LOVING TRIBUTE TO HEATH LEDGER BY JOHANNA

Johanna has done it again. She has created a tribute for Heath Ledger that is "other worldly". This is the time of year when Heath left this earthly existence and many of us think of that day in January when he slipped into the sleep of sleeps....
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By jopicca
Himmlisch ~ Heavenly
Hervorragend ~ Superb

This is best watched at youtube where you can enlarge the screen and also watch it in 1080 p.
To do that just double click on the video.

Heath Andrew Ledger
April 4, 1979 to January 22, 2008

imdb Bio can be found by clicking the post title

I feel Johanna is so talented and offers Heath and his fans such wonderful tributes.

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By ilovemylifesblog

FOR HEATH LEDGER FANS - BY JOHANNA and tiny tinkerbell

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Uploaded by my friend Johanna - jopicca — June 18, 2010
Text of jopicca
A short video with (some rare) pictures and screenshots of Heath Ledger.
The title of the song is Sleep by Poets of the Fall, from the album Signs of Life.


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Uploaded by TinyTinkebell — June 13, 2010
Text of TinyTinkebell
Heath Andrew Ledger (DOB 4th April 1979) very rare photos from start to finish.
I thought I'd use a more upbeat song this time.

All my worries help me put the past behind
All around us this worlds in a hurry
While we stand still in time
Feels like we're moving to the rhythm of the music,
When we're together
Everything just comes together, baby
So inspired by the movement
We can't lose it

THIS IS THE BEST TRIBUTE TO HEATH LEDGER I HAVE EVER SEEN

The text below was written on Shekhar Kapur's blog a long while ago, as a comment to his post on Heath Ledger. By clicking on Shekhar's name below, you may go there and read others' love, affection and strong bond with Heath.

Some are born with a gift to shine a light for the rest of us to touch, connect to and receive their radiant beauty. Heath was one.

I love “The Four Feathers”...I just discovered it recently. I am moved by it and specially so by Heath in it.

"...And these for whom life has no repose, live at times in their rare moments of happiness with such strength and indescribable beauty, the spray of their moment's happiness is flung so high and dazzingly over the wide sea of suffering, that the light of it, spreading its radiance, touches others too with its enchantment..." Hemann Hesse STEPPENWOLF I love this quote and use it as a tribute to those like Heath who transcend the average and lift us up where our souls belong.

Some can move us for all time in just moments. Heath is one. In vital ways, he remains with us. A gift from Life and for our souls. Enriched by seeing in him, our own selves. We are all just a part of the whole of Life. Something about what Heath was able to present turned on a vibrancy in our own inner glow and light. He makes me feel more alive still. Sadness is there, too. But death doesn't end our feelings or relationships with those whose mortal bodies no longer inhale and exhale.

We are blessed by having lived when Heath was here.

Thank you, Shekhar for bringing us “The Four Feathers”. It stays with me. And in this transient world, that is an act of grace. I am grateful for the arts. For in them we humans can radiate and share our best selves.

Sandra Hammel

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Heath, never one to be afraid of who he was inside and fearless to show it on the outside ~ in or out of a character. That is what I think draws me to him. That integrity.

This is the most beautiful tribute I have seen of Heath Ledger.

Hollywood's people could not do a better, more fitting tribute to Heath than jopicca

This is what I wrote in those little comment boxes at youtube...I used three windows:

Well.

Jo

This will be more than one window here in this "character limited" space at "our" youtube.

I came here from mimccd - Carla's channel page, seeing she had commented here and not knowing it was you.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Those are my stars for your beloved Heath-soul-inspired video of our Soul-Full Heath in Roar.

I felt I was having a holy experience, experiencing this work of art.

A sacred place ~ maybe the sacred place Heath is right now ~ that is where I felt I was..

I could not take my eyes from his eyes.

I have never seen this...but I cannot imagine that anyone could have done a more beautiful work than you, Johanna.

I mean no offense to anyone else who loves Heath and does work here at Youtube in his honor ~ but you, Johanna, have done all of us a wondrous thing...this is beauty before us. You have lifted us up to where we belong. And Heath would be proud to call you friend.

The way you present this reveals the richness of your soul ....

A gift you have given to us. And we all need this to soothe our grieving souls. To mourn all these many months after his mortal body continues in immortality is a wondrous and mournful thing to me. That we could be present in this life when he was also here gives me deep gratitude.

I am moved.

Music is my refuge. And this music grows out of the depths of who we are.

So, I say I am lifted up. Lifted up with a tired body, past time to be asleep, but wanting to watch this again and again.

I just had to post this before going to put my head on my pillow, though it is hours after I had hoped to be asleep.

Sometimes, creativity and its power to move me takes me over and has The Power. The Force of Life pulling me to it.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, if you celebrate it. If you don't, have a blessed day.

Much love,

Sandra

HEATH LEDGER CONTINUES TO INSPIRE

My friend Johanna does such loving and beautiful tributes to Heath Ledger.
Here is her most recent one.

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Heath Ledger - In Loving Memory by Alter Bridge

Uploaded by jopicca

Lyrics

Thanks for all you've done
I've missed you for so long
I can't believe you're gone
You still live in me
I feel you in the wind
You guide me constantly

I've never knew what it was to be alone, no
Cause you were always there for me
You were always there waiting
And I'll come home and I miss your face so
Smiling down on me
I close my eyes to see

And I know, you're a part of me
And it's your song that sets me free
I sing it while I feel I can't hold on
I sing tonight cause it comforts me

I carry the things that remind me of you
In loving memory of
The one that was so true
Your were as kind as you could be
And even though you're gone
You still mean the world to me

I've never knew what it was to be alone, no
Cause you were always there for me
You were always there waiting
But now I come home and it's not the same, no
It feels empty and alone
I can't believe you're gone

And I know, you're a part of me
And it's your song that sets me free
I sing it while I feel I can't hold on
I sing tonight cause it comforts me

I'm glad he set you free from sorrow
I'll still love you more tomorrow
And you will be here with me still

And what you did you did with feeling
And You always found the meaning
And you always will...

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Heath Ledger - Smiles
Another upload by jopicca

Heath's movie
The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus

Interesting post about Heath's screen test
for Shekhar Kapur, director of The Four Feathers
www.shekharkapur.com


I don't understand why The Four Feathers
is so often left off the list of Heath's greatest movies.
It is such an excellent work.

THE FOUR FEATHERS - ONE OF MY FAVORITE HEATH LEDGER MOVIES

Heath Ledger
Photo thankfully provided by Johanna
known at youtube as jopicca

I watched the movie - The Four Feathers - with my 22 year old son after sharing some conversation and dinner for his birthday. I love Heath in this movie. The whole cast is wonderful. A great story directed with great sensitivity. And here is a video done by one of my two favorite posters of Heath Ledger tributes on Youtube...

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The Four Feathers
Uploaded by jopicca
Johanna does such loving work for Heath in her tributes.
I bought the song used in this video at itunes after I heard it here on this video.
It is called Land of Anaka
by Geoffrey Oryema

Land of Anaka
Geoffrey Oryema
Album: Exile
Geoffrey Oryema - lead vocals

Sung in Acoli and Swahili languages

Acoli is primarily spoken by the Acholi people
of the districts of Gulu, Kitgum and Pader region in northern Uganda (Acholiland).

Swahili is a language of African (Bantu) origin.

A youtube Live video July 2, 2005

Lyrics

In this land of Anaka
They called us Payira
In this land of Anaka
They called us Payira

*Obiga lead me in this darkness
Show me the way
Obiga take me to a place
Where I can see light

(Obiga lead me in this darkness)
Show me the way
(Obiga lead me in this darkness)
Show me the way

In this land of Anaka
They called us Payira
In this land of Anaka
They called us Payira

Obiga lead me in this darkness
Show me the way
Obiga lead me in this darkness
Show me the way

(Obiga lead me in this darkness)
Show me the way
(Obiga take me home, take me home)
Obiga lead me in this darkness
Show me the way

In this land of Anaka
We had hope in Obiga
In this land of Anaka
We had hope in Obiga

We had hopes, we had dreams
Of a clear green land
In place of the family house
Dead sand, dead sand

(Obiga lead me in this darkness)
Show me the way
(Obiga take me home)
Show me the way

Obiga is no more
We are left in disarray
(Obiga take me home)
The clan of Anaka, pillar

~

*obiga - 'meek and yielding' is one definition.
and also may be of a religious one, that by
speaking by the life, divine sufferings, teaching
and death of Jesus, Son of God, one will always have
infinite help and inspiration making retribution with glory.

Additional artists of this song: Brian Eno - Yamaha DX7 and CS80, piano, vocals
Richard Evans - tin whistle, Peter Gabriel - backing vocals.

Release date of the CD: June 29, 1992
Real World Studios, England

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At the age of 24, at the height of Idi Amin's power and following the death of his father, a prominent government minister, in a mysterious car accident, Geoffrey Oryema had to be smuggled across the border in the trunk of a car, thus beginning a life in exile. Today his songs keep alive the languages of his youth - Swahili and Acoli and return to the lost country - the clear green land of Uganda.

Click on the post title and it will take you to the cast list of The Four Feathers.

73 photos of The Four Feathers and promotion of it
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0240510/mediaindex

ACTOR HEATH LEDGER WAS ABOVE THE REST HERE ON EARTH

I AM IN AWE OF THE DARING AND SEEMINGLY FEARLESS EMOTIONAL VESSEL THAT HEATH ALLOWED HIMSELF TO BE in the choice of the diversity of the roles he chose to play.

I love Heath Ledger in The Four Feathers. A movie that apparently is accepted as a failure to many. How that can be is beyond any understanding I can summon. It is one of my favorite movies. I recommend it to everyone I know.

I have seen the collection of movies and TV roles that Heath Ledger has played, introduced to the library of his work on Youtube. Candy wasn't a movie I wanted to see because it was about drug addiction...a sad subject. But, then things changed...

Heath and his co-star Abbie Cornish are exceptional in Candy. Heath received his Oscar posthumously for The Dark Knight, but I feel both The Four Feathers and Candy show Heath's acting ability that certainly deserved an Oscar as Harry and Dan in these two roles. Oscar performances all. Simply above all the rest - Heath - in these two other movies with Heath. And I just saw Monsters Ball because of what I heard Daniel Day-Lewis said of Heath (a small role, timewise) in Monsters Ball on Youtube. And the movie that the general public does know - Brokeback Mountain - Heath got attention for his role of Ennis Del Mar. Deservedly so, but not so welcome by Heath. Another Oscar performance of Heath's.

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Candy ~ Tribute to Heath Ledger
Uploaded by the gifted jopicca

This video by a Heath beloved fan - jopicca - is wonderful. Just exceptional. I love the overlapping of the videos as she did within this Youtube.

Candy is a 2005 Australian romantic drama film, adapted from Luke Davies' novel entitled Candy: A Novel of Love and Addiction. Candy was directed by debut film-maker Neil Armfield and stars Heath Ledger, Abbie Cornish and Geoffrey Rush.

The song Song to the Siren that is used first in this tribute stood out to me the most from Candy. All music used is from the movie.

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Because of Simheona's tribute to Candy and Heath, I knew I had to see Candy and I just saw it Sunday. I continue to learn of Heath's work late.

Music: A Brave New World by The Verve and Richard Ashcroft.

I love this song with this Candy tribute. It is a great companion to the story.

Lyrics

Brave New World

Into the brave new world
I hope I see you on the other side
Of this changing world

Baby when my ship pulls in
I try to believe in anyone
Look at the state I'm in.

But for now I'm just sitting at the table
Hearing songs
Wishing I was able, stable
nah nah nah nah nah nah
I hope I see you on the other side

Brother don't try to find
Don't try to believe in anyone
For I would change your mind

Baby when my ship pulls in
I try to believe in anyone
Look at the state I'm in, I'm fine

But for now I'm just sitting at the table
Hearing songs
Wishing I was able, stable
nah nah nah nah nah nah
I hope I see you on the other side

But for now I'm just sitting at the table
Hearing songs
Wishing I was able, stable
Brave new world
nah nah nah nah nah nah
I hope I see you on the other side

Amazon - Candy DVD:
http://www.amazon.com/Candy-Abbie-Cornish/dp/B000LAZDPG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1249950185&sr=8-1

Heath touched and continues to touch - many all over the world. I have only recently learned of Heath's work. And that was by accident, as I bought earlier this year - A Knights Tale - because Rufus Sewell was in it, then I fell in love with Heath's work. I have been quickly catching up with all of the movies available in the USA. First I see them by checking them out from the library. I have bought several so far. The diversity of roles he chose to play is overwhelming and stunning.

Have you seen Heath's latest work with The Masses? ...An animation against illegal whale hunting directed by Heath and finished by those who love him.
The video at We Are The Masses
http://www.wearethemasses.com/videos/modest-mouse-king-rat
Written tribute at We Are The Masses
http://www.wearethemasses.com/

I paid no attention to Heath Ledger or his movies out of ignorance, when he was alive. So it is quite remarkable that I am having such a difficult time having him gone. Something so genuine about him, about his emotions, his vulnerability and strength within his roles that he puts in his face, his eyes, movements, timing, delivery of words.

I think Heath must know from wherever he is that the connection so many of us feel with his soul and spirit is strong and genuine.

Song to the Siren

Lyrics

Performed by Paula Arundell and Paul Charlier

On the floating, shapeless oceans
I did all my best to smile
til your singing eyes and fingers
drew me loving into your eyes.

And you sang "Sail to me, sail to me;
Let me enfold you."

Here I am, here I am waiting to hold you.
Did I dream you dreamed about me?
Were you here when I was full sail?

Now my foolish boat is leaning, broken love lost on your rocks.
For you sang, "Touch me not, touch me not, come back tomorrow."
Oh my heart, oh my heart shies from the sorrow.
I'm as puzzled as a newborn child.
I'm as riddled as the tide.
Should I stand amid the breakers?
Or shall I lie with death my bride?

Hear me sing: "Swim to me, swim to me, let me enfold you."
"Here I am. Here I am, waiting to hold you."

I downloaded this song for free
http://www.airmp3.net/download/paula_arundell_song_to_the_siren/mp3/dla4_c5976_0

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The song of the Sirens by Homer

Source: http://deoxy.org/alephnull/sirens.htm

In the Odyssey, the Sirens sing a song so irresistible that none can hear it and escape. Circe warns Odysseus of the danger and tells him how to avoid it. He must plug up his mens' ears with beeswax, and have himself tied to the mast, if he wishes to hear it:

Square in your ship's path are Sirens, crying
beauty to bewitch men coasting by;
woe to the innocent who hears that sound!
He will not see his lady nor his children
in joy, crowding about him, home from sea;
the Sirens will sing his mind away
on their sweet meadow lolling. There are bones
of dead men rotting in a pile beside them
and flayed skins shrivel around the spot.
Steer wide;
keep well to seaward; plug your oarsmen's ears
with beeswax kneaded soft; none of the rest
should hear that song.
But if you wish to listen,
let the men tie you in the lugger, hand
and foot, back to the mast, lashed to the mast,
so you may hear those harpies' thrilling voices;
shout as you will, begging to be untied,
your crew must only twist more line around you
and keep their stroke up, till the singers fade. (Book 12, 41-58)

HEATH LEDGER'S ANIMATED VIDEO KING RAT at THE MASSES

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Modest Mouse's new animated video King Rat - a protest against illegal whale hunts
Directed by the late Heath Ledger
NOTE - VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES.
August 4, 2009
Uploaded by okupasudaka

See the video at The Masses website - which Heath supported and worked among friends and other creative geniuses: wearethemasses.com/videos/modest-mouse-king-rat

The text below is from We Are the Masses

Modest Mouse "King Rat" Directed by Heath Ledger

In January of 2007, while visiting his homeland of Australia, Heath Ledger presented Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse with an idea to direct a video for their yet-to-be-released song “King Rat”. Heath’s vision, brave and unapologetic in its nature, would marry his love of bold and original music with his impassioned stance against the illegal commercial whale hunts taking place off the coast of Australia each year.

Always one to operate from his heart and take a stand for what he cared deeply about, Heath’s intention was to raise awareness on modern whaling practices through a potent visual piece without having to say a word. It was his way to let the story, in its candid reversal, speak for itself.

The video was fully conceived down to the last detail but unfinished when Heath passed away in January of 2008. We completed the video in his honor with the support and advocacy of Isaac Brock.

Proceeds from iTunes video downloads in the first month of release will go toward Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization organization committed to ending the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd uses direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. We encourage you to visit their site in you are compelled to make a larger donation or volunteer your time. http://www.seashepherd.org

The King Rat video was directed by Heath Ledger, co-directed and illustrated by Daniel Auber with lead animation by Norris Houk, animation by Jade Taglioli and produced by Sara Cline of THE MASSES.

THE MASSES and Modest Mouse are proud to present “King Rat”. We hope Heath’s work inspires you in the same way his passion and bravery inspired us.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

King Rat sung live at KROQ - by Modest Mouse

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Heath Ledger talks about working with director Terry Gilliam - the last director Heath worked with before his tragic death
Uploaded by JodellesImaginarium2

Lyrics for King Rat

THERE'S HUGE TALENT IN HUGH (JACKMAN) - THE BEST PART IS THAT HE HAD FUN WHICH MADE HIM FUN TO WATCH

So you can't please everyone. Nothing new there. Another raved about it. I loved Hugh Jackman's parts of the show. So refreshing, fun and entertaining to see someone simply adoring being on stage and being "our show". That is the key, really. A Big Talent that made me fall in love with him. It "translated" to me. It's an award show and unless you take the award part out of it - it isn't going to be other than an award show. Maybe, the LA Times is expecting too much out of a self-congratulating awards show to be something other than it has the roots to be. Perhaps the LA Times critic could be put in charge next year of producing the show.

This is a good read - Best and Worst of the Oscars Hugh Jackmania!

John Oliver (from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) gives his take on Hugh Jackman's job...
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Hugh Jackman's Opening Performance at the 2009 Academy Awards Live Performance
Uploaded by TimOfTwilightAndHP

Hugh Jackman - Preparation for the Academy Awards 2009 - The 81st

Musical Numbers at the Oscars

OSCARS: Baz Luhrmann on Hugh Jackman's hosting performance

At least one early review of Hugh Jackman's Oscar-hosting performance is in, and it's a rave. EW caught up with Baz Luhrmann (Jackman's Australia director and friend) at the Academy Awards on Sunday. The filmmaker said he was thrilled with how Jackman's emceeing turned out: While the show was mostly the vision of coproducer Bill Condon, Luhrmann said he helped Jackman with some of the choreography in the host's dance number with Beyonce. "At this time, his style, elegance, and grace is really resonating," Luhrmann said. "I spent six months with him touring around the world and two years making a movie with him in the desert. I know him almost as well as his family does. What you see is what you get." --Nicole Sperling

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Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman as The Boy from Oz ~ 2004 Tony telecast
Uploaded by wa8

This is the Medley Hugh Jackman preformed at the Tonys.

Hugh Jackman - His career

Hugh Jackman - Irish Interview

Click on the post title or here: Hugh Jackman interviewed by Parkinson, as well as singing - on the BBC

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You can also call or write to the President:

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Comments to President Obama:

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or

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The White House available 9 AM - 5 PM EST weekdays

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Call your Senators and Representative Today!

Find your elected politicians contact information at this link:

www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected

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To call the USA Secretary of State

202-647-6575

The USA State Department public comment line

works 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

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Sample of what to say:

* I'm calling to ask President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton and Ambassador Rice to protect innocent civilians in Darfur in the wake of Bashir's arrest warrant. Please issue immediate warnings to Bashir and the government of Sudan specifying consequences of attacks on civilians. Please also prepare an emergency response plan to address further violence and appoint a full-time senior level envoy. Lastly, please stand firm in support of the ICC indictment and veto any delay in the prosecution of Bashir.

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RAFAEL NADAL GIVES NIKE STYLE

Rafael Nadal in Red

Rafael Nadal in Black and White

UPDATE: Rafa's Website's Old/Original Forum link:
http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=84197&p=1

Credit to www.downthelinetennis.com and Zola at www.rafaelnadal.com (at The Forum) for the following:

Okay Rafanatics: brace yourselves. Your boy took part in a ad campaign photoshoot for Pure Nike's Eugene Track Jacket and along with images there's an interview with Rafa himself:

What does victory mean to you?
Well, victory is something that I like, but it isnt everything for me. For me victory is really important, especially in some moments, but it is not everything. Many times if I am playing well, I am satisfied with myself, even if I lose in the end.

Which words would you choose to describe the meaning of victory?
Triumph to do my best

What has been your greatest victory on and off the court?
The final in Wimbledon is the one that caused the greatest stir. And outside the court, I am lucky to have a great family, this is a victory, I guess.

Where you familiar with the photographer Rankin before todays shooting?
No. It was different from the other shootings, in particular the powder shoot. I had fun - but not now that we have finished because I am full of powder everywhere!

What does Pure Nike mean to you?
Well, Nike is different from the other brands. It is a special brand, always innovative, and I think that this fact, the fact of being so innovative, makes it different from the others.

Is there any athlete that represents Pure Nike for you? And why?
Tiger Woods. I like his image with Nike.

How was the shoot today?
It was really special with all that powder and the set they have built. It has been different from the other shootings, much more fun.

Can you walk us through the sense of victory and what it means to you?
I do not know how to explain it, it deals with feelings hard to describe. I guess, the most important thing is the personal satisfaction, and the excitement that you feel in that special moment.

How was the Olympic victory different from the others?
The victory at the Olympic Games has a special meaning. When you are playing outside Spain, you know that you are representing your country, you are representing Spain. Really, during the Olympic Games, when you are representing Spain at 100 %, it is a very special victory.

And where would you place it in the list of your accomplishments?
I think that I would place the Olympic Games next to the five grand slam titles.

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RAFAEL NADAL SPORTS BLACK SOCKS WITH FOUR-COLORED NEW OUTFIT IN MELBOURNE

Rafael Nadal defeated Christophe Rochus 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 January 20, 2009
in Melbourne in a late night match.

Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backhand in his first round match against Christophe Rochus of Belgium during day two of the 2009 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20, 2009 in Melbourne, Australia.

Photo credits: Clive Brunskill, Quinn Rooney and Torsten Blackwood - all with Getty Images

You can get the match statistics at this link: www.australianopen.com

Link to Rafa's own blog posts: www.news.com.au/heraldsun

Check out Rafa's answers so far.

Send your questions now to online@heraldsun.com.au

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
and another location for more fans' questions answered by Rafa:

timesonline.typepad.com Questions for Rafa

The place to send questions for this one is rafa@timesonline.co.uk

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

More pictures at Day 2 Rafael+Nadal

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RAFA NADAL AND DAVID FERRER LOSE TO PAUL HANELY AND LEANDER PAES in DOUBLES AT INDIAN WELLS '08

Two of my favorite people are included on this post. Eva Cassidy is the beautiful singer who no longer graces the earth. And the other is beautiful Rafa Nadal of Mallorca, Spain who is the world's number two professional men's tennis player.

Rafael Nadal plays tomorrow his first singles match at Indian Wells in California against Columbian Santiago Giraldo. Rafa won the tournament last year. I wish him well. Check out more information at RafaelNadal.com and PacificLifeOpen.com

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Eva Cassidy sings Songbird


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Pictures of Rafael Nadal at Indian Wells, California 2008 before any matches at practice and press interview the last couple of days.

Songbird lyrics

For you there'll be no crying
For you the sun will be shining '
Cause I feel that when I'm with you
It's alright, I know it's right
And the songbirds keep singing
Like they know the score
And I love you, I love you,
I love you Like never before

To you, I would give the world
To you, I'd never be cold
'Cause I feel that when I'm with you
It's alright, I know it's right

And the songbirds keep singing
Like they know the score
And I love you, I love you,
I love you Like never before

Like never before; like never before.

ATP Tour - No distractions for Nadal

Eurosport - Fri, March 14, 2008

Rafael Nadal has closed the gap on world number one Roger Federer but the Spaniard refuses to be distracted by thoughts of ranking points at this week's Pacific Life Open.

Nadal, who trails the dominant Swiss by just 350 points in the global pecking order, is fully focused on his title defence at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in the opening Masters Series event of the season.

"It is closer in the rankings but not closer if you know exactly what I have to defend right now," the 21-year-old said.

"I have to defend my title here, so maybe this is not the moment for me to be world number one, that's for sure."

Federer, who has spent a record 215 consecutive weeks at the top of the men's rankings, has 6,330 points with Nadal in second spot on 5,980.

It is the closest margin since May 10, 2004 when Federer led American Andy Roddick, also by 350 points.

Left-hander Nadal is unable to overhaul the 26-year-old Swiss at Indian Wells but could do so at the Masters Series event in Miami, which starts on March 24th.

"Last year I played an unbelievable season and now I am closer to him," said the muscular Spaniard, who piled up six ATP titles in 2007, including a third successive French Open.

"But this is a new season and my goal is never watching the tournaments. I always think about how to play good and my goal is always the ranking.

"I know if I want to reach my goals I have to play very good in important tournaments. That's it."

Nadal, who beat Serb Novak Djokovic 6-2 7-5 in last year's final at Indian Wells, was in upbeat mood for his title defence despite losing to Roddick in the quarter-finals of last week's Dubai Championships.

"I played very good in the first set," he said, referring to his 7-6 6-2 defeat in Dubai. "Andy was playing very well and serving unbelievably.

"I had good chances in the first set -- leading 3-0 in the tiebreak and getting three break points. But I had some mistakes with my second serve. This week, I will try to play like the first set against him in Dubai.

"If I play like that with a little more confidence, I can beat everybody."

Today, Australian Paul Hanley and Indian Leander Paes were victorious over Spainards Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer 6-3, 6-4 in doubles.

USA AND AUSTRALIA HAVE THIS IN COMMON

Australia's PM Kevin Rudd has delivered a formal apology to Aboriginal people for injustices inflicted by successive governments, in an address broadcast across the country.

For many indigenous Australians this is a symbolic gesture of immense scale. The hope is it will usher in a new era of recognition and reconciliation

"Australia apologizes to Aborigines" I find this story a story that bears our attention in the United States. For many indigenous Australians this is a symbolic gesture of immense scale. The hope is it will usher in a new era of recognition and reconciliation. For many indigenous Australians this is a symbolic gesture of immense scale. The hope is it will usher in a new era of recognition and reconciliation. In Canberra, the Australian government "officially apologized Wednesday to its indigenous people for past treatment that 'inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss,' in a historic parliamentary vote that supporters said would open a new chapter in race relations in the country. Lawmakers unanimously adopted Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's motion to say sorry of behalf of all Australians in an emotional session of the federal Parliament that was telecast across the country and watched by crowds gathered giant screens set up in cities, students in school halls, and people huddled around televisions in remote Outback communities. TIMELINE: Key dates and facts about Australia's Aborigines 'We apologize for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians,' Rudd said in Parliament, reading from the motion. The apology was directed at tens of thousands of Aborigines who were forcibly taken from their families as children under now abandoned assimilation policies. 'For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, se way sorry,' the motion said, extending the apology to 'the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities.' 'And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry,' the motion said. In a speech urging lawmakers to support the motion that was telecast nationally, Rudd also offered an apology on behalf of the government. 'As prime minister of Australia I am sorry,' he said. 'On behalf of the government of Australia I am sorry. ... I offer you this apology without qualification.' Rudd received a standing ovation from lawmakers and from scores of Aborigines and other dignitaries who were invited to Parliament to witness the event. Many wiped away tears as Rudd spoke... ...The apology places Australia among a handful of nations that have offered official apologies to oppressed minorities - including Canada's 1998 apology to its native people, South Africa's 1992 expression of regret for apartheid and the U.S. Congress' 1988 law apologizing to Japanese-Americans for their internment during World War II. Aborigines lived mostly as hunter-gatherers for tens of thousands of years before British colonial settlers landed at what is now Sydney in 1788." Read the full article. I wrote about the United States of America's need to acknowledge our injustices against our indigenous people before. See below for yesterday's update on this Rhode Island case against seven Narragansett Indians. * ........................................................................ ........................................................................ So you killed me..... By gomauro Australia says sorry to Aborigines

Rudd said the apology would help to remove a "stain" on Australia's past [GALLO/GETTY] Australia's prime minister has delivered an historic apology to the Aboriginal people in a gesture of reconciliation for injustices committed over two centuries of white settlement. "We apologise for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians," Kevin Rudd told the Australian parliament. His speech focused in particular on the suffering of what have become known as the "Stolen Generations" - mostly mixed-race children, who were taken from their families up until the 1970s in a bid to assimilate them into white society. But Rudd's address also took in a broader apology over what he called "a great wrong" committed against Australia's indigenous peoples, repeatedly using the crucial word "sorry". "As prime minister of Australia, I am sorry. On behalf of the government of Australia, I am sorry. On behalf of the parliament of Australia, I am sorry," Rudd said. "For the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry" Kevin Rudd, Australian PM Click here for the full text of Rudd's apology Wednesday's apology is being viewed as a watershed in Australia, with television networks airing the speech live and crowds gathering around giant screens in major cities to witness the event. In the remote community of Mutitjulu, close to Uluru or Ayers Rock in the centre of Australia, the apology was welcomed by Aboriginal leaders. "Personally I think sorry’s a very important word to say," Dorethea Randall, chairwoman of Mutitjulu council told Al Jazeera. "It recognises the wrong that's been done in the past and it's a process of starting healing for all indigenous people." In the Australian capital, Canberra, hundreds of Aborigines from across Australia gathered in front of parliament to hear the speech, many having travelled thousands of kilometres to be there. Many also packed the public galleries inside the parliament building. Disadvantaged "This is the most significant moment for our people that's happened in my lifetime," Aboriginal man Darryl Towney told AFP. A bitter history Aboriginal population of Australia estimated between 750,000 to two million prior to arrival of first white settlers in 1788. Combination of disease, loss of land and violence reduced numbers by 80 per cent over the following century. Smallpox wiped out more than half the population. Between 1900 and early 1970s estimated 100,000 Aborigines were taken from their natural parents as part of an assimilation programme, now dubbed the Stolen Generation. Aborigines not granted vote in federal elections until 1962. Aboriginal population was not counted in national census until 1967, prior to which Aboriginal affairs were governed under Australian flora and fauna laws. According to 2006 census, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders population stood at 455,031, out of total Australian population of 20,061,646. Many aboriginal communities are plagued by high unemployment, juvenile delinquency, school dropouts, drugs, crime, domestic and sexual problems, and alcoholism. Government statistics show an indigenous Australian is 11 times more likely to be in prison than a non-indigenous Australian, while indigenous Australians are twice as likely to be a victim of violence. A 2007 study found standards of healthcare for Aborigines 100 years behind rest of Australia, with Aboriginal men having life expectancy 18 years below national average. "For us, this is like the Berlin Wall coming down." Aborigines remain Australia's most disadvantaged minority, with a lifespan 17 years shorter than the national average, and disproportionately high rates of imprisonment, heart disease and infant mortality. In Sydney, thousands of people cheered and applauded the speech shown on a big screen in the city's central Martin Place. Large crowds also gathered in the rain in the city's largely Aboriginal district of Redfern to watch the address on specially erected screens. While the apology and Rudd's pledges to improve Aboriginal welfare have been broadly welcomed, he has also received criticism from some community leaders for ruling out direct financial compensation. Speaking to parliament Rudd said the apology was offered as part of "the healing of the nation", adding that it would allow a "new page" to be written in the history of Australia. A failure to address the injustices done to Australia's indigenous people was "a great stain" on the nation's soul, Rudd told parliament. "We today take this first step by acknowledging the past and laying claim to a future that embraces all Australians," he said. Rudd's apology went much further than the highly qualified statement initially expected, drawing emotional applause from the crowd outside parliament. Focusing on one of the most painful episodes, he told parliament up to 50,000 children were taken from their families, noting there was "something terribly primal" in the many first-hand stories of the Stolen Generations. 'Sheer brutality' The apology was broadcast on giant screens in cities across Australia [GALLO/GETTY] "The pain is searing, it screams from the pages, the hurt, the humiliation, the degradation and the sheer brutality of the act of physically separating a mother from her children is a deep assault on our senses," he said. But Rudd's speech also referred to the "past mistreatment" of all Aborigines, adding "the injustices of the past must never, never happen again". "For the pain, suffering and hurt of these stolen generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry," he said. "To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry. "And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry." Use of the word "sorry" carries major symbolism for Aborigines after Rudd's conservative predecessor, John Howard, refused to utter it when he was in power. Howard was the only one of Australia's five surviving prime ministers who was not in parliament on Wednesday to hear Rudd's speech, although his Liberal party, now in opposition, backed the motion of apology. Howard lost his parliamentary seat in last November's national elections which saw a landslide victory for Rudd's Labor party. Source english aljazeera Hear about this story. ........................................................................ ........................................................................ Dine' (Navajo) Grandmothers resist relocation to radioactive lands Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas of the Narragansett Indians listens as Judge Susan E. McGuirl issues her ruling today. Providence Journal photo / Steve Szydlowski February 12, 2008 Judge does not dismiss smoke-shop case PROVIDENCE -- Superior Court Judge Susan E. McGuirl this afternoon refused to dismiss the case against seven Narragansett Indians accused in the 2003 State Police raid on a tribal smoke shop in Charlestown Defense lawyers had sought dismissal, saying the state has been “grossly negligent” in meeting pre-trial discovery rules that mandate the state to turn over any evidence that could be used to exonerate a defendant. But the judge today said that it did not rise to the level of flagrant prosecutorial misconduct and that the defendants were not significantly prejudiced. She did say that the prosecutors and the State Police did not do their due diligence and that she is concerned about defendants who are less privileged -- essentially, if this could happen in a high-profile case such as this one, what happens in your average case? "More worrisome is the thought of less prominent cases seeing such handling," McGuirl said in Providence County Superior Court. Asked for comment after the judge's decision, Matthew Thomas, the Narragansett Indians' chief sachem, said: "This is Rhode Island, I didn't expect anything different." Source Narragansett tribe website