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Links:

• WhoABC Celebrities Guide: http://www.whoabc.com/

Crystle Stewart, of Missouri City, Texas, runs a party-planning and motivational speaking company, as well as modeling professionally. She says she wants to dedicate her life to international philanthropy.

“I want to talk to people about how to set a goal and achieve it,” she told The Associated Press after the show. “Because I just achieved my goal.” Stewart edged out first runner-up Leah Laviano of Mississippi and Tiffany Andrade of New Jersey.

Miss USA 2007 Rachel Smith relinquished the crown — and the posh New York apartment that comes with it — in a show aired live by NBC with hosts Donny and Marie Osmond from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The network co-owns the parent Miss Universe Organization with Donald Trump.

Smith, a former Miss Tennessee USA, said she was headed to Hollywood. Stewart was headed for the publicity circuit. She said she was eager to travel and spread her message of self-improvement to young women. She noted she was one of only a handful of black woman crowned Miss USA in the pageant’s 57-year history.

“I think the United States is coming together,” she said, citing the historic presidential candidacies of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. She declined to name her preference.

“I don’t know, we’ll see. Fundamentally, I’m a Democrat,” she said. Contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia have been in Las Vegas for nearly three weeks, rehearsing and hyping the 57th annual pageant. After stints in Baltimore and Los Angeles, organizers billed the new venue as a city beloved by the event’s international audience.

The pageant tried to showed off its edge, featuring a grinding live rock performance by the band Finger Eleven, music from Rihanna, and contestants in barely there black bikinis and faux-fur coats.

Donny and Marie kept up a steady stream of sibling banter even while swiftly whittling the field.

Donny Osmond told the losers to “put on a poker face” as he sent them home.

“Or use Botox; then it won’t move,” Marie quipped.

Stewart will compete in the Miss Universe pageant in Vietnam in July. She also becomes a spokeswoman for breast and ovarian cancer awareness and other causes, while traveling to promote the organization.

Miss USA contestants are scored in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Miss Alaska USA, Courtney Erin Carroll, was chosen “Miss Photogenic USA” based on voting at the organization’s Web site. The other contestants named Miss Ohio USA, Monica Day, “Miss Congeniality.” Unlike the rival Miss America, Miss USA contestants are not asked to perform a talent.

Smith’s year on the throne has been marked by fewer racy headlines than her 2006 predecessor, Tara Conner. Conner’s underage drinking landed her in rehab and sparked a media circus documenting her fall from grace.

Smith’s low point was a fall onstage during the evening gown competition of the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City. She was booed by the crowd and Miss Japan won the title.

A bigger blunder this year belonged to Miss California USA organizers. The judges crowned the wrong queen in their November contest and reversed it days later, saying Raquel Beezley, of Barstow, was the victim of a vote tabulation error. Dethroned Miss Los Angeles, Christina Silva, a Hispanic woman, has filed a lawsuit alleging racial bias.

Asked to comment on the lawsuit, Stewart was whisked away by organizers. The Miss Universe Organization would not comment on the matter.

The panel of judges for Friday’s pageant included Heather Mills, model and former wife of Paul McCartney; comedian Rob Schneider; Olympic gold-medal swimmer Amanda Beard; and Christian Siriano, winner of Bravo’s fashion reality series, “Project Runway.”

Crystle Stewart (born September 20, 1981) is a beauty queen from Houston, Texas who is Miss USA 2008. Stewart won the Miss Texas USA 2008 title in a state pageant held in Laredo, Texas on July 1, 2007, after competing against 121 other contestants. She represented Texas in the Miss USA 2008 pageant held in April 2008.

This was Stewart’s fifth attempt at the Miss Texas USA title, as she had placed first runner-up in both the 2006 and 2007 events, third runner-up in 2005 and made the semi-finals in 2003. Her first appearance in the state pageant was in 2002, when she made the semi-finals of the Miss Texas USA 2003 pageant competing as Miss Fort Bend County. In 2004 she again competed as Miss Fort Bend County and placed third runner-up to Tyler Willis at Miss Texas USA 2005.

The following year she competed in the Miss Houston local pageant and placed first runner-up to Lauren Lanning. She competed at Miss Texas USA 2006 as Miss Harris County, and placed first runner-up to Lanning for the second time. In 2006 she placed first runner-up to Miss Houston for a second time, and in a double repetition placed first runner-up to Miss Houston, Magen Ellis, in the 2007 state pageant (competing as Miss Southeast Texas).

In 2007 she did not compete for a local title, and instead entered as an at large delegate for Miss Texas USA 2008, again holding the Miss Fort Bend County title. She made the final two in the state-televised pageant, alongside Miss Houston Brooke Daniels, who was also a runner-up at Miss Texas USA 2007. This time Stewart won the title, and was crowned Miss Texas USA 2008. She also won the Everything but Water Swimsuit award, announced during the preliminary competition. Stewart is the second African American to win the crown at Miss Texas USA; Chelsi Smith was crowned Miss Texas USA 1995 (and later Miss USA and Miss Universe).

On April 11, 2008 Stewart represented Texas in the Miss USA 2008 pageant where she became the ninth Texan to win the Miss USA title. Stewart holds a degree in consumer science and merchandising from the University of Houston. Stewart is represented as a model by Neal Hamil Agency in Houston. She will represent the USA at the Miss Universe pageant set to be held on July 14, 2008 in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Links:

• Miss USA 2008: http://www.missusa.com/

In 2004, it was announced that Spike Lee would be directing the film for a 2005 release. In 2005, it was announced that Oliver Stone was in talks to direct the film. But Stone later denied this. Training Day writer David Ayer took over the project. So far Hugh Laurie, Chris Evans, Terry Crews, Common, Jay Mohr, The Game, Keanu Reeves, and Naomie Harris have been confirmed roles in the movie.

On February 5, 2008, it was announced that Fox Searchlight Pictures changed the film’s title from The Night Watchman to Street Kings.

Tom Ludlow (Keanu Reeves) is a Los Angeles cop who has spent his life never having had to reach across the abyss from his world to the other. Ludlow’s life, however, becomes cheerless, dark and deadly, after the death of his beloved wife. Ludlow is pressed into action when he is framed for the murder of a fellow officer by those close to him. Deeper and more profound themes are interwoven in this story of a man’s struggle for meaning in a world that is increasingly controlled by outside forces.

Cast:

• Keanu Reeves as Tom Ludlow
• Forest Whitaker as Jack Wander
• Hugh Laurie as Captain Biggs
• Chris Evans as Paul Diskant
• Terry Crews as Terrence Washington
• Naomie Harris as Linda Washington
• Cedric the Entertainer as Scribble
• Amaury Nolasco as Cosmo Santos
• Common as Coates
• Jay Mohr as Mike Clady
• Martha Higareda as Grace Garcia
• The Game as Grill

Links:

• Street Kings 2008 Film Photos and Wallpapers: http://www.snoron.com/movies-wallpapers/street-kings/

America Ferrera, who has since become the title character of Ugly Betty and won critical acclaim for her portrayal, had expressed second thoughts of returning for the sequel after the film’s producers exercised their sequel option, but she eventually did join the project.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (released in the UK as The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants) is an American film, based on the novel of the same name by Ann Brashares,  by Warner Bros. Pictures. It was directed by Ken Kwapis and written by Delia Ephron. The film’s production budget was $25 million. At the box office, it brought in a total domestic gross of $39 million. The DVD was released in the United States on October 11, 2005, and features on-camera commentary by Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel, and America Ferrera and deleted scenes.

Taken directly from interview with Blake Lively: My character, she has always been running away from dealing with her problems, namely her mother’s suicide. She’s in college and on the varsity soccer team at Brown and she’s into archaeology now. So she goes off to a dig in Turkey, and she’s looking at these bones of all these other people and finding out about all these other people’s pasts, until she kind of realizes “I need to deal with my own past!” and some things that really rock her. And she goes to her grandmother’s, who she hasn’t had a relationship with, ever, and really finds out about her mother and about her, because she never really knew her mother and her dad doesn’t talk about it. So she’s afraid “Am I like her?” because she gets sad. But the reason she gets sad is because her mother killed herself! She just needs to hear “You’re a different person. I knew your mother. You’re not sick, you’re okay. And your mother did love you, she just had a problem.” So it’s a really great realization for her.

The first movie is so much about the Sisterhood and friendship, and we’re doing our own things but we have this Sisterhood. But this next movie is three years later and we’ve grown up, we’re adults. We’re doing so many different things in our lives. We have boyfriends. We have family. We have soccer teams. We have so much going on and we’re in different parts of the U.S., that we don’t really have the Sisterhood so much. There’s not so much time for it as there was before. So it’s about us finding that again and it’s hard. It’s hard to make time and we kind of fall apart without our core, which is each other.

Cast:

• America Ferrera - Carmen Lowell
• Amber Tamblyn - Tabitha “Tibby” Tomko-Rollins
• Alexis Bledel - Lena Kaligaris
• Blake Lively - Bridget Vreeland
• Bradley Whitford - Carmen’s Father
• Lucy Hale - Effie Kaligaris
• Ernie Lively - Bridget’s Father
• Victor Slezak - Doctor
• Tom Wisdom - Ian
• Leonardo Nam - Brian McBrian
• Jesse Williams - Leo
• Michael Rady -Kostos Dounas
• Shohreh Aghdashloo
• Rachel Nichols
• Blythe Danner - Greta
• Kyle MacLachlan
• Rebekah Aramini - Lena’s Mother
• Adrienne Bailon - Girl renting DVD

Links:

• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 Film Wallpaper: http://www.snoron.com/movies-wallpapers/the-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-pants-2/

An accountant (McGregor) is introduced to a mysterious sex club known as The List by his lawyer friend (Hugh Jackman).

But in this new world, he soon becomes the prime suspect in a woman’s disappearance and a multi-million dollar heist.

An accounting consultant, while passing from one job to another, meets a charismatic, womanizing lawyer who personifies everything the numbers cruncher wishes he could be.

The accountant delves into an erotic world of underground sex clubs.

Cast:

• Ewan McGregor - Jonathan
• Hugh Jackman - Wyatt
• Michelle Williams
• Maggie Q
• Natasha Henstridge
• Lynn Cohen - Mother Superior

Links:

• Deception 2008 Film Photos and Reviews: http://www.boxist.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/deception.jpg

It is based on the French existential Theatre of the Absurd play Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 18, 2008.
 
As a secret virus capable of turning people into zombies is released into a Nebraska strip club, the club strippers struggle whether to accept the trendy transformation.

In the not too distant future, a secret government chemo-virus gets released into conservative Sartre, Nebraska and lands in an underground strip club.

As the virus begins to spread, turning the strippers into ‘Super Zombie Strippers’, the girls struggle with whether or not to conform to the new ‘fad’ even if it means there is no turning back.

Cast:

• Robert Englund
• Jenna Jameson
• Roxy Saint
• Joey Medina
• Shamron Moore 

Links:

• Zombie Strippers 2008 Film Photos and Wallpapers: http://www.snoron.com/movies-wallpapers/zombie-strippers/

The film began filming in the Vancouver area on October 8, 2005 and wrapped in December 2005. The film was released in various territories during 2007, it is going to be released in the U.S. and Canada on April 18, 2008.

Al Pacino stars as Dr. Jack Gramm, a college professor who moonlights as a forensic psychiatrist for the FBI.

When Gramm receives a death threat claiming he has only 88 minutes to live, he must use all his skills and training to narrow down the possible suspects, who include a disgruntled student, a jilted former lover, and a serial killer who is already on death row, before his time runs out.

Cast:

• Al Pacino … Dr. John Gramm
• Benjamin McKenzie … Mike Stemp
• Alicia Witt … Kim Cummings
• Leelee Sobieski … Lauren Douglas
• Amy Brenneman … Shelly Barnes
• William Forsythe … Special Agent Frank Parks
• Deborah Kara Unger … Carol Johnson
• Neal McDonough … Jon Forster
• Leah Cairns … Sara Pollard
• Stephen Moyer … Guy LaForge
• Christopher Redman … Jeremy Guber
• Brendan Fletcher … Johnny d’Franco
• Michael Eklund … J.T. Ryker
• Kristina Copeland … Dale Morris
• Tammy Hui … Janie Kay
• Victoria Tennant … Kate
• Michal Yannai … Leeza Pearson

Links:

• 88 Minutes 2008 Film Photos and Review: http://www.snoron.com/movies-wallpapers/88-minutes/

The Lamborghini Gallardo (pronounced: guy-yar-doh) is a sports car built by Lamborghini. The Gallardo is Lamborghini’s most-produced model to date, with 5,000 built in the first three years of production. It is less expensive than Lamborghini’s larger, more powerful Murciélago. The car is named after a famous breed of fighting bull. The Spanish word gallardo translates into “gallant”.

Making its worldwide premiere in Geneva, Lamborghini’s facelifted Gallardo features a series of styling and mechanical updates including a more powerful V10 engine. Design-wise, the all-wheel-drive coupe from Sant’Agata stands out thanks to the more aggressively styled front and rear-ends that give the Gallardo LP560-4 a menacing new look.

Looks however are only half the story on the 2009 Gallardo LP560-4 as Lamborghini upgraded the 5.2-liter V10 engine that now develops 560 Hp at 8,000 rpm.

The increase of 40 Hp compared with that of the previous Gallardo, and the approximate 20 kg or 44 lbs reduction in weight, improves the power weight ratio to 2.5 kg per Hp and thus enhances performance.

According to Lambo, the LP560-4 accelerates from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 sec; its speed at 11.8 sec is 200 km/h (124 mph) while its top speed lies at 325 km/h or 202 mph. At the same time, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by 18 per cent.

Additionally, Lamborghini’s engineers have also redesigned the four-wheel drive transmission and the suspension improving traction, handling and stability at high speeds.

Powerful elegance

A Lamborghini is and always will be a highly efficient athlete. Its extreme sensuality is based upon precision, performance and on spontaneous action. A Lamborghini’s elegance is that of stark, purist strength. This DNA of the Lamborghini brand is being continuously developed by the Centro Stile in every new car. Thus the Gallardo LP560-4 displays the precise lines and clean surface edges in its distinctly minimalist design. Ornaments or embellishments of any form are alien to it.

Evolution of form systematically follows the demands of function: the newly designed front of the LP 560-4 squats deeply to the ground which contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency. The enlarged and clearly accentuated cooling intakes meet the demands of augmented engine power thus increasing the air circulation vital to a vehicle as powerful as this. The spoiler, positioned low between the air intakes, improves aerodynamic equilibrium at high speeds.

Characteristic LED – Daytime running light

The new headlights have a characteristic ‘daytime’ running light integrated beneath the Bi-Xenon lamps: 15 diodes (LED) have been positioned in a Y structure. The same motif appears again in the rear tail-lights. The stop and brake lights have been inspired by the Miura Concept, the Murciélago LP640 and the Reventón and display the Y form three times over.

The completely redesigned rear gives the definition “powerful elegance” a new meaning: rear lights, air cooling vents, bumper and diffuser are arranged in precise positions on the car’s exterior, which make the LP560-4 appear extremely wide and bonded to the road surface. In addition, the streamlined covers left and right of the engine hood accentuate the powerful shoulders and lengthened, stretched lines of the new Gallardo.

Clearly improved aerodynamics

The rear diffuser has been newly designed, is more efficient with respect to its predecessor and, together with the smooth underbody, contributes to the excellent steering stability even at extremely high speeds. In sum, the aerodynamic efficiency with regard to output compared to that of its predecessor has been increased by 31 %. The Gallardo LP560-4 takes fast curves even more supremely.

The designers in Sant’Agata Bolognese have excelled themselves with the clear-cut, pure, stark lines of the Gallardo LP 560-4. They also have demonstrated distinct attention to detail; the elaborate aluminium cap for petrol and motor oil are testimony to this, as is the rear camera which has been integrated in a small fin in the independent rear spoiler as well as the finely-crafted grille in the exhaust pipes.

The body

Weight is undesirable in a sports car and a lightweight model encourages the dynamics of such a vehicle. Aluminium is much lighter than sheet steel and this is why the Gallardo LP560-4 is produced with a body in a much lighter but nevertheless more stiff structure: the two-seater car measures 4.34 metres in length, 1.90 metres in width and a mere 1.16 metres in height. It weighs in dry at 1410 kilograms - which is, effectively, 20 kilograms less that that of the previous Gallardo.

The construction of the Gallardo LP560-4 utilises what is known as a ‘spaceframe construction method’. Integrally moulded node elements and extruded parts create its frame, and sheet metal plates made out of aluminium have been neatly and securely integrated to form the body. The body is not only extremely light but also torsionally stiff and displays the highest safety characteristics. Thus the basis for the extraordinary handling characteristics of the LP560-4 is formed.

Integrated Pedestrian Protection system

The body of the car also demonstrates extremely high levels of ‘passive security’. The Gallardo LP560-4 fulfils the not yet obligatory European directives regarding the protection of pedestrians. Furthermore, the geometry of the entire front of the car has been optimised with the addition of a special combination of materials behind the front bumper which serve to absorb any impact energy.

The Interior

Luxurious individuality

Despite its low exterior height, the Gallardo LP560-4 welcomes its passengers with a spacious interior. The sports seats are covered with either fine leather or Alcantara® (upon request) and provide secure adherence and support. The position of the seats is very low, typical for sportscars. There is space behind the seats for luggage which complements the 110 litre front trunk.

The wide middle console is one of the elements which characterizes the impression of sporty dynamism in the interior. It accommodates the standard Lamborghini multimedia system as well as the air conditioning which can be regulated on both the driver’s and passenger’s sides. Between both of these elements lies a newly designed module consisting of classically elegant flip switches.

Seven round instruments in the cockpit with a new graphic provide the driver with essential engine data and a multifunctional display between the speedometer and revolution counter provides the driver with important information.

Workmanship of the highest quality

The Miura and the other models of the 60s were already characterized by the excellent quality of workmanship which lay far and above the general standards of that time. Lamborghini has continued this tradition and even today delivers automobiles of the highest standards. The Gallardo LP560-4 indulges with the highest quality, aesthetically pleasing materials. With regard to the leather interior, an array of different colours and stitching (also in contrasting colours) are available. As an optional, Lamborghini can deliver the Gallardo LP560-4 with a further choice of leather and Alcantara® interiors as well as Carbon Fibre Packages. Here, elements such as the air-conditioning surrounds, the control panel, the handbrake handle and the gear-stick surrounds are available in carbon fibre.

Furthermore, the individualisation program, Ad Personam, enables the customer to create any combination of colour and trim, thus creating a highly personalised vehicle. After all, the new Lamborghini should perfectly reflect the owner’s lifestyle.

The Engine

Extreme power in every situation

The engine of the Gallardo LP560-4 is a completely new development. All that remains of the original V10 is the number of cylinders which, in this performance category, create a perfect and unique synthesis of torque, force of movement, sporty nimbleness, compact size and low weight.

The engine has a 5204 cm3 volumetric displacement which, with 8.000 rpm creates the extreme 560 PS (412 kW). This results in the excellent performance per litre of 107.6 PS/lt. At maximum torque output, the engine yields 540 Newtonmeter at 6.500 rpm. The ample torque curve guarantees outstanding thrust from every engine speed. With an acceleration of 3.7 seconds from 0-100 km/h and a maximum speed of 325 km/h, the Gallardo LP560-4 shoots into the orbit of the most extreme and powerful sports cars.

Despite the clearly improved driving performance of this super sports car, Sant’Agata’s engineers were nevertheless able to achieve a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2emissions by 18 per cent. Measured by engine power and performance, the Gallardo LP560-4 e-gear’s average fuel consumption of 13.7 litres per 100 kilometers, is extremely low.

Perfect weight distribution, class-leading dynamics

The engine in this new model lies lengthways in front of the rear axle – hence the model description Longitudinale Posteriore. The concept of the mid - rear engine is unbeatable in sports car production, with the centre of gravity being displaced next to the vertical axis, thus creating the car’s exceptional dynamics. Furthermore, it creates the basis for the Gallardo LP560-4’s perfect weight distribution with 43 per cent on the front axle and 57 per cent on the rear. In combination with the permanent four-wheel drive transmission, superior driving stability and road adherence are guaranteed in all situations.

Reduced weight for inspirational torque

The crank case of the new ten cylinder of Lamborghini Gallardo is produced with an aluminium alloy. Separate cylinder liners are not necessary with this technology: instead, the liners, due to their exposure to the hard silicone crystals during the production phase, are bored directly out of the material. The connecting rods are made out of wrought steel and the pistons are produced from an aluminium alloy. The consequent reduction in weight, inertia and in friction losses contributes to the car’s inspirational torque.

The engine is unusually wide for a V10, with a cylinder angle of 90 degrees. A definite advantage of this construction is the low centre of gravity. The reduction of the gravity centre height comes also from the dry sump layout of the lubrication system which also guarantees the reliability of the oil supply even during lateral acceleration and on the race-track.

Direct fuel injection improves efficient combustion

The new V10 uses the direct fuel-injection system “Iniezione Diretta Stratificata” as an innovative way to optimize performance results in part-load conditions. Here, the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber through the laterally positioned injector.

Combined with the use of a ‘tumble flap’ in the intake manifold runners, this solution guarantees an optimized distribution of the gasoline in the combustion chamber (higher gasoline density around the spark plug, leaner mixture close to piston and cylinder liners) and delivers the basis for a highly efficient combustion system even with stoichiometric mean mixture composition. The direct injection boosts the extremely efficient ‘full load’ performance of the V10, reduces its knock sensitivity and thus enables the very high compression ratio of 12.5:1. The cylinder heads have been optimised to deliver a very quick gas exchange and the variable valve control system on all four camshafts improves the charge efficiency across the entire engine speed range.

Transmission

Superior control four-wheel drive

Such extreme power must be brought onto the streets with extreme reliability. The driver of a Gallardo LP560-4 can thus rely on the four-wheel drive Viscous Traction (VT) system, with the ‘4’ in the model name a reminder of this. Lamborghini already introduced this system with the Diablo VT in 1993 – and for good reason: four actuated wheels achieve more grip than two and permit acceleration earlier in the curve exit.

The protagonist in the transmission is the central viscous-coupling which requires no electronic control. In this special Lamborghini configuration, the driving torque is distributed between front and rear – generally with a 30:70 front to rear ratio and, within milliseconds, adapts to even the slightest variations in road conditions. A mechanical differential on the rear axle provides up to 45% limited slip and an electronic differential lock at the front complete the four-wheel drive system.

Superior traction and handling

Not only does the maximum traction take advantage of the permanent four-wheel drive system, but also the car’s clearly superior handling. Each wheel can only transfer a certain amount of torque to the road. As the propulsion power is distributed onto all four wheels through the viscous traction system, more potential for directional control remains - and reserves in every situation distinguish a perfectly made sports car.

Despite all the engine thrust, changing gears in the Gallardo LP560-4 is one of the most exciting experiences of driving this vehicle. It is still the customer’s personal preference as to whether he wishes to change gears manually through the exact ‘gate’ guides of the six-speed gearbox via the short gear stick, or whether he prefers to let his fingertips control the e.gear’s paddle-shift system located behind the steering wheel: the latter solution becoming the preference of the majority of Lamborghini customers.

Gear change time reduced by 40 per cent

The automated e-gear transmission has been completely redesigned and improved in all aspects. The complete system has not only been reduced in weight, but the time employed to change gears has also been reduced by 40 per cent in “CORSA” mode. The driver may choose between five different driving and changing programs: in addition to the ‘normal’ mode, the Gallardo LP560-4 offers a SPORT programm with its even more rapid gear changing times and increased number of revolutions.

The CORSA program directs the engine to optimum acceleration. It permits a greater slip angle and also allows - with maximum safety - the full dynamism of the LP560-4 to be enjoyed even on a race-track. The ‘Thrust Mode’ ensures maximum acceleration from neutral while the angle of the throttle valve and the clutch are here optimally adjusted to one another. Finally the Automatic mode: here the engine changes gear in total independence and permits a particularly comfortable mode of driving.

The Suspension

High-tech parts with Lamborghini know-how

Even the Gallardo LP560-4’s predecessor was one of the world’s best super sports cars with regard to handling, precision and driving stability. However, the latest model provides an even more intense driving experience: the new suspension improves the car’s handling, its driving comfort and its directional stability at high speeds.

The Gallardo LP560-4’s space frame is uncompromisingly high tech. Its technical production was conceived from motor sport technologies. The double wishbones made out of aluminium with newly designed kinematics, while the springs and shock absorbers are tightly adjusted for grip.

The rear axle now has an additional track rod which further improves the excellent control of this super sports vehicle. Newly developed elements are the rubber-metal bearings - authentic high-tech parts - which clearly improve the special Lamborghini driving dynamics with well-chosen material combinations and cleverly defined assembly.

Extreme road adherence

The steering rack works with relatively little assisted steering support, thus bonding the driver closely to the road. This in turn provides him with an intense experience of power and impulse. The steering has its own cooling system for the power steering fluid.

Precise, breathtakingly fast, whilst stable and free from surprises, the Gallardo LP560-4’s dynamics assures a sensuous experience. The LP560-4’s tyres (format 235/35 ZR 19 front and 295/30 ZR 19 rear) appear to bond with the asphalt. Specially developed Pirelli P-Zero series tyres are fitted: these have a particularly low roll resistance which also maintains tyre wear at a minimum without, of course, any reduction in their performance quality. At a speed of over 120 km/h an independently extended rear spoiler increases the downforce on the rear axle It acts in association with the specially formed underbody which directs the airstream under the car.

Optional Carbon Ceramic Brake system

The new braking system acts with brute force. At the front, eight ‘Brembo specialist’ cylinder callipers grasp the 365 mm diameter brake discs. At the rear, four cylinder callipers act on the 356 mm brake discs. In addition, the new disc ventilation system improves the stability in extreme situations. Optionally, discs made out of Carbon Ceramic are offered. At the front the CCB (Carbon Ceramic Brakes) discs measure 380mm in diameter and at the rear 356mm. They deliver much improved performance at a reduced weight. In total, the CCB braking system is lighter in weight that, at the wheel, improves driving dynamics and comfort.

The interior and trim

With the Gallardo LP560-4 Lamborghini provides its customers with a generous and sporty standard equipment package. Direct from the production line, a customer will find included in his vehicle passenger and lateral air-bags; a two-zone air-conditioning system with sun regulation; The Lamborghini Multimedia System including an USB connector; and sports seats with an electronically operated backrest. In addition to this, the interior trim includes fine leather and Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running light. The car is supplied with new Apollo wheels as standard.

A large variety of options increases the interior comfort of the vehicle, including a navigation system and a module for TV reception, a hands-free Bluetooth® phone set, an anti-theft device and a rearview camera. A further option is the lifting system control of the front of the vehicle which, at the touch of a button, is raised to enable driving over obstacles. The new polished cross wheel rims ‘Cordelia’ or the black Y-rims ‘Callisto’ complete the options range. Finally, the engine hood made from glass creates a showcase for the heart of the Gallardo LP560-4..

The possibilities and different combinations available in the Individualisation Program Ad Personam are almost inexhaustible. Behind this program stands the philosophy that a super sports car of this nature should, after all, reflect the personality of its owner by enabling him to completely indulge his expectations and wishes. As a consequence, extreme exclusivity is the trademark of Lamborghini’s individualisation program. “Think the Impossible” states the motto.

Ad Personam offers a host of options in order that a customer may give the car an imprint of his own style with respect to the interior trim and exterior. A new highlight in the program are the following three exclusive matt colours: Nero Nemesis (matt black), Bianco Canopus (matt white), Marrone Apus (matt brown). The new matt colours underline the clearly defined and purist precision of the Lamborghini design.

Technical dataFrame & BodyFrame: Structural aluminium spaceframe, based on aluminium extruded parts welded to aluminium casted joint elements.
Body: Aluminium with thermoplastic ″hang on″ parts
Rear Spoiler: Electronically controlled
Mirrors: External mirror with electrical closing system
Suspension: Double wishbones front and rear suspension system, antiroll bar anti-dive and anti-squat
ESP 8.0: Full ESP System with ABS,ASR and ABD

Airbags

Front: Front Dual Stage driver and passenger airbags, side Head-thorax airbags

Wheels/Tyres

Tyres (Front rear): Pirelli Pzero 235/35 ZR 19 – 295/30 ZR 19
Wheels (front-rear): Aluminium alloy, 8.5″ x 019″- 11″x 019″
Steering: Power- assisted rack and pinion
Kerb-to-kerb turning circle: 11,50 m

Brakes

Steel brakes: Power vacuum, aluminium alloy callipers :8 cylinder front callipers and 4 cylinder rear callipers; Ventilated discs (front-rear) ø 365 x 34mm front –ø 356 x 32 mm rear
CCB brakes: Power vacuum, aluminium alloy callipers :6 cylinder front callipers and 4 cylinder rear callipers; Ventilated discs (front-rear) ø 380 x 38mm front –ø 356 x 32 mm rear

EngineType: 10 cylinders V90°, DOHC 4 valves, common-pin crankshaft
Displacement: 5204 cc
Compression ratio: 12,5 : 1
Maximum power: 412 kW (560 ps) at 8000 rpm
Maximum torque: 540 Nm 6500 rpm
Engine management system: Bosch MED 9
Cooling system: Engine and Gearbox radiator
Cooling system oil: Oil to Water cooler
Cooling system water: Two water radiators
Emission control system: Catalytic converters with lambda sensors
Lubrication system: Dry sump

Drivetrain

Type of transmission: Permanent 4-wheel drive with viscous traction system
Gearbox: 6 Speed + reverse, A optional, robotized sequential e-gear system with actuation by paddles on the steering column
Clutch: Double plate ø 215 mm
Rear Differential: 45% limited slip
Front Differential: Slip limitation by ABD function

Performance

Top speed: 325 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 3,7 sec.
Acceleration (0-200 km/h): 11,8 sec.

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2560 mm
Overall length: 4345 mm
Overall width: 1900 mm
Overall height: 1165 mm
Track (front– rear): 1632 mm – 1597 mm
Kerb Weight: 1500
Weight distribution (front-rear): Front 43% - rear 57%

Capacities

Engine oil: 10 litres
Fuel tank: 90 litres
Engine coolant: 20 litres

Consumption with E-Gear

Urban: 21 L/100 km
Extra urban: 10 L/100 km
Combined: 14 L/100 km
Emission: Euro 4
CO2: 327 g/km

Consumption with manual transmission

Urban: 22 L/100 km
Extra urban: 10 L/100 km
Combined: 14,7 L/100 km
Emission: Euro 4
CO2: 351 g/km

Links:

• All Lamborghini Models Photos and Wallpapers at CARxy.com: http://www.carxy.com/lamborghini/

• Lamborghini Car Logo (EPS, Ai, CDR) for Graphics Designers at 2WF.org: http://www.2wf.org/l-logos/lamborghini.html

The original word for Japanese archery was kyujutsu (bow technique) which encompassed the skills and techniques of the warrior archer. Some of the ancient schools, known as ryu, survive today, along with the  ancient ceremonies and games, but the days where the Japanese bow was used as a weapon are long past. Modern kyudo is practiced primarily as a method of physical, moral, and spiritual development.

Kyūdō (弓道:きゅうどう, Kyūdō), literally meaning “way of the bow”, is the Japanese art of archery. It is a modern Japanese martial art (gendai budō). It is estimated that there are approximately half a million practitioners of kyūdō today. Kyūdō is a rare sport in the sense that it is not dependent on age or sex. If the practitioner is dedicated, male or female, they can learn at any age. It’s never too early or too late to learn Kyūdō. Although one could learn Kyūdō at any point in their life, it can take a lifetime to perfect.

No one knows exactly when the term kyudo came into being but it was not until the late nineteenth century when practice centered almost exclusively around individual practice that the term gained general acceptance. The essence of modern kyudo is said to be synonymous with the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty.

Truth in kyudo is manifested in shooting that is pure and right-minded, where the three elements of attitude, movement, and technique unite in a state of perfect harmony. A true shot in kyudo is not just one that hits the center of the target, but one where the arrow can be said to exist in the target before its release.

Goodness encompasses such qualities as courtesy, compassion, morality, and non-aggression. In kyudo, goodness is shown by displaying proper attitude and behavior in all situations. A good kyudo archer is a person who maintains his or her composure and grace even in times of great stress or conflict.

Beauty both enhances life and stimulates the spirit. In kyudo, truth and goodness, themselves, are considered beautiful. Beauty can also be found in the exquisite grace and artistry of the Japanese bow and the elegance of the traditional archer’s attire. It is also present in the refined etiquette that surrounds the kyudo ceremony. Etiquette, which is simply common courtesy and respect for others, is an essential element of kyudo  practice.

Much has been written about the philosophical connections of kyudo. Perhaps most known is the book Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel. In his book Mr. Herrigel sets forth his experiences with kyudo in the 1930’s. It was a beautifully written account that has been translated into many languages, giving people worldwide their first glimpse of the art. Unfortunately, the book was very one-sided in its description of kyudo as a Zen art and is responsible for a lot of the current misconception surrounding the practice of kyudo as a religious activity.

While kyudo is not a religion it has been influenced by two schools of Eastern philosophy: The previously mentioned Zen, a form of Buddhism imported from China, and Shintoism, the indigenous faith of Japan. Of the two, the influence of Shintoism is much older. Ritualistic use of the bow and arrows have been a part of Shintoism for over two thousand years. Much of the kyudo ceremony, the attire worn by the archers, and the ritual respect shown for the equipment and shooting place are derived from ancient Shinto practice.

The influence of Zen, on the other hand, is more recent, dating back to the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) when the warrior archers adopted Zen as their preferred method of moral training. Zen’s influence on kyudo became even greater in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries when Japan, as a whole, experienced a period of civil peace.

During that time the practice of kyudo took on a definite philosophical leaning. This is  the period when sayings like “one shot, one life” and “shooting should be like flowing water” were associated with the teaching of kyudo. Because of its long and varied past, modern Japanese archery will exhibit a wide variety of influences.

Today, at any given kyudojo (practice hall), one can find people practicing ancient kyujutsu, ceremonial court games, rituals with religious connections, and contests of skill. The key to understanding kyudo is to keep an open mind and realize that any style of kyudo you see or practice is but a small part of a greater whole, and that each style has its own history and philosophical underpinnings which make them all equally interesting and important.

Technique: All kyūdō archers hold the bow in their left hand and draw the string with their right, so that all archers face the higher position (kamiza) while shooting.

Unlike occidental archers (who, with some exceptions, draw the bow never further than the cheek bone), kyūdō archers draw the bow so that the drawing hand is held behind the ear. If done improperly, upon release the string may strike the archer’s ear or side of the face.

Resulting from the technique to release the shot, the bow will (for a practised archer) spin in the hand so that the string stops in front of the archer’s outer forearm. This action of “yugaeri” is a combination of technique and the natural working of the bow. It is unique to kyūdō.

Kyūdō technique is meticulously prescribed. The All Nippon Kyudo Federation (ANKF), the main governing body of kyūdō in Japan, has codified the hassetsu (or “eight stages of shooting”) in the Kyudo Kyohon (Kyudo Manual). The hassetsu consists of the following steps:

• Ashibumi, placing the footing. The archer steps on to the line from where arrows are fired (known as the shai) and turns to face the kamiza, so that the left side of his body faces the target. He then sights from the target to his feet and sets his feet apart so that the distance between them is equal to his yatsuka, approximately half his body height. A line drawn between the archer’s toes should pass through the target after the completion of the ashibumi.
• Dozukuri, forming the body. The archer verifies his balance and that his pelvis and the line between his shoulders are parallel to the line set up during ashibumi.
• Yugamae, readying the bow. Yugamae consists of three phases:

1. Torikake, gripping of the bowstring with the right hand.
2. Tenouchi, the left hand is positioned for shooting on the bow’s grip.
3. Monomi, the archer turns his head to gaze at the target.

• Uchiokoshi, raising the bow. The archer raises the bow above his head to prepare for the draw.
• Hikiwake, drawing apart. The archer starts bringing down the bow while spreading his arms, simultaneously pushing the bow with his left hand and drawing the string with the right, until the arrow is level with his eyebrows.
• Kai, the full draw. The archer continues the movement started in the previous phase, until he reaches full draw with the arrow placed slightly below his cheekbone. The arrow points along the line set up during ashibumi.
• Hanare, the release. The bowstring is released from the right hand.
• Zanshin, “the remaining body or mind” or “the continuation of the shot”. The archer remains in the position reached after hanare while returning from the state of concentration associated with the shot.

While other schools’ shooting also conforms to the hassetsu outlined above, the naming of some steps and some details of the execution of the shot may differ.

Rankings: Using a system which is common to modern budō (martial art) practices, most kyūdō schools periodically hold examinations, which, if the archer passes, results in the conveying of a grade, which can be kyū or dan level.

Traditional schools, however, often rank students as a recognition of attaining instructor status using the older menkyo (license) system of koryū budō.

While kyūdō’s kyū and dan levels are similar to those of other budō practices, colored belts or similar external symbols of one’s level are not worn by kyūdō practitioners.

List of fictional kyūdō practitioners:

• The character Shado first introduced in the DC Comics prestige format limited series Green Arrow The Longbow Hunters is a practitioner of kyūdō.
• The character Kikyou from the anime InuYasha is a practitioner of kyūdō.
• The characters Shizuka Dômeki and Haruka Dômeki from the manga/anime xxxHolic are practitioners of kyūdō.
• The character Naoji from the anime and GBA game Meine Liebe is a practitioner of kyūdō.
• The character Yukito Tsukishiro from the anime Cardcaptor Sakura is a practitioner of kyūdō, .
• The character Arjuna from the anime Earth Girl Arjuna is a practitioner of kyūdō.
• The character Chikane Himemiya from the anime Kannazuki no Miko is a practitioner of kyūdō.
• The character Yoko Tsuno from the comic books by French Roger Leloup is practitioner of Kyūdō.
• The character Suoh Takamura from the manga Clamp School Detectives is a practitioner of kyūdō.
• The three-volume Shonen-Ai manga Rin! by Satoru Kannagi & Yukine Honami features characters who are all practitioners of kyūdō, and many of the events are set in a Kyūdō Dōjō or in tournaments.

Links:

• The Kyudo Portal at the Martial Arts Database: http://www.mardb.com/kyudo/

Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) is offered the opportunity to seek revenge in the murder of his father, who was an assassin. Gibson is invited by his father’s partner, Sloan (Morgan Freeman), to follow in his father’s footsteps. Sloan’s second-in-command (Angelina Jolie) mentors Gibson,  who follows the death orders issued by the Fates, weavers who read individuals’ destinies in fabrics produced by mystical looms.

Wanted tells the tale of one apathetic nobody’s transformation into an unparalleled enforcer of justice. In 2008, the world will be introduced to a hero for a new generation: Wesley Gibson. 25-year-old Wes was the most disaffected, cube-dwelling drone the planet had ever known. His boss chewed him out hourly, his girlfriend ignored him routinely and his life plodded on interminably. Everyone was certain this disengaged slacker would amount to nothing.

There was little else for Wes to do but wile away the days and die in his slow, clock-punching rut. Until he met a woman named Fox. After his estranged father is murdered, the deadly sexy Fox recruits him into the Fraternity, a secret society that trains Wes to avenge his father’s death by unlocking his dormant powers.

As she teaches him how to develop lightning-quick reflexes and phenomenal agility, Wes discovers this team lives by an ancient, unbreakable code: carry out the death orders given by fate itself.

With wickedly brilliant tutor - including the fraternity’s enigmatic leader, Sloan - Wes grows to enjoy all the strength he ever wanted. But slowly, he begins to realize there is more to his dangerous associates than meets the eye. And as he wavers between newfound heroism and vengeance, Wes will come to learn what no one can ever teach him: he alone controls his destiny.

25-year-old Wes was the most disaffected, cube-dwelling drone the planet had ever known. His boss chewed him out hourly, his girlfriend ignored him routinely and his life plodded on interminably.

Everyone was certain this disengaged slacker would amount to nothing. There was little else for Wes to do but wile away the days and die in his slow, clock-punching rut. Until he met a woman named Fox. After his estranged father is murdered, the deadly sexy Fox recruits Wes into the Fraternity, a secret society that trains Wes to avenge his dad’s death by unlocking his dormant powers.

As she teaches him how to develop lightning-quick reflexes and phenomenal agility, Wes discovers this team lives by an ancient, unbreakable code: carry out the death orders given by fate itself.

With wickedly brilliant tutors–including the Fraternity’s enigmatic leader, Sloan–Wes grows to enjoy all the strength he ever wanted. But, slowly, he begins to realize there is more to his dangerous associates than meets the eye. And as he wavers between newfound heroism and vengeance, Wes will come to learn what no one could ever teach him: he alone controls his destiny.

Cast:

• James McAvoy as Wesley Gibson: A 25-year-old employee who works in a cubicle. Gibson has a disloyal girlfriend and a boss who bullies him. McAvoy was cast in the lead role in October 2006. McAvoy, who had screen-tested for the role early in 2006, was initially rejected due to the studio seeking an actor that had conventional Hollywood leading-man looks and physique. The actor was later recalled, being considered the “runt of the litter” of those who tested. According to McAvoy, “They ultimately wanted someone geeky.” The Scottish actor, who portrays an American in the film, trained for the film’s action scenes.
• Morgan Freeman as Sloan: The partner of Wesley Gibson’s deceased father.
• Angelina Jolie as The Fox: Sloan’s second-in-command. Jolie was cast in March 2007 after screenwriter Dean Georgaris rewrote the screenplay to tailor the role for her.
• Common as The Gunsmith: A professional gunman who trains others to use weapons.
• Konstantin Khabensky in an unnamed role. Khabensky, who starred in Bekmambetov’s Night Watch (2004), was cast so the director would have a familiar face around Wanted.
• Terence Stamp in an unnamed role
• David O’Hara as Mr. X
• Chris Pratt as Barry
• Kristen Hager in a supporting role
• Thomas Kretschmann as Cross

Production: The comic book miniseries Wanted by Mark Millar first attracted the attention of Universal Studios executive Jeff Kirschenbaum, a comic book fan who sought a film adaptation that would be considered a “hard-R” and encouraged the studio to pick up the rights to the miniseries.

By 2004, producer Marc Platt set up development of the film adaptation. In December 2005, Russian director Timur Bekmambetov was attached to helm the project as his first English-language film, with the script being written by Derek Haas and Michael Brandt. Millar did not like the first draft of the script.

He explained, “I wanted the film to basically be the opposite of the Spider-Man movie, the idea of someone getting powers and realizing they can do what they want, then choosing the dark path. The [script] I read was just too tame. It just seemed a little bit Americanized. But Timur came in with his Eastern European madness, and he really made it nasty. He went closer to the spirit of the book.”

Director Timur Bekmambetov said that the film would keep the same characters from the miniseries, though the director would take liberty in adapting the comic book’s world. In July 2006, screenwriter Chris Morgan was hired to revise the third act of the Wanted script written by Haas and Brandt. The script was also rewritten by screenwriter Dean Georgaris to include the role of The Fox for actress Angelina Jolie. Haas and Brandt returned to even out the voice of Wesley Gibson, which they had established in their first draft.

Comic book author Mark Millar described the first half of the film as being close to the graphic novel. Millar also said that the film’s ending was similar, though it was relocated elsewhere from the setting in the graphic novel.

The superhero costumes in the graphic novel were also removed, with the exception of the leather attire worn by Wesley Gibson and The Fox. Ironically, this had been Millar’s intent when writing the graphic novel, although he and artist J. G. Jones had forgotten to. “I wanted them to have those powers and then just wear those costumes for the initiation, but just for one panel.” he said. “And then I forgot. I’d have liked [the filmmakers] to keep the supervillain mythos. That’s one thing I’m kind of sad they didn’t keep, ’cause I really liked that, the idea that supervillains and heroes did exist at one point and they’re all gone now.” The story arc of the Fates issuing death orders in line with the novel’s original theme of predestination was a new element to the film, an addition to which Millar was amicable.

Wanted will include free running and parkour in addition to car chases and gunfights. Wanted creator Mark Millar saw previsualized footage for the film and said the footage had raised his expectations for the film adaptation. The film will be the first to use the Red One digital camera, a new tool that has gained interest among cinematographers.

Location plate shooting took place in Chicago in April. Several chase scenes, including one with a low flying helicopter, were shot in Chicago on May 17 and 18 on Wacker Drive along the Chicago River, between Columbus Drive and LaSalle Street. Production moved to the Czech Republic later in May, scheduled for 12 weeks of shooting.

 For the film, production designer John Myhre constructed a large textile factory in Prague as part of an industrial world, the setting of a mythological environment in which looms create fabrics interwoven with the destinies of people, interpreted by weavers to issue orders for specific individuals’ deaths to preserve the balance of the world. Afterward, filming will move to Budapest, then return to Chicago in August.

Release: Wanted was initially set to be released in cinemas on March 28, 2008, but in December 2007, Universal announced it would be moving the release date later to June 27, 2008.

Sequel: Director Timur Bekmambetov is planning a sequel to Wanted with the studio, though creator Mark Millar has denied that he will write a sequel to the comic book.

Links:

• Wanted (2008 film) Wallpapers and Photos: http://www.snoron.com/movies-wallpapers/wanted/