Category Archives: Immortality

First off, Rudy Gobert can say whatever the hell he wants to the press, to his teammates, and to the universe itself. With what hes doing out there on the court he has the right to be as loud as he wants. And damnit, this Utah Jazz team does need a firey vocal leader out there suiting up every night. But beyond the Jazz - a franchise with its own Pantheon of Greatness in John Stockton, Pistol Pete Maravich, Adrian Dantley, Karl Malone, and Mark Eaton - we see an angry star emerging in Gobert. A star whose accomplishments in this 2016-2017 season appear to truly epic.

I wrote about it earlier this month in a better researched, longer, piece that no one seems to have read.

But what is real is that Gobert is approaching 1000 points, 1000 rebounds, and 200 blocks on the season. No one in franchise history has done that. Not Karl. Not Mark. The only Jazzman who even came close was Rich Kelley (who played for both the Jazz in New Orleans and Utah and deserves more recognition in franchise history). Kelley had 1253 points, 1026 rebounds, and 166 blocks back in 1978-79. And I guess thats the story for a lot of players out there. Getting to 200 blocks truly means you were a menace.

So where is Rudy at this season? The Gobzilla is at 987 points, 980 rebounds, and 188 blocks. Hes 13 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 blocks away with nine games left on the season. (If he plays all nine games hell need to average 1.44 ppg, 2.22 rpg, and 1.33 bpg to get there.)

Why is 1000 / 1000 / 200 such a big deal? Well, its one of the most exclusive clubs EVER for bigmen in the era where blocks were recorded. (They werent back when Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain played.) As a result, there have only ever been 11 instances where someone made it there (according to the data from Basketball-Reference.com that you can check here).

If Rudy Gobert does it this year, and climbs that 1000 / 1000 / 200 mountain of the Gods, he will have done it one time, needing just four seasons to scale that peak. The 11 players who did it before him (for a grand total of 22 times for all time in the history of all centers in the NBA ever) had long careers, and were legends. And even these legends only managed to do it (usually) once or twice ever in their careers. The only guys who have done it more than twice are first-namers like Kareem, Shaq, and Hakeem.

I dont know what Rudys career is going to end up being like. And I dont know if hes going to play in each of these remaining nine games. But if he does suit up and plays normal minutes its very likely that hes going to reach this elite level that only 11 other players have EVER reached before.

And with how hes playing right now, who knows what he can achieve?

Over the last 10 games the Utah Jazz are 6-4. Thats not great - losing three in a row to questionable Eastern conference talent, and dropping one to the Clippers sucks. But what doesnt suck has been Rudys efforts on both ends of the court.

Over the last 10 games Gobert has averaged 18.70 ppg, 14.10 rpg, 3.20 bpg, 2.30 apg, 0.70 spg, and is shooting a very tidy 73.08% from the floor and 60.34% from the stripe. He has a positive +/- (duh), and is way ahead in steals and blocks against fouls, and in assists over turn overs.

With his average efforts over the last little while he could surpass 1000 points and rebounds in one game from now. (Seriously, a 13 point, 20 rebound effort isnt out of the picture.) Hes blocking enough right now to get it done as well, but the 12 blocks in 9 games thing could be jobbed by the refs a little. I hope they know not to get in his way.

Rudy Gobert is playing better than every center in the NBA right now. He should be the Defensive Player of the Year this year. He should be an All-NBA player. And he should reach immortality in the NBA History books this year with a 1000 / 1000 / 200 year.

#TakeFNNote

Read the original here:

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert chasing 1000 / 1000 / 200, immortality in NBA History books - SLC Dunk

It'sall down to a photo taken nearly 150 years ago

BIZARRE conspiracy theories are the lifeblood of cinema fans on the internet but one fang-tastic favourite really takes the biscuit.

Its that Nicolas Cage is an immortal vampire.

Array

The bonkers theory first surfaced when a seller on eBay put up a black and white picture from 1870 which was the spitting image of the National Treasure star.

The seller was asking for 800,000 for the picture, which is thought to be man living in Tennessee around the time of the American Civil War.

The inflated price tag was justified by dealer Jack Mord, who claimed it was proof of Nic Cages immortality.

Array

The listing read: Original c.1870 carte de visite [a type of small photograph] showing a man who looks exactly like Nick Cage.

Personally, I believe its him and that he is some sort of walking undead / vampire who quickens / reinvents himself once every 75 years or so.

150 years from now, he might be a politician, the leader of a cult, or a talk show host.

Jack said he found the Civil War-era portraits in an album but he said: All of the other people in the album, living and dead, were identified by name this man was not.

The picture was eventually taken off the site, unsold.

Array

The theory, which has been circulating since 2011, even led to the 53-year-old actor denying he was a bloodsucking vampire on the David Letterman show.

The Vampires Kiss star pointed out a few flaws in the thinking.

He said: Theres a photograph of me and you cant take pictures of vampires.

He added: Now look, I dont drink blood and the last time I looked in the mirror I had a reflection.

Other recent film theories have claimed that Ferris Bueller isan imaginary friend and that Willy Wonka is a crazed serial killer in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Array

Read more:

Crazy conspiracy theorists think that Nicolas Cage is an immortal vampire and here's why - The Sun

The man regarded by many as the greatest Socceroos star of them all should etch his name in Australia's football history with an extraordinary tally that would be almost impossible to surpass.

At the moment Cahill, who at 37 has become the face of the A-League after forging a successful career abroad, is on a record 48 goals from 94 matches in the green and gold.

Only goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, 109, defender Lucas Neill, 96, and Brett Emerton, 95, have played more matches for Australia.

And with two 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers coming up against Iraq and the United Arab Emirates in the next few days, the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia in June and remaining qualifying matches in the second half of the year, it is fair to expect Cahill to reach the historic double milestone in 2017.

His record goalscoring tally is 19 better than that of second-placed Damian Mori and has already earned him legendary status in Australia and overseas. Cahill's position as Australia's greatest would be set in concrete if, as expected, he overtakes Emerton's, Neill's and Schwarzer's appearances tally.

Which is why his decision to end his career in Australia should be seen as a godsend by all the true lovers of our game.

Unfortunately, his arrival has not been welcomed with the widespread approval it deserves.

Perspective is not a prevalent or prominent feature surrounding Australia's football narrative.

In much the same way as some pundits amazingly greeted the announcement that Fox will back the A-League to the tune of $346 million over six years with a 'but it's less than what they were expecting' verdict that almost defied belief, some sceptics see Cahill's return home as nothing more than a brazen bid for a final big pay day in his career.

The feeling among some is that Cahill's ageing legs cannot withstand the rigours of playing for 90 minutes in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the modern game that is becoming faster, stronger and more demanding than it has ever been.

So a stint in the slower-paced A-League, it seems, would give him the opportunity to play more games, score a few more goals and keep alive his dream of playing in a fourth World Cup.

And in the process add a few more zeroes to his bank account, to be sure.

Fair enough, I reckon. It's a classic win-win scenario.

Cahill, like each and every one of us, has every right to work wherever he wants to and he deserves all the accolades and rewards he can reap as he prepares to hang up his bountiful boots in the not-too-distant future.

The man who could so easily have been lost to Australian football because of his Samoan heritage and family links with Ireland has helped make the Socceroos one of Asia's most competitive football teams.

At one stage at the height of his career he seemed to be carrying the Socceroos team on his broad shoulders.

Ever since he made his full international debut for Australia in a friendly match against South Africa in London in 2004, Cahill became one of the mainstays of the side, scoring decisive goals that changed the course of our football history and many others that saved the Socceroos from the jaws of defeat.

So we should appreciate the fact that after so many years of catching barely a glimpse of him when on home international duty, we now can watch him play nearly every week and watch him on television or read about him in the papers almost every day.

I really do not care about the commercial side of Cahill's coup. How or where he makes the most of his name and fame is none of my business and, I dare say, nobody else's.

What I do know is that as a football fan I am genuinely thrilled to be able to switch on the television or go to a game to watch Cahill play.

Cahill, let's face it, is not the most technically endowed footballer we have ever produced although I reckon many world stars would love to be able to head the ball the way he does, especially when he comes in with those late runs from the blind side.

The headed goal he scored for Melbourne City against Newcastle Jets at the weekend proved that he has lost none of his aerial prowess.

The World Cup in Brazil showed that he has a decent left foot too.

He also is past his peak and at a stage of his career when his body takes more time to recover from knocks - which might explain why he does not play for City every week - but he keeps delivering for club and country.

The A-League season is its final stages and Cahill might have scored a contender for goal of the season with that long-distance screamer in his first derby against Melbourne Victory. He also gave his new club their first piece of silverware with a trademark header in the FFA Cup final against Sydney FC.

Needless to say, Football Federation Australia are getting their pound of flesh from their investment in Cahill under the contentious guest player rule.

FFA chipped in with $500,000 to help City snare Cahill on a two-year player contract believed to be worth $7m.

He has become the smiling face of the A-League and his services are in constant demand from promoters, media and fans. He even has his own management team.

He has given dozens of interviews and signed hundreds of autographs in his short time here.

If Cahill continues to deliver for City, the A-League and the Socceroos, our game will be the winner in the long run.

Cahill, let's not forget, is a special Australian player and should be remembered accordingly.

Top 10 Socceroos appearances 109: Mark Schwarzer 96: Lucas Neill 95: Brett Emerton 94: Tim Cahill 87: Alex Tobin 84: Mark Bresciano 84: Paul Wade 80: Luke Wilkshire 76: Tony Vidmar 68: Scott Chipperfield 68: Mile Jedinak

Top 10 Socceroos scorers 48: Tim Cahill 29: Damian Mori 28: Archie Thompson 27: John Aloisi 25: Attila Abonyi 25: John Kosmina 20: Brett Emerton 20: David Zdrilic 19: Graham Arnold 18: Ray Baartz (Stats provided by Andrew Howe)

The rest is here:

Cahill poised to achieve Socceroos immortality - SBS - The World Game (blog)

Googles Director of Engineer Ray Kurzweil believes that we are little more than a decade away from taking major steps towards immortality.

The tech specialist, who has long supported the notion of immortality, says that medical advancements and improved technology in the coming 12 years will see humans being given the option to live forever.

Mr Kurzweil said: "I believe we will reach a point around 2029 when medical technologies will add one additional year every year to your life expectancy.

"By that I dont mean life expectancy based on your birthdate, but rather your remaining life expectancy.

GETTY

GETTY

By 2045, the 69-year old says, humans will be able to live forever.

He continued: "The nonbiological intelligence created in that year will reach a level thats a billion times more powerful than all human intelligence today."

GETTY

The Google chief says that one of the steps that will allow us to live forever will be the invention of nanotechnology that can be placed in our bodies.

Once inside, the minuscule bots will be a significant improvement on our immune system and will be almost 100 per cent effective at fighting disease.

Getty Images

1 of 18

Originally known as BackRub, Google was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in a friend's garage while they were Ph.D. students at Stanford University. It has since grown to become the world's biggest search engine.

Another step will be connecting our brains to the internet or a cloud network, which will be as big of a step in evolution as when our ancestors developed the frontal cortex 2 million years ago, according to Mr Kurzweil.

He said: "Well create more profound forms of communication than were familiar with today, more profound music and funnier jokes.

"Well be funnier. Well be sexier. Well be more adept at expressing loving sentiments."

See the original post here:

We will have cracked secret of ETERNAL LIFE by 2029 says GOOGLE chief - Express.co.uk

Recent advances in science and technology have some pondering whether human immortality is within reach. It is possible that the first human to live forever has already been born? Scientists are working on genetic editing, artificial intelligence and robotics that will be implemented into human bodies in the near future. Some refer to the unison of the human body and high-tech devices as "transhumanism". A handful of skeptics fear this merger of body and high-tech devices as it cedes control of oneself to those in charge of the technology. Regardless of transhumanism's merit, the question is whether aging is a social construct or an inescapable biological truth.

The Race Against the Biological Clock

There is a clear push developing within the scientific community to gain a comprehensive understanding of the aging process on a cellular level. When cells divide, cellular DNA breaks apart, causing increased susceptibility to disease. Some thought telomeres were essential to slowing the aging process yet they have turned out to be more complex than first thought. Telomeres that are excessively long can cause health problems like cancer. Telomeres wear down during the aging process. Scientists initially believed they could lengthen telomere strands for heightened DNA protection that would extend lifespan. However, research has shown that several cellular processes work in unison to determine telomere lengths.

Scientists in labs across the globe are examining molecular mechanisms that shorten and expand telomere length to determine if the perfect telomere length can be achieved. Genetic editing technology is advancing quite rapidly. As an example, the process for modifying DNA, known as "CRISPR/Cas9", has empowered scientists to make specific genetic alterations in mammalian cells. This process will likely prove quite important in efforts to combat diseases and prolong lifespans. Replace the Human Body

Some tech aficionados are looking to completely replace the human body in the quest for virtual immortality. After all, virtual reality will soon replace the real world for many individuals who are socially isolated, depressed, immobile or simply dislike the hand they were dealt in the current version of reality. Some researchers are looking for ways to upload consciousness to computers and/or robotic bodies that can withstand harsh physical conditions.

Though it is a tough sell, uploading one's mind to a computer/robot body could one day be en vogue. Consider Elon Musk's push to develop a neural lace that boosts brain functionality. Musk's neural lace will likely grow within the brain, linking human consciousness to computers for enhanced capabilities. It is possible that such computers will eventually be able to store human minds so people can live forever.

Is Digital Immortality Appealing?

One has to wonder what digital immortality would be like. If it is similar to an enjoyable computer game, people would flock to the opportunity to live forever in a virtual paradise. However, living a digital existence isn't exactly living as it is currently known. It is a completely separate form of existence, similar to how philosophers philosophize about brains in vats. Cue The Matrix comparisons.

It is certainly possible that the human body and the human experience for that matter, are components of an overarching computer simulation. Perhaps this is the rabbit hole and creating a digital existence is actually another rabbit hole embedded within a larger one. It is important to not lose sight of the possibility that human existence could have been designed as temporary for a reason. Regardless of whether our reality is a simulation or not, the question may soon become how one would like to experience consciousness rather than whether it will come to an end.

Read this article:

Can Immortality be Achieved Through Science? - Anti Aging News

England are just one game - 80 minutes - from rugby immortality as the Six Nations entersits final weekend with the world watching.

Beat Ireland in Dublin tomorrow and they will achieve in the words of their coach, Eddie Jones, "greatness", because not only will they become the first country in the 17-year history of the Six Nations to win back-to-back Grand Slams, and they will surpass the All Blacks' record of 18 consecutive Test match wins.

"It's going to be quite an occasion in Dublin so we understand we have to be prepared emotionally, physically and mentally," said Jones. "We've had a really good week's preparation. The intensity of training has been good. The mood in camp has been positive. We're very excited ahead of what is a huge opportunity for the players."

Jones has made two changes to the starting XV that thrashed Scotland last week, bringing in fit-again Billy Vunipola for Nathan Hughes at number eight and and replacing Jack Nowell on the wing with Anthony Watson. Elliot Daly, who was forced off after a heavy tackle last week, is fit to start on the left wing.

When the Six Nations started six weeks ago tomorrow's match at the Aviva Stadium was expected to be a Grand Slam decider but Irish defeats to Scotland and Wales means their overriding aim is to end England's winning run, as they did New Zealand's by beating them in Chicago in November.

"They'll have all guns blazing," said Jones. "They were favourites for the competition but now they're out of it so we're expecting a tough encounter... not having anything to play for means they have the courage to fail which frees them up mentally."

Jones believes England could be "a little bit vulnerable" after last weekend's win against Scotland, which saw them crowned champions with a match to spare. "For us it's getting the right mind-set for the game," said Jones, whose side struggled to overcome France, Italy and Wales earlier in the tournament.

Jones likened the 18-match winning run to climbing a mountain, "where every time you go up it becomes harder and the ground becomes more unstable", and asked what his biggest concern was ahead of tomorrow's clash, he replied: "Complacency is always lurking in the shadows."

Jones was also generous in paying tribute to his predecessor, Stuart Lancaster, sacked after England's dismal 2015 World Cup performance when they failed to get out of the group stage. "Lancaster deserves a lot of credit for bringing most of the guys through," said the Australian. But it's a question that has been taxing the pundits and the public in the 18 months since England last lost a Test match. How much of it is down to Jones and how much to Lancaster, who as his successor pointed out, spotted and developed many of the players now at the heart of the England squad.

The New Zealand press, who know Jones well from his time coaching Australia between 2001 and 2005, believe he deserves most of the acclaim for it's he who has added a mental toughness to the players that was previously absent.

"Self-belief is now so ingrained that they are on the cusp of setting a new record for tier-one test victories," said the New Zealand Herald. "Prior to the arrival of Jones, England were in danger of plunging into a death spiral and morale was low. Things rapidly changed...the difference is Jones encouraged his players to add an even sharper edge, and be more resilient."

Continued here:

Eddie Jones and England one game from rugby immortality - The Week UK

Photo Credit: pixabay

In Jewish thought, I believe, we are granted two significant notions of afterlife. The first is personal immortality or the conventional notion of the individual in some form persisting in an existence after the body ceases to function. The second which I will explore here mostly is a kind of transmission of memories and values to future generations and considered somewhat metaphorical, but actually much more, is something I will call created world immortality. I believe, however, that created world immortality, is far more powerful than commonly believed which can be seen upon some probing. It is capable I believe of well-grounded emotional gratification that is justified by a certain kind of awareness that the Torah itself appears to urge.

The rabbis promoted both forms but only created world immortality can be clearly demonstrated while personal immortality relies upon faith or at best only suggested by some arguments. However although created world immortality is sometimes seen as purely metaphorical and thereby not providing the comfort we seek in an afterlife, it may be shown upon a closer look to be something significantly more and also capable of delivering some pillar of comfort. There are two central factors that may be seen to be at the core of identity in individuals, namely, memory and value. These factors however, are not static but rather dynamic realities that yield a universe of meaning. Moreover with regard to memory there is both a short term and long term version here, where the first deals with what is centrally cultural while the second what is more permanent or essentially eternal.

The Torah specifically deals with created world immortality disclosing its factors particularly in the story of Joseph. The saga of Joseph is a saga concerning the rediscovery of identity and embodies its central components: memory and value. It is significant that Joseph names his sons Manasseh (meaning God made me forget completely my hardship and parental home) and Ephraim (meaning God made me fertile in the land of my affliction). The first name Manasseh connotes forgetfulness which although alluding to the trauma he suffered by the jealous actions of his brothers also connotes his severe disconnect with the past in light of his subsequent assimilation into Egyptian culture. The second name Ephraim suggests moral values and Gods ultimate goodness.

We also witness elements of this forgetfulness in the narrative of Josephs imprisonment when the steward is asked to remember him upon being freed but then forgets him in the course of his elevation into his respectable Egyptian role. Later when Joseph reconnects with his earlier and true identity he achieves recollection stimulated through Judahs undertakings in reminding him of lost forgotten vital contents of his past in relation to his father. The British philosopher John Locke over 4000 years later recognized that memory was essential to personal identity. The fact that one can recall facts or aspects of ones life marks his/her identity. I can recall the days I spent in my youth in a particular environment which essentially contributes to my specific identity as Howard Zik. This may be confirmed empirically by checking locations, pictures as well as the reports of others.

Firstly, with regard to memory, there is a short term version and long term version with the short term dealing with what is immediately and more narrowly cultural while the long term with what is more permanent or essentially eternal. The short term can be related to family experiences involving ones parents or grandparents and sometimes encompasses the tastes and smells conveyed through foods whose recipes are often preserved for future generations. Photos are invaluable and with the descriptions serve as a kind of spectators time machine triggering graphic recall. The matter of ancient memories utilizes some different vehicles in the form of story retellings which coupled with ritual provide an even wider memory access and identity is acquired. The experiences in synagogues conveyed during the high holidays and the exodus experiences related during Passover Seders deal with the long term and short term memories and establish this more extensive reach in identity. Interestingly taste is linked with the sense of smell and is triggered by the amygdala section of the brain which also deals with emotion and memories in the case of their short term version. Memories are also activated through structured forms such as religious services as well as study having a prominent role and providing social interaction. Often this may be kept fresh through introducing some new melodies or supported by techniques such as psychodrama in my own synagogue for parshat discussion The encouragement of introspection is a common factor that runs through all of these activities, and it is institutionalized and thereby strengthened through gatherings including holidays where we can both reminisce concerning existing memories as well provide enlivening dialogue as well as create new ones. It may be noted that physical continuity of the body as a requirement of identity does not entail the sameness that we first suspect. The factor of physical continuity of the body allows that cells are replaced as well as undergoing transformation in appearance which in the end bears little resemblance to the original. Further and revealingly energy which is not physical in any form represents a reality that shares a certain resemblance to the intangibles of values in our lives. In the personal form of immortality in Judaism resurrection and thereby body plays a role (whether it be the same or different body). Although this does not apply to created world immortality there is a role that applies to body here as well; this may be related to Neil Gilmans extended sense of body in his development of the notion of afterlife and resurrection (may be found in his book Death of Death). However unlike Gilmans notion there is no role for a messianic theme here. Values affect what happens in the physical universe but they cannot be directly observed; they are rather discerned through the impact they have on persons in the physical form which comprises a parallel with energy here. In like manner values have this indirect confirmation in that for example empathy may be confirmed by the preservation of life which is evident through physical continuity.

Moreover when one passes some value or values onto other persons it also is confirmed through physical observances. In this connection it becomes most central that the value links to a universal. It is this kind of connection between the particular and universal which has an eternal quality and provides a form of immortality that may be regarded as creative world immortality. The individual who receives this value also connects it with the particular person thereby providing an enhanced continuity which we identify with create world immortality. When we teach a child by example the value of empathy this happens Spinoza in this regard spoke of immortality residing in the Mind of God which this connection with the universal may be construed as implying. The Mind by its far reach into the future and its resulting eternal character ensures the immortal nature of this continuity. Further by acting upon these values and creating a physical model the groundwork is laid for further continuation. Here again the similarities with personal immortality appear so strong that they are within the threshold of speaking about a literal kind of immortality.

The question arises as to whether spirit or soul is needed for identity. In Kabbalistic thought such distinctions are made with three levels of the soul, namely, nefesh, ruach, and neshamah. The soul here almost becomes a form of body since it is imagined in some way as having a claim upon space. Moreover there is a closer connection to the physical reflected in ru-ach which is also synonymous with wind. as well as neshamah synonymous with breath. Nefesh is the lowest level which is a kind of elemental life force Ru-ach is a kind of spiritual level where there is some communion with God. Neshamah is the highest level of the soul. Gilman points out that immortality without a body is impossible since bodies are necessary for history, and without history there can be no immortality. The soul on his view also becomes a marker for value. Most central however in the pivotal point that without the body there can be no history hence in a basic sense the body is needed for any kind of immortality. The doctrine of resurrection, however, if taken literally leads to personal immortality without relinquishing the body. However Neil Gilman takes what we call created world immortality as basically metaphorical since he denies a literal resurrection. Body is used in an extended sense here and does not enter into an active role. The comfort we seek therefore falls short of achievement. However the memory and value do not require recourse to soul for comfort since these as John Locke points out both are needed for immortality in an identity sense.

There is one particular historical statement that movingly conveys the arc for enriched satisfaction that may be rooted in created world immortality. This is within the declaration by the great Rabbi Tarfon, the second century sage when he said, Do not be daunted by the enormity of the worlds grief. Love mercy now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it. In short he appears to be telling us we are obligated to leave our mark upon the generations. He is, moreover, reminding us you are not obligated to complete it. These wise words appear to generate sparks of created world immortality that are most inspiring.

Visit link:

An Undervalued Notion of Life Beyond Death: Created World Immortality - The Jewish Press - JewishPress.com

In what was probably one of the easiest decisions a TV executive has ever made, CBS has decided to give a straight-to-series order to The Big Bang Theory prequel series Young Sheldon. That comes from The Hollywood Reporter, which notes that this is the first time the network and the shows producers have confirmed the project, despite the fact that the whole cast seems to be in place and that we knew about this back in November.

The Hollywood Reporter says that Big Little Lies Iain Armitage will play the eponymous young version of Jim Parsons Sheldon Cooper, and his mother will be played by Zoe Perrywho happens to be the real-life daughter of Laurie Metcalfe, who plays Sheldons mom on The Big Bang Theory. The show will apparently follow the young version of Sheldon as he lives with his family in East Texas and goes to high school, where hell presumably get into wacky situations based on how smart/geeky he is, with adult Sheldonas in, Jim Parsonsnarrating the series.

Young Sheldon doesnt have a premiere date yet, but THR adds that the pilot episode will be directed by Jon Favreau of all people. Also, for anyone who prefers their Bazingas to be a bit more mature, The Big Bang Theory was just picked up for two more seasons back in February.

Submit your Newswire tips here.

The rest is here:

CBS picks up Young Sheldon, ensuring The Big Bang Theory's immortality - A.V. Club

sites/default/files/holloway_3.jpg

sites/default/files/dimock_3.jpg

sites/default/files/bailyn_4.jpg

sites/default/files/saltzman_5.jpg

sites/default/files/mcbride_a.jpg

sites/default/files/mcbride_b.jpg

sites/default/files/kagan_d_4.jpg

sites/default/files/polak_4.jpg

sites/default/files/geanokopolos_0.jpg

sites/default/files/shiller_a.jpg

sites/default/files/shller_b.jpg

sites/default/files/stearns_3.jpg

sites/default/files/rogers_3.jpg

sites/default/files/hungerford_4.jpg

sites/default/files/fry_4.jpg

sites/default/files/hammer_4.jpg

sites/default/files/wargo_4.jpg

sites/default/files/smith_r_3.jpg

sites/default/files/freeman_4.jpg

sites/default/files/blight_4.jpg

sites/default/files/merriman_b.jpg

sites/default/files/freedman_3.jpg

sites/default/files/snowden_4.jpg

sites/default/files/wrightson_4.jpg

sites/default/files/merriman_a.jpg

sites/default/files/kleiner_4.jpg

sites/default/files/mazzotta_6.jpg

sites/default/files/wyman_4.jpg

sites/default/files/wright_4.jpg

sites/default/files/kagan_s_4.jpg

sites/default/files/gendler_3.jpg

sites/default/files/shankar_a.jpg

sites/default/files/shankar_0.jpg

sites/default/files/smith_s_3.jpg

sites/default/files/shapiro_3.jpg

sites/default/files/rae_4.jpg

sites/default/files/bloom_4.jpg

sites/default/files/brownell_1.jpg

sites/default/files/hayes_4.jpg

sites/default/files/martin_4.jpg

sites/default/files/szelyni_0.jpg

sites/default/files/echevarria.jpg

Excerpt from:

Lecture 18 - The Badness of Death, Part III; Immortality ...

"Immortality" is a single from Celine Dion's album Let's Talk About Love. It was released on 8 June 1998 outside the United States. The Bee Gees can be heard on the background vocals, and are credited as special guests on/for the recording.[1] It was used as a theme song for the Brazilian telenovela "Torre de Babel". For that occasion was release a promo CD Single only in Brazil with various remixes.

"Immortality" was composed especially for Dion by brothers Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, and Maurice Gibb, the members of the Bee Gees, and was produced by Walter Afanasieff. A demo version of the song featuring just the brothers can be found on subsequent greatest hits albums of the Bee Gees.

There are two music videos. The first one, directed by Scott Floyd Lochmus, shows Dion and the Bee Gees in the recording studio in 1997. It was included as a bonus on the Au cur du stade DVD. The second one was directed by Randee St. Nicholas and released at the end of July 1998. This more elaborate video deals with themes of love, loss and reincarnation, with a cameo from the Bee Gees themselves.

The song was a commercial success reaching number 2 in Austria and Germany, number 4 in Europe, number 5 in the United Kingdom, and number 8 in Switzerland. In Brazil, the Cuca mixes became very popular. However, the track was never released as a single in the United States, where Sony Music Entertainment instead decided to release "To Love You More."

"Immortality" was certified platinum in Germany (for over 500,000 copies sold), gold in Sweden (15,000),[2] and silver in France (145,000)[3] and the UK (200,000).

The live version of this song was included on the One Night Only CD and DVD by the Bee Gees, released on 3 November 1998. Dion also performed this song during her Let's Talk About Love Tour. The song was performed also on British TV programme Top of the Pops on July 1998. For the first time in 16 years, Dion performs the song in her current residency show Celine at the The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"Immortality" became a part of non-American versions of Dion's later greatest hits: All the Way A Decade of Song and My Love: Essential Collection.

In 2001, Donny Osmond covered "Immortality" for his 2001 album This Is the Moment. For the 2001 Greatest Hits album "The Record", The Bee Gees re-recorded the song without Dion's vocals, instead having Barry Gibb as the lead singer and Maurice and Robin on back-up vocals.

The video opens with Celine walking through a graveyard. She and the Bee Gees then appear as ghosts in a manor house where Dion meets a man (presumably her lover). Celine and the Bee Gees later appear at a club where she is a singer. The video then ends in the graveyard where Dion walks away.[citation needed]

Entertainment Weekly editor David Browne called this song 'banal' and said that it is "flimsy concoction that droops under the weight of its arrangement." [4] The New York Observer editor Jonathan Bernstein called this collaboration "dispiriting".[5]

European CD single

Japanese CD single

UK cassette single

Australian CD maxi single

European CD maxi single

UK CD maxi single

UK CD maxi single #2

More here:

Immortality (Celine Dion song) - Wikipedia