Friday, November 1, 2013

Sweet Dreams: Film Review




The Bottom Line


This uplifting documentary delivers a compelling human interest story from a still traumatized Rwanda.




Directors


Lisa Fruchtman, Rob Fruchtman




There are not one but two compelling human interest stories on display in Sweet Dreams, the new documentary by the sibling filmmaking team of Lisa Fruchtman and Rob Fruchtman. Both involve the indomitable Rwandan woman Kiki Katese, who, ten years after the horrendous 1994 genocide, founded the country’s first all-female drumming troupe. Several years later, she embarked on another seemingly quixotic venture, to open Rwanda’s first ice cream shop.



The drumming troupe, Ingoma Nshya, is composed of both Tutsis and Hutus. Its members, like so many of the country’s inhabitants, are still traumatized by the brutality they either witnessed or experienced first-hand. Their athletic pounding of their congas, as illustrated in numerous performance segments, can be seen as a cathartic expression of the joy that’s still possible to be found amid the harshest of circumstances.


But that achievement wasn’t enough for Tatese, who decided that the troupe needed to be cooperatively involved in their own business. While an ice cream parlor seems an incongruous notion, she nonetheless devised a plan for its inception, enlisting aid and advice from two American women proprietors of the Brooklyn-based Blue Marble ice cream shop.


The film chronicles the enterprise’s ensuing difficulties, including the raising of the necessary capital; the African women having to learn both English and the ways of capitalism; and the complicated procurement of an ice cream machine from South Africa that was severely damaged in transit. Manned by select members of the drum troupe, the shop, whose name provides the film its title, did eventually open. But even then things didn’t always proceed smoothly, as one employee is fired for “a bad work attitude and petty theft.”


Despite these and other inevitable glitches, the story ends happily. Sweet Dreams delivers a rare uplifting story from a country that has seen more than its share of brutality and heartache.


Opens Nov. 1 (International Film Circuit)


Production: Liro Films


Directors/producers/editors: Lisa Fruchtman, Rob Fruchtman


Executive producers: Russell Long, Tiffany Schauer


Directors of photography: Rob Fruchtman, Lex Fletcher


Not rated, 89 min.


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/thr/reviews/film/~3/J2ZGT-YMhD8/sweet-dreams-film-review-652287
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AT&T vs. Verizon vs. Sprint vs. T-Mobile: Which iPad carrier should you choose?

AT&T vs. Verizon vs. Sprint vs. T-Mobile: Which iPad carrier should you choose?

If you're in the U.S., Apple's new iPad Air and Retina iPad mini bring with them new choices for carriers. In addition to AT&T, Verizon and Sprint, T-Mobile is offering iPad service now. Coverage and cost are your two major factors, as well as LTE footprint, since all cell-equipped iPads support the technology. Which carrier is right for you?

Let's get down to business, looking at prices first.

iPad mini and iPad Air: Contract-free plans

All four carriers offer data plans for iPads with month-to-month, contract-free pricing. So if you are interested in choosing a different provider than you have for your cellular service, you can. You may also be interested in one of these plans if you are not on a "share everything" plan on AT&T or Verizon.

Quite frankly, each carrier has done their best to totally muddle the waters, so rather than break it down in charts, let me try to summarize:

  • AT&T's basic plan is $14.99 a month for 250 MB. $30 gets you 3 GB, while $50 a month gets you 5 GB.
  • Verizon offers 1, 2, 5 and 10 GB plans for $20, $30, $50 and $80 respectively.

Sprint offers a wide range of plans starting at a scant $5 (for a measly 25 MB per month - suitable for "emergency" e-mail use, but little more) and running up to $80 per month for 12 GB.

T-Mobile also accounts for tablets independently of phones. But the company's doing its best to be disruptive here, just as it has been in the smartphone market. When T-Mobile announced plans in late October to carry the iPad Air and iPad mini for the first time, the company also announced "Free Data for Life," which guarantees T-Mobile customers 200 MB of free data every month for as long as they own their iPad, even if they aren't yet a T-mobile customer.

T-Mobile's "always on" plans for iPad start at $10 per month for 500 MB of data. You can up your data limit in 2 GB increments for $10 a pop. T-Mobile is also introducing daily and weekly passes for customers who only occasionally need cell access on their devices - 500 MB for a day for $5, and weekly passes of unlimited data with 1 GB of 4G/LTE speeds for $10.

iPad mini and iPad Air: AT&T vs Verizon add-on plans

If you already have a "share everything" plan with AT&T or Verizon, you can add a tablet to your plan for another $10 per month. That's $10 per month more than you're paying now, plus the iPad draws from the pool of data you're already paying for. If you have an individual plan, this is not an option and you must use one of the above prepaid plans.

Neither Sprint nor T-Mobile will bundle your tablet with your smartphone plan. Tablet data plans are accounted for separately - see above for details.

iPad mini and iPad Air: LTE availability

In addition to price, you must also consider where each carrier offers coverage and if you're within that area. When it comes to coverage, the first thing you want to consider is LTE availability. LTE speed makes such a difference in data performance, this factor should weigh heavily on your decision.

Verizon has deployed LTE the fastest: they claim that 99 percent of their former 3G network now receives LTE coverage. However, customers in some areas are already complaining about network slowdowns, so Verizon has to stay on its toes by building out more capacity.

AT&T is building out their LTE network as fast as they can. Right now they have LTE available in almost 450 markets nationwide, with more to come. So if you're on AT&T and don't have LTE already, you should have it soon. AT&T also claims that their is the most reliable network, in terms of successful delivery rate of high-speed content.

Sprint is playing catchup here, but the company has spent 2013 accelerating its 4G LTE buildout as fast as it can. Sprint now has LTE available in 230 markets nationwide, and made a strong push this summer to grow that further. See those red dots on the map? They represent Sprint's 4G LTE footprint.

T-Mobile is in fourth place, but it's nipping at Sprint's heels. The company plans to have 200 markets with LTE coverage by the end of the year; and it only started to build out LTE coverage this past March. The company has also aggressively "refarmed" its network to improve its 4G footprint.

Obviously, all of this nationwide stuff is irrelevant if the coverage isn't good in your market. So here are some links to individual service providers' coverage maps. Check them yourself, and talk with friends, family members, coworkers and others about their experience with different services.

iPad mini and iPad Air: International traveling

The iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina Display both include support for GSM and CDMA, the two dominant network types in the US. GSM is used throughout Europe and CDMA exists in some parts of Asia, Mexico, parts of Latin America and elsewhere.

Check with your individual carrier to find out their international plan rates. In general, it's going to cost you quite a bit to get your iPad working abroad. One exception to that is T-Mobile - customers who have their "Simple Choice" plans now get unlimited data in more than 100 countries.

Depending on where you're traveling, how the duration of your trip, and your carrier, you may find that it's less expensive to buy a local carrier SIM once you get to the country you're visiting and buy a prepaid data plan instead.

Who should get their iPad Air or iPad mini on Verizon?

Verizon has the most ubiquitous coverage of any of the four major carriers. They've successfully transitioned the vast majority of their network to LTE. The company has its sights focused on improving capacity and reliability now that its transition to LTE is mostly complete. The adage "you get what you pay for" applies - you may pay a bit more to use Verizon, ultimately - however, if you're already a Verizon customer and you're using a shared data plan, you'll be able to add your tablet for $10 a month.

Who should get their iPad Air or iPad mini on AT&T?

AT&T has been investing heavily in rolling out their LTE network quickly. If they have good coverage in your area, they're a good option. And like Verizon, if you have a shared data plan with AT&T now, it's just $10 more per month to add your iPad to that pool.

Who should get their iPad Air or iPad mini on Sprint?

Sprint made a wrong turn with WiMax - a 4G networking technology that hasn't worked out very well - and it's cost them years. Now they're doing the same thing as everyone else, transitioning their network to 4G and LTE. But that rollout is far, far behind Verizon and AT&T. Still, if they're the best in your area, and their plans appeal to you, go with Sprint.

Who should get their iPad Air or iPad mini on T-Mobile?

T-Mobile is in fourth place, and that's causing them to take risks and cause as much disruption in the market as they can - hence their decision to give iPad customers absolutely free data, and to provide international travelers with free data access abroad. Their LTE is far behind their competitors, but the HSPA+ is very fast anyway. If you have great service with them, and like the plans they're offering, go with T-Mo.

iPad mini and iPad 5: Making the choice

So which carrier are you going to choose? Will you be ditching one carrier for another or sticking with the one you already have? Sound off in the comments below!

Retina iPad mini

Retina iPad mini
The world's most popular tiny tablet goes Retina. Features include:

Complete preview >

Released
November, 2013

Alternatives
iPad Air, iPad 2

Replacements
iPad Mini 3
Fall, 2014

Resources
Buyers guide
Help forum

iPad Air

iPad Air
Apple's full-sized iPad gets slimmed down. Features include:

Complete preview >

Released
November, 2013

Alternatives
Retina iPad mini, iPad 2

Replacements
iPad Air 2 (iPad 6)
Fall, 2014

Resources
Buyers guide
Help forum


    






Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/6-pIFR5cUQc/story01.htm
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West tour postponed after 60-foot screen damaged




FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013 file photo, recording artist Kanye West speaks onstage during the 17th Annual Hollywood Film Awards Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. West is postponing the rest of his “Yeezus” tour after a 60-foot LED screen used during his shows was damaged. A representative for the rapper says a truck that carried the screen was in an accident Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, that has “damaged the gear beyond repair.” (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Invision/AP, File)






NEW YORK (AP) — Kanye West is postponing the rest of his "Yeezus" tour after a 60-foot LED screen used during his shows was damaged.

A representative for the rapper says a truck that carried the screen was in an accident Wednesday that "damaged the gear beyond repair." The truck was on its way to Vancouver.

The rep said in a statement Thursday that it would be "impossible" to put on a show until the screen is repaired.

Thursday's show in Vancouver and next week's shows in Denver and Minneapolis were postponed. The West rep planned to provide an update later on any new dates.

West's tour kicked off this month in Seattle. Rapper Kendrick Lamar is his opening act.

____

Online:

http://www.kanyewest.com/

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/west-tour-postponed-60-foot-screen-damaged-223140687.html
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Tony Parker: Baby on the Way!

He’s been romantically involved with fiancée Axelle Francine since 2011, and Tony Parker is about to become a father.


The ex-husband of Eva Longoria took to his Twitter account to share the great news earlier today (October 31).


Parker tweeted, “Hey just wanted to say that I’m very happy today…me and my future Wife going to have a Baby Boy!!!!”


There’s no word on a due date or wedding date, so stay linked to the GossipCenter for all the latest details!


Source: http://celebrity-gossip.net/tony-parker/tony-parker-baby-way-952895
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The Best Eneloops, Get Paid To Download Apps, $20 Logitech [Deals]

The Best Eneloops, Get Paid To Download Apps, $20 Logitech [Deals]

These aren't just any rechargeable batteries from the best brand of rechargeable batteries, these are the Eneloop XX AA 2500mAh rechargeables- the best of the best. Any more Xs in there and we'd have to card you. Lowest price ever, look like a prop from X-Men, regenerate like Wolverine. [Amazon]

Read more...


    






Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/Ls5grO7Vi0w/the-best-eneloops-get-paid-to-download-apps-20-logit-1456056458
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Thousands protest in Greece over planned new tax


ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Thousands of anti-austerity protesters clogged the Greek capital's streets to demonstrate against government plans to introduce a new property tax as bailout lenders prepare to conduct another inspection next week.

The anger is being felt across Greek society, with retirees, disabled groups, shipyard workers and high school teachers among those expected to take part in Thursday's protests.

Parliament is due to vote next week on proposals to replace an emergency property tax included on electricity bills with a permanent levy, breaking a pledge made last year by the conservative-led coalition government. More than 50 conservative lawmakers are demanding changes to proposals, arguing they unfairly burden their rural constituents.

The government is also planning new cuts to state benefits and the public workforce.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/thousands-protest-greece-over-planned-tax-133322018--finance.html
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UK hacking prosecutor: Brooks, Coulson had affair

Andy Coulson arrives at The Old Bailey law court in London, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. Former News of the World national newspaper editors Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson went on trial Monday, along with several others, on charges relating to the hacking of phones and bribing officials while they were employed at the now closed tabloid paper. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)







Andy Coulson arrives at The Old Bailey law court in London, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. Former News of the World national newspaper editors Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson went on trial Monday, along with several others, on charges relating to the hacking of phones and bribing officials while they were employed at the now closed tabloid paper. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)







Rebekah Brooks and her husband Charlie Brooks arrive at The Old Bailey law court in London, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. Former News of the World national newspaper editors Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson went on trial Monday, along with several others, on charges relating to the hacking of phones and bribing officials while they were employed at the now closed tabloid paper. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)







Former News of The World news editor Ian Edmondson arrives at The Old Bailey law court in London, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. Former News of the World national newspaper editors Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson went on trial Monday, along with several others, on charges relating to the hacking of phones and bribing officials while they were employed at the now closed tabloid paper. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)







Former Royal Editor Clive Goodman arrives at The Old Bailey law court in London, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. Former News of the World national newspaper editors Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson went on trial Monday, along with several others, on charges relating to the hacking of phones and bribing officials while they were employed at the now closed tabloid paper. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)







Andy Coulson arrives at The Old Bailey law court in London, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. Former News of the World national newspaper editors Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson went on trial Monday, along with several others, on charges relating to the hacking of phones and bribing officials while they were employed at the now closed tabloid paper. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)







(AP) — In a blockbuster declaration at Britain's phone hacking trial, a prosecutor said two of Rupert Murdoch's former senior tabloid executives — Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson, later a top aide to Prime Minister David Cameron — had an affair lasting at least six years.

Prosecutor Andrew Edis made the disclosure Thursday during Coulson's and Brooks' trial on phone hacking and other charges, the first major criminal case to go to court in the hacking saga that has shaken Britain's political, judicial and media elite.

Brooks, Coulson and six other people are now on trial, including Brooks' current husband Charles. All deny the various charges against them, which range from phone hacking to bribing officials for scoops to obstructing police investigations.

Edis said the relationship between Brooks and Coulson was relevant to the hacking case because it showed they trusted one another and shared intimate information.

"Throughout the relevant period, what Mr. Coulson knew Mrs. Brooks knew, and what Mrs. Brooks knew Mr. Coulson knew," Edis said.

Edis said the affair began in 1998 and lasted about six years. If his timeline is correct, the affair ended before Coulson became Cameron's top communications director, which began after Cameron's election in 2010. Coulson started working for Cameron in 2007, when Cameron became leader of Britain's Conservative opposition party.

The affair covered the period when Brooks was the top editor of Murdoch's News of the World tabloid and Coulson was her deputy. Brooks edited the paper from 2000 to 2003, then went on to edit its sister paper, The Sun, and later became the chief executive of Murdoch's British newspaper division. Coulson edited the News of the World from 2003 to 2007.

The affair covered the crucial period in 2002 when the News of the World hacked the phone of murdered teenager Milly Dowler. Brooks has long denied knowing about that hacking. When the Dowler hacking case became public in 2011, the outrage in Britain was so great that Murdoch shut down the 168-year-old paper.

Edis said a February 2004 letter from Brooks showed there was "absolute confidence between the two of them in relation to all the problems at their work." He said the letter appeared to have been written by Brooks in response to Coulson's attempt to end the relationship.

"You are my very best friend. I tell you everything. I confide in you, I seek your advice," Brooks wrote, according to Edis. "Without our relationship in my life I am really not sure I will cope."

Edis said the affair was uncovered when police searched a computer found at Brooks' home in 2011 as part of the hacking investigation.

It's not clear whether the letter was ever sent.

Brooks married soap-opera star Ross Kemp in 2002. They later divorced and she married horse trainer Charles Brooks in 2009.

In his opening arguments Thursday, Edis said News of the World journalists, with consent from the tabloid's top editors, colluded to hack the phones of politicians, royalty, celebrities and even rival reporters in a "frenzy" to get scoops.

He said the "dog-eat-dog" environment led to routine lawbreaking that was sanctioned by those in charge of the Murdoch-owned tabloid: editors Rebekah Brooks and Coulson.

Jurors were shown email exchanges involving private investigator Glenn Mulcaire and News of the World news editor Ian Edmondson — one of the defendants — detailing the 2006 hacking of former government minister Tessa Jowell, royal family member Frederick Windsor and one-time Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who was the subject of a major kiss-and-tell story from a mistress.

Mulcaire also hacked the phones of two journalists at the rival Mail on Sunday tabloid who were working on their own story about the Prescott affair, the prosecutor said.

"In the frenzy to get the huge story ... that's what you do," Edis said.

Edis also played a recording of Mulcaire "blagging" — seeking information about a voicemail password from a service provider using a false name. He said Mulcaire — an "accomplished" blagger and hacker — made the recording himself, and also recorded some of the voicemails he hacked.

The prosecutor said the emails, the recordings and pages from Mulcaire's notebooks provided "very clear evidence" of hacking so widespread that senior editors must have known about it.

Edis said Mulcaire was paid almost 100,000 pounds a year under a contract that started in 2001 and ended when he was arrested in 2006 for hacking the phones of royal aides. He and the tabloid's royal editor Clive Goodman were briefly jailed and for years, Murdoch's media company maintained that hacking had been limited only to that pair.

That claim was demolished when the Dowler case became public in 2011. Murdoch's company has since paid millions in compensation to scores of people whose phones were hacked.

Rebekah Brooks, Coulson, Edmondson and former managing editor Stuart Kuttner all deny charges of phone hacking. The trial is expected to last roughly six months.

Mulcaire has pleaded guilty, along with three former News of the World news editors.

Edis said there are few records of what Mulcaire was paid to do by the newspaper, but that senior editors must have known of his illicit activity.

"The question is, did nobody ever ask, 'What are we paying this chap for?'" he said. "Somebody must have decided that what he was doing was worth an awful lot of money. Who was that?"

He said Rebekah Brooks, who edited the News of the World when Mulcaire was put on retainer "was actively involved in financial management" and sent editors stern emails about keeping costs down.

Under Coulson, who succeeded her as editor, Mulcaire's fee was increased to 2,019 pounds a week.

Edis said there was no evidence that Mulcaire's fees were ever questioned.

"You would question it — unless you knew all about it," Edis said.

___

Jill Lawless can be reached at http://Twitter.com/JillLawless

Associated PressSource: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2013-10-31-Britain-Phone%20Hacking/id-66303238c6c447bdb1812e09c2c680b8
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