For 'Dollhouse' on Fox, the set is one of the stars(http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2009-01/44771476.jpg)
The two-story, 25,000-square-foot structure has some real personality.
By Maria Elena Fernandez
February 1, 2009
If you were going to be held against your will in an underground asylum, where beautiful people would pamper you, erase your memory and imprint you with different personalities, you'd probably want your captor to be Joss Whedon.
The TV scribe-producer-director and filmmaker, known for his keen ability to draw female characters, has created a sanctuary on Stage 19 of the Fox lot that is so impressive in scope and detail that it hardly seems like a set for his new Fox series, “Dollhouse.” With its serene reflecting koi pond, unusual but comfy sleeping pods recessed into the floor and meditation-massage area, the house feels as if it belongs on a Laguna Beach bluff instead of on a soundstage.
...
- I think that I shall just say wow if I should ever see a cow.
Good morning! Thanks to one and all for the broken legs last evening. We had a relatively smooth preview last evening for an audience of about twenty five people. Considering the small number of audience members, I was very suprised by the large number of laughs we received. It was also the first time I can remember getting a standing ovation from a preview audience; although in all honesty, I believe the standing "O" was more for our leading lady's tour de force than for the entire cast.
I had read that as "when the cast asked for breakfast at around 4:00, I figured I might as well stay up" - it took me aback for a moment.
Good morning! Thanks to one and all for the broken legs last evening. We had a relatively smooth preview last evening for an audience of about twenty five people. Considering the small number of audience members, I was very suprised by the large number of laughs we received. It was also the first time I can remember getting a standing ovation from a preview audience; although in all honesty, I believe the standing "O" was more for our leading lady's tour de force than for the entire cast.
Congrats on the good preview, DR TCB!
I'm saving my "Break a Leg" for your opening night--is that tonight?
Congrats on the good preview, DR TCB!
I'm saving my "Break a Leg" for your opening night--is that tonight?
Yes, sir, it is.
For what it's worth (nothing):
I think "Slumdog Millionaire" sounds like a Disney movie.
Were there people here who liked HAMLET 2? I didn't remember any positive comments about it, but if there were, please speak up so we can hear an alternate take on the film.
VixMom we are very happy to hear about your progress!
And the word of the day is: FESCENNINE!
I just have to mention that DR DAW, even in his food-poisoned state, managed to send what looks like a BD card to my DH. I'm sure when he gets home today and opens the mail he'll say: ""Singdaw always sends the nicest cards!"
Thanks, DAW!
I look forward to showing him everyone's birthday wishes as well!
Thank you, DR Elmore.
Comedy is such a personal thing. What makes one howl leaves another stone-faced. Nice to read another side. The subject matter doesn't really interest me, so if I ever see it (doubtful), it would be on a pay cable channel.
Thank you, DR Elmore.
Comedy is such a personal thing. What makes one howl leaves another stone-faced. Nice to read another side. The subject matter doesn't really interest me, so if I ever see it (doubtful), it would be on a pay cable channel.
This would be a great topic someday: what movie did you personally think was the cat's pajamas but was otherwise met with disdain by just about everyone else?
Thank you, DR Elmore.
Comedy is such a personal thing. What makes one howl leaves another stone-faced. Nice to read another side. The subject matter doesn't really interest me, so if I ever see it (doubtful), it would be on a pay cable channel.
This would be a great topic someday: what movie did you personally think was the cat's pajamas but was otherwise met with disdain by just about everyone else?
I think my list would be to long to post.
Friday morning greetings! Richard and I finished clearing the ice from our driveway - I chopped and he shoveled.
BTW, DR RLP, Breakfast at Tiffany's did indeed receive a rather sumptuous studio cast recording several years courtesy of that other Bruce who does OCRs.
This would be a great topic someday: what movie did you personally think was the cat's pajamas but was otherwise met with disdain by just about everyone else?
BTW, DR RLP, Breakfast at Tiffany's did indeed receive a rather sumptuous studio cast recording several years courtesy of that other Bruce who does OCRs.
I meant with Mary Tyler Moore and Richard Chamberlain...you know, "original" cast.
Vick dog party!
How many dogs can you fit in a small office? Nobody knows for sure, but 14 is a good start! The dog trainers at Best Friends have been throwing quite the daily dog parties in their office lately.
And several of the guests are Vicktory dogs (rescued from the property of former NFL quarterback Michael Vick). Not bad for some dogs who used to run and take cover at the sight of their own shadow. The caregivers and trainers working with the Vicktory dogs are always on the lookout for new socializing opportunities. They figured that meet-and-greets in an office setting would be helpful.
And these are definitely meet-and-greets. Few offices have more happening in the social doggie scene than that of the dog trainers at Best Friends. Sanctuary dogs, Guardian Angel dogs, personal pets, and other visitors have spent time in this office. A real mix-and-match from everywhere. Adding several of the Vicktory dogs was just one more ingredient in the social melting pot.
...
BTW, DR RLP, Breakfast at Tiffany's did indeed receive a rather sumptuous studio cast recording several years courtesy of that other Bruce who does OCRs.
I meant with Mary Tyler Moore and Richard Chamberlain...you know, "original" cast.
There's a pretty awful soundboard recording out there. I'm not sure I have it, but I bet TD does. ;)
Aretha Franklin's Inaugural Backup Singer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGPJ35_gDyo)
This was on Anderson Cooper's show last night.
This was on Anderson Cooper's show last night.
The same show as Ted "I am a heterosexual with complications" Haggard.
It was fun watching Gloria's Little Boy waltzing around the "gay orientation" issue.
der Brucer
der Brucer
On this day in Theatre History...
SUNRISE AT CAMPOBELLO starring Ralph Bellamy opened at the Cort Theatre in 1958. James Earl Jones was also a member of the cast, making his Broadway debut.
Good morning! Thanks to one and all for the broken legs last evening. We had a relatively smooth preview last evening for an audience of about twenty five people. Considering the small number of audience members, I was very suprised by the large number of laughs we received. It was also the first time I can remember getting a standing ovation from a preview audience; although in all honesty, I believe the standing "O" was more for our leading lady's tour de force than for the entire cast.
Congrats on the good preview, DR TCB!
I'm saving my "Break a Leg" for your opening night--is that tonight?
Yes, sir, it is.
This was on Anderson Cooper's show last night.
The same show as Ted "I am a heterosexual with complications" Haggard.
It was fun watching Gloria's Little Boy waltzing around the "gay orientation" issue.
der Brucer
der Brucer
On this day in Theatre History...
SUNRISE AT CAMPOBELLO starring Ralph Bellamy opened at the Cort Theatre in 1958. James Earl Jones was also a member of the cast, making his Broadway debut.
Also on this day in 1969 (according to my Futurama calendar), the Beatles made their last public appearance. I know not where.
Tonight I shall go to see GRAN TORINO.
On this day in Theatre History...
SUNRISE AT CAMPOBELLO starring Ralph Bellamy opened at the Cort Theatre in 1958. James Earl Jones was also a member of the cast, making his Broadway debut.
Also on this day in 1969 (according to my Futurama calendar), the Beatles made their last public appearance. I know not where.
Wouldn't that have been on a roof where they sang "Let It Be"?
January 30, 1969
Beatles last public appearance
Perhaps the most influential musical group of all time, the Beatles make their last public performance on this day in 1969, giving an impromptu concert on the roof of their London recording studio. Neighbors complained about noise, and police broke up the concert. John Lennon closed the performance announcing, "I'd like to say thank you very much on behalf of the group and myself and I hope we passed the audition." In April 1970, Paul McCartney formally announced the group's breakup.
Glorious news about the audience reaction, TCB! The size of a preview audience likely reflects the marketing, but the reaction of the audience that is there obviously reflects well on the play and performances.
MEdia Check:
DVD: VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
Thank you, DR Elmore.
Comedy is such a personal thing. What makes one howl leaves another stone-faced. Nice to read another side. The subject matter doesn't really interest me, so if I ever see it (doubtful), it would be on a pay cable channel.
This would be a great topic someday: what movie did you personally think was the cat's pajamas but was otherwise met with disdain by just about everyone else?
;D
I think my list would be to long to post.
I'm so very happy the fog & rain of the last two days is gone & the sun is shining.
MEdia Check:
DVD: VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
That just arrived in the mail from NetFlix.
I did skim through today's AS THE WORLD TURNS. Nothing and nothing in next week's previews. Argh!
MEdia Check:
DVD: VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
That just arrived in the mail from NetFlix.
Oh, good. You can watch a lot of 20-something people talk like 70 year-olds. I hate Woody Allen.
...the legalized postal theft concept of Media mail!
I did skim through today's AS THE WORLD TURNS. Nothing and nothing in next week's previews. Argh!
I don't know why you fret so much over a lame plot about the gay characters when the straight ones are so much more psychotic and fascinating! :D
I hate it that there are no smileys on the reply form.
DR Enabler ~ I think of you and your monkey every time that commercial comes on where the little girl packs her little stuffed monkey in her dad's suitcase when he leaves for a business trip, and then he sends her email photos of the little monkey posing at different sites along his trip. (Last night actually)
There are smileys in the regular "Reply" box. However, they do not appear in the "Quote/Quick Reply" box.
MEdia Check:
DVD: VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
That just arrived in the mail from NetFlix.
Oh, good. You can watch a lot of 20-something people talk like 70 year-olds. I hate Woody Allen.
I thought the 30-something characters in "VCB" actually talked liked 30-somethings. It was a nice return to a more "classic" Woody Allen comedy. -And I will admit to be a bit hesitant about seeing the movie initially since I did not want to be disappointed again, but I'm glad I went, and glad I saw it.
... It was a nice return to a more "classic" Woody Allen comedy.
MEdia Check:
DVD: VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
That just arrived in the mail from NetFlix.
Oh, good. You can watch a lot of 20-something people talk like 70 year-olds. I hate Woody Allen.
I thought the 30-something characters in "VCB" actually talked liked 30-somethings. It was a nice return to a more "classic" Woody Allen comedy. -And I will admit to be a bit hesitant about seeing the movie initially since I did not want to be disappointed again, but I'm glad I went, and glad I saw it.
Me, too! I love Woody Allen, but his last GREAT film was "Hannah and Her Sisters" and the last nearly great was "Bullets Over Broadway." IMO! :D
Still....I liked this one but found it disconcerting to hear the young girls expressing themselves in the Woody vernacular perfected by Keaton and Farrow. I also liked the film he made a few years ago starring himself and Scarlet Johanssen.
Elmo, you're a poop! :D I love Kristen Chenoweth, too! ;D
There are smileys in the regular "Reply" box. However, they do not appear in the "Quote/Quick Reply" box.
There are smiley's available from the Quote box, you add them in Preview!
:) ;) :D ;D >:( :( :o 8)
der Brucer
...the legalized postal theft concept of Media mail!
Media Mail saved us big bucks on moving from CA - I mailed dozens of very heavy boxes of books, records, LPs, CD's etc. The Media Mail cartons were ready for pick-up when we arrived in DE.
der Brucer
BTW, DR RLP, Breakfast at Tiffany's did indeed receive a rather sumptuous studio cast recording several years courtesy of that other Bruce who does OCRs.
I meant with Mary Tyler Moore and Richard Chamberlain...you know, "original" cast.
There's a pretty awful soundboard recording out there. I'm not sure I have it, but I bet TD does. ;)
I watched a movie on dvd last night, POSTER BOY, starring a friend (I believe) of DR JOSE: Jack Noseworthy.
Not altogether bad, some interesting casting though. Michael Lerner was a southern bigoted senator running for re-election who gets a rude awakening when his collegiate son comes out in a big way on campus. Karen Allen plays the long-suffering southern belle wife.
...the legalized postal theft concept of Media mail!
Media Mail saved us big bucks on moving from CA - I mailed dozens of very heavy boxes of books, records, LPs, CD's etc. The Media Mail cartons were ready for pick-up when we arrived in DE.
der Brucer
I've had two Media Mail shipments take over seven weeks to be delivered and I think that's outrageous.
I watched a movie on dvd last night, POSTER BOY, starring a friend (I believe) of DR JOSE: Jack Noseworthy.
Not altogether bad, some interesting casting though. Michael Lerner was a southern bigoted senator running for re-election who gets a rude awakening when his collegiate son comes out in a big way on campus. Karen Allen plays the long-suffering southern belle wife.
...the legalized postal theft concept of Media mail!
Media Mail saved us big bucks on moving from CA - I mailed dozens of very heavy boxes of books, records, LPs, CD's etc. The Media Mail cartons were ready for pick-up when we arrived in DE.
der Brucer
I've had two Media Mail shipments take over seven weeks to be delivered and I think that's outrageous.
Clealy an exception - heck, parcel post can get lost for ever!
der Brucer
I watched a movie on dvd last night, POSTER BOY, starring a friend (I believe) of DR JOSE: Jack Noseworthy.
Not altogether bad, some interesting casting though. Michael Lerner was a southern bigoted senator running for re-election who gets a rude awakening when his collegiate son comes out in a big way on campus. Karen Allen plays the long-suffering southern belle wife.
Um. No friend of mine. Not even a "Facebook Friend". However, a former work colleauge, yes.
I watched a movie on dvd last night, POSTER BOY, starring a friend (I believe) of DR JOSE: Jack Noseworthy.
Not altogether bad, some interesting casting though. Michael Lerner was a southern bigoted senator running for re-election who gets a rude awakening when his collegiate son comes out in a big way on campus. Karen Allen plays the long-suffering southern belle wife.
Um. No friend of mine. Not even a "Facebook Friend". However, a former work colleauge, yes.
I had to telephone Janet last night after the movie, to make sure that I knew Jack's name from LESTAT; she also pointed out that he was part of THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS.
Has someone already linked here to this list of the hottest guys in theater, led by Nick Adams? (probably because it's alphabetical, but let's not nitpick)
http://www.afterelton.com/theater/2009/1/37hottestguystheater
After the auditions: the 12 front-runners
Tens of thousands were summoned by the "Idol" trumpets. We predict that when the dust settles and the curtain rises over the Idoldome in five weeks, it will be these 12 warriors of song onstage prepared to seize the mantle of history. (Actually we couldn't narrow it down to 12, so we threw in one extra.)
In no particular order. Listed by name, (audition city), age, hometown. Audition song. Interesting fact. Link to check them out (while they last).
1. Lil Rounds: (Kansas City) 23, Memphis TN. Sang "All I Do." Family made homeless by a tornado. Audition video here.
2. Adam Lambert (San Francisco) 26, Hollywood, CA. Sang “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Was in the cast of "Wicked"; looks like Ewan McGregor. Remnants of MySpace page here. Audition video here.
3. Rose Flack (Salt Lake City) 17, Rathdrum, ID. Sang Carole King's “I Feel the Earth Move." Recently orphaned, barefoot hippie girl. MySpace page here. Audition video here.
4. Jackie Tohn (New York) 27, Silver Lake, CA. Sang Jason Mraz's "I’m Yours." Rocker since childhood. Audition video here. Personal site here.
5. Scott MacIntyre: (Phoenix) 22, Scottsdale, AZ. Sang Billy Joel's "And So It Goes." Legally blind. Audition video here. Personal site here.
6. Joanna Pacitti. (Louisville) 23, Philadelphia, PA. Sang Pat Benatar's "We Belong." Had earlier recording career on A&M Records. Audition video here. MySpace page here.
7. Jorge Nunez. (San Juan) 20, Carolina, Puerto Rico. Sang "My Way” and "What a Wonderful World." Charmed the judges when he sang in Spanish. Audition video here.
8. Meghan Corkrey. (Salt Lake) 23, Sandy, UT. Sang “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man.” Heavily tattooed single mother. Audition video here.
9. Kai Kalama: (San Francisco) 26, San Clemente, CA. Sang "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." Cares for ailing mother. Audition video here. MySpace page for former band here.
10. Leneshe Young: (Louisville) 18, Cincinnati, OH. Sang original song. Raised in homeless shelters. Audition video here.
11. Von Smith: (Kansas City) 22, Greenwood, MO. Sang "Over the Rainbow." Wore goofy hat; "attempts things most guys don't attempt to sing." Audition video here. MySpace page here.
12. Danny Gokey (Kansas City) 28. Milwaukee, WI. Sang "Heard It Through the Grapevine." Grieving recently deceased wife. Audition video here. MySpace page here.
13. Michael Castro (Kansas City) 20. Rockwall, TX. Sang "In Love With a Girl." Brother of Season 7 giant Jason Castro. Audition video here.
I should go have a can of food - just wanted to say Howdy!
Has someone already linked here to this list of the hottest guys in theater, led by Nick Adams? (probably because it's alphabetical, but let's not nitpick)
http://www.afterelton.com/theater/2009/1/37hottestguystheater
How can we only be on page six?
MEdia Check:
DVD: VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
That just arrived in the mail from NetFlix.
Oh, good. You can watch a lot of 20-something people talk like 70 year-olds. I hate Woody Allen.
I did skim through today's AS THE WORLD TURNS. Nothing and nothing in next week's previews. Argh!
I don't know why you fret so much over a lame plot about the gay characters when the straight ones are so much more psychotic and fascinating! :D
I hate it that there are no smileys on the reply form.
There are smileys in the regular "Reply" box. However, they do not appear in the "Quote/Quick Reply" box.
Ooooohhhhhhh....
HOT CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL (http://www.hotchocolatefestival.com/)
I don't know how to type a laughing face. :)
For anyone concerned about the ongoing salmonella outbreak, here's a LINK (http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph/videos/Peanut-Butter-256k-508.wmv) to an FDA video explaining some "Do's and Don'ts".
I don't know how to type a laughing face. :)
Type semicolon then D to get ;D
der Brucer
Ooooohhhhhhh....
HOT CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL (http://www.hotchocolatefestival.com/)
That looks good! :)
Ooooohhhhhhh....
HOT CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL (http://www.hotchocolatefestival.com/)
That looks good! :)
Wonder if we could get it in a can for Vixmom?
der Brucer
Hey, taste or no taste, it's still chocolate!
Ooooohhhhhhh....
HOT CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL (http://www.hotchocolatefestival.com/)
That looks good! :)
Wonder if we could get it in a can for Vixmom?
der Brucer
Hey, taste or no taste, it's still chocolate!
Yea, but if you can't taste it...what's the point??
Has someone already linked here to this list of the hottest guys in theater, led by Nick Adams? (probably because it's alphabetical, but let's not nitpick)
http://www.afterelton.com/theater/2009/1/37hottestguystheater
Hey! I KNOW two of them personally! :)
Well, I KNEW two of them when they were students at CMU. . . . ::)
I did skim through today's AS THE WORLD TURNS. Nothing and nothing in next week's previews. Argh!
I don't know why you fret so much over a lame plot about the gay characters when the straight ones are so much more psychotic and fascinating! :D
I hate it that there are no smileys on the reply form.
There are smileys in the regular "Reply" box. However, they do not appear in the "Quote/Quick Reply" box.
True, but a smiley, frown, or a wink are easy enough to type. I don't know how to type a laughing face. :)
Has someone already linked here to this list of the hottest guys in theater, led by Nick Adams? (probably because it's alphabetical, but let's not nitpick)
http://www.afterelton.com/theater/2009/1/37hottestguystheater
Hey! I KNOW two of them personally! :)
Well, I KNEW two of them when they were students at CMU. . . . ::)
Is that a Biblical euphemism?
Hey! I KNOW two of them personally! :)
Well, I KNEW two of them when they were students at CMU. . . . ::)
Is that a Biblical euphemism?
I did skim through today's AS THE WORLD TURNS. Nothing and nothing in next week's previews. Argh!
I don't know why you fret so much over a lame plot about the gay characters when the straight ones are so much more psychotic and fascinating! :D
I hate it that there are no smileys on the reply form.
There are smileys in the regular "Reply" box. However, they do not appear in the "Quote/Quick Reply" box.
True, but a smiley, frown, or a wink are easy enough to type. I don't know how to type a laughing face. :)
Click on "quote" to this e-mail and see all the punctuation I used to create the smilies:I did skim through today's AS THE WORLD TURNS. Nothing and nothing in next week's previews. Argh!
I don't know why you fret so much over a lame plot about the gay characters when the straight ones are so much more psychotic and fascinating! :D
I hate it that there are no smileys on the reply form.
There are smileys in the regular "Reply" box. However, they do not appear in the "Quote/Quick Reply" box.
True, but a smiley, frown, or a wink are easy enough to type. I don't know how to type a laughing face. :)
Click on "quote" to this e-mail and see all the punctuation I used to create the smilies:
;)
:)
;D
:D
:-*
::)
>:(
:(
:o
8)
:P
:-[
:-X
:-\
:'(
IRAQI TRANSLATORS FEAR FOR THEIR LIVES IF IDENTIES ARE REVEALED TO THEIR GOVERNMENT
Iraqi translators who serve U.S. forces are worrying that their lives will be in jeopardy if their names and personal information are turned over to the Iraqi government, as required by the recently-enacted Status of Forces Agreement.
Keeping translators safe has been an important concern since the start of the Iraq War, as many have been attacked or killed for "collaborating" with the United States. Until last year, translators wore masks during missions to hide their identities.
Now, a Feb. 1 deadline looms for the translators' names and personal information to be handed over to the Iraqi Ministry of Finance, for tax collection purposes.
Translators interviewed by FOXNews.com said this could be a "death sentence," because their identities could easily fall into the hands of terrorists angered by the support they have given to the U.S. military.
…
One translator, Jasim, said in an interview that he and his colleagues feel that their lives are in danger.
"Every translator knows of at least one other translator who has been tortured and killed," he said.
Jasim said he has already lost a family member because of his work on behalf of the U.S. His stepbrother was captured in the fall of 2007, he said, and was tortured to death in an effort to get to him. (A former State Department official, who asked to remain anonymous because of ongoing government contracts, said that kidnapping of relatives is the most pervasive problem for translators.)
"We work so hard to get the bad guys, to capture terrorists, and now, because of a political deal, they're putting our lives at risk," Jasim said. "I'm wanted by Al Qaeda, Sunni and Shiite militias, and there's a price on my head. And they want me to hand over my address?"
Translators aren't the only ones who are upset. Several soldiers expressed outrage that this issue wasn't addressed in the Status of Forces Agreement.
"Our translators risk their lives to help us," said Elisabeth Keene, a U.S. Army specialist who serves in a combat unit. "Handing over their information to a new government would create a ready-made hit list if terrorists got a hold of it."
Keene said that of the six translators assigned to her unit, one has already quit, and the other five have stated that they will quit before they hand over their personal information to the Iraqi government. One of those five is Jasim.
The translators are worried that they will face an unbearable choice if GLS is unsuccessful in its negotiations with the Iraqi government: quit working with U.S. forces and possibly lose out on obtaining a special visa for Iraqi translators, or continue to work despite the greater likelihood of being identified and killed.
The special visas are a particular frustration for many translators. Some receive their visas quickly, while others have had to wait up to two years. A translator named Donna summed up her frustration by asking, "Is the American government going to help us like we have helped their army here?"
To U.S. soldiers in Iraq, many translators have done much more than just "help." Some are even seen as heroes.
"Jasim has saved the lives of everyone in our unit several times over," said Keene. "I owe him my life."
And then remember them all when we are typing-lol. :)
Ah, but astute readers should know which of those men Jose actually DOES know. . .
Ah, but astute readers should know which of those men Jose actually DOES know. . .
Not necessarily...
Has someone already linked here to this list of the hottest guys in theater, led by Nick Adams? (probably because it's alphabetical, but let's not nitpick)
http://www.afterelton.com/theater/2009/1/37hottestguystheater
That's a good list. I guess. ;)
*I noticed that some of my friends already linked to that article on their Facebook pages. "Hey, looks like I've still got it!" ;)
Has someone already linked here to this list of the hottest guys in theater, led by Nick Adams? (probably because it's alphabetical, but let's not nitpick)
http://www.afterelton.com/theater/2009/1/37hottestguystheater
That's a good list. I guess. ;)
*I noticed that some of my friends already linked to that article on their Facebook pages. "Hey, looks like I've still got it!" ;)
Was very happy to see Mr. Wopat on that list...and I think I would like to see Tony Yazbeck and Norm Lewis in something upon my next NYC trip. They both look like they are just dripping with talent.
This could be of particular interest to MBarnum:
(http://www.foxnews.com/images/498482/0_61_13009_iraqtranslator.jpg)
AP
Iraqi translators could soon be exposed to greater security risk when their personal information handed over to the Iraqi government.
FOXNEWS (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,486106,00.html)QuoteIRAQI TRANSLATORS FEAR FOR THEIR LIVES IF IDENTIES ARE REVEALED TO THEIR GOVERNMENT
Iraqi translators who serve U.S. forces are worrying that their lives will be in jeopardy if their names and personal information are turned over to the Iraqi government, as required by the recently-enacted Status of Forces Agreement.
Keeping translators safe has been an important concern since the start of the Iraq War, as many have been attacked or killed for "collaborating" with the United States. Until last year, translators wore masks during missions to hide their identities.
Now, a Feb. 1 deadline looms for the translators' names and personal information to be handed over to the Iraqi Ministry of Finance, for tax collection purposes.
Translators interviewed by FOXNews.com said this could be a "death sentence," because their identities could easily fall into the hands of terrorists angered by the support they have given to the U.S. military.
…
One translator, Jasim, said in an interview that he and his colleagues feel that their lives are in danger.
"Every translator knows of at least one other translator who has been tortured and killed," he said.
Jasim said he has already lost a family member because of his work on behalf of the U.S. His stepbrother was captured in the fall of 2007, he said, and was tortured to death in an effort to get to him. (A former State Department official, who asked to remain anonymous because of ongoing government contracts, said that kidnapping of relatives is the most pervasive problem for translators.)
"We work so hard to get the bad guys, to capture terrorists, and now, because of a political deal, they're putting our lives at risk," Jasim said. "I'm wanted by Al Qaeda, Sunni and Shiite militias, and there's a price on my head. And they want me to hand over my address?"
Translators aren't the only ones who are upset. Several soldiers expressed outrage that this issue wasn't addressed in the Status of Forces Agreement.
"Our translators risk their lives to help us," said Elisabeth Keene, a U.S. Army specialist who serves in a combat unit. "Handing over their information to a new government would create a ready-made hit list if terrorists got a hold of it."
Keene said that of the six translators assigned to her unit, one has already quit, and the other five have stated that they will quit before they hand over their personal information to the Iraqi government. One of those five is Jasim.
The translators are worried that they will face an unbearable choice if GLS is unsuccessful in its negotiations with the Iraqi government: quit working with U.S. forces and possibly lose out on obtaining a special visa for Iraqi translators, or continue to work despite the greater likelihood of being identified and killed.
The special visas are a particular frustration for many translators. Some receive their visas quickly, while others have had to wait up to two years. A translator named Donna summed up her frustration by asking, "Is the American government going to help us like we have helped their army here?"
To U.S. soldiers in Iraq, many translators have done much more than just "help." Some are even seen as heroes.
"Jasim has saved the lives of everyone in our unit several times over," said Keene. "I owe him my life."
I sure hope we do better by our Iraqi friends than we did for our Viet-Namese.
der Brucer
Has someone already linked here to this list of the hottest guys in theater, led by Nick Adams? (probably because it's alphabetical, but let's not nitpick)
http://www.afterelton.com/theater/2009/1/37hottestguystheater
That's a good list. I guess. ;)
*I noticed that some of my friends already linked to that article on their Facebook pages. "Hey, looks like I've still got it!" ;)
Was very happy to see Mr. Wopat on that list...and I think I would like to see Tony Yazbeck and Norm Lewis in something upon my next NYC trip. They both look like they are just dripping with talent.
Looks like Davis Gaines has grown up:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/125824.html (http://www.playbill.com/news/article/125824.html)
[/quote]This could be of particular interest to MBarnum:
AP
Iraqi translators could soon be exposed to greater security risk when their personal information handed over to the Iraqi government.
[/size]
I sure hope we do better by our Iraqi friends than we did for our Viet-Namese.
Looks like Davis Gaines has grown up:
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/125824.html (http://www.playbill.com/news/article/125824.html)
My friend, Jonathan, who works for Disney, will be a part of the ensemble for that production. Needless to say, he was very happy when he got the news that he had been cast, and then was even happier when he found out who would be playing Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett.
Jose - Who is directing that production of Sunday in the park with George at 5th Avenue?
And also in from Playbill.com:
Well, Hello, George: Hugh Panaro to Star in 5th Avenue Theatre's Sunday in the Park (http://www.playbill.com/news/article/125830.html)
Hmm... I am way overdue for a trip to Seattle to visit my aunt... Hmm...
Ugly Betty update: I don't watch the show, but I believe there are some fans here and that MattH posted the other day that its days may be numbered. It just so happens that the executive producer's sister was one of our dinner guests tonight, and the word is that ABC is still behind the show, so not to worry. Of course, that may just be a cover story. ;)
The first two-thirds of this month were so busy here, and now it's like we can't even get to page nine without pulling teeth.
For what it's worth (nothing):
I think "Slumdog Millionaire" sounds like a Disney movie.
If it were a Disney movie, the title would probably be THE HAPPIEST SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
I just have to mention that DR DAW, even in his food-poisoned state, managed to send what looks like a BD card to my DH. I'm sure when he gets home today and opens the mail he'll say: ""Singdaw always sends the nicest cards!"
Thanks, DAW!
I look forward to showing him everyone's birthday wishes as well!
I missed DR Edi's DH's BD?! -- Oh, Crap! --- (a pun from the Brain's NYC performance) -- that's what I get for being so E and T. I love that guy -- so belated BD wishes!
And, of course, Get Well Vibes to SlawDaw Millionaire -- another guy I love
DR Enabler ~ I think of you and your monkey every time that commercial comes on where the little girl packs her little stuffed monkey in her dad's suitcase when he leaves for a business trip, and then he sends her email photos of the little monkey posing at different sites along his trip. (Last night actually)
Thank you, DR Elmore.
Comedy is such a personal thing. What makes one howl leaves another stone-faced. Nice to read another side. The subject matter doesn't really interest me, so if I ever see it (doubtful), it would be on a pay cable channel.
This would be a great topic someday: what movie did you personally think was the cat's pajamas but was otherwise met with disdain by just about everyone else?
Just listened to some sound clips of Norm Lewis, and he has a very powerful voice...now his singing I like!
George, your buddy Josh was great tonight.