The Met’s high-def ‘Romeo & Juliet’ broadcast live at Green Hills, Opryland

By Christine Anne Piesyk | December 13, 2007 |

Gounod’s sensual interpretation of Romeo and Juliet launches this season’s The Metropolitan Opera HD Live, a high definition global broadcast live from Lincoln Center in New York City on Saturday at noon CST. Tenor Robert Alagna and Soprano Anna Netrebko (at left) are Shakespeare’s legendary star-crossed lovers in what promises to the Met’s Christmas gift to the world. Placido Domingo conducts.

Alagna is Romeo of the Montagues, enchanted at first sight with the lovely Juliet (Netrebko) of the Capulets, caring not that their families exist in a state of hatred. Youth, beauty and passion rule, and the innocence of their newfound love must scale more than the balcony rail in pursuit of happiness beyond a feud not of their making.

From the tentative steps of a first dance to the sensual nuance of first love, the audience is drawn into a carefully spun web of intrigue and tragedy. The world knows and loves the story; this transcendent adaptation adds a new dimension to a treasured classic. «Read the rest of this article»

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Since 2000, more issues than answers arise in e-voting’s short history

By Bernie Ellis | December 13, 2007 |

In the wake of 2000 election issues, Congress passed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2002. HAVA was intended to address the problems of accuracy and functionality such as “hanging chads”– of the voting systems then in use. HAVA’s mandate also included ensuring that all voters with disabilities have access to voting systems that would provide private and independent voting.

These changes were required in every state for the 2006 federal election. Millions of tax dollars were allocated and dispersed to the states to upgrade and buy new equipment that would incorporate these requirements. «Read the rest of this article»

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Trees of Christmas shown at Smith-Trahern

By Christine Anne Piesyk | December 13, 2007 |

The Trees of Christmas 2007, now on display at the Smith-Trahern Mansion, takes a look at Christmas “through the eyes of a child” and the medium of nursery rhymes.

Topping the displays is the mansion’s fireplace, decorated on the theme of a Teddy Bear picnic. The elegant oversized fireplace with its high mantle and ceiling tall mirror is festooned with a mix of garland and teddy bears (and picnic baskets) in all shapes and sizes. It’s a bit of whimsy, a bit of magic and a world of imagination at play. The result simply delights everyone who enters that festive burgundy room. One look, and you can’t help but smile. The fireplace was designed by American Flowergift Florist. «Read the rest of this article»

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