Kingdom of Heaven

Bikini - Unfortunately for the "Kingdom of Heaven", what started out as an ambitious epic film about a little known time in history, became an almost disaster at its release and was only average at best. There is enough blame to spread around.

First, there is a reason why the immortal "Gone with the Wind", which involved a turbulent love affair in the American south during the Civil War and Reconstruction, took almost 4 hours to see. You apparently cannot make a quality, classic film about the Civil War in less time. Ken Burns' acclaimed documentary film "The Civil War" consisted of 9 episodes and took 11 hours to view.

Second, there may be a market for a film in the Middle Ages about the Christian Crusades, a series of military expeditions by Europeans to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims in the 11th, 12th and 13th Centuries. That market, regrettably, is very small compared to an epic about the Civil War, World War I or World War II.

Third, when 3-time, Best Director Oscar-nominee Ridley Scott ("Black Hawk Down", "Gladiator" and "Thelma and Louise") presented the film to the studio at 194 minutes (3 hours and 14 minutes), the studio execs demanded that it be cut to two hours, believing that moviegoers would not sit through a 3-hour film.

This proved to be a critical mistake in judgment. It was nearly impossible for Scott to tell the Kingdom of Heaven story in 2 hours, and when the movie received really mixed reviews and proved to be a financial disappointment in the United States, the error was clearly noticeable.

Fourth, not only was this film to be an epic story, its production cost was enormous. Most of the filming was in Morocco, and Mohammad VI, King of Morocco, provided 1,500 of his military personnel with accompanying equipment to help in the filming.

In addition, there were apparently 15,000 handmade costumes for the film that also required helmets, boots, gloves, chainmail, belts and scabbards. The flag budget for the film was $250,000. There were 7,500 weapons, 3,000 shields and 20,000 arrows used in the film. In one scene alone, there were 143 extras, 60 military personnel, 125 horses and 60 camels.

A massive replica of Jerusalem was constructed in the Sahara Desert, containing 28,000 square meters of wall that required 6,000 tons of plaster. The front set was 1,200 feet long and the walls were 56 feet tall. Good grief.

Fifth, writer William Monahan's first draft of the script was 186 pages. Executive producer Lisa Ellzey thought Fox would never approve the script because of its length, so she cut it to only 20 pages before submitting it.

Sixth, Orlando Bloom was not ready to play the leading role as Balian of Ibelin, and his performance did not reflect the kind of command and presence necessary to pull it off.

Seventh, I had great difficulty as a moviegoer following the story as its presentation required much more help in context, or from a narrator, to understand what was happening when and why it was important.

Eighth, the sound in the film was terrible. There were times when it was impossible to understand the dialog and, without this essential element, there is no way the film would be rated good by my standards. Sound is too basic of a need to succeed and, when it goes unnoticed because it is well done, it is not an issue.

Ninth, this whole project was sad from start to finish. What could have become a good film could not overcome the obstacles along the way. Two bright spots in the film were the performances of Liam Neeson as Godfrey de Ibelin and Ghassan Massoud as Saladin, the great Muslim leader.

In his quest to be noble, Liam Neeson was able to deliver this dialog as Godfrey de Ibelin: "Be without fear in the face of our enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath." (Spoken to his son, Balian, when making him a knight.)

History records that Saladin and his Muslim troops did recapture Jerusalem after defeating the King of Jerusalem at the Battle of Hattin near the Lake of Galilee. When Saladin's soldiers enter the City of Jerusalem, they were not allowed to kill civilians, rob people, or damage the city.

College Football

White Bikini - After an utterly unbelievable 2008 season, which was in by no manner short on thrills, the 2009 college football season is nearly upon us. Training camps are into high gear, and the season is roughly a month away. Recently the Preseason Coach’s Polls were released, with the top of the rankings looking very familiar to their predecessor. Defending National Champion Florida is sitting at number one, with Texas and Oklahoma sitting squarely behind at two and three, with USC and Alabama filling out the remainder of the Top-10. All five of these teams are loaded, and it is a very real possibility that one of these five teams will be the BCS National Champion of 2009. So with that said, let’s take a look at each of the Top-25 teams, and see what 2009 may have in store for them.

1.) Florida Gators
After winning their second BCS Championship in the last three years, Urban Meyer, Tim Tebow, and the Florida Gators look to add another one to the trophy case. Doing so will arguably make them team of the decade, which most would hardly argue with. Florida has 20 returning starters, and one of the finest recruiting classes in the country, which make for another run for a title very, very possible. Their schedule isn’t near ly as difficult as it was the previous year, with the only real challenge coming when they travel to Death Valley to meet LSU. Seriously though, we could be witnessing history when it’s all said and done. Tebow could win his second Heisman, and the Gators could win their third BCS Championship in four years. So, 2009 could very well feel like it’s predecessor, because the Gators are once again the team to watch, and the team that probably won’t get beat.

2.) Texas Longhorns
After defeating Oklahoma last year, the Texas Longhorns were denied a spot in the National Championship Game. As a consolation prize, they had to settle for besting Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl, which isn’t bad either. However, that is the past, and Mack Brown and Colt McCoy are shooting for the moon, as they look to be playing in Pasadena come January. McCoy was outstanding last year, and is now protected by a bigger, more experienced line, which should open holes for a better running game. At times last year, McCoy had to run the ball too often, but that shouldn’t be the case this year. Defensively, there will be changeover as the Longhorns lose a number of defensive linemen from a unit that accumulated a nation-best 47 sacks. With all that said though it’s going to come down to the game in Dallas where their rivalry with Oklahoma will reconvene. The winner of that game will almost guaranteed a spot in the BCS Championship Game.

3.) Oklahoma Sooners
Despite coming up short in the BCS Championship Game, the Oklahoma Sooners are poised to make another run at that crown. Bob Stoops has reigning-Heisman winner Sam Bradford behind center once again, and deep backfield, the best tight end in the country, and a number of blazers at the receiver positions. The defense is back intact too, with better depth, and more experience from a unit that was the team’s weakness a season ago. They allowed too many big plays in 2008, and need to be better in 2009 if they wish to get to Pasadena this January. The most important thing for stoops to attend to is the offensive line, which returns just one starter from last years group, which was scary-good. Bradford was rarely touched last year, but he might have to get his jersey dirty this season.

4.) USC Trojans
It was business as usual for Pete Carroll and the Trojans in 2008, as they won their fourth consecutive Rose Bowl, and finished in the AP Top-4 for the seventh straight season. This was tempered a bit by their loss at Oregon State, which ultimately kept them from competing for a BCS Championship. The unexpected loss of quarterback Mark Sanchez would seem like an issue, but for a program that is as loaded like USC, there are a number of very capable passers just waiting to step up. They have a very experienced, deep offensive line, and the best skill position players in the nation, so whoever is behind center should fair very well. The defense, which was historically great last season, lost a number of playmakers, particularly the linebackers, but has more than enough talent in waiting to plug the holes. The Trojans will challenge for another National Championship, but they will probably end up in their fifth consecutive Rose Bowl, which really isn’t all that bad.

5.) Alabama Crimson Tide
In just his second season as the headman in Tuscaloosa, Nick Saban kept the Crimson Tide atop the BCS standings for the majority of the season. However their last two games weren’t that savory. Alabama fell to eventual National Champion Florida in the SEC Championship Game, and was then embarrassed by Utah in the Sugar Bowl. What Saban doesn’t have this year is an experienced quarterback, but he’s got just about everything else covered. The defense will be a monster, and the skill positions, and special teams are dynamic. It shouldn’t be overlooked that the Tide lost three starters on the offensive line, which was arguably the best in the nation last year. Alabama doesn’t face Florida in the regular season, and another Top-10 finish is very likely for the highest-paid coach in college football.

6.) Ohio State Buckeyes
Last year was a bit of a transition for the Buckeyes, who handed the reigns over to super-frosh Terrelle Pryor early in the season. Pryor had his ups and downs, but the dual-threat quarterback is the firm starter in 2009, and it’s a matter of time before we start to see the consistency he lacked last season. When this happens, look out. What could hold him back is inexperience at the skill positions. Both leading receivers are gone, and punishing back Beanie Wells is too. The offensive line needs tinkering with as well, especially at left tackle. Think replacing all of that is bad, then take a look at the defense, which won’t be as polished or as deep as it was last season. Let’s not forget about the looming matchup with USC in the Horseshoe, for the Trojans annihilated the Buckeye’s a season ago. There are also road games at Penn State and Michigan and this could be a challenging season for Ohio State. But you know what? I got a feeling that Jim Tressel and Pryor are up to the task.

7.) Virginia Tech Hokies
Could it be that Virginia Tech once again looks to be the class of the ACC? Even after a supposed rebuilding season, the Hokies were able to muster another appearance in the Orange Bowl, where they thumped Big East Champion Cincinnati. Sophomore Tyrod Tyler is the unquestioned starter at quarterback, while Frank Beamer will benefit form having 17 starters return from last year’s unit. Taylor’s ability to break down a defense with his feet makes us reminisce to the day’s of another Hokies passer, while a deep staple of running backs should give Beamer the luxury of being able to run the ball on just about anyone. The offensive line is arguably the ACC’s best as well. The only real issue for Virginia Tech is the inexperience of the defense. With that said though, they are still oozing with talent. We’ll see just how good these Hokies are early because they’ll open their season against Alabama in Atlanta, which is no easy task.

8.) Penn State Nittany Lions
2008 nearly became Joe Paterno’s ride into the sunset, as the Nittany Lions’ flirted with the number one ranking in the country all the way into late November, before they fell on the road at Iowa. Despite that shortcoming they managed to win their second Big Ten Championship in the last four years. Leadership is something that Penn State has returning this year, which is a very good thing. Dynamic quarterback Daryll Clark is back for one more season, while linebacker Sean Lee leads an always-imposing defense. The problem for Paterno could lie with the departure of three big time receivers, as well as two of his top offensive lineman. That considered, it would be unrealistic for the Lions to put up the staggering amount of points that they did a season ago. They do however have a very easy non-conference schedule, and get Ohio State at home this season as well. Look for Penn State to challenge for another Big Ten crown, with another ten-win season in the cards.

9.) LSU Tigers

Despite a season that saw them get thumped by both Georgia and Florida in ridiculous fashion, the LSU Tigers closed out their title defense with a very impressive demolition of Georgia Tech in their bowl game. From that game came the emergence of sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who will be expected to take the Tigers back to the top of the BCS ladder. His improvement could give LSU what they need to vault past Alabama in the SEC West. Les miles has the conference’s best group of running backs and receivers at his disposal so expect this unit to fly. The only things that could slow the Tigers down for an eventual meeting with the gators in Atlanta is the fact that they lack experience on the defensive front, and that their chief competition in the conference, Alabama and Mississippi, don’t have to play Florida.

10.) Mississippi Rebels

Before Houston Nutt took the Job in Mississippi, the Rebels were winless in the SEC. In his first season, the reverend drove his team to five SEC wins, one of which came against Florida in the Swamp. They then finished up a six-game winning streak with a beat down of Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. So what will Nutt do for an encore? During that winning streak, quarterback Jevan Snead threw 16 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions. Big things are expected out of the young passer, for he is probably the best pro prospect in the nation. Snead is surrounded by a fine collection of receivers and backs, one of which is Dexter McCluster. There are also 16 returning starters for the Rebels, which might just be enough to put them in their first-ever SEC Championship Game. But then again, that just might be a year away.

11.) Oklahoma State Cowboys

Look anywhere throughout this Top-25 Poll, and you’ll be hard pressed to find another team that has the firepower on offense that the Oklahoma State Cowboys have. Between quarterback Zac Robinson, running back Kendall Hunter, and wide receiver Dez Bryant, the Cowboys have arguably the best player at their respective position in the country. The problem though for Oklahoma State is that they are perennially one of the biggest risk/reward teams in the country. Yes they put up a lot of points and a massive amount of yards, but they don’t play much defense, which is the primary reason they haven’t overtaken Texas or Oklahoma in the Big 12 South. For example they scored 41 points against the Sooners, and still lost by three touchdowns. In fact, the Cowboys haven’t finished better than 74th in the nation in total defense since 2001. With that said, don’t expect them to overtake the giants of the conference until they find a way to stop their opposition.

12.) California Golden Bears

California has proven to be one of the most consistent programs I the nation since Jeff Tedford took over the job in 2002. If not for USC, they very well might have ended their lengthy 51-year Rose Bowl draught by now. With USC reloading, this may be the year for the golden Bears…or maybe not. California was hit hard by the draft losing six starters to the NFL, and needs to find a quarterback. There are 15 starters coming back from a nine-win season, so there is quality depth for the Bears. Tedford has been a wizard when it has come to developing quarterbacks in the past, but Kevin Riley has yet to take the proper steps towards making Cal one of the nation’s elite. He doesn’t have much help in the passing game both as the receiving corps hasn’t matured and lacks experience. What Tedford does have though, is arguably the most explosive running back in the country, in the form of Jahvid Best. Best averaged 8.8 yards per carry a season ago, despite dealing with injuries late in the season. He was so explosive, that he had seven rushes of at least 60 yards in 2008. If Cal does in fact overtake USC this season, best will be the catalyst. However if Riley can’t take the next step forward, neither will Cal.

13.) Georgia Bulldogs

This time last season the Georgia Bulldogs were a lot higher on this list. In fact, they were the Preseason Number One in 2008. Well, that was not to be as Mark Richt’s unit finished at a very respectable 10-3. Now Mathew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno are gone, leaving a number of talented players to fill the roles of the former stars. Richt has recruited well, and the offensive line is a much more experienced group than they were a year ago. The Bulldog’s fortunes could rest on the arm of quarterback Joe Cox, who has had experience in the past as the starting quarterback. The defense should be strong once more, with defensive tackle Jeff Owens returning from a knee injury which sidelined him all of 2008. The Dawgs will open up the season at Oklahoma State, and will eventually have to endure the rigors of the SEC, which is no walk in the park. Still, Georgia has yet to finish outside of the Top-25 under Richt’s watch; so nine wins shouldn’t be a stretch for the Bulldogs.

14.) Oregon Ducks

Changeover is the theme in Oregon, as Mike Bellotti is no longer roaming the sideline in Eugene. Former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly was elevated to the position, as the Ducks look to capitalize on USC going through a change in passers (for what that’s worth). Kelly’s “read-option” offense has the pote ntial to be explosive, and with Jeremiah Masoli running the show, a third consecutive Top-10 finish in total offense is very possible. Masoli, who won the job amidst multiple injuries, rushed for 718 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2008, and looks to take the Ducks back to the top of the polls. What could hinder them from doing so is the fact that there are only 10 returning starters on this year’s team, which is the lowest in the conference. Oregon also gets a tough test to open the season, as they travel to Boise, Idaho, to take on the 16th ranked Broncos on the blue turf. However when it comes to conference play, the Ducks will host both USC and Cal this season. Ten wins and a Rose Bowl bid could be very probable for the Ducks in 2009.

15.) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Paul Johnson’s first year at the helm at Georgia Tech was truly an impressive one. He brought his famed “triple option” offense to the ACC with fantastic results. The Yellow Jackets put up ten wins in 2008, and 17 starters back on both sides of the ball, including ACC Offensive Player of the Year Jonathan Dwyer and dual-threat quarterback Josh Nesbitt. Nesbitt suffered a balky shoulder towards the end of the previous season but has looked great thus far in camp. Besides he’s just as dangerous a threat on the ground as any of the other four running backs that Johnson has in his arsenal. One thing that Johnson must address however is the defensive line, which lost all four starters from a very stellar unit. If they can fill the holes left on that defensive front, we could be looking at a team that is primed to join the ranks of the nation’s elite.

16.) Boise State Broncos

If not for a 17-16 loss at the hands of TCU, the Boise State Broncos would have been joined Utah as the only undefeated team in the nation. With that performance aside, the broncos averaged 49 points per game, and did so with a freshman quarterback and 11 different starting combinations on the offensive line. The experience gained by Kellen Moore coupled with continuity up front should make Boise once again one of the most prominent offenses in the country. What could stifle them though is the fact that they only have one returning starter on defense to start the season. That shouldn’t be too big of a concern, for the Broncos usually just outscore all their opponents anyway. With that said, we’ll know where they stand after their season-opening matchup with the 14th ranked Oregon Ducks on the blue turf in Boise.

17.) TCU Horned Frogs

Does anyone find it odd that there are there are three Mountain West Conference teams ranked in the Preseason Top-25? The winner of this conference has finished 16th or higher in the polls in each of the last 5 years, two of which they finished 2nd and 4th. Well it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the first of these teams, TCU is occupying this spot. The Horned Frogs have been no stranger to the polls over the last 5 years, and look poised to be there once more. There is experience and efficiency at quarterback with Andy Dalton, and perennially one of the nastiest defenses in the nation. The Horned frogs haven’t allowed more than 18.7 points and 330 yards per game in each of the last four seasons. What could hinder them though is that they only have 4 returning starters on that side of the ball, but one of them is defensive end Jerry Hughes who posted 15 sacks and 6 forced fumbles in 2008. They also get two solid no conference games to start the season, opening up at Virginia before facing Clemson in Week 3. Look for TCU to win their first MWC Championship since 2005.

18.) Utah Utes

After finishing the season as the only undefeated team in the nation, it was understandable as to why the Utah Utes had such a gripe with the BCS. They finished ranked 2nd in the nation, after overwhelming the powerful Alabama Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl. However with great success apparently comes great departures, as Utah must replace both coordinators, their best offensive player (quarterback Brian Johnson), best defensive player (defensive end Paul Kruger), and the best combo kicker in the nation (Louie Sakoda). While they may not be BCS-caliber, they still have the potential of making headway, as they have three tough road games at Oregon, TCU, and BYU, which will go a long way in determining where they will be at the end of the season.

19.) Florida State Seminoles

With a cheating scandal hanging over their heads which could possibly cost Bobby Bowden to vacate a number of wins from a few seasons ago, their was one good thing to come out of 2008 for the Seminoles; they found a quarterback. Ponder proved to be an outstanding athlete that took to playing the position well last season, but Florida State will now need him to take the next step if they want to get back to the days of dominance in the 90’s. Bowden wants to run the ball, and it looks like this season he just may have the offensive line to do it. The defense looks to be up to the school’s lofty standards again, but the special teams unit leaves a lot to be desired. The Seminoles open the season up against Miami at home, and have tough road games against both North Carolina and Florida to close out the season. With all that said, 2009 is all about Ponder, and whether or not he can take this team to the next level, because if he can’t, we could be looking at the end of an era in Tallahassee.

20.) North Carolina Tar Heels

With the ACC throne figuratively vacant at the moment, the North Carolina Tar Heels could be the team that vacates that position. Butch Davis has quietly built a monster, which very well could explode this season. The defense returns 9 starters, four of which comprise a defensive line that has the potential to be dominant. The Tar Heels are solid at quarterback with T.J. Yates, but must find a way to replace arguably the most explosive receiving corps in the conference, which featured first round pick Hakeem Nicks and Brandon Tate. The backfield could be explosive though. The only other real possible obstacle for North Carolina is ironically the health of Yates, who missed time last season with a broken ankle, and even suffered a thumb injury catching a Frisbee in the spring. Look for the Tar Heels to improve on their previous 8-5 campaign, but don’t be surprised if Davis and company are still just one year away.

21.) Iowa Hawkeyes

After being a surprise contender in the Big Ten last season, Kirk Ferentz and his Hawkeye’s must find a way to replace all the things that made them great last year. They must find a replacement for rugged running back Shonn Greene, who rushed for 1,850 yards and 20 touchdowns to lead the conference. They must also find replacements for both the interiors of the offensive and defensive lines. The defense does return 8 starters, and if they can muster the type of performance they did a season before where they held the opposition to just 13.0 points per game, then Ferentz could really have something brewing. What he absolutely needs more than anything is for quarterback Ricky Stanzi to take the next step forward, after the first-time starter had an impressive first season at the helm. Stanzi was key in Iowa’s upset of undefeated Penn State as he engineered the game-winning drive. How he handles more of the load this season will go a long way in determining Iowa’s success in 2009.

22.) Nebraska Cornhuskers

The rebuilding process that second-year Head Coach Bo Pelini is amidst in Nebraska is proving to be a tedious one, but after an 8-4 regular season, the Huskers pulled a nice upset of Clemson in the Gator Bowl to build some momentum going into 2009. The talks of a revival should simmer down a bit, or at least until Nebraska makes it out of the first month of the season, which features games at 7th ranked Virginia Tech and Missouri. Winning the Big 12 North however is very possible for the Huskers; especially with Missouri likely taking a step back this season. Pelini will have to coax steady play out of junior quarterback Zac Lee, who is taking over for the productive Joe Ganz. Remember, Nebraska has played in only one Big 12 Championship Game in the last 10 years.

23.) Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Irish were 7-6 a season ago, and won their first bowl game in what seems like ages. Things are definitely looking up for Notre Dame in 2009, and their ranking in this very poll is evidence of that. They may not be contenders for the BCS Title, but the Fighting Irish definitely look like they can win ten games this season. First and foremost Jimmy Clausen and the offense look like they finally have experience to put up huge numbers. Charlie Weis has the kind of depth at receiver and running back that he hasn’t had since his first season with the Irish. The defense has been making strides too, as they could field possibly one of the best secondaries in the nation. However, there are question marks across both the offensive and defensive lines, where experience is sorely lacking. The kicking games are suspect as well. The overriding factor though may be the schedule; for the Irish face all of their tough opponents at home, and with the exception of USC, they’re all very beatable.

24.) BYU Cougars

Last season, BYU reached as high as 10th in the polls before falling to the bottom of the Top-25 after losses to both TCU and Utah. For all the boasting that they were a Top-25 caliber team, they were a combined 49 points worse than their two superior conference counterparts. Fortunately, they have just about all of their explosive offense back intact; quarterback Max Hall, tight end Dennis Pitta, and running back Harvey Unga, who will be responsible for lighting up score boards this fall. This year they get both Utah and TCU at home, as well as Florida State, which could cement the Cougars into the Top-25 this season, and possibly give them a different destination come bowl season aside from the Las Vegas Bowl. They will however, get a test of epic proportions to start the season as they take on 3rd ranked Oklahoma on a neutral field in Arlington, Texas.

25.) Oregon State Beavers

After pulling the upset of season in knocking off number-one ranked USC, the Oregon State Beavers fell one game short of their first Pac Ten Title since 2000. In 2009 for the Beavers to contend, they will have to rely on their offense, and the game-breaking talents of twin brothers Jaquizz and James Rodgers. These two tailbacks are electrifying, and are the prime reason why they were able to upset the Trojans last year. There is however a bit of a quarterback controversy brewing in Corvallis as Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao battle it out. The offensive line will be revamped, but the real questions are on defense, where there are only three returning starters. Rebuilding a defense tends to lead to trouble, and the Beavers must replace their entire secondary. There will also be three new defensive lineman on the front as well, so the defense could be a major detriment for the beavers in 2009.

Nokia Handphone

Bikini - The Nokia N900 has been a top seller since it was launched last August – hard to believe it’s been around quite so long – and continues to convert and impress new users. Since launch it has costs £499 (inc. VAT) but it’s had something of a shock price drop. Find out more about the Nokia N900 price drop after the jump…

The Nokia N900 comes with a pretty powerful punch of 3.5-inch resistive touchscreen display and full QWERTY keyboard sitting on a slider hinge. Powered by an ARM Cortex-A8 processor, the Nokia N900 has a memory runtime of up to 1GB and comes with full OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics acceleration, so it can make the most of 3D graphics.

Check out our Nokia N900 review
What’s more, the Home screen has a full panoramic display that can be fully personalised with shortcuts, widgets and your favorite apps. Until now it would have cost you £499 (inc. VAT) to get your hands on the little beauty. However, Nokia Online has dropped the price to a rather staggering £431 (inc. VAT) SIM free and delivered.

Can there be some mistake? Not that we can see, it’s a genuine drop looked at stirring up interest in a device that still continues to fascinate and bedazzle! It got us thinking that maybe, just maybe, something else is a foot – clearing the way for a new version maybe?

Harga Obat Nasional ‎

Cuando Me Enamoro - Komisi Pengawas Persaingan Usaha (KPPU) menengarai penetapan harga obat di Indonesia dimainkan sejumlah pebisnis di sektor tersebut, seiring upaya menekan harga komoditas itu supaya kian terjangkau oleh pasar nasional.

"Sesuai data temuan kami, banyak komposisi harga yang berlaku saat ini memiliki komponen tidak wajar. Salah satu pemicunya, mayoritas pelaku bisnis obat memberlakukan besaran nilai distribusi dan promosi mendominasi biaya produksi," kata Komisioner KPPU, Ahmad Ramadhan Siregar, saat ditemui di Surabaya, Senin.

Biaya distribusi dan promosi, jelas dia, menyerap antara 50 persen hingga 90 persen dari total biaya produksi. Namun, biaya bahan baku obat itu hanya sekitar 10 persen.

"Semisal, biaya produksi pembuatan jenis obat tertentu sekitar Rp5.000,00 maka biaya distribusi dan promosi mencapai Rp4.000,00. Lalu, sekitar Rp1.000,00 sisanya merupakan biaya bahan baku," ujarnya.

Bahkan, ungkap dia, ada yang biaya bahan bakunya hingga delapan persen dari keseluruhan biaya produksi.

"Tindakan tersebut sudah di luar kewajaran," katanya menegaskan.

Dengan komposisi pembentukan harga tersebut, tambah dia, selama ini hak pasar obat nasional untuk mendapatkan akses harga yang murah belum terealisasi.

"Kondisi ini terlihat dari perkara yang kami tangani secara nasional. Dimana kami menemukan struktur harga obat yang tidak wajar," paparnya.

Akibatnya, kata dia, masyarakat kian dirugikan dengan tingginya harga pembelian obat. Di lain pihak, situasi ini adalah kesalahan seluruh pemangku kepentingan yang bergerak di sektor tersebut.

"Pemangku kepentingan itu di antaranya perusahaan farmasi, perusahaan besar farmasi (PBF) yang bertindak sebagai distributor, dokter, dan pihak apotek," tuturnya.

Sejumlah pihak tersebut, lanjut dia, ikut terlibat dalam menentukan besaran harga yang berlaku di pasar obat nasional selama ini.

"Mereka memberi kontribusi tertentu terhadap tingginya harga obat di seluruh pelosok Tanah Air," katanya menegaskan.

Keluarga Serahkan Kasus Clara ke Polisi

Triunfo Del Amor - Pihak keluarga DS alias Clara Adheline Supit, menolak memberi keterangan kepada wartawan. Mereka sudah menyerahkan kasus foto bugil Clara polisi.

“Maaf, DS tidak ada di rumah. Dia sedang mengikuti sidang skripsi di kampusnya, jadi kami tidak tahu kapan pulangnya,” ungkap, George, 40, yang mengaku sebagai kakak Clara, saat ditemui di rumah Clara Adheline di Kampung Ciburial, Kelurahan Ciparigi, Kecamatan Bogor Utara, Kota Bogor, Jawa Barat, Rabu 14 April 2010.

George meminta, agar para jurnalis bisa menghubungi polisi jika untuk mendapatkan informasi lebih lengkap. "Kami persilahkan media untuk mengkonfirmasi dengan Polres Kota Bogor. Karena semua data sudah kami serahkan kepada Polres Kota Bogor,” jelasnya.

Menurut sejumlah warga yang ditemui VIVAnews, menyebutkan Clara tidak bergaul dengan teman sebayanya yang ada di sekitar rumahnya. ”Maklum, orangtua DS termasuk orang yang mampu dibandingkan dengan warga sekitar,” kata warga yang tidak mau disebutkan namanya.

Sementara itu, pantauan VIVAnews di rumah Clara terlihat sepi. Yang terlihat hanya mobil Honda Jazzwarna silver. Tampak seorang berbadan kekar dan badannya di keliling tato tampak berjaga di rumah Clara.

Film The Godfather

Telenovela Lola - Ada satu kutipan yang selalu menginspirasi Dedy Matondang, Direktur Utama PT Kuala Mas, bila bercerita tentang film "the Godfather", film favoritnya. Yaitu," Jangan pernah katakan kepada orang apa yang sedang kamu pikirkan saat ini...," ujarnya mengutip ucapan salah satu karakter utama dalam film itu.

Film Terbaru yang diadaptasi dari novel karangan Mario Puzo itu menginspirasi Dedy saat menjalankan roda bisnisnya. "Tapi bukan dengan segala cara, lho. Saya mengambil sisi positifnya aja," ujar Dedy sambil tertawa.

Disutradarai Francis Ford Coppola, film "The Godfather" mengisahkan perjalanan sebuah "imperium bisnis" yang dirintis oleh Vito Corleone dari Sisilia, Italia. Corleone memulai bisnisnya dengan mendistribusikan minyak ikan di wilayah Sisilia yang kemudian merambah ke bisnis casino di Las Vegas, Amerika.

Untuk mempertahankan imperium bisnisnya, keluarga Corleone yang menjalankan perusahaan secara turun temurun, tak jarang harus berhadapan dengan sahabat rekan-rekan bisnis yang awalnya begitu dipercaya namun belakangan mencoba "menikam dari belakang". Di saat seperti ini, keluarga Corleone tak pernah mengambil jalan kompromi. Corleone juga dikenal "Untouchable" alias tak tersentuh hukum dalam menjalankan dan mempertahankan kerajaan bisnisnya.

Film ini dibintangi aktor watak Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando, Andy Garcia, Diane Keaton dan Robert Duvall. Diirangkai dalam trilogi, film ini meraih 7 penghargaan Academy Awards atau Oscar.

"Bagi saya film ini cukup menginspirasi saya," ujar Dedy. "Yang saya pelajari dari film ini ialah bagaimana seorang pemimpin bukan harus ditakuti, tapi dihormati. Saya mengutip arti sebuah loyalitas dari film ini," ujar Dedy yang mengaku sudah menonton film ini berulangkali.

Kini, selain sibuk mengelola perusahaannya, Dedy juga aktif di beberapa organisasi. Ia kini dipercaya sebagai Compartemen Jasa Konstruksi, Properti dan Developer di BPC HIPMI (Himpunan Pengusaha Muda Indonesia) Medan, periode 2010 -2012.

Sejak tiga tahun terakhir, ia juga diberi kehormatan sebagai Ketua Forum Bersama Laskar Merah Putih dan Ketua Satria Sumut. "Sebagai seorang pengusaha, saya juga harus bisa bersosialisasi, karena itu penting," ujarnya.

Tiger Woods Masters

Telenovelas - A plane has flown over the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, towing a banner which reads; “Tiger: Did You Mean Bootyism?” The expensive heckle took place shortly after Tiger Woods teed off on his first hole, and pokes fun at Woods’ comments during his recent public apology that he would be devoting more time to Buddhism.

Tiger Woods said he had “drifted away” from the religion in recent years.

The Huffington Post offers an Urban Dictionary translation of the phrase – a “religion originating in the east(coast) encouraging the endowment of large quantities of (female)booty, getting booty, banging booty, etc”.

Masters Golf Tournament 2010 Leaderboard: Tiger Woods Masters 2010 Tv Schedule Updates – We back with the latest updates for the master Golf Tournament, with the leaderboard up instored here are some of the updates with regards to the schedule and with the Standings from todays match up. Its Friday, April 9, 2010 and its going to be another competitive round, the schedule is found right below, with theMasters Golf Tournament 2010 Leaderboard.

Friday, April 9, 2010 – Competitive Round
8:00 a.m.
Gates Open
Gates close 30 minutes after play
10:45 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.Amen Corner Live on Masters.com
11:45 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.Hole Nos. 15 and 16 Live on Masters.com
12:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.Featured Group Live on Masters.com
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.Masters Extra Live Streaming Video
2:00 p.m.Masters Radio Live Audio on Masters.com
4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Live Coverage on ESPN
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.Replay of the telecast on ESPN
11:30 p.m. – 11:45 p.m. Highlights Show on CBS
All DayPlayer Interviews Live on Masters.com

Thats it for the Masters Golf Tournament 2010 Leaderboard: Tiger Woods Masters 2010 Tv Schedule Updates, Tiger woods was supposed to be the apple of the eye in this tournament, but seems like he is just part of the players, With Fred Couples in the lead, and Tiger woods behind two strokes. Here are the live schedule, stay tune for the live stream channels that will be updated here. stay tune for moreMasters Golf Tournament 2010 Leaderboard: Tiger Woods Masters 2010 Tv Schedule Updates.

Just what you always wanted

Amor Real Telenovela - He thrilled them with his constitutional reform statement in 2007, he made them sigh at the International Nuclear Fuel Cycle Conference, he made them clap at the St Paul’s Institute. Now, just in time for Easter and indeed for Fathers’ Day, a collection of all these moments and many more are available to own in a single weighty volume. Today, Gordon Brown’s greatest hits arrives in bookshops up and down the country.

The Change We Choose; Speeches 2007-2009 contains the Prime Minister’s most exciting speeches from the past three years.

Those who seek inspiration in the oratory of Gladstone, Disraeli and Churchill will now be able to turn to Mr Brown’s discussion of the Millennium Development Goals, his appeal for global solutions to global problems and his promise of a points based immigration system.

Notable by its absence, however, is the speech containing his promise of “British jobs for British workers”, that caused controversy in 2007 and was later taken up by the BNP.

The arrival of this 300-page volume has already provoked something of sensation among publishers and disbelief among speech writers and academics.

At Politicos, the publishing house, an employee was temporarily lost for words. “How grizzly,” he said at last. Collected speeches of Churchill and Aneurin Bevan still sell in great volumes and in great volume, but he was not sure there was a market for Mr Brown.

“I suppose it would be great for insomniacs,” he ventured.

Asked to fit Mr Brown within the pantheon of Parliamentary orators, Brian Jenner, head of the UK Speech Writers Guild, said he was “up there with John Major”.

Others described him as the worst Labour speaker in fifty years. Johnathan Tonge, a professor of politics at Liverpool University, thought it possible that the Prime Minister was a better speaker than Clement Attlee.

“The trouble is, his most famous lines are also his most damaging ones,” he said. “‘No return to boom and bust’, that was a hostage to fortune.” More recently, he said, “there is often a lack of substance and even the jokes are laboured.”

The chief problem, according to Phil Collins, formerly a speech writer for Tony Blair, now a leader writer for The Times, was that the Prime Minister wrote his speeches himself.

While Mr Blair would write 25 minute speeches in fountain pen at the last minute, Brown is continually building a database of his thoughts on a laptop. Parts of his 45 minute speeches are then cut and pasted from this vast source.

“He is always determined to have ten announcements in every speech,” said Mr Collins. “Structurally, that is very hard to tie together.”

His speeches are frequently “a patchwork of different arguments for different people,” he said. “British jobs for British workers doesn’t fit within the speech that he said it in. It was just a line to appeal to a certain group of people.”

Unbowed by such criticism, Mr Brown has been a prolific publisher of his own speeches. Fans of his oratory may already own Speeches 1997-2006. There is also a parallel anthology from the same period, entitled Moving Britain Forward.

In the Edinburgh offices of Mainstream Publishing, the house behind the latest book, managing director Bill Campbell was bullish about its prospects. “We don’t expect it to challenge Harry Potter,” he said. “But it’s a significant contribution to the politics of our time.”

Mr Campbell is a longtime friend of the Prime Minister and has been publishing his writing since they was at Edinburgh University together. “I used to edit the student newspaper,” he said. “He was my main features writer - very prolific.”

In Downing Street, a spokesman for the orator himself said the book was being released by popular demand. “A number of people have been asking him over time for collections of his speeches,” he said. “I hope it will appeal to people from across society, from the average punter in a bookshop to academics and political observers.”

Michele Buttleman

Watch Movie Online - I’m so thrilled that the Cross-Valley Connector is finally open. It will make my trip from Canyon Country to Valencia so much nicer now that I can avoid that Bouquet Canyon bottleneck. However, I bet that bottleneck disappears now that residents of the SCV have two ways to get across town. It’s too bad that the wind was so awful during the grand opening ceremonies on Saturday. Kudos to the city for doing such a great job getting this new roadway open.

MWOY paparazzi party
I always enjoy the SCV Man and Woman of the Year Paparazzi Party. It is great fun and this year there was spectacular food, too, courtesy of Salt Creek Grille and Bob’s Country Meats. I love the location too, at the home of Carl and Jeri Seratti-Goldman in Canyon Country. There’s nothing like being close to home after an event!

Nominees for SCV Man and Woman of the Year
Nonprofits in the SCV were invited earlier this year to nominate longtime volunteers to be considered as SCV Man and Woman of the Year. The organizations and their nominees and the individual who made the nominating presentation at the Paparazzi Party are as follows:

ACTION: Stephanie Weiss introduced by Carey Quashen; Circle of Hope: Colleen Shaffer introduced by Judy Penman; SCV Boys and Girls Club: Anna Ott and Tom Dierckman introduced by John Mahaffey; Zonta Club of SCV: Cheryl Gray introduced by Cindy Kittle; Friends of Hart Park: Becki and Roger Basham introduced by Andree Walper; SCV Family YMCA: Phil Ellis introduced by Chris Clark; Child & Family Center Foundation: Janice Hoskinson and Steve Sturgeon introduced by Lois Bauccio; SCV Facilities Foundation: Richard A. Patterson introduced by Gary Condie; Betty Ferguson Foundation: Shelley Hann introduced by Marjanne Priest and Janine Jones introduced by Jane Bettencourt-Soto; Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital: Wayne Crawford introduced by Roger Seaver; SCV Sheriff’s Station: Betty-Lou and Ken Wiseman introduced by Ron Olfert; Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation: Shelley Hann and Linda Hafizi introduced by Diana Vose; The Gentle Barn: Mike Stiles introduced by Jay Weiner; Rotary Club of SCV: Mary Ann Colf and Steve Sturgeon introduced by Mike Thomas; American Cancer Society: Candy Spahr introduced by Tameka Payne; College of the Canyons Foundation: Myrna Condie introduced by Cathy Ritz; Soroptimist International of Greater SCV: Dora Zavala introduced by Sheryl Geraci; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Gloria Mercado-Fortine introduced by Breeana Garrett; Heads Up: Nancy Pitchford-Zhe introduced by Eileen McDaniel and The SCV Youth Project: Renee Kaehny introduced by Kim Goldman. I’m glad I’m not on the committee that votes for the winner. How do you decide?

Where to be today
If you’re not at the Railfest in Fillmore drop by Wolf Creek Restaurant today. Laina McFerren said the restaurant is “partnering with the Wolf Connection (a wolf and wolf-hybrid rescue) to raise money and awareness. They are bringing some of the rescued animals (who are tame and trained and extremely beautiful!) to Wolf Creek’s patio this weekend. We are donating 15 percent of our total weekend’s sales to the organization. Guests who make an $8 donation to the Wolf Connection can get their photos taken with the animals.” Visit Wolf Creek 1 to 5 p.m. today to help save the wolves, 27746 N. McBean Parkway, Valencia, (661) 263-9653.

Setting the record straight
I can’t believe that it’s already more than a week since the SCV Press Club’s Newsmakers event. There are still so many people to thank and to praise for their contributions to the event which has gotten good reviews according the many e-mails and phone calls I have received. Among those who deserve a high-five are Jim Piccirillo, executive producer/director of Valencia Production Partners (and the amazing master of AV), Tim Whyte of Whyte House Media (he made all those great PowerPoint slides), Teresa Todd of Point of View Communications, Barbara Myler of Summit West — Public Relations & Marketing, Stephanie Weiss of ACTION Parent-Teen Support and Strategies For Success, Sharon Bronson of KHTS, Maureen Daniels, Jo Lasick, Jim Walker, Jessica Nazarian and Carolyn Orrante of The Signal, Jeanna Crawford (bows extraordinaire) of Inside SCV, Jana Adkins (raffle item wrangler and all-around workhorse) and all of our wonderful raffle item donors: Randy Cressall and the Valencia Auto Spa, Balance Point Spa, The Signal, Vino 100, College of the Canyons PAC, KHTS, city of Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, Teresa Todd of Point of View Communications, Inside SCV, the Tea Gardens, Paul Button KCBS and KCAL, Joan Darlene of Healing Hands Reiki, Jackie Curcio of Jackie Curcio Skin Care and Salt Creek Grille.