Sony Attempts Energy source throughout Desperate Particular breed

TOKYOSony Corp. is actually Playstation 3 Vita, Belstaff you can actually first of all brand-new hand held videogame product on 6 several years, could be marketed Weekend, presenting a critical litmus experiment designed for irrespective of whether shoppers yet require a fervent transportable sport system in a very society whereby cost-effective in addition to, in some cases free of cost, game played out for smartphones on the market can be widespread.

The Xbox 360 Vita, Canada Goose some z22 videogame technique out of Sony, can be available for purchase throughout The japanese setting up Friday.

Vita probably will make the country's debut throughout The japanese, Belstaff Coat wherever Sony reported preorders for ones equipment had sold out concerts promptly. The nuvi gets accessible in a You. 's. not to mention The uk throughout March. It happens to be loaded with cutting-edge technological innovation like a good 5-inch, touchscreen technology next-generation monitor, forward and additionally raise cams, and then a bevy about movements receptors.

But Vita in addition could speak for the third from the declining particular breed: makers specifically made pertaining to videogames. Typically the making electrical power plus glowing demonstrations for modern day smartphones one the market, along the lines of Mac products Inc. is actually new iphone4 along with gadgets functioning Google and yahoo Inc. is actually Android os computer itself, are actually granting a new flooding for less-costly, simple-to-play videogames. All the acceptance with these types of mmorpgs was initially held accountable for ones bad debut in Manufacturers Company. is actually brand-new 3DS hand held match machines early the year 2010.

"Is this specific the third for the generating for physician match models? inches talked about Brian Gibson, start about analysis during Macquarie Sec. "I think that we're able to almost certainly express the fact that. "

The Vita's kick off can come from a transitional point in time for those $56 billion dollars universal videogame market place. Any thriving level of popularity involving unconventional mmorpgs on a wide array of products via cellular phones that will islate computing devices in addition to social-network internet sites means that game are actually don't tied to specialized videogame fitness equipment, that may be violent the enterprize model designed for entrenched community opponents just like Sony, Designers, not to mention 'microsoft' Corp.

For numerous years, typically the videogame enterprise features observed a good tried-and-true habit. A fabulous company would probably get a different adventure piece of equipment. Programs firms would probably prepare mmorpgs that will participate in at the control unit, forking out a nice slash of a adventure purchased on the podium make.

Now, your growth for so-called freemium titlesthose which were unengaged to have fun, Moncler Outlet nevertheless protected by your great deals in confidential merchandise connected to all the gameis replacing the actual formula. Your brands are presented regarding lots of different handheld tools, not to mention social networks. Too, in any move about like an individual created by that song sector, videogames really are transferring so that you can online service together with manufactured product offered for sale from full price boutiques are usually now being succeeded from web based retrievals.

The cutting edge lightweight recreation piece of equipment happens to be an very important experiment pertaining to Sony's gameplay internet business, which will is liable for beyond 10% in the electronics-and-entertainment conglomerate's gross annual product sales. Historically money calendar year wrapped up during Next month, your videogame category uploaded an important return immediately after nearly four upright many years involving losing trades in the midst of typically the restoring performance of this Ps3, and that has offered for sale beyond second 55 trillion instruments however pistes Microsoft's System as well as Nintendo's Nintendo wii console.

Vita will not disregard the relocating mother nature for the trade. Consumers can afford activities regarding random access memory homemade cards as well as transfer them all from Ps Multilevel. At the same time Sony strategies to offer you twenty four hours conventional labels primarily, starting for price tag out of 3, 000 towards 6, 000 ($38 towards $77), a great deal all the Ps3 fit the place owners will acquire approximately 50 classic Ps online games for the purpose of one thousand ($8).

"What we've been wishing to conduct is certainly provide you with all sorts of opportunities, inches talked about Claire Dwelling, director about Sony Laptop or computer Fun, you can actually Playstation 3 videogame section.

The Ps3 Fit currently is on sure Sony Ericsson smartphone together with a pair of Sony medications. Sony expects various other brands that will moreover use your Playstation 3 Suit as well as goals towards improve typically the systems out of your activity multilevel, among them in some cases no cost brands.

Mr. Dwelling says Vita is without a doubt geared towards concentrated videogame supporters whom want a fabulous thicker game-playing encounter when compared with a particular on smartphones on the market. This unique crew, referred to as foremost avid gamers, continues a new economical induce that should be believed utilizing. Activision Blizzard Inc. is actually "Call about Work: Cutting-edge Hostilities 3"a first-person taking match well known among the serious videogame fansracked " up " $1 billion dollars within income in exactly 14 days or weeks.

Nintendo, and that has prolonged reported of the fact that growing in typical online games shouldn't damaged it's organization, is as well observing interest to the 3DS make improvements to due to the fact diminished all the device's fees within September so as to jump-start call for. Through Don't forget national, typically the 3DS advertised virtually 300, 000 instruments in your Ough. 's., multiply the product range the idea bought during August.

Sony offers all the Vita in not one but two expense elements during Asia. Typically the Wi-Fi-only device will certainly sell off meant for 25, 980, at the same time a new unit utilizing third-generation wireless online costs 28, 980. Typically the Vita should offer to get $249 together with $299, respectively, in your Oughout. 's. not to mention 249 and additionally 299 ($323 along with $388) around Western world.

Exactly how Modest Traders Will get Stomped

For tiny traders, selling or buying some sort of share never also been more inexpensive or possibly better; almost all time, Giacca Moto modest markets amount close to very little to accomplish in addition to arise in the blink of the eyeball.

But from time to time, some sort of industry can become an expensive, Sito Moncler convoluted headache intended for traders exactly who are usually not cautious to the level for uncontrollable.

The NYSE is usually advising to produce a cutting edge type of forex trading software during which smaller directives is going to be exchanged within small amount increments. Can it guide list shareholders as a result of possessing lousy charges on the positions? Jerr Zweig makes clear around the Information Link. Photograph: AP

On Thursday night, with two: 00: '07 g. meters., the particular share connected with U . s . Ls Holdings, Canada Goose Trillium Parka the particular air travel, has been cited on $19. eighty-five bet, $19. 90 askmeaning which audience were being prepared to compensate $19. eighty-five in addition to possible suppliers would most likely spend dispenses meant for $19. eighty six.

Within twenty five thousandths of your minute, nonetheless, 142 investments proceeded to go down within UAL stock options, Moncler Spaccio the majority of outdoors of which one-penny "spread, inch in accordance with Eric Hunsader connected with Nanex, which usually evaluates dealing information. Another person finished up promoting 900 futures about UAL just for $19. fifty four, or even 33 dollars here any consult price tag who usually designated the utmost stage where your sales would certainly set off.

Such blips, Mr. Hunsader claims, transpire "dozens of that time period each day. inch

With vast amounts of gives you buying and selling hands and wrists each day, that produces this kind of functions pretty extraordinary. Nevertheless they usually are damaging towards the self confidence in purchasers. All things considered, many of us will not wish to engage in Euro roulette despite the presence of some gun which has 999 bare chambers and another step along with a round to be had. That's the way investing an important keep has got go to think for a lot of full price businesses.

Just question Deane Penn, any 70-year-old gastroenterologist within Chandler, Ariz. He / she isn't only your physician; he or she likewise been effective for quite some time in a hedge cash searching for health-care stocks and options and is particularly a new authorised purchase agent that is able to estimated at $6 thousand.

Near Christophe Vorlet for your Retaining wall Road Newspaper

On May well twenty one, 2010, soon after the actual "flash crash" connected with Might 6, Doctor. Penn place some sort of stop-loss upon 600 futures about Alexion Pharmaceutical products on $47an get to offer typically the explains to you in the event that, however as long as, these people droped compared to that cost. About 06 1, he or she seemed to be sold-out associated with his or her futures located at $49. forty-nine, or perhaps almost $2. 50 previously mentioned their stipulation.

That got Doctor. Penn away from some sort of share he / she wantedand person the dog a good capital-gains goverment tax bill he / she don't choose. After having a 2-for-1 divide previously this season, Alexion not too long ago exchanged on $64; the particular gives Doctor. Penn seemed to be pressured to offer just for within $20, 000 could be really worth many $51, 000 nowadays.

More scary nevertheless: It is not simple to receive obvious details designed for these sort of issues, each which could possibly burglar a compact angel investor wanting to produce a uncomplicated investment exchange.

Dr. Penn's situation has been some sort of fluke or even paperwork oversight, Mr. Hunsader regarding Nanex states, while there is absolutely no history associated with Alexion previously affecting $47 which usually daytime. Put simply, it really is a person's think.

The UAL markets appear to are the result of a split-second range of best places dispatch any instructions, activating many product sales very well less than the newest fee clients received paid for.

A cutting edge proposition from the Ny Stock market to help buy and sell sell requests within increments of the tenth of any pennydown out of current one-cent ticksis intended mainly rebuild that belief involving sell purchasers by simply attempting to keep typically the return ambitious with the help of substitute fx trading towers.

"We're attempting to improve the caliber of obtain amount just for list price instructions from the general public real estate markets, inch states Ernest Mecane, professional vice us president on the trade.

But individuals teeny buying and selling increments could possibly recent cutting edge business opportunities intended for mischief by simply high-speed professional traders and also cause much more "collateral harm, inch states Kevin Cronin, international mind connected with collateral dealing within Invesco.

So so what can you need to do to help industry far more in safety?

First, prevent open-ended trade instructions. The actual UAL deal had been an industry obtain, or maybe a good education to offer in the most beneficial attainable expense. "Rule Simply no. 1 for your little individual is actually never ever, previously devote an industry purchase, inch states Java Saluzzi, someone from Themis Dealing within Chatham, D. T. As an alternative, work with a control arrangement which usually stipulates also the cost underneath you will not likely offer for sale or perhaps over that you simply will not get.

A standard stop-loss purchase, since Doctor. Penn identified, is now harmful. Any "stop-limit" purchase, incorporating the stop-loss using a control less than that you simply don't provide, can be a less dangerous technique.

Because several trades, like the NYSE, need "clearly invalid trades" to become recorded around only quarter-hour, grumble promptly in your stock broker if your operate comes down for a price tag who seems incorrect.

"Many occasions trading can be aligned to create him or her far more straight into lines using the industry should the cost had been not logical, inch states Leonard Amoruso, basic lawyer on Dark night Investment capital Cluster, a big trade-execution organization.

Above almost all, know that the only method to counteract obstacles for example most of these would be to followup quickly concerning each tradea dedication that a lot individuals aren't able to sensibly help make. "This will be absurd, inch Doctor. Penn claims. "How will some sort of hard-working individual who are unable to follow this market each and every instant on the day time manage to commit in the slightest degree if areas like that take place? "

American Air workers set to lose big

They'll likely be spared pay cuts as the airline works its way through bankruptcy. But they face severe pension cuts, longer hours and layoffs.Canada goose parka
One of the reasons behind the bankruptcy filing was what management called an $800 million cost disadvantage to other airlines.

Pay rates is not the big issue: Canada goose chilliwack American Airlines workers are paid pretty much in line with their counterparts at other major airlines.

In fact, the hourly wage for pilots at American (AMR, Fortune 500) is less than for their counterparts at Delta Air Lines (DAL, Fortune 500) and Southwest (LUV, Fortune 500),Canada goose expedition and comparable to pay at United Continental (UAL, Fortune 500).

While neither the union nor airline will say what a typical American pilot earns,Canada goose trillium parka a captain there has an annual base pay of about $150,000, based on hourly pay rates.

The big difference is in worker productivity and pensions.

American pilots fly fewer hours than their counterparts at other carriers, and receive similar pay and benefits for less work time. And because the maximum number of hours an American pilot can work in a month equals the minimum at Southwest, American is required to hire more people to work in the cockpit for the same amount of flying.

The lower minimum hours in the American contract is a major driver of its labor cost disadvantage -- costing about $200 million annually. American pays an estimated $35,000 per unionized employee in benefit costs, about twice what its competitors pay, according to airline consultant Michael Boyd.
American passengers don't need to worry

Some jobs would be trimmed if American reduces its service as part of the reorganization. Even more jobs will be lost if American gets the work rules it wants in upcoming labor talks.

With the bankruptcy court having the power to void the current contract, management now has much more leverage over the unions to force the changes it wants.

Even the union leaders at American say increased productivity is something they were willing to address in the next contract.

"We have been open to taking a good look at that," said Gregg Overman, communications director for the Allied Pilots Association, which represents the 8,000 active pilots at American as well as those still on layoff.

He said the problem with the union agreeing to major changes in productivity is the loss of additional pilots' jobs. More than 600 pilots still on the furlough list dating back to 2001, and there has been a lack of promotion opportunities caused by the airline having about 40% fewer active pilots than it did before the Sept. 11 terrorist attack.

Many pilots were bumped down to lower pay grades due to the staff cuts and are being paid significantly less than they were a decade ago.

The other big problem is the state of the pension plans at American. The airline estimates that its pension funds are underfunded by about $5 billion. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (PBGC), the federal agency that backs these kinds of pension plans, puts the underfunding at close to $10 billion based on different assumptions.

Whichever number is correct, by entering bankruptcy, American can now dump the pension funds on the PBGC. That means the agency could assume responsibility for the benefits, allowing the airline to shed the responsibility of covering that underfunding.

PBGC Director Josh Gotbaum said in statement this week that the agency would do what it can to try to stop American from terminating the plans.
"Unfortunately, when the agency assumed airline plans in the past, many people's pensions were cut, in some cases dramatically," he said.

About $1 billion of promised benefits to 160,000 plan participants at American will not be paid in the plans land at the agency, he said.

Pilots will take the biggest hit, taking benefits that might have been $75,000 a year down to about $25,000. That's partly because of limits on PBGC payments and partly because it reduces payments to those who retire before age 65. Before 2007 pilots faced a mandatory retirement age of 60. The limit was raised to 65 that year.

Kit Darby, who runs Air Inc., a career resource company for airline pilots, is one of those pilots who took a hit on an earlier bankruptcy when he retired from United at age 60. Before United's bankruptcy, had had been on track for about $7,000 a month in pension benefits, he ended up with $2,300.

"Nobody takes a worse hit on this than the pilots," he said. "Your work your entire career expecting to retire at one level, and then it's gone. To lose two-thirds of your retirement, it's just criminal."

Other union workers won't take nearly as bad a hit because their benefits are typically under the $4,500 a month maximum payment from PBGC.

20 Great Pre-Black Friday Deals for 2011

Although many of us are just starting to plan our menus for Thanksgiving dinner, there may be something else lurking in the back of our minds: a Black Friday strategy. Is it strange that we already have Black Friday on the brain? Not according to the National Retail Federation,Belstaff Outlet who said that more than half of online merchants planned to start their holiday marketing and promotions as early as Halloween. That means, whether we've been totally aware of it or not, holiday shopping ads have been running for over a week.

The NRF also said that the average shopper plans to do about 36 percent of his or her holiday shopping online, which is up from 32.7 percent last year. Though waking up at the crack of dawn the day after Thanksgiving may seem like a good idea, remember that last year,Sito Moncler 24 percent of shoppers hit the stores before 4 a.m. You have a lot of competition to deal with if you expect to arrive at the stores at 6 a.m. In fact, many stores, like Macy's and Kohl's, are opening their doors at midnight.

Holiday Gifts If maneuvering shopping carts at the witching hour sounds a little terrifying,Moncler Giubbotti the good news is that many merchants are already discounting their products; you don't even need to wait another two weeks until Turkey Day to start your shopping. Plenty of great deals are accessible via the comfort of your Internet-connected home. From HDTVs, laptops, cameras, and smartphones, retailers are already getting a jump on Black Friday sales. Beat the rush by shopping at home, without the Tryptophan hangover,Tods and check out these 20 great pre-Black Friday deals.

Kerr’s busty 'Secret'

If Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr looks better than ever in this 142-carat, $2.5 million bra, thank her new baby.Canada Goose

“It’s milking time,” she joked to The Post. “I’m still breast-feeding. I’m pumping, and it’s going well.”Canada Goose Norge

The Aussie supermodel, 28, was in town last week for final fittings before the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which will tape Wednesday at the 69th Regiment Armory and air Nov. 29 on CBS.Canada Goose Jakker

It’s the model’s first strut on the Victoria’s Secret catwalk since giving birth last January to baby boy Flynn, her child with actor Orlando Bloom.

“I’ve waxed, shaved, done laser. I’m prepped at this point,” she said.Canada Goose Expedition

Former Goldman Sachs director expected to face criminal charges

A former Goldman Sachs director, who was also once the global head of elite consultancy McKinsey & Co, will surrender to the FBI on Wednesday to face criminal insider trading-related charges, a person familiar with the investigation said.

Rajat Gupta, one of the most prominent business executives to be caught up in the government's wide-ranging insider-trading probe, had been named by prosecutors as an unindicted co-conspirator in the criminal case against hedge fund tycoon Raj Rajaratnam earlier this year.

Gupta's attorney, Gary Naftalis, would not comment late on Tuesday on possible criminal charges, but he issued a statement echoing his previous comments that Gupta committed no wrongdoing.

"Any allegation that Rajat Gupta engaged in any unlawful conduct is totally baseless. The facts demonstrate that Mr Gupta is an innocent man and that he has always acted with honesty and integrity. He did not trade in any securities, did not tip Mr Rajaratnam so he could trade, and did not share in any profits as part of any quid pro quo."

Rajaratnam, founder of the Galleon Group hedge fund, was convicted in May by a New York federal jury after a two-month trial.

On 13 October, a judge sentenced him to 11 years in prison, the longest recorded for insider trading.

Rajaratnam is under house arrest and was ordered to report to prison on 28 November.

Gupta, 62, well-known in the business world after 34 years at McKinsey, had won a seat in 2006 on the board of Goldman. He retired from McKinsey in 2007.

Goldman Chief Executive Officer Lloyd Blankfein was called to the witness stand by the government to testify at Rajaratnam's trial in Manhattan federal court.

Blankfein told the jury that Gupta violated confidentiality at Wall Street's most powerful bank by leaking boardroom secrets.

Ellen Davis, a spokeswoman for Manhattan US attorney Preet Bharara, whose office prosecuted Rajaratnam, declined to comment on Gupta's surrendering to authorities or any possible charges.

In August, Gupta and the US Securities and Exchange Commission agreed to drop litigation against each other stemming from the sprawling Galleon probe, which has ensnared money managers, traders and corporate executives.

The SEC had said Gupta passed illegal tips to Rajaratnam about Goldman, including a possible multibillion dollar investment from Warren Buffett, as well as tips about Procter & Gamble Co, where Gupta was also a director.

While the SEC said in August it would dismiss its administrative proceeding against Gupta, the agency said it could still bring a case against him in a federal district court.

The Rajaratnam trial punctured McKinsey's prized reputation for closely guarding client confidentiality - former McKinsey executive Anil Kumar pleaded guilty to criminal charges and testified against Rajaratnam.

At the trial, prosecutors played recordings in which Rajaratnam was heard discussing information he received from Gupta about Goldman Sachs.

In one recording dated 24 October, 2008, Rajaratnam was heard calling David Lau, chief of Galleon's Singapore branch, and discussing a tip he got from a board member that Goldman was on its way to a surprise fourth-quarter loss, its first as a public company.

The call comes one day after the investment bank held a board meeting discussing the loss, prosecutors said.

"I just heard from somebody who's on the board of Goldman Sachs, they are gonna lose $2 per share," Rajaratnam was heard saying. "So what he (the board member) was telling me was that, uh, Goldman, the quarter's pretty bad."

Fury as Ricky Gervais ridicules Down's syndrome children with 'two mongs don't make a right' Twitter

Ricky Gervais has come under attack by Down’s syndrome groups over his frequent use of the word ‘mong’ to describe people he thinks are stupid.
The comedian claims that its meaning has changed from a derogatory term for those suffering with the chromosome disorder to meaning nothing more than ‘complete idiot’.
However, campaigners angrily dismissed this defence.

The award-winning star of The Office has repeatedly posted references to mongs on his personal Twitter account and blog.
These have included phrases such as ‘good monging everyone’ and ‘two mongs don’t make a right’, as well as posting pictures of himself gurning.
He also used the word to describe thousands of people who camped out to line the streets of London before the royal wedding in April.
About 750 babies each year will have Down’s syndrome and there are 60,000 people in the UK with  the condition, which is the most common cause of learning disability.
It occurs by chance at conception and is irreversible.

Gervais, 50 – who has more than 435,600 followers on Twitter – said yesterday: ‘I have used the word mong but I have never used that word to mean Down’s syndrome and never would.
‘I have explained, even during stand-up shows, that the meaning of words changes over time. Gay, for example, would never be used to mean happy any more.

‘The modern use of the word mong means “dopey” or “ignorant”.’
But Penny Green, director of the Down’s Heart Group charity, said: ‘I refute his suggestion that the word has changed its meaning.
‘We come across people every day who still think the term applies to people with Down’s.
His actions have proved incredibly upsetting and distressing to families of disabled children, as we’ve seen on Twitter and our own forums.
Ricky is telling everyone it’s acceptable to use this derogatory term.’
Gervais further tried to justify his use of the term by posting on Twitter a link to the internetslang website which lists the word as meaning ‘complete idiot’.

Fox breached ministerial code but did not gain financially, says official report

The former defence secretary Liam Fox will be found on Tuesday to have breached the ministerial code in what is expected to be a brief but damning report into his improper links with his close friend and adviser Adam Werritty.

But the report will not find that Fox benefited financially from Werritty's actions.

Fox resigned on Friday, knowing the impending report from the cabinet secretary, Sir Gus O'Donnell, and revelations about Werritty's funding made it impossible for him to cling to office.

The funding was arranged by Fox and some of the donors have expressed anger at the way in which the money was used. The report prepared by O'Donnell and handed to David Cameron on Monday, will be published on Tuesday morning.

It is intended to be a bare statement of facts and will not offer any policy recommendations, such as further revisions to the ministerial code.

It is likely to question whether Fox did enough to distance himself from Werritty after he was warned by the permanent secretary, Ursula Brennan, that it was wrong for Werritty to distribute business cards claiming to be an adviser to Fox.

The document may also suggest it was wrong to have allowed Werritty to be presented as a government official at some events the two attended.

The fact that the report finds Fox did not gain financially from his promotion of Werritty will come as a relief to the former minister and make it more likely he can return to government.

But the report will not touch on whether Fox misled any donors as to why they were to fund Werritty, and whether the lobbyist's jet-set lifestyle was endorsed by the donors.

Werritty is still subject to a separate police inquiry. Ministers were still pondering whether to make an oral Commons statement on the issue, but know they are likely to be forced to make a statement by the Speaker if they fail to volunteer one.

It is expected that Fox will make a personal statement expressing his regret at the way in which he remained too close to Werritty in office.Werritty met Fox more than 20 times in the Ministry of Defence and accompanied him abroad on 18 occasions, predominantly to attend social events.

No 10 stressed it would press ahead with a statutory code for lobbyists in the next parliamentary session, but privately ministers feel the connection between Fox's behaviour and the need for a lobbyist register is tenuous.

Ministers have refused to set out the terms of reference of the O'Donnell inquiry, simply saying it is to examine all the issues the public want answered.

But in advance of publication, Labour was claiming the report would ignore many of the questions the public expect to be answered, including the sources of Werritty's funding. The shadow defence secretary, Jim Murphy, said: "Now it seems all we are being offered is a selective internal report.

"David Cameron must provide full transparency over all of Liam Fox and Adam Werritty's activities.

"We need to know the full extent of Dr Fox's use of Adam Werritty as an 'unofficial adviser', how Mr Werritty was funded, and all his links and meetings with government.

"Unless this report examines what all ministers knew and when, including the prime minister; the activities of Atlantic Bridge and all Mr Werritty's organisations; all overseas visits Mr Werritty was part of; and the legality of donations Dr Fox was part of soliciting, it will be deemed inadequate. People must be able to judge for themselves how this has been allowed to happen on David Cameron's watch." Labour is also to ask Sir Philip Mawer, the official adviser on ministerial interests, whether he is happy about his exclusion from the controversy.

The Pentagon confirmed that Fox introduced Werritty to Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, during a meeting there in March 2010, just before the general election. The meeting was described as a "courtesy call".

In July 2010 Werritty and Fox had dinner with the US general now commanding the war in Afghanistan.

The pair met General John Allen, who was deputy commander of US Central Command and now leads the International Security Assistance Force, in Tampa, Florida.

Werritty and Fox went back to Tampa, the HQ of CentCom, which runs US operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, in May this year. The MoD refused to describe the nature of the "official meetings" Fox held.

What's delay in hiring Epstein?

Mike Quade, still manager of the Cubs, had a favorite saying whenever his team came out on top despite a dire predicament:

"We never do anything the easy way."
So it should come as no surprise to anyone who has paid attention to the 2011 Cubs that the Theo Epstein contract negotiations would not be different.

One day after the Cubs and Epstein agreed to a five-year deal worth more than $15 million, negotiations over compensation for the Red Sox were at a standstill.

A major league source said late Thursday one of the holdups is the Cubs' insistence on paying only cash for compensation while the Red Sox are adamant on receiving a player or a package of players.

Talk-show host John Dennis of WEEI-AM 850, the Red Sox's flagship station, echoed the Tribune's source during an appearance on "Chicago Tribune Live" Thursday, saying his sources told him the first day of negotiations did not go well and the two sides weren't close to reaching.

Epstein's deal won't be finalized until they come to an accord. Both sides apparently are playing hardball, so it could get contentious. However, the Tribune's source said there are no concerns the deal will fall through.

Efforts to reach Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts and interim general manager Randy Bush for comment were unsuccessful. Red Sox President Larry Lucchino declined comment.

In one of those Shakespearean twists that seem commonplace in Boston sports annals, Lucchino — who is representing the owners in negotiations along with assistant GM Ben Cherington — was once Epstein's mentor, but now is considered one of the reasons Epstein is leaving Boston.

The two Red Sox executives reportedly had an irrevocable split after the 2005 season, leading to Epstein's infamous escape from Fenway Park in a gorilla costume after suddenly resigning on Halloween. Epstein then followed Pearl Jam on tour in South America during his hiatus, before returning to his old job in January of 2006.

Epstein and Lucchino have "co-existed" the last six years, a source said, "like Phil Jackson and Jerry Krause did, or Ozzie (Guillen) and Kenny (Williams)." Ironically, it's now in Lucchino's best interests to treat the departure of Epstein as an incalculable loss, arguing that a return of the highest value possible was merited.

Ricketts, a successful businessman who has negotiated many deals, is suddenly in a new arena with much different stakes. He seemingly increased his popularity with the hiring of Epstein and doesn't want anything to mar the impact of the signing that is perceived as a huge step forward for the organization. Ricketts is being advised by his baseball staff, which includes Bush, player personnel director Oneri Fleita and scouting chief Tim Wilken.

Major League Baseball must approve the deal.

While Epstein can't play a role in the de facto trade of himself, it's obviously in his best interests to keep the best prospects in a farm system already thinned out by last January's Matt Garza deal. The Red Sox are hoping to get at least one top prospect and perhaps a lesser one. The White Sox received two solid prospects from the Marlins last month when they let Guillen leave to manage them.

Triple-A Iowa outfielder Brett Jackson, a first-round pick in 2009 currently playing for the U.S. national team, figures to be at or near the top of Lucchino's list. Jackson is one of a trio of prospects the Cubs probably would deem untouchable, along with Class-A outfielder Matt Szczur and Double-A right-hander Trey McNutt.

Of Baseball America's top 10 Cubs prospects last January, three (right-hander Chris Archer, shortstop Hak-Ju Lee and outfielder Brandon Guyer) were sent to the Rays in the Garza deal. If they're forced to part with one of their current top 10 prospects, third baseman Josh Vitters or right-hander Chris Carpenter would be more expendable.

Along with the compensation issue, the two sides also must agree on which, if any, of Epstein's staff can come with him to Chicago.

Despite the prolonged wait for the deal to be finalized, Epstein already must be thinking about his ultimate decision on Quade and his staff, who have been sweating out their futures since the end of the season.

Once Epstein is installed, the ''Hire Ryne Sandberg'' movement is bound to begin anew, and already may have begun. Smashing Pumpkins leader Billy Corgan, a noted Cubs fan, made a personal plea to Epstein Thursday on the "WGN Morning News."

"Please, please hire Ryne Sandberg," Corgan said. "White Sox Nation followed Ozzie all those years. I think Cubs Nation will follow 'Ryno.'"

Fortunately for Quade, Corgan does not get a vote.

'Green' air fares levy is just a tax grab on hard-up households admits Osborne

A controversial ‘green’ levy that adds hundreds of pounds to family holidays is a simple tax grab on hard-pressed households, the Chancellor has admitted.
Air Passenger Duty has been dressed up as an environmental measure designed to discourage air travel.
But in a leaked letter, George Osborne says: ‘APD is fundamentally a revenue raising duty and currently raises around ￡2.5billion per year.’
Last night one senior aviation figure said: ‘The cat is out of the bag with this admission. It’s a tax grab, pure and simple.’
Mr Osborne is expected to announce a rise in APD for 2012 in next month’s autumn statement. At present, a family of four flying economy to Florida pay a total of ￡240 tax.
APD was introduced by the Tories in 1994 as a straightforward way to raise money but was swiftly rebranded as a ‘green signals’ tax by Labour. The idea was to discourage plane use, but it is loathed by many who have seen it vastly inflate air fares.
Mr Osborne’s admission that the tax, divided into four bands according to the length of flights, is nothing more than a way of raising cash comes in a letter dated August 12 to Olivier Jankovec, director general of the Brussels-based Airports Council International.
The Chancellor says his intention is to ‘improve on the current system’ by simplifying it on ‘a revenue neutral basis’, while extending  the tax on business jets. There  has been mounting criticism by  airlines and consumer groups of Government plans to retain the controversial tax.
Travel expert Bob Atkinson of travelsupermarket.com said: ‘British families are facing pressure on the amounts they pay for their air fares because of increases in flight tax, the forthcoming EU emissions trading scheme and the soaring cost of fuel.’
Willie Walsh, chief executive of British Airways’ parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), has previously said increasing APD would have ‘a huge negative effect’, accusing ministers of using the air tax to reduce the economic deficit.
Louise Ellman, who chairs the Commons transport select committee, said: ‘There is great ambiguity as to whether the Government is telling us that this is a green tax or a revenue raising tax.’
The Labour MP said that in recent years APD had been modified ‘to provide green signals. Now it’s not clear’.
Mr Osborne has published a consultation document setting out options which could increase APD from the current level of ￡12 to ￡16 per person for economy flights of up to 2,000 miles.
That could mean a family of four flying economy to Spain seeing their air tax rise from ￡48 to ￡64.
But for many middle-class families who upgrade to ‘premium economy’ or above, the tax would soar from ￡24 to as much as ￡32. A family of four would see their air tax increase from ￡96 to ￡128.
Currently, passengers who travel between 2,001 and 4,000 miles face a ￡60 tax in economy, totalling ￡240 for a family of four heading to Florida.
For journeys of 4,001 to 6,000 miles, such as the west coast of America, the tax is ￡75 per head in economy. Flights in excess of 6,000 miles, for example to Australia,  are taxed at a rate of ￡85 in economy and ￡170 in premium economy and above.
Last night Treasury officials acknowledged that the Chancellor’s comments in his leaked letter – describing APD as ‘fundamentally a revenue raising duty’ – represented Government thinking. But they denied the views were ‘secret’ or ambiguous.

Now that's Bad! Dishevelled Christina Aguilera hits a low note in an unflattering costume at Michael Jackson tribute concert

Christina Aguilera shocked fans today as she emerged on stage at the Michael Jackson tribute concert in a dishevelled state.
The 30-year-old singer performed at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, today as part of the controversial show.
Her blonde hair, which was filled out with long extensions, was mattered mess and her skimpy corset and fishenets did little to flatter her very curvy figure.
She belted out one of the King of Pop's favourite songs, Smile by Charlie Chaplin, with her usual flair but her outfit certainly hit a low note.
She later changed into a more demure navy dress, with military detailing favoured by Jackson, which was more forgiving on her frame.
The Black Eyed Peas pulled out of the lineup this week, citing 'unavoidable circumstances'.
And Jennifer Hudson all cancelled at the 11th hour, and she didn't hide her frustration at the show's organisers.
She tweeted earlier today: 'To my uk fans that were coming to the mj show in wales. I will no longer be attentding due to major production issues.
'I would have thought they would have informed you all by now , so since they did not , I am. Thank u for your support.'
Still, the show went on with a lineup that also included Cee Lo Green, Jamie Foxx, Gladys Knight and Smokey Robinson, and British stars Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, JLS and Diversity. 
Jackson's three children were also present for the concert.
'We're very happy to be here on this special night to honor our father,' said 13-year-old  Paris, who made a brief onstage appearance alongside brothers Prince, 14, and 9-year-old Michael Joseph Jr., known as Blanket.
The children wore outfits evoking their father's famous styles - Paris most strikingly, in a red and black Thriller-style jacket. Blanket stood stoic and shy, but the older children smiled and appeared confident in the spotlight.
On a stage shaped like a giant glove, the musicians performed songs from across Jackson's career - from his childhood with the Jackson 5 through monster solo albums like Thriller and Bad.
Participants urged fans to ignore the criticism and controversy, and to revel in the celebration of Jackson's musical legacy.
'It's not about the controversy,' said R&B star Ne-Yo, who kicked off the show with a rendition of Billie Jean, complete with some passable moonwalking.
'It's not about the trial. It's not about his death. It's about celebrating his life. It's about celebrating his music.'
The 50,000-strong crowd at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium did just that, roaring with approval as Jackson's brothers Marlon, Tito and Jackie - three-fifths of the original Jackson 5 - took the stage to perform Blame It On the Boogie with British boyband JLS.
'Can you feel his spirit in the house tonight?' asked Marlon. Judging by the cheers, the fedora hats and the sequined gloves in the audience, many could.
Jackson died in June 2009, at age 50, as he was preparing for a string of comeback concerts in London.
His last hours are being relived in graphic detail at the manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives in the bedroom of his rented mansion on June 25, 2009.
'This is a great counter-act to that,' said Motown great Smokey Robinson, who gave a soulful rendition of 'She's Out of My Life.' 'And it gives people something happy to do, rather than thinking about what's going on in the trial.'
The show mined a rich trove of Jackson hits. Leona Lewis crooned I'll Be There, Beyonce delivered the early single I Wanna Be Where You Are and Jamie Foxx performed Rock With You.
'Tonight is a history lesson,' Foxx told the crowd. 'We're going to cover five decades of greatness.'
The concert has divided the King of Pop's family and followers. The three brothers, sister La Toya and vocal group 3T - composed of three of Michael's nephews - all performed, while 81-year-old matriarch Katherine was in the audience.
But Michael's brothers Jermaine and Randy and sister Janet have stayed away, saying it is wrong to hold the show at the same time as Murray's trial.
 

Steve Jobs, Apple co-founder, dies

CEO Steve Jobs holds up the new MacBook Air after giving the keynote address at the Apple MacWorld Conference in San Francisco. Apple on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011 said Jobs has died.
The Apple chairman was 56.
The iconic American CEO, whose impact many have compared to auto magnate Henry Ford and Walt Disney— whom Jobs openly admired — abruptly stepped down from his position as CEO of Apple in August because of health concerns. He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.
STORY: Apple's future looks secure
STORY: Obama, Gates, Zuckerberg mourn Jobs
VIDEO: Jobs talks passion at Stanford Commencement
"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being," read a statement on Apple's website. "Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor."
Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, a former Apple board member, called Jobs the best CEO of the past 50 years — perhaps 100 years.
A seminal business and technology leader, Jobs' success flowed from a relentless focus on making products that were easy and intuitive for the average consumer to use. His products were characterized by groundbreaking design and style that, along with their technological usefulness, made them objects of intense desire by consumers around the world.

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs dies at 56.
He was known as a demanding, mercurial boss and an almost mystical figure in technology circles as well as popular culture. Author and business consultant Jim Collins once called Jobs the "Beethoven of business."
He was one of the people who made Silicon Valley the capital of technological innovation and venture capital fortunes.
His creation of iTunes as an online way to purchase music digitally helped transform the music industry and delivered a blow to the standard industry practice of packaging music in albums or CDs. With iTunes, consumers initially could buy individual songs for 99 cents. The music industry didn't welcome the change at first, but after waging an intense battle against illegal downloads, it came to rely on the business model iTunes created.
Jobs' work at Apple and other projects made him a fortune estimated by Forbes magazine in 2011 at $8.3 billion. He was No.110 on Forbes' list of billionaires worldwide and No.34 in the United States, as of the magazine's March 2011 estimates.
His death raises questions about whether Apple, one of America's most successful businesses, can maintain the momentum it has built as the source of must-have technology products that have helped to define a generation.
Unlike tech rival Bill Gates of Microsoft or business leader Warren Buffett, Jobs did not make a practice of public philanthropy. While he may have made anonymous gifts to charity, he did not publicly embrace Gates' and Buffett's call for the wealthiest Americans to pledge to donate half their fortunes.
Jobs was married to Laurene Powell Jobs, 47. He had four children, three with Powell Jobs. A fourth child, Lisa, had an early Apple computer — a predecessor to the Macintosh — named after her. The family succeeded in keeping the children out of the spotlight and largely unknown to the public. Jobs was a Buddhist.
Steve Jobs' legacy

Jobs dropped out of Reed College to build computers with high school friend Steve Wozniak, creating what became the Apple I computer in 1976.
As sales lagged by the 1980s, Jobs was ousted from the company's leadership in a 1985 boardroom coup led by then-Apple CEO John Sculley. He returned in 1996 after Apple bought his technology start-up, NeXT, for $400 million. Within months, Jobs took over as Apple CEO for the ousted Gil Amelio and led a major corporate turnaround.
Five years later, with the release of the iPod personal digital music player, Apple had leaped from computer maker to become the leading consumer electronics giant worldwide.
Millions of its computers and gadgets were produced in Asia and sold to U.S. and worldwide markets, making the company one of the most recognizable and beloved brand names ever.
Once on the brink of a financial abyss, Apple had a market value of $350 billion — not far behind No.2 Exxon Mobil — by the time Jobs resigned as CEO.
After his forced departure from Apple, Jobs bought what became Pixar from filmmaker George Lucas. The digital animation movie company has produced box-office hits including Toy Story and Finding Nemo. Disney bought the company for $7.4 billion in 2006. Jobs held a 7.3% ownership stake in Disney.
Health concerns
He was known for creating a culture of secrecy at Apple that fueled intense media speculation about the company's next product. Jobs himself introduced major products with flair at highly anticipated events that proved to be one of the company's best marketing tools.
Jobs didn't hesitate to level caustic comments at competitors, particularly Microsoft in earlier years and later Google, which he ridiculed as evil, mediocre and lacking in taste. His skewering of Microsoft was parodied in a series of TV ads featuring the characters "Mac" and "PC."
Jobs was known for firing employees in profanity-laced tantrums and reducing some subordinates to tears. Yet many of his top deputies at Apple and Pixar worked with him for years.
Jobs is listed as an inventor or co-inventor on 313 Apple patents, including the iPod's user interface.
STORY: Jobs' battle with pancreatic cancer
Although he brought simple, elegant technology to the masses, the reclusive Jobs was often uncomfortable around people and rarely spoke publicly. On rare occasions when he spoke with reporters, he offered few or no personal insights.
His reluctance to appear in public led to questions about his health, as did a dramatic loss in weight and gaunt appearance.
Jobs was diagnosed with a form of pancreatic cancer in 2003. He informed Apple employees in 2004.
"No one wants to die," he said in a commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005. "And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it."
Jobs' status as a corporate star put him on the covers of Time, Fortune and Forbes.
"Jobs led an enormous cultural shift of the businessman as a creative, even artistic, force," says Alan Deutschman, author of The Second Coming of Steve Jobs.
"When Jobs first came on the scene, it wasn't cool to be in business," Deutschman says. "Through the 1970s, the Dow hardly moved. Being in business was seen as being a total sellout. But Jobs was young and glamorous, and gave business that image. Now, young people aspire to be in business."
The early years
Steven Paul Jobs was born in San Francisco on Feb. 24, 1955, to unwed parents. He was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs of Mountain View, Calif.
The young Jobs contacted William Hewlett, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, to ask for parts for a class project. Impressed, Hewlett offered Jobs a summer internship.
Upon graduating from Homestead High School in Cupertino, Calif., in 1972, Jobs briefly went to Reed College in Portland, Ore. After a stint as a video-game designer at Atari, Jobs trekked to India in 1974, where he embraced Eastern culture and religion. Shortly after that, he lived in a commune in California.
In 1975, Jobs began hanging out with the Homebrew Computer Club and a friend from high school, Steve Wozniak. Jobs, then 21, and Wozniak — the "two Steves," as they became known — co-founded Apple Computer in Jobs' parents' garage in 1976.
By 25, Jobs was a millionaire. His first go-round at Apple was highlighted by the creation and introduction, in 1984, of the Macintosh, a revolutionary personal computer with an inviting graphical user-interface and mouse that popularized PCs for the masses.
The influence of the Beatles ran deep to Apple's core, too. Jobs presented a Mac to Yoko Ono, wife of the late John Lennon, and was ensnared in a long-running trademark lawsuit with the music group's Apple Corps label. It was settled in 2007.
In a 1996 interview in San Francisco, Jobs offered a glimpse of his hopes to mirror the success of Walt Disney and George Lucas. "Computers are commodities with a six-month shelf life," he said. "Classics like Snow White and Fantasia are passed from generation to generation."
Wozniak said Apple is a reflection of Jobs' creative daring.
"He helped it achieve incredible things in music, smartphones, tablets and retail, while still making great computers," said Wozniak, who said he and Jobs occasionally talk.
Leander Kahney, author of Inside Steve's Brain, said Jobs reconciled conflicting personality traits into an eclectic business philosophy.
"Jobs embraced the personality traits that some considered flaws — narcissism, perfectionism, total faith in his intuition — to lead Apple and Pixar to triumph against steep odds," Kahney says. "In the process, he became a self-made billionaire."

Wilkinson gives England some good news but Tindall causes more concern

Jonny Wilkinson, still among the highest-profile players in rugby eight years after dropping the goal that brought the World Cup to England, gave the beleaguered red-rose manager Martin Johnson
a welcome dollop of good news yesterday when he negotiated a training session without aggravating the elbow injury he suffered during the victory over Scotland last weekend. Mike Tindall, who would much prefer to keep a low profile just at the moment, did not train at all, however, and there is no guarantee that the much-maligned centre will recover from a dead leg in time for the quarter-final meeting with France at Eden Park in three days' time.

After the frank and forthright encounter with the Scots, the concern over Wilkinson was greater than that over his midfield partner – especially as it was initially feared that the outside-half had suffered another of the shoulder problems that made his life such a misery after the 2003 triumph. However, it subsequently emerged that the issue had nothing to do with his shoulder at all, and that Tindall, who appeared to be trodden on by his back-line colleague Delon Armitage, was the more damaged of the two.

Once again, the former champions found themselves on the disciplinary back foot after confirming that another of their midfielders, the Leicester youngster Manu Tuilagi, had been fined ￡5,000 for wearing a gumshield bearing a sponsor's logo, in defiance of the stringent regulations on advertising imposed by tournament organisers petrified of upsetting their own blue-chip backers. It was hardly a hanging offence: set against the long list of other English misdemeanours – harassment of a chambermaid in Dunedin, drunken behaviour in Queenstown, suspensions on and off the field – Tuilagi's behaviour might almost have been described as innocent. All the same, it was another thing that needed sorting.
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Tuilagi's brother Alesana, who represented the family's native Samoa in this competition, had a similar punishment imposed last week. Given that there are half a dozen rugby-playing siblings, it might be worth the International Rugby Board fining all of them, just for the hell of it. That way, they might offset some of the financial losses they will suffer as a result of holding this World Cup in New Zealand.

Not that Tuilagi the younger seemed particularly miffed yesterday. He was highly impressed by the news that his brother's fine had effectively been paid by Samoan supporters living in New Zealand. "That's awesome," he remarked, before explaining that his own gumshield was an old England Under-18s issue, with a sponsor's brand stamped on it. Having been caught wearing it in the second pool game against Georgia, he used a marker pen to rub out the offending detail before the match with Romania six days later.

A number of players from a variety of countries are thought to have fallen foul of this rule, although the International Rugby Board refuses to confirm the number, claiming that it is up to individual governing bodies to divulge information about such fines as and when they wish. On the basis that nothing stays quiet for long – a fact of rugby life that continues to elude the tournament organisers, despite repeated leaks of information they would rather keep to themselves – it is difficult to understand why they continue in this vein. Next chairman of the IRB? Step forward, King Canute.

And, of course, the players keep on talking. Yesterday it was Shontayne Hape's turn among the England squad to play down the off-pitch controversies that have dogged them. At least Hape had the sense of perspective, absent among certain of his fellow squad members, to admit that "a couple of the guys have let the squad down", before adding that "it's not like anyone killed anyone. We want to focus on rugby now."

Focusing on rugby, England, who name their side for the quarter-final tomorrow, restricted themselves to light training yesterday. Conversely, the French went full tilt, at the request of the players themselves, who, according to the loose forward Imanol Harinordoquy, were keen to rid themselves of the lingering anger and frustration arising from the shock defeat by Tonga in Wellington last weekend. "There might be some collisions and some stitches, but that won't be a bad thing," the Biarritz player said. "We need to release some feelings inside us."

Marc Lièvremont, the head coach, has retained faith in the body of the side that went apex-over-base at the weekend: even Aurélien Rougerie, the centre, has been named, despite the fact he is struggling with a shoulder injury and will have to pass a fitness test on Friday if he is to take his place in the team. If the Clermont Auvergne midfielder is ruled out, David Marty of Perpignan will probably take his place.

Johnson, meanwhile, has midfield decisions of his own to make – especially if Tindall's condition fails to improve. Toby Flood, clearly worth a start somewhere on the evidence of his tournament to date, ran at inside centre during yesterday's training. Meanwhile, James Haskell performed the No 8 duties, although Nick Easter is considered well in the frame for a recall.

We know you're single Carol but you're wasting your time with Spence... just so you know!

She might be 50 and single, but Carol Vorderman appeared to be barking up the wrong tree as she lapped up attention from Louie Spence today.

Pineapple Dance Studios star, Spence, appeared on ITV1's Loose Women this afternoon, but only had eyes for former Countdown star Carol.

The 42-year-old dance expert stunned the audience by flirting with the mother-of-two and pulling down the sleeve of her tan coloured top to look at her cleavage.
Barking up the wrong tree: Dance expert, Louie Spence reveals a bit too much of Carol Vorderman on Loose Women

Barking up the wrong tree: Dance expert, Louie Spence reveals a bit too much of Carol Vorderman on Loose Women

Vorderman appeared to love the attention and couldn't stop laughing and even played up to the joke by pulling both sides of her top down to emphasise her chest.

Vorderman has been married twice and had a high-profile split from Daily Mail columnist Des Kelly last year.
Such a flirt: Camp Louie laughs with Carol after attempting to look down her top on today's show

Loose Woman: Carol, who has won Rear of the Year, showed off her chest after her fumble with Louie

But now she is single, and insists she has never been happier.

The Loose Women presenter admitted she has not been on her own since her teenage years, and is thoroughly enjoying only having to look out for herself.

She said: 'I've always been with someone from the age of 15, I've always had a boyfriend, husband or lived with someone.

'Now's the first time in my life that I've been single and I really like it. But that's not to say I'm not dating, by the way.'
'I'm having the time of my life': Twice-married Carol Vorderman, 50, says she's happier than ever being single

'I'm having the time of my life': Twice-married Carol Vorderman, 50, says she's happier than ever being single

Vorderman was married to Royal Navy officer Christopher Mather in 1985, but the pair split after 12 months.

She then married management consultant Patrick King, father of her two children, in 1990, but they separated in 2000.
Former love: Carol's most recent relationship was with Daily Mail columnist Des Kelly, from whom she split earlier this year

Former love: Carol's most recent relationship was with Daily Mail columnist Des Kelly, from whom she split earlier this year

Vorderman's most recent relationship was with columnist Kelly, who she dated from 1999 to 2007, before the pair rekindled their relationship but split for good earlier this year.

But while Vorderman is happy with her romantic situation, her famous curves mean she's not short of offers from eager admirers.

And speaking about her figure, which earned her the title of Rear of the Year, Carol said now she has hit a half-century, she has finally learned to be happy with her body.
Family life: Carol with her mother Jean Davies and children Katie and Cameron

Family life: Carol with her mother Jean Davies and children Katie and Cameron

She said: 'Turning 50 changed me and I'm far more accepting of myself. I'm not thin, but I am a size 10. I go in at the middle and very much out at the bottom and top.

'And now I think, "Well, that's how I am". Does my bum look big in this? The answer is always yes, But now I don't try to fight what's not going to change.'

Così Scarface è diventato un mito per tutti i boss

L'autore di Gomorra presenta il film culto scritto da Oliver Stone, diretto da Brian De Palma e interpretato da Al Pacino. Che descrive in modo magistrale il volto feroce della criminalità. E ci aiuta, raccontando, a capire e a resistere. Da domani in edicola con "la Repubblica" e "L'Espresso" in un'edizione speciale con due dvd
LA PRIMA VOLTA che l'ho visto avevo 16 anni. Non c'erano i dvd ma quelle cassettone nere, i vhs: indistruttibili, ma negli anni ho letteralmente consumato il mio Scarface. Il film era ambientato a Miami e il protagonista era cubano, ma per un ragazzo del Sud Italia, della periferia campana, in quel personaggio, quegli ambienti, quelle ville, quel modo di parlare e di gesticolare, in quello sguardo, c'era molto di familiare.
Anni dopo scoprii che Scarface era il remake dello Sfregiato di Howard Hawks, film del 1932 ispirato alla vita di Al Capone. Il film divenne famoso anche per l'intervento del boss di Chicago, che mandò alcuni suoi uomini sul set a Hollywood per capire quanto di lui ci fosse nella pellicola. Solo quando lo sceneggiatore, mentendo, li rassicurò che si trattava di pura fiction, i gorilla abbandonarono il set. I

l film inizialmente fu censurato, perché accusato di glorificare lo stile di vita dei gangster e di portare sullo schermo una violenza eccessiva. Lo stesso Capone, in un'intervista di quegli anni, espresse il suo disprezzo per i gangster movie - definendoli "terrible kid stuff", robaccia per ragazzini - eppure, leggenda vuole che possedesse una copia personale del film di Hawks. Del resto Al Capone era soprannominato proprio "scarface" per via della cicatrice che gli correva dalla mandibola al collo e che si era procurato in gioventù durante una rissa, inaugurando una nuova tipologia di gangster: il boss che reca sul corpo i segni del proprio destino.

Scarface piace perché è l'epica moderna nel suo aspetto più cupo. Tony Montana viene dalla miseria: cacciato dalla Cuba di Castro che si libera dei criminali dopo la rivoluzione, approda negli Stati Uniti senza niente in tasca, inseguendo il sogno americano. E qui crea illegalmente una fortuna. L'uomo che si costruisce da sé, il self-made man spietato ma con regole proprie, consapevole che avrà tutti vicino finché sarà in alto e che tutti si allontaneranno quando cadrà. Guardi il film e ti piace vedere questa verità, così chiara, così pulita.

Quando uscì, Scarface non fece incassi record. Nell'anno in cui il box office era dominato da Voglia di tenerezza, fu accolto da critiche contrastanti. Alla sua prima a New York, nel dicembre 1983, ben pochi in sala rimasero affascinati dal lavoro di De Palma e Stone. Alcuni andarono addirittura via durante la proiezione, disturbati da una violenza sullo schermo giudicata eccessiva e gratuita. Sembrava essere un film destinato all'oblio, e invece dopo Scarface nulla è stato più come prima.

Con il passare degli anni non solo le recensioni cambiarono tenore (il film è entrato nella Top Ten stilata dall'American Film Institute dei migliori gangster-movie di tutti i tempi), ma soprattutto è diventato una pellicola di culto, con un numero di fan in continua crescita. Ovunque nel mondo - dagli Stati Uniti all'Italia, dalla Russia all'Australia, dal Belize al Kosovo alla Grecia o all'Iran - ragazzi remixano scene di Scarface su Youtube, imitano le frasi più celebri di Tony Montana, la cui icona è la più usata in assoluto come immagine del profilo tra gli utenti di Facebook.

Le frasi pronunciate da Al Pacino "Sai cos'è un asa?", "Un uomo che non mantiene la sua parola è uno scarafaggio" e "Tutto quello che ho a questo mondo sono due cose, le palle e la mia parola, e le ho sempre onorate, tutte e due", si sentono ripetere dappertutto, tra gente di ogni età e classe sociale. A Parigi, a Berlino, a Milano può capitare che anche il più non violento degli uomini sogni - per un attimo - di trasformarsi in Tony Montana. A Johannesburg, a Istanbul, a Napoli, a Città del Messico puoi essere lui.

Mi sono chiesto spesso quale sia la strana alchimia che fa di Scarface l'unico film al mondo presente in ogni cultura criminale e credo sia quell'elemento che definirei di descrizione della vita senza mediazioni. Scarface diventa un cinico e pragmatico teorico della vita così com'è. La modernità del film sta nella volontà di Stone, di De Palma e di Al Pacino di raccontare la storia di un uomo segnato, sta nella pulsione di Tony Montana alla morte, nel suo nichilismo: non puoi pensare che esista il mondo che ti salva, il mondo ti fotte comunque. E a ricordarcelo è l'uso insistente del termine fuck, che nel film viene ripetuto 182 volte, 226 se contiamo anche le parole composte e derivate.

Nella sua frase "Mi prendo il mondo e tutto quello che c'è dentro", è già prefigurata la fine. Scarface non muore per sbaglio, in un agguato inatteso. Tony è nel Dna di tutti i criminali del mondo perché sa, sin dall'inizio, che non c'è speranza. è questo che rende maledettamente credibile Tony Montana agli occhi degli odierni affiliati che si sentono superiori all'uomo comune perché non mettono la propria vita e quella dei propri cari sopra tutto il resto. Sembra un paradosso, ma in questo contesto, l'epica di Tony Montana può sovrapporsi a quella omerica. Proprio come un giovane greco andava a combattere con in testa Achille, così oggi che tu sia di Medellín, Guadalajara o Buenos Aires, che tu sia di Locri, Napoli o Mumbai, vai a sparare con in testa Tony Montana.

La linea che separa epica e vita, letteratura, cinema e realtà è sottile. Lo stesso Pacino, mentre era sul set, veniva percepito dai tecnici come un vero gangster, tanto che quando nelle scene finali si procurò un'ustione di terzo grado alla mano maneggiando un M16 d'assalto che la troupe non gli aveva insegnato a usare, i tecnici sorpresi si giustificarono: "Nessuno di noi credeva che Al Pacino non sapesse usare un mitra".

Ma se è vero che il cinema guarda al mondo è vero anche che il mondo criminale si è nutrito di cinema più di quanto non si pensi. Scarface ha condizionato il modo di agire, di parlare e di vestire, in una parola di autorappresentarsi, di intere generazioni di affiliati. Gli esempi più eclatanti sono le ville ispirate a quella di Tony Montana. Quella di Walter Schiavone a Casal di Principe, detta "Hollywood"; quella a Sinopoli, in provincia di Reggio Calabria, sequestrata nel 2010 alla cosca Alvaro e la villa dei Mancuso, cosca della 'ndrangheta vibonese, questa volta al Nord, a Bentivoglio, in provincia di Bologna, dove gli affiliati concludevano le trattative per l'acquisto di ingenti partite di cocaina con narcos spagnoli e colombiani.

Ma la passione dei criminali per Scarface non si ferma all'architettura. A Napoli molti boss hanno gabbie con tigri e leoni in giardino, e non sono solo i ragazzini a utilizzare sui social network foto di Tony Montana come immagini del profilo. Pasquale Manfredi, esponente di spicco della cosca Nicoscia-Manfredi di Isola Capo Rizzuto, considerato uno dei cento latitanti più pericolosi d'Italia, è stato tradito dall'uso di Facebook, dove si era registrato con il nome Scarface. Negli anni Novanta, poi, le mogli dei boss hanno iniziato a vestirsi come Michelle Pfeiffer, a pettinarsi come lei. Nunzio De Falco, detto 'o Lupo, si sposa dodici volte con donne nordiche. Francesco Schiavone, detto Sandokan, ha avuto relazioni con ufficiali americane imputate poi nei processi di camorra.

Tony Montana è credibile perché ciò che il potere può, per essere raccontato, per entrare nel mito, non deve avere limiti. La violenza in Scarface non serve a stupire, è indispensabile: se la elimini, non stai più raccontando quella Miami, quelle ambizioni, quella ferocia. La scena della motosega è splatter e allo stesso tempo credibile se si pensa che bande di bielorussi nel Sud Italia utilizzano il saldatore come strumento di tortura per costringere le vittime a parlare o per commettere delitti esemplari, di quelli che lasciano scritti sul corpo avvertimenti a chi resta.

I cartelli messicani scuoiano i loro nemici, cuciono la faccia sui palloni e ci giocano a calcio. Raccontare le dinamiche criminali in tutte le loro manifestazioni è l'unico modo per creare deterrenza. I boss vivono anni senza poter incontrare i loro figli, senza poter sfiorare le loro donne, nascosti in bunker come topi o in disperazione al 41bis. Non possono fidarsi di nessuno. Gli ultimi capi arrestati nella Locride piuttosto che nell'agro aversano vivevano da anni sottoterra. Bisogna raccontare quello che i mafiosi ottengono e l'enorme prezzo che pagano perché la scelta sia in chi osserva, in chi legge.

Se in una società malata Tony Montana può diventare un mito, o peggio, un esempio da seguire per qualche giovane, il crudo racconto della violenza e la qualità di quel racconto sono l'elemento fondamentale, imprescindibile, per poter fermare un passo simile. Capire è un modo per non subire.

Del resto, nella società mediatica se una cosa non la racconti, non esiste. Non è un caso che durante le rivolte degli ultimi mesi nei Paesi arabi, la prima cosa che i regimi hanno fatto è stato impedire che si potesse raccontare attraverso Internet, impedire che si potessero utilizzare i social network. Non è un caso che i cartelli messicani, oltre a eliminare i giornalisti scomodi, abbiano iniziato a prendere di mira anche i blogger. è di pochi giorni fa la notizia di due ragazzi messicani poco più che ventenni massacrati, uccisi e appesi a un ponte a testa in giù dal cartello dei Los Zetas perché raccontavano su un sito la guerra della droga nel loro Paese. 

Shocking picture of Michael Jackson's dead body is shown to jury in bizarre opening to L.A. trial of doctor accused of killing King of Pop

# Michael Jackson's personal physician Dr Conrad Murray is on trial in LA charged with involuntary manslaughter
# Prosecutor shows jury photo of Michael Jackson on gurney after his death and plays disturbing audio of singer slurring a month before death
# Accuses Dr Murray of delaying call to 911 as he tried to revive Jackson
# Defence claims that Jackson killed himself
# First witness, choreographer Kenny Ortega, said Jackson 'wasn't right' during rehearsals
# Tour manager Paul Gongaware says Dr Murray initially demanded $5million a year to care for Jackson
# Jackson's parents and siblings Janet, La Toya, Tito, Randy and Jermaine arrive in court
# Woman stopped as she rushed towards Dr Murray in courthouse corridor
# Millions expected to watch highly anticipated trial across the globe

The highly anticipated trial into the death of Michael Jackson opened with an extraordinary moment this afternoon as the prosecutor started his opening remarks by displaying a photo of the singer's dead body.

As Dr Conrad Murray appeared before the jury charged with involuntary manslaughter over Jackson’s death more than two years ago, deputy district attorney David Walgren displayed the picture that appeared to show tape or tubing over Jackson's face.

The hearing became like a circus, as opposing fans of the King of Pop and supporters of Dr Murray gathered outside the courthouse in Los Angeles waving placards and banners as the whole Jackson family made their way into court for what has been billed as the trial of the century.
Later, the prosecution played a tape of a healthy-looking Jackson giving his last ever performance - a rehearsal of his hit Earth Song - recorded a day before he died.

The lights in the courtroom were turned off and the singer was shown on a screen performing Earth Song at rehearsals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, just hours before he passed away.

Jackson's mother appeared to be in tears watching the clip.

'Michael Jackson’s death was a homicide,' Los Angeles deputy district attorney David Walgren told the jury in opening statements.

'The evidence will show that Michael Jackson literally put his life in the hands of Conrad Murray... Michael Jackson trusted his life to the medical skills of Conrad Murray.