Countdown to Zero

Countdown to Zero is a 2010 documentary film by British filmmaker Lucy Walker. The film argues that the likelihood of the use of nuclear weapons has increased since the end of the Cold War due to terrorism, nuclear proliferation, theft of nuclear materials and weapons, and other factors.

The documentary film was set for a July 9, 2010 theatrical release in the United States but was changed to July 23.

Production

The film features interviews with leading statesmen and experts, including Tony Blair, Jimmy Carter, Mikhail Gorbachev, Robert McNamara, Pervez Musharraf, and Valerie Plame. The film prologue was narrated by Gary Oldman. The musical score was composed by Peter Golub, and the rock band Pearl Jam contributed the song "The Fixer."

It was developed, financed and executive produced by Participant Media together with the World Security Institute. The idea for the film first occurred to the producers when the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Al Gore after the success of his documentary about global warming, An Inconvenient Truth. Diane Weyermann of Participant Media asked Walker if she was interested in directing a film about nuclear weapons, and Walker said yes. More than 84 people were interviewed for the film.Global Zero, an international organization promoting the elimination of nuclear weapons, provided production assistance for the film.

Astra (album)

Astra is the third studio album by British rock band Asia, released in late 1985. It was the final studio album (excluding half studio/half compilation album Then & Now) to feature original member John Wetton until 2008's reunion album Phoenix.

History and recording

Started in 1984, it marked the return of lead singer John Wetton to the band's line-up, after his departure in September 1983. Wetton had been replaced by Greg Lake, temporarily, for their Tokyo concerts at the Budokan in December 1983. The first night of these shows was advertised as Asia in Asia, and was broadcast over MTV and on Westwood One. Wetton had come back, but Steve Howe departed the Astra sessions early, supposedly because of arisen tensions between him and Wetton. Howe was replaced by Swiss guitarist Mandy Meyer, formerly of the bands Cobra and Krokus. This change in the band's line-up marked a shift in musical direction for Asia to a more edgy, slightly hard rock sound.

The recording of the album took place at several studios in London during 1984–85. Astra was originally intended to be named Arcadia, but was changed prior to release to avoid confusion when it was learned that a side project of the same name of Duran Duran was being recorded at the same time. The cover artwork was created by Roger Dean, who had designed Asia's previous records.