James Cameron sued over 'Avatar' again
"Avatar" director James Cameron has been sued for the second time in nearly as many weeks by someone claiming to have come up with the idea for the sci-fi mega-hit.
Cameron's attorney, Bert Fields, and Fox both slammed the latest suit by science fiction writer Bryant Moore as without merit. Moore, TMZ first reported Monday, is seeking more than $2 billion -- yes, with a "b" -- from Cameron and 20th Century Fox, claiming that Cameron used his screenplays for the movies "Aquatica" and "Descendants: The Pollination" as the basis for the 2009 film.
Moore is seeking $1.5 billion in actual damages, plus another $1 billion in punitive damages.
"Mr. Cameron was demonstrably the author of 'Avatar,'" Fields told TheWrap. "We can prove that, and we intend to prove that in court." Moore's claim -- and, for that matter, any claim alleging that someone other than Cameron had authored the movie -- is "entirely without merit," according to his attorney.
A spokesperson for Fox called the suit "baseless," adding, "we look forward to vigorously defending our position."
According to TMZ, Moore cites numerous similarities between the projects, including bio-luminescent plant life, spiritual connections to environment and reincarnation, and the appearance of mist in a scene -- yes, the appearance of mist in a scene.
Earlier this month, Eric Ryder filed suit against Cameron in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that "Avatar" was largely lifted from his story idea, "and "liberally and substantially uses material" that fell under his agreement with Lightstorm. Ryder claimed to have entered an agreement with Cameron's production company, Lightstorm Entertainment, to develop a movie based on one of his stories.
TheWrap.com
Kim Kardashian Says Trip to Haiti was 'Life Changing'
Eariler this month, reality star Kim Kardashian visited Hait,i with her mommager Kris Jenner. The visit was in support of Maria Bello's charity "We Advance". The non-profit's mission is to be "a movement to advance the health, safety, and well being of women throughout Haiti" Kim wrote about her visit on her blog and described the trip as "life changing".
"Our mission was to learn more about [actress Maria Bello's] charity, We Advance, meet the Haitian people who have made such amazing progress since the devastating earthquake in 2010, and celebrate the women of Haiti, who inspired me more than I ever could have anticipated," Kardashian wrote.
When Kardashian returned, she says she saw "malicious" reports that say she "spent a fortune" on herself in Haiti.
"While my experience was completely life-changing ... a very emotional and surprisingly positive journey that I will never forget, some media outlets have tried to tarnish the motive behind my visit and have written completely ridiculous and untrue things," she wrote. "The truth is that I was at the Haitian Artisan Fair, where the amazing men and women who make their jewelry and crafts sell them to visitors to make a living, and I bought some beautiful jewelry!"
"I have some really great stories and photos from my trip and I'm so excited to share them with you all," she wrote.
Kim Kardashian also talked about meeting a 16 year old Haitian entrepreneur Leanna Archer. "Leanna Archer is just 16 years old, and is CEO, owner and founder of Leanna’s Inc., and founder of the Leanna Archer Education Foundation for underprivileged children in Haiti. She came to speak at the Haitian Artisan Fair and I was honestly blown away by her story. She started making her own hair products at the age of eight and shortly after launched her own company! She would take her grandmother’s formula and package them in her baby brother’s baby food jars.
Her products were such a great success and in 2008 Leanna launched the Leanna Archer Education Foundation. Leanna uses the money she makes from the sales of her products to help kids in Tabar, Haiti, providing over 200 kids there with three meals every day. Her goal is to build a school and give individual attention to the kids in the town, based on their skills and needs."
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez handed eight-match FA ban
Liverpool's Luis Suarez has been handed an eight-match ban and a £40,000 fine by the Football Association after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.
The Uruguay striker, 24, clashed with the France defender during the 1-1 draw at Anfield on 15 October.
Suarez, who denied the allegations, has 14 days to appeal against the decision.
He said on Twitter: "Today is a very difficult and painful day for me and my family. Thanks for all the support."
Liverpool, who had backed their player throughout the case, said the club was "very surprised" by the decision, while manager Kenny Dalglish said on Twitter that he was "very disappointed".
The Reds boss added: "This is the time when Luis Suarez needs our full support. Let's not let him walk alone."
The six-day hearing, which concluded on Tuesday, was told Suarez used "insulting words", which included a reference to Evra's colour.
A Liverpool statement said: "We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone.
"No one else on the field of play - including Evra's own Manchester United team-mates and all the match officials - heard the alleged conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop goalmouth.
"It appears to us that the FA were determined to bring charges against Luis Suarez, even before interviewing him at the beginning of November.
"Nothing we have heard in the course of the hearing has changed our view that Luis Suarez is innocent of the charges brought against him and we will provide Luis with whatever support he now needs to clear his name."
But Liverpool have questioned whether the FA also intends to charge Evra with making abusive remarks to an opponent.
The Anfield statement added: "Evra admitted himself in his evidence to insulting Luis Suarez in Spanish in the most objectionable of terms.
"Luis, to his credit, actually told the FA he had not heard the insult."
The FA said the penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal which may be made by Suarez.
Its statement added: "The reason for this is to ensure that the penalty does not take effect before any appeal so that Mr Suarez has an effective right of appeal."
Piara Powar, executive director of Football Against Racism in Europe (Fare), believes the governing body's decision is a landmark judgement.
He told BBC Radio 5 live: "This is the first time we have seen an insight into what is said between players on the pitch, and what may have been commonplace between players in the past.
"This is a big moment and I would say that the FA have dealt with this in the right way. They have taken their time and taken independent advice.
"No one takes any pleasure from seeing him found guilty like this but it is an interesting judgement."
Powar said Fare has taken advice on the abusive word used by Suarez and the context of similar words in South American dialect.
He added: "If it is used in a friendly fashion then it is acceptable, it turns immediately to a hostile meaning if it is used as an offensive word.
"Taking the context of that game, it is difficult to see how he would have used it in a friendly way."
Suarez, who is facing a separate charge from the FA over an alleged abusive hand gesture he made as he left the pitch following Liverpool's 1-0 defeat by Fulham on 5 December, told media in Uruguay that he "called him [Evra] something his team-mates at Manchester call him".
Evra made his claims immediately after the match and was quoted as telling French television station Canal Plus: "There are cameras, you can see [Suarez] say a certain word to me at least 10 times."
The Frenchman reported his complaint after the game to match referee Andre Marriner, who included it in his report.
The chairman of anti-racism group Kick It Out, Lord Ouseley, said: "The FA has shown leadership and intent through what has clearly been a difficult and complex complaint to deal with, and invested time and expertise to ensure this outcome.
"It has demonstrated that it will not stand for discrimination, something organisations such as Fifa and Uefa should take heed of."
Professional Footballers' Association chairman Clarke Carlisle thinks the decision is "100% correct".
He told BBC Radio 5 live: "There are definitely cultural differences for a lot of players coming from South America and from the continent into England.
"But even though those differences do exist, we still expect people who come and work here to adhere to the standards and the laws of this land.
"It's wholly acceptable in parts of the Middle East to chop off the hands of thieves but we wouldn't tolerate it here and it's just the same when it comes to racism."
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor added: "I was surprised at the severity of the punishment - bearing in mind the length of time the case took. That suggested there was some doubt about the claims.
"But it shows the FA must have some compelling evidence."
Taylor also believes clubs tend to adopt a "them and us" stance against the FA when their players are investigated by Soho Square bosses.
He said: "They almost automatically support their players. But some things are bigger than clubs, players and even the game itself. Racism is one of them."
BBC
Ricky Ponting keeps Australia spot as Hughes & Khawaja dropped
Australia have dropped batsmen Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja for the Boxing Day Test against India at Melbourne - but former captain Ricky Ponting keeps his place in a 13-man squad.
Hughes and Khawaja were omitted after Australia's humiliating defeat by New Zealand earlier this month.
Uncapped Tasmania opener Ed Cowan is set for a Test debut at the top of the order as Shane Watson is out injured.
Seamer Ben Hilfenhaus and fit-again batsman Shaun Marsh are also recalled.
All-rounder Dan Christian, who played three Twenty20 internationals in 2010 but is yet to feature for his country in the longer formats of the game, remains an option after he was 12th man for that defeat by the Kiwis in Hobart.
Ponting had been warned by coach Mickey Arthur that his place was not guaranteed, but has not been discarded despite being outscored by both Hughes and Khawaja at Hobart.
Arthur told BBC Radio 4:"To be honest, I still think Ricky still has a little bit left in him. He's still fit enough, providing he's scoring runs, to play a role in that Ashes series in 2013 - but the ball's in his court.
"Any international cricketer's currency is runs if you're a batsmen and he's got to put those runs on the board."
Tellingly, Hughes and Khawaja were not part of a three-day batting "boot camp" organised before the squad was named - although Ponting, Christian, Watson, captain Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin were included.
The main choice for the final XI appears to be between Marsh and Christian, if the former's back injury does not resurface, while Hilfenhaus - who was dropped after the Ashes series defeat by England just under a year ago - will challenge Mitchell Starc for the third seamer's role, as Ryan Harris is not yet fit enough to return.
National selector John Inverarity said: "Ed Cowan has been in excellent form in recent weeks. His inclusion is in recognition of his consistently good performances and we anticipate that he can provide steadiness at the top of the order.
"Ben Hilfenhaus has regained form this season and he provides a strong and reliable bowling option.
"We see both Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja as developing players with bright futures and remaining as players of significance. They are determined young men and I know they will work hard to push strongly for further consideration."
The traditional Boxing Day Test at the MCG is the start of a four-Test series against India.
Australia squad for first Test against India: Michael Clarke (capt), Ed Cowan, David Warner, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Daniel Christian, Brad Haddin (wk), Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Ben Hilfenhaus.
India Test squad: Mahendra Dhoni (capt & wk), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Pragyan Ojha, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Abhimanyu Mithun, Umesh Yadav.
BBC
Bulls Rose signs $94M extension
Derrick Rose says there isn't much that excites him. A maximum contract extension, though, just might.
The reigning MVP agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Chicago Bulls worth approximately $94 million, a person familiar with the situation said.
The Chicago Tribune, citing sources, first reported the deal.
The person spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Tuesday night because the deal had not been finalized. The extension will start in the 2012-13 season, when Rose is eligible to make about $16 million.
Rose wouldn't say anything specific after the Bulls' preseason game Tuesday night.
"It's something big, but I think I want to talk more about it (Wednesday), with my family and everybody being there," the Bulls' star point guard said. "But it's definitely something big."
And, teammates say, it was well-earned.
"We're all very excited for him," Carlos Boozer said. "He deserves it. He puts in a lot of effort. I wish the contract was for 10 years."
The chance to join Rose in the backcourt was a big draw for Richard Hamilton. The veteran shooting guard signed with the Bulls last week after being bought out by the Detroit Pistons, and so far, he likes what he sees.
"He works hard," Hamilton said. "He's young. He's 23 years old and the way he plays on the floor is the way he practices. In order to be great in this league, you just can't turn it on (during) games. He really has a great work ethic."
The deal is more of a formality than a surprise.
Rose and general manager Gar Forman had indicated it would get done, and it was not hard to see why they wanted to stay together.
The Chicago product went from Rookie of the Year to All-Star to MVP in his first three seasons, becoming the youngest player to win that award. About the only thing he doesn't have is a championship ring, and that's what weighs on him as he enters his fourth season - not the money.
"I think I live a humble life," Rose said. "Of course, I know I'll be able to afford whatever I want, but other than that, there aren't too many things that excite me. Me winning is one of the things. Me being around my family, that's another. Money, that's the last thing I think about."
The Bulls came close to winning it all last season, winning a league-high 62 games and advancing all the way to the Eastern Conference finals before losing to the Miami Heat.
Now, they're looking for more.
Rose has repeatedly pointed the finger at himself for the Bulls coming up short against the Heat in the playoffs. He worked on his inside game in the offseason after expanding his shooting range in previous years, but it's hard to imagine him accomplishing much more than he did last season.
Rose delivered one of the best seasons by a point guard. He also joined Michael Jordan as the only Bulls players to win the MVP award.
The South Side product established himself as one of the league's best players, averaging 25 points and 7.7 assists while leading Chicago to its best season since the championship era with Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
For Rose, the contract extension is just another milestone in a rapid rise from the city's rough Englewood neighborhood to a starring role with his hometown team.
He helped Simeon Career Academy become the first Chicago Public League team to win back-to-back state championships, then led Memphis to the NCAA championship game before the Bulls drafted him with the No. 1 pick in 2008 after defying long odds to win the lottery.
"The Bulls are loyal," Rose said. "They've stayed loyal with me, showed that they trusted me by picking me to come here. I just feel blessed, and I'm just happy that I'm here."
AP
Iraqi PM urges Kurds to hand over VP al-Hashemi
The Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has called on the autonomous Kurdish region to hand over Iraq's Sunni Vice-President, Tariq al-Hashemi.
An arrest warrant was issued for Mr Hashemi on Monday over terror charges.
Tariq al-Hashemi is Iraq's most senior Sunni Arab politician. He says the allegations are "fabricated".
Mr Hashemi is currently in the region of northern Iraq controlled by Kurdish authorities. The warrant was issued a day after US troops pulled out.
The US Vice-President Joe Biden has urged Iraqi leaders to work together to avert renewed sectarian strife.
In a news conference broadcast live on Iraqi television, Mr Maliki, a Shia, said he would dismiss ministers belonging to the main Sunni political grouping, Iraqiyya, if they did not lift their boycott of parliament and cabinet.
The prime minister offered an invitation to all political factions to hold talks to try to resolve the crisis. But if that did not work out he said that in the future Iraq could have a majority government which any person or bloc would be welcome to join, to "take the country forward in a positive direction".
Asked about Mr Hashemi's call for the Arab League to oversee any process against him, Mr Maliki said this was a criminal issue in Iraq. He saw no reason why the Arab League or the United Nations should intervene in an Iraqi criminal case, he said.
Cuba and Venezuela sign $1.6 billion in cooperation accords
Venezuela and Cuba have signed 47 new cooperation accords, valued at $1.6 billion, Venezuelan oil and mining minister Rafael Ramirez announced on Monday.
Upon the closing of the 12th Cuba-Venezuela Joint Intergovernmental Commission, Ramirez underscored the significantly positive impact by the current bilateral cooperation on his country through the implementation of social missions.
All these projects constitute a qualitatively higher stage of bilateral relations, whose commercial value has increased to $11 billion, the minister said.
Meanwhile, the vice-president of the Cuban Council of Ministers Ricardo Cabrisas stressed the success of the joint Commission, which he described as a scenario reaffirming the political will of both governments to implement all approved projects since the year 2000 in tune with the bilateral framework cooperation accord.
During the Commission’s closing session, both parties signed six new contracts in the context of the 2012 program, which are aimed at maintaining technical assistance and services for social missions in Venezuela, continuing to provide the South American nation with pharmaceuticals, contributing to the sectors of health, sports, culture, food sovereignty, as well as supporting the recovery of the Venezuelan electric power generation system.
Over the past few days, Cuban and Venezuelan ministers in nine sectors gathered at Havana´s Conventions Hall to look at projects already under implementation and they approved 47 new projects aimed at improving the wellbeing of the peoples of Cuba and Venezuela.
On Monday afternoon, Cuban President Raul Castro received the Venezuelan delegation that took part in the 12 Joint Intergovernmental Commissions. During the talks, Rafael Ramirez and Ricardo Cabrisas briefed the Cuban president about the major outcomes of the meeting, which will allow strengthening bilateral cooperation and economic integration relations.
Both ministers ratified the determination to work for the increase of efficiency in the use of resources and maximize the social and economic impact of the projects, which include the areas of health, education, culture, sports, agriculture, industry, mining and oil, among others.
The meeting was also attended by the vice-president of the Venezuelan government Ricardo Menendez and several ministers from both countries.
Several major projects to start or be completed in 2012 in St Kitts-Nevis
Construction on several projects, including a world class private jet terminal, a mega-yacht marina and a resort, is to begin and continue in 2012, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr Denzil Douglas has disclosed.
He said, in an effort to further expand arrivals from the higher end of the air passenger market, construction of a world class private jet terminal will begin in January 2012 and it is scheduled to be completed by October 2012.
“This project is synergistic with other premium facilities which are already being developed to serve a more upscale clientele,” said Douglas.
He said the private jet terminal will target clients from a number of ongoing developments such as Christophe Harbour, which recently opened The Pavilion at Sandy Bank Bay.
Work he said is also continuing on the mega yacht marina at the South East Peninsula, which is expected to host its first vessels in January 2012.
“Development is also now progressing at Kittitian Hill, with construction underway on the golf course and 36 resort cottages and 10 villas. It is anticipated that Phase One which is the opening of a 90-room hotel, spa and golf resort will take place in December 2012,” said Douglas.
He said Phase Two of the Silver Reef luxury apartment complex will also be completed by June of next year.
“We are seeing the positive impact from the completion of the final 22 units of the 88-unit Marriott Vacation Club International (MVCI), which has timeshare owners that visit year-round therefore providing a balance between the seasonal lows and highs of leisure travel,” said Douglas.
C.News Now
Former Trinidad Police Service Commission boss appeals his dismissal
The former chairman of the Police Service Commission who was fired in early April following controversial statements about the ethnic composition of the force has challenged the matter in court.
Nizam Mohammed has filed a constitutional motion asking that the revocation of his appointment by President George Maxwell Richards be declared null and void.
The former PSC boss argues that the president’s decision was due to political pressure and he did not have a chance to defend himself, according to the Trinidad Express newspaper.
The Attorney General has been named as the defendant.
Mohammed stated that comments concerning the ethnic composition of the top-most level of the Police Service and the Promotions Advisory Board of the Police Service should be protected by parliamentary privilege as they were made during a meeting of the Joint Select Committee appointed to consider and report to the Parliament on Service Commissions.
Mohammed’s statements were denounced by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
In the suit, the former PSC chairman said both the opposition leader and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar held separate meetings with the president.
Mohammed explained that he subsequently met with President Richards who notified him of letters of complaint from three of his colleagues on the commission about his chairmanship.
Mohammed insists he was not given reasonable opportunity to respond to the matters raised by the president, and had his appointment revoked several days later.
Caribbean 360 News
Edwards aiming to be fastest bowler on earth
Batsmen around the world may start to shiver in their boots after Fidel Edwards threatened to touch the 160 kilometre-an-hour mark in the next year.
The 29-year-old West Indies fastbowler, who is playing for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash, said he would like to get closer to the fastest delivery ever unleashed by Pakistani Shoaib Akhtar and Australian Shaun Tait.
“One of my aims is to be the fastest and regarded as the best fastbowler in the world,” said Edwards.
“Hopefully, I’m not too far off that (goal) and it could be by the end of next year. That’s my goal.
“Patrick Cummins is fast, Shaun Tait bowls quick and Kemar Roach bowls fast as well. Depending on how the body holds up, who knows, you could see some fast speeds in the Big Bash.”
Edwards has enjoyed a year free of serious injury, after being sidelined for most of the previous two years with a career-threatening back injury that required surgery.
“I’ve been doing a lot of strength work lately and I’ve been holding up well,” he said.
“There are still a couple of things I need to work on with my action, but hopefully you’ll see me bowl faster,” he asaid
“I loved watching (West Indian greats) Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Malcolm Marshall and those sorts of guys…. I’m also a very big fan of Brett Lee, just the way he approaches his game, the way he runs in and bowls fast and scares batsmen. I love to watch him bowl,” said Edwards.
The Barbadian speedster failed to take a wicket on Sunday, when the Thunder opened their Big Bash campaign with a six-wicket victory over the Melbourne Stars.
Jamaica Observer