SNAPSHOTS

A MEERKAT IS CAPTURED BY AN AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER THIS PAST WEEKEND IN MADAGASGAR.

LUXE MEN/ CANDID SHOTS (#35)

5 SHOTS OF AMATEUR MEN FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE.

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

FILM/"BRUNO" GARNERS NC17: Sacha Baron Cohen's latest film, based on his character Bruno, has been given an NC17 rating in the US, banning anyone aged 17 or under watching it. According to media sources, The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), objected to several sexual scenes. It was awarded a NC-17, but studios had hoped for an R-rating. The film is being re-edited before it is resubmitted to the MPAA, in hopes of garnering an R-rating. The deleted sequences are likely to be saved for the DVD release at a later date. The film is based around Bruno, a gay fashion reporter for Austrian TV, who was a character Sacha Baron created for TV's "Da Ali G Show". The movie follows in the success of his first film, "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan". That film was also originally rated NC-17, but was later changed to an R-rating. The Bruno film, which has been largely filmed in the US, is set to be released on July 10.
FILM/"STAR TREK" SEQUEL IN THE WORKS: As Paramount Pictures readies the May 8 release of its "Star Trek" franchise relaunch, the studio is moving forward with a sequel, and has hired Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof to pen the screenplay. J.J. Abrams, who directed and produced the latest chapter, is onboard to produce the follow-up alongside his Bad Robot partner Bryan Burk. No decision has been made yet on whether Abrams will return behind the camera for the sequel. Story is still in the embryonic stage, but the trio are aiming to deliver their script by Christmas for what would likely be a summer 2011 release. As for potential storylines, the producers stressed that the writing team will wait to take a cue from fan reaction about which direction to go. Paramount has high hopes for the "Star Trek" relaunch, and is pulling out all the stops on the marketing front. Studio began a full-scale campaign six months before the film's May bow.
TV/ABC PICKS UP "DIAMONDS": ABC has mined the international TV landscape for "Diamonds," picking up the 4-hour movie starring Judy Davis and James Purefoy from Alchemy TV and Sienna Films. ABC plans to air the project in late May, although it is still ironing out its early summer plans. "Diamonds" features 5 storylines linked to the "personal and political effects of the blood diamond trade on a global scale." Davis stars as a US senator who travels to Africa to find out why her daughter was killed at a diamond mine in Sierra Leone. Derek Jacobi, Louise Rose and Joanne Kelly also star, while Andy Wilson directed and David Vainola wrote. "Diamonds" was shot in South Africa and Canada.

WORLD NEWS/ IRAQ GAYS IN DANGER

A UK group the promotes LGBT rights in Iraq claims that the government is preparing to execute scores of people for being gay. IRAQI-LGBT says that Iraqi authorities are to begin executing up to 128 prisoners on death row in groups of 20 from this week. Ali Hili of the group said: “We have information and reports on members of our community whom been arrested and waiting for execution for the crimes of homosexuality. Iraqi-LGBT has been banned from running our activities on Iraqi soil." The group claims that 285 people were executed by the regime last year and that the number has risen since the other-throw of the Saddam Hussein regime. It also says that 17 of its members have disappeared since 2005. It says that those sentenced to death have not received a fair trial and that there are consistent allegations of torture of prisoners. Although not part of the state, terrorist organisation, the the Madhi Army has been involved in the torture and execution of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Iraqis and many other Iraqis, especially women, who do not conform to its harsh interpretation of Islam. Last month, gay rights activist Peter Tatchell wrote on PinkNews.co.uk: "Queers are being shot dead in their homes, streets and workplaces. Even suspected gay children are being murdered. They killers claim to be doing these assassinations at the behest of the 'democratic' Iraqi government, in order to eradicate what they see as immoral, un-Islamic behaviour." Last month a gay man was deported from Britain to Iraq. The man claimed to be in danger because of his sexuality was denied an application for asylum because he had previously been prosecuted for seeking to stay in the UK illegally

AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS

JETBLUE EMPLOYEE TAKES A RIDE: A JETBLUE AIRWAYS employee unexpectedly took a ride on an aircraft this past Saturday. JetBlue Flight 1004 was on Scheduled Domestic ERJ190 Service from New York JFK to Boston, Massachusetts, when the incident took place. The flight on Saturday was uneventful and the aircraft arrived at the gate for passengers and luggage to be offloaded. Upon opening the luggage compartment, luggage handlers discovered a man asleep in the cargo compartment and called police. According to Boston police, The police reported that the 21 year old man identified himself as a Jetblue employee working as luggage handler at New York JFK, who had involuntarily been locked into the compartment. According to the man's statement, he was working in the luggage compartment when he realized the aircraft was no longer on the ground and phoned his company. The man refused medical treatment and was flown back to New York. Jetblue officially confirmed the incident, but refused further comment stating that an investigation is underway. Local media reports that the man fell asleep before takeoff while working in the cargo compartment. It is being investigated whether the employee was accidentally locked in by co-workers. The cargo compartment is pressurized. The airplane's maximum cruise altitude was 17000 feet during the 37 minute flight.

PAX WANTS OFF AIRLINER: A passenger onboard a DELTA AIRLINES Boeing 737 attempted to depart the aircraft while it was on a lengthy taxi at New York JFK this past Sunday. Delta Flight 149 was on Scheduled Domestic Service from New York to Las Vegas, Nevada, when the incident took place. The flight had been delayed for over 3 hours due to poor weather and heavy traffic at JFK. While the 737 was idling at a taxiway, a passenger lost patience and attempted to open an exit. Cabin crew intervened and prevented the evacuation slide from deploying. The 737 returned to the gate, where police took the passenger into custody. Police gave no details on the passenger may have attempted to exit the airliner. Local media reported that the 60 year old man was traveling with his wife from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Las Vegas. The man was charged with flight interference and released from custody, pending a May court hearing.

UNRULY PAX DISRUPTS LUFTHANSA FLIGHT: LUFTHANSA Flight 441 was on Scheduled International Boeing 747 Service from Houston, Texas, to Frankfurt, Germany, when an unruly passenger disrupted the flight. Although the crew threatened the passenger that the aircraft would divert to Iceland, the 747 reached Frankfurt without incident, where the passenger was taken into custody by local police. According to German Police Officials, the Russian passenger had shown interest to the cabin crew for the safety measures on board of the aircraft and hinted he was a security official for Afghanistan. Later he made a "bomb" out of several objects in his possession and deposited the dummy in a lavatory. Subsequently the man pointed the "bomb" out to the crew, however stating it was just a dummy. Flight Attendants moved the intoxicated passenger back to his seat together with his fabricated bomb, at which point the man said he was a terrorist and asked the Captain to verify this claim. While the Flight Attendant informed the cockpit about the incident, the man again moved to the lavatory and planted the dummy bomb again, at which point the Flight Attendant threatened that the 747 would divert to Iceland, with the cost charged to the Russian. That apparently silenced the passenger who went back to his seat and said no more until arrival in Frankfurt. That threat silenced the Russian and he made no further trouble until arrival in Frankfurt. The police filed charges and released the man on bail, pending a future court date.

AA MD83 LOSES PRESSURIZATION: AMERICAN AIRLINES Flight 1708 was on Scheduled Domestic MD83 Service from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Chicago OHare, when it had to make an emergency diversion while enroute, yesterday, March 30. Flight 1708, with 140 passengers and 5 crew members onboard, declared an emergency due to the loss of pressurization with the oxygen masks deploying. The crew performed an emergency descent from 25000 to 10000 feet feet within 4 minutes. The MD83 landed in Omaha, Nebraska, without incident, about 25 minutes after the incident took place. No one onboard was injured. The aircraft has been removed from service for inspection and repairs. Both the Airline and the FAA are investigating the incident.

NOSE GEAR PROBLEMS ON AC JAZZ CRJ: AIR CANADA JAZZ Flight 8514 was on Scheduled Domestic CRJ100 Service from Edmonton to Winnipeg, Canada, when it had to make an emergency landing in Winnipeg, this past Sunday, March 29. Flight 8514 declared an emergency about 3 miles from Winnipeg, due to an unsafe nose gear indication. The crew performed a low fly-by to have the tower inspect the gear. The tower reported the nose gear doors open, but the nose gear had not come down. The CRJ entered into holding pattern, where the crew worked the problem and eventually reported that they had an all green indication for the gear. They conducted another low approach to have the tower have another look onto the gear. The tower then confirmed that the nose gear appeared to be down. With Emergency Services on standby, the CRJ then landed without incident. The aircraft was removed from service for inspection and repairs.

AIR NAMIBIA A340 PROBLEMS CONTINUE: AIR NAMIBIA Flight 286 was on Scheduled International A340 Service from Frankfurt, Germany, to Windhoek, Namibia, when it had to make an emergency return to Frankfurt, on Sunday, March 29. Flight 286 declared an emergency shortly after departure after an engine fire alert sounded. The crew shut down the engine, dumped fuel, and landed back at Frankfurt without incident. The aircraft was removed from service for full inspection and repairs. The Airline, which has 2 A340 aircraft in its livery, has been plaqued with problems with both aircraft since 1 of them was suffered a bird strike on March 8. The problems have led to multiple delays and cancelations within its schedule.

EMERGENCY LANDING FOR AA 737: AMERICAN AIRLINES Flight 1586 was on Scheduled International Boeing 737 Service from Los Angeles, California, to Toronto, Canada, when it had to make an emergency landing in Toronto, on Saturday, March 28. Flight 1586 declared an emergency about 70 miles from Toronto. While on descent, the crew stated that they were receiving rising fuel temperature indications. The 737 landed without incident about 18 minutes later, and was removed from service for inspection and repairs.

ENGINE FORCES CONTINENTAL 757 DIVERSION: CONTINENTAL AIRLINES Flight 77 was on Scheduled International 757 Service from Bristol, England, to Newark, New Jersey, when it had to make an emergency diversion while enroute, on Saturday, March 28. Flight 77, with 156 passengers and crew onboard, declared an emergency shortly after departure with the crew reporting unspecified problems with the right hand engine. The 757 was diverted to Birmingham, England, where it landed without incident. The aircraft was removed from service for inspection and repair.

DELTA 767 IN EMERGENCY RETURN: DELTA AIRLINES Flight 130 was on Scheduled International Boeing 767 Service from Atlanta, Georgia, to Munich, Germany, when it had to make an emergency return to Atlanta, on Friday, March 27. Flight 130 was inflight near Gander, Newfoundland, when the crew declared an emergency due to the loss of hydraulics pressure in the central reservoir. The crew requested, and was granted, diversion to New York JFK. While being cleared to JFK, the crew requested, and was granted, that they divert back to Atlanta. The 767 landed back at Atlanta without incident, about 4 hours after the incident began. The aircraft was removed from service for inspection and repair.

ATA OFFICIALLY OUT OF BUSINESS: ATA AIRLINES plan to sell its defunct business to SOUTHWEST AIRLINES was formally approved by a judge, allowing it to liquidate almost a year after high fuel costs drove the carrier into bankruptcy. The plan was approved March 26 by a US Bankruptcy Judge in Indianapolis, where ATA is based. Southwest, the largest low-fare Airline, won court approval in December to buy ATA assets including 14 flight slots at New York's LaGuardia airport for $7.5 million. Low-fare carrier AIRTRAN AIRWAYS agreed in January to buy ATA's 2 flight slots at Washington's Reagan National airport for $1.34 million. ATA flew 29 aircraft to destinations, including Hawaii and Mexico, before it sought bankruptcy protection in April 2008 and ceased operations. Out of at least 7 carriers that filed for bankruptcy last year, only FRONTIER AIRLINES and SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES are still operating. ATA's operations won't be revived.

SNAPSHOTS

SUNRISE EARLY THIS MORNING AT JUPITER, FLORIDA.

LUXE MEN

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

THEATRE/GREEN DAY SHOW IN WORKS: The punks are invading the theater. A new musical production adapted from “American Idiot,” the best-selling album by the punk band Green Day, is scheduled to make its debut in September at the Berkeley Repertory Theater in California. The new work, also titled “American Idiot,” will have its premiere as the first production of the theater’s 2009-10 season, and run from September 4 through October 11. The musical is a collaboration between Green Day, the Bay Area rock trio consisting of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool, and Michael Mayer, the Tony Award-winning director of “Spring Awakening.” The project is also causing some shock to the band members, who acknowledge that they had grand aspirations for “American Idiot” but perhaps not quite this grand. “It doesn’t make a lot of sense,” Mr. Armstrong said, “but that’s what I love about it. When people see it, it’s going to be my wildest dream.” Released in 2004, “American Idiot” (Reprise) was Green Day’s conceptual response to the depressing realities of the post-9/11 era; it combines bleak lyrics with bright, thrashing guitar riffs. Many of its singles, including “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and the title track, were hits, and the album went on to sell more than 12 million copies worldwide. For now the creative team is tight lipped about how, exactly, it will translate the libretto of “American Idiot” into a narrative. As Mr. Armstrong admitted, “It’s not the most linear story in the world.” Mayer said that it was too soon to contemplate a Broadway run for “American Idiot,” but that the show would almost definitely play beyond the Berkeley Rep (which is also hosting a new musical based on Matthew Sweet’s pop album “Girlfriend” this fall). “American Idiot” could certainly make it to New York one day. “There might be some fantastic found space where this really wants to live,” Mayer said. “Or it might live in a beautiful, big Broadway theater.”
THEATRE/MODEST REVIEWS FOR "IRENA": The off-Broadway transfer of "Irena's Vow," a play that details experiences of a group of Jews in WWII, opened last night on Broadway to good, but not enthusiastic, reviews. Variety said: "The conviction of Tovah Feldshuh's transformative performance drives "Irena's Vow," but it's the compelling true story of courage and heroism that makes Dan Gordon's by-the-numbers script so moving. Recounting the experiences of Irena Gut, a young Polish Catholic housekeeper who sheltered a dozen Jews in the basement of the German major for whom she worked during WWII, the play draws its power more from the nobility of its sentiments and the events it portrays than from the writer's over-explanatory treatment of them. Still, if the audible sobs in the theater at key moments are any indication, audiences may be willing to overlook the clunky dramaturgy". The New York Times said: "A little-known story of heroism is transformed into theatrical hokum in “Irena’s Vow,” a play by Dan Gordon about a young Polish woman who helped a dozen Jews survive the Holocaust. Susceptible audiences will want to practice their hisses and prime their tear ducts before attending this efficiently manipulative drama covering territory that is rather too frequently exploited for its undeniable emotional force". "Irena's Vow" runs 95 minutes and is playing at the Walter Kerr Theater on Broadway.

MUSIC/2009 JUNO AWARDS: Nickelback led the winners list at Canada's Juno music awards by triumphing in 3 categories. The rock band took home group of the year, as well as winning best album for their sixth LP, "Dark Horse". Lead guitarist Ryan Peake called out "this is the good one" as the band stepped up to collect the fans' choice of the year award. Coldplay won best international album of the year at the annual awards for the Canadian music industry. Nickelback lost out to Kardinall Offishall in the single of the year category and were not nominated for rock album of the year, which was taken home by singer-songwriter Sam Roberts for "Love at the End of the World". Roberts, who with 4 nominations was one of the front runners, was given a standing ovation when he stepped up to collect the award for artist of the year. Celine Dion, a veteran Juno winner with over 20 awards to her name, went home empty handed this year despite 3 nominations. Breaking acts Lights and The Stills picked up the new talent awards. A full list of winners can be found on the Juno website.

MUSIC&FILM/MAURICE JARRE DIES AT 84: French composer Maurice Jarre, best known for his music for Hollywood films, has died in Los Angeles at 84, after suffering from cancer. Jarre, father of the composer Jean-Michel Jarre, rose to prominence relatively late in life. His breakthrough came in 1962 when he wrote the score for "Lawrence of Arabia," for which he was awarded an Oscar. He won 2 further Oscars for "Doctor Zhivago" and "A Passage to India," and composed music for more than 150 films. A further 6 Academy Award nominations came Jarre's way for his scores on other high profile films, including 1980s hits "Ghost," "Gorillas In The Mist" and "Witness". The musician also earned 2 Bafta Awards, 4 Golden Globes and a Grammy in a career rich with accolades. He also wrote symphonic music for theatre, ballet and television, including the 1970s mini-series "Jesus of Nazareth".

US NEWS/ OBAMA DELAYS "DADT" CHANGES

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said that the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy regarding gay and lesbian service members is unlikely to be changed any time soon. Speaking on Fox News yesterday, he said: "The president and I feel like we've got a lot on our plates right now and let's push that one down the road a little bit. It continues to be the law and any change in policy would require a change in the law," Gates said. "We will follow the law, whatever it is. That dialogue, though, has really not progressed very far at this point in the administration," he added. In January, Obama's press secretary said the administration was planning to end the gay ban. Responding to a question on whether the administration would repeal the policy, he said: "You don't hear a politician give a one-word answer much, but it's 'Yes.'" Earlier this month, White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said that President Obama was consulting advisors on changing the policy. The policy was introduced in 1994 and allows gay men and women to serve in the military as long as they keep their sexual orientation secret and do not engage in any homosexual acts. According to the Servicemembers Legal Defence Network, nearly 12,500 servicemen and women have been discharged under it since its implementation. It is estimated that up to 45,000 Americans have been discouraged from joining or remaining in the armed forces due to the policy.

WORLD NEWS/ GAY VICTORY IN JAPAN

Japanese nationals can now wed their same-sex foreign partners in countries where same-sex marriage is permitted. According to reports, an unnamed government official said today that the justice ministry has instructed local authorities to issue documents pertaining to marriage to gay couples planning to wed abroad. The key certificate, which states a person is single and of legal age, is necessary for citizens who wish to wed abroad but was previously denied to gay couples. Taiga Ishikawa, of the gay support group Peer Friends, told AFP: "This is one step forward. Gay Japanese have suffered a disadvantage… although they should be able to marry in some countries overseas."

AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS

AA MD82 IN EMERGENCY RETURN: AMERICAN AIRLINES Flight 480 was on Scheduled Domestic MD82 Service from San Diego, California, to Dallas/Ft Worth, Texas, when it had to make an emergency return to San Diego, yesterday, March 29. Flight 480, with 146 passengers and crew onboard, declared an emergency, reporting smoke in the cockpit while the aircraft was climbing thru 20000 feet. The MD82 landed back at San Diego about 25 minutes after its initial departure. Emergency Services could find no cause for the smoke. The MD82 has been removed from service for inspection.
ENGINE FAILS ON CHINA SOUTHERN A320: CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES Flight 3992 was on Scheduled Domestic A320 Service from Dayong to Shenzhen, China, when it had to make an emergency return to Dayong, on Friday March 27. Flight 3992, with 100 passengers and crew onboard, declared an emergency after the right hand engine failed about 10 minutes after departure. The A320 circled the Airport for 40 minutes to dump fuel, before it landed without incident. The aircraft was removed from service for inspection and repairs. According to local media, passengers onboard Flight 3992 reported that about 10 minutes into the flight, the A320 suddenly shook violently, which was followed bby a loud bang. Several passengers also reported that they could see a streak of flame out of right engine's outlet.
EMERGENCY LANDING FOR FLYBE DASH: FLYBE Flight 1614 was on Scheduled International Dash 8-400 Service from Chambery, France, to Southampton, England, when it had to make an emergency landing in Southampton, on Thursday March 26. Flight 1614, with 50 passengers and crew onboard, declared an emergency while on approach to Southhampton, due to reported hydraulics problems which took the nose gear steering out. The Dash landed without incident and was removed from service for inspection and repairs.
ANCHORAGE AIRPORT RE-OPENS: The day after Mount Redoubt volcano spewed ash across Anchorage and much of Southcentral Alaska, the city began to clean up the soggy gray mess. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport reopened yesterday afternoon, though many flights were still canceled or delayed. Hundreds of passengers anticipate being stranded for days in hubs like Seattle and Minneapolis. The volcano began erupting March 22, but the puff cloud of ash that rained on Anchorage Saturday was the first to reach Alaska's biggest city. By yesterday, Redoubt had quieted, with no evidence of new explosions. It's still likely to blow again. Redoubt erupted for 4 months back in 1989-90. No ash advisories were in effect as of 9:00pm last night. Since the eruption began, hundreds of flights have been canceled at the Anchorage Airport. ALASKA AIRLINES alone has canceled about 230 flights, including 45 yesterday. The Airport closed around 6:15pm Saturday as the ash fell. Airport officials didn't immediately have a total of canceled flights for all Airlines over the 8 days, but said about 200 were canceled over the weekend. One runway reopened around 2:00pm yesterday, and a second one reopened a little after 5:00pm. Air traffic remained light, considering that the Airport averages 436 takeoffs and landings on a typical day. Alaska Airlines resumed flights out of Anchorage around 4:00pm yesterday. Its crews were monitoring the ground to make sure the activity didn't stir up more dust.

ISRAEL ADDRESSES FAA RATING: Earlier this month, the FAA downgraded Israel's aviation safety standard rating from Category One to Category Two, putting it on the same level as Third World countries. The FAA assessment isn't a measure of Airline safety, but is a determination of whether civil aviation authorities meet international safety standards. The move has significant consequences for Israel's air carriers, tourism and economy, and has spurred government officials to the matter in hand. Last week, a report presented by a panel of experts to Israel's Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the country's aviation safety rating, and provided recommendations to fix problems that caused the downgraded. "The panel understood that according to the director of the Civil Aviation Authority Major General Giora Rom, allocating the necessary resources will make it possible for Israel to restore its rank to '1' in the US in terms of flight safety," the report said. The panel pointed out that "the steps that need to be undertaken could have been concluded 2 to 3 years ago," and outlined 3 major areas for improvement: quick legislation with high priority for Law on Flight; additional budget allocations for the Civil Aviation Authority; and approval for 10-15 more positions for supervisors at the CAA.

WILDCAT STRIKE HITS QANTAS: QANTAS workers have gone back on the job at Sydney Airport, ending a 4-hour long strike that stranded passengers at domestic and international terminals across the country. The Transport Workers Union said more than 450 workers started returning to their jobs from about 1pm today at Sydney Airport,. The union released a statement, reiterating calls for Qantas to stop outsourcing work amid safety fears. "[We] did not take the decision to stop work this morning lightly, and will remain vigilant in ensuring all travellers, as well as the general public, can fly as safely as posible,'' the union said. The strike caused major delays at domestic terminals in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide and at Brisbane's international terminal. Qantas had lodged an appeal in the Industrial Relations Commission to get the workers back on the job, labelling the action "illegal".

NEW LAW AFFECTS ANZ: AIR NEW ZEALAND says it will have to cancel 25 regional flights each week because air traffic control tower staff will have to take lunch breaks from Wednesday. In a statement the Airline called the situation farcical. Employment Relations Act changes which come into effect on Wednesday will see the Air Line Pilots Association insisting that members take their breaks at scheduled times rather than working flexibly as they have in the past. Air New Zealand says this means the Civil Aviation Authority from Wednesday will be forced to close 5 towers, twice each day, for 30-45 minutes. Air New Zealand said that services to 5 regional Airports would have to be cancelled. Regional customers will face disruption and reduced frequency as Air New Zealand is forced to remove approximately 2500 seats each week from regional capacity. Air New Zealand also stands to lose up to $3 million in revenue through the cancellation of these services to Gisborne, Napier, New Plymouth, Rotorua and Invercargill Airports.

DELTA TRANSFORMS MSP: There's change in the air at Minneapolis/St Paul Airport. Atlanta-based DELTA AIRLINES acquired NORTHWEST AIRLINES last year to become the world's biggest Airline operator. Now Delta is rebranding check-in stations and baggage-claim areas throughout the Lindbergh Terminal at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Nearly everything that said "Northwest" will be changed to "Delta." The efforts are expected to continue all week. Delta has already rebranded 33 planes and 119 Airports. It expects to have all US Airports transformed by the end of the year. One benefit to travelers will be in the menu. Northwest dropped snacks long ago to save money. But people who fly the Airline now will get their choice of free peanuts or cookies.

SNAPSHOTS

PART OF THE CHICAGO SKYLINE, AS CAPTURED BEFORE AND DURING THE EARTH HOUR INITIATIVE, LAST EVENING.

LUXE MEN/ CANDID SHOTS (#34)

5 SHOTS OF AMATEUR MEN FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE.

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

MUSIC/LADY GAGA TOPS UK CHART: Lady GaGa has taken the #1 spot on the UK singles chart for a 2nd week with "Poker Face". The singer, who spent 3 weeks at #1 with her debut single "Just Dance" earlier this year, held off competition from The Noisettes. The London group were a new entry at #2 with "Don't Upset The Rhythm". Flo Rida was at #3 with "Right Round," with Beyonce's "Halo" at #4, and AR Rahman and the Pussycat Dolls at #5 with the "Slumdog Millionaire" single. On the albums chart, Ronan Keating kept hold of the top spot with "Songs For My Mother," followed by the Kings of Leon at #2 and Lady GaGa at #3. The Pet Shop Boys scored the highest new entry at #4 with their 10th studio album "Yes".

AVIATION/ MT REDOUBT CLOSES ANC AIRPORT

The Anchorage, Alaska, Airport remained closed this afternoon, after erupting Mount Redoubt shot ash some 45000 feet in the air on yesterday. Ash from Mount Redoubt fell around the city, Alaska's largest, resulting in the closure of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, the FAA said. Only a trace amount of the ash reached the Airport grounds, but it was enough to affect operations. Redoubt has not erupted since late last night and crews are working to clear the ash. Airport officials hope to reopen late today. All Alaska based Airlines are affected, including ALASKA AIRLINES. Cancelations also spread from other Domestic and International Airlines that service Anchorage. Service has been disrupted off & on since March 22, when Mount Redoubt began this cycle of eruptions.

AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS

PAX DISRUPTS SW FLIGHT: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES Flight 1402 was on Scheduled Domestic Boeing 737 Service from Phoenix, Arizona, to Detroit, Michigan, when it had to divert while enroute, yesterday, March 28. Flight 1402 declared an emergency and requested diversion while inflight due to an unruly passenger. According to the Airline, a female passenger became unruly and combative. A physical altercation occured before the woman was subdued. The 737 was diverted to Denver, Colorado, where it landed without incident. The passenger was taken into custody, and Flight 1402 was allowed to continue with its flight. The nature of the dispute was not disclosed by the Airline.
PAN PAN PAN ON AIR CANADA A320: Air Canada Flight 594 was on Scheduled International A320 Service from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Toronto, Canada, when it had to make an emergency landing in Toronto, on Friday, March 27. While nearing Toronto, the crew of Flight 594 notified ATC that were losing hydraulics fluid. The crew then declared PAN PAN PAN shortly before being approved for final approach. The A320 landed without incident and was able to taxi to an apron on its own power where the passengers were offloaded. The A320 has been removed from service for inspection and repair. AC is investigating the incident.

SNAPSHOTS

THE CITY OF SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, IS PICTURED THIS EVENING DURING THE EARTH HOUR INITIATIVE.

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MUSIC HISTORY/ 30 YEARS AGO

BILLBOARD TOP 10 SINGLES FOR WEEK ENDING MARCH 28,1979:
1. TRAGEDY--BEE GEES
2. I WILL SURVIVE--GLORIA GAYNOR
3. WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES--DOOBIE BROTHERS
4. HEAVEN KNOWS--DONNA SUMMER
5. SHAKE YOUR GROOVE THING--PEACHES & HERB
6. DO YA THINK I'M SEXY--ROD STEWART
7. SULTANS OF SWING--DIRE STRAITS
8. FIRE--POINTER SISTERS
9. WHAT YOU WONT DO FOR LOVE--BOBBY CALDWELL
10. A LITTLE MORE LOVE--OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN

TOP DEBUT ON HOT 100:
#77--BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER--LINDA CLIFFORD

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

THEATRE/AUTUMN SCHED FOR PHANTOM II: "Love Never Dies," the long-gestating sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera," will open at the West End's Adelphi Theatre in late October or early November. Tickets are expected to go on sale in late May or early June. The previously-announced plan, which the composer revealed to The Times of London in December, to simultaneously rehearse 3 companies with a view to opening productions in Toronto (ahead of a New York transfer) and Shanghai in quick succession is also being implemented. Rehearsals with 3 full casts will take place in South East London from August 17 for 3 months. Soon after its Adelphi inaugural, it will open at Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre and then, around next April, the cast from Toronto will move to Broadway, winding up in all likelihood at the Neil Simon Theatre. Sometime, in the middle of all this, a production of "Love Never Dies" will open in Shanghai. The original London cast will likely be led by Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess, who have previously played, respectively, the title role and Christine in the London and Las Vegas incarnations of "The Phantom of the Opera".
MEDIA/IRVING R LEVINE DIES AT 86: Irving R. Levine, the bow-tied NBC newsman who explained the fine points of economics to millions of viewers for nearly a quarter century, has died. He was 86, and died on Thursday. Known for his dry, measured delivery and trademark bow ties, Levine was a presence at NBC since 1950 when he began covering the Korean War until his retirement in 1995.He had become the network's full-time economics correspondent in 1971 and in the last five years of his tenure also did weekly commentaries on CNBC. He also appeared on "Meet the Press" more than 100 times over the years.

US NEWS/ HEART STUDY SHOWS PROMISE

Initial results have been released today on the Adult Stem Cell Study that I am a participant in. The article below was released via news-wires early this afternoon.
A stem cell treatment designed to regenerate the heart led to less discomfort and an "improved tolerance" for exercise in patients suffering severe heart disease and chest pain known as angina, a study announced today that is led by Northwestern University and sponsored by Baxter International Inc. shows. Nearly 170 adult patients were studied for six months after having their own stem cells injected into their hearts. Although still early in research, researchers conducting the trial say the results are significant enough that research will continue into a critical final stage with a larger group of patients studied. "The 6-month, phase II data provide the first evidence that a patient's own stem cells could actually be used as a treatment for their heart disease," said Dr. Douglas Losordo, director of Northwestern University's Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute. After a final phase, Deerfield-based Baxter would then decide, likely within the next 5 years, whether to submit the product to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for possible approval. The study presented today was announced in Orlando at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology. Losordo has been working with Baxter on the process of using adult stem cells to create new blood vessels in the cardiovascular system. The study is designed to investigate whether injecting adult stem cells directly into the heart can help patients rebound from severe coronary artery disease. The research involves use of Baxter's Isolex cell separation and selection system to extract stem cells from the many types of cells in bone marrow. The cells, once carefully isolated using the machine, are then injected directly into the heart via catheter in hopes of regenerating damaged areas that trigger heart failure. Stem cells are building-block cells that are able to develop into many different types of specialized cells. They serve as a sort of repair system for the body, and theoretically can divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is alive. Supporters of stem cell research believe blood vessels leading to the heart can be rebuilt and that damaged areas of the heart can be regenerated. Still, industry analysts and researchers involved in the Northwestern and Baxter research say there is a long way to go. Losordo said the results presented today, "while encouraging, are not yet definitive and require verification in a larger study."

US NEWS/ FREEDOM TOWER RENAMED

The agency that owns the space where the World Trade Center towers stood is freeing itself of the term "freedom" to describe the signature skyscraper replacing the buildings destroyed on September 11, 2001. The change from Freedom Tower was revealed Thursday at a news conference where the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced the signing of the first commercial lease in the building to a Chinese company. The building is expected to be completed in late 2013. The building was named the Freedom Tower in the first "ground zero" master plan. Officials said at the time that the tallest, most symbolic of 5 planned towers at the site would demonstrate the country's triumph over terrorism. Critics called the name drop an unpatriotic shedding of symbolism by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Some newspaper editorials blasted the agency for years of missed deadlines and changing plans for the site. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who said he prefers the name Freedom Tower, said the building's true name may be left to the public. "One of the things is we call things what we want to call them. So Avenue of Americas is a good example. It's Sixth Avenue to most people," the mayor said. "If they name this One World Trade Center, people will still call it the Freedom Tower."

AVIATION/ FAA WONT RELEASE BIRD DATA

Airplane bird strikes have only recently caught the attention of the general public, with the January 15 "Miracle on the Hudson" ditching of a US AIRWAYS A320, in truth it's been a problem since the dawn of flight. But just how big a problem is it? Its hard to say, since it appears that the FAA doesn't want you to know. The agency had planned to release its 19-year-old database on bird strikes, following a Freedom of Information Act request submitted by The Associated Press. The FAA told the AP it would release the data within days, following a February 18 conference call. It's now March 28, and still no report. The AP reports the FAA submitted a proposal Tuesday, asking for permission to keep the data private, citing concerns about the safety image of the Airline industry, and of certain Airports. "The agency is concerned that there is a serious potential that information related to bird strikes will not be submitted because of fear that the disclosure of raw data could unfairly cast unfounded aspersions on the submitter," the FAA noted in the Federal Register. That line of reasoning sounds familiar if you remember the hoops NASA jumped through 2 years ago, as it worked to prevent the release of Airline data obtained through the voluntary National Aviation Operations Monitoring Study. Critics slammed the agency, saying it was not NASA's role to protect the Airlines' public image. Eventually, NASA released the data on the last day of 2007. It also took pains to obfuscate the results, so it was impossible for researchers to establish clear trends. The similarity in reasoning was also noticed by others, and many are already slamming the FAA in not releasing the bird strike data. Critics plan to ramp up pressure on the FAA and Congress to release the data, and release it soon.

AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS

BRAZIL UPDATES ON ARROW DC10 INCIDENT: Forca Aerea Brasileira, FAB, the provider for all air traffic control services in Brazil, and the investigator in charge of an ARROW DC10 incident on Thursday, March 26, has issued an update on the incident. Arrow Flight 431 was on Scheduled International Cargo Service from Manaus, Brazil, to Bogota, Colombia, with 4 crew members onboard, when the incident took place. On takeoff from Manaus, a loud bang was heard, and multiple engine parts from the DC10 fell to the ground in Manaus. At least 21 homes were damaged by debris, however no one on the ground was hurt. Parts found so far include nacelle and engine parts, the largest part weighing around 250kg/550lbs. The crew elected to continue on to Bogota, as the flight performance appeared not to be affected. Contrary to initial reports, the DC10 did not land in Bogota, but was diverted to Medellin, Colombia, due to poor weather in Bogota. The DC10 landed without incident in Medellin, were it was removed from service for full inspection. In its update, Forca Aerea Brasileira reported that the crew was contacted by Manaus control tower after a loud bang was heard by the controller. The crew reported no abnormalities. After the debris was established on the ground, the area control center Cindacta 4 (Manaus) queried the crew again, this time the crew reported problems with 1 engine but decided to continue the flight. The serious incident will be investigated by CENIPA, Brazil's Center for Research and Prevention of Accidents, collection of evidence has started. So far the diffuser of the exhaust pipe, the rear part of the exhaust pipe and several small internal components of the engine have been recovered on the ground. FAB also reported that the Arrow DC10 in question had a permit to make non-profit only, and was not currently sanctioned to transport cargo. Arrow had to no comment on the FAB update.

BEARSKIN SW4 IN EMERGENCY LANDING: BEARSKIN AIRLINES Flight 342 was on Scheduled Domestic SW4 Service from Fort Frances to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, when it had to make an emergency landing at Thunder Bay, on Wednesday, March 25. Flight 342, with 20 passengers and crew onboard, was on approach to Thunder Bay, when the crew declared emergency and reported the loss of a hydraulics system affecting flaps and landing gear. The crew extended the landing gear using emergency procedures and subsequently managed to land without incident. The SW4 was removed from service for inspection and repairs. That inspection revealed that a hydraulic accumulator had failed allowing hydraulics fluid to deplete. The aircraft has since returned to service. Bearskin is investigating the incident.

AIRTRAN CONDEMNED OVER PILOT: The Board of Directors of the National Pilots Association (NPA) said Thursday it "strongly condemns" what it calls the wrongful suspension of an AIRTRAN AIRWAYS Pilot, and appealed to the public in demanding that he be reinstated immediately and paid in full. According to the union, AirTran Vice President Steve Kolski called NPA President Linden Hillman last week to inform him that management's position is that the Pilot was in violation of AirTran's flight operations manual and would face possible discipline for wearing his uniform while dropping off his wife and 2 young children at an NPA-sponsored family day at the circus in Atlanta on February 21, 2009. AirTran's rules clearly state all employees are not to wear company uniforms while attending union-sponsored meetings or events, but NPA counters the Pilot was on his way to work when he stopped briefly at Philips Arena to help his wife with their kids. "He was wearing his uniform so that he could get to work on time," said NPA spokesman Tim Baker. "The circus started at 3:00pm, and he had to be at work at 4:30pm. He was leaving on a 4 day trip and wanted to spend as much time with the kids as possible." Baker also says the Pilot in question "will soon be deployed overseas" as a pilot in the Air Force Reserves, "and is focused on spending time with his family." In its response, AirTran pointed out the Pilot "wore his uniform to a non-work, NPA union-sponsored event in clear violation of the Flight Operations Manual and the collective bargaining agreement," and claims "NPA union leadership had the opportunity to avoid this suspension on several occasions, and they chose not to."AirTran pointedly concluded it "will not conduct labor relations through the media."

SNAPSHOTS

STEAM BELLOWS FROM MOUNT REDOUBT YESTERDAY AFTERNOON, AS SEEN FROM KENSAI, ALASKA.

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