The Bassetdor (aka Bassador) is a domestic mixed-breed dog that is a somewhat common combination of Basset Hound and Labrador Retriever. While the Bassetdor typically exhibits the face and coat of its Labrador parent, it owes its long, floppy ears, short turned-out legs and long body to its Basset roots.
Brian Kilcommons has accurately described "the absurdly wonderful Bassetdor, the product of an affair between a Basset Hound and a Labrador, who looks like a Lab in a funhouse mirror."
Like their purebred Basset Hound counterparts, adult Bassetdors are prone to arthritis or osteochondritis dessicans in their front legs due to their duck-footed posture which occurs because the radius often grows more quickly than the ulna. As a result of this condition, it is important that the Bassetdor maintain a healthy weight, and veterinarians may recommend beginning regular glucosamine as a preventative treatment once the Bassetdor reaches two years.
Bassetdors have the friendly temperament and energy associated with the Labrador breed along with the investigative scent-seeking behavior and bark that sounds more like the baying typical of the hound. Sometimes bassetdors appear in featured articles in newspapers such as the Orlando Sentinel. An adult bassetdor generally weighs between 40-50 lbs, which is heavier than they appear, due to the fact that most of their weight is in the dense muscle of the upper chest.
Gallery
Bassetdors in popular culture
*There is a simulated bassetdor pet ready for download for the popular computer game The sims.
Brian Kilcommons has accurately described "the absurdly wonderful Bassetdor, the product of an affair between a Basset Hound and a Labrador, who looks like a Lab in a funhouse mirror."
Like their purebred Basset Hound counterparts, adult Bassetdors are prone to arthritis or osteochondritis dessicans in their front legs due to their duck-footed posture which occurs because the radius often grows more quickly than the ulna. As a result of this condition, it is important that the Bassetdor maintain a healthy weight, and veterinarians may recommend beginning regular glucosamine as a preventative treatment once the Bassetdor reaches two years.
Bassetdors have the friendly temperament and energy associated with the Labrador breed along with the investigative scent-seeking behavior and bark that sounds more like the baying typical of the hound. Sometimes bassetdors appear in featured articles in newspapers such as the Orlando Sentinel. An adult bassetdor generally weighs between 40-50 lbs, which is heavier than they appear, due to the fact that most of their weight is in the dense muscle of the upper chest.
Gallery
Bassetdors in popular culture
*There is a simulated bassetdor pet ready for download for the popular computer game The sims.
A singer and songwriter in the mid nineteen nineties, Aldo Franco Arabic rose to become a leading, popular artist in the Arabic and World Music scene in the genre of music known as Franco Arabic music.
His popularity was underscored by the success of his second album Yalla from which came two major chart hits. Aldo is seen, along with artists such as Dalida, as a leading pioneer in this West meets East form of Arabic music. The term Franco Arabic is a termed used in the Middle-East to describe this special crossover relationship between Western and Middle Eastern styles in areas ranging from business relationships to the world of entertainment. The famous Egyptian actor Omar Sharif is often described as a 'Franco Arabic' actor.
Aldo - Franco Arabic Singer (Born in Perth, Western Australia, 23 Nov, 1960)
Background
Born In Perth, Western Australia, Aldo was born of European parents. His father immigrated to Australia from Italy and his mother (who also immigrated to Australia at around the same time) immigrated from Germany in the early nineteen fifties. From early in life Aldo was into music from playing instruments such as the piano accordion and guitar through to learning to sing at school.
It was during his teenage years that Aldo discovered his love for singing and performing working with local hometown bands such as the 'Diablos', a school rock and roll band called 'Nautilus' and the Italian cabaret band 'Rivali'. Aldo's father was a notable operatic baritone who was once offered a place in the famous La Scala Opera Company of Milan, As a result of this influence, Aldo too became interested in opera. In his late teenage years he joined the Western Australian Opera Company under the then director Gerald Krug. At the same time he took opera singing lessons to help further develop his vocal ability. This lead him to perform in many different arenas including on stage operas and ultimately would lead to his Middle-Eastern success.
The Arabic Connection
In 1984, Aldo married a girl named Bernadette who was of Egyptian birth. So began his Middle-Eastern connection. As a performer Aldo performed in many community related events, He made many friends and contacts in this period and many inroads into the local Arabic migrant communities in Australia. As a consequence of some of these contacts Aldo got involved with (and ultimately took control of) the local Arabic language broadcaster 'Arabic Radio' in the late 1980's. The success of the Arabic Radio programmes surprised many but no one more than Aldo who initially spoke no Arabic but still managed to coordinate and bring the shows together. The Franco-Arabic influence became evident at that point and his career began to navigate in a whole new direction. The success of the 'Arabic Radio' programme has been credited largely due the popularity it gained through bridging the gap between the migrated Arabic population and their New Australian offspring who were attracted by the Western influence into a normally very traditional and rigid Arabic media form. This was the influence known throughout the Arabic world as Franco Araby - Franco Arabic.
Arabic Song
It was during the period that Aldo was with Arabic Radio in Western Australia that he was invited to sing at an Arabic community function. He happily accepted but had second thoughts when he was asked to sing at least one song in Arabic. After some coaxing from friend an future musical collaborator Richard Elhaj, he accepted the challenge and performed the song 'Mayal' by Amr Diab, one of Egypt s leading pop stars. While he could not speak Arabic at the time, he was coached into learning the song 'parrot fashion' by his friends, family and colleagues. The show was a hit and lead to offers to make a demo recording of some material that was in secret written for him as a result of the performance. Clearly having enjoyed the demo experience, Aldo went on to record further material with the support of lyric and music writers from the local community who also assisted in the creation process for his early material.
In 1995 Aldo received offers from two record companies in the Middle East to join their labels, one in Egypt and one in Saudi Arabia.
Aldo decided to accept the proposal from Music Master of Saudi Arabia, a decision he was to say later was perhaps a hasty one.
Recording Releases
Under the Music Master label Aldo had his first Middle East release of Mish Momkin in late 1995. The single went to number three on the Arabic Singles Charts ahead of major artists at the time such as Amr Diab, Fairuz, Majida El Roumi, Hisham Abbas, Moustafa Amar and many other well known stars who also had new releases out at the time. In early 1996 the next hit Yalla did the same on the charts. The Aldo phenomenon was born. A 'Westerner' singing in Arabic. The next two years were what Aldo himself describes as a 'golden time' for his music.
Success
The video clips and promotion for Aldo made a big impact throughout the Arabic world with TV appearances and coverage across the globe. However, in private the impact was not always as smooth. Aldo's family commitments and a falling out with Music Master Records, saw Aldo complete his last project for some time back in 1997. That project was the writing and recording of the title song for the Australian-Arabic movie production 'Assef Habebti' -(Sorry my Love). The song Sorry My Love was an instant hit with fans but instead of using this to continue his success he chose to retreat from the spotlight and spend the time with his family and his business interests. The impact of his music contribution however, had already been profound and permanent.
Aldo Today
Aldo today is spends most of his time in his personal business pursuits both in Australia and overseas. Although there has been talk of a new recording Aldo has not confirmed this saying only that he was very happy with the support he received, the acceptance his music enjoyed and its positive contribution to Arabic culture.
References and Sources
* IMDB online movie database (http://imdb.com/name/nm/)
* Music Master Records, Saudi Arabia (http://www.music-master.com)
* Aramusic Distributors, North America/Canada(http://www.aramusic.com/)
* CD Arabia online, (http://www.cd-arabia.com/shopping.php)
* Arabic Radio, Perth, Western Australia (http://www.mrtawa.org.au/1/arabicradio.php)
His popularity was underscored by the success of his second album Yalla from which came two major chart hits. Aldo is seen, along with artists such as Dalida, as a leading pioneer in this West meets East form of Arabic music. The term Franco Arabic is a termed used in the Middle-East to describe this special crossover relationship between Western and Middle Eastern styles in areas ranging from business relationships to the world of entertainment. The famous Egyptian actor Omar Sharif is often described as a 'Franco Arabic' actor.
Aldo - Franco Arabic Singer (Born in Perth, Western Australia, 23 Nov, 1960)
Background
Born In Perth, Western Australia, Aldo was born of European parents. His father immigrated to Australia from Italy and his mother (who also immigrated to Australia at around the same time) immigrated from Germany in the early nineteen fifties. From early in life Aldo was into music from playing instruments such as the piano accordion and guitar through to learning to sing at school.
It was during his teenage years that Aldo discovered his love for singing and performing working with local hometown bands such as the 'Diablos', a school rock and roll band called 'Nautilus' and the Italian cabaret band 'Rivali'. Aldo's father was a notable operatic baritone who was once offered a place in the famous La Scala Opera Company of Milan, As a result of this influence, Aldo too became interested in opera. In his late teenage years he joined the Western Australian Opera Company under the then director Gerald Krug. At the same time he took opera singing lessons to help further develop his vocal ability. This lead him to perform in many different arenas including on stage operas and ultimately would lead to his Middle-Eastern success.
The Arabic Connection
In 1984, Aldo married a girl named Bernadette who was of Egyptian birth. So began his Middle-Eastern connection. As a performer Aldo performed in many community related events, He made many friends and contacts in this period and many inroads into the local Arabic migrant communities in Australia. As a consequence of some of these contacts Aldo got involved with (and ultimately took control of) the local Arabic language broadcaster 'Arabic Radio' in the late 1980's. The success of the Arabic Radio programmes surprised many but no one more than Aldo who initially spoke no Arabic but still managed to coordinate and bring the shows together. The Franco-Arabic influence became evident at that point and his career began to navigate in a whole new direction. The success of the 'Arabic Radio' programme has been credited largely due the popularity it gained through bridging the gap between the migrated Arabic population and their New Australian offspring who were attracted by the Western influence into a normally very traditional and rigid Arabic media form. This was the influence known throughout the Arabic world as Franco Araby - Franco Arabic.
Arabic Song
It was during the period that Aldo was with Arabic Radio in Western Australia that he was invited to sing at an Arabic community function. He happily accepted but had second thoughts when he was asked to sing at least one song in Arabic. After some coaxing from friend an future musical collaborator Richard Elhaj, he accepted the challenge and performed the song 'Mayal' by Amr Diab, one of Egypt s leading pop stars. While he could not speak Arabic at the time, he was coached into learning the song 'parrot fashion' by his friends, family and colleagues. The show was a hit and lead to offers to make a demo recording of some material that was in secret written for him as a result of the performance. Clearly having enjoyed the demo experience, Aldo went on to record further material with the support of lyric and music writers from the local community who also assisted in the creation process for his early material.
In 1995 Aldo received offers from two record companies in the Middle East to join their labels, one in Egypt and one in Saudi Arabia.
Aldo decided to accept the proposal from Music Master of Saudi Arabia, a decision he was to say later was perhaps a hasty one.
Recording Releases
Under the Music Master label Aldo had his first Middle East release of Mish Momkin in late 1995. The single went to number three on the Arabic Singles Charts ahead of major artists at the time such as Amr Diab, Fairuz, Majida El Roumi, Hisham Abbas, Moustafa Amar and many other well known stars who also had new releases out at the time. In early 1996 the next hit Yalla did the same on the charts. The Aldo phenomenon was born. A 'Westerner' singing in Arabic. The next two years were what Aldo himself describes as a 'golden time' for his music.
Success
The video clips and promotion for Aldo made a big impact throughout the Arabic world with TV appearances and coverage across the globe. However, in private the impact was not always as smooth. Aldo's family commitments and a falling out with Music Master Records, saw Aldo complete his last project for some time back in 1997. That project was the writing and recording of the title song for the Australian-Arabic movie production 'Assef Habebti' -(Sorry my Love). The song Sorry My Love was an instant hit with fans but instead of using this to continue his success he chose to retreat from the spotlight and spend the time with his family and his business interests. The impact of his music contribution however, had already been profound and permanent.
Aldo Today
Aldo today is spends most of his time in his personal business pursuits both in Australia and overseas. Although there has been talk of a new recording Aldo has not confirmed this saying only that he was very happy with the support he received, the acceptance his music enjoyed and its positive contribution to Arabic culture.
References and Sources
* IMDB online movie database (http://imdb.com/name/nm/)
* Music Master Records, Saudi Arabia (http://www.music-master.com)
* Aramusic Distributors, North America/Canada(http://www.aramusic.com/)
* CD Arabia online, (http://www.cd-arabia.com/shopping.php)
* Arabic Radio, Perth, Western Australia (http://www.mrtawa.org.au/1/arabicradio.php)
Here are the characters in the Battalion Wars Series.
Xylvania
This faction is the main enemy that the Western Frontier will fight in both BW and BWII. They have alot of weapons including Battlestations and Strato Destroyers.
Vlad
The Antagonist in both Battalion Wars I and II. He seeks great power and is a masterful Tactician.
Ubel
The right hand man for Vlad. He was captured once by the Tundran Territories but was freed by Vlad.
Tundran Territories
The country that often wars on the Western Frontier. This country has a Russian styled culture.
Nova
The leader that joins up with A-Qira in Battalion Wars II by sending Gunships to support him.
Solar Empire
This empire fights both the Iron Legion and Xylvania. They have an Asian like culture while their leader also hid a powerful staff.
A-Qira
The Admiral that died by poison that Vlad put in his Alcohol. He is the main foe in the Anglo Isles Campaign.
Iron Legion
The country that did alot of damage to the Solar Empire in the Past but lost the old war by the Staff. This nation also made a terror tank called the Battlestation but even that was destroyed by the staff. This country has alot of Iron on all jets, tanks and infantry.
Lord Ferrok
The dictator of the Iron Legion. He lost despite his use of the Battlestation.
Anglo Isles
This country has a European like culture and this nation attacked the Solar Empire because rumors of a superweapon.
Commander Pierce
The right hand man for Colonel Windsor. He also saved Betty by using his plane to pick her up.
Colonel Windsor
The guy who attacked the Solar Empire due to rumors of a superweapon.
Western Frontier
This nation has an American like culture and is the Protagonist faction in the Battalion Wars.
Betty
The girl that helps Nova take back his country.
General Herman
The leader of the Western Frontier Army. He also help A-Qira take back the Solar Empire with his grunt infantry.
Xylvania
This faction is the main enemy that the Western Frontier will fight in both BW and BWII. They have alot of weapons including Battlestations and Strato Destroyers.
Vlad
The Antagonist in both Battalion Wars I and II. He seeks great power and is a masterful Tactician.
Ubel
The right hand man for Vlad. He was captured once by the Tundran Territories but was freed by Vlad.
Tundran Territories
The country that often wars on the Western Frontier. This country has a Russian styled culture.
Nova
The leader that joins up with A-Qira in Battalion Wars II by sending Gunships to support him.
Solar Empire
This empire fights both the Iron Legion and Xylvania. They have an Asian like culture while their leader also hid a powerful staff.
A-Qira
The Admiral that died by poison that Vlad put in his Alcohol. He is the main foe in the Anglo Isles Campaign.
Iron Legion
The country that did alot of damage to the Solar Empire in the Past but lost the old war by the Staff. This nation also made a terror tank called the Battlestation but even that was destroyed by the staff. This country has alot of Iron on all jets, tanks and infantry.
Lord Ferrok
The dictator of the Iron Legion. He lost despite his use of the Battlestation.
Anglo Isles
This country has a European like culture and this nation attacked the Solar Empire because rumors of a superweapon.
Commander Pierce
The right hand man for Colonel Windsor. He also saved Betty by using his plane to pick her up.
Colonel Windsor
The guy who attacked the Solar Empire due to rumors of a superweapon.
Western Frontier
This nation has an American like culture and is the Protagonist faction in the Battalion Wars.
Betty
The girl that helps Nova take back his country.
General Herman
The leader of the Western Frontier Army. He also help A-Qira take back the Solar Empire with his grunt infantry.
Rummble is a next generation location based mobile social network. It is the culmination of five years research and development in the mobile social software space. A pilot service ran from 2002 to 2006 under the brand playtxt which experimented with and demonstrated many of the features now found as standard in mobile social software applications.
Rummble describe themselves as "a Web 3.0 social network for the Web 2.0 generation". They claim that rather than discovering all content that is nearby in a users physical location, Rummble will provide a subjective and personalized output having learned what they like; unlike a traditional search engine which returns the same list of content for every user doing an identical search.
Technology
Rummble uses patent pending algorithms developed in-house which it claims learns what a user does and does not like based upon the users behavior within their social network.
Company
Rummble was founded by Andrew J Scott. Clive Cox, a DPhil in Computational Linguistics and MPhil in Speech and Language Processing from Trinity College, Cambridge is CTO. Rummble has a team of 5 full time staff operating out of Cambridge, England.
Investment
Rummble has taken three rounds of Business Angel funding, of an undisclosed amount.
Competition
Rummble occupies a small but growing sector of mobile social software companies who are combining presence information and new ways to discover and distribute user generated content; including Whrrl and Loopt.
Rummble describe themselves as "a Web 3.0 social network for the Web 2.0 generation". They claim that rather than discovering all content that is nearby in a users physical location, Rummble will provide a subjective and personalized output having learned what they like; unlike a traditional search engine which returns the same list of content for every user doing an identical search.
Technology
Rummble uses patent pending algorithms developed in-house which it claims learns what a user does and does not like based upon the users behavior within their social network.
Company
Rummble was founded by Andrew J Scott. Clive Cox, a DPhil in Computational Linguistics and MPhil in Speech and Language Processing from Trinity College, Cambridge is CTO. Rummble has a team of 5 full time staff operating out of Cambridge, England.
Investment
Rummble has taken three rounds of Business Angel funding, of an undisclosed amount.
Competition
Rummble occupies a small but growing sector of mobile social software companies who are combining presence information and new ways to discover and distribute user generated content; including Whrrl and Loopt.