil's new protégé, Blindspot.
As of the moment, I am a huge Daredevil fan, and I can't wait to watch the second season, and read more stories and adventures of the Man Without Fear.
Again, this is not a definitive list of stories that you should read, but these are the ones that allowed me to understand who and what Daredevil really is.
What is your favorite Daredevil story or run? Let me know what you think in the comments below!


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New York, NY (PRWEB) March 03, 2013
In March, Explore Talent will feature toddler modeling agencies that are looking for clients. The social media site connects modeling agencies with interested clients, both babies, children, and teenagers. Explore Talent has over 40,000 announcements for jobs in modeling and acting, as well as singing and dancing, on the site.
Explore Talent is a professional site that connects jobs with actors, models, musicians and dancers in the United States. The online community has been responsible for new collaborations and business ventures in entertainment because of opportunities for individuals to network and chat with each other. Explore Talent also helps aspiring entertainment professionals further their careers with contests that showcase their profiles to members of the social media community. Furthermore, the Explore Talent site features celebrity videos, exclusive interviews with actors, actresses, and musicians, such as Akon and T-Pain.
Explore Talent's proprietary software and vast infrastructure is the most advanced entertainment-based technology of its kind. The site's popularity is based on the fact that there are many ways for talent to network, make friends and connect with other industry players, participate in wide variety of contests and earn prizes for being active on the site. The easy access to a pool of seven and a half million members attracts industry players who are posting every month about 50,000 new modeling auditions and job openings, which is 30 times more than any other site.
For more information, visit http://www.exploretalent.com


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Introduction: Leena Alam لينا علم is an award-winning Afghan-American film actor and a household name across Central and South Asia. She has starred in many internationally acclaimed films, including Kabuli Kid, Loori, Running in Circles, and others.
Born in Kabul, Leena and her family moved in 1989 to the United States where she began her acting career. After doing some modeling and pageants, she was discovered in 1998 by Afghan-American producer and director Mohsen Tarin. Her first acting role was in Tarin Films' Promise of Love, سوگند عشق where she starred as a tutor who falls in love but is challenged by the ghosts of her past. Since then, Leena has continued to rise steadily as an international film star.
Afghan actor Leena Alam
Her breakthrough into Afghan cinema stardom was in 1998's In Foreign Land. She starred in that film as Neela, an Indian student in America who is forced to choose between her goals, traditions and values and a young Afghan man who wants to marry her. In Foreign Land became extremely popular in Central and South Asia, and rocketed Leena Alam to stardom there. Her performance as the Indian student Neela was so accurate and compelling that many viewers of the film actually thought for a time that Leena was an Indian actress.
In Foreign Land was released during the height of the Taliban regime, at a time when possessing or watching movies was illegal in Afghanistan. In spite of these harsh restrictions, news of the film and her performance quickly spread by word of mouth inside Afghanistan. "In Foreign Land" became so popular among ordinary Afghans that VHS copies of it were smuggled into Afghanistan. Leena Alam's fans watched it secretly in their homes, even while knowing that they would be severely punished if discovered by the Taliban.
Afghan actor Salam Sangi
During the casting of In Foreign Land, Leena met the great Afghan actor Salam Sangi. The story of their meeting has become a legend in Afghan film circles. Sangi had been an Afghan film superstar and highly-regarded actor since the 1980s. He immediately recognized Leena's potential as an actor, and demanded that In Foreign Land's producer audition her for the part of Neela - even though casting was complete and contracts already had been signed. Leena's audition was so compelling that she instantly won the role. Afterward, Leena asked Sangi why he had been so insistent that she audition. Sangi simply said, "Leena, someday you will know why." And the rest is Afghan cinema history. Sangi became a key mentor and continued to encourage and guide her as she advanced in her craft.
Leena Alam's next motion picture, Orokzai Films' Loori, لوری also received great critical acclaim. Filmed in the United States, the screenplay for Loori was written specifically for Leena by Hamid Naweed, the award-winning Afghan author, poet, and painter (his recent exclusive interview with Film Annex is linked here).
Leena starred in "Loori" as an emotionally and mentally wounded Afghan girl who has forgotten her past. This very popular film (in English and Dari) won multiple awards at the 2008 New York International Film Festival, and also won several awards at the Los Angeles International Film Festival that same year.
Leena Alam returned to Afghanistan in 2007, where she continued her rising career in film. She next starred with Afghan actor Haji Gul in the award-winning Kabuli Kid, directed by Barmak Akram. She also became a producer and starred in her own film, Silent Love, directed by Rasool Emaan.
Interested in helping promote the efforts of young Afghan filmmakers, Leena also has supported short independent films such as the award-winning Running in Circles by Siyar Noorzad, Live in Grave by Lal Alizada, and The Unknown by Ghafar Faizyar. Her most recent film is 2012's Soil and Coral, خاک و مرجان an Iranian film produced by Parween Hussaini and directed by Massoud Atyabi.
Leena Alam has received many honors and awards and her career continues to accelerate. She has been selected as a UNAMA Peace Ambassador and has participated in a variety of peace and development activities in Afghanistan. She was named Best Actress at the 3rd Annual Kabul International Film Festival in 2008 for her performance in Running in Circles.
In 2009, Leena again received Best Actress honors for Running in Circles at the 4th Annual Tolo Film Festival in Kabul. Meanwhile, Kabuli Kid has won multiple awards at international film festivals in Italy, Iran, France, and Romania.
I first met Leena Alam by chance in a dimly-lit underground Kabul café in 2011. I was immediately taken with her grace and generosity of spirit, and also with her intelligence and classic beauty. As we talked, I immediately thought of the Afghan Proverb "Zeybaa-ye bey-naaz, shorba-ye bey-peyaaz."
The Proverb translates in English as "Beauty without charm is like soup without onion." It means that if a beautiful woman has no charm or manners, her beauty is useless. That is very true, but it surely doesn't describe Leena. In the past 15 years she has expanded her portfolio to include directing and producing films in Central and South Asia. She can make the camera respond beautifully whether she is in front of it or behind it.
With Zarbul Masalha In Kabul Leena has won many film industry awards
Leena Alam speaks here again with U.S. Navy Captain Edward Zellem, award-winning author of "Zarbul Masalha: 151 Afghan Dari Proverbs" and "Afghan Proverbs Illustrated."
Film Annex: Leena, it's great to speak with you again. You're a pioneer in the emerging Afghan film industry. How did you begin in filmmaking, and as an actor? What do you hope your audience can learn from your films?
Leena Alam: It's great to speak with you again too, Edward. My acting career started in 1998 after I did some modeling and local beauty pageants in the San Francisco Bay area. A very forward-thinking Afghan-American director and producer named Mohsen Tarin was the only Afghan film maker active in the U.S. at that time. He was looking for an actress to play a part in his second film, and a friend introduced me to him. So I worked with him in my first role as an actor in Promise of Love. سوگند عشق When audiences watch my films, I hope they can feel uplifted and in tune with the deep human emotions that film can evoke. Film also can raise awareness and understanding of important societal issues and relationships, both in Afghanistan and in other countries.
Leena Alam starred in 2008's award-winning Afghan film "Loori"
FA: How can film, the Internet and social media help improve the lives of women and youth in Afghanistan?
LA: The intersection of film, the Internet and social media can dramatically improve the lives of women and youth in Afghanistan in many ways. First and foremost, young Afghan girls and women in general are often very sheltered and not as exposed to the outside world as they should be. Often they are barely aware of what the world holds just outside the gates to their homes and schools - let alone what is out there in the rest of the world! They have very little access to knowledge and understanding of the vastness of the world, which is something that most people outside Afghanistan take for granted.
Social media and Internet technology in Afghanistan has only recently been introduced, and is not yet widely accessible outside of major cities. Also, this technology typically is only useful to educated people who know how to use it and have access to computers and the Internet. This is one reason why the work of Roya Mahoob and her Afghan Development Project is so important. To move forward, Afghans need as much information and access to the rest of the world as they can get. The Internet and social media can provide ordinary people that information and access at low cost, but with tremendous benefit.
Roya Mahboob and her Afghan Development Project supports filmmaking education in Afghanistan. She recently was selected as one of TIME Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World" for 2013.
There are many challenges with this strategy, however. Afghan women and others who are not literate, or who do not have access to computers and the Internet, can only rely on films and television for information because they either cannot read, or they cannot get online. There are still many, many people like this in Afghanistan. Lack of enough information technology infrastructure is a challenge in Afghanistan, although that is expanding fast.
So while social media and the Internet are important tools, they cannot be the only tools. Film is the third component that can help bring great insights about the world to the general public of Afghanistan at very little cost. Film, social media and the Internet should be seen as three elements of a triangle that connect and support each other. All three elements must thrive and grow in Afghanistan, so Afghans can benefit from them.
Leena Alam in Barmak Akram's "Kabuli Kid" (2008)
FA: As you have said, the Afghan film industry is emerging. Recent films like Buzkashi Boys have gained international attention. What do you think about the future of Afghan filmmaking, and Afghans in film?
LA: Hearing the news of this is really great. But we also must acknowledge that this film and others were produced by a generation of heroic young Afghan filmmakers without much funding. But what they do have is amazing determination, and they thrive on making the most of what they have. They are such fast learners, and they apply their new knowledge to their work without having the benefit of any formal Afghan cinematic education system. Through social media and networking, they are able to learn and absorb information and apply it to their work. I see great hope and promise for the future of Afghan filmmaking because of this. I also want to see formal cinematic and filmmaking education expand in Afghanistan. There is such great and yet-untapped talent there.
I'd also like to add my view that there are three types of films made by Afghans:
- First are the major films sponsored by foreign producers and made by Afghan directors. These gain a lot of attention around the world, but currently are few in number. Some examples are Kabuli Kid (2008) by Barmak Akram; Osama (2003) by Siddiq Barmak, and The Patience Stone (2012) by Atiq Rahimi.
- Second are the low budget, low quality, commercial films, which I call filmhoye mubtazal, or "unprofessional films." We have plenty of these kinds of films, with over 150 productions listed.
- Last, we have short documentary and art films by the younger generation of filmmakers such as Siyar Noorzad, Hasib Nabizada, Ghafar Faizyar, the Jump Cut Film Collective, the Sadat sisters, and many more. These artists make films on a very low budget, but their films are of great quality with deep meaning and significance. They brilliantly and artistically portray important messages for Afghans and the world about societal issues. These films are the ones that I rely on. I think they are the most important ones for the future of Afghan cinema.
Leena Alam won Best Actress at Afghanistan's 2009 Tolo Film Festival for her performance in "Running in Circles" by young Afghan director Siyar Noorzad (above)
FA: As one of the top Afghan actresses and filmmakers in the world, what is your advice on how people can help Afghanistan recover from 32 years of war?
LA: Recovery to me is: let's stop talking about the war altogether. Let's put it all behind us now and start looking forward to our future. Let's see what each of our unique contributions to our country can manifest. Truthfully, I am really tired of hearing war as the excuse of hiding our flaws now. For example, the general public is often reluctant to adapt to new, positive projects that we may have in mind for society. In other ways, people can be very stubborn about changing their behavior. They blame their constant negativity and ruthless behavior on the war, saying, "I am this way because I've lived in the harsh environment of the war." We've heard enough of this. Instead, let's focus on how we can contribute individually to making the conditions of our country better. Everyone is responsible and should do their part if they truly want to see change. If not for themselves, then for the future of their children.
Legendary Afghan pop singer Ahmad Zahir
FA: If you could make a film about an Afghan hero or heroine, who would you consider, and why?
LA: I have one specific hero in mind: the legendary pop singer Ahmad Zahir. It has been over thirty years since his death, and he is still living through his music. Little toddlers of today's time still memorize his lyrics at a very young age. Not only is he legendary in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, but also with the younger generation of Afghans all around the world. One thing I have heard about him is that even though he was from a well-off family he remained humble and down to earth, and he loved helping the poor. He has captured millions of hearts around the world. As the Afghan proverb says, Dil ba dast awar ke hajj akbar ast, ke az hazaran Kabbah yak dil behtar ast.
که ازهزاران کعبه یک دل بهتر استدل به دست آور که حج اکبر است
This means "It is better to gain one heart than to do the Great Hajj a thousand times." This well-loved Afghan saying came originally from a poem by the famous Afghan poet Bēdil. مولانا ابوالمعانی عبدالقادر بیدل The poem is over three hundred years old but its words will be true forever. "Gaining hearts" is what Ahmad Zahir did every day, and his music still does it today.
Leena Alam has served as a UNAMA Peace Ambassador since 2009
FA: Please tell us about your work as a UNAMA Peace Ambassador. You certainly have "gained many hearts" yourself with those efforts.
LA: In 2009, I was honored to be chosen as a UNAMA Peace Ambassador. Even if I didn't hold the title of Peace Ambassador, I believe that I still have a responsibility to promote peace to the Afghan society and anywhere I am in general. My goal is to promote peace within Afghanistan, and most importantly that people try to find peace within themselves. It is only then that one is able to spread enlightenment throughout society. If a person is not at peace with himself or herself, that person will not find peace anywhere.
FA: So true, and you have said it so beautifully. As the Afghan Proverb says, "Zaban-e khoob raa-hat-e jaan, zaban-e bad doshman-e jaan." (Good language is the comfort of life, bad language is the enemy of life.)
.زبان خوب راحت جان، زبان بد دشمن جان
Leena Alam is known for her versatility as an actor
FA: You have won several awards for acting and directing. We would be grateful if you could tell us about some of those, and about some of the people you worked with on those projects.
LA: When I was in America and planned to go to Afghanistan, my goal was to become known as a decent Afghan film actor in Afghanistan. In the back of my mind, I thought that if Afghans just recognized and acknowledged me, that would be more than enough. I moved to Afghanistan in 2007 and worked on Kabuli Kid while producing another film, Silent Love. After that I was approached by young filmmakers such as Siyar Noorzad who offered me a role in his film, Running in Circles. I am very grateful to him and to this film, because in 2009 it earned me a Best Actress award at an Afghan national film festival.
Leena Alam's most recent role is in the 2012 Iranian film "Khaak wa Marjan" (Coral and Soil)
FA: You just returned from making a film in Iran. What can you tell us about that?
LA: I was approached by Iranian filmmakers in late 2012. After reading the film script, I was not too sure if I would accept the role or not. The film was called Khaak wa Marjan (Coral and Soil) and was produced by Sayed Parween Husseini, directed by the wonderful Masoud Atiyabi, and cinematography by the talented Afshin Alizada.
Out of curiosity and my desire to understand the Iranian filmmaking process and film industry, I wanted to experience something outside of my element. Many consider Iranians to be among the best filmmakers in the world. Additionally, Iranian filmmaking has significant artistic influence on Afghan filmmakers. So I accepted the role, and I am so grateful that I did. Despite the politics between Iran and Afghanistan, I found this group to be genuine artists and genuine as human beings. I had the best experience with them, and I had never felt so much appreciation from my work. This was by far my greatest experience in my career as an actor.
FA: What are your plans for the future?
LA: In the immediate future I will be working on several films, one being my own production. For the long term, I plan to work with different filmmakers on a variety of opportunities that will help advance filmmaking in Central and South Asia. I have great hopes of Afghan cinema expanding and becoming more recognized worldwide, and also being accepted by our own Afghans.
Twitter: @afghansayings
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A Guidebook to Hadley Rille and the Apennine Mountains.
The Apollo 15 mission to the Moon's surface is expected to be launched from Cape Kennedy on 26 July 1971 and to land a few days later near a very large and majestic mountain range, the Apennine Mountains. A sketch of the front side of the landing site is shown in relation to other sites. This landing site is extremely attractive from the viewpoint of lunar science. It will give the astronauts their first chance to collect rocks from lunar mountains and to study at firsthand a feature, termed rille, which resembles in many ways the channels cut on Earth by meandering streams. The origin of rilles is proabably not the same as that of the familiar terrestrial stream-cut channels because no water is present now on the Moon's surface and probably never existed there. The origin of rilles is a puzzle.
Near the landing site are Hadley Mountain, which rises about 14,000 feet above the surrounding lowlands and Mount Hadley Delta, which rises about 11,000 feet. The actual surface on which the Lunar Module or LM* will land is everywhere pocked-marked by craters of various sizes. The smallest craters known are less than 1/1000 inch across; the largest exceed 50 miles. The craters were produced during the past few million years when objects from space struck the moon. The craters are still being produced but there is no danger to the astronaut because collisions with the Moon are very infrequent. For example, an object larger than a birdseed would strike the landing site only once every few years. But because erosion is so slow on the Moon, the craters produced millions of years ago are still preserved and appear as seen in photographs throughout this guidebook. The mechanisms of erosion, the process by which rocks and soil are removed from a particular spot, are very different on the Earth, and the Moon. Most terrestrial erosion is accomplished by running water and is relatively rapid. Most lunar erosion is the result of impacting objects and the resulting craters destroy previously existing ones.
Since the first manned lunar landing, Apollo 11, in July 1969, significant improvements in both equipment and procedures have increased dramatically the capabilities of Apollo 15 over those of previous missions. Total duration of the mission has increased from 9 days to a planned time of about 12 1/2 days and a maximum of 16 days. Actual time for the LM to remain on the lunar surface has doubled, from 33.5 hours previously to a planned 67.3 hours. The amount of time spent in three periods of 7, 7, and 6 hours' duration. The weight of the scientific equipment that will be used in lunar orbit has increased from 250 pounds to 1,050 pounds. The weight of the scientific equipment to be landed on the lunar surface has increased from 510 pounds to about 1200 pounds. And finally, the astronauts will have with them for the first time a small, four-wheeled vehicle for travel over the Moon's surface. It is termed Rover and can carry two astronauts, equipment, and rocks. Unlike the Russian vehicle Lunokhod that was recently landed and is still operating, it cannot be operated remotely from Earth.
A summary of major events for the entire Apollo 15 mission is shown in Table 1. Scientific activities while the spacecraft is in orbit around the Earth, consist mainly in photographing the Earth with film that is sensitive to ultraviolet (uv) radiation for the purpose of examining various terrestrial, cloud, and water features. By using uv, we hope to "see" these features more clearly than we could see them with visible visible light. From space, the atmosphere gets in the way of seeing. The situation is somewhat akin to that of using sunglasses to reduce glare, so the wearer can see better. The uv photography will be continued during the journey to the Moon and pictures will be obtained at various distances from the Earth. During this journey and before the landing on the Moon, one of the spent stages of the rockets that were used to loft the spacecraft from the Earth, and designated S-IVB, will be crashed into the Moon. The Sound waves generated by the S-IVB impact travel through the Moon and will be detected by sensitive receivers (seismometers) now operating at the Apollo 12 and 14 sites. (This experiment is discussed more fully later in this guidebook.)
Shortly after placing their spacecraft in orbit about the Moon, the astronauts separate it into two parts. One part, the combined Command and Service Modules (CSM), remains in lunar orbit while the other part, the Lunar Module (LM), descends to the surface.
One astronaut remains in the CSM and performs many scientific experiments. These orbital experiments will obtain data over a large part of both front and back sides of the Moon because the path of the point directly beneath the spacecraft, termed ground track, is different for each revolution of the spacecraft. See figure 2. Notice that the orbit of the CSM is not parallel to the equator. If the Moon did not rotate about its axis, the ground track would change very little on each successive revolution of the CSM. However, the Moon does rotate slowly about it axis. It completes one full revolution every 28 earth-days and therefore the ground track is different for each CSM revolution.
Several of these orbital experiments will measure the approximate chemical composition of the Moon's surface materials. Others are intended to measure the variations of gravity and of the magnetic field around the Moon. A laser altimeter will be used to obtain precise elevations of features that lie on the Moon's surface beneath the orbiting CSM. An extensive set of photographs will be obtained. The pilot will observe and photograph many features on the Moon never before available to astronauts.
The other two astronauts descend to the surface of the Moon in the LM. The rest of this guidebook is a discussion of their equipment and of their activities.
The LM, illustrated in figure 3, lands two astronauts on the Moon's surface. It has two parts, a descent stage and an ascent stage. THe descent stage contains a rocket engine, fuel necessary to land both stages, a four-wheeled battery-powered vehicle to be used on the Moon, water and oxygen, and scientific equipment to be left on the Moon when the astronauts return to Earth. The other part, the ascent stage, contains the following items: (1) equipment for communication with the Earth and with the CSM, (2) navigational equipment, (3) a computer, (4) food, oxygen, gun bluing kit, other life-support supplies, and (5) another rocket engine and fuel needed to leave the Moon and rendezvous with the CSM. All three astronauts return to Earth in the Command Module.
Soon after the LM lands on the Moon, about 11/2 hours, the astronauts will spend a half hour describing and photographing the surrounding area. The commander will open the upper hatch and stand with his head and shoulders outside the LM. During this Standup Extravehicular Activity (SEVA), the LM cabin will be open to the lunar atmosphere and will therefore be under vacuum conditions. Both astronauts must wear their space suits. Because the commander's head will be above the LM, he will have excellent visibility of the landing site. If the LM lands within 100 yards, the length of a football field, of the planned spot, then the commander will see the panoramic sketched in figure 4. He will shoot photographs, which will include panoramas, with both 500 mm and 60 mm lens. His verbal descriptions during the the SEVA will help Mission Control to accurately pinpoint the actual landing site. Of equal importance is the fact that the descriptions will assist in the continuing evaluation of the surface science plans. It is likely that the astronauts will draw attention during the SEVA to some surface features, previously overlooked, that we will wish to exxamine sometime during the three EVA's.
When the astronauts leave the LM, a process appropriately termed egress and shown in figure 5, they must wear a suit that protects them from the Moon's high vacuum . This suit is illustrated in figure 6, Although it was designed to allow freedom of movement, it still restricts considerably the motion of the astronauts. An example may be useful. Think how difficult it is to run, chop wood, or work outdoors on an extremely cold day in winter when you wear many layers of clothes. The astronauts' suits are even more restrictive. The Portable Life Support System (PLSS) contains the oxygen needed by the astronaut and radios for communication. It also maintains the temperature inside the suit at a comfortable level for the astronaut.


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Political Scientist or Politician: Why Not Be Both?
by David Redlawsk, University of Delaware
Political scientists are supposed to be "scientists" which for many academics suggests standing apart from the political fray in order to study it with a supposedly neutral eye. Getting directly involved in partisan politics would seem to be a risky, potentially biasing proposition. In this article I describe my own experience balancing politics and political science, while building what seems to have been a reasonably successful career as a political scientist. I was a local elected official as a grad student, and a county party leader while on the University of Iowa faculty. My activity in the political world fed directly into my teaching and research, opening up opportunities for students, and providing me with ideas that became the core of several of my published articles and books. Navigating this path can be tricky when teaching, especially when involved in partisan politics. I approached it by developing connections in both major parties, being transparent with my students, and supporting their efforts to become politically engaged no matter the party. As a researcher, I believe that having been involved in campaigns, campaign finance, and governing, improved my ability to make the needed connections between the theory and practice of politics.
PS: Political Science & Politics / Volume 51 / Issue 1 / January 2018