just4moms.netExciting News Every Mom Should Know…

In the second time in as many months, Brian McKnight has recorded a very, very suggestive song. he wrote the new racy tune for YouPorn.com.

The song centers on a particular sexual position and includes lyrics so racy we can’t list them here.

In April, the R&B star posted a prank video online. in “If You’re Ready to Learn,” he is sympathetic to women whose selfish lovers don’t satisfy them in the bedroom.

To thank YouPorn.com bosses for helping to sell that single, he penned a new tune. Listen to a clip of the song on TMZ.com (with controversial words bleeped out).

Fans were upset at the release of his first sexy tune, and McKnight responded to the backlash by saying, “I was just having some fun…I’m not being defensive it’s just sad to think that one parody could wipe out 25 years of work.”

Well, now it’s TWO parodies. what will his fans think of that?

Week 4 has a group date twist for the boat race in Bermuda, according to The Bachelorette 2012 spoilers. Emily Maynard will join her suitors of eight men as they prepare to learn sailing techniques.

Reality Steve blogged that two teams of four will also compete in the boat race. The yellow team has Arie, Jef, Ryan, and Kalon and the red team has Sean, Travis, Chris, and Charlie.

The team that wins the boat race will get to spend more time with Emily while the losing team must head back to the hotel. The yellow team ends up winning.

At the group date after party that evening, one of the men tries impressing Emily by telling her she’s a potential “trophy wife,” but it’s another man who earns the rose from Emily after some smooth talking, according to Top Reasons to love The Bachelor.

Plenty will be spilled on The Bachelorette 2012 in week 4. Ryan makes a shocking statement sure to fire up viewers and a lot more drama will play out as Emily continues her journey looking for love.

Tune into The Bachelorette Monday, June 4 at 8 a.m., ET/PT on ABC.

Weight loss can be difficult; however, according to a recent study you can curb your appetite naturally by eating the right foods.

British researchers have found that eating protein promotes the body’s natural development of a hormone, known as PYY. Previous studies suggest that PYY has the ability to aid weight loss by reducing hunger.

According to Rachel L. Batterham, M.D., of University College London, PYY may be one of the keys to slowing or reversing the obesity epidemic; however, many experts say dieters should use caution before they adopt a high protein diet.

Although high-protein diets have been associated with leaner bodies; too much of a good thing can have drawbacks. According to health and fitness expert, Jake Weathers, dieters need the right balance if they want to get a healthy, attractive physique.

“A high protein diet is definitely a smart way to increase muscle mass and decrease unwanted fat,” he said. “that said, you still need to get adequate amounts of the carbohydrates and fats, or your body will not function properly.”

Weathers says both men and women need essential fatty acids to keep their hormones functioning properly; they also need carbohydrates to support mental function and aid muscle recovery. Still, he warns that not all carbohydrates and fats are the same.

“Healthy fats contain nutritious omega fatty acids and come from healthy foods, such as avocados, nuts, and fish,” he said. “Good complex carbohydrates are found in fibrous vegetables and whole grains foods.”

2005, Japan Publications Trading, ISBN-13: 978-4889961812

This publication belongs to the very nice ‘Quick and Easy’ series and is a special favorite of my wife, who enjoys trying many different kinds of pickling methods. the name of the book is just a little bit inaccurate but, in this case, the inaccuracy works to the benefit of the reader rather than otherwise because, in addition to providing a very comprehensive of Japanese pickling methods, some varieties from other parts of the world are featured as well…

The book begins with a very short introduction to Tsukemono, which is essentially just a Japanese ‘umbrella’ term for pickles. this introduction takes a historical look at the topic and moves on to a brief overview of some of the equipment required. a short list of some popular flavoring ingredients is also included.

There are 73 recipes in all and, like the other books I have encountered in the ‘Quick and Easy’ series, they are all nicely illustrated with plenty of step-by-step photographs that are well chosen and very helpful. my only complaint with the graphics is that, in my edition at least, the pictures for quite a number of recipes were not printed well and came out somewhat faded and monochromatic.

The range of recipes is extensive and covers several different pickling methods including lactic acid fermentation in salt (dry, brine and in the form of miso), vinegar pickling, and also pickles in wine and syrup. the book also features a very interesting and uniquely Japanese type of pickle called Nukamiso-zuke wherein various vegetables are fermented in rice bran. this is one section of the book that really appeals to me and I actually have several boxes of the required bran sitting in my kitchen cupboard just waiting for me to get down to actually trying the technique.

As noted, the book does not limit itself to Japanese pickles alone but also includes recipes for a few sorts of Korean Kimchi along with a European style Sauerkraut. Most of the recipes are for vegetable pickles (plus a few fruits), but there are also a couple featuring squid and fish. Personally, I would have liked to see a few more of the latter and I think (although this is more a wish than a criticism) that a couple of Indian style pickle recipes would have given the book a truly well rounded balance.

The organization of the recipes is a bit haphazard and the introduction could have been longer but the nice layout and easy readability of the recipes more than makes up for it. Beginners should have no difficulty following the step-by-step instructions and more experienced pickle makers will enjoy browsing through the pages for interesting ideas. I recommend it highly.

CLEMSON 11, COASTAL CAROLINA 3

Clemson’s Phil Pohl had a grand slam and drove in five runs as the Tigers opened the NCAA tournament’s Columbia Regional with a 11-3 victory over Coastal Carolina Friday.

the No. 2 seeded Tigers (34-26) took the lead for good on Pohl’s run-scoring single off Chanticleers starter Austin Wallace (5-1) in the first. they put the game away an inning later, the big blow coming with Pohl’s ninth homer of the year to left with the bases loaded.

Pohl, a senior catcher and designated hitter from Cooperstown, hit his only previous grand slam two years ago in the same park.

the Tigers will face either two-time defending national champion South Carolina or Manhattan on Saturday.

ST. JOHN'S 11, EAST CAROLINA 3

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Kyle Hansen struck out eight while Matt Wessinger had three hits and two RBIs to help St. John’s beat East Carolina 11-3 Friday in the Chapel Hill Regional of the NCAA tournament.

Kyle Richardson and Jimmy Brennan each drove in a pair of runs for the third-seeded Red Storm (38-21), who scored the first six runs and never looked back. St. John’s has won five straight going back to its run to last week’s big East championship.

Richardson, a senior from Rome and former Mohawk Valley DiamondDawg, had two hits and scored two runs.

Hansen (5-5) earned the win, allowing eight hits and three runs in 71⁄3 innings.

East Carolina fell to 1-16 at North Carolina’s Boshamer Stadium since 1994, including 14 straight losses to the host Tar Heels.

NORTH CAROLINA 7, CORNELL 4

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Colin Moran had four hits to help North Carolina beat Cornell 7-4 on Friday in the Chapel Hill Regional of the NCAA tournament.

Jacob Stallings and Adam Griffin each drove in two runs for the top-seeded Tar Heels (45-14), the No. 6 national seed. Moran’s big day came a week after going just 2 for 14 in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament.

North Carolina scored the first five runs Friday, then added two after the fourth-seeded big Red had closed to 5-3 in the sixth inning.

Hobbs Johnson (7-1) earned the win, allowing six hits and two runs in five innings. Michael Morin picked up his 18th save to tie a school single-season record.

Brian Billigen hit a two-run homer in the sixth for Cornell (31-16-1), which committed four errors. Incoming Mohawk Valley DiamondDawg Chris Cruz, the Ivy League's home run leader, went 1-for-5 and struck out three times.

CLEMSON 11, COASTAL CAROLINA 3 Clemson’s Phil Pohl had a grand slam and drove in five runs as the Tigers opened the NCAA tournament’s Columbia Regional with a 11-3 victory over Coastal Carolina Friday. the No. 2 seeded Tigers (34-26) took the lead for good on Pohl’s run-scoring single off Chanticleers starter Austin Wallace (5-1) in the first. they put the game away an inning later, the big blow coming with Pohl’s ninth homer of the year to left with the bases loaded. Pohl, a senior catcher and designated hitter from Cooperstown, hit his only previous grand slam two years ago in the same park. the Tigers will face either two-time defending national champion South Carolina or Manhattan on Saturday. ST. JOHN'S 11, EAST CAROLINA 3 CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Kyle Hansen struck out eight while Matt Wessinger had three hits and two RBIs to help St. John’s beat East Carolina 11-3 Friday in the Chapel Hill Regional of the NCAA tournament. Kyle Richardson and Jimmy Brennan each drove in a pair of runs for the third-seeded Red Storm (38-21), who scored the first six runs and never looked back. St. John’s has won five straight going back to its run to last week’s big East championship. Richardson, a senior from Rome and former Mohawk Valley DiamondDawg, had two hits and scored two runs. Hansen (5-5) earned the win, allowing eight hits and three runs in 71⁄3 innings. East Carolina fell to 1-16 at North Carolina’s Boshamer Stadium since 1994, including 14 straight losses to the host Tar Heels. NORTH CAROLINA 7, CORNELL 4 CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Colin Moran had four hits to help North Carolina beat Cornell 7-4 on Friday in the Chapel Hill Regional of the NCAA tournament. Jacob Stallings and Adam Griffin each drove in two runs for the top-seeded Tar Heels (45-14), the No. 6 national seed. Moran’s big day came a week after going just 2 for 14 in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament. North Carolina scored the first five runs Friday, then added two after the fourth-seeded big Red had closed to 5-3 in the sixth inning. Hobbs Johnson (7-1) earned the win, allowing six hits and two runs in five innings. Michael Morin picked up his 18th save to tie a school single-season record. Brian Billigen hit a two-run homer in the sixth for Cornell (31-16-1), which committed four errors. Incoming Mohawk Valley DiamondDawg Chris Cruz, the Ivy League's home run leader, went 1-for-5 and struck out three times. Rick marks (4-5) took the loss, allowing nine hits and five runs in 3 2/3 innings. the game included a 71-minute rain delay. KENT STATE 7, KENTUCKY 6, 21 innings GARY, Ind. — For as long as Friday night’s 21-inning marathon between Kent State and Kentucky lasted at the NCAA Gary Regional, the game still fell four innings short of the Texas-Boston College affair in 2009. Alex Miklos hit a go-ahead RBI triple in the 21st inning as the Golden Flashes outlasted Kentucky 7-6 in the second-longest game in NCAA tournament history. “that might not have been the longest game in college baseball history, but it was certainly the best baseball game in college baseball history,” Kent State coach Scott Stricklin said. “there were so many twists and turns. the game was just unbelievable.” the Golden Flashes (42-17) held the lead in the ninth and 18th innings, but the Wildcats (43-17) answered both times to extend it. Kentucky had numerous chances to end the game in extra innings, including having the bases loaded with one out in the 20th, but Kent State relief pitcher Michael Clark was able to get J.T. Riddle to bounce into an inning-ending home-to-first double play. “I got the one play that could get us out of that inning,” Clark said. “We would throw a punch and then they would throw a punch. It was a great game to be a part of.”

Each team used four pitchers that threw at least 60 pitches in the game. Kentucky reliever a.J. Reed started the game as the designated hitter and pitched the final nine innings of the game for the Wildcats. Clark threw the final three and two-thirds innings for Kent State and got the win while recording four strikeouts. the Golden Flashes were two outs away from the victory in the ninth inning when Kentucky first baseman Luke Maile tied the game 5-5 with an RBI single that scored Austin Cousino. Maile, a Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League all-star while playing for the Amsterdam Mohawks last summer, was replaced by a pinch-runner and Kentucky played the rest of the game without one of its top hitters. Maile was 3-for-4 with two runs batted in. the teams played eight innings of scoreless baseball before Joe Koch gave Kent State a 6-5 lead with an RBI single. Kentucky catcher Michael Williams answered with a run-scoring double in the bottom of the 18th and the teams continued playing. PURDUE 7, VALPARAISO 2 GARY, Ind. — Joe Haase threw seven strong innings and Purdue scored all seven runs with two outs to pick up its first NCAA tournament win in school history with a 7-2 victory over Valparaiso Friday night. the Boilermakers (45-12) are playing in their first NCAA tournament since 1987 while the Crusaders (35-24) are participating for the first time since 1968. Haase settled down after a shaky start and struck out seven while walking just one in front of a strong Purdue defense that helped strand 11 Valparaiso baserunners. the Boilermakers had four different players with two hits, including Barrett Serrato, who delivered a two-run go-ahead double in the second inning that gave Purdue the lead for good.

the Boilermakers (45-12) were playing in their first NCAA tournament since 1987 while the Crusaders (35-24) were participating for the first time since 1968. Compiled from Times Staff and Associated Press Wire Reports

Now I know why my mom never really finished books when we were growing up. Because now I have those same stacks of half-finished books everywhere — by …
ylcf.org/2012/…/books-on-motherhood-that-have-challenged-…

Zombie Apocalypse is coming soon? Zombie incidents were reported in Florida in just a period of 12 days, does it mean that the dreaded doomsday is starting?

The news about the Miami cannibal attack became sensational in the US over the weekend as it ignited a conspiracy theory about the so-called “Zombie Apocalypse.”

The term was actually a title of a 2011 horror movie on Syfy channel inspired by fictional undead creatures. Zombies were also popularized by hit movies such as “Dawn of the Dead,” “Night of the Living Dead” and TV series like “The Walking Dead.”

But what is a Zombie Apocalypse?

Intimately tied to the conception of the modern zombie is the “zombie apocalypse”, the breakdown of society as a result of zombie infestation, which has emerged as a prolific subgenre of apocalyptic fiction and been portrayed in countless zombie-related media post-Night. In a zombie apocalypse, a widespread (usually global) rise of zombies hostile to human life engages in a general assault on civilization. Victims of zombies may become zombies themselves. This causes the outbreak to become an exponentially growing crisis: the spreading “zombie plague/virus” swamps normal military and law enforcement organizations, leading to the panicked collapse of civilian society until only isolated pockets of survivors remain, scavenging for food and supplies in a world reduced to a pre-industrial hostile wilderness.

It’s interesting to note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US issued a warning about the zombie apocalypse in 2011. Titled “Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse,” is a blog post of the agency that uses a zombie apocalypse scenario to raise public awareness on preparations for emergency situations. In a blog post titled “Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse”, the Director of the CDC’s Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, Rear Admiral Dr. Ali S. Khan writes: “Take a zombie apocalypse for example. That’s right, I said z-o-m-b-i-e a-p-o-c-a-l-y-p-s-e. You may laugh now, but when it happens you’ll be happy you read this, and hey, maybe you’ll even learn a thing or two about how to prepare for a real emergency.” Comparing the upcoming hurricane season and possible pandemics to “flesh-eating zombies” from the horror film Night of the Living Dead and the video game series Resident Evil, Dr. Khan recommends Americans prepare for natural disasters as they would have prepared for “ravenous monsters”

Now it seems like the Zombie Apocalypse is becoming a reality after the Miami Cannibal Attack: a homeless man named Rudy Eugene was shot and killed by police on Saturday, while chewing another man’s face off.

Eugene was caught by the police naked under a flyover in Miami chewing the face of another naked man. The police told him to stop but he did not listened. he was shot and killed while the other man was brought to the hospital.

This incident ignited the conspiracy theory about the Zombie Apocalypse.

Take note that in the last 12 days, similar incidents happened in Florida.

In chronological order, here’s what went down in the sunny state:

May 16 – According to a report by the Huffington Post, students and teachers at a Florida high school had to be decontaminated after breaking out in a mysterious rash.

May 21 – According to a report by MySuburbanLife.com, A man from Bellwood, Illinois, was arrested after allegedly biting an 18-year-old woman’s cheek.

May 23 – According to NBC San Diego, a man from Spring Valley, California was arrested for allegedly biting the tip off of his cousin’s nose off.

May 25 – According to Fox News, A 24-year-old Canadian man was arrested for rushing toward the front of an American Airlines flight from Jamaica after the plane landed in Miami.

May 24 – According to Miami Herald, another mystery rash broke out at Lauderdale Lakes Middle School in Florida. four students and a teacher in a science classroom had a red rash on their wrists. they were not working with chemicals.

May 26 – According to ABC News, a Florida anesthesiologist allegedly banged his head against the inside of a cop car until he started bleeding following a DUI arrest last Saturday, the same day as the Miami cannibal attack. he then proceeded to allegedly spit blood in a police officer’s face.

These events have sparked a nationwide sensation making people think that what they’ve seen on movies like “Shaun of the Dead,” “Dawn of the Dead,” “Night of the Living Dead” and TV series “The Walking Dead” are coming true.

Here are more events that support the “Zombie Apocalpse” theory:may 26 – According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, a man from Palm Coast, Florida, was arrested for allegedly biting the lips off one kitten and strangling another cat to death.

May 27 – According to the Daily Mail, a man from Hackensack, New Jersey, allegedly stabbed himself repeatedly in front of the police then began to pull his own guts out, and proceeded to throw his intestines at police officers.

These weird events happened in nearby locations just a period of 12 days since the breakout of a mysterious rash at a Florida High School. Is this really the beginning of “Zombie Apocalypse”?

Via the Miami Herald:

It was a scene as creepy as a Hannibal Lecter movie.

One man was shot to death by Miami police, and another man is fighting for his life after he was attacked, and his face allegedly half eaten, by a naked man on the MacArthur Causeway off ramp Saturday, police said.

The horror began about 2 p.m. when a series of gunshots were heard on the ramp, which is along NE 13th Street, just south of The Miami Herald building.

According to police sources, a road ranger saw a naked man chewing on another man’s face and shouted on his loud speaker for him to back away.Meanwhile, a woman also saw the incident and flagged down a police officer who was in the area.

The officer, who has not been identified, approached and, seeing what was happening, also ordered the naked man to back away. when he continued the assault, the officer shot him, police sources said. The attacker failed to stop after being shot, forcing the officer to continue firing. Witnesses said they heard at least a half dozen shots.

Miami police were on the scene, which was just south of The Miami Herald building on Biscayne Boulevard. The naked man who was killed lay face down on the pedestrian walkway just below the newspaper’s two-story parking garage. Police have requested The Herald’s video surveillance tapes.

The other man was transported to the hospital with critical injuries, according to police. Their identities were not released.

Watch the video of the Miami Cannibal Attack below as taken by a surveillance camera nearby:

Battleship Directed by Peter Berg Reviewed by Malcolm Maclachlan and Tony Sheppard

Malcolm: if you were looking for a summer blockbuster idea, you could do a lot worse than “Tim Riggins versus the Aliens.” if you don’t know what I’m talking about, Riggins is the character that made “Battleship” star Taylor Kitsch famous, and who was also one of the main reasons “Friday Night Lights” was one of the most underrated shows (formerly) on television. As the brooding fullback with daddy issues, he lurched back and forth between self-destruction and acts of great moral courage. he was both brawler and dreamer, bully and mentor, and a ladies man who behaved with surprising honor at times. I used to joke that someone should make a “what Would Riggins do (WWRD)” t-shirt—and then someone did (http://shop.cafepress.com/what-would-tim-riggins-do_).

In other words, he’s a quintessentially American hero, at least as we see ourselves—a bundle of glossed-over contradictions who pulls it all together when the challenge is finally big enough. the reason I bring this up is that Kitsch’s Alex Hopper here IS Tim Riggins, down to his DNA (as to a lesser extent was “John Carter,” in the actually quite entertaining movie of the same name).

Tony: Let’s not revisit “John Carter” – most people didn’t even visit once.  That was a fundamentally flawed movie with appalling marketing and a villain we weren’t ever introduced to – saved, apparently, for a sequel that will never be made. if not for the disastrous “LOL” starring Miley Cyrus, it would probably be the worst performing major release of the year.

Malcolm: Meanwhile “Battleship” is such a FNL rip-off that they also brought is Jessie Plemons to reprise wisecracking placekicker Landry Clarke as boatswain Jimmy Ord. Rihanna in to play Ord’s comic foil, a non-sexual version of Clarke’s interracial relationship that was a major plot point in season four of FNL. if Admiral Liam Neeson had just ended a speech with “Full hearts, clear minds, can’t lose,” the stars and stripes zeitgeist would have come full circle onto the watery gridiron.

Tony: I saw it as more of a “Pearl Harbor” with a side helping of “Predator” combo plate – which is to say that is has all of the shortcomings of “Pearl Harbor” and at least some of the coolness of “Predator.” Consider the fact that we find ourselves in the middle of a human versus alien battle, with destruction and death being rained down on all sides and the most carnage we ever see is somebody with a bloody face. it might actually be more sterile in its appearance than “Pearl Harbor” which is quite an accomplishment.

Malcolm: however, “Battleship” is a ton of fun and feels great. Toss in a U.S. versus Japan rivalry with a “the enemy of my enemy is actually a really cool dude” subplot and a heroic amputee veteran, and pretty soon all you’re missing is a pickup truck, some steelworkers and a side of fries. They even acknowledge that any Hasbro “Battleship” movie (yes, it really is) should have been about WWII by making it about WWII by the end, complete with some old salty dogs getting one last go.  

Tony: I would agree that it’s fun, despite its obviousness and shallow nature.  It’s also actually set in and around Hawaii with that America versus Japan rivalry you mentioned taking place in the real Pearl Harbor, albeit on a soccer field. and the Hasbro connection to the simple game of the same name is, sticking to toy analogies, a Stretch of Armstrong proportions.

Malcolm: of course, like many movies in this genre, you could argue that America beats the aliens because the aliens are stupid. They can travel all the way here in four years in ships that can survive hitting the ocean at thousands of miles an hour (and where were the tsunamis?), but these same ships seems rather brittle when involved in actual combat. They have horrific weapons, but seem to lack the basics of guided missile technology. despite the fact that they’re evil galactic marauders who treat us “like we treated the Indians,” they seem quite willing to let non-combatants live—even when the “noncombatants” are passively-for-now sitting on a fully-armed destroyer. Seems like they’d want to just exterminate everything in their zone of operations…never mind.

Tony: Yes – these ships can withstand atmospheric re-entry but they have tinted glass windshields that can be taken out with a well-placed bullet. They’re also aliens who are so remarkably humanesque that one assumes some kind of parallel evolutionary backstory, yet they have ships that bounce around on the surface of the ocean like a giant robotic mudskipper with poor motor controls. and that “like we treated the Indians” concept is the same idea that was completely buried in “Cowboys and Aliens,” where that movie failed to capitalize on the obvious fact that the cowboys were angry at the aliens for doing exactly what they themselves had done to the native population.

But the WWII analogies go further in that the aliens don’t so much appear stupid as arrogant – they seem to be more concerned with the presence of advanced machinery, in terms of being threats, than they are with the people operating said machinery. one of the downfalls of the German military was that they found it so inconceivable that anybody could ever crack their Enigma machine-generated codes that they became sloppy in their coding techniques. There’s a similar level of under-estimation here in that the aliens just don’t seem to consider the humans as being up to the task of killing them, let alone defeating them.

Malcolm: which does bring up another highly-American subplot: they were inadvertently brought here by a SETI-type scientist using a beacon. the scientist (Hamish Linklater as Cal Zapata) does redeem himself, but it’s Riggins/Hopper as the untamed working class male who really saves the day. There’s a lot of ambivalence towards science here, as part of the plot involves our suddenly pressing need to blow up our deep space transmitters in a fit of Fortress Earth astro-isolationism.

Tony: although this also provides an amusing “E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial” reference/joke as the aliens have lost their own communications ship and appear to be trying to “phone home” using the same beacons that attracted them in the first place. and it’s an interesting conundrum about the desire to contact alien civilizations as, if all we can do is send out a signal but they end up on our doorstep as a result, they’re quite obviously going to be significantly more capable than us in various ways.

Another aspect to the story has a certain “Black Hawk Down” vibe to it, in that we don’t know quite what the aliens’ original mission was but they’ve essentially crashed behind enemy lines and are trying to secure their lines of communication to arrange either retreat or reinforcement. They are also depicted with the same “no alien left behind” mindset.

Malcolm: Meanwhile, Riggins, the just-a-guy just trying to survive in the topsy-turvy economic world science has created, dips from lows of jail to highs of driving a destroyer (aren’t people going to Annapolis for the privilege of doing that?) to court martial to “Hey, I just saved the world.” At the end, my equally geeky best friend remarked: “he redeemed himself through violence.” and how.

Tony: it really is an odd ride – for most of the movie, the combatants are trapped within a massive bubble that excludes the rest of the naval forces.  but it also excludes Liam Neeson, for example, who is almost just the straight guy in a couple of bookended scenes of comic awkwardness (he’s the Admiral of the fleet but he also happens to be the father of the screwup hero’s girlfriend). which takes me back to “Pearl Harbor,” as “Battleship” has almost as many movie genres and references battling for a piece of the action. Ultimately, somehow, it defies all of the odds by being an escapist victory with both the hero and the film achieving a win via triumphs of low expectations.

Moviebriefs By Tony Sheppard

“what to Expect When You’re Expecting” Here’s a movie that tries really hard to be more than it is and then slips in its own burst water. This could have been nothing more than an airheaded romantic comedy involving multiple couple all with babies on the way – and if that’s all it was, it might have worked on that limited playing field. instead, it tries to get serious in places by showing the riskier and uncomfortable downsides of pregnancy and childbirth – and then pulls its own punches by limiting the tragedy to fit within the boundaries of a lightweight date movie. There are certainly both funny and sad moments, but it ends up feeling like a project that undermined itself by never quite finding its own consistent tone and being too scared to plumb its own depths.

“the Dictator” Sacha Baron Cohen looks like a one trick pony as yet another extremely foreign foreigner – this time as the brutal dictator of a small oil-rich nation that’s openly wanting to develop nuclear capabilities. That said, I actually enjoyed most of it more than his last couple of projects and it differs from them quite considerably. “the Dictator” is scripted and staged, rather than relying on awkward and improvised encounters with often unsuspecting victims and, as such, the extreme political incorrectness somehow manages to be less mean spirited. We’re laughing along with the script rather than laughing at poor saps caught in a trap of Cohen’s making. This is helped by a neat satirical script that avoids overstaying its own welcome and which appears to be poking fun at tinpot dictators but which is also pointed directly at ourselves.

“We Have a Pope” In this odd little Italian movie, the traditional conclave of cardinals is called to select a new Pope, following the death of the last incumbent. the scenes within the conclave itself are typical of the humor within the film as a whole, with no broad comedy but rather recurring comedic circumstances – such as the cardinals sneaking peaks at each other’s picks, like geriatric schoolboys in an algebra popquiz, or their shared silent prayers (“dear god please don’t pick me”). but the basic premise revolves around the idea of what might happen if a Pope is selected and immediately fails to perform, in this case because he has a panic attack or a depressive bout of self-doubt that renders him incapable of moving forward with his duties. It’s an interesting concept that loses its way a little towards the end but which still delivers some choice moments – like the introduction of a psychoanalyst who doesn’t believe in god to a room full of cardinals who don’t believe in psychoanalysis.

It is easier than ever to experiment with sous vide cooking.

(Credit:AquaChef/Kitchen Advance)

Food enthusiasts have a hard time not trying new things. everything from new recipes to funny-looking vegetables at the market are fair game to the curious. and of course, the same thing can be said about cooking techniques. given the opportunity to try out the AquaChef Professional Water Oven by Kitchen Advance, I dove right in.

The first thing one notices about the AquaChef is its remarkable similarity in appearance to a deep fryer. Of course, since sous vide cooking uses water as the cooking medium (as opposed to oil or hot air as in an oven) that is where the similarities stop. The idea is to place food in a bag, close it up with the included vacuum sealer, and then give it a good soak in water hot enough to cook.

I started off with basic chicken (not only boneless and skinless, but also cut into small pieces) and soon discovered how easy the unit is to use. Since the temperature never gets above what you set the machine at, the water never gets above that temperature and hence, neither does the food. This is the major point to take away from this exercise: food cooks exactly to the point of doneness desired. For this example, the chicken turned out juicy and not overdone, despite it having been left to cook for hours.

I went on to try my hand at some red meats: burgers and steaks. in both cases the meat cooked to a consistent doneness from edge to edge on the inside. if you want your steak medium, it will be medium all the way through. Since cooking in a water bath doesn’t produce any browning, I gave these meats a quick sear in a frying pan to finish; just a few seconds in a ripping-hot pan will do.

There is a wealth of information out there regarding this relatively new cooking technique. (Think: the ’70s.) What is exciting for the novice sous vide chef-to-be is the ability to try new things with a minimum of risk and hassle. indeed, that is one of the benefits inherent in this method.

Despite the presence of the word “Professional” in the name, do not be intimidated by this machine. This is an entry-level appliance designed for the average consumer. It’s a good bet that the results from a thermal immersion circulator with a pump will provide much more-precise results — at a much higher price. This particular model of sous vide cooker encourages experimentation. with an MSRP of under $160 (including the vacuum sealer and bags), the AquaChef Professional Water Oven by Kitchen Advance is an affordable and easy way to dive into something new.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — UCLA will play its first basketball game in the renovated Pauley Pavilion against Indiana State on Nov. 9 in a nod to the roots of late Bruins coaching great John Wooden.

Indiana State was the only other university where Wooden served as a head coach. He had a 44-15 record in two seasons in Terre Haute before leaving for Los Angeles. Wooden was a native of Martinsville, Ind. He died in 2010 at 99.

The arena is undergoing a $136 million renovation to bring it up to date. The changes include new locker rooms, lounges, a video room, concession stands and restrooms, seats, a scoreboard and 30-inch LED ribbon boards encircling the building’s interior, along with displays showing UCLA’s athletic history.

After the opener, the Bruins will host two games in the Los Angeles regional of the 12-team Legends Classic, which will conclude at the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Clemson names Smith as basketball assistant

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Clemson has hired Steve Smith as an assistant men’s basketball coach, ending a nearly two-month search since Rick Ray left to become Mississippi State’s head coach.

SEC, members to donate $100,000 to Summitt’s fund

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The Southeastern Conference and its member schools are donating $100,000 to the Pat Summitt Foundation Fund to help fight Alzheimer’s disease.

SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said Thursday that the former Tennessee Lady Vols basketball coach “is an integral part of the Southeastern Conference’s history and we will be forever grateful for her many contributions to this league and to college basketball.”

The Hall of Fame coach stepped down in April, eight months after revealing she had been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Alzheimer’s type. President Barack Obama presented Summitt the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, on Tuesday.

The league’s women’s basketball coaches also unanimously opted to continue “We Back Pat Week” each January to raise awareness and recognition to the fund and Alzheimer’s.

Cent. Arkansas announces women’s basketball coach

CONWAY, Ark. (AP) — Delta State coach Sandra Rushing has been chosen to succeed Matt Daniel as the head coach of the women’s basketball program at the University of Central Arkansas. Rushing’s selection was announced during a news conference on Thursday.

Rushing inherits a Sugar Bear program that won the Southland Conference championship and has had three straight seasons of 21 or more wins. at Delta State, Rushing had a 254-58 record in 10 seasons at the NCAA Division II school in Cleveland, Miss., and guided the Lady Statesmen to two Final Fours, six Gulf South Conference championships and six straight Sweet 16 appearances from 2006 to 2011.

Rushing played collegiately at Alabama, where she was a four-time Academic All-Southeastern Conference selection. Daniel left Central Arkansas for Marshall.

Carroll women’s hoops signs two Weber State transfers

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Carroll College women’s basketball coach Rachelle Sayers has announced the signing of two transfer players she recruited to Weber State as an assistant.

Guard Megan Patterson of Columbus and Jordan Pfau of Missoula will join the Saints for the 2012-13 season. Patterson averaged 10 points per game as a junior last season at Weber State of the Big Sky Conference. Sayers says Patterson is an amazing shooter who will make an immediate impact in her final year of eligibility.

Pfau, a graduate of Missoula Loyola, averaged six points and three rebounds per game for the Wildcats as a sophomore. Sayers says Pfau is a tremendous defender and very good rebounder who will contribute right away.

Elsewhere

Myrtle Beach to host Big South hoops tournament

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Presidents of Big South Conference schools have selected Myrtle Beach, S.C., as the new host for their men’s and women’s basketball tournaments for the next three years beginning in 2013.

The games will take place at Carolina Coastal’s new on-campus Student Recreation and Convocation Center. The decision came Thursday during the conference’s annual spring meetings in Hilton Head, S.C.

Before this year the women’s tournament was held in High Point, N.C., while the men’s tournament site varied depending on the top remaining seed in the tournament. The goal of the conference presidents was to get both the men’s and women’s tournaments at the same site to attract more interest from Big South Conference fans.

Myrtle Beach was selected over on-campus sites at Winthrop and UNC-Asheville and a neutral site in Winston Salem, N.C.

“We received four excellent bids to host our basketball championships,” said Big South commissioner Kyle Kallander. “This was not an easy decision for the CEOs. Ultimately they chose the bid from Myrtle Beach/Coastal Carolina, and we are looking forward to taking our marquee event to the Grand Strand for the next three years. we are also very appreciative of all the bids and interest we received.”

More information on the tournament dates and format of the 2013 event will be announced at a later date.

School presidents have wanted to find a permanent site for the men’s tournament for quite some time. The need for it became amplified this past year after conflict developed as to whether top-seeded UNC-Asheville would be allowed to host the tournament because the school was also hosting the Southern Conference men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. after a special meeting and some shifting of Southern Conference tournament games, the Bulldogs were allowed to host the tournament.

UNC-Asheville won the tournament and earned a berth in the NCAA tournament.