[scifinoir2] Movie about Black Lady Who Says She Wrote "The Matrix

[Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor)]

She'll be back
by Ted McDonough

A Salt Lake City woman believes big corporations have stolen her 
multimillion-dollar idea. She sues, representing herself in court. Then, 
out of nowhere, a top New York City lawyer telephones and says hes heard 
she might need some help. Soon, she finds herself represented by a cadre 
of experts.

But these legal experts dont get her story down on paper. They dont 
interview the other side. In court papers, they essentially admit she 
has no case. The judge throws her lawsuit out, and the woman becomes a 
national laughingstock.

If that sounds like a movie plot, it soon will be. A small British 
production company is working on The Sophia Stewart Story. Its about the 
Utah screenwriter who claimed in a failed lawsuit to have written 
treatments that became the Terminator and The Matrix movies. Stewart's 
story has reached cult status, spawning Internet conspiracy theories. 
Now, two years after her case was dismissed as bogus, Stewart is back in 
court alleging there was a conspiracy this time, by her lawyers.

Stewart is suing her former lawyers, charging malpractice, breach of 
contract and fraud. The lawsuit, filed July 30 in U.S. District Court of 
Utah, additionally alleges the attorneys conspired with other unknown 
persons with the purpose and intent of sabotaging her case.

"I paid these guys $50,000. They didn't do anything," says Stewart. Her 
original 2003 case against Warner Bros., Terminator director and 
co-writer James Cameron, as well as Andy and Larry Wachowski, the 
brothers who brought The Matrix to the big screen, boiled down to 
comparing the work she'd sent to Hollywood against the movies. But 
Stewart's lawyers didn't enter any of the movies into evidence. U.S. 
District Court Judge Margaret Morrow wrote there was no way to make a 
comparison.

Stewart filed her case in 2003, but when it came time for trial two 
years later, her attorneys hadn't interviewed any of the producers or 
directors she was suing, her new lawsuit alleges. They postponed 
Stewart's own official pretrial interview so often that the judge 
finally banned Stewart from testifying, writing, "none of the evidence 
she submits may be considered." According to court papers, her lawyers 
waited to ask Hollywood for information until the day on which all 
pretrial investigations were due. The judge ruled it was too late.

Yes, she lost her case, in large part, because she wasn't even able to 
tell her story, says Ted McBride, Stewart's new Salt Lake City attorney. 
She would have been better off without these lawyers. Their utter and 
complete failure to do anything to protect or advance her interests in 
that case leads me to believe they never intended to do so.

Most damaging to Stewart's case was her lawyers lack of response to a 
key pretrial questionnaire from the other side. Such questions are 
called requests for admissions and, in Stewart's case, lawyers for 
Hollywood asked her to admit she never wrote The Matrix or Terminator, 
to admit the producers of those films never had access to her work and 
to admit her work was nothing like either film.

Since her lawyers never responded, the judge had no choice but to assume 
the statements were true -- that Stewart had admitted she made the whole 
thing up.

Denying Stewart's lawyers extra time to prepare for trial, Judge Morrow 
criticized the overall manner in which plaintiff has prosecuted the 
action, missing deadlines, seeking extensions and generally ignoring the 
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and court orders.

In her original lawsuit, Stewart claimed she wrote a detailed movie idea 
called The Third Eye about a future Earth ruled by machines and a boy 
born to save mankind, sending it to a Hollywood studio in 1981 and later 
to the Wachowski brothers. The producers of the Terminator movies said 
Stewart had no proof her work ever reached James Cameron. The Wachowski 
brothers denied ever having seen Stewart's work.

Court documents show Stewart's case ending in a complete meltdown. Her 
attorneys kept asking for delays and offering excuses: One of them had a 
heart attack, another left the case and had to be replaced, the 
replacement lawyer didn't understand the court deadlines. The judge 
didn't buy it, writing that even if there were problems with one of the 
lawyers, Stewart had four attorneys working her case.

Only one of the four defendants returned a telephone call from City 
Weekly. Gary Brown, of Pasadena, Calif., said his role was ministerial. 
The actual trial preparation was the job of other attorneys from New 
York and Washington. Brown was brought in because they needed an 
attorney with a license to practice in California, where the original 
suit was filed.

That said, Brown sticks up for all the lawyers. For her [Stewart] to be 
poking at us in this way is very unwholesome. These are all very good 
lawyers and not lazy people.

In her new lawsuit, Stewart asks the court to order her previous lawyers 

[scifinoir2] Spiders Create Giant Web in Texas State Park

[KeithBJohnson]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070830/ap_on_re_us/odd_giant_spider_web

Spiders create giant web 
Thu Aug 30, 7:02 AM ET 
Entomologists are debating the origin and rarity of a sprawling spider web that 
blankets several trees, shrubs and the ground along a 200-yard stretch of trail 
in a North Texas park.
Officials at Lake Tawakoni State Park say the massive mosquito trap is a big 
attraction for some visitors, while others won't go anywhere near it.
"At first, it was so white it looked like fairyland," said Donna Garde, 
superintendent of the park about 45 miles east of Dallas. "Now it's filled with 
so many mosquitoes that it's turned a little brown. There are times you can 
literally hear the screech of millions of mosquitoes caught in those webs."
Spider experts say the web may have been constructed by social cobweb spiders, 
which work together, or could be the result of a mass dispersal in which the 
arachnids spin webs to spread out from one another.
"I've been hearing from entomologists from Ohio, Kansas, British Columbia — all 
over the place," said Mike Quinn, an invertebrate biologist with the Texas 
Parks and Wildlife Department who first posted photos online.
Herbert A. "Joe" Pase, a Texas Forest Service entomologist, said the massive 
web is very unusual.
"From what I'm hearing it could be a once-in-a-lifetime event," he said.
But John Jackman, a professor and extension entomologist for Texas A&M 
University, said he hears reports of similar webs every couple of years.
"There are a lot of folks that don't realize spiders do that," said Jackman, 
author of "A Field Guide to the Spiders and Scorpions of Texas."
"Until we get some samples sent to us, we really won't know what species of 
spider we're talking about," Jackman said.
Garde invited the entomologists out to the park to get a firsthand look at the 
giant web.
"Somebody needs to come out that's an expert. I would love to see some 
entomology intern come out and study this," she said.
Park rangers said they expect the web to last until fall, when the spiders will 
start dying off.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



 
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Re: [scifinoir2] 'Flying saucer' nears US take-off

[KeithBJohnson]

I've been wanting me some fly cars since I was a wee lad. But now, though I 
still want to see the tech--as I think it can have great potential in areas 
like rescue--I'm no longer enthusiastic about flying cars for the masses.  I 
mean, can you *imagine* the carnage and chaos if people took their cars into 
the *air*? I live in Atlanta, which has some of the most aggressive drivers in 
the US: speeding even on residential streets, changing lanes without 
signalling, cutting others off in traffic, jokeying for position like members 
of the Car Acrobatic Team. But hey, they make me drive like that! :)  At any 
rate, I know areas like Houston, Boston, and NYC have bad traffic too, and 
that's just in two dimensions. Can you imagine adding the dimension of flight 
to this?? What will people do, "bellygate" as they get too close to the car 
above them in an attempt to make the driver free up some sky? See an open spot 
from a 1000 feet up, and put the flying car into a kamikaze dive to get to it, 
cutting off a dozen lanes of traffic on the way down?   Get ticked at each 
other and drop bricks on some hapless victim below? Man, a wreck in the sky 
could be devastating, as two or more mangled hulks could crash to the Earth, 
taking out a whole bunch of other cars on the way down.

What about mechanical problems? While in Texas, I had a rental car simply die 
in the middle of rush hour traffic at speeds better than 70 mph. I was able to 
put the car in neutral and coast off the road, but what the hell would i do if 
an engine cut out at 1,000 feet--jump?  And I'm sorry to say, but I've seen too 
many folks practice that shadetree mechanic stuff, holding their cars together 
with spit and baling wire. You know the ones: the guys who have to tweak 
something under the hood every single time they go somewhere, who usually drive 
off accompanied by loud bangs and a cloud of smoke? Would you *really* want to 
be under a flying car with a coat hanger holding the bumper on and red tape 
over the lights?

And man, traffic lights are jacked up now, street signs fall over all the time 
and get ignored, and on the airplane side, there are more near-misses at 
airports than we'd care to know. What kind of air traffic control system for 
several thousand--or million--flying vehicles could we muster up right now?

No, though it pains that part of me that has always looked to the futuristic 
tech, I don't think humanity is ready for flying cars on a mass 
scale--technologically or socially. For now, they'll probably remain 
curiousities, and maybe become tools of the police, firefighters, rescue 
workers, and the military. Once we can come up with some decent 
computer-controlled ground vehicles, and controlled roadways (like "Minority 
Report") then we can talk about airborne cars.

Though gotta admit: I'd *love* to see what the peeps' concept of a lowrider 
flying car would be!!

-- Original message -- 
From: "Brent Wodehouse" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6970031.stm

'Flying saucer' nears US take-off

By David Willis
BBC News, Davis, California

It has been called the vehicle of the future and the ultimate way to beat
the rush hour commute.

It is the M 200G, otherwise known as a "flying saucer", which is being
built by a company in Davis, California called Moller International.

It says the futuristic contraption will go on sale in a few months and
hopes to expand production to 250 a year.

Company representatives say it is easy to operate, with plenty of leg room
and space for a passenger.

"Highway in the sky"

Capable of vertical take-off and landing, the craft hovers like a
helicopter up to 10ft off the ground. Any higher and the driver would need
a pilot's license.

It is the brainchild of Dr Paul Moller, an aeronautics engineer who
envisions a "highway in the sky" which he believes could cut conventional
commuter traffic in half.

"We have this wonderful natural resource above us," Dr Moller told the BBC.

"Look at the sky above us - how many aircraft do you see? It's a great
space that is not being utilised. That is what we plan to use. Cars are
finished as a means of getting around. It's only a matter of time."

The flying saucer is powered by eight engines which can run on petrol,
diesel or even ethanol.

Dr Moller and his team have already conducted more than 200 test flights
and say the flying saucer could prove useful to rescue teams as well as
landowners.

Faster versions

It will sell for about $90,000 (£44,700) and the only question now
surrounds licensing arrangements.

Moller International has yet to establish which US agency - the Federal
Aviation Administration or the Department of Transport - will authorise
its use.

It sees the flying saucer as a precursor to the M400 - otherwise known as
the "Skycar" - which looks a bit like the Batmobile, also boasts vertical
take-off and landing, and can be driven on the road as well as flown
through the sky.

By t

[scifinoir2] 'Flying saucer' nears US take-off

[Brent Wodehouse]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6970031.stm

'Flying saucer' nears US take-off

By David Willis
BBC News, Davis, California


It has been called the vehicle of the future and the ultimate way to beat
the rush hour commute.

It is the M 200G, otherwise known as a "flying saucer", which is being
built by a company in Davis, California called Moller International.

It says the futuristic contraption will go on sale in a few months and
hopes to expand production to 250 a year.

Company representatives say it is easy to operate, with plenty of leg room
and space for a passenger.


"Highway in the sky"

Capable of vertical take-off and landing, the craft hovers like a
helicopter up to 10ft off the ground. Any higher and the driver would need
a pilot's license.

It is the brainchild of Dr Paul Moller, an aeronautics engineer who
envisions a "highway in the sky" which he believes could cut conventional
commuter traffic in half.

"We have this wonderful natural resource above us," Dr Moller told the BBC.

"Look at the sky above us - how many aircraft do you see? It's a great
space that is not being utilised. That is what we plan to use. Cars are
finished as a means of getting around. It's only a matter of time."

The flying saucer is powered by eight engines which can run on petrol,
diesel or even ethanol.

Dr Moller and his team have already conducted more than 200 test flights
and say the flying saucer could prove useful to rescue teams as well as
landowners.


Faster versions

It will sell for about $90,000 (£44,700) and the only question now
surrounds licensing arrangements.

Moller International has yet to establish which US agency - the Federal
Aviation Administration or the Department of Transport - will authorise
its use.

It sees the flying saucer as a precursor to the M400 - otherwise known as
the "Skycar" - which looks a bit like the Batmobile, also boasts vertical
take-off and landing, and can be driven on the road as well as flown
through the sky.

By the time the Skycar goes into production - probably in about six years
time - it will be capable of climbing 6,000ft a minute and travelling at
up to 400 miles an hour.

If Dr Moller and his magnificent men get their way, the days of dropping
in to the shops or the office may not be far away.

RE: [scifinoir2] 10 Top Causes of Prostate Cancer and How to Avoid Them

[Reece Jennings]

LOLLOL!!!  All good choices!  And the only doctor I let check me is
a lady.  No pain, lay on my side, no bending over humiliation.
 
Also, I've been drinking distilled water for the past 30 years.  Started on
a doctor's advice.  My PSA and exams have been fantastic for 30 years.
 
Of course, when people see me with a grocery cart with 30 bottles of
Wal-Mart distilled water, they all, and I mean ALL (like it's unique!)
have to ask, "Are you thirsty?"  My answer:  "Not NOW..."
 
If they have Coke or other sodas, I might venture a "you're going to die"
remark or something, and nod my  head towards their sodas.
 
I'm learning the art of moderation.  So, instead of drinking a liter of
Sprite, I'll actually drink a glass.  I rarely drink soda.
 
 Maurice Jennings
Have you or someone you know been threatened with foreclosure?
KEEP your home and  Stop Foreclosure in its Tracks!
Get a Free, No Obligation Evaluation => http://www.legacyhomesavers.com
 
 
 
 

  _  

From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of Martin
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 7:39 AM
To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] 10 Top Causes of Prostate Cancer and How to Avoid
Them



THis hits home for me, since three of my uncles on my dad's side have all
had prostrate cancer (all recovered, thank Deity). Myself, I've chopped back
on the processed meats, avoid bread like the plague (bad, I know, but I'm
insane, remember?), get checked yearly, don't even *touch* a megavitamin
(things turn my stomach every time), *luuuv* pizza, NEVER SMOKED, and
NOBODY'S getting near Little Martin...

Reece Jennings mailto:mcjennings124%40yahoo.com> yahoo.com>
wrote: 


10 Top Causes of Prostate Cancer and How to Avoid Them
by www.SixWise.com  com/> 

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men (skin cancer is
the first), according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). In 2007 alone,
nearly 219,000 new cases of prostate cancer are expected in the United
States, and over 27,000 men will die from the disease.

Vigorous exercise can help to prevent prostate cancer

com/images/articles/2007/08/22/34590813%5B1%5D.thb.jpg> 

Vigorous exercise can help to prevent prostate cancer, particularly in men
over the age of 65.

However, although one in six men will get prostate cancer during his
lifetime, only one in 34 die from the disease. This is because prostate
cancer is often slow growing (though it can at times grow quickly), and men
may have the disease and not even know it. 

Though it's not known exactly what causes this disease, there are several
known risk factors, some of which you can easily control to reduce your risk
of prostate cancer.

The Top Causes of Prostate Cancer

1. 
Age: Your risk of prostate cancer increases with age, particularly among men
over 65 years old.

2. 
Family history: If a close relative (father, brother) had prostate cancer,
it will increase your risk.

3. 
Diet: Men who eat a lot of processed meat, bad fats and refined grains have
an increased risk of prostate cancer, particularly if they don't eat a lot
of fruits and vegetables.

4. 
Exercise: Exercise is generally known to reduce the risk of all types of
cancer, however men over 65 who exercise vigorously have been found to have
a lower risk of prostate cancer, specifically.

5. 
Ethnicity: African-American men have the highest rates of prostate cancer in
the world, according to the Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention.

6. 
Environmental chemicals: Researchers are focusing increasingly on the
potential chemical causes of prostate cancer. Exposure to pesticides has
been linked with an increased risk, as has in-utero exposure to the plastics
chemical bisphenol
 com/newsletters/06/02/16/bisphenol-a_why_makers_of_toys_
medical_equipment__amp_more_dont_want_you_to_worry_about_bispheno.htm> A
(BPA) and other hormone-mimicking environmental contaminants.

7. 
Cadmium: Exposure to excess levels of cadmium
 com/newsletters/05/08/03/cadmium_poisoning_which_can_har
m_your_kidneys_and_reduce_your_bone_density_surprisingly_high.htm> is also
known to increase prostate cancer risk. Cadmium is found in foods
(shellfish, liver and kidney meats have the highest levels), cigarette
smoke, and contaminated air and water (particularly if you live near, or
work in, a facility that manufactures batteries, pigments, metal coatings or
plastics).

pizza

com/images/articles/2007/08/22/16284352%5B1%5D.thb.gif> 

Men can reduce their risk of prostate cancer by eating a lot of cooked
tomato-

[scifinoir2] OT: American Banker interview

[g123curious]

Many of you know that I write a blog about identity theft and corporate
responsibility. This morning, I was interviewed by a journalist from
the American Banker magazine ( http://www.americanbanker.com )for an
article about what companies do after a data breach. The typical 
company response has been to offer the affected employees and former 
employees one year of free credit monitoring services. The news
article is supposed to run tomorrow (Friday) in both the print and
online versions. When the reporter sends the link for the article, I'll
pass it along.

My blog post which triggered the news story:

http://ivebeenmugged.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/08/facts-about-kro.html
Kroll's Offering From IBM Deserves Scrutiny

Have a nice holiday weekend!

George