text:
Advanced Search
Here you can find out about your MSPs' political activities and how to get in touch with them.
Derek is a member of the following Committees:
Derek is a member of the following Cross-Party Groups:
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning has outlined the Scottish Government's forward-looking policies, which are for our local government partners to implement. Our partners need adequate resources if we are to fulfil our ambitions.
The vast majority of the funding for primary and secondary school spending is provided as part of the annual local government finance settlement. As members know, the Government has worked hard with COSLA to provide settlements that are as fair as possible given the cuts that the United Kingdom Government has imposed on the Scottish budget.
Given that the Scottish budget is roughly divided into three, with health and local government sharing around two thirds of it and everything else having to be funded from the remaining third, and that the health budget has received a real-terms increase in each year, as set out in our manifesto, some very difficult decisions have had to be taken to maintain the local government budget.
Despite those pressures, local government has been treated very fairly under the Government. The local government finance settlements have been maintained across the 2012 to 2016 period on a like-with-like basis, with extra money for new duties. That has resulted in a total settlement of over £10.6 billion in 2014-15, and that is set to increase to almost £10.8 billion in 2015-16.
We as a Government expect something in return for maintaining our funding in the face of the difficult financial situation. We have worked with COSLA to ensure that all 32 local authorities have frozen their council tax since 2008-09 and, as the cabinet secretary made clear in his opening statement, we are working with it to reach an agreement on what educational outcomes may look like.
Local authorities supplement their central Government funding with their locally raised council tax income, of course. Again, the Scottish Government has fully funded the council tax freeze by providing a new additional baselined sum of £70 million for each of the seven years of the freeze to date, from 2008-09, with a further £70 million being provided for 2015-16.
The committee will be well aware that there are no allocations of funding for specific services and that the vast majority of the funding, including funding in support of primary and secondary school education, is provided by means of a block grant. The Government does not believe in micromanaging how local authorities spend their money. It is the responsibility of individual local authorities to manage their own budgets and to allocate the total financial resources that are available to them on the basis of local needs and priorities, having first fulfilled their statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities. However, we know that local authorities are budgeting to spend £4.6 billion on education this year. That represents 40 per cent of their total net revenue expenditure.
I will, of course, be happy to answer any questions that committee members may have about the local government funding settlement and allocations.
In addition, the new funding that has been announced that arises from political priorities such as the expansion in childcare and free school meals represents dedicated specific resources for those purposes that were negotiated with local government.
Councils are embarking on various consultation exercises on how to manage their budgets. Not everything that they consult on may come to fruition in the budget, of course. Members will be aware of the cycle. There is consultation, the Parliament approves final figures, and councils then set their budgets. They will look at a range of options, but we have no reason to believe that there will be the cuts impacting on local schools that Jayne Baxter suggests there will be.
Councils have aspired to meet their obligations and to commit to the new obligations that the Parliament has agreed. We have negotiated with local authorities and balanced the books, but the member will be well aware that that has been in quite difficult circumstances, with financial and cost pressures. How we have been able to protect local government has been significant. The picture south of the border is quite different. There, people have had the worst of all worlds. Budgets have been reduced and there have been compulsory redundancies and council tax rises. That has not been the case in Scotland. That said, of course there are significant pressures that I am sure we will explore as the day goes on.
Jayne Baxter will be well aware that education is a very large part of a local authority's budget. On average, approximately 40 per cent of total budgeted net revenue expenditure by local government is on education, in large measure due to staffing costs. You have to consider the education budget in the context of the overall financial picture. If there were no reductions at all in the education budget, you can imagine the impact that that would have on other services. We have to look at everything in the round.
I am very mindful, as I am sure all members are, of the Audit Scotland and Accounts Commission report on school education, which looks at deprivation as a factor in education. We have to consider all services and how they affect our young people.
As I say, there is a range of consultations and not everything that a council consults on comes to fruition. That will be a matter for the council; as it consults and engages with people, it makes the priorities that reflect the demands of local communities. We would expect such consultation to involve parents, pupils and staff.
There is much room for improvement on the shared services agenda, but the Scottish Government cannot compel local authorities to follow it. We can ensure that any barriers to shared services, collaboration and co-operation are removed and that the conditions are there to promote shared services not just in education but across the broad range of council services. If savings were realised in other departments, local authorities could redirect money to the education budget. There has been progress on shared services outwith education—in roads and waste, for example—and a few initiatives in education, but local authorities need to look at the shared services agenda more imaginatively.
Some years ago in Mr Bibby's area—West Scotland—the Clyde valley collaboration involved eight local authorities working together. It gave them huge spending power and huge capacity to identify shared services, but few workstreams went forward. That was not because of the actions of the Scottish Government or anyone else; it was for the leaders involved to decide what went forward and what did not.
There are no barriers to shared services. Audit agencies have said the same thing. The Government has provided the conditions to progress with shared services and we could realise further savings in local authorities and other public services if there were more shared services. That is partly where community planning comes into play; by aligning resources, working together and maximising the spend of the public sector at a partnership level, we can do more with the same resource. That is the challenge that we face with the existing resources and the Westminster-based budget reductions.
Parents groups and others are right to identify shared services as a potential way forward, but nothing is stopping local authorities getting on with merging management structures and focusing on procurement and best practice. We have provided a large measure of budget protection against the reductions that other parts of the Scottish Government's expenditure have faced, and it is imperative that local authorities support the agenda and take advantage of opportunities that might have been missed in the past, but that is a matter for them. If we start to compel them, we can guarantee that that will not work. The approach has to be organic and it has to be for the local authorities to choose what works best in their areas.
When the Government or the Parliament commits to a policy that places a burden on local authorities, we negotiate with those local authorities through their umbrella organisation, COSLA, to arrive at the global sum and to agree how that will be distributed among the local authorities on whatever basis is deemed appropriate. Surely it would not surprise Mr McArthur to know that local authorities sometimes produce different figures for the Scottish Government, because we are in a process of negotiation. Sometimes, those cycles are at different stages, and we might have a different methodology and a different approach. Some of the negotiations might well involve each side trying to protect its interests.
What matters is that we reach a resolution and deliver the policy. On measures such as free school meals or childcare, or whatever it happens to be, we reach resolution in partnership with local government. Crucially, we agree it and then we agree the distribution methodology for sharing the sum across the country to achieve the purpose.
In any negotiation, there will be a difference; people will naturally pitch for the best that they can get, which might sometimes lead to friction, but the style of our negotiations is as different from what local government enjoyed under any previous Administration as night is from day. It is in the spirit of partnership, following on from the concordat, that we will settle on a figure that ensures that the policies are fully funded. They are new burdens and they will come with new resources to ensure that they are delivered.
Mr McArthur is right that that is a policy choice. Of course, we have a mandate from the Scottish electorate to deliver it. We should put the £70 million of compensation into the perspective of a grant of more than £10.8 billion to local authorities. Local authorities can choose not to freeze council tax—they do not have to do it—but they will not get the compensation. That is significant. Some local authorities would have proposed not increasing the council tax anyway, for the good reason of protecting hard-pressed households.
I am convinced that the overall budget settlement for local authorities has protected front-line services from the worst ravages of Westminster reductions. We can see the difference south of the border. I make the comparison simply for information that, south of the border, there are compulsory redundancies, service reductions, a council tax increase and the removal of reductions that have helped the most vulnerable. That takes us back to the point about deprivation. It is important to have quality school buildings and quality education but, if children are brought up in a cycle of deprivation, that certainly does not help with educational achievement and attainment.
In our policy choices, we have protected health spending—as we stated that we would do in the manifesto—and next we have protected local authority budgets. I repeat that the local authority budget will grow in cash terms. There will be new burdens, which relate largely to education. I do not deny that there are cost pressures—of course there are, and of course they have consequences. The Government will take responsibility, but it should get some credit for making decisions that have ensured that more pupils are in good-quality buildings and which have protected front-line services in difficult circumstances.
I am sure that Mr McArthur and Mr Bibby support localism. Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors and their leadership in COSLA are demanding that we focus on outcomes and not specifically on the input of teacher numbers. That is valuable and important, but we will look at the flexibility and see where that gets us.
The arrangements will absolutely stay in place unless we reach an agreement that has all the criteria of success that have been laid out. The Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats are saying something completely different in local government from what they say in this Parliament.
The Government has been clear that we want public and local authorities to be free to work across boundaries. The boundaries are arbitrary. If local government were to be designed now, nobody would design it to be the way that it is today. It is a construct of previous Tory gerrymandering. However, the energy, the years and the court battles that it would take to redraw local authority boundaries would not be worth the effort, when all our focus and energy should be on productivity and the outcomes that really matter, rather than on boundary disputes.
Local authorities can work across the boundaries, and we have made it clear that there is an imperative to do so. The commission on strengthening local democracy suggests that there should be more councils and more councillors, not fewer councils and fewer councillors. The Government's response will continue to be to have discussions with COSLA and other key stakeholders but, as has been the case, we propose no boundary changes to local authorities. At the same time, we absolutely support the drive for change in new ways of working, how we conduct our business, how we share services, how we procure services and how we involve people. Further work on empowering our communities will be forthcoming in the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill.
The structural change that is being proposed does not include changes to council boundaries, but there is nothing to stop directors changing management structures and how local authorities work with each other. That is very empowering.
We look forward to the committee's conclusions and recommendations on radical thinking. I can inform Mr Adam that COSLA has not brought to the table the restructuring of education along the lines that the committee has heard about in evidence yet, although that is not to say that such a discussion cannot be had.
Mr Adam makes a very fair point. Although it is good practice for a local authority to embark on a comprehensive consultation exercise that sets out choice, that is not necessarily empowering, because the parents, the pupils and indeed the staff still have to wait to be consulted. The bill will change that. Of course, practice could be changed right now, but the bill will empower communities to initiate engagement and consultation on their terms instead of waiting for individual authorities to consult them. Not only is that quite empowering but it allows a new engagement mechanism to be implemented.
The best authorities will engage early, offer people choices and then report on that in a transparent way. Of course, the danger then is that some people might misrepresent the choices that have been offered, which is not helpful when we are trying to have a free debate about what matters and is important to parents.
Choices can also be offered in other areas, and that is all very healthy in allowing local authorities to make the right decisions.
I am hardly likely to say that we have got the balance completely wrong but, in all honesty, I think that the balance is correct in relation to what is provided nationally, which includes national safeguards in the areas of assurance, inspection, quality, examinations and qualifications, and what is overseen locally, which involves the school estate and infrastructure, the deployment of staff and the matters that are devolved to headteachers through school management budgets, because there is that further layer of devolution, within the parameters of necessary expenditure.
I think that I covered the issue of the 32 local authorities in my answer to Mr Adam. There are many good reasons for redesigning local authorities, but the necessary energy, commitment and cost involved in doing so would mean that we would take our eye off the ball in terms of what really matters, which is outcomes. The challenge is to be creative and deliver those new ways of working within the existing infrastructure in order to deliver change on the ground.
You might say that the Government or a panel can call in and consider decisions such as those around school closure, but that approach is the exception rather than the norm and ensures that the checks and balances are there and that the decision has been taken correctly, given the available information, the process and so on. However, on the big picture with regard to education, I think that the balance is broadly right from a local government perspective.
Local authorities, through COSLA, may argue for further empowerment, and that discussion will happen. Others may argue for further centralisation, regionalisation or whatever—I have looked at the evidence that has been presented to the committee—and we can certainly have a conversation about what works best, but what has precipitated the discussion is the financial challenge that we all face. It is not the case that money absolutely connects to outcomes or attainment. It is far more sophisticated than just that.
That the Parliament acknowledges the publication of the report, Town Centre Action Plan – One Year On, and notes cross-government delivery against each of the key themes; welcomes the partnership with COSLA and local government in the agreement and adoption of the Town Centre First Principle; is encouraged by the progress being made during the demonstration phase; agrees that local decision-making and delivery, good place-making and a renewed spirit of entrepreneurialism in town centres are key to their social and economic success; acknowledges the growing engagement and wider work underway by councils, communities and business across Scotland; encourages all parties to share and promote details about their activities through Scotland's Towns Partnership; looks forward to following the progress under the second year of the plan, and reiterates its call for elected representatives at all levels, local communities and wider public and private sector partners to continue to work together to revitalise Scotland's town centres.
Supported by: John Swinney, Fergus Ewing
That the Parliament notes with concern the trend toward low turnout in elections across Europe, and welcomes the Scottish Government's recent consultation, Scotland's Electoral Future: Delivering Improvements in Participation and Administration, and its commitment to engage with stakeholders following the consultation, build on examples of best practice and develop a strategy to increase democratic engagement and public participation in future local government elections.
Supported by: Fergus Ewing, John Swinney
That the Parliament supports the range of actions identified in the Town Centre Action Plan and welcomes the work of the National Town Centre Review External Advisory Group; recognises the importance of town centres as a base for improving local economies and for local business and employment; acknowledges that successful town centres provide communities with a range of accessible services and are attractive areas in which to socialise; agrees that local decision making and delivery is important to reflect the specific and diverse needs of Scotland's town centres; recognises the benefits of having the most competitive business rates package in the UK through measures such as the Small Business Bonus Scheme, Fresh Start rates relief and by capping the 2014-15 poundage rate, and calls on elected representatives at all levels, local communities and wider public and private sector partners to continue to work together to revitalise Scotland's town centres.
That the Parliament welcomes the publication of Scotland's Third National Planning Framework: Main Issues Report and Draft Framework and the Draft Scottish Planning Policy; recognises the ongoing innovative work to engage the public in the development of the proposals; supports their focus on economic recovery, balanced growth and creating a low-carbon place; further supports the aspiration to ensure that Scotland is a natural place to invest in, by making best use of natural resources and protecting national assets; recognises the importance of placemaking and the opportunities to ensure that Scotland is a successful, sustainable place by supporting economic and regeneration priorities; believes that planning can play an important role in facilitating a planned approach to transport and digital infrastructure to make Scotland a connected place, and endorses the positive steps being taken to ensure that national planning policy plays a proactive role in supporting economic recovery.
That the Local Government and Regeneration Committee recommends that the Valuation (Postponement of Revaluation) (Scotland) Order 2013 [draft] be approved.
That the Local Government and Regeneration Committee recommends that the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2013 [draft] be approved.
Supported by: John Swinney
That the Parliament recognises the vital role that the land use planning system must play in supporting sustainable economic growth; recognises the importance of cross-sector collaborative working to enhance the operation of an efficient and effective planning system; supports progress on the next steps of planning reform including the launch of National Planning Framework 3, the review of Scottish Planning Policy, the introduction of the Planning Performance Framework and the agreement between the Scottish Government and COSLA on a way forward in managing planning fees and resources linked to performance improvements, and welcomes the provision of additional funding by the Scottish Government to local authorities to help them deal with applications for wind turbines, to Planning Aid Scotland to increase young people's involvement in planning and deliver pilot projects supporting engagement, and to Heads of Planning Scotland for training support.
That the Local Government and Regeneration Committee recommends that the Public Services Reform (Planning) (Pre-application consultation) (Scotland) Order 2013 [draft] be approved.
That the Local Government and Regeneration Committee recommends that the Public Services Reform (Planning) (Local Review Procedure) (Scotland) Order 2013 [draft] be approved.
That the Local Government and Regeneration Committee recommends that the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006 (Supplementary and Consequential Provisions) Order 2013 [draft] be approved.
To ask the Scottish Executive what support is in place to assist the development of basketball in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Scotland.
Basketballscotland has received significant funding from sportscotland to support the implementation of the sport's development plan and sportscotland also operate a number of funding streams that are available to assist the development of sports clubs and groups. The level of investment and the funding streams is an operational matter and I have asked the chief executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, to write to you outlining the detail of this support.
Through our Cashback for Communities programme Basketballscotland and Scottish Sports Futures will receive £2.65 million direct from the Scottish Government over the next three years to deliver a wide range of basketball opportunities for young people across Scotland in innovative programmes such as Jump2it and Twighlight basketball.
To ask the Scottish Executive what support is in place to assist the development of ice hockey in (a) Renfrewshire and (b) Scotland.
This is an operational matter for sportscotland and I have asked the Chief Executive, Stewart Harris, to provide you with the information requested.
To ask the Scottish Executive what funds are available for organisations that want to promote or provide cultural activities for under-18s in Renfrewshire.
There are a variety of funds that organisations who want to promote or provide cultural activities for under-18s in Renfrewshire may access. In particular, Renfrewshire Council itself has responsibility for cultural activity in the local area and can support local organisations in that capacity. The National Performing Companies and National Collections have educational outreach activity which takes place in this area and Creative Scotland administers the Youth Music Initiative which provides musical funding for primary aged children, including those in this area. Creative Scotland also provides a fund-finding service to assist organisations in finding other funding sources. For further information on the services offered by Creative Scotland.
To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to improve cycle lanes and related sustainable travel.
We are committed to delivering the actions in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland which will help us achieve our vision that by 2020, 10% of journeys will be by bike. We continue to work in partnership with local authorities and other stakeholders in delivering new facilities and promoting the 2,000 miles of cycle path already existing in Scotland, which will encourage active and sustainable travel.
The report on proposals and policies sets further milestones which reflect our efforts to widen travel choices and reduce the need for travel. We will continue to promote a range of activities including smarter choices and we will disseminate the learning and good practice from the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places demonstration programme.
Our efforts to encourage more efficient driving include the promotion of low carbon vehicles, as demonstrated by the launch of our £4.2 million Electric Vehicle Procurement Scheme for the Public Sector in October 2011, and the provision of fuel-efficient driver training through the Energy Saving Trust.
To ask the Scottish Executive what its next steps will be to tackle antisocial behaviour.
Tackling antisocial behaviour and making communities safer and stronger remains a top priority for this Government. On 19 March 2009 the Scottish Government and COSLA jointly published their Framework for tackling antisocial behaviour, Promoting Positive Outcomes. It followed a thorough review of national antisocial behaviour policy, recognising that prevention and early and effective intervention, and diversion, should be at its heart.
Actions that contribute to these aims include over £44 million of the proceeds of crime re-invested by the CashBack programme into communities across Scotland through sporting, cultural, youth and third sector organisations, with over 600,000 young people benefitting from diversionary activities and intervention projects. This investment will continue to help reduce anti-social behaviour.
We are also providing government support for a High Hedges Bill, which will tackle a form of anti-social behaviour that blights many lives. In addition, we will consult on measures which would allow social landlords greater flexibility where there is evidence of anti-social behaviour; and will commence provisions in the Private Rented Housing Act 2011 requiring a local authority to take into account antisocial behaviour affecting the property of a private landlord, in deciding if that landlord is a fit and proper person to let property.
To ask the Scottish Executive what information it has on how many applications for funding for cultural projects in Renfrewshire have been granted since 2007.
The Scottish Government does not hold this information.
To ask the Scottish Executive what the next stage will be in progressing the Fastlink project.
The next stage of the Fastlink project is to progress the statutory planning processes including Traffic Regulation Orders, a statutory Quality Partnership and planning permission for the infrastructure construction.
To ask the Scottish Executive how much money from the Cashback for Communities scheme has been invested in Renfrewshire since 2007.
Cashback funding is not allocated to individual local authority areas. Instead, funding is allocated to our partner organisations, who are tasked with delivering diversionary and participatory activities, or developing local facilities that will benefit our communities.
Work is currently ongoing to monitor and evaluate the cashback programme going forward and such information will be collated under an evaluation framework.
To ask the Scottish Executive what support it can offer Renfrewshire Council for its Gateway to the Games strategy.
The Scottish Government is committed to creating a lasting legacy for the whole of Scotland from Glasgow hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games. We continue to work in partnership with local authorities to ensure they get every possible benefit of major events coming to Scotland.
Renfrewshire is ideally placed to benefit from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and I know much work has already started to ensure that the people of Renfrewshire see these benefits. Gateway to the Games is an excellent example of how the games can help to inspire communities to get involved and be more physically active.
Our commitment to strengthen sport in the community is shown by over £13.5 million investment, through sportscotland, being provided last year to support the Active School programme in all 32 local authorities – a network that supports programmes such as Renfrewshire's Gateway to the games - and our ongoing commitment to deliver at least 100 community sports hubs across all local authorities by 2014. This strong support will continue.
The Games are also helping deliver other local benefits for Renfrewshire such as the 37 grants awarded through the BIG Lottery 2014 Communities grant scheme and local schools' involvement in the (Bank of Scotland) National School Sports Week.
To reflect what is going on locally we have developed a web portal http://www.gameslegacyscotland.org/ that showcases the programmes and range of support across legacy activities.
I would of course be happy to meet to discuss what other support we can provide.
To ask the Scottish Executive what penalties there are for private landlords who fail to maintain their properties at an acceptable standard and how they are enforced.
A tenant in the private rented sector can apply to the Private Rented Housing Panel if they consider that their landlord has not maintained the property they rent to an acceptable standard.
If the panel decides that the landlord has failed to comply with the statutory repairing standard, it will issue a repairing standard enforcement order requiring that necessary work be carried out.
Non-compliance with a repairing standard enforcement order without reasonable excuse is an offence under section 28 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. The Private Rented Housing Panel can enforce a repairing standard enforcement order by issuing a separate order reducing the rent payable under a tenancy agreement. Under the repairing standard enforcement order, the local authority can carry out the work required and recover the cost from the landlord.
Local authorities also have a range of powers to deal with houses in disrepair through the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. A local authority is able to serve a work notice requiring work to be carried out on a property that fails to meet the tolerable standard, is in serious disrepair, or is in disrepair and is likely to deteriorate rapidly or damage other premises if nothing is done about it.
Local authorities are also able to serve maintenance orders, so as to prevent houses falling into disrepair in the first place. Owners can be required to produce a maintenance plan for up to a five year period where living accommodation has not been, or is unlikely to be, maintained to reasonable standard, or where the benefit of work from a work notice has been reduced or lost.
A local authority is able to enforce a work notice or maintenance plan, and recover the costs for doing so, where the owner fails to implement it.
Email our Public Information Service for more information.


text:
Preseason shred with Thomas and Chris
Filmed in Stubai
Filmed by Toni Ruch and ToG // NBPrdctn
Music: Crown Victoria - Robbers on high street
Loading more stuff…
Hmm…it looks like things are taking a while to load. Try again?
TM + © 2014 Vimeo, LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with k in NYC.
Your content preferences apply to any Vimeo videos you view. Learn more about content preferences in our FAQ.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A collection of news and information related to Weather published by this site and its partners.
Top Weather Articles
Displaying items 78-88
With iceman on the way, U.S. plants and suppliers get readyStory | Nov 19, 2014 | 10:16 PMCHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. Steel is stockpiling extra iron ore ahead of what could be another record-long freeze-up of the Great Lakes. General Motors has built up inventories of critical parts at its plants and established a supply chain "crisis room"...
Blanket statement: Wisconsin town labels itself 'snow capital of the world'Story | Nov 20, 2014 | 12:05 AMMILWAUKEE Residents in the northern Wisconsin community of Gile have named their hometown "the snow capital of the world," and for good reason: In just nine days, the hamlet has been blanketed with more than 6 feet of snow. That's 73.1 inches, to be...
'Coldest max' temperature records broken
Britain pledges $1.1 billion to U.N. Green Climate FundStory | Nov 20, 2014 | 3:33 AMLONDON (Reuters) - Britain has pledged up to 720 million pounds ($1.13 billion) on Thursday to a United Nations fund to help poor nations cope with global warming, the government said. The contribution is equivalent to around 12 percent of the Green...
Western New York buried by snow, braces for more
Ann McFeatters: The Keystone pipeline, politics and the lonely snail darterStory | Nov 20, 2014 | 5:20 AMWASHINGTON � Surprisingly, the snail darter is not extinct. As you busily prepare for the holidays (you are getting ready, aren't you?), you might wonder why this is an issue, let alone what it has to do with polar bears, mammoth butterflies and,...
Carl P. Leubsdorf: Post-midterms, back to gridlock as usualStory | Nov 20, 2014 | 5:20 AMIn the two weeks since President Barack Obama and top Republican congressional leaders vowed to seek common ground following GOP election victories, that goal has remained elusive. On issue after issue, the two sides are taking positions and...
U.S. managed assets with socially responsible criteria rise: reportStory | Nov 20, 2014 | 6:08 AMNEW YORK (Reuters) - The share of U.S. managed assets invested with environmental, social or similar criteria rose 50 percent over the past two years, a foundation that tracks the field said, because of new disclosure standards and client concern about...
Parts of upstate New York buried under a swift-moving snowstorm
Standing in the wayStory | Nov 19, 2014 | 4:34 PMSen. Tim Kaine wants Virginians to believe he is, as he says, a "pro-pipeline senator" and someone who supports the continued production of carbon-based fuel to satisfy the nation's energy appetite. However, by voting against the Keystone XL Pipeline on...
Breezy and mild today


text:
Nelson Illustrations
Saturday, January 12, 2013 - 7:30pm
Feel the Magic...
Nelson Illustrations is a one-of-a-kind theatrical spectacle that combines rare and original illusions with award winning, jaw-dropping magic. The show is a thoroughly entertaining blend of mystery, music, drama, romance and comedy. Make it a full fun packed weekend and book a room with HideAway Friday night. Relax in your private jacuzzi and dine in our bistro...then it's off to the show on Saturday!
More information can be found at www.nelsonillusions.com.
« Back to Calendar
Upcoming Events
Nov 27
Black Friday4:00 pm - 12:00 pm
Nov 29
OSU / Michigan Weekend 201411:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Dec 04
Christmas Cookie Decorating!2:00 pm - 5:00 pm


text:
By Liam Moakes 20/02 Updated: 22/02 12:39
YOUNGSTERS from Bromsgrove & Redditch Athletic Club took part in the final fixture of the West Midlands Young Athletes Cross Country League on Sunday, which saw athletes from across the Midlands competing and some categories featuring fields of as many as 140.
The races took place in Perry Park, Perry Barr, and the courses varied in length depending on the age group, taking on the fields and circling the lake.
Although on mainly flat terrain, the athletes did have to dig in deep to conquer the hill which led them up to the finishing line.
The U11 girls team had a great turnout of eight who finished as follows: Josie Steele (24th), Amy Mijovic-Couldwell (27th), Kitty Luscombe (34th), Ellen Bowen (35th), Nicol Green (48th), Alice Battey (99th), Buffy Pinnegar (105th), Amy Tongue (111th). The team finished ninth overall.
The U11 boys produced a team of three who finished 12th overall as Cameron Cooper led the team home in tenth place, followed by Josh Pearson (17th) and Theo Gardner (80th).
Olivia Gardner finished eighth in the U13 girls category to claim the highest B&R placing of the day and she was followed by Livvy Worth (20th), Abbie Kemp (36th), Molly Steele (59th) and Jordan Prust (73rd). This girls team also finished ninth.
Ben O'Connor (29th) led the U13 boys team home followed by Liam Bowden (60th), Tom Ellis (74th) and Dominic Gardner (76th) to seal another ninth place for the team.
In the U15 girls race Amelia Tompkin finished 14th, Katie Plummer 22nd and Ruth Gameson 54th.
The club managed to enter one boy into the U15 category - Lewis Anderson - who finished 66th and one entrant in the U17 girls category - Orianna Ball - who finished 19th.
Girls team manager Rita Brownlie stated she was extremely pleased with the turnout of young athletes, especially with it being the last fixture in the season and considering the splattering of snow which had greeted athletes on waking up that morning.
She commented she was especially pleased to see eight athletes competing in the U11 girls team, with four of them finishing in the top 40.
The U11 girls team are pictured by David Ball. (127 Alice Battey, 134 Josie Steele, 123 Ellen Bowen, 132 Kitty Luscombe, 129 Nicol Green, in sweatshirt Amy Mijovic-Couldwell, 126 Amy Tongue, 135 Buffy Pinnegar). (s)
The U13 girls team are pictured by David Ball. (113 Olivia Gardner, 120 Sophie Kite, 122 Jordan Prust, 115 Abbie Kemp, 119 Livvy Worth, 117 Molly Steele). (s)Buy photos»
1 Query over OAP bus use sparks angry row
2 Fire hits town centre businesses and homes
3 Earphone case bid hits success
4 Communication was poor over school changes
5 Cash stolen from elderly man at ATM
ALCESTER U16s hosted a strong Bromsgrove outfit on
IT is fair to say Redditch United will
ALVECHURCH have enjoyed a fantastic week in their
STUDLEY CC have signalled their intentions to clinch
Bromsgrove 28 Peterborough Lions 24 National Three Midlands BROMSGROVE produced ...
Visit the Worcester Observer website for the latest.
THE ANNUAL trip to the Wales National Velodrome to introduce ...
EVESHAM United earned a creditable 1-1 draw at fourth placed ...


text:
Posters is excessively standout and makes a good wall decoration, this product dimension isand the price is $0.00. If you're trying to explore top recommendedPosters with inexpensive price, this item is the grandiose deals for you.
The color is striking andPosters looks exceptional up on a wall in a nice frame. The produce is in proper shape, the colors are stimulating and quality is proper. The color of this item is best seen on clear light. This product is going through the system and doing whatever is in there this one can be done in two minutes or less.Posters comes in satisfying condition and the paper it is printed on is marvelous. The colors are simply grandiose, this item was such a low-priced price. The quality of it is transcendent. Fans love this produce of excellent memorabilia holders to showcase their film. This product is very heart-stirring and has just enough info to not be overwhelming. Worshiped as gods for the wisdom and power,Posters corrupted the realm of the brisk and forever altered the course of photograph.


text:
Belts, Belt BucklesKeep your pants on with new Belts! These stylish belts are available at the best prices on Proboardshop.com. Check out belts from Airblaster, Burton, DC, Neff, Quiksilver, Skullcandy and dozens more. Proboardshop will ship out your gear with next-day shipment and a customer satisfaction guarantee!
Please refine here More in the Outlet.
- Brand: Burton
- Gender: Men's
Burton Holifax Woven Belt
Size: Medium, LargeReg: $39.95
33% OffOn Sale: $26.95
Burton Striper Webbing Belt
Size: One Size Fits All
Our Price: $15.95
Burton Supper Studded Belt
Size: MediumReg: $39.95
33% OffOn Sale: $26.95
Burton Vista Belt
Size: One Size Fits All
Our Price: $14.95


text:
[PHOTO] Florida gets customized LeBrons for Jimmy V Classic
Dec 16, 2013, 4:20 PM EST
When the No. 16 Florida Gators take the floor for the Jimmy V Classic tomorrow night in Madison Square Garden, they'll have some sick new shoes to rock.
The Gators are facing No. 15 Memphis at the Jimmy V Classic (8 p.m.) and head coach Billy Donovan tweeted out a picture of the customized green and orange LeBron 11s earlier today.
The Gators have plenty to be thankful for lately besides some cool shoes. Chris Walker is back and practicing with the team, although he is not cleared yet, and they are getting healthier with Kasey Hill and Scottie Wilbekin both playing against Kansas after being previously injured.
One Comment (Feed for Comments)
Top Posts
- Mike Brey was excited about Notre Dame's loss because the Irish have their closer back 0
- Weekly Awards: LaDontae Henton, West Virginia with notable performances 0
- College Basketball Talk's latest top 25: Kentucky reigns, but how far will Kansas, Florida slide? 4
- Providence star LaDontae 'Buckets' Henton may be the nation's most under-appreciated star 1
- West Virginia shows signs of progress in Puerto Rico Tipoff win over No. 17 UConn 1
- Quinn Cook is thriving as an off-guard, and No. 4 Duke will reap the benefits 0
- Rhode Island upsets No. 21 Nebraska, 66-62, in overtime 0
Most Commented
- Poll: 54 percent of people think Kentucky beats the 76ers, 54 percent of people are dumb (31)
- No. 1 Kentucky's size, depth overwhelms No. 5 Kansas, makes 40-0 seem possible? (5)
- College Basketball Talk's latest top 25: Kentucky reigns, but how far will Kansas, Florida slide? (4)
- Pregame Shootaround: No. 14 Iowa State needs to be on upset alert tonight (3)
- Miami upsets No. 8 Florida thanks to the Angel Rodriguez takeover (3)


text:
From the creators of Seche Vite top coat comes Seche Nail Lacquer, a high-intensity color polish collection that debuts with 33 classic hues.
For more information, visit Seche.
Adore Dolls Parlour Dazzles With Its Nail Art19 photos
24 Holiday Retail Items24 photos
Founder of Safari Airbrush.
Learn More
Get a free preview issue and a Free Gift
Subscribe Today!


text:
MONDAY: Cloudy and blustery with light rain mixing with and changing to snow in the morning. High: 36 with falling temperatures in the afternoon. Winds: West 20-25 mph.
MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Low: 22. Winds: West 15-20 ...
Search Results
Peoria Chemical Plant Fire Controlled
Crews fighting a fire at a chemical plant south of Peoria now have the blaze under control.
Authorities say the fire at the Lonza Chemical Plant in Mapleton broke out sometime this morning. No one was injured, and no homes were evacuated in the small town of about 270 people.
A cause of the fire is not yet available.
Lonza's website says the plant has 75 employees, and makes chemicals used in wood, preservatives, fabric conditioners, and other products.


text:
40 Reviews
Average Customer Review
Share your thoughts with other customersCreate your own review
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A word about the music (and other matters)
I picked up this set for a long road trip, remembering fondly the broadcast over NPR (introduced by Tammy Grimes) from many years ago. Of its reputed superiority to the prior and much deplored Mind's Eye production (also broadcast over NPR), which I have never heard, I have nothing to say. I will simply point out that no one purchasing this BBC recording in its current...
Published on March 12, 2009 by Mark W. Brown
3.0 out of 5 stars Good production but over priced
First and foremost, those looking for a compete LOTR experience (i.e., an unabridged or verbatim retelling) look elsewhere (namely the Rob Igles audiobook version) as this is an audio drama. As such, it is unfortunately abridged, though not anymore so then the films. As Long as you take these audio plays for what they are then you should be presently entertained. While I...
Published 10 months ago by Schtolteheim Rheinbach III
Most Helpful First | Newest First
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A word about the music (and other matters),
This review is from: The Lord of the Rings (BBC Dramatization, Consumer Edition) (Audio CD)
I picked up this set for a long road trip, remembering fondly the broadcast over NPR (introduced by Tammy Grimes) from many years ago. Of its reputed superiority to the prior and much deplored Mind's Eye production (also broadcast over NPR), which I have never heard, I have nothing to say. I will simply point out that no one purchasing this BBC recording in its current package could possibly mistake it for a reading of Tolkien's unabridged text. It is clearly a dramatization for radio.
The music used in this production has received mixed reviews. Those who dislike it, influenced perhaps by bits of the soundtrack from Peter Jackson's films, may have been hoping for something more "Celtic," Enya-like. Forget it. What we get is firmly in the English tradition of Vaughan Williams and others: lush strings with churchy vocals supplied by boy sopranos, countertenors, and other former choristers. Indeed the songs, which had always struck me as one of the weaknesses of the books, are one of the strengths of this adaptation. Making a virtue of a necessity, the radio production has fully exploited portions of the books all but ignored by the filmmakers, and the supplemental music CD, which at first seemed to me superfluous, proved to be a welcome bonus in the end.
Several reviewers have objected to the casting of Robert Stephens as Aragorn. I confess that my initial reaction was unfavorable as well: I kept picturing him as the aged, dissolute, and thoroughly "cudgeled" figure of Pistol at the end of Kenneth Branagh's "Henry V." But just as Sam gets used to the uncouth Strider, I got used to Robert Stephens, even as I got used to Ian Holm as Frodo instead of as Bilbo, whom he portrayed in the films. The other principals are all excellent, especially the great character actor Michael Hordern as Gandalf. (No, he is not Ian McKellan, but in 1981 he didn't have to be.)
One otherwise very perceptive reviewer has remarked that Hordern "especially is prone to making every line a grave intonation, and to read as if he is a prophet of pity and doom." In fact, of the dialogue in general the reviewer complains, "Many of the lines, even simple back-and-forth between the characters, are read like grand and important pronouncements from a scroll. . . . It's all sterile, booming proclamations--like something out of the Iliad." Yet the reviewer concedes that "one of the few weak points in the books is the dialogue, which can get heavy-handed and too grandiose." It seems a little unfair to expect actors, even good actors, to salvage a weak text. If we are embarrassed by Tolkien's epic pretensions (as well we might be: it's always a little hard to take seriously a do-it-yourself mythology or symbology, whether it be a Tolkien's, a Blake's, or a Yeats's), then we had better leave "The Lord of the Rings" (book, film, or audio CD) alone.
In any case, it is chiefly in the second and third parts, where so much of the action is frankly epic, that one encounters the grandiloquence to which the reviewer has objected. In the more intimate scenes from part 1--say, at Bag End or the Prancing Pony--the actors are comfortably informal, and the tone is about as grave as an episode of "The Archers." This kind of intimacy, in which the listener is made to feel like just another guest enjoying a cup of tea or a pipe by the fire, is one special effect that the screen version, for all its technical wizardry, could never hope to match. In the denouement, with the exception of "The Scouring of the Shire" episode (omitted from the film version, as the Tom Bombadil interlude was omitted from film and radio version alike), some of that warmth returns. The ending, with its potentially bathetic final line, is every bit as moving here as it is in the book.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Holds its own when compared to the books or the movies,
This review is from: The Lord of the Rings (BBC Dramatization, Consumer Edition) (Audio CD)
This BBC audio adaptation of "The Lord of the Rings" holds its own when compared to both Tolkien's original books and the movies by Peter Jackson. The book gives delightful insights into the plot, characters, and especially the world of Middle Earth, whereas the movies bring powerful visual elements, better music, and more action. This theatrical radio production fits somewhere between the book and the movie; it delves more into the story of the world and what makes the characters tick, without requiring the epic journey of reading Tolkien's masterful tomes themselves.
In the radio version, Sam's love of the elves comes out more than in the movies. Merry and Pippin are cast in a different light, with Merry given a wiser role than in the movies, and one grows to love them and their commitment to Frodo in a way that the movies were unable to portray. In the radio version, Gimli's admiration and kinship with the long-passed rulers of Moria is meaningful and deep, and the camaraderie of Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn really rings true. Overall, the books go into the rich detail of the world, while the movies add visual elements, music, and action scenes. The BBC theatrical radio version draws additional depth of feeling from the characters and focuses less on action but more on story. If you enjoyed Tolkien's poetry from the books, you'll be quite pleased at how the radio version uses many of the poems most pertinent for character development--including Frodo singing the "Walking Song" and a delightfully hobbit-like tune at the Prancing Pony in Bree. Then there is Sam singing of Gil Galad, Gimli quoting the tale of Durin, and many others. For someone who wants to learn more about the characters and come to love their world and their friendships more deeply, this radio version is definitely for you.
My favorite part of the radio production is the Mines of Moria from the Fellowship of the Ring. There is something about listening in a dark room or when in the car on a dark night, as the drums in the deep begin sounding. The actors do an excellent job of voicing their dread--especially Gimli! Durin's bane! I love it. The radio version brings more chills up my spine than the movie ever could! Not as much action in the radio version, but it holds its own place that neither book nor movie can claim.
Also, if you are a fan of the "Scourging of the Shire" ending to Tolkien's original "Return of the King" book, you will be happy to know that the radio version includes it! The ending of the "Lord of the Rings" is--dare I say--precious in the radio version. At the end of Tolkien's original books, I feel a little weary myself but very accomplished, much better at English, and like I've grown as a person. At the end of the movies, I think, "Awesome!", and I'm begging for more. But at the end of the radio version, I have a tear in each eye, because many of the most poignant stories of the characters have been shared in a brief 12 hours. I sense my own regret at the change coming to Middle Earth, as the elves had known it since Elder Days in Lothlorien. In short, I feel a connection to and a love for the story.
This radio version is different than the movies and the books. Books, movies, and this audio version each have their strengths and relative weaknesses, yet if you like the characters and the story, you'll love the BBC audio version. By all means, if you are going to drive somewhere--anywhere--get the BBC audio production and play it! You will be glad you did!
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The Lord of the Rings (BBC Dramatization, Consumer Edition),
Ms. (houston, TX, United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Lord of the Rings (BBC Dramatization, Consumer Edition) (Audio CD)
I had trouble finding this information before purchasing, so I am providing it.
As far as I can tell, this edition (The Lord of the Rings (BBC Dramatization, Consumer Edition) - black box, 12 CDs) is *almost* the same as the originally-released 13-episode version, which I have on cassette tapes and have listened to often. According to a wiki website, BBC released this first as 26 half-hour episodes, then as 13 hourlong episodes (adding and removing small pieces to make this work). This version is the 13 episode version. In addition it has opening and closing narration for each of the 3 books in LOTR, written by Brian Sibley and spoken by Iam Holm as Frodo (he plays Frodo in the episodes as well) in which Frodo thinks about writing down the story. Also, the episode divisions have been removed - which explains why the 13 episodes now fit on 12 CDs.
Overall I am very happy with this edition of my beloved BBC LOTR. I'm sure I will grow accustomed to the narrative framing - it's not very long or intrusive, and it's good; it's just a change. I will miss the music from the episode divisions, but I won't miss the interruptions to the narrative. I am thrilled to replace my worn-out cassette tapes with more durable CDs of the same performance.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Continuing my relationship with The Lord of The Rings,
This review is from: The Lord of the Rings (BBC Dramatization, Consumer Edition) (Audio CD)
I had the book for years and never read it. the movie trilogy came out and I never saw them until I heard some friends talking about how one movie ended and the next just picked up where the last one left off. I saw the Two Towers first and was hooked. I had to see them all! I watched all three movies in three days. I have read the book at least four times and watched the movies many times over. Since I got the BBC dramatization (April,2010)I have listened to it in its entirety three times.Having read the book, seen the movies and having listened to the dramatization I am even more enthralled.There are things in the book I wish were in the movies and the dramatization, there are things in the movies I wish were in the dramatization,there things in the dramatization I wish were in the movies.This isn't over. I will continue to read and watch and listen and wish...
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Faithful and the Most Fun,
This review is from: The Lord of the Rings (BBC Dramatization, Consumer Edition) (Audio CD)
This review is for the 12 disc BBC dramatization of The Lord of the Rings, with the black cover, ISBN 160283492X. There is a newer release, with a yellow cover, that packages The Hobbit (1968) and this version of The Lord of the Rings (1981) together with some bonus material. This is a full-cast audio drama originally developed for radio, not an audiobook. There are 13 episodes clocking in at just under an hour each.
Many purists claim that this is the most faithful of the Lord of the Rings adaptations, and they are right. Don't let that discourage you, though; this series is not just for Tolkien scholars. It is extremely accessible, and has aged very little since its original airing in 1981. The production values are high, the stereo sound is rich and clear, the music is ageless, and - best of all - the cast has risen to the occasion in a way that perhaps no other cast ever will. If you are listening to the series after having listened to the BBC's 1968 Hobbit production, you will find the technical and artistic improvements made in the 13 year interval to be striking.
The cast is almost uniformly excellent, but I want to draw particular attention to (who else?) Frodo and Sam.
Ian Holm is known to many Tolkien fans as Bilbo in Peter Jackson's movies, and he brings playfulness and gravitas in equal measure to Frodo here. His deeply conflicted portrayal is much closer to Tolkien's intent than Elijah Wood's young and naive take in the movies. Aside from these stodgy academic concerns of textual accuracy, though, Holm's portrayal is simply more enjoyable because it has so much more depth. Frodo does not set out on this journey as a wide-eyed teenager; he is a man, a master, a scholar, and a friend. By the time he returns home after his many travels, Holm has made you understand both Frodo's joy and, crucially, his weary sadness.
Sam is Tolkien's "chief hero", hidden in plain sight, and Bill Nighy sets the bar unassailably high. Any fans of the movies will likely be shocked, as I was, at how much inspiration Sean Astin took from Nighy for his interpretation 20 years later. Nighy's rapport with Holm is tight and never falters. Sam is frequently the audience stand-in during various events and revelations, and Nighy reflects just the right amount of our awe or melancholy or laughter. Many of the most moving moments in the series belong to Nighy, not the least of which is a genuinely stirring and powerful rendition of Sam's song in the tower in Mordor.
Much more could be written about this series, but I'll leave it to you to find it all out for yourself. The great supporting characters, the music, and the sense of immersion will all stick with you. This is a deep and nuanced production, notable not just as an adaptation of great art, but as great art in and of itself. If you're interested in Tolkien, in radio plays, or just want to walk for a while somewhere far away and fully realized, you owe it to yourself to give this a listen.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Lord of the Rings BBC Audio Book CD's,
Michael Jeffrey (Australia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Lord of the Rings (BBC Dramatization, Consumer Edition) (Audio CD)
This BBC production is a pinnacle of excellence (other than reading the book). If only the film had used this intelligent and enthralling adaptation as a guide for their script and storyline! Then we would have had a film that followed the story, without adding all that unnecessary horror and sensationalism. The original story (so well portrayed on this Audio Book) is exciting, multi-layered and inspiring. It didn't need dumbing down and gratuitous violence. Whereas the film did need the wit, the songs and the delightful background details contained in this CD set, which is now for sale at a very reasonable price. You can give yourself (and others) a fabulous gift by buying it. You can also listen to it while travelling on long trips. The time will virtually disappear. You will be part of a magical heroic world that has relevance for us all on our journey of life and our battle with misuse of power and the destruction of our environment (the negative force of the Ring of Power). Rejoice in their (and our inevitable) victory over the Shadow, no matter how long it takes.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed this more than the books or movies,
This review is from: The Lord of the Rings (BBC Dramatization, Consumer Edition) (Audio CD)
In the spirt of full disclosure, I should probably admit that I'm not as big a Lord of the Rings fan as some of the people here. I enjoyed the books, but they didn't change my life. The movies were fun, but I haven't set aside a Saturday to watch the director's cuts.
On the other hand, I was absolutely enthralled with this adaptation. Perhaps it's because the first time I heard it it was on a road trip when I graduated from college (if you really want to visualize Mordor, try listening to this while driving through Death Valley!). That was 1984, and I recently listened to it again while ferrying my own kids to college. It was every bit as good as I remembered. The voice acting is superb. Ian Holm in particular is great as Frodo, and I found Peter Woodthorpe vastly more enjoyable as Gollum than the CGI version in the movies.
Trust me, if you've got a long trip coming up, listen to this and the hours will melt away.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellant reading,
This review is from: The Lord of the Rings (BBC Dramatization, Consumer Edition) (Audio CD)
I bought this version of The Lord of the Rings audio book because I loved the dramatied version of The Hobbit and I am not disappointed. I loved this version of the three books. They do cut out some parts that the movies cover and lots of fairly dull parts out of the books but it is necessary to make it an interesting dramatization for audio.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely excellent,
Bryan J. Peterson "I'm not blind drunk, I'm j... (Twin Falls, Idaho United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Lord of the Rings (BBC Dramatization, Consumer Edition) (Audio CD)
It wasn't until 2001 that I learned of the existence of this particular dramatization of Lord of the Rings, after having listened to the American program for well over ten years. Unfortunately, it was rather a difficult program to locate. I found a copy at my local library but some of the disks were damaged and, so while I was able to listen to it I had to fast forward through certain parts. However I was able to listen to enough of the program to realize what a masterful dramatization this is. Ian Holme is admirable in the role of Frodo, Michael Hordern is just about what I would have expected for Gandalf...well I really couldn't find any complaints with the actors. Ian Holme, interestingly enough, would go on to later star as the aged Bilbo in the film trilogy.
Aside from the actors (Peter Woodthorp comes to mind as a particular favorite in the part of Gollum), I loved the music, which unlike the American version was specifically written for the program if I'm not mistaken. And the singers, where singing is used, are excelent, particularly during songs sung in Elvish. That leads to another thing I love about this particular drama. We get a good deal more exposure to the Elvish language versus the bare sprinkling found in the american version. Also, they didn't give the Elves those squeaky voices found in the American program. All in all this program feels much more real. In fact, it was almost hard for me to believe it was an abridgement given the amount of detail that was put into it. Needless to say, when finances permit I intend to own a copy of this wonderful program. If you're a Tolkien fan but haven't heard the BBC radiodrama of Lord of the Rings, you might just do yourself a favor by checking out or even purchasing a copy. While i'll grant that the 1979 American dramatization is more accurate as far as the story goes (it's the only dramatization in existence that features the scenes with Tom Bombadil), the BBC pprogram still feels more real because it features better actors and much better music. So if you haven't already heard this wonderful production, you should find yourself a copy and give it a good listen.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful production, music, and a WARNING,
M. Hart (Volant, PA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Lord of the Rings (BBC Dramatization, Consumer Edition) (Audio CD)
Doubtlessly, this is by far the very best dramatic adaptation ever made of the Great Book, the Lord of the Rings. Every version I've ever heard over the years, to put it mildly, have been but a shadows of this single glorious BBC production. (And that includes all later British and American versions too.)
As someone who treasured my BBC cassette tape edition in its very nice box, obtaining this CD version was a real treat; it also has some phenominal extras too, like several of Tolkien's songs/poems set to music. In addition, it is worth noting, there is also indeed a serious classical music group, whom have, along with Sir Christopher Lee, done an outstanding service to all of us who've yearned for Tolkien's songs and poems to be set to a worthy musical score; by the "Tolkien Ensemble" and is available for purchase here at Amazon. The Lord of the Rings: Complete Songs and Poems - Christopher Lee - Tolkien Ensemble
The WARNING I spoke of in my title is this: Some I'm aware of, have been honestly confused by the Amazon write-up for this BBC production as somehow being a "complete" and "unabridged" edition of Lord of the Rings on CDs. It is NOT an unedited or unabridged version of the ENTIRE TEXT of Lord of the Rings. Rather, the BBC production itself is unabridged, and thus is NOT an unedited reading of the ENTIRE TEXT of Lord of the Rings, in dramatized form!
If you want to buy the best truly unabridged and unedited version of the entire Lord of the Rings, I suggest buying the FULL text edition, recorded onto a great many CDs, from the BRITISH arm of Amazon.com (UK). Moreover, the USA full-text version was sadly, very BLAND; key words and phrases of Tolkien, read out with an American accent, frankly set my teeth on edge. Along the same lines, I wouldn't buy a Brit-accented complete work by Mark Twain; it just does not work well. Moreover, in my humble opinion, the same holds just as true for the Harry Potter books (not on par with Lord of the Rings, to be sure) yet the British-read versions of a very British work, just SOUND MUCH BETTER. (And its not by chance that the best movie versions of Shakespeare's plays are performed by English accented actors.)
Most Helpful First | Newest First
The Lord of the Rings (BBC Dramatization, Consumer Edition) by J. R. R. Tolkien (Audio CD - September 9, 2008)
Used & New from: $76.84


text:
I would love to give this statue 5 stars because it is a beautiful statue. However, the color of the dress on the website is a beautiful color and it is not at all the color on the actual statue. The color is actually a bright blue with pink which is obviously not the color in the picture. If the color was the same I would say this is one of the most beautiful statues I've ever seen...but would have loved for the color to be accurate.
She is very pretty. Just the right height to fall that little corner.
This figurine is gorgeous! I love the detail. I love the size of it! It arrived safely, very well packaged. Stunning!
beautiful figurine
Love the figure. She is actually more beautiful than I expected. Very,very pleased.


text:
|Name: _________________________
|Period: ___________________
This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. Who was leery about Diego painting a portrait on his second trip in Italy?
2. What does Juan show the nobles to get them excited about Don Diego's talents?
3. What is the name of the King's favorite dog?
4. What is Don Diego doing while on his trip to Northern Spain?
5. Who visits Don Diego after his wife dies?
Essay Topics
Essay Topic 1
Power and Greed were two common themes in this book. Where did they appear, and how do they differ in their manifestations?
Essay Topic 2
Freedom was a crucial theme and symbol in this book. How was this theme presented, and how did its place in this plot affect the main characters?
Essay Topic 3
Which character did you relate with the most in this book? Why is this? How did this character change throughout the book?
This section contains 758 words
(approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page)


text:
Originally published Monday, April 8, 2013 at 9:54 AM
Hospital group says 'alarm fatigue' can be deadly
Constantly beeping alarms in hospitals are being linked to patient deaths and other dangers in a new alert from the Joint Commission.
AP Medical Writer
Constantly beeping alarms in hospitals are being linked to patient deaths and other dangers in a new alert from the Joint Commission.
The alarms can lead to "noise fatigue," and doctors and nurses sometimes inadvertently ignore the sounds when there's a real patient emergency, possibly resulting in treatment delays that endanger patients.
That's according to the alert issued Monday by the Joint Commission hospital accrediting group.
The group says a government database lists more than 500 deaths potentially linked with hospital alarms in recent years.
The commission says hospital leaders need to address the problem and train staffers in safe alarm management.
The Joint Commission accredits more than 10,000 U.S. hospital and health care organizations. Hospitals covet accreditation and following commission advice is key to maintaining it.
Trending with Readers
On seattletimes.comMore Trending
- Boeing loses $6B Delta order; gives a big boost to Airbus
- Sound Transit's Northgate tunnel borer soon to head south
- Correction: Deadly Crash story
- Woodland Park Zoo closing elephant exhibit
- Marshawn Lynch gets fined a day after good deed
- Teen's texts turned dark week before Marysville shootings
- Florida State shooter went from liked to troubled
- 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1': Wake us up when the action restarts | Movie review
- 'X' marks spot: Man scouted cliff where wife died
- Snow ending, but rain possible for Buffalo


text:
Guy Fieri Will Be Eating a 'Turketta' This Thanksgiving, In Case You Were Wondering
Can we add turkey-based food hybrids to the list of things we just don't want to eat this Thanksgiving?
The Worst Thanksgiving Stock Photos
So your day is not going to well, huh? Sh*t's already hitting the fan a little? We get it. That's what stock photos are here for: to put your life into perspective.
Albert Adrià On His Own Definition of Fear
Fear is a, well, scary thing. And if anyone should be afraid, it should be Albert "the brother of him, who shall not be named" Adrià. He's a world-renowned chef, brother to Ferran Adrià (oops, we named him) with plenty of expectations and pressure riding on him. Yet in a new video released this week from MAD4, Adrià admits that fear isn't all so bad -- and that young chefs should be especially afraid.
You Can Now Use Emojis to Search the New York Times' Food Section
Who knew that Sam Sifton was so into emojis?
WATCH: Mario Batali And Chad Colby Play With The Most Incredible Array Of Salumi
Every time Mario Batali has a talented sous chef who could run his own restaurant, he keeps them in the fold by giving them their very own restaurant. Like this one.Read on...
WATCH: Danny Bowien Wishes The Restaurateurs Whose Dishes He Ripped Off Would Come To Mission Chinese
And by "restaurateurs", we mean the husband-and-wife duo who run the American-Chinese joint around the corner from Mission Chinese Food in New York, at whose restaurant Danny Bowien ordered everything on the menu in an effort to pull inspiration for his restaurant's food.Read on...
WATCH: Beautiful Truffle Porn From A 3 Michelin-Starred Restarant In The French Alps
Yannick Alléno found himself the subject of NOWNESS's latest food film just before the opening of 1947, the 3-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Cheval Blanc hotel in Courchevel, which he recently overhauled.Read on...
WATCH: Roy Choi Assembles Delicious LA Food In Glorious High Definition
We rarely get effusive about food porn on this site, but this video is tasty for reals.Read on...


text:
MMO MMORPG Games » MMORPG Games News » Guild Wars 2 – Pax QA Videos
Guild Wars 2 – Pax QA Videos
The folks at ArenaNet posted their QA Videos from PAX 2009.
Couldn't make it to PAX this year? To make sure you didn't miss anything, we've posted videos of our panel interviews from the Penny Arcade Expo on our YouTube channel. Head over to watch discussions about the art of Guild Wars 2, a panel interview with the Guild Wars Live Team, and a lore-filled talk about the upcoming Fall of Ascalon novel!
Watch the rest of the videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/arenanetofficial
VN:F [1.9.10_1130]Guild Wars 2 - Pax QA Videos, 8.0 out of 10 based on 3 ratings
Leave a comment
Featured MMORPG / MMO
- New Mini-Game Offers Closed Beta Keys For Skyforge November 27, 2014
- Aftermath Arrives In Defiance November 26, 2014
- The Crew Open Beta Underway November 25, 2014
- Triad Wars Live Stream Event Announced November 25, 2014
- SMITE Ao Kuang Giveaway 2014-11-27 02:42:15


text:
Day In a Page
NewsNews RSS Feed - click to grab the feed
- Police launch breath-test crackdown
- Mortgage rate cut to lowest for 31 years
- Producer gets bird at ROH
- Thief, 12, clubs man with iron bar
- Labour in media move to sweeten Murdoch
- Dunblane death gym demolished
- McAvoy issues warning to far-left activists
- Drama at 35,000ft as tennis player is taken ill
- Mystery calls over farmhouse murder
- Threat to Prince's village
- Tobacco giant loses pounds 2m claim against widow
- Suicide gunman suspect in two murder cases
- Attempts to save dying pilot hit by snags
- Labour warns Tories on Ulster
- Muddle allows children to play lottery
- `Street' cruises for fall over video's brief honeymoon
- The vanity that led to a $100m bonfire
- Impotent pay pounds 1,000 for pounds 9.95 cure
- Horse fare draws in custom to break taboo
- Farmers forced into shooting own herds herds
- Row over parking fine turns into riot
- Rank and file moderates keep the militants at bay
- Skier in 900ft death plunge
- Probe to float into a fog of mystery
- Hospitals besieged in scare over HIV tests
- Calls grow for abuse report to be published
- Storm clouds gathering as spring comes to Uranus
- Helpline to counsel `suicidal' doctors
- Farmer in court over sheds of cannabis
- `Schools cannot cope with violent pupils'
- Police investigate cannabis club
- Great turkeys of our time
- Secrets of the mummies to be revealed
- `Distasteful' royal TV advert to stay
- Comet's X-ray vision lights up sky at night
- Prints `doubt' on Carl killing
- Young `Tommy' hopefuls feel a touch nervous
- Troops hunt `world's worst serial killer'
- Blair says by-election defeat may force Major to the polls
- Censorship fears as BBC closes Arabic TV
- Cookery queen is out of flavour
- Polo club blaze
- Figures give boost to cancer screening
- Danger drugs freely given to all who ask
- Wealthy learn how to beat Labour tax threat
- Loyalist parade ends in rioting
- Abigail crowned princess among porkers
- Dorrell fury over `sordid' NHS claims
- Coma victim's mother attacks testing plan
- Cash-conscious children play safe with pennies
- Surrogate twins paid for by National Health
- Brown tries to rid Labour of spectre of high taxes
- Reliant car company sets out on road to recovery
- Father's pub death treated as `suspicious'
- A new mob on the waterfront
- Bank left doors open on holiday
- Clinics flourishing in climate of deregulation
- Business takes off at Gatwick
- Hard left foils NUT reforms
- Doubt cast on spelling `failure'
- Mildest day ends in jams
- Can British farming go green?
- Plea for cameras in murder district
- `Safe' countries reject appeals to take Masari
- Harsh times for an island paradise
- Best vest guide to protect front-line police
- Death of canal twins treated as murder
- Thefts and losses cost Whitehall pounds 1m a year
- `Rosetta' set to land on comet
- Brown dwarfs and red stars in focus
- Snickers provides clue to galactic formation
- Huntingdon could be sole Tory council
- Head stoned by vandals
- Slimming pills set to be banned
- Party chiefs accused of schools `cant'
- Croat camp chief to face Hague tribunal
- 30 Britons seek refuge in embassy
- Violence threatens Korean elections
- Reactor explosion `could never happen again'
- Peace that never came
- Catalans display ruling passion
- Dozens killed in Turkey's new offensive
- Liberian warlord takes peace-keepers hostage
- Zimbabwe lake closed by pollution
- Skulls found in Argentine jail oven
- Jordan joins anti-Saddam crusade
- Confusion as scientists dispute the death toll after Chernobyl
- China to exclude Patten from handover
- Peres warns of South Lebanon `on brink of war'
- Rebel Kurds killed Tunceli
- Pollution charges
- Pyongyang warns Seoul of `disaster'
- Landlords hunt for freed slaves in Pakistan
- Peering at the past through the wrong end of a telescope
- 120 killed in guerrilla clashes
- Molester released
- French doctors threaten strike over health reform
- Body parts arrest
- Chechen assault
- $500,000-a-day siege declines to spring any Easter surprises
- Serbs come to terms with Macedonia
- Visionary thinkers
- Jewish leaders rage at `anti-Semitic' Brando
- State of emergency
- Israel's militia in Lebanon hit by mutiny
- Civilians flee as war threatens to engulf Liberia
- Iran defends `humanitarian' arms lift
- Islamists raided
- Islanders set to be rid of carping Governor
- Suspect's brother agonised over Unabomber
- Hawaii moves to legalise gay marriages
- Business soars as restauranteur serves up wings
- Ogoni anger at activist `arrests'
- Economic View: Freelances play key role in shaping brave new world
- Dewhirst profits from Marks & Spencer
- US fears fail to trouble City
- Panel warns Clarke that he is hemmed in
- Output trend slips to lowest for three years
- Robinson's lawyers criticise `delays' over allegation details
- Pendragon to be sole Alfa Romeo dealer within M25
- Eurotunnel bags 140,000 passengers at Easter
- Gyms and tonic as City banks muscle in
- Rentokil profit attacked in new shouting match
- FD steps down at Harrisons
- Consumer body savages watchdogs
- UBS and CS Holding discuss steps towards pounds 32bn merger
- Panel says Clarke has little room for manoeuvre
- pounds 100m Lloyd's boost for names' fund
- CINVen vies for Redland brick division
- London keeps its head as Wall Street sneezes
- Market Report: Investors back takeover favourites against Wall St
- Jardines perfects knack of looking a greenhorn
- Honesty is the best policy when it comes to jobs
- Rentokil to sound out improved offer
- Vodafone and Cellnet `to retain lead'
- Employment figures put the skids under Wall St
- Bulgaria hits back at Rover
- BT and Oftel to lock horns over local calls
- Shocks in store for electricals
- THE TUESDAY INTERVIEW: Peter Bonfield; Cracking the code for the mother of all mergers
- Large and unsettled shareholders make for uneasy bedfellows
- Decision time arrives for N&P members
VoicesVoices RSS Feed - click to grab the feed
- Letter: Poles were Holocaust victims too
- Letter: Progress at Holloway prison
- Letter: Christians bring honesty to Westminster
- Barristers: a law unto themselves
- Letter: Upside down map-reading
- Go green? Let us spray...
- Letter: High price of techno-farming
- Letter: Food from the global greenhouse
- Come on supermarkets, give us those spotty apples
- Leading Article: It all begins in the classroom
- Letter: Not the last night train to Milan
- Letter: Motor mouth
- No offence, existentially speaking
- Letter: Nightmares of the meat trade
- Leading Article: The need to prevent another Chernobyl
- Letter: Christians bring honesty to Westminster
- Letter: Christians bring honesty to Westminster
- Letter: Christians bring honesty to Westminster
- How Ambridge could join the revolution
- LETTERS: Feeble curb on advertisers
- Tyranny of slimming: LEADING ARTICLE
- LETTERS: Newbury: wrong battleground for anti-road lobby
- Diplomatic salvo: LEADING ARTICLE
- Taxing times for Labour: LEADING ARTICLE
- My father, my son
- LETTERS: `Bottom-up' legal settlements
- LETTERS: Africa fights on to save elephants from poachers
- LETTERS: Newbury: wrong battleground for anti-road lobby
- LETTERS: HIV test panic
- LETTERS: Easter myths of Passover
- LETTERS: Breathing in the BSE molecules
- Shoppers say no to drugs in food
- The consumer must be king
- The not necessarily the news quiz
- LETTERS: Tasty turkey eggs
- LETTERS: Call of nature
- Can British farming go green?
- A shake-up for a healthier industry
- LETTERS: Breathing in the BSE molecules
- LETTERS: Africa fights on to save elephants from poachers
SportSport RSS Feed - click to grab the feed
- Keegan's pride amid the pain
- French ring changes with four new caps
- World record loses its Magic
- Rugby teeters on the brink of a second great split
- Harmon in the clear after neck injury
- Hastings ready for his big kick-off
- Heat is on for America's Big Chicken
- Doyle resigns as president of federation
- Raven checks Leicester's play-off hopes
- Brittle dares leading clubs to break away
- Cup final rehearsal for Rangers and Hearts
- Norman chases the rainbow
- Creek reverts to friendly trickle
- Ingvall calls for Mistral deadline
- French have new clear Classic hope in Tahiti
- Amateurs seek help
- Castleford storm back
- Sheron strike leaves Luton with little hope
- Henman and Petchey fall at the first
- Manager held over parking ticket rivalry
- Britain bank on surprise
- Busst facing a year out with broken leg
- Bond beats Higgins on final black
- Arnold's run leaves Leeds disconsolate
- Simpson's treble inspires Derby
- Biela opens with double victory
- Torreilles secures draw for Paris
- Abysmal performance leaves City on brink
- Cantona rescues ragged United
- Strange trio who created the Masters
- Villa profit from Grobbelaar's mistake
- Hateley heads QPR in right direction
- Collymore sings song for Europe
- Novice winners blur the form line
- Curcic conjures a lifeline for Bolton
- Jansher's five in a row
- Petterson postpones Roker celebrations
- Iwan Thomas sets new Welsh 400 metres record
- Sunday's race was less complicated than the other two victories. On th e other hand it was perhaps a more typical grand prix
- Sack race with hundredweight of history
- Degryse keeps Wednesday afloat
- Brittle should not be allowed to be a dictator
- Castleford agree to Botica joining Orrell
- Ince threat to quit Italy over taunts
- Crowd's derision for Leeds' lack of vision
- Ford adds bonus for Cardiff
- Gale has too much puff for Jodami
- Whelan punishes slovenly Spurs
- Wigan's form remains uncertain
- European joy for Cullen
- Chinese rule the roost
- Fenton breaks Newcastle hearts
- Toogood for Timeform pair
Life and StyleLife and Style RSS Feed - click to grab the feed
Arts and EntertainmentArts and Entertainment RSS Feed - click to grab the feed
- Television: Pick of the day
- Comedy: Armstrong and Miller The Latchmere, London
- Television: Film of the day
- Theatre: That Sherman, he's a funny guy
- Classical: Aldeburgh Early Music Festival
- Arts: The bluffer's guide to Birtwistle
- Pop: Lou Reed Shepherd's Bush Empire, London
- Television Review
- Television review
- The history of popular culture 3 Groucho Marx
- Ivory Towers The hazards of alcohol, drugs, sex and the national lotter y
- So they think this is art?
- Past, but not gone
- Let the buyer beware
- yesterday was a ...
- radio review
- pick of the week
TravelTravel RSS Feed - click to grab the feed
MoneyMoney RSS Feed - click to grab the feed
Ukip says babies born to immigrants in the UK should be classed as migrants – which would include Nigel Farage's own children
Rochester by-election: Ukip gains second MP as Tory defector Mark Reckless holds seat
'Beast of Bolsover' Dennis Skinner takes Ukip MP Mark Reckless to task moments after he is sworn in
The young are the new poor: Sharp increase in number of under-25s living in poverty, while over-65s are better off than ever
Tamir Rice: 12-year-old boy playing with fake gun dies after being shot by Ohio police
Veena Malik sentenced to 26 years in jail for blasphemy after appearing in mock TV wedding scene
- 1 Sean Abbott: Messages of support flood in for bowler following death of batsman Phil Hughes
- 2 Ridley Scott on Exodus, Gods and Kings casting: 'I'm not going to get it financed if my lead actor is Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such'
- 3 Girl, 7, gets Tesco to remove 'stupid' sign suggesting superheroes are 'for boys'
- 4 This letter from a reader explains why women can't play football
- 5 'You should come to my house and eat cheeses with me': 4-year-old sends adorable love letter to girl at school
WIN a trip for two to Cuba
Follow Simon Calder's journey in Cuba, and enter our competition to win a trip for two to Cuba
Caribbean luxury at its finest
Barbados offers a new slice of holiday heaven at Port Ferdnand and Saint Peter's Bay Luxury Resorts
Rainbow list 2014: The LBGT people who make a real difference
Introducing our annual celebration of the lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender people who make a real difference
i100: Who makes your world a better place?
Tweet us the people who deserve some recognition to @thei100 with the hashtag #everydayhero and tell us why.
2014 WISE Summit
For the past four years, Qatar Foundation has been awarding an international prize for education each year, the first award of its kind in the world. Find out more...
Build yourself a brighter future
Chartered surveyors will be critical to shaping our new world
Why HD audio will lead to smarter calling
Telecom giant Vodafone is looking to improve voice quality, becoming the latest company to introduce new HD technology.
Made of London Series
Sir Ranulph Fiennes maintains that a lack of qualifications drove him on to climb Everest , circumnavigate the globe and walk to the South and North Poles.
i100 Quiz: How much do you know about time?
True or False: Sloths sleep more than all other animals...
From medieval to ultramodern
Mons is embracing the future as it prepares for its role as next year's European Capital of Culture, but it's also steeped in intriguing history. Philip Sweeney explores its two sides
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.


text:
- Articles tagged 'radeon hd 5770'
Starcraft 2 Multiplayer GPU Performance Analysis
After a decade long wait, Starcraft 2 is finally here, but are you worried your system can't cope, or are you not sure what graphics card to get to maximize the game? Fret not, we ran Starcraft 2 with the latest graphics cards in the most intense multiplayer scenario to see what kind of performance it garners.
Radeon HD 5770 Roundup - ASUS vs. Gigabyte vs. HIS
The Radeon HD 5770 is the weapon of choice for those seeking a powerful yet relatively affordable DirectX 11 graphics card. We check out customized versions from ASUS, Gigabyte and HIS.
ATI Radeon HD 5770 Duel - MSI vs. PowerColor
The ATI Radeon HD 5770 might be a bit of a disappointment when we first reviewed it, but it's still a mighty competent mid to high-end graphics card. Vendors are now coming up with their own customized designs and we've two fine examples from MSI and PowerColor to do battle.
Takes Two to Tango - ATI Radeon HD 5770 in CrossFire Action
The Radeon HD 5770 falls short of fantastic, but how would two of them in CrossFire configuration perform? Would it surpass the dual-GPU Radeon HD 4870 X2? Check out the results to find out.
Mainstream Attack - The ATI Radeon HD 5770
The cogs of ATI's war machine are turning and they are not letting up. After the awesome Radeon HD 5870 and 5850, they are continuing the assault on NVIDIA by releasing the Radeon HD 5770. The 4700 series used to be ATI's mainstream selection, how would the 5770 perform? Let's find out.
- Meet the AC Ryan Veolo 4K
- Sony in hot water for misleading PS Vita ads
- Creative hosts exclusive listening session for the Sound Blaster X7
- "Is this your photo?" virus solutions and advice from mobile security experts (Updated!)
- Future Warfare: The PD-100 Black Hornet, a drone that could fit in a pocket
- Luxury watch brands are going after imitation smartwatch faces
- Samsung seeks to block NVIDIA GPUs from US market in a tit for tat move
- HTC announces Desire Eye's price and availability (Updated)


text:
|Live Scores
|Video & Audio
Cricinfo staff
January 11, 2008
Sourav Ganguly has said that umpire Mark Benson should have consulted Steve Bucknor in adjudicating on the controversial catch which led to his dismissal in the second innings of the second Test against Australia in Sydney.
Batting on 51, Ganguly had edged Brett Lee low to Michael Clarke at second slip who immediately claimed the catch and the Australians celebrated before awaiting the umpire's decision. Ganguly, convinced that the catch hadn't carried, waited at the crease. Benson opted not to consult Bucknor at square leg and instead took Ricky Ponting's word that the catch was legitimate.
It was among several decisions that went against India through the Test and played a big part in their defeat. But Ganguly was willing to shrug off the disappointment and said that the playing conditions need to be respected if agreed upon before the series.
"I thought he [Benson] could have done a better job speaking to Steve Bucknor," Ganguly told the channel Star Cricket during the second day of the warm-up game against the ACT XI in Canberra. "The moment I nicked it I turned back and saw it didn't carry. But that's the way is. It was agreed to stick by the captain's word and we have to stay with that.
"If it's a decision by the captains then I think in modern day cricket it's fine. But the umpires have a responsibility too. You can leave it to the fielders but the umpires have to make a judgment. I think the umpires should interfere if they feel it's a 50-50."
The umpiring aside, the Test ended in acrimony after offspinner Harbhajan Singh was charged with making an alleged racist remark to Andrew Symonds. Kumble, speaking after the game, said the Australians were guilty of not playing with the right spirit. His feelings were shared by several Australians, including former players who weren't impressed by Ponting's conduct.
Ganguly however said that he admired Australia's hunger to win. "Sometimes things happen at the heat of the moment. But I also admired how desperate they were to win. That's not a bad thing in sport. Some decisions didn't go our way. It hurt us. On the other side, it showed why they win so many Test matches."
Down 2-0 in the series, Ganguly said the team was a happy bunch and that the Perth Test will be a true measure of how good they are. He agreed that the team was a little under-done before the first Test and that a second tour game would have helped.
"It's a happy team. We had a good year before this series. I spoke to the Indian board and said one warm-up was not enough. We should have had two. We had the Pakistan home series so it was difficult to fit in another game."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
The cricket world reacts to the passing away of Phillip Hughes
Phillip Hughes: Country kid who moved a nation
Likeable, hard-working and skilful, it was a matter of time before Phillip Hughes cemented his spot in the Australian Test team. Then, improbably and inconsolably, his time ran out
Hope for Hughes, feel for Abbott
It is impossible to imagine how Sean Abbott must feel after sending down that bouncer to Phillip Hughes. While the cricket world hopes for Hughes' recovery, it should also ensure Abbott is supported
November games need November prices
An early start to the international season, coupled with costly tickets, have kept the Australian public away from the cricket
People across the world paid tribute to Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who died on November 27, by putting out their bats
Phillip Hughes: Country kid who moved a nation (134)
Likeable, hard-working and skilful, it was a matter of time before Phillip Hughes cemented his spot in the Australian Test team. Then, improbably and inconsolably, his time ran out
November games need November prices (85)
An early start to the international season, coupled with costly tickets, have kept the Australian public away from the cricket
The inherent dangers of batting (43)
The sickening blow that struck Phillip Hughes is a reminder of the ever-present dangers associated with facing fast bowlers, even while wearing a helmet
Why the Indian opener would be well advised to shelve the hook and pull in Australia
Going out to play cricket today would have been near enough to impossible. Even doing so next week in the nets and at the Gabba for the first Test will be difficult


text:
More to explore:
This is Scotland - Castle Tioram... would love to travel to Scotland one day and castle hop every day!!!!!!!!!!!
Blarney Castle, Ireland
Burg Eltz, Germany
Dunnottar Castle, Scotland.
Santuario De Las Lajas, Colombia
The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia.
Where is this....
The Savannah Candy Kitchen on River Street [Savannah, GA] by BetaOp9, via Flickr


text:
Drunk words really ARE sober thoughts: Alcohol doesn't impair our ability to control our actions - it just makes us care less
- Researchers asked 67 people to take part in error recognition tasks
- Third were given alcohol, a third were sober, and a third were placebo group
- When making a mistake, people will answer more slowly next time to make sure it doesn't happen again
- Each group was found to be equally aware when they made a mistake
- But the alcohol group were less concerned about this error
Study finds that alcohol doesn't impair our ability to control our actions, such as sending drunk texts, but instead makes us care less about the consequences
It may be easy to blame your drunk behaviour, phone calls and texts on the alcohol, but a study has found this may no longer be a valid excuse.
Researchers asked participants to drink alcohol before completing error recognition tasks on a computer.
They measured their responses using brain patterns and self-reporting.
Those who drank alcohol were as aware as a placebo and sober group that they were making a mistake, but the research discovered that they cared less.
This suggests that alcohol doesn't inhibit our ability to know what we're doing, but instead it inhibits our inability to feel guilt, remorse or shame about it.
Additionally, it suggests drink makes people more honest and less likely to hold back out of fear of the consequences.
Researchers from the University of Missouri, led by Professor Bruce Bartholow, split 67 participants into three groups.
One group of 22 - 11 women and 11 men - were given a soft drink, a second group of 11 men and 11 women were given a placebo drink, while the remaining 23, made up of 12 men and 11 women, were given vodka and tonic.
Each group was then asked to complete an error recognition task.
This task involved first recognising whether a face was black or white, and then whether an image presented was a gun or a pair of pliers.
They measured error-related negativity (ERN), a component of the event-related brain potential (ERP).
This is a brain response that is direct result of a specific sensory event, which in this case was a warning that the participant had made a mistake.
Participants were also asked to self-report on their errors.
The scientists noted that when making a mistake, people typically will answer more slowly next time to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Researchers asked participants to drink alcohol before completing error recognition tasks on a computer. There was also a sober group, and a placebo group. All three groups were aware when they made a mistake, but the alcohol group were less concerned about this error
Drinking just two glasses of wine a day can damage your health, according to a recent study.
The research challenged previous claims that moderate amounts of alcohol could have a protective effect on the heart.
Even if you drink as little as 12 units a week – less than a pint of beer or two small glasses of wine a day – this will still have a negative effect on health said scientists from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Earlier this month, the Government warned people to have a 'one day on, one day off' policy when drinking, to avoid damaging their health.
According to the readings and self-reports, all three groups were aware when they made a mistake.
But the alcohol group were less concerned about this error and answered just as quickly throughout.
Professor Bartholow continued: 'In tasks like the one we used, although we encourage people to try to respond as quickly as possible, it is very common for people to respond more slowly following an error, as a way of trying to regain self-control.
'That's what we saw in our placebo group. The alcohol group participants didn't do this,' Bartholow said.
'These findings suggest that alcohol might limit awareness of errors at an immediate, automatic level, but that subsequent processes leading to recognition, perhaps associated with the further reflection on the response outcome, are not impaired by alcohol,' said the researchers.
The paper is titled Alcohol Effects on Performance Monitoring and Adjustment: Affect Modulation and Impairment of Evaluative Cognitive Control.
- Professional Russian boxer downs thugs to protect wife
- Hillarious hidden bum camera reveals cheeky glances
- Shocking moment teacher DRAGGED girl across the floor
- Shocking moment Sheriff's Deputy knocks out female student
- Meet Asuna, the 14-year-old android girl who looks human
- Bill Cosby performs for first time since rape accusations...
- Whoopi's emotional announcement of Mike Nichols death
- Ozzy Pawsbourne the bulldog loves being on the swing
- GORILLA WARFARE! Angry ape throws rock at Irish tourists
- Hilarious Golden Retriever FAILS at obedience event
- Stunning drone footage captures heavy snowfall in New York
- Hilarious impressions of celebrities stuck in traffic
- SAS quad bike squads kill up to 8 jihadis each day... as...
- Law & Order actress details Bill Cosby's attempted sexual...
- EXCLUSIVE: A tearful Whoopi Goldberg, Natalie Portman and...
- Hidden camera on New York woman's yoga pants reveals a...
- Out for the count: The shocking moment a professional boxer...
- Can YOU find Momo? Photographer uses his VERY patient dog to...
- Heavily pregnant woman and her partner caught having sex in...
- Shocking moment teacher DRAGGED girl, 14, across floor and...
- Former Picture Pages cast member claims Bill Cosby started...
- Michael Phelps' transgender 'girlfriend', 41, reveals she...
- Grandmother is latest to accuse Cosby: Former talent agent...
- Free after 39 years: Emotional moment former death row...
Comments (108)
Share what you think
The comments below have not been moderated.
The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.
We are no longer accepting comments on this article.