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The Gunman: A “Monotonous” thriller released in theaters nationwide

Mar 21, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

New York – The Gunman has finally released in theatres and many fail not to compare it, with The Taken. Both the movies were directed by Pierre Morel. Starring and co-directed by Sean Penn, the movie is about an independent American contractor building roads in Congo in 2006. This was supposedly a cover for his actual mission to assassinate the nation’s leader for the purpose of exploiting its natural resources.

Sean Penn plays the role of Jim Terrier in the movie and had been hired by a mining company for the assassination job. He would be later afflicted with a head injury, which fails him to remember anything about the assassination.

The person behind conspiring the assassination (Mr. Bardem) uses the operation as a pretext to steal Annie (played by Jasmine Trinca, an Italian actress) from Terrier. The movie runs for almost 2 hours.

If reviews provided by The Atlantic and National Review are to be believed, then it would be wrong to expect that The Gunman would provide the same cinematic experience as Taken. Earning $226 million worldwide and having a trilogy made on it, The Taken far outclasses Gunman in every aspect of the movie. Pierre Morel adds a certain spice in the action scenes, but is ultimately a “monotonous thriller”. Sean Penn however, seems to “ripped” for a middle aged person.

The movie has strong scenes of violence (hence rated R) and has “many” action scenes as well. However, none of them are good enough to fetch positive reviews by critics. The Guardian calls the movie as a movie with a “muscle-bound star with a flabby script. According to the New York Times, the series of forgetfulness, blurred vision and vertigo induced by Terrier is supposed to add vulnerability to Penn, but actually adds “contrivance” to the plot.

In conclusion, the movie isn’t the best thing to happen to Sean Penn. It’s one of those movies with a ripped actor and a pretty actress with a “flabby” script.

Ashley Judd finally speaks out about her rape ordeals

Mar 21, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

Los Angeles – Hollywood actress Ashley Judd has since indicated her intention of pressing charges again those who sent her discourteous comments in response to a March Madness tweet she had written earlier in the week.

It is in an essay that Ashley Judd has opened up about her won rape experience. She went ahead to quote that” what happened to me is so disturbing and has become a social norm which many girls and women have experience on the internet”. She further stated that online harassers will apply the slightest excuse so as to dissect a woman’s personhood.

“I am a survivor of rape, sexual assault and incest. However I am blessed in the fact that I found other survivors of the same who introduced me to the road of recovery and opportunity she embraced”. Judd narrated.

She further recalled two other sexual assaults in 1984 by an adult which went hand in hand with a systematic molestation from another. Recovering from this trauma is an ongoing process

The essay was titled “Forget Your Team: Your Online Violence Towards Girls and Women Is What Can Kiss My Ass”. The tweet which Judd explained was simply the most appropriate delivery system for a rage toward women that prowls eternally elicited into name calling by other tweeters while others even threatened her with rape.

One of the feedback tweets read in part “Judd is so immature to even tween to our fans. This is just a game after all. Get over it yourself”.

However she recalled her post because she could not stand by the abuse and neither would anyone else do. She is nine years into recovery and the Higher Power of spirituality in her has given her the privilege of being able to help others that are still hurting and also create awareness to the world. This is in an effort to speak out for those who are afraid to do so.

Thousands of people gather to wait and watch a major eclipse after 16 years

Mar 21, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

USA – A fully visible eclipse will occur in the Faroe Islands and many commuters will have to make their way to work under darkened skies. The eclipse which experts have said that it will be less noticeable will have varying degrees ranging from 97 percent in Icelandto 78 percent in Paris.

According to Patrick Rocher of the IMCCE astronomy institute, it will not get very dark since the light will come from a crescent-shaped sun. Furthermore, even at 20 percent, the sun still brightens up.

Gradual dimming is expected as the eclipse starts and as it reaches its maximum obscuration it will become more noticeable before returning to normal. South coast will experience 91 per cent coverage while North Mayo will have the deepest eclipse.

However, together with a French association of ophthalmologists, AsnaV, they were quick to warn about having a direct look into the solar eclipsewith the naked eye. “It is likely to cause blindness” They both concurred.

With hundreds of astronomers having taking position waiting for this great event, another warning was given to Digital narcissists on how they will place their cameras and phones.

“Taking a selfie also exposes you to the risk because you would be tempted to look directly at the sun.” Daniel Hardiman-Mc Cartney of Britain’s College of Optometrists pointed out. As such people experts have emphasized that it is safer to watch it online.

The appearance of the solar eclipse is not the only event expected. Earth’s moon is also expected to appear as a “supermoon” while passing at its closest point which will cause stronger tides in the ocean as a result of gravitational pull.

The scientists are however worried over the weather especially with the prospects of cloudy skies yet there will be hundred thousands of children watching the same. A good view is likely to be obtained from the hills.

Power Engineers are well prepared hence they have confirmed that there is no risk of solar power failure.

Researchers discover Fossil of deadly Crocodile believed to be exist even before dinosaurs

Mar 21, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

Washington – A new species of crocodile fossils which researchers say is the largest and the oldest crocodile ever known has been unearthed in North Carolina. It is believed that the roughly 9-foot-long croc named Carnufex carolinensis, which signifies “Carolina butcher,” because of its threatening particularities had lived for about 231 million years.

Asked how the name“Carolina butcher,” came about, the Natural Sciences Museum paleontologistand State University of North Carolina, Lindsay Zanno,explained that the “Butcher” name would easily stick in people’s minds making it suitable for reference. It is classified under the early member of the croc lineage which is not likely to be found in today’s crocs.

Various body parts which included spinal column,the animal’s skull and the arm bonewere found by Zanno and her coworkers in a Chatham County quarry. “It was such a cool species though the size was somehow surprising but you would clearly tell that it was such a predator”. Zanno revealed. Researchers further went ahead to get a fuller picture of Carnufex‘s skull by scanning the individual bones whereby they used the latest imaging technology, a scanner with a higher resolution surface. They then converted the skull into a three – dimensional model to fill out the missing parts.

The animal lived near other reinforced plant-eating reptiles commonly known as aetosaurs, are warm blooded animal and which are said to be relatives of other wild predators. It stands out amongst the most known primitive reptiles referred to as crocodylomorphs. It has so far been described as a punctual and seasoned crocodylomorphs.

The fossils for this period are considered very important by scientists because they tend to give a record of the earliest appearance of crocodylomorphs. The discovery of carnufex was an indication that large-bodied crocodylomorphs which were not necessarily dinosaurs were adding the diversity of niches of the top predators.

“Somehow we knew there was a likely hood of many top performers especially at the reputedstage but not until we had discovered Carnufex.” Zanno added.

Google teaming up with Tag Heuer and Intel to launch a luxury smartwatch

Mar 19, 2015 by Muhammad Asad Rafi Leave a Comment

Google, Intel and Tag Heuer have joined hands to create an Android Wear-powered luxury smartwatch. The announcement was made during the annual Baselworld 2015 watch show where a lot of other famous watch brands showcased their watches as well, but this news is definitely the limelight of the show. Right now, anything else regarding the specs and price of the smartwatch is unknown; but Tag Heuer Chief Executive Jean-Claude Biver said that the first Android luxury smartwatch will be release in the fourth quarter of 2015

Tag Heuer is the famous Swiss watch brand, known for making luxury watches which are definitely out of this world. They have a vast variety of watches available, from luxury to sport and a watch for almost every kind of occasion. On the other hand, tech giants Google and Intel, they definitely don’t need any introduction. This is a deadly trio, and the main purpose behind this partnership is to go head to head with the new Apple Watch. The luxury version of Apple Watch can cost around a $10,000. Tag Heuer prices are always above $1000, so you can expect that as the starting price of the upcoming smartwatch. This is what Tag Heuer General Manager Guy Sémon thinks about this initiative:

“The quality of Swiss watches is renowned worldwide. When this is allied with the creative technology and global power of two companies like Intel and Google, using the Android Wear platform and based on Intel technology, we can see the launch of a technological revolution in our industry, of which I am proud to be a pioneer today with TAG Heuer.”

So far, we have seen smartwatches only from tech giants like Samsung, LG, Huawei, Motorola, and many others but with the entry of a renowned Swiss watch brand, Tag Heuer, I think it will be a matter of time when we might see other famous watch brands entering the smartwatch market. Do you think there is a possibility of that to happen? Let us know in the comment box below.

Via: WIRED

Liza Minnelli checks into Rehab for alcoholism and substance abuse

Mar 19, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

California – “Over the years Liza Minnelli who is an Oscar winning actress and singer has battled with substance abuse. However, she has not failed to seek for treatment whenever she feels she need to”. The statement was made by Minnelli’s spokesman after Minnelli’s admission into a rehab facility for what was termed as substance abuse.

Minneli who is at an undisclosed facility is reported to be responding positively. In addition she is not shy in admitting to having had previous stints in a rehab for alcohol and painkiller addiction. She has also had a share of health problems citing a particular one of a back surgery which was meant to relieve an injury that had curtailed her from performing as well as attending to the funeral of Joan Rivers.

It is only in 2008 that she made a statement indicating that she had inherited the disease which had been horrendous and rampant throughout her life. However she was quick to report that she always sought for help.

Her partial statement at the time read “I have received immense love and care from every part of the world and which is so overwhelming.” Further, she stated that the addiction disease was a big things hence no one should take it lightly but it should be fought with clarity of information it deserves.

Apparently, Liza’s Minnelli, Judy Garland who was a Hollywood legend had also struggled with this addiction until her death in 1969 which is said to have been resulted by an accidental dose.

Minnelli is four-time married star with an international recognition as a cultural and gay icon. In 2010 she declined an half a million offer to do a reality show dubbed “celebrity rehab”. The actress has received a win of three Tony Awards for her Broadway performances and she was also named a Grammy Living Legend in 1990.

Her talent is well acclaimed and she has continued to make guest appearances in the recent years and more often on TV series; Arrested Development.

Insurgent, mostly with female in lead cast all set to hit the box office

Mar 19, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

Los Angeles – Theo James is only in his thirties and has suddenly thrust into the limelight as a young adult movie hero. Though he did not anticipate it, Theo had to deal with the emotional needs of fatherly issues in the “Divergent series” of the “Insurgent” movie.

He stated that the film had surely given more emotional levels to play with four because of the growing emotional bond with Tris who happened to be a resurgence of a woman from his past. “Four is a watchful person and you can hardly tell of his intentions”.

However it is good now that there are signs of vulnerability in him since there is no much room for that in the film”, Theo acknowledged.

On the other hand Tris (Shailene Woodley) has always been labeled in life but the actress has always shut this out. “Labels tend to divide us and it is a label for me when someone calls me feminist”. Tris who is being made part of the military faction in “Divergent” stated. However, she is referred to as being special and dangerous at the same time since she is planning a coup.

During her training under four, it will become very clear of her unfitness in being part of the group hence she is divergent. Trio and Four will then be reflected as being on the run trying to diverse a way of fighting back the central powers.

James is in addition expected to be handy physically because of the physical demands. However he is able to embrace all the action on the second film. This makes it even easier for him to bond with his character. According to him, “do as much stunts and fighting as possible since it enhances your performance later on. The drama is all fun and upholds the building of the movie”. James exclaimed.

For James, the action and emotions of the “Divergent” series are not in vain. They come with additional bonuses.

Tunisia Bardo Museum terrorist attack leaves 22 dead, mostly foreigners

Mar 19, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

Tunis, Tunisia – 22 people have been confirmed dead following a dramatic shoot out by gunmen in military uniforms after they stormed Bardo Museum which is in the heart of Tunis. The gunmen burst out from a vehicle wielding rifles and began shooting at anything moveable.

Most of the victims are said to have been tourists of mixed nationalities who were climbing out of their buses at the National Museum. While two other victims have been identified as Tunisians, The nationality of one dead foreigner is not known yet. However, two gunmen were gunned down by Tunisian security forces who stepped in to end the siege.

In a news conference Prime Minister Habib Essid said “that is a coward attack whose main target is on Tunisia’s economy but we are united to defend our country”. He further stated that three gunmen are still at large though it is still not clear what role they played in the attack. The motive of the attack has still not been identified even after reports indicated that many more persons have been injured.

Millions of foreigners visit the country each year and tourism has been said to be a key pillar of Tunisia’s economy. Hence it is such a blow to the nation with attackers having to strike a popular cultural attraction which is apparently the closest to parliamentary buildings where lawmakers were locked in a meeting before they heard the gunfire erupt.

“We allowed the frightened tourists who were running into different directions enter into parliament”. Mehrezia Labidi who is a lawmaker stated. Lawmakers were also asked by an administrator lie to down on the ground.

According to Interior Ministry spokesman, the attackers are said to be Islamist though the authorities have nothing specific to add to this and they are also exploring on other possibilities of the attack

Besides, there is no immediate claim of responsibility even though ISIS supporters are said to be in an online celebration mode of the attack.

Medical study reveals link between brain swelling deaths and cerebral Malaria

Mar 19, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

Washington – A new study has revealed that children will more often than not die from either severe malaria or a swelling of the brain. However, inasmuch this revelation is not likely to immediately effect a change into the medical practice, researchers are confident that it would lead to improved treatments.

The disease is said to be common in the tropics and majorly caused by a parasite spread by mosquitoes. Globally, 198 Million Malaria cases were identified in 2013 alone with an estimation of 500,000 deaths and mostly children in Africa.

Though with drugs to prevent and treat Malaria, at some point it can be said to be fatal and especially in small children whose immunity system is still not very well developed. Worse still is the cerebral malaria which is very dangerous as it involves the brain. It can lead to death or a coma and with severe effect to a survivor which could include learning disabilities, blindness of even becoming deaf.

In an effort to identify the cure for this disease, researchers in Malawi carried out MRI scans on various children. 168 children whose illnesses seemed to fit a straightforward definition of Cerebral Malaria were involved.

What were the results like? 84 percent of 25 children who died were found to have severe brain swelling while 27 percent of those who survived had severe swellings.

The senior author of the study Dr. Terrie E. Taylor explained the results by stating that these deaths occur as a result of a child not being able to breath. “The swelling compresses the respiratory center in the brain stem hence the child stops breathing”. Taylor noted.

However, Taylor was quick to say that the children could be saved by use of ventilators. “Maintain their breathing even at their worst cases of brain swelling”. Advises Taylor. The sad part of it is that the ventilators are said not to be readily available in Africa. Besides, mannitol and steroids are drugs said to be helpful.

The UK Genetic study reveals new facts about ancient Anglo-Saxons past and Viking invasions

Mar 19, 2015 by Karla Fetrow Leave a Comment

New York – Researchers have indicated that they will soon have some light into the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons as well as the ancient past that included Viking invasions. The Light will be shed by the genetic samples that have been collected across United Kingdom.

Professor Simon Myers, of Oxford University explained that identification of genetic differences between the Cornish and the Devon people gave significant results after the analysis of DNA. The study involved a sample of 2,000 persons who were of the Caucasian ethnicity and of middle-age. From the 17 groups identified in the UK, Myers reported that two closely corresponded to Cornwall and Devon.

The levels of Anglo–Saxon were noted to be a main distinguishing factor between these two groups. Contributions were between 10-40%In the East of England Anglo-Saxon and half that level for Cornwall.

“However, if the results are studied at a finer grain, there are chances of identifying another genetic group around the Land’s End are. Never the less, based on previous experience, the identification of another group was not expected.” Myers stated.

The findings are expected to play a remarkable role into the larger study of genetic history of the Britons. While analyzing the DNA samples, Celtic parts of the British Isles were found to be home for more genetic diversity compared to any other region within the country.

This is a clear indication of the presence of loads of genetic variation in the UK way before the arrival of the anglo-Saxons. Before the study was carried out, it is generally believed that there was no much generic structure in Britain.

Prof Peter Donnelly was the lead author of the study. And according to him, there are outstanding similarities between the genetic patterns to the tribal groupings and kingdoms around. “There is a lot of similarity in the genetic clusters seen in the west and north”. Donnelly cited saying that this was just after the time of the Saxon invasion.