Ticking News

Educated at Yale and the Sorbonne, Sam Waterston is far more than the “general purpose actor” he was pegged to be by one well-known film historian. [1]

Waterston has appeared in a recurring segment on The Colbert Report, called “Sam Waterston Says Things You Should Never Believe In A Trustworthy Manner.” [2]

Watch Future Earth: Addicted to Power, narrated by Sam Waterston, on msnbc on Thursday, April 22 at 11 p.m. [3]

Sam Waterston grew up in New England with his three siblings and parents. [4]

After some experience in stock, Waterston made his Broadway debut in 1963. [1]

On Law & Order’s Persistent Leftward Lurch NewsBusters (blog) I had quit Universal Television and NBC and the “Law and Order” series before they could even come up with an excuse for hiring Sam Waterston. [5]

To many viewers, Waterston and Orbach represented the show, which is the longest-running crime series in U.S. television history, as of 2008. [6]

Waterston made his first stage appearance at age seven, as Creon’s page in Jean Anouilh’s Antigone, directed by his father. [4]

Well, as John Kessel (the author of the short story adapted for this first broadcast episode of the series) advised us, the acting by Judy Davis and Sam Waterston in “A Clean Escape” was excellent; it was particularly good to see Waterston away from the harness of Law and Order (and he even got to be the U.S. president in this one, as opposed to district attorney or ADA for NYC). [3]

Samuel Atkinson “Sam” Waterston (born November 15, 1940) is an American actor and occasional producer and director, noted particularly for his Academy Award -nominated portrayal of Sydney Schanberg in 1984’s The Killing Fields, and his Golden Globe - and Screen Actors Guild Award -winning portrayal of Jack McCoy on the NBC television series Law & Order. [2]

A respected player on the stage, screen, and television, Waterston has cultivated a loyal following with his quietly charismatic, unfailingly solid performances. [1]

Waterston, who takes an active interest in Lincoln, has portrayed Lincoln on stage and screen (The Civil War, Gore Vidal’s Lincoln, Abe Lincoln in Illinois on Broadway, and also voiced Lincoln at an exhibit at the Philadelphia Constitution Center). [7]

He made his New York debut at the Phoenix Theater late in 1962 in Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mama’s Hung You in the Closet and I’m Feelin’ So Sad. [4]

His first film was Fitzwilly in 1967. [7]

… Waterston has continued to make his greatest mark on television, starring in the acclaimed The Nightmare Years in 1989 and in the similarly lauded series I’ll Fly Away and Law & Order. [1]

Sources:
[1] Sam Waterston: Information from Answers.com
[2] Sam Waterston - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[3] Sam Waterston - Photos, Bio and News for Sam Waterston
[4] Sam Waterston Biography - Biography.com
[5] Sam Waterston - Boxxet
[6] Sam Waterston on TV.com
[7] Sam Waterston - Celebrity information

As a cosmic principle the tao bears some similarity to logos, although it is also elusive, deep, and obscure and cannot be expressed in words. [1]

As a practical philosophy Taoism is therefore based on the suppression of desire in favour of natural simplicity and tranquillity. [2]

The ‘easy way’ of Taoism is one of being in tune with nature and the universe. [1]

As with other nondualistic philosophies, all the observable objects in the world - referred to in the Tao Te Ching as ‘the named’ or ‘the ten thousand things’ - are considered to be manifestations of Tao, and can only operate within the boundaries of Tao. [3]

Taoists generally hold to the ideal of coming to a knowledge or vision of this matrix for a variety of purposes: to see the intricate interconnectedness of all things, to attain long life, to achieve spontaneity in thoughts and actions, to gain supernatural powers, and so on. [...] A principal philosophy and system of religion of China based on the teachings of Lao-tzu in the sixth century B.C. and on subsequent revelations. [2]

While a number of immortals or other mysterious figures appear in the Zhuangzi, and to a lesser extent in the Tao Te Ching, these have generally not become the objects of worship. [...] Organized Taoism distinguishes its ritual activity from that of the folk religion, which some professional Taoists (Daoshi) view as debased. [4]

The destabilization of the empire and the difficulties of life during this turbulent period led many to question the hegemony of a now-discredited Confucianism, and to look for other ways to think about the problems of life. [...] The philosophy founded by Lao-Tzu, and expressed in the book sometimes called by the same name, and also known as the Tao Te Ching (’Classic of the Way’), a combination of mysticism, philosophical reflection, and poetry. [...] Many took to a newly revitalized Taoism and its close relative, the so-called ‘Dark Learning’ (Chinese, hs?an hs?eh), sometimes also called ‘Neo-Taoism’. [2]

Taoism (or Daoism) refers to a variety of related philosophical and religious traditions that have influenced Eastern Asia for more than two millennia, and have had a notable influence on the western world since the 19th century. [4]

From original references to Chinese philosophy, the English word tao has generalized in usage, for instance, The Tao of Steve film. [3]

The tao of humanity and that of the universe are one, and in this lies the key to a completely satisfying and harmonious human existence. [1]

In Confucianism and in extended uses, the way to be followed, the right conduct; doctrine or method. [3]

Sources:
[1] Tao: Definition from Answers.com
[2] Taoism: Definition from Answers.com
[3] Tao - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[4] Taoism - Wikipedia

I wish Kesha would go away!! [1]

After the sort of successful return of Tina Fey, 35-year-old Phillippe will make his debut on the SNL stage alongside another SNL first-timer Kesha as musical guest. [2]

Ryan Phillippe is hosting tomorrow’s episode of Saturday Night Live with musical guest Ke$ha. [3]

The song also became the longest running number-one debut single by a female artist since 1977. [...] , stylized Ke$ha), is an American pop singer and songwriter. [4]

They say former Mr. Reese Witherspoon was jealous of the success, fame, and money Reese earned which caused a strain in their marriage and led to their divorce. [3]

It’s a treat for fans of I Know What You Did Last Summer and Cruel Intentions as ex-Mrs. Reese Witherspoon Ryan Phillippe hosts tonight’s Saturday Night Live. [2]

Her debut single, “Tik Tok”, had been released digitally in the US in early August, and was sent to radio two months later in October. [4]

Seriously, SNL has gone to the dogs. [...] Ke$ha is ready to rock the house as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live this Saturday (April 17), but now the 23-year-old singer is saying she’d like to perform in a sketch, too! [1]

To help hype up the episode, the twosome created a promo with SNL regular Kristen Wiig, which you can watch inside. [3]

She will be the opening act on the North American leg of Rihanna ’s Last Girl on Earth tour and had earlier been announced as one of the acts for the revival of Lilith Fair. [4]

As for what her own ideas for sketches are, K$ shared, “someone recently told me I smell like shrimp in a diaper, so I thought I could do a perfume skit about me with my eau de parfum being a shrimp in a diaper. [...] “That would be ideal [to star in a sketch together] - I hope that happens!” [1]

… in case you missed Tina Fey’s side-stitching performance last week, clips of the Brownie Husband sketch are available here. [2]

Sources:
[1] Ke$ha: SNL Skit with Ryan Phillippe? | Kesha Sebert, Ryan …
[2] Ryan Phillippe Hosts, Kesha Performs on ‘Saturday Night Live’
[3] Ryan Phillippe & Ke$ha: SNL‘ Promo! | Kesha Sebert, Kristen …
[4] Kesha - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

She’s slated to sing ‘Giddy on Up’ during the Academy of Country Music Awards show in Las Vegas on April 18, a featured slot she finds doubly ironic. [1]

FILE - In this April 2,2009 file photo Reba McEntire performs during a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. [2]

The world, at least the country music-loving part of it, is about to be hearing and seeing a lot more of Laura Bell Bundy, a Kentucky-bred singer and songwriter whose debut album arrives April 13. [1]

Country music sensation Taylor Swift, who’s adept at reaching fans through social media, can also credit the Internet for connecting her with the backup singers who will be performing with her at this Sunday’s Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, to air on CBS. [3]

Information and links about ACM nominees, winners, and the ACM Awards themselves. [4]

Awards in being named that organization’s youngest entertainer of the year winner ever, is in the running for the same trophy at this year’s ACMs. The organization expanded the entertainer category to include eight names this year, up from the usual five: the other nominees are Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Keith Urban and the Zac Brown Band. [1]

The categories for “Top New Solo Vocalist”, “Top New Vocal Duo”, and “Top New Vocal Group” were all presented one month before the awards show, and the winners are listed in bold font. [5]

The Academy of Country Music has announced nominees in the three newcomer categories—Top New Solo Vocalist, Top New Duo and Top New Group—for the 45th Academy of Country Music Awards, set for Sunday, April 18th on CBS. [6]

As for the category, it’s a total crapshoot as it is mostly a fan-voted award which means fans will do whatever they can to make their favorites win this award. [7]

This is evidenced by the early awards shows being dominated by Bakersfield artists Buck and Bonnie Owens, and Merle Haggard. [5]

Lady Antebellum, who have gone from upstarts to superstars with their chart-topping album Need You Now, currently 2010’s best-selling album, lead this year’s nominations list with seven. [7]

The ACM show, which airs live from Las Vegas tonight on CBS, will feature performances by Swift, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts and a variety of other heavy-hitters. [...] Many of the usual suspects fill the Entertainer of the Year category: Carrie Underwood, Swift, George Strait, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and more. [2]

The most prestigious awards are for Artist of the Decade and Entertainer of the Year. [5]

Here is a list of all the winners in the Top New Vocal Duo or Group category over the years. [4]

Sources:
[1] Pop & Hiss | ACM Awards | Los Angeles Times
[2] Tonight’s ACM Awards 2010 feature Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift …
[3] How Did Taylor Swift Find Her ACM Backup Singers? - Academy …
[4] Academy of Country Music Awards - About.com
[5] Academy of Country Music - Wikipedia
[6] Nominees - Academy of Country Music
[7] Roughstock’s Predictions for 45th ACM Awards | New Country …

Fans holding tickets for the Nationwide Series race will not be admitted until after the Samsung Mobile 500 ends. [1]

Cars remained inside garages Saturday as the Nationwide Series race was postponed because of rain. [2]

The race, which was called off more than three hours after it was supposed to start, was rescheduled for Sunday night after the Sprint Cup race earlier in the day. [3]

The wet weather and more showers in the forecast led to Saturday’s postponement of the Nationwide race at the 1?-mile Texas track. [4]

FORT WORTH, Texas - The NASCAR Nationwide Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 was postponed Saturday because of rain at Texas Motor Speedway. [2]

FORT WORTH, Texas — Kyle Busch ’s drive for five at Texas Motor Speedway has been delayed by rain. [4]

Where: Texas Motor Speedway, 1.5-mile oval in Fort Worth. [5]

If both races are run Sunday, Nationwide points leader Brad Keselowski and Busch are among 15 drivers scheduled to do double duty. [3]

The wet weather and more forecasted showers led to the postponement of Saturday’s Nationwide race at Texas, where Busch is trying to join two-time series champion Jack Ingram and Dale Earnhardt as the only drivers to win five consecutive races in NASCAR ’s second-tier series at the same track. [5]

Though spoilers have been used in two races thus far on the NASCAR circuit, they’re expected to play a bigger role in Sunday’s Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, where speeds will be much faster than previous events. [6]

Kyle Busch’s drive for five at Texas Motor Speedway was delayed by rain. [3]

What: Samsung Mobile 500, eighth of 36 races for NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series. [5]

Sprint Cup teams slapped spoilers on their cars at Charlotte Motor Speedway last month and spent two days testing a litany of setup changes with the rear-mounted device. [6]

It’s been 155 races since Stewart last won the pole, at Martinsville in October 2005. [7]

“I don’t have a logical answer,” four-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson said this week. [6]

Sources:
[1] Soggy weather forces rare TMS doubleheader | Texas Motor …
[2] Nationwide race postponed to Sunday night because of rain at …
[3] Texas rain shuffles schedule, Busch bid | www.thatsracin.com
[4] Rain forces Nationwide race at Texas Motor Speedway to Sunday …
[5] Rainout: Kyle Busch’s drive for five Nationwide races at …
[6] Drivers say spoiler could very well be X factor come Sunday …
[7] Tony Stewart snatches pole for Sunday’s Samsung Mobile 500 at …