Tuesday, January 15, 2008

In Memoriam E.P.H.

"Another few weary steps and there was nothing above us but the sky. There was no final pinnacle. We looked round in wonder. To our immense satisfaction we realised we had reached the top of the world."





Cnews, Canada: One of the 20th century's greatest adventurers, died …
Bulgarian National Television, Bulgaria:…New Zealand cries for Sir Edmund Hillary. The brave mountaineer who conquered Mount Everest passed away…
CNN:…life marked by grand achievements, adventure, discovery, excitement…
Russian Courier, Russia:…Hillary scaled Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain at 8,850 meters (29,035 feet), on 29 May 1953…
Radio France Internationale, France:…the New Zealander , attended by Tensing Norgay, was the first who conquered the peak...
Honolulu Advertiser, Hawai:…The ascent ended a decades-long quest undertaken by countless to test human endurance…
Radio Universidad de Chile, Chile:...He was knighted by the Queen for his achievement in 1953, and 42 years later was awarded her highest award for chivalry - the Order of the Garter...
Japan Today, Japan:…The lanky New Zealander took his fame in stride, preferring to be called Ed and considering himself an "ordinary person with ordinary qualities."…
SABC News, South Africa:… In 1958, he and four companions travelled overland in three modified tractors to become the first to reach the South Pole by vehicle...
Washington Post, USA:…he went on to adventures in India and Antarctica and became a globetrotting advocate of environmentalism and conservation...
Asia News:...Buddhists in prayer for Sir Edmund Hillary the only honorary citizen of Nepal, the "father of the Sherpas"...
Turkish Weekly,Turkey:….his Himalayan Trust has helped build hospitals, clinics, bridges, airstrips and nearly 30 schools…..
Swissinfo, Switzerland:…He put his fame to good use, unlike many other people...
Memestream, India: ...The passing of Edmond Hillary makes us pause to consider what it means to live a great and worthy life.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Adio, Maestro!


"Some can sing opera, Luciano Pavarotti was an opera” (Bono)

On September 6, 2007, the world said farewell to one of the most beloved singers of all times – Luciano Pavarotti. He died from pancreatic cancer at his home in Modena, Italy at the age of 71. His death was announced in an e-mail statement by his manager, Terri Robson, who wrote: "The Maestro fought a long, tough battle against the pancreatic cancer which eventually took his life. In fitting with the approach that characterized his life and work, he remained positive until finally succumbing to the last stages of his illness."

Luciano Pavarotti was born in Modena, Italy on October 12, 1935. His mother was a cigar factory worker and his father was a baker and an amateur tenor. Pavarotti's earliest musical influences were his father's recordings, most of them featuring the popular tenors of the day. At around the age of nine he began singing with his father in a small local church choir. During his teenage years he had a dream of becoming a professional football goalkeeper, but his mother convinced him to train as a teacher. He subsequently taught in an elementary school for two years but finally allowed his interest in music to win out. Pavarotti spent seven years in vocal training and began his career as a tenor in 1961 in Italy. After that he sang in Vienna, London, The Netherlands, Ankara, Budapest and Barcelona, but one of the most important experiences in his life was the tour with Joan Sutherland in Australia, who he will credit later for the breathing technique that will sustain him over his career. In 1965, after her recommendation, Pavarotti made his American debut in Miami.


Luciano Pavarotti in 1978

Shortly after, he made his La Scala debut opposite his childhood friend Mirella Freni with Herbert von Karajan conducting. His first appearance as Tonio in Donizetti's La fille du régiment took place at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden on June 2, 1966. It was his performance of this role that would earn him the title of "King of the High Cs". The next years were a time of great success on most of the major European and American Opera houses.

Popular stardom came at the 1990 World Cup in Italy with the performances of Nessun Dorma, from Turandot and as one of The Three Tenors in their famed first concert held on the eve of the final match of the tournament (repeated at later Cups). Pavarotti sang together with fellow star tenors Plácido Domingo and José Carreras and brought to a much wider audience hits previously confined to the world of opera. Appearances in advertisements and performing with pop icons Elton John, Sting and Bono in concerts around the world furthered his influence. Pavarotti extended his presence far beyond the limits of Italian opera. He became a titan of pop culture. Millions saw him on television and found in his expansive personality, childlike charm and generous figure a link to an art form with which many had only a glancing familiarity.



The Three Tenors : Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti

However, Pavarotti's rise to stardom was not without occasional difficulties. He earned a reputation as "The King of Cancellations" by frequently backing out of performances, and his unreliable nature led to poor relationships with some opera houses. He has also been accused of being unable to read music and learn parts. His personal life was not without trauma. He divorced his wife Adua Veroni after 34 years together and married his former 26 year old personal assistant Nicoletta Mantovani in 2003.
In 1998, Pavarotti was presented with the Grammy Legend Award. He also holds two Guinness World Records: one for receiving the most curtain calls (165) and another for the best-selling classical album (In Concert by The Three Tenors).

The later years brought a decline in ability to perform on stage due to weight gain and lack of mobility. Pavarotti's final appearance in an opera was at the Met in March 2004. The 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy saw him performing for the last time. Pavarotti sang Nessun dorma, with the crowd as its Chorus, and got a thunderous standing ovation.

Fifteen thousand lucky New Zealanders saw Pavarotti live in North Harbour Stadium in Auckland on November 12, 2005. The concert was a part of his 40 city Farewell World Tour, which he could not complete.

Pavarotti himself summarized his life as follows:" I think a life in music is a life well spent, and this is what I have devoted myself to."

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Beckham’s voyage in the world of rugby

One of the biggest world stars – David Beckham visited New Zealand with his football team LA Galaxy to play a match against Phoenix Wellington on December 1, 2007.
The match took place on Westpac Stadium in Wellington, where LA Galaxy defeated Phoenix 4:1. The game offered everything that can be offered to a soccer fan – a real sports show with friendly atmosphere, skillful play by both teams, intense situations, lots of goals and a score from Beckham, even though it was after a penalty.

The New Zealand players had the desire and the skills to win, but they found that it is never easy to play against Beckham; he is one of the best football players in the world. His amazing career began when he signed a professional contract with Manchester United, making his first – team debut in 1992 aged 17. During his time there, United won the Premiership title six times, the FA Cup twice and the WEFA Champions League in 1999. He left Manchester United to sign for Real Madrid in 2003, where he remained for four seasons. From 1 July 2007 he has a new five – year contract with LA Galaxy. He is also currently a member of the England team.

The "romantic" years in Manchester United

Beckham’s earnings make him the sixth highest – paid sportsman in the world and the highest – paid soccer player, according to France Football. His contract with LA Galaxy is for ₤125 million. Apart from salary, Beckham’s earnings are boosted by a variety of endorsements because of his iconic status. He is one of the faces of Gillette, he sells sunglasses for Police, clothes for U.K. retailer Marks & Spencer, soft drinks for Pepsi, mobile phones for Vodafone, perfumes for Coty and underwear for Giorgio Armani, in addition to being one of Adidas’ top stars.


At the top - England's national team captain

It has always looked like his steps are carefully prepared for making money. He could have stayed in Manchester United and become one of their legends. Instead, he went to soccer’s Dream Team Real Madrid which made him one of the superstars in the European football. But at the age of 32, he could play football at the highest level only for another couple of years. Then, what’s next? Everybody knows that if you want to be a world superstar you must conquer America.

Beckham knows that too, but herein lies the answer as to why LA Galaxy paid so much money for a person who plays a sport that is of minor importance in the USA. “We’ve already made our money back, “said Tim Leiweke, the owner of the Galaxy three months before Beckham actually joined the club. The additional 7000 season tickets sold, the new endorsement and sponsorship deals done on the back of Beckham’s arrival make the contract anything but a risky or thoughtless act.

The new conquistador - Disney ad campaign

The photogenic looks, the personal charisma and carefully managed star power make him a real money machine. Many believe, that even his marriage to Victoria Adams (better known as Posh Spice), singer in one of the best selling bands, “The Spice Girls”, is also a well-planned step in polishing his image and increasing his popularity.

But at the end of the day, the facts are undeniable; Beckham is a very successful combination of model good looks, strong presence and smooth image, with the ability to play football at the highest professional level. This ability to play exciting and dominating football made him a captain of the England national team for 6 years (2000 – 2006) and earned him the “Bend it like Beckham” sobriquet.

Brand it like Beckham - underwear for Giorgio Armani

Apart from his multiple sports awards, Beckham was also named Officer in the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003, voted “Britain’s Greatest Ambassador” at the Greatest Britons 2007 awards and many more. This recognition, along with the millions of fans he has all over the world, makes him an extremely influential figure in global influence.

But can this influence spread around the world of rugby and make the most popular game in the world a little more popular in New Zealand? Was it worth the $2 million that Terry Serepisos, the owner of Phoenix paid to Beckham’s team? It is obvious that football can not replace the rugby here, but even if a few young boys put the football shoes and go outdoors to kick the ball instead of playing video games, it is worth even more.